Gad

The Hebrew and Greek that is transliterated as “Gad” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with the sign for “tent,” signifying army tents that refer to Genesis 49:19. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Gad” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

More information on Gad (son of Jacob) and the Tribe of Gad .

complete verse (Genesis 49:19)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 49:19:

  • Newari: “‘One group will come to attack Gad but by counter attacking, he will drive them away.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Then he still continued to-say, ‘You (sing.) Gad, you will-be-attacked by a group of robbers, but you will-take-revenge on them while they are-fleeing.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Then Jacob continued telling his sons what would happen in the future. He said, ‘Gad, your tribe/descendants will be attacked by a group of bandits, but your tribe/descendants will pursue and attack them.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 49:19

Gad is the first son of Leah’s servant Zilpah. The home of the tribe was east of the Jordan, where it was subject to raids from desert-dwelling Ammonites (Judges 11). The name Gad sounds like the word for “fortune.” See 30.11.

Raiders shall raid Gad: verse 19 is a single sentence in two parts. Four of the six Hebrew words contain the sequence g-d, and Revised Standard Version and some other translations try to give a similar sound effect in English by repeating the word “raid.” Raiders refers to roving bands of robbers. Raid means to carry out a sudden armed attack. See Good News Translation.

But he shall raid at their heels: Gad is praised because of his ability to repel the raiders, drive them off, and pursue them closely.

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 .