justice

The Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic and Latin that is translated as “justice” in English is translated in American Sign Language with a sign that describes the quality or principle of fairness, righteousness, and impartiality in treating other people. A literal back-translation of the signs are “FOLLOW(God is implied) ACTIONS, DECISIONS JUST-RIGHT”. A more idiomatic back-translation would be: “actions and decisions are right/fitting/just in accordance to God’s will.” The movement in the signs itself helps to indicate that this is a noun, not a verb. (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


“Justice” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor

Translation commentary on 2 Maccabees 10:12

Ptolemy, who was called Macron, took the lead in showing justice to the Jews because of the wrong that had been done to them, and attempted to maintain peaceful relations with them: In Greek this verse begins with a logical connector that may be rendered “For.” It gives the reason why Protarchus was appointed to succeed Ptolemy as governor. It was because of dissatisfaction with Ptolemy. In the original five-volume work this would probably have been clear, but something needs to be added to our text to make it clear; for example, we may begin with “Protarchus replaced Ptolemy Macron, because Ptolemy….” Some scholars identify Ptolemy, who was called Macron with the Ptolemy son of Dorymenes who was also governor of Coelesyria and Phoenicia (2Macc 4.45; 8.8), but most doubt this. If it is the same man, he certainly changed his attitude to the Jews. This Ptolemy is described as the Jews’ defender in the government. Took the lead in showing justice may mean that he was “the first governor to treat the Jews fairly” (Good News Bible). It may also mean that within the government, he took the lead in arguing for better treatment of the Jews. Translators may choose either sense; the model below for this verse is based on the latter interpretation:

• Protarchus replaced Ptolemy Macron, because Ptolemy believed that the Jews [or, our people] had been treated badly, and he urged that they [or, we] be treated fairly. He tried to maintain peaceful relations with them [or, us].

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.