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 40:3)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 40:3:

  • Kankanaey: “and had-them-imprisoned in the prison that was part of the house of the captain of the guards which was Jose’s location just the same.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “And he imprisoned them in the house of the prison chief. Joseph had also been imprisoned there.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “So he had- them -put-into-prison in the prison where Jose also was-imprisoned, in the dwelling-place/(house) of the captain of the guards at the palace.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “So he had them put in prison, in the house of the captain of the palace guards. That was the place where Joseph was being kept.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 40:3

Put them in custody: the word translated in custody may mean “jail” or “prison” (Good News Translation): but it has also a more restricted sense of being put under guard, or being detained for investigation.

In the house of the captain of the guard: this appears to be the actual place where they were held. It may refer to the house of this officer or more probably to a section of the prison where he had his headquarters and where trusted prisoners like Joseph were allowed to stay. Captain of the guard translates the same expression used of Potiphar in 37.36.

In the prison refers to the larger confinement area or building that included the guard house.

We may translate verse 3, for example, “He [the king] put them in prison in the house of the officer of the guard, where Joseph was also kept” or “The king put them into the head jailer’s house, which was in the prison where Joseph was a prisoner.”

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 .