Cornwall, Judson & Smith, Stelman. The Complete Dictionary of Bible Names. Newberry: Bridge-Logos Publishers, 1997.
The Greek that is transliterated as “Porcius Festus” in English means “Swinish festival.” (Source Cornwall / Smith 1997).
In Kalmyk it is transliterated as Pork Pest (Порк Пест) which means exactly what it sounds like: “swine fever.” (Source: David Clark in The Bible Translator 2013, p. 54ff. )
The name that is transliterated as “Elisha” in English means “God the Savior,” “to whom God is salvation,” “God of salvation,” “God is Savior.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )
In Finnish Sign Language it is translated with the sign signifying “help + prophet.” (Source: Tarja Sandholm)
“Elisha” in Finnish Sign Language (source )
In American Sign Language it is translated with the sign for “bald,” referring to 2 Kings 2:23. This is a sign that was adapted from Kenyan Sign Language. (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)
“Elisha” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor
In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with with the sign depicting “putting on mantel” referring to 2 Kings 2:13. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
“Elisha” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España
Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Elisha .
For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .
The Greek that is transliterated as “Jude” or “Judas” in English means “Praise of the LORD.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )
It is translated in Swiss-German Sign Language with a sign that depicts warning, referring to Jude 4.
“Jude” in Swiss-German Sign Language, source: DSGS-Lexikon biblischer Begriffe , © CGG Schweiz
In Hungarian Sign Language it is translated with the sign forming the letter ‘j’ near the heart. This also reflects the fact that this apostle was related to Jesus. (Source: Jenjelvi Biblia and HSL Bible Translation Group)
“Jude” in Hungarian Sign Language — not that only the first part refers to “Jude,” with the second part meaning “letter” (source )
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: Did Jesus Have Brothers and Sisters? .
The name that is transliterated as “Eber” in English means “he who passed over,” “the region beyond.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )
In Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) it is translated with a sign that shows him as a one of Jesus’ ancestors, linking Jesus to the lineage of the Hebrews (“Hebrews” historically was understood as coming from “Eber” ). Therefore, the sign shows “descended from the Hebrew people.” (Source: Missão Kophós )
“Eber” in Libras (source )
For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .
“Timothy” is the anglicized form of Timotheus, meaning “honoring God,” “honored of God,” “worshiping God,” “valued of God.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )
It is translated in American Sign Language with a sign that combines the signs for the letter T and “young,” referring to 1 Timothy 4:12 et al. (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)
“Timothy” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor
In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with the sign for “sent,” referring to the many times Timothy was sent to different places (Acts 19:22, 1 Corinthians 4:17, Philippians 2:19, 1 Thessalonians 3:2). Source: Steve Parkhurst)
“Timothy” 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 .
More information on Saint Timothy .
The name that is transliterated as “Areopagus” in English means “Martial peak.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )
In Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) it is translated with a sign that depicts the Acropolis and the Council (left hand), while the right hand refers to the public. The Areopagus was part of the Acropolis of Athens where important issues such as politics and culture were discussed. (Source: Missão Kophós )
“Areopagus” in Libras (source )
For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see this article in Christianity Today .
See also Dionysius.
The name that is transliterated as “Eliezer” in English means “God of (my) help.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )
In Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) it is translated with a sign that signifies God’s help and assistance (the meaning of the name). (Source: Missão Kophós )
“Eliezer” in Libras (source )
For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .
The name that is transliterated as “Arphaxad” or “Arpachshad” in English means “one that releases,” “a jar pouring forth,” “I shall fail at the breast.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )
In Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) it is translated with a sign that suggests “expansion of people.” Arphaxad is the grandson of Noah and is known for being a pioneer in the expansion of people. (Source: Missão Kophós )
“Arphaxad / Arpachshad” in Libras (source )
See also Cainan (son of Arphaxad).
For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .