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 .

Ephraim

The Hebrew and Greek that is transliterated as “Ephraim” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with the sign for “palm tree” referring to the palm of Deborah in the land of Ephraim (see Judges 4:5. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Ephraim” 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 .

For Deborah, see here.

More information about Ephraim and the Tribe of Ephraim .

complete verse (Genesis 50:23)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 50:23:

  • Kankanaey: “He attained the child of the grandchildren of Efraim his child, and he also held-on-his-knees the children of Makir the child of Manasses.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Joseph even saw a great grandchild from Ephraim. He even got to hold on his lap the children born just now to Machir, son of Manasseh.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “and he was- still/yet -able-to-see his great grandchildren by his child/(son) Efraim and by his grandchild/(grandson) Makir the child/(son) of Manase. He considered as his own child the children of Makir.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “He lived long enough to see Ephraim’s children and grandchildren. The children of Joseph’s grandson Machir, who was Manasseh’s son, were born before Joseph died, and were adopted by Joseph to be his own children.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 50:23

And Joseph saw Ephraim’s children of the third generation: this expression has been interpreted to mean either grandchildren or great-grandchildren. Anchor Bible avoids both terms and says “He lived to see the third generation of Ephraim’s line.” What is certain is that Joseph was blessed with long life. Pro 17.6 says “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged…” (Revised Standard Version).

The children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were born upon Joseph’s knees: nothing has been said earlier about Machir. However, in Judges 5.14 he is counted among the tribes of Israel. Since Machir is Joseph’s grandson, the children also of Machir would be Joseph’s great-grandchildren.

Born upon Joseph’s knees: this expression was used for the first time in 30.3 in relation to Rachel becoming a mother through her maid. In 48.12 Jacob recognized Joseph’s sons as his own by taking them upon his knees. Driver and others understand this expression to be a symbolic act in which Joseph officially recognizes these children as his own descendants. Good News Translation expresses the thought well without the image and is a good translation model. If the language of translation has a similar metaphor, it may be used.

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 .