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 .

basket (Genesis 40)

The Hebrew that is translated in English as “basket” is translated in Newari as “bamboo basket.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)

formal 2nd person pronoun (Spanish)

Like many languages (but unlike Greek or Hebrew or English), Spanish uses a formal vs. informal second-person pronoun (a familiar vs. a respectful “you”). Spanish Bibles all use only the informal second-person pronoun (tú), with the exception of Dios Habla Hoy (third edition: 1996) which also uses the formal pronoun (usted). In the referenced verses, the formal form is used.

Sources and for more information: P. Ellingworth in The Bible Translator 2002, p. 143ff. and R. Ross in The Bible Translator 1993, p. 217ff. .

See also the use of the formal vs. the informal pronoun in the Gospels in Tuvan and 2nd person pronoun with high register.

complete verse (Genesis 40:18)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 40:18:

  • Kankanaey: “Jose then (lit. also) said, ‘The meaning also of what you (sing.) dreamed, it is this. The three baskets, they are three days just the same,” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Joseph said — ‘This is it’s meaning — ‘The three bamboo baskets are three days.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Jose said, ‘This is the meaning of your dream: The three baskets mean three days.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “God again told Joseph what the dream meant, so he said, ‘The three baskets also represent three days.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 40:18

Joseph’s interpretation of the baker’s dream is introduced in the same manner as was that of the wine servant’s dream in verse 12. See comments on verse 12.

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 .