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 48:18)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 48:18:

  • Kankanaey: “He said, ‘Not that-one father because this is the older-sibling and that’s the one-on-whom-you(sing.)-are-to-place your (sing.) right-hand.'” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “He said to his father — ‘Not like this, father, this is the first-born, put the right hand on this one’s head.'” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “and said, ‘Father, that is not the-one. Here (is) the older-one; put your (sing.) right hand on his head.'” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Joseph said to him, ‘My father, that is not right! The one on whom you put your left hand is my older son. Put your right hand on his head.'” (Source: Translation for Translators)

addressing one's or someone else's father respectfully in Japanese (父上)

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Like a number of other East Asian languages, Japanese uses a complex system of honorifics, i.e. a system where a number of different levels of politeness are expressed in language via words, word forms or grammatical constructs. These can range from addressing someone or referring to someone with contempt (very informal) to expressing the highest level of reference (as used in addressing or referring to God) or any number of levels in-between. One important aspect of addressing someone else in one’s or someone else’s family is by selecting the correct word when referring to them. One way to do this is through the usage of an appropriate title within a conversation as shown here in the widely-used Japanese Shinkaiyaku (新改訳) Bible of 2017.

When the speaker humbly refers to his or her father in the presence of respected interlocutor(s), chichi (父) is often used (see addressing one’s father humbly / respectfully in Japanese (父)).

In some conversations, archaic honorific forms for “father” are chosen that also contain chichi (父) and typically indicate a greater level of respect. That includes chichi-ue (父上). An interesting contrast between the use of of chichi and chichi-ue can be found when there is a reference to “my father and your father.” The former is addressed with chichi and the latter with chichi-ue (for more see 1 Kings 15:19, 1 Kings 20:34, and 2 Chronicles 16:3 along with addressing one’s father humbly / respectfully in Japanese (父)). (Source: S. E. Doi, see also S. E. Doi in Journal of Translation, 18/2022, p. 37ff. )

Japanese benefactives (oite)

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Like a number of other East Asian languages, Japanese uses a complex system of honorifics, i.e. a system where a number of different levels of politeness are expressed in language via words, word forms or grammatical constructs. These can range from addressing someone or referring to someone with contempt (very informal) to expressing the highest level of reference (as used in addressing or referring to God) or any number of levels in-between. One way Japanese shows different degree of politeness is through the choice of a benefactive construction as shown here in the widely-used Japanese Shinkaiyaku (新改訳) Bible of 2017.

Here, oite (置いて) or “place” is used in combination with kudasaru (くださる), a respectful form of the benefactive kureru (くれる). A benefactive reflects the good will of the giver or the gratitude of a recipient of the favor. To convey this connotation, English translation needs to employ a phrase such as “for me (my sake)” or “for you (your sake).” (Source: S. E. Doi, see also S. E. Doi in Journal of Translation, 18/2022, p. 37ff. )

Translation commentary on Genesis 48:18

Joseph’s objection shows that he assumes his nearly blind father has made a mistake.

Not so, my father: that is, “Don’t do it like that, father” or “No, father, not that way.” Although the Hebrew text has “my father,” in English the possessive pronoun is less suitable when Joseph is addressing Jacob. In some languages a special address form will be appropriate here.

For this one is the first-born: it is necessary to visualize the arrangement of the two boys as given in verse 13, with Ephraim on Jacob’s left and Manasseh on his right. This one refers to Manasseh, and it may be necessary to make this clear by saying “The one on your right is the firstborn,” “The boy to your right…,” or “The one on this side is the eldest.” Another way of making the reference clear is to say “The other one is the firstborn.”

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 .