Isaac

The name that is transliterated as “Isaac” in English is signed in Spanish Sign Language and French Sign Language with a sign that is linked to his mother’s laughter when she hears that she will be pregnant with him (referring to Genesis 18:12 – 18:15) and also is the meaning of the Hebrew “Isaac” (Yitschaq — “he laughs”):


“Isaac” in French Sign Language (source: La Bible en langue des signes française )

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Isaac .

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

Rebekah

The Hebrew and Greek that is transliterated as “Rebekah” or “Rebecca” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with a sign that signifies “bracelet,” referring to the gift that she receives in Genesis 24:22. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Rebekah” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

More information on Rebecca .

Esau

The name that is transliterated as “Esau” in English means “covered with hair,” “hairy.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

In Finnish Sign Language and American Sign Language it is translated with the signs signifying “hairy forearm” (referring to the story starting at Genesis 27:11). (Source: Tarja Sandholm, Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


“Esau” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

See also hairy (like Esau).

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Esau .

complete verse (Genesis 27:5)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 27:5:

  • Kankanaey: “Upon Isaac’s saying that, guess-what, Rebeka was-there overhearing. When Esau had gone-out-of-sight to go and hunt,” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “At that time Rebekah was listening to what Isaac said to Esau. When Esau had gone out to hunt,” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Rebeka in-fact was-listening while Isaac was-speaking to Esau. So when Esau left for the field to hunt,” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Rebekah was listening as Isaac said that to his son, Esau. So when Esau left the tent to go to the countryside to hunt for a wild animal in order to kill it and bring it back,” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 27:5

Now Rebekah was listening when Isaac spoke to his son Esau: Revised Standard Version translates the common Hebrew connective with the transitional Now. It may be more natural to move the time clause when … to the beginning of the sentence; for example, “While Isaac was talking to” (Good News Translation). It is understood from the context that Rebekah was not present but was listening secretly. Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch says “Rebekah overheard the conversation.”

So when Esau went to the field to hunt for game: see Gen 27.3.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .