Eve

The name that is transliterated as “Eve” in English means “life,” “life-giving,” “living,” “mother of all who have life.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

In Finnish Sign Language it is translated with the sign signifying “life,” reflecting the original Hebrew meaning (see also Genesis 3:20). (Source: Tarja Sandholm)


“Eve” in Finnish Sign Language (source )

In Spanish Sign Language it is a sign that combines apple/fruit + woman. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


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

In German Sign Language it is a sign that shows picking a fruit.


“Eve” in German Sign Language (source: Taub und katholisch )

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 Eve (image) and Adam.

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Eve .

Abel

The name that is transliterated in English as “Abel” means “a breath,” “vanity,” “vapor.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

In Finnish Sign Language it is translated with the sign signifying “smoke” (referring to his offering mentioned in Genesis 4:4). (Source: Tarja Sandholm)


“Abel” in Finnish Sign Language (source )

In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with a sign that signifies “good.” (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Abel” 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 Cain and Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him (image).

More information on Abel .

Elisha

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 .

Isaiah

The name that is transliterated as “Isaiah” in English means “salvation of the LORD,” “YHWH is helper.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

In Finnish Sign Language it is translated with the signs signifying “save + prophet” (referring to Genesis 2:21). (Source: Tarja Sandholm)


“Isaiah” in Finnish Sign Language (source )

In Hungarian Sign Language and French Sign Language it is translated with a sign that depicts coals that touch Isaiah’s lips (referring to Isaiah 6:6 and 6:7):


“Isaiah” in French Sign Language (source: La Bible en langue des signes française )

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 Isaiah from the 18th century (found in the Transfiguration Church, Kizhi Monastery, Karelia, Russia). The text in the scrollis from Isaiah 2:2: “In the last days […] shall be established.”

 
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 )

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Isaiah .

Joseph (of Nazareth)

The name that is transliterated as “Joseph” in English is translated in Finnish Sign Language with the sign signifying “woodworker” (referring to Mark 6:3). (Source: Tarja Sandholm)


“Joseph” in Finnish Sign Language (source )

In French Sign Language it is translated with a sign that combines the letter J and adoption (of Jesus):


“Joseph” in French Sign Language (source: La Bible en langue des signes française )

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: Joseph, Husband of Mary .

Martha

The name that is transliterated as “Martha” in English is translated in Finnish Sign Language with the sign signifying “hostess” (referring to Luke 10:40). (Source: Tarja Sandholm)


“Martha” in Finnish Sign Language (source )

In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with the signs for “woman” and “clean.” (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Martha” 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 Mary (of Bethany) and more on Bible Odyssey: Mary and Martha .