Jerusalem

The name that is transliterated as “Jerusalem” in English is signed in French Sign Language with a sign that depicts worshiping at the Western Wall in Jerusalem:


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

While a similar sign is also used in British Sign Language, another, more neutral sign that combines the sign “J” and the signs for “place” is used as well. (Source: Anna Smith)


“Jerusalem” in British Sign Language (source: Christian BSL, used with permission)

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Jerusalem .

Translation commentary on 1 Esdras 4:47

Then Darius the king rose, and kissed him: We suggest that these two clauses be separated from the rest of this verse, and used as the closing paragraph of the previous subsection, or as the opening paragraph for this one. Doing this will separate Darius’ immediate reaction to Zerubbabel’s speech from his later action of sending letters. The writing of the letters presumably took some time. The king would not have honored Zerubbabel with a kiss and then immediately start dictating letters. The kiss was a sign of friendship, probably a kiss on the cheek, not returned by Zerubbabel, who was below Darius in rank. In many cultures Darius’ kissing Zerubbabel, even on the cheek, will seem very strange. If so, translators should provide a footnote explaining that males kissing other males on the cheek occurred in many Middle East cultures, even in modern times.

And wrote letters for him to all the treasurers and governors and generals and satraps …: This letter is concerned with protecting the caravan of Jews while they traveled between Babylonia and Judah. It is addressed to those officials whose territory the Jews would cross. They are told that they must not only not interfere with the Jews, but act to give them assured protection. For treasurers see 1 Esd 2.11-12, even though a different Greek word is used there; for satraps, governors and generals, see 1 Esd 3.1-2.

That they should give escort to him and all who were going up with him to build Jerusalem: The king issued orders that when the Jews returned to their land on the mission to rebuild Jerusalem, they should be accompanied by Persian soldiers as guards to protect them. The pronoun him refers to Zerubbabel, which should be clear in translation. For the action of going up … to Jerusalem, see the comments on 1 Esd 2.5.

Here is an alternative model for this verse:

• King Darius then stood up, and kissed Zerubbabel [or, honored Zerubbabel by kissing him.]
Then the king had a letter sent to all the treasurers, governors, generals, and administrators in the provinces [or, areas] through which the Jews would pass. He ordered these officials to provide soldiers to travel with Zerubbabel and the Jews who were on their way to rebuild Jerusalem. In this way they [or, the Jews] could travel safely.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Esdras. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.