Joseph

The term that is transliterated as “Joseph” in English is translated in American Sign Language with a sign that relates to a) the coat he wore (see Gen 37:3), b) the holding of his clothes by Potiphar’s wife (see Gen 39:12), and c) the many times Joseph experienced grief. (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


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

In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with a sign that signifies “dream,” referring to Jacob’s dream at Bethel (see Genesis 28:10 and the following verses). (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Joseph” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Joseph .

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

complete verse (Genesis 39:10)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 39:10:

  • Kankanaey: “And even though Potifar’s spouse insisted on persuading him daily, he persisted nevertheless in refusing and neither did he companion-with her.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Even though she said [this] every day, Joseph would not agree to sleep with her [or] even to be with her.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Even- though everyday the woman invited Jose to lay-with-her, he never agreed.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “She kept on asking Joseph day after day to have sex with her, but he refused. He would not even go near her.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 39:10

Although she spoke to Joseph day after day: spoke does not convey adequately what she was doing. Therefore it will often be necessary to make her actions clear by saying, for example, “Although she kept on asking,” “… continued to tempt,” “… insisted.”

He would not listen to her, to lie with her: this double statement may be rendered more directly by saying “he refused to go to bed with her” or “he would not have sex with her.”

Or to be with her is omitted in some ancient versions. Note Good News Translation. Most modern versions keep this phrase. Revised English Bible have “or be in her company.” A suggested model translation for verse 10 is “Although she insisted day after day that Joseph sleep with her or keep her company, he refused to pay any attention to her.”

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 .