Job

The Hebrew and Greek that is transliterated as “Job” in English means “the persecuted,” “hated,” “one ever returning to God,” “he that weeps,” “a desert.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with a sign for “patience,” referring to James 5:11 and many other passages within the book of Job. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


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

In Swiss-German Sign Language it is translated with the sign for “suffering.”


“Job” in Swiss-German Sign Language, source: DSGS-Lexikon biblischer Begriffe , © CGG Schweiz

In Hungarian Sign Language it is translated with a sign that refers to the ulcers (sores) covering his body (see Job 2:7). (Source: Jenjelvi Biblia and HSL Bible Translation Group)


“Job” in Hungarian Sign Language — note that only the first part refers to “Job,” the second part refers to “book” (source )

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

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Job .

complete verse (Job 3:2)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Job 3:2:

  • Kupsabiny: “He said,” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “He said,” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “He said,” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “He said,” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Job 3:2

Verse 2 has only And Job said, which can best be merged with verse 1. Literally this is “And Job answered and said,” but most languages will not use this Hebrew formula. If the translator wishes to keep verse 2 separate, it may be best to fill it out by saying, for example, “These are the words Job said when he cursed.”

Good News Translation places the speaker’s name in italics at the left margin, and some other modern versions indicate the speaker’s name within the margin instead of translating within the body of the text the repetitive “Then Job answered and said.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, Wiliam. A Handbook on Job. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1992. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .