The term that is transliterated as “Caleb” in English is translated in American Sign Language with one variation of the sign for “watch,” a reference to the fact that Caleb was one of the twelve who surveyed the Promised Land. The sign also alludes to watchdogs, a reference to Caleb’s enduring loyalty to God. (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)
“Caleb” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor
In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with the sign for “spy.” (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Joshua 15:16:
Kupsabiny: “Caleb had earlier said, ‘The man who fights the city of Kiriath-sepher until he takes it, he may marry my daughter Achsah.’” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
Newari: “Then Caleb said, "To the person who attacks Kiriath-sepher and defeats it, I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
Hiligaynon: “Caleb said, ‘I will-have- my child/(daughter) Acsa -become-a-wife to the man who can-attack and conquer/take-by-force Kiriat Sefer.’” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
English: “Caleb said, ‘If someone attacks the people in Kiriath-Sepher and captures their city, I will give my daughter Acsah to him to be his wife.’” (Source: Translation for Translators)
The account that follows (verses 16-19) is paralleled in Judges 1.11-15. The passage in Judges specifies that Kenaz, the father of Othniel, was the younger brother of Caleb.
In verse 16 it may be better to invert the order of Caleb’s promise so that it follows chronological sequence: “Whoever succeeds in capturing Kiriath Sepher can marry my daughter Achsah.” Or, since Caleb would have been addressing his men, the text may be translated, “If any one of my men is able to capture the city of Kiriath Sepher, I will let him marry my daughter Achsah.”
Verse 17 of Good News Translation is already arranged in proper sequence. However, for some languages it may seem unnecessary to mention the name of Caleb’s daughter again this soon. Good News Translation does so to avoid the possible misunderstanding that his daughter refers back to Othniel. By the inclusion of the proper name Achsah the text is immediately clear.
Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Newman, Barclay M. A Handbook on Joshua. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1983. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .
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