Levite

The Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic and Latin that is transliterated “Levites” in English (only the Contemporary English Version translates it as “temple helpers”) is translated in Ojitlán Chinantec as “temple caretakers,” Yatzachi Zapotec as “people born in the family line of Levi, people whose responsibility it was to do the work in the important church of the Israelites,” in Alekano as “servants in the sacrifice house from Jerusalem place,” and in Tenango Otomi as “helpers of priests.” (Source: M. Larson / B. Moore in Notes on Translation February 1970, p. 1-125.)

In American Sign Language with a sign that combines “temple” + “servant.” (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


“Levite” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor

For the sign in Spanish Sign Language, see Levi.

More information about Levites .

Aaron

The name that is transliterated as “Aaron” in English means “light,” “a mountain of strength” “to be high.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

In Catalan Sign Language and Spanish Sign Language it is translated as “stones on chest plate” (according to Exodus 28:15-30) (Source: John Elwode in The Bible Translator 2008, p. 78ff. )


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

In Colombian Sign Language, Honduras Sign Language, and American Sign Language, the chest plate is outlined (in ASL it is outlined using the letter “A”):


“Aaron” in ASL (source )

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 Moses, more information on Aaron , and this lectionary in The Christian Century .

complete verse (1 Chronicles 1:54)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Chronicles 1:54:

  • Kupsabiny: “Magdiel, and Iram.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “These were the leaders of Edom.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Magdiel, and Iram.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Magdiel, and Iram.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 1 Chronicles 1:54

Magdi-el is mentioned by the Christian historian Eusebius in the early fourth century A.D. as a place name, so some interpreters regard this as a place name rather than a person’s name.

Iram: Nothing more is known regarding this chief.

These are the chiefs of Edom: Good News Translation leaves out the repetition of this information given in verse 51. But in languages where such repetition is not considered unnatural, this statement may be retained in translation. The Hebrew has no verb in this clause. A better translation may be “these were the chiefs of Edom” (similarly Knoppers).

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Chronicles, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2014. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

SIL Translator’s Notes on 1 Chronicles 1:54

1:54a Magdiel, and Iram.

⌊clan leader⌋ Magdiel, and ⌊clan leader⌋ Iram.
-or-
Magdiel, and Iram.

1:54b These were the chiefs of Edom.

All of these were the leaders of families of Edom.
-or-
These ⌊men just listed⌋ were the clan leaders of ⌊the people of⌋ Edom.

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