Simeon

The Hebrew and Greek that is transliterated as “Simeon” or “Simon” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with a sign that signifies “swords,” referring to the traditional Jewish symbol for the tribe. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


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

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

Levi

The Hebrew, Latin and Greek that is transliterated as “Levi” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with a sign that signifies a menorah referring to the temple service of the tribe of the Levites. The same sign is also used for the tribe. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Levi” or “Levite” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

See also Levite.

Judah, Judea

The name that is transliterated as “Judah” or “Judea” in English (referring to the son of Jacob, the tribe, and the territory) is translated in Spanish Sign Language as “lion” (referring to Genesis 49:9 and Revelation 5:5). This sign for lion is reserved for regions and kingdoms. (Source: John Elwode in The Bible Translator 2008, p. 78ff. and Steve Parkhurst)


“Judah” and “Judea” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

See also Judah.

Translation commentary on 1 Chronicles 2:1

These are the sons of Israel: The word sons is to be taken here in its literal sense. Good News Translation adds the word “twelve,” making explicit what is implied in the Hebrew and what was commonly known by the original readers. Six of the twelve sons are listed in this verse, and the remaining six in the next one.

Israel is the name used in the Masoretic Text, but Good News Translation uses the name “Jacob” rather than Israel as in 1.34, so that readers will not confuse the individual called “Israel” with the nation by the same name. The writer of 1–2 Chronicles consistently uses the name Israel rather than the name “Jacob.”

Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun: These first six sons were the sons of Jacob and Leah (Gen 35.23).

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Chronicles, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2014. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .