Jerusalem

The name that is transliterated as “Jerusalem” in English is signed in French Sign Language with a sign that depicts worshiping at the Western Wall in Jerusalem:


“Jerusalem” in French Sign Language (source: La Bible en langue des signes française )

While a similar sign is also used in British Sign Language, another, more neutral sign that combines the sign “J” and the signs for “place” is used as well. (Source: Anna Smith)


“Jerusalem” in British Sign Language (source: Christian BSL, used with permission)

Translation commentary on Zechariah 12:9

For on that day, see the comments above on this whole section.

I will seek to destroy: I is the LORD speaking again in the first person. The Revised Standard Version wording I will seek may sound as if the LORD will attempt to destroy the armies attacking Jerusalem without being sure of success. This is not the intended meaning, and the Hebrew is better translated as “I will/shall set about destroying” (New English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible), or even “I am determined to destroy.” The Hebrew word translated destroy is a strong term, and New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh renders it with the strong English term “annihilate.” Another possibility is “wipe out” (Contemporary English Version).

All the nations that come against Jerusalem refers to the same people already referred to in verses 2, 3, and 6. See the comments on those verses. Come against is expressed more clearly as “attack” (Good News Translation, New International Version, Revised English Bible).

Quoted with permission from Clark, David J. & Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Zechariah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2002. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .