Jerusalem

The name that is transliterated as “Jerusalem” in English is signed in French Sign Language with a sign that depicts worshiping at the Western Wall in Jerusalem:


“Jerusalem” in French Sign Language (source: La Bible en langue des signes française )

While a similar sign is also used in British Sign Language, another, more neutral sign that combines the sign “J” and the signs for “place” is used as well. (Source: Anna Smith)


“Jerusalem” in British Sign Language (source: Christian BSL, used with permission)

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Jerusalem .

Joppa

The name that is transliterated as “Joppa” (or: “Jaffa”) in English is translated in Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) with the sign for “whale,” referring to Joppa that is mentioned as the starting point of the sea voyage of Jonah that ends up in the belly of a large fish (see Jonah 1:3). (Source: Missão Kophós )


“Joppa” in Libras (source )

More information on Jaffa

Translation commentary on 1 Maccabees 15:28

He sent to him Athenobius, one of his friends, to confer with him, saying: For the office of friends of the king, see the comments on 1Macc 2.18. Good News Bible does not use the title “Friend of the King” here, but translates “trusted official,” which is fine, although inconsistent with its use of a title elsewhere. Contemporary English Version‘s model for this first half of the verse is helpful: “Antiochus told his trusted friend Athenobius to meet with Simon and tell him.”

You hold control of Joppa and Gazara and the citadel in Jerusalem: You hold control of may be rendered “You are occupying” (Good News Bible) or “You are controlling.” For the capture of Joppa by Simon, see 1Macc 12.33-34; for his capture of Gazara, see 1Macc 13.43-48; for his capture of the citadel in Jerusalem, see 1Macc 13.49-51.

They are cities of my kingdom: Antiochus here claims that these places should be under his control. We may translate “all of these places belong to me, the king.”

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Maccabees. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.