bear child / give birth

The Hebrew, Ge’ez, and Greek that is translated as “bear (a child)” or “give birth to” is translated in Mairasi as “go to the forest,” reflecting the traditional place of childbirth for Mairasi women. (Source: Enggavoter 2004)

In Spanish it is translated as dar a luz, literally “to give to light.” Likewise, in Portuguese (dar à luz) and Italian (dare alla luce). (Source: Mark Terwilliger)

See also in childbirth / travail and birth.

Levi

The Hebrew, Latin and Greek that is transliterated as “Levi” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with a sign that signifies a menorah referring to the temple service of the tribe of the Levites. The same sign is also used for the tribe. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Levi” or “Levite” 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 Levite, Levi and the Tribe of Levi .

complete verse (Genesis 29:34)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 29:34:

  • Newari: “She conceived once more [and] gave birth to a son. Then she said — ‘This time my husband will care for me, for I have given birth to three sons for him.’ So she gave him the name Levi.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Lea became pregnant again and she gave-birth to another son. She said, ‘Now my husband will-become close to me for our son are now three.’ So she named the child Levi.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Later she became pregnant again, and gave birth to another son. She said, ‘Now, finally, my husband will hold me close to him.’ So she named him Levi, which means ‘hold close’.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 29:34

Now this time my husband will be joined to me: the name Levi is here associated in sound with the Hebrew verb meaning to “join,” “attach,” “bind.” See Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation footnotes.

His name was called Levi: in the Hebrew text was called is “he called,” which Hebrew Old Testament Text Project rates as {B} and recommends. The Septuagint and ancient Syriac versions have “she called him.” Revised Standard Version uses the passive, but Good News Translation follows the Septuagint without a footnote. A similar play on words is found in Num 18.2, “that they may join you.” Translators may follow Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, or Hebrew Old Testament Text Project. In the latter case it may be best to say “Jacob called his son Levi.”

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 .