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 48:8)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 48:8:

  • Newari: “Seeing Joseph’s sons, Israel asked — ‘Where are these?'” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “When Israel saw the children of Jose, he asked, ‘Who (are) they?'” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “When Jacob saw Joseph’s sons, he asked, ‘Who are these boys?'” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 48:8

Verses 8-12 pick up the story line from verses 1-2. Together with verses 1-2 these verses form a complete episode, which tells of the visit of Joseph and his sons to the dying Jacob.

Who are these?: Jacob’s question may suggest that Jacob had not seen Joseph’s sons before. However, verse 10 makes clear that Jacob is nearly blind. See the rendering of Good News Translation. Translators may find it necessary to combine verses 8-10, putting Jacob’s blindness first, to explain why he had to ask who Joseph’s children were.

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 .