Jerusalem

The name that is transliterated as “Jerusalem” in English is signed in French Sign Language with a sign that depicts worshiping at the Western Wall in Jerusalem:


“Jerusalem” in French Sign Language (source: La Bible en langue des signes française )

While a similar sign is also used in British Sign Language, another, more neutral sign that combines the sign “J” and the signs for “place” is used as well. (Source: Anna Smith)


“Jerusalem” in British Sign Language (source: Christian BSL, used with permission)

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Jerusalem .

Translation commentary on Sirach 50:27

Good News Translation reorders the four lines of this verse in this order: c, d, b, a. It is a smoothly flowing sentence that can serve as a model for many translators. Compare Good News Translation with Revised Standard Version:

Instruction in understanding and knowledge — to provide instruction and knowledge for others
I have written in this book — into writing this book
Jesus … Jerusalem — I, Jesus … Jerusalem
who out of his heart poured forth wisdom — put all my wisdom

A word must be said about the third line, which contains the names. That line is textually difficult in Greek and Hebrew. What we have in most Greek manuscripts for the middle of this line can be translated “son of Sirach Eleazar” or “son of Sirach son of Eleazar.” Some manuscripts omit “Eleazar” completely. The Hebrew only makes the picture more confusing. Translators may choose either of these two translations. Rather than give the alternative translation in a footnote, we would suggest simply saying “This line is unclear in Greek.”

Good News Translation‘s translation of this verse is rather complex, and may be broken down into two or more sentences and simplified as follows:

• My name is Jesus son of Sirach Eleazar from Jerusalem. I have used all my wisdom to write this book. It will help you learn and understand this wisdom.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Sirach. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.