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 2 Samuel 5:5

Many languages may require the same kind of restructuring as found in Good News Translation, where the verb phrase he reigned or “he ruled” comes before the location of his capital, At Hebron and at Jerusalem.

Six months: as in 2.11 it may be better in some languages to say “half a year,” as has been done by Good News Translation, Biblia Dios Habla Hoy, and Contemporary English Version.

And at Jerusalem …: it will be important in some languages to clarify the fact that the thirty-three years in Jerusalem were in addition to the seven and a half years in Hebron. This may mean introducing the second part of the verse with words like “after that” instead of simply saying “and.”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .