Caleb

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)


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

More information on Caleb .

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

Joshua

The Hebrew, Latin, and Greek that is transliterated as “Joshua” is translated in Swiss-German Sign Language with a sign that depicts a trumpet of rams’ horn, referring to Joshua 6:4 and following.


“Joshua” in Swiss-German Sign Language, source: DSGS-Lexikon biblischer Begriffe , © CGG Schweiz

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

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Joshua .

complete verse (Numbers 14:6)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Numbers 14:6:

  • Kupsabiny: “When Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh heard those words that those who were in the group that had been sent said, they tore their clothes in despair.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Then Joshua, the son of Nun, and Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, who had gone exploring, tore their clothes” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Josue the child of Nun and Caleb the child of Jefone tore their clothes in sadness. These two went-together to spy/explore the land.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Joshua and Caleb, two of the men who had explored the land, tore their clothes because they were very dismayed.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Numbers 14:6

And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh …: This is the first time that Joshua and Caleb are mentioned together. Instead of Moses and Aaron, they as eyewitnesses among the spies stepped forward to call upon the people not to complain and rebel. For Joshua the son of Nun, see 11.28 and 13.8; for Caleb the son of Jephunneh, see 13.6.

Who were among those who had spied out the land: See 13.2.

Rent their clothes: In ancient Israelite culture people tore their clothes as a sign of mourning, anger, alarm, shock, or frustration. Some languages may need to add why Joshua and Caleb tore their clothes. They did it because they were shocked and dismayed at how the people rebelled against the LORD. Good News Translation and Contemporary English Version add “in sorrow” to indicate why they did it, and Bible en français courant adds that they were “deeply upset.”

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 .