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.

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 3:34

And he turned over to Lysias half of his troops and the elephants: Antiochus turns over to Lysias his elephants (perhaps all of them) and half of his troops. The Revised Standard Version footnote here indicates that the Greek has the pronoun “him” rather than the name Lysias. Using the name makes the narrative clearer. For elephants see the comments on 1Macc 1.17. Translators may continue to use direct speech here by following the model for the previous verse; for example, “I am also putting you in charge of half of my soldiers and all of my elephants.”

And gave him orders about all that he wanted done: Good News Bible renders orders as “detailed instructions.” The adjective “detailed” is not in the text nor especially necessary, but it does sound natural in English. Another possible model for this whole clause is “and told him everything he wanted him to do.”

As for the residents of Judea and Jerusalem: Good News Bible adds this phrase to the previous sentence rather than beginning a new sentence with it by saying “and in particular, what he wanted done with the inhabitants of Judea and Jerusalem.” Good News Bible‘s rendering is effective. It adds a threatening note. But translators may also say “especially concerning the people living in Judea and Jerusalem.”

An alternative model for this verse is:

• I am also putting you in charge of half of my soldiers as well as my elephants.” Then Antiochus told Lysias everything he wanted him to do, especially concerning the people living in Judea and Jerusalem.

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.