The Hebrew, Latin, and Greek that is transliterated as “Ezra” in English is translated in Hungarian Sign Language with a sign that is based on the meaning of the Hebrew name: “help”. The prophet assisted his people in returning to God. The sign for his name uses the handshape of the sign for “back,” but its direction points upward, toward God. (Source: Jenjelvi Biblia and HSL Bible Translation Group)
“Ezra” in Hungarian Sign Language — note that only the first part refers to “Ezra,” the second part refers to “book” (source )
In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with the sign for “scribe” referring to Ezra’s profession. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
The Hebrew and Greek that is transliterated as “Issachar” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with a sign that signifies “donkey” referring to Genesis 49:14. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
The term that is transliterated as “Ishmael” in English is translated in American Sign Language with the sign for the letter I and the sign signifying “stubborn” (also similar to “donkey”), referring to Genesis 16:12. (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)
“Ishmael” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor
In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with a sign that depicts shooting bow and arrow, referring to the fact that Ishmael was skilled with his bow (see Genesis 21:20). (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
The Hebrew and Greek that is transliterated as “Rehoboam” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with the signs for “king” + “divide” + “south.” (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
The name that is transliterated as “Judah” or “Judea” in English (referring to the son of Jacob, the tribe, and the territory) is translated in Spanish Sign Language as “lion” (referring to Genesis 49:9 and Revelation 5:5). This sign for lion is reserved for regions and kingdoms. (Source: John Elwode in The Bible Translator 2008, p. 78ff. and Steve Parkhurst)
The name that is transliterated as “Mordecai” in English means “little man,” “bitter bruising,” “bitterly reduced,” “bitterness of my oppression.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )
It is translated in Spanish Sign Language with a sign depicting the tearing of clothes, referring to Esther 4:1. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
