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 39:22)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 39:22:

  • Kankanaey: “He thus turned-over to Jose his fellow prisoners and everything that happened in the prison.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “So he made Joseph leader of all who were imprisoned there. And he gave Joseph responsibility for doing whatever needed to be done.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “So he entrusted to Jose the ruling of all the prisoners and all the things-to-be-done in the prison.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “So the prison warden put Joseph in charge of all those who were in the prison, and in charge of all the work that was done there.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 39:22

Committed to Joseph’s care all the prisoners is literally “and the jailer gave into Joseph’s hands all the prisoners.” We may also translate, for example, “The jailer entrusted all the other prisoners to Joseph” or “… put Joseph in charge of….” Some translations say “… appointed Joseph to take care of….” Who were in the prison is understood and need not be translated if a term for prisoners is used.

Whatever was done there, he was the doer of it: this may also be translated, for example, “whatever had to be done in the prison, Joseph was in charge of it” or “whenever anything had to be done, it was done under Joseph’s direction.”

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 .