high priest

The Greek and Hebrew that is translated as “high priest” in English is translated as “the ruler of the priests of our nation” in Yatzachi Zapotec, as “very great priest” in Chol (source: M. Larson / B. Moore in Notes on Translation February 1970, p. 1-125.), as “first over the priests” in Ayutla Mixtec, and “chief of the priests” in Desano (source for this and one above: Viola Waterhouse in Notes on Translation August 1966, p. 86ff.).

In Uma it is translated as “Big Priest,” in Western Bukidnon Manobo as “high sacrificer,” and in Tagbanwa as “Most-important Priest of God.” (See here.)

See also priest and chief priest.

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)

Translation commentary on 1 Maccabees 10:32

I release also my control of the citadel in Jerusalem and give it to the high priest: In verse 6 Demetrius ordered the Syrian soldiers in the Jerusalem fort to hand over the hostages they were holding, but did not order the soldiers themselves to leave. Here he does so. This is a major concession on the king’s part. It is interesting that he refers only to the high priest, not to Jonathan by name. Alternative models are “I am also giving up control of the Jerusalem fort, and placing it under the authority of the High Priest” and “The high priest will take over from me the control of the Jerusalem fortress” (Contemporary English Version).

That he may station in it men of his own choice to guard it: Good News Bible provides a good model here. Another possible model is “he may choose men [or, soldiers] of his own to guard it.”

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Maccabees. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.