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 .

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 .

complete verse (Ezra 4:6)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Ezra 4:6:

  • Kupsabiny: “When the rulership of Ahasuerus began, the enemies of the Jews wrote a letter of complaint concerning the people of Judah and Jerusalem.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “At the beginning of King Ahasuerus’ reign, their enemies wrote a letter of accusation in opposition to the people who were living in Judah and Jerusalem.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “At the beginning of Ahasuerus’ reign, the enemies of the residents of Juda and Jerusalem wrote some accusations against them.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “During the first year that Darius’ son Xerxes was king, the enemies of the Jews wrote a note to the king saying that the Jews were planning to rebel against the government.” (Source: Translation for Translators)