Pharaoh

The term that is used for monarchs in ancient Egypt and is transliterated as “Pharaoh” in English is translated in Finnish Sign Language with the sign signifying the “fake metal beard (postiche)” that was word by Pharaohs during official functions. (Source: Tarja Sandholm)


“Pharaoh” in Finnish Sign Language (source )

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 Jeremiah 37:5

Pharaoh is Hophra (588-569 B.C.), mentioned by name in 44.30. Pharaoh is actually a title for the ruler of Egypt, and translators can say “the Pharaoh” or “the king of Egypt.” The date he brought his army out of Egypt to attack the Babylonians was probably the spring or summer of 588 B.C. The Good News Translation phrase “crossed the Egyptian border” expresses out of Egypt clearly.

The Chaldeans are the Babylonians (see 21.4).

Besieging means to surround a city and attack it (see 32.2).

They withdrew from Jerusalem ties this event to that of verses 11-15, with verses 6-10 providing the LORD’s comment on the event.

Note that Good News Translation has restructured this verse in a way that will be more natural in English, and in many other languages as well.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on Jeremiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2003. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .