Language-specific Insights

Habakkuk

The Hebrew, Greek, and Latin that is transliterated as “Habakkuk” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with a sign for “dialog,” referring to the dialog between Habakkuk and God in chapters 1 and 2. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


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

In Swiss-German Sign Language it is translated with the sign for “why” because Habakkuk asked many questions of God.


“Habakkuk” in Swiss-German Sign Language, source: DSGS-Lexikon biblischer Begriffe , © CGG Schweiz

In Hungarian Sign Language it is translated with a sign referring to direct communication with God; the hand shape is the same as the one used for the sign for complaint. Here, it is directed toward God, as if the prophet were lodging a complaint with him (see Habakkuk 1:2ff.) (Source: Jenjelvi Biblia and Andrea Bokros)


“Habakkuk” in Hungarian Sign Language — note that only the first part refers to “Habakkuk,” the second and third parts refer to “prophet” and “book” (source )

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

More information about Habakkuk .

Zephaniah

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)


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

The Swiss-German Sign Language translation refers to the same passage with a sign for “good news.”


“Zephaniah” in Swiss-German Sign Language, source: DSGS-Lexikon biblischer Begriffe , © CGG Schweiz

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

More information on Zephaniah .

Ezekiel

The Hebrew and Greek that is transliterated as “Ezekiel” in English means “strength of God,” “whom God will strengthen,” “God is strong,” “the man God strengthens.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with the sign for “vision,” referring to the vision in Ezekiel 1, esp. 1:261:28. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


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

In Hungarian Sign Language it is translated with a sign that originates from the sign for “will” — the prophet Ezekiel represents the will of God as shown in Ezekiel 36:3 that says “prophesy and say: Thus says the Lord GOD.” (Source: Jenjelvi Biblia and Andrea Bokros)


“Ezekiel” in Hungarian Sign Language — note that only the first part refers to “Ezekiel,” the second and third parts refer to “prophet” and “book” (source )

In Swiss-German Sign Language it is translated with a sign that depicts Ezekiel receiving an image from God that he passes on.


“Ezekiel” in Swiss-German Sign Language, source: DSGS-Lexikon biblischer Begriffe , © CGG Schweiz

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 Ezekiel’s vision of the chariot (image).

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Ezekiel .

Malachi

The Hebrew and Latin that is transliterated as “Malachi” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with the sign for “offering” referring to Malachi 3:8 and following. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


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

In Swiss-German Sign Language it is translated with a sign that shows that the book of Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament.


“Malachi” in Swiss-German Sign Language, source: DSGS-Lexikon biblischer Begriffe , © CGG Schweiz

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

More information on Malachi .

Ruth

The Hebrew that is transliterated as “Ruth” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language 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)


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

In Swiss-German Sign Language it is translated with a sign that depicts Ruth collecting ears of grain, referring to Ruth 2:2 and following.


“Ruth” in Swiss-German Sign Language, source: DSGS-Lexikon biblischer Begriffe , © CGG Schweiz

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Ruth .

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