The name that is transliterated as “Nazareth” in English is translated in Hungarian Sign Language with a sign that refers to blossoming and spring: it depicts the growth of young shoots. The word Nazareth is derived from the Hebrew word netzer, which means bud, blossom, sprout, or shoot. This linguistic connection is particularly significant for Messianic prophecies, such as in the Book of Isaiah: A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch (netzer) will bear fruit (Isaiah 11:1). Thus, the sign in sign language does not only identify a city, but also visually connects Nazareth with the prophetic title of Jesus. The translation highlights that the sign in sign language is essentially a visual exegesis: with a single motion, it teaches the profound etymological connection between the name of the city and the promise of the Savior. The sign is more than just a word, a label; it is simultaneously a commentary, an interpretation. (Source: Jenjelvi Biblia and HSL Bible Translation Group)
The Greek that is translated as “Pentecost” in English is translated in Huichol as “festival of the 7th week” It was rendered thus because the name of Pentecost would be equated with a sect only, and a harvest festival in late May would strain credibility. (Source: Viola Waterhouse in Notes on Translation August 1966, p. 86ff.)
In Hungarian Sign Language it is translated with a sign that refers to the fire of the Holy Spirit. (Source: Jenjelvi Biblia and HSL Bible Translation Group)
In the German New Testament translation by Berger / Nord (publ. 1999) it is translated as “the fiftieth day after Passover, on the Jewish Pentecost” (in Acts 2:1).
In Huichol, it is translated as “festival of the 7th week,” “because the name of ‘Pentecost’ would be equated only with [Pentecostal Christians], and a harvest festival in late May would strain credibility.” (Source: Viola Waterhouse in Notes on Translation August 1966, p. 86ff.)
The Aramaic, Hebrew, Latin, Ge’ez, and Greek that is translated as “fast” in English is translated in Isthmus Mixe as “going without food to worship God,” in Lacandon as “leaving eating in order to talk to God” (source: B. Moore / G. Turner in Notes on Translation 1967, p. 1ff.), in Vidunda as “resting to eat” (source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext), and in Kankanaey as “endure hunger” (source: Kankanaey Back Translation).
In Hungarian Sign Language it is translated with a sign referring to abstinence from food and drink. (Source: Jenjelvi Biblia and HSL Bible Translation Group)
The term that is transliterated as “Matthew” in English means “gift of the Lord.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 ).
It is translated in American Sign Language with a sign that combines the sign “M” with the sign for tax, referring to Matthew 9:9. This sign was adopted from Kenyan Sign Language. (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)
“Matthew” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor
In Hungarian Sign Language it is translated with a sign that means “Gift of God” (see above). This meaning is highly symbolic, representing the grace Matthew received when he was called to follow Jesus. As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. (Source: Jenjelvi Biblia and HSL Bible Translation Group)
The Hebrew and Latin that is transliterated as “Micah” in English is translated in Hungarian Sign Language 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)
“Micah” in Hungarian Sign Language — note that only the first part refers to “Micah,” the second and third parts refer to “prophet” and “book” (source )
In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with the sign for “humility” or “obey,” referring to Micah 6:8. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
The Hebrew and Latin that is transliterated as “Nahum” in English is translated in Hungarian Sign Language with a sign that is derived from the meaning of his name and refers to divine comfort. The name Nahum means “comforter,” “comforted,” or “consolation.” The name originates from the fuller form Nahumyah, which means “Yahweh consoles or comforts.” (Source: Jenjelvi Biblia and HSL Bible Translation Group)
“Nahum” in Hungarian Sign Language — note that only the first part refers to “Nahum,” the second and third parts refer to “prophet” and “book” (source )
In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with a sign depicting “punish a place,” especially referring to Nahum 1 and 3. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
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)
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.
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)
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 HSL Bible Translation Group)
“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 )
