Judah, Judea

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)


“Judah” and “Judea” 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 Judah, Judah (son of Jacob) , and Tribe of Judah .

Abijah / Abijam

The name that is transliterated as “Abijah” or “Abijam” in English means “God my Father” (Abijah) or “father of the sea,” “father of light (Abijam). (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

In Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) it is translated with a sign that depicts the two kingdoms of Judah and Israel fighting 1 Kings 15:6 and following). The V-shaped hand also means that the heart is not upright and does the opposite (see 1 Kings 15:3). (Source: Missão Kophós )


“Abijah / Abijam” in Libras (source )

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

complete verse (1 Kings 15:1)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Kings 15:1:

  • Kupsabiny: “Abija became king of Judah in the eighteenth year of Jeroboam’s reign in Israel.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “In the eighteenth year of the reign of Jeroboam son of Nebat, Abijah became king of Judah.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Abia became king of Juda in the 18th year of the reign of Jeroboam in Israel.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “After Jeroboam had been the king of Israel for almost 18 years, Abijah became the king of Judah.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 1 Kings 15:1

Rehoboam’s son Abijam (or, “Abijah”) began to rule the southern kingdom of Judah around 913 B.C., which corresponded to the eighteenth year of Jeroboam’s rule in the northern kingdom. Regarding the spelling of the name Abijam, see the comments on 1 Kgs 14.31. Here translators are advised to continue the use of the more commonly known form of the name “Abijah.” Since this is the beginning of a new section and a new chapter, some common language translations identify Jeroboam as “king of Israel” (so Good News Translation, Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente).

Since the Hebrew text has referred to Jeroboam as the son of Nebat several times in previous chapters, Good News Translation omits the words the son of Nebat here. But since a new section and a new chapter begin here, translators may wish to follow the form of the Hebrew in preserving the more complete identification King Jeroboam the son of Nebat.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

SIL Translator’s Notes on 1 Kings 15:1

Section 15:1-8

King Abijah ruled Judah

15:1a In the eighteenth year of the reign of Jeroboam son of Nebat,

During the eighteenth year of the rule of Jeroboam son of Nebat ⌊over Israel⌋,
-or-
Jeroboam the son of Nebat ruled ⌊Israel⌋ for eighteen years.

15:1b Abijam became king of Judah,

The Hebrew text has “Abijam” here. Spell the name as you did in 14:31d.

Abijah became king of Judah.
-or-
Then Abijah started to rule over Judah.

15:1a-b (reordered)

Abijah became king of Judah during the eighteenth year Jeroboam the son of Nebat was king of Israel. (New Century Version)

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