son of

The Greek and Hebrew that is translated as “son of” in English is translated in all Icelandic Bible versions of the Icelandic Bible Society (latest edition 2007) in parallel with the Icelandic naming system . This means that for instance in Matthew 16:17 the name that is transliterated and translated in English as “Simon son of Jonah” becomes “Simon Jónasson” or in Isaiah 8:2 “Zechariah son of Jeberechiah” becomes “Sakaría Jeberekíason” where in both cases the “-son” means “son of.”

In cases where “son of” does not refer to a literal father or perhaps stepfather but to lineage, however, this system is not used. So in Matthew 1:1 “Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham” is translated as “Jesú Krists, sonar Davíðs, sonar Abrahams.”

The referenced verses all have at least one instance where the Icelandic patronymic or matronymic naming system is used. (Source: Halldór Elías Guðmundsson)

See also daughter of

complete verse (Genesis 36:32)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 36:32:

  • Newari: “When Bela son of Beor was king of Edom, Dinhabah was his capitol city.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Bela who came-from-Dinhaba who (was) the son of Beor became king of Edom.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Beor’s son Bela became the first king in Edom. The city where he lived was named Dinhabah.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 36:32

Bela the son of Beor is similar to “Balaam son of Beor” in Num 22.5, but no established connection exists.

Reigned in Edom: reigned renders the Hebrew verb form related to the noun meaning “king” and refers to the rule of a king. It is assumed the king reigned until he died.

The name of his city: this probably refers to his hometown, the city he lived in. The king would have the political support of the people of his hometown, the city he grew up in.

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 .