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 31:43)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 31:43:

  • Newari: “Laban said to Jacob — ‘These women are my daughters, These children are also my children. And this flock of sheep is also mine. As much as you see here is also all mine. But what can I do today for my daughters and their children?” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Laban replied, ‘Those women (are) my children, and their children (are) my grandchildren. And those livestock (are) also mine. All that you (sing.) can-see are mine. But now, what more/yet can- I -do for/to/with my children and grandchildren?” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Laban replied, ‘These two women are my daughters, and their children are my grandchildren, and the animals are my animals. Everything you see here is mine! But what can I do today to keep my daughters or the children they have given birth to?” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 31:43

Then Laban answered and said to Jacob: this typical Hebrew introduction for a change of speakers has two verbs that must most often be reduced to a single verb. The verb that is used in translation depends in part on the kind of statement or question that follows. In this verse Laban will repeat his claim, not to a few things he thinks Jacob has stolen, but to everything Jacob has. His claim is, of course, a gross exaggeration. No doubt Laban has already decided that he must make his peace with Jacob. And his claim may be his way of letting go that which he knows he can no longer keep.

The daughters are my daughters: in many languages it will be more natural to say “These women are my daughters.” Note Good News Translation.

The children are my children: since Laban is referring to his grandchildren, it will often be best to say “and those children are my grandchildren.” In many languages the children will be referred to as “their children,” that is, the children of the two women.

The flocks are my flocks: the only flocks visible to Laban are those belonging to Jacob. The form of Laban’s claim is the same in respect to his daughters, his grandchildren, and the flocks. It may be more natural, as Laban gazes out over Jacob’s animals, to say, for example, “Even all those animals out there belong to me.”

And all that you see is mine is no doubt said with a wide sweep of his hand to include anything he may have overlooked. Good News Translation gives a good model for the translation.

But what can I do this day to these my daughters…?: But what can I do…? signals the resignation of Laban to the reality he now faces. It has become obvious to Laban that his daughters and their children are more satisfied with Jacob than they were with him. (See verses 14-16.) The question as translated by Revised Standard Version is ambiguous. Laban’s question is probably addressed to himself, not to Jacob. He knows he cannot take his daughters back to Haran, and so he wonders aloud what he can do “for them,” “on their behalf.” The preposition may likewise mean “to them” (Revised Standard Version), that is, take some punishing action against them, or “about them” in the sense that Laban cannot take them back with him. Laban’s concern may or may not be genuine. See the next verse. Note Good News Translation‘s translation “But since I can do nothing to keep my daughters and their children….” In other languages this meaning is expressed as “I cannot hold on to my daughters…” or “I can’t take … away from you.” Bible en français courant translates more closely to the text: “But from today I won’t be able to do anything more for my daughters or the children they have given birth to.”

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 .