Language-specific Insights

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. 1:26 – 1:28. (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 HSL Bible Translation Group)


“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 .

Manasseh

The name that is transliterated as “Manasseh” in English means “one who causes to forget,” “forgetting,” “forgetfulness,” “causing forgetfulness.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

It is translated in Spanish Sign Language with the sign for “bull” referring to Deuteronomy 33:17. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


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

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Manasseh .

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

Joel

The Hebrew, Latin, and Greek that is transliterated as “Joel” in English means “LORD of God,” “the LORD is God,” “the LORD is might.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

In Spanish Sign Language it is translated in two different ways. The first is with a sign depicting “Pentecost flame,” referring to Peter’s speech on Pentecost in which he quotes Joel in Acts 2:16 and following. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


First translation of “Joel” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

The second is with a sign for “grasshopper,” referring to Joel 1:4 and Joel 2:25.


Second translation of “Joel” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

See also locust (different kinds in Joel 1:4 and 2:25).

In Swiss-German Sign Language it is translated with a sign that depicts to tear ones’ heart, referring to Joel 2:13.


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

In Hungarian Sign Language it is translated with a sign that refers to the fact that God’s message, through the prophet, was perceived and proclaimed in the widest possible scope (see Joel 2:28). (Source: Jenjelvi Biblia and HSL Bible Translation Group)


“Joel” in Hungarian Sign Language — note that only the first part refers to “Joel,” 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 on Joel (prophet) .

Saul

The name that is transliterated as “Saul” in English means “asked for,” “demanded,” “required.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

It is translated in Spanish Sign Language with the sign that depicts “sword in chest” (referring to 1 Samuel 31:4 and 1 Chronicles 10:4) and also “self-centered.” (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Saul” 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 .

Click or tap here to see a short video clip about King Saul (source: Bible Lands 2012)

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Saul .

Capernaum

The name that is transliterated as “Capernaum” in English means “city of consolation.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

In Spanish Sign Language it is translated as “town base camp” (referring to information about Capernaum being Jesus’ home base during his ministry in Matthew 4:13 and Mark 2:1) (Source: John Elwode in The Bible Translator 2008, p. 78ff. )


“Capernaum” 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 Capernaum and the house.

Click or tap here to see a short video clip about Capernaum (source: Bible Lands 2012)

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Capernaum .

Baal

The Hebrew, Ge’ez, and Greek that is typically transliterated as “Baal” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with the sign for “idol.” (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


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

In the English translation by Goldingay (2018) it is translated as Master.

See also my Baal and Asherah.

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Baal .

Amos

The Hebrew and Latin that is transliterated as “Amos” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with the sign for “renovate / renew,” particularly referring to Amos 9:11. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


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

In Swiss-German Sign Language it is translated with the sign that depicts Amos’ move from the Southern Kingdom of Judah into the Northern Kingdom of Israel to prophesy against it.


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

In Hungarian Sign Language it is translated with a sign reflecting the meaning and significance of the Hebrew name: burden-bearer or one who carries a load. While the biblical text does not explicitly define the name, its meaning indirectly alludes to the prophet’s ministry, as he proclaimed heavy judgments (burdens) against Israel. “I will crush you as a cart crushes, when loaded with grain.” (Amos 2:13). (Source: Jenjelvi Biblia and HSL Bible Translation Group)


“Amos” in Hungarian Sign Language — note that only the first part refers to “Amos,” 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 .

Following is a Russian Orthodox icon of Amos from the 18th century (found in the Transfiguration Church, Kizhi Monastery, Karelia, Russia). The words on the scroll are extracted from Isaiah 13:6: “For the day of the Lord is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty!”

 
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 )

More information on Amos (prophet) .