The Hebrew, Latin, Ge’ez, 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)
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)
Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 30:31:
Newari: “Laban said — ‘Then what should I give you?'” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
Hiligaynon: “Laban asked, ‘What would you (sing.) like me to-pay you?’ Jacob replied, ‘Don’t pay- me any -wages. I will- continue to take-care-of- your -livestock if you (sing.) will-agree with this condition:” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
English: “Laban replied, ‘What do you want me to give you?’ Jacob replied, ‘I do not want you to pay me anything. But if you will do this one thing for me, I will continue to take care of your flocks and protect them.” (Source: Translation for Translators)
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Like a number of other East Asian languages, Japanese uses a complex system of honorifics, i.e. a system where a number of different levels of politeness are expressed in language via words, word forms or grammatical constructs. These can range from addressing someone or referring to someone with contempt (very informal) to expressing the highest level of reference (as used in addressing or referring to God) or any number of levels in-between.
One way to do this is through the usage of lexical honorific forms, i.e., completely different words, as shown here in the widely-used Japanese Shinkaiyaku (新改訳) Bible of 2017. In these verses, kudasaru (下さる), a respectful form of kureru (くれる) or “give” is used.
Click or tap here to see the rest of this insight.
Like a number of other East Asian languages, Japanese uses a complex system of honorifics, i.e. a system where a number of different levels of politeness are expressed in language via words, word forms or grammatical constructs. These can range from addressing someone or referring to someone with contempt (very informal) to expressing the highest level of reference (as used in addressing or referring to God) or any number of levels in-between.
One way Japanese shows different degree of politeness is through the choice of a benefactive construction as shown here in the widely-used Japanese Shinkaiyaku (新改訳) Bible of 2017. Here, shite (して) or “do” is used in combination with kudasaru (くださる), a respectful form of the benefactive kureru (くれる). A benefactive reflects the good will of the giver or the gratitude of a recipient of the favor. To convey this connotation, English translation needs to employ a phrase such as “for me (my sake)” or “for you (your sake).”
What shall I give you?: Laban’s question assumes that Jacob is willing to stay and work, or it may be understood as an unspoken refusal to allow Jacob to leave Haran. If the translator accepts the question as assuming Jacob will remain, it may be necessary to make this a condition followed by a question: “If you will stay with me, how much shall I pay you?” or “If you will continue working for me, tell me how much money you will want.”
You shall not give me anything: Jacob’s answer does not really mean that he does not want anything or that he is willing to work for nothing. Jacob’s reply must be seen as his own strategy in negotiating with this clever and oppressive uncle. Anything refers to wages, payment, and may have to be rendered, for example, “I do not want to be paid wages” or “I do not want you to pay me in money.”
If you will do this for me, I will again feed your flock and keep it: Jacob’s condition if you will do this may need to be placed after feed your flock and keep it, so that this is more clearly joined to “pass through your flock” in the next verse (so Good News Translation). Another arrangement is “I will again feed your flock and guard it, if you will let me go through all your flock….” Feed your flock is equivalent to “graze your animals,” “pasture your animals.” Keep it means “look after,” “take care,” “watch over,” “protect.”
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 .
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