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 42:17)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Job 42:17:

  • Kupsabiny: “Then Job died of old age.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “In this way he died after becoming a very old man. He lived for a long time.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “He was very old when he died.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)

Translation commentary on Job 42:17

The close of Job’s life is described by the traditional formula used of Abraham in Genesis 25.8, of Isaac in Genesis 35.29, and of David in 1 Chronicles 29.28. In this way Job dies as an old man, and full of days, meaning “as a very old man.” He takes his place with the patriarchs, the heroes of Israel’s faith.

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 .