Pilate

The name that is transliterated as “Pilate” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language (as well as in French Sign Language) with the sign signifying the washing of hands (referring to Matthew 27:24). (Source: John Elwode in The Bible Translator 2008, p. 78ff. )


“Pilate” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

In American Sign Language it is translated with the sign for “government/governor” plus the sign for “P” with a circular movement. The reference to government indicates Pilate’s position of authority in the Roman Empire. (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


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

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Pontius Pilate .

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

complete verse (John 19:22)

Following are a number of back-translations of John 19:22:

  • Uma: “Pilatus said: ‘What I wrote, [stays] that way!'” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “Pilatus answered, he said, ‘What I have written cannot be changed.'” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “And Pilate answered, ‘It can’t be changed. It is as I have written.'” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “But Pilato answered, ‘What I have already written, it will certainly not be changed.'” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “Pilato answered, saying, ‘That which I have written can’t be altered around. As long as it has been written, it has now been written.'” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
  • Tenango Otomi: “Pilate said, ‘I have already written. It will stay.'” (Source: Tenango Otomi Back Translation)

Translation commentary on John 19:22

What I have written stays written is literally “what I have written I have written” (so most translations). The notice was the equivalent of a legal decision, and it could not be altered. What I have written stays written may be rendered “what I have written will remain just that way” or “… will remain just as I have written it.” However, if wrote in verse 19 has been translated as a causative, a causative expression must be employed at this point, for example, “What I have caused to be written will remain just in that form” or “The notice which I ordered written must not be changed.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on the Gospel of John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1980. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .