sheep

“Sheep are known throughout most of the world, even though, as in Central Africa, they are a far cry from the fleecy wool-producing animals of colder climates. Where such animals are known, even by seemingly strange names, e.g. ‘cotton deer’ (Yucateco) or ‘woolly goat’ (Inupiaq), such names should be used. In some instances, one may wish to borrow a name and use a classifier, e.g. ‘an animal called sheep’. In still other instances translators have used ‘animal which produces wool’, for though people are not acquainted with the animals they are familiar with wool.” (Source: Bratcher / Nida)

In Dëne Súline, it is usually translated as “an evil little caribou.” To avoid the negative connotation, a loan word from the neighboring South Slavey was used. (Source: NCAM, p. 70)

Note that the often-alleged Inuktitut translation of “sheep” with “seal” is an urban myth (source Nida 1947, p. 136).

See also lamb.

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 2 Chronicles 14:15

And they smote the tents of those who had cattle: And is literally “And also.” Revised Standard Version does not translate the Hebrew word for “also,” although nearly all modern versions do, including New Revised Standard Version. The pronoun they refers to the soldiers of Judah, which New Century Version makes explicit by saying “Asa’s army.” For the verb smote, see the comments on 1 Chr 13.10. The tents of those who had cattle is literally “the tents of cattle.” The meaning of the Hebrew for this phrase is uncertain. Many understand it to mean “the tents of those who had cattle.” For this whole clause New Revised Standard Version says “They also attacked the tents of those who had livestock,” and Revised English Bible has “They also killed the herdsmen.” Similar translations include “They attacked also the tents of the cattle-herders” (New American Bible) and “They also routed the cattle-owners” (New Jerusalem Bible). In any case, these people who were attacked were civilians and not part of Zerah’s army.

And carried away sheep in abundance and camels: Carried away should not be understood in the sense of literally carrying the animals in question. Rather, it means that they “captured” these animals and took them away with them when they left. Other translations use verbs such as “took” (Contemporary English Version) and “seized” (Revised English Bible). New Revised Standard Version, Contemporary English Version, and La Bible du Semeur render sheep as “sheep and goats” since the Hebrew word here refers to small livestock in general (see the comments on 1 Chr 4.39, where it is rendered “flocks”). For camels see 1 Chr 5.21.

An alternative model for this verse is:

• Asa’s army also attacked the camps of some herdsmen, and they took with them many sheep and goats as well as some camels. Then they returned to the city of Jerusalem.

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 .