Canaan

The term that is transliterated as “Canaan” in English is translated in American Sign Language with the sign loosely referencing the act of hiding/covering one’s face in shame. The association of “shame” with the name “Canaan” comes from Genesis 9, specifically verse 9:25. This sign was adapted from a similar sign in Kenyan Sign Language (see here). (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


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

Click or tap here to see a short video clip about Canaan in biblical times (source: Bible Lands 2012)

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 36:5)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 36:5:

  • Newari: “And Oholibamah gave birth to Jeush, Jalam and Korah. These were the sons born to Esau in the land of Canaan.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “And his children with Oholibama were [they] Jeush, Jalam, and Kora. They (were) the children of Esau who were-born in Canaan.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Oholibamah gave birth to Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. All these sons of Esau were born while he was living in the Canaan region.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 36:5

Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam, and Korah: Jeush and Jalam are mentioned only in chapter 36 and in the parallel passages in 1 Chronicles.

These are the sons of Esau … Canaan: These points back to the five sons mentioned in verses 4-5. For a translation model see Good News Translation.

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 .