Judah, Judea

The name that is transliterated as “Judah” or “Judea” in English (referring to the son of Jacob, the tribe, and the territory) is translated in Spanish Sign Language as “lion” (referring to Genesis 49:9 and Revelation 5:5). This sign for lion is reserved for regions and kingdoms. (Source: John Elwode in The Bible Translator 2008, p. 78ff. and Steve Parkhurst)


“Judah” and “Judea” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

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

See also Judah, Judah (son of Jacob) , and Tribe of Judah .

complete verse (2 Kings 14:12)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 2 Kings 14:12:

  • Kupsabiny: “Then the soldiers of Israel were victorious and every soldier from Judah fled to his home.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “The men of Judah were defeated by the Israelites, and they all fled to their own homes.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Juda was defeated by Israel, and every soldier of Juda fled to their home.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “The Israeli army defeated the army of Judah, and all the soldiers of Judah fled and ran back home.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 2 Kings 14:12

Judah was defeated by Israel: This passive clause may be readily transformed into an active statement by saying “Israel defeated Judah.” Or, providing more detail, translators may prefer to say “the army of Israel was victorious over the army of Judah which Amaziah led.”

Every man fled to his home is literally “and they fled, a man to his tent.” All the soldiers of Judah ran away to the places where their families lived. For home, which is literally “tent,” see the comments at 1 Kgs 8.66. Compare 2 Kgs 8.21 and see also 2 Sam 18.17 and 19.8.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .