The Hebrew and Greek that is transliterated as “Ruth” in English means “beauty,” “something worth seeing,” “friendship,” “trembling,” “satisfied.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )
In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with the sign for “respect” referring to the respect that she shows for the mother-in-law as shown in Ruth 1:16. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
In Hungarian Sign Language it is translated with a sign that refers to “woman” and “progress” (the perspective of future). It signifies that Ruth did not return to her people but stayed with her mother-in-law, Naomi, because she was bound to her by deep love, loyalty, and commitment, even after the death of her husband (Naomi’s son). (Source: Jenjelvi Biblia and HSL Bible Translation Group)
“Ruth” in Hungarian Sign Language — note that only the first part refers to “Ruth,” the second part refers to “book” (source )
The Hebrew and Latin that is transliterated as “Zephaniah” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with a sign that depicts “blessing on a place.” This refers to the blessing of Zephaniah 3:14 and following. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
In Hungarian Sign Language it is translated with a sign that is a one-handed version of the two-handed sign for “explaining”; it refers to the firm mediation of God’s will, which the prophet proclaims and explains to the people. This sign faithfully reflects the prophetic ministry of Zephaniah, who proclaimed the Day of the Lord (see Zephaniah 1:14) with strict firmness, while providing a clear explanation of the people’s sins and future hope. The “explaining” motion within the sign emphasizes the teaching and mediating role through which the prophet made the divine message intelligible to his contemporaries. (Source: Jenjelvi Biblia and HSL Bible Translation Group)
“Zephaniah” in Hungarian Sign Language — note that only the first part refers to “Zephaniah,” the second and third parts refer to “prophet” and “book” (source )
The Hebrew and Latin that is transliterated as “Malachi” in English means “angel or messenger of the Lord,” “my messenger.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )
It is translated in Spanish Sign Language with the sign for “offering” referring to Malachi 3:8 and following. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
In Hungarian Sign Language it is translated with a sign that refers to an address — a firm reminder to the people of what God’s will is. Since the Hebrew name Malachi means “my messenger” or “my envoy,” the sign in sign language refers to an address, as the prophet is God’s spokesperson who conveys his message. (Source: Jenjelvi Biblia and HSL Bible Translation Group)
“Malachi” in Hungarian Sign Language — note that only the first part refers to “Malachi,” the second and third parts refer to “prophet” and “book” (source )
The Greek that is typically translated as “Zealot” in English is translated in Noongar as Mammarap Karni Judea-kang or “True Man of Judea.” (Source: Warda-Kwabba Luke-Ang)
In Hungarian Sign Language it is translated with a sign that refers to party-like group resistance and revolutionism. This sign language expression reflects the historical role of the Zealots, who were proponents of radical, often armed resistance against the Roman occupation in ancient Judea. Thus, the sign does not only identify a name but also visualizes a political-religious attitude. This example again highlights the condensing power of sign language: with a single motion, it is capable of evoking the tension of an entire historical era and the uncompromising, radical enthusiasm and determination of the Zealots. (Source: Jenjelvi Biblia and HSL Bible Translation Group)
The Hebrew, Latin, and Greek that is transliterated as “Zechariah” or “Zachariah” means “whom YHWH remembers,” “remember God.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )
In Hungarian Sign Language it is translated with a sign that is based on calling attention to God’s will and encouraging the building of the temple (see Zechariah 4:99. This sign clearly distinguishes the prophet from the previously mentioned New Testament Zechariah (the father of John the Baptist). While the latter’s sign refers to muteness, the prophet’s sign captures his active theological and historical role — the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem and spiritual awakening. This distinction highlights the precision of biblical sign language: they do not merely denote names, but encode the person’s significance in salvation history within the signs themselves, thereby aiding believers in identification and scriptural interpretation. (Source: Jenjelvi Biblia and HSL Bible Translation Group)
“Zechariah” in Hungarian Sign Language — note that only the first part refers to “Zechariah,” the second part refers to “book” (source )
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 )
The Hebrew and Greek that is transliterated as “Job” in English means “the persecuted,” “hated,” “one ever returning to God,” “he that weeps,” “a desert.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )
In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with a sign for “patience,” referring to James 5:11 and many other passages within the book of Job. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
The Hebrew, Greek and Latin that is transliterated as “Haggai” in English means “festival of the LORD,” “born of a festival day,” “my solemn feast.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )
In Swiss-German Sign Language it is translated with a sign that depicts the prophet pointing to God as his message to the people in Jerusalem.
In Hungarian Sign Language it is translated with a sign that suggests that the prophet directly interprets the word of God to the people. (Source: Jenjelvi Biblia and HSL Bible Translation Group)
“Haggai” in Hungarian Sign Language — note that only the first part refers to “Haggai,” the second and third parts refer to “prophet” and “book” (source )
