Language-specific Insights

Enoch

The name that is transliterated as “Enoch” in English is translated in Finnish Sign Language with the sign signifying “taken away” (referring to Genesis 5:24). (Source: Tarja Sandholm)


“Enoch” in Finnish Sign Language (source )

In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with the sign for “disappear.” (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


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

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: Enoch .

Thomas

The name that is transliterated as “Thomas” in English is translated in Finnish Sign Language with the sign signifying “doubt” (referring to John 20:25). (Source: Tarja Sandholm)


“Thomas” in Finnish Sign Language (source )

In German Sign Language it is a sign that points fingers to the side of the body, referring to John 20:27.


“Thomas” in German Sign Language (source: Taub und katholisch )

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

See also The Confession of Thomas (icon) and Thomas with the risen Christ (image).

Martha

The name that is transliterated as “Martha” in English is translated in Finnish Sign Language with the sign signifying “hostess” (referring to Luke 10:40). (Source: Tarja Sandholm)


“Martha” in Finnish Sign Language (source )

In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with the signs for “woman” and “clean.” (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


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

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

See also Mary (of Bethany) and more on Bible Odyssey: Mary and Martha .

Zacchaeus

The name that is transliterated as “Zacchaeus” in English is translated in Finnish Sign Language with the sign signifying “short” (referring to Luke 19:3). (Source: Tarja Sandholm)


“Zacchaeus” in Finnish Sign Language (source )

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

See also Zacchaeus (image), So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him (image), and Goliath.

Joseph (of Nazareth)

The name that is transliterated as “Joseph” in English is translated in Finnish Sign Language with the sign signifying “woodworker” (referring to Mark 6:3). (Source: Tarja Sandholm)


“Joseph” in Finnish Sign Language (source )

In French Sign Language it is translated with a sign that combines the letter J and adoption (of Jesus):


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

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: Joseph, Husband of Mary .

Isaiah

The name that is transliterated as “Isaiah” in English is translated in Finnish Sign Language with the signs signifying “save + prophet” (referring to Genesis 2:21). (Source: Tarja Sandholm)


“Isaiah” in Finnish Sign Language (source )

In French Sign Language it is translated with a sign that depicts coals that touch Isaiah’s lips (referring to Isaiah 6:6 and 6:7):


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

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

Following is a Russian Orthodox icon of Isaiah from the 18th century (found in the Transfiguration Church, Kizhi Monastery, Karelia, Russia). The text in the scrollis from Isaiah 2:2: “In the last days […] shall be established.”

 
Orthodox Icons are not drawings or creations of imagination. They are in fact writings of things not of this world. Icons can represent our Lord Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the Saints. They can also represent the Holy Trinity, Angels, the Heavenly hosts, and even events. Orthodox icons, unlike Western pictures, change the perspective and form of the image so that it is not naturalistic. This is done so that we can look beyond appearances of the world, and instead look to the spiritual truth of the holy person or event. (Source )

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Isaiah .