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 19:8)

Following are a number of back-translations of John 19:8:

  • Uma: “When Pilatus heard that, he was even more afraid.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “When Pilatus heard this, his fear was already greater.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “And when Pilate heard this, his fear increased,” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “Upon Pilato’s hearing that, he became even-more afraid,” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “The fear of Pilato became severe, when he heard that which was said by the Judio.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
  • Tenango Otomi: “When Pilate heard this, he was all the more afraid.” (Source: Tenango Otomi Back Translation)

Translation commentary on John 19:8

Heard this (Jerusalem Bible “heard them say this”) is literally “heard this word”; Moffatt and New English Bible render “heard that.” One may also translate “When Pilate heard what they said.”

He was even more afraid (New American Bible “he was more afraid than ever”), though it carries a comparative force in Greek, may have the meaning “he became very frightened.” However, it is more natural to see the comparative force here (so most translations). The fact that the text does not make an explicit reference to Pilate’s fears earlier in the scene presents no problem, since his reluctance to condemn Jesus (18.38; 19.4,6) may well have been motivated by fear. In some languages it will be obligatory to indicate what Pilate was afraid of. One can, of course, say “he was all the more afraid to condemn Jesus” or “… to pass judgment on Jesus.”

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 .