Reuben

The Hebrew that is transliterated as “Reuben” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with the sign for “head” or “leader” referring to the position he had among his brothers as the firstborn. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Reuben” 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 .

More information on Reuben (son of Jacob) and the Tribe of Reuben .

complete verse (Numbers 10:18)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Numbers 10:18:

  • Kupsabiny: “The clan of Reuben followed with their flag. And the one who was in charge of that community was Elizur son of Shedeur.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “After that the forces of the camp of Reuben moved on, holding their banner. Their leader was Elizur, son of Shedeur.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “The next group who traveled bringing their banner was the group under-the-leadership of the tribe of Reuben. The leader/[lit. head] of the tribe of Reuben was Elizur the child of Shedeur.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “The group from the tribe of Reuben went next, carrying their flag. Elizur, the son of Shedeur, was their leader.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Numbers 10:18 -10:20

Good News Translation is correct in beginning a new paragraph at verse 18. This paragraph is not related to verse 17 any more than verses 14-16.

And the standard of the camp of Reuben set out by their companies …: The instructions concerning the camp of Reuben in 2.10-16 (see the comments there) are carried out in verses 18-20. For the standard of the camp … set out by their companies, see verse 14. The camp of Reuben included the tribes of Reuben, Simeon and Gad, which camped on the south side of the Tabernacle (2.10). Since the verb set out refers to repetitive action, Good News Translation says “would start out.” According to 2.16, they were to set out “second.” Although this idea is not repeated here, Good News Translation makes it explicit at the beginning of this paragraph with the word “Next.” In many languages such a word will make the translation more natural as well as clear.

And over their host was Elizur the son of Shedeur: See 1.5 and 2.10. For host see verse 14.

And over the host of the tribe of the men of Simeon was Shelumi-el the son of Zurishaddai: See 1.6 and 2.12.

And over the host of the tribe of the men of Gad was Eliasaph the son of Deuel: See 1.14 and 2.14.

Quoted with permission from de Regt, Lénart J. and Wendland, Ernst R. A Handbook on Numbers. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2016. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .