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 43:19)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 43:19:

  • Kankanaey: “When they arrived at the doorway of the house, they said to Jose’s slave,” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “So, arriving at the door of the house they said to the chief worker in Joseph’s house –” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “So they spoke to the steward when they were still at the door of the house.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “They went with the man who was in charge of things in Joseph’s house. When they arrived at the entrance of the house,” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 43:19

According to ancient records an Egyptian official’s house was very large, the dining hall being the principal room. There were many other rooms including separate quarters for the women. This may be the reason we hear nothing of Joseph’s family in this scene.

At this point in the story, the brothers are still on the outside of the house following the steward. They apparently do not want to go inside until they have cleared up the matter of the money.

They went up to the steward … spoke to him at the door: that is, “The brothers stopped at the door and spoke to Joseph’s head servant.”

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 .