Zerubbabel

The name that is transliterated as “Zerubbabel” or “Shealtiel” in English is translated in Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) with a sign that combines “begotten” (the name means “begotten in Babylon”) and a reference that he led the first group that left the city of Babylon to build the second Temple in Jerusalem (see Ezra 3:8). (Source: Missão Kophós )


“Zerubbabel” in Libras (source )

More information under Zerubbabel .

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

Translation commentary on 1 Esdras 4:42

Then the king said to him: Since this verse begins a new subsection, translators may wish to give the name of the king by rendering this clause as “Then King Darius said to him” (similarly Contemporary English Version).

Ask what you wish may be translated “Ask whatever you would like” or “What would you like me to give to you?”

Even beyond what is written refers to the prizes the three bodyguards had in mind for the contest (see 1 Esd 3.6-7). We may say “even more than the three of you suggested [or, wrote down].”

For you have been found to be the wisest may be expressed as “For I have found that you are the wisest [of the three]” or simply “For you are the wisest.”

And you shall sit next to me, and be called my kinsman: See the comments on 1 Esd 3.7.

Alternative models for this verse are:

• Then King Darius said to him, “Whatever you ask me, I [or, we] will give to you, even more than the three of you suggested. For I have found that you are the wisest. You shall sit next to me, and will have the title ‘King’s Relative’ [or, have all the privileges of the royal family].”

• Then the king said to him, “You are the wisest. Ask whatever you would like, even more than the three of you suggested, and we will give it to you. You will sit beside me, and have the title ‘King’s Relative’ [or, have all the privileges of the royal family].”

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Esdras. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.