brother (older brother)

The Greek and Hebrew that is translated as “brother” in English is translated in Kwere as sekulu, in Elhomwe as mbalaawo´, and in Mandarin Chinese as gēgē (哥哥), all “older brother.”

Note that Kwere also uses lumbu — “older sibling” in some cases. (Source for Kwere and Elhomwe: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext; Chinese: Jost Zetzsche)

In Lama it is translated as “older or younger brother.” (Source: Neal Brinneman)

See also older brother (Japanese honorifics).

Esau

The name that is transliterated as “Esau” in English means “covered with hair,” “hairy.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

In Finnish Sign Language and American Sign Language it is translated with the signs signifying “hairy forearm” (referring to the story starting at Genesis 27:11). (Source: Tarja Sandholm, Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


“Esau” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor

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 hairy (like Esau).

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Esau .

complete verse (Genesis 33:9)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 33:9:

  • Newari: “Esau said — ‘I have much of my own, my younger brother! Keep all this for yourself.'” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “But Esau replied, ‘My possessions are already many, my sibling/(brother), so those are only yours (sing.) now.'” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “But Esau replied, ‘My younger brother, I have enough animals! Keep for yourself the animals that you have!'” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 33:9

In the conversation of verses 9-10 the meaning is not always what is literally stated. The offering and eventual acceptance of a gift is a situation in which people say what politeness and convention requires rather than what they really feel. In a context like this it is always important to make the form of words fit what is required in the translator’s own culture.

But Esau said: But serves in English to indicate that Esau’s response is not an acceptance of what Jacob has offered. It also contrasts Jacob’s gifts with Esau’s sufficiency.

I have enough, my brother: enough means “enough animals, herds.” Notice how Esau addresses Jacob as my brother, while Jacob continues to grovel and call Esau “my lord.”

Keep what you have for yourself: Jacob knows that Esau’s refusal is Middle Eastern politeness and that he will have to urge Esau to accept. In many cultures to accept a gift too quickly is to admit poverty or greed. See the negotiations between Abraham and the Hittites in chapter 23.

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 .