Mary Magdalene

The term that is transliterated as “Mary Magdalene” in English is translated in American Sign Language with a sign signifying 7 demons having gone out, referring to Luke 8:2. (Source: RuthAnna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


“Mary Magdalene” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor

complete verse (Mark 15:47)

Following are a number of back-translations of Mark 15:47:

  • Uma: “Maria Magdalena and Maria the mother of Yoses noted where Yesus’ body was put.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “Mariyam, the woman from Magdala, and Mariyam the mother of Joses were there watching, and they saw where Isa was buried.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph, they saw where the body of Jesus was placed.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “Maria Magdalena and Maria the mother of Jose were also there seeing the burial (lit. placing-inside) of Jesus.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “Maria Magdalena and Maria the mother of Jose were watching. Therefore they knew where Jesus was buried. already rolled away.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)

Translation commentary on Mark 15:47

Exegesis:

etheōroun (cf. 3.11) ‘they were observing,’ ‘they were watching.’

pou (cf. 14.12) ‘where.’

tetheitai ‘he has been placed,’ ‘he has been put.’

Translation:

Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses may be translated as ‘Mary who was from Magdala town and Mary who was Joses’ mother.’

He was laid, if changed into an active form, may be translated as ‘they put him’ (or ‘the body’).

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on the Gospel of Mark. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1961. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .