Timothy

The term that is transliterated as “Timothy” in English is translated in American Sign Language with a sign that combines the signs for the letter T and “young,” referring to 1 Timothy 4:12 et al. (Source: RuthAnna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


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

In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with the sign for “sent,” referring to the many times Timothy was sent to different places (Acts 19:22, 1 Corinthians 4:17, Philippians 2:19, 1 Thessalonians 3:2). Source: Steve Parkhurst)


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

complete verse (Romans 16:21)

Following are a number of back-translations of Romans 16:21:

  • Uma: “Timotius, my fellow worker here, sends his greeting to you. Thus also Lukius, Yason and Sosipater, all who are my fellow Jews.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “Timoteo, my companion working for God sends word that he remembers you. And Lukiyus and Jason and Sosipater my fellow Yahudi, send word also that they remember you.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “As for Timothy, my companion in spreading the word of God, he sends greetings to you and also do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my fellow Jews.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “Timoteo who is working-with me sends-you -greetings, so also my fellow Jews Lucius and Jason and Sosipater.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tenango Otomi: “Now my fellow worker, Timothy, greets you. And Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow countrymen, all three of them greet you.” (Source: Tenango Otomi Back Translation)

Translation commentary on Romans 16:21

Timothy was evidently with Paul when he wrote this letter; he is mentioned in a number of Paul’s letters and in several places in the book of Acts (see especially Acts 16.1-3). Nothing definite is known about the other persons mentioned. There is a Lucius mentioned in Acts 13; a Jason is mentioned in Acts 17.5-9; and a Sopater (not Sosipater) is mentioned in Acts 20.4.

Paul evidently dictated this letter as he did other of his letters (see 1 Corinthians 16.21; Galatians 6.11; Colossians 4.18; and 2 Thessalonians 3.17).

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to the Romans. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1973. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .