Ephraim

The Hebrew and Greek that is transliterated as “Ephraim” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with the sign for “palm tree” referring to the palm of Deborah in the land of Ephraim (see Judges 4:5. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Ephraim” 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 .

For Deborah, see here.

More information about Ephraim and the Tribe of Ephraim .

complete verse (Isaiah 7:5)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Isaiah 7:5:

  • Kupsabiny: “The rulers of Syria and Israel have prepared to destroy you saying,” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Aram, Israel and Remaliah’s son have united and have plotted your destruction like this –” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “They planned to destroy you (sing.). They said,” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Yes, they are planning to attack this land and saying,” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Isaiah 7:5

Because …: Here the LORD speaks about the plot of Syria and Israel against Judah, which was introduced in verse 2. There is some question about the function of the Hebrew connector rendered Because. It does not introduce a reason for King Ahaz to be at peace since the plot of his enemies frightened him and his people, according to verse 2. It may link verses 5-6 to the previous verse as a fuller description of the anger of the two enemy kings. If the connector is used in this way, then this verse may begin as follows: “Do not be afraid because of….” Alternatively, this connector may link verses 5-6 to verse 7. In verses 5-6 the LORD repeats the information that Syria and Israel are planning an attack, but he does so only in order to be able to say in verse 7: “But I, the LORD, declare that this will never happen” (Good News Translation). Many versions follow this interpretation, and as a result, Because is often not translated (so Good News Translation, Revised English Bible, Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch). Bible en français courant begins verse 5 with “I know that….” This is the approach we suggest, though either understanding of this connector is possible.

Syria, with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah: Here the northern kingdom of Israel is referred to by its other name, Ephraim (see Isa 7.2). The phrase Ephraim and the son of Remaliah points to the nation and its king.

Has devised evil against you: The Hebrew verb rendered devised means “to counsel” as well as “to plan.” It is singular in the Hebrew text as was the verb rendered “could not conquer” in verse 1, but the plural subjects of the sentences that follow indicate that the two enemy kings have consulted together to devise their plot.

Contemporary English Version shortens verses 4-6 by avoiding the repetition of the names of the two enemies in verse 5. It suggests “4 … Ahaz doesn’t need to fear 5 their evil threats 6 to invade….” The way Contemporary English Version reduces verse 5 may not be acceptable to many translators depending on the specific principles adopted for the translation.

For the translation of this verse we suggest:

• Syria and Ephraim with its king have plotted against you, saying …

• [Do not be afraid] because Syria and Ephraim with its king the son of Remaliah have planned evil against you, saying …

• Don’t be afraid of Syria and Ephraim with its king, Remaliah’s son, who have planned to attack you, saying …

Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Sterk, Jan. A Handbook on Isaiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .