Rachel

The Hebrew that is transliterated as “Rachel” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with a sign that signifies the eyelashes, referring to “beautiful eyes” as the opposite of Leah (see Genesis 29:17). (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Rachel” 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 .

See also Leah.

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Rachel .

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 .

Jacob

The Hebrew, Latin, and Greek that is transliterated as “Jacob” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with a sign that signifies “lentil,” referring to the soup he gave his brother in exchange for his birthright (see Genesis 25:34). Note that another Spanish Sign Language sign for Jacob also users the sign for Jewish. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


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

In German Sign Language it is a sign that shows the touching of the hip, described in Genesis 32:25:


“Jacob” in German Sign Language (source: Taub und katholisch )

In Finnish Sign Language it is translated with the signs signifying “smooth arm” (referring to the story starting at Genesis 27:11). (Source: Tarja Sandholm)


“Jacob” in Finnish Sign Language (source )

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 Esau.

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Jacob .

complete verse (Genesis 29:12)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 29:12:

  • Newari: “He told Rebekah, ‘I am the son of Rebekah who is your father’s kin.’ Hearing this, Rachel went running to tell her father.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “He said to Raquel, ‘I am the child of Rebeka, so I am the nephew of your father.’ Raquel ran home and told her father.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Jacob told Rachel that he was one of her father’s relatives, the son of her aunt Rebekah. So she ran and told that to her father.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 29:12

And Jacob told Rachel: what Jacob told Rachel may need to be shifted to direct speech, “I am…,” as in Good News Translation. Jacob’s announcement is the narrative climax of this whole episode; and even in languages that naturally use indirect speech, direct speech may be more natural or appropriate in this context.

Kinsman translates the Hebrew “brother,” but a general term such as “relative” or “kinsman” is preferred in English. We may also give the actual relationship and say, for example, “cousin” or “your father’s sister’s son.”

Rebekah’s son: since Rebekah is Rachel’s aunt (father’s sister), we may translate this part of verse 12, for example, “Jacob told Rachel ‘I am your father’s nephew and the son of your aunt Rebekah.’ ” In some cultures it is required that, in an introduction like this, the speaker relates himself or herself directly to the hearer; so the translation may have Jacob say “I am Rebekah’s son. Your father is my uncle.”

Ran and told her father may need to be modified to say “She ran and told her father what Jacob had said.”

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 .