The term that is transliterated as “Matthew” in English means “gift of the Lord.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 ).

It is translated in American Sign Language with a sign that combines the sign “M” with the sign for tax, referring to Matthew 9:9. This sign was adopted from Kenyan Sign Language. (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)

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

In Hungarian Sign Language it is translated with a sign that means “Gift of God” (see above). This meaning is highly symbolic, representing the grace Matthew received when he was called to follow Jesus. As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. (Source: Jenjelvi Biblia and HSL Bible Translation Group)

“Matthew” in Hungarian Sign Language (source )

See also tax collector.

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: The Apostle Matthew .