justice

The Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic and Latin that is translated as “justice” in English is translated in American Sign Language with a sign that describes the quality or principle of fairness, righteousness, and impartiality in treating other people. A literal back-translation of the signs are “FOLLOW(God is implied) ACTIONS, DECISIONS JUST-RIGHT”. A more idiomatic back-translation would be: “actions and decisions are right/fitting/just in accordance to God’s will.” The movement in the signs itself helps to indicate that this is a noun, not a verb. (Source: RuthAnna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


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

Translation commentary on Psalm 140:12 - 140:13

The psalm closes with a statement of trust and confidence: Yahweh protects the poor and needy, and those who obey him will enjoy fullness of life.

The language of verse 12 is familiar: for maintains the cause see 9.4. Line b has no separate verb; the verb in line a carries over into line b (see Good News Translation “and the rights of the needy”). “The rights” translates the word usually represented by justice (see “judgment” and comments, 7.6). For the two synonymous words the afflicted and the needy, see 9.12; 35.10. Good News Translation uses the second person of direct address in verse 12, to make it consistent with verse 13.

In verse 13a Good News Translation “you” represents “your name” (see 5.11); the two terms the righteous and the upright are synonymous, describing those who are faithful to Yahweh and always obey his commands.

For dwell in thy presence, see similar language in 11.7; 16.11; 31.20. The thought may be of the care and protection of God in this life, or else of life after death (so Dahood).

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Reyburn, William D. A Handbook on the Book of Psalms. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1991. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .