Job

The name 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 .

listen / pay attention

The Hebrew, Ge’ez, and Greek that is translated as “listen” or “pay attention” or something similar in English is translated in the Contemporary Chichewa translation (2002/2016) with the idiom tcherani khutu, literally “you set ear.” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)

complete verse (Job 33:31)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Job 33:31:

  • Kupsabiny: “So now, Job, listen to the words that I am saying
    and be silent for me to speak.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Please listen, Job, listen [and] pay attention to my words.
    Keep quiet [and] I will speak. ” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Job, listen to me carefully. You (sing.) just keep-silent, and just let me speak.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “So Job, listen to me;
    do not say anything more; just allow me to speak.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Job 33:31

Give heed, O Job, listen to me: Elihu likes to demand Job’s attention, which is no doubt lagging considerably by now!

Be silent, and I will speak shows how self-important Elihu considers himself, since Job has not uttered a sound since Elihu began in chapter 32.

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 .