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 .

complete verse (Genesis 29:16)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 29:16:

  • Kankanaey: “There were two children of Laban who were young-ladies who were Lea and Raquel. The older-sibling Lea, her eyes were weak. As for her younger-sibling Raquel by-contrast, her body was shapely/lovely and she was beautiful.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Laban had two daughters. The name of the older one was Leah and the name of the younger one was Rachel.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Laban had two children (who were) unmarried-ladies. Lea (was) the older-one and Raquel (was) the younger-one.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Well, Laban had two daughters. The older one was named Leah, and the younger one was named Rachel.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 29:16

In verses 16 and 17 the narrator interrupts Jacob’s answer to give an insight into Jacob’s motivation for working for his uncle. For suggestions regarding adjustments of the information in verses 16-18, see the comments at the end of verse 17.

Now Laban had two daughters: Now does not refer to time but rather is a transition marker for the background information that is being given.

The name of the older was Leah: the older must be expressed in some languages by a special term for “older sister” or “firstborn daughter.” The name of the younger is likewise sometimes called by a term designating “younger sister.”

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 .