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 23:24)

Following are a number of back-translations of Luke 23:24:

  • Noongar: “So Pilate spoke the word of death for Jesus, the thing they wanted.” (Source: Warda-Kwabba Luke-Ang)
  • Uma: “Pilatus agreed that Yesus be condemned to death, following their request.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “Therefore Pilatus felled the judgment that their wish should be followed.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “and he permitted that Jesus be nailed to a cross.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “and he agreed to what they wanted.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “That’s why Pilato decided to just go along with the will of those people.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)

Translation commentary on Luke 23:24

Exegesis:

kai Pilatos epekrinen genesthai to aitēma autōn ‘and (consequently) Pilate decided that their request, i.e. what they requested, should be done.’

epikrinō ‘to decide,’ ‘to determine,’ not a specific judicial term.

aitēma ‘request,’ here referring to the content of the request.

Translation:

Gave sentence, or, ‘pronounced/passed sentence.’

That their demand should be granted, or, ‘that he (i.e. Pilate) would do what they asked for,’ ‘to comply with their request’ (Balinese, Tae’).

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.