Jacob

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)


“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 )

In Hungarian Sign Language it is translated with a sign signifying Jacob grabbing the heel of Esau during their birth (referring to Genesis 25:26). (Source: Jenjelvi Biblia )


“Jacob” in Hungarian 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 31:20)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 31:20:

  • Newari: “Jacob tricked Laban the Aramean, not telling him that [he] was leaving his house.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Jacob deceived Laban the Arameanhon because he did- not -tell (him) that he is- now -leaving.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Furthermore, Jacob deceived Laban, who belonged to the Aram people-group, by not telling him that they were planning to leave.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 31:20

The parenthetical statement continues in this verse.

Jacob outwitted Laban the Aramean: outwitted translates the same Hebrew verb rendered “stole” in verse 19. Here it has the sense of “dupe,” “trick,” “deceive.” The literal expression is “Jacob stole the heart of Laban.” For Aramean see 10.22.

In that he did not tell him that he intended to flee: this may be translated “by leaving without telling him” or “by leaving without saying a word.” In some languages it will be more natural to divide this verse into two or more sentences: “Jacob deceived Laban. He did not tell him that he wanted to leave. No. He did it secretly and….”

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 .