idol / idols

The Hebrew, Greek and Latin that is translated as “idol(s)” in English is translated in Central Subanen as ledawan or “images.” (Source: Robert Brichoux in OPTAT 1988/2, p. 80ff. )

In German, typically the term Götze is used. Originally this was used as a term of endearment for Gott (“God” — see here ), later for “icon” and “image, likeness.” Luther started to use it in the 16th century in the meaning of “false god, idol.”

Other terms that are used in German include Götzenbild(er) (“image[s] of idols”) or Bildnis (“image” — Protestant) / Kultbild (“cultish image” — Catholic) (used for instance in Exodus 20:4 and Deuteronomy 5:8). The latest revision of the Catholic Einheitsübersetzung (publ. 2016) also uses the neologism Nichtse (“nothings”) in 1 Chron. 16:26 and Psalm 96:5. (Source: Zetzsche)

See also worthless idols.

Azotus

The name that is transliterated as “Azotus” in English is translated in Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) with a sign that depicts “protection” (a possible meaning of the name and the fact that as a port city it gave protection to many sailors). With the right hand the geographical shape of the coast is shown. (Source: Missão Kophós )


“Azotus” in Libras (source )

Translation commentary on 1 Maccabees 10:83

And the cavalry was dispersed in the plain: The plain refers to “the battlefield” (Good News Bible). This clause may be rendered “and the cavalry was dispersed all over the plain where they had been fighting.”

They fled to Azotus and entered Beth-dagon, the temple of their idol, for safety: Because the Syrian horsemen dispersed everywhere on the plain, they panicked and fled. Since Azotus (Ashdod) was one of the old Philistine cities, it is not surprising to find a temple to the Philistine god Dagon there. Beth-dagon is simply a Hebrew expression meaning “house [or, temple] of Dagon.” Good News Bible offers a fine translation for this sentence, but another possible model is “So they fled to Azotus and sought safety in the temple of Dagon, the god that they worshiped.”

An alternative model for this verse is:

• and the cavalry was dispersed all over the plain. So they fled to the city of Azotus and hid in the temple of Dagon, the god that they worshiped, thinking that they would be safe.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Maccabees. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.