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 6:26

And behold, today they have encamped against the citadel in Jerusalem to take it: The renegade Jews are not saying that the action in Jerusalem began that day, but rather that the siege was going on as they spoke. New English Bible renders And behold, today as “At this very moment,” which is good. For this whole clause we could say “At this very moment they are surrounding the fort in Jerusalem and are planning to take [or, capture] it.”

They have fortified both the sanctuary and Beth-zur: See 1Macc 4.60-61. Good News Bible‘s model is helpful.

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.