Pilate

The name that is transliterated as “Pilate” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language (as well as in French Sign Language) with the sign signifying the washing of hands (referring to Matthew 27:24). (Source: John Elwode in The Bible Translator 2008, p. 78ff.)


“Pilate” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

In American Sign Language it is translated with the sign for “government/governor” plus the sign for “P” with a circular movement. The reference to government indicates Pilate’s position of authority in the Roman Empire. (Source: RuthAnna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


“Pilate” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor

complete verse (Luke 23:6)

Following are a number of back-translations of Luke 23:6:

  • Noongar: “Hearing this, Pilate asked, ‘This one’s a Galilean, is he?'” (Source: Warda-Kwabba Luke-Ang)
  • Uma: “When Pilatus heard that, he asked: ‘Is he a Galilea person?'” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “When Pilatus heard this, he said, ‘Is this person from Jalil?'” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “And when Pilate heard this, he asked, ‘Is this man from Galilee?'” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “When Pilato heard this, he inquired whether Jesus was from-Galilea.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “When Pilato heard, ‘Oh,’ he said, ‘is he a taga Galilea?'” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)

Translation commentary on Luke 23:6

Exegesis:

Pilatos de akousas ‘when Pilate heard (this),’ i.e. that Jesus originally came from Galilee.

epērōtēsen ei ho anthrōpos Galilaios estin ‘he asked (the accusers) whether the man was a Galilean.’ ho anthrōpos may have here a depreciatory sense but this is not necessary.

Translation:

Whether the man was a Galilean, often better in direct discourse, ‘Is this man a Galilean?’ Cf. also on 22.59.

Quoted with permission from Reiling, J. and Swellengrebel, J.L. A Handbook on the Gospel of Luke. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1971. For this and other handbooks for translators see here . Make sure to also consult the Handbook on the Gospel of Mark for parallel or similar verses.