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 .

Pharaoh

The term that is used for monarchs in ancient Egypt and is transliterated as “Pharaoh” in English is translated in Finnish Sign Language with the sign signifying the “fake metal beard (postiche)” that was used by Pharaohs during official functions. (Source: Tarja Sandholm)


“Pharaoh” in Finnish Sign Language (source )

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Pharaoh .

self-referencing pronoun for king or queen

In Malay, the pronoun beta for the royal “I” (or “my” or “me”) that is used by royals when speaking to people of lower rank, subordinates or commoners to refer to themselves in these verses. This reflects the “language of the court because the monarchy and sultanate in Malaysia are still alive and well. All oral and printed literature (including newspapers and magazines) preserve and glorify the language of the court. Considering that the language of the court is part of the Malaysian language, court language is used sparingly where appropriate, specifically with texts relating to palace life.” (Source: Daud Soesilo in The Bible Translator 2025, p. 263ff.)

complete verse (Genesis 41:17)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 41:17:

  • Kankanaey: “Then the king said, ‘My dreams then, I was reportedly standing on the edge of the river Nile,” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Pharaoh said to Joseph — ‘In the dream I saw that I was standing on the bank of the Nile river.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Then the king told his dreams to Jose. He said, ‘I dreamed that I was-standing at the banks of the Nile River.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “The king said to Joseph, ‘In my first dream I was standing on the bank of the Nile River.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 41:17 - 41:18

Verses 17-24 repeat the details of the dreams as told by the narrator in verses 1-7.

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 .