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 Maccabees 14:33

He fortified the cities of Judea, and Beth-zur on the borders of Judea: See 1Macc 13.33. For He fortified the cities of Judea, it may be helpful to specify what this involved as Contemporary English Version does with “He put up strong walls and towers in the towns of Judea.” The phrase and Beth-zur on the borders of Judea shows that this town was especially important, so Good News Bible is correct to say “and especially Bethzur on the border.” We may also say “and especially Bethzur, near the southern border.”

Where formerly the arms of the enemy had been stored may be rendered “where the enemy used to store weapons” (Contemporary English Version).

And he placed there a garrison of Jews: See 1Macc 11.65-66. Instead of a garrison of Jews, Good News Bible says “a detachment of soldiers.” The fact that these soldiers were Jews may be left implied. We could say “a detachment of Judean [or, Jewish] soldiers.”

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.