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 )

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 .

Translation commentary on 1 Maccabees 16:10

They also fled into the towers that were in the fields of Azotus, and John burned it with fire: For the towers that were in the fields, see the comments on 1Macc 5.5. (The towers of Azotus are actually pictured on an ancient map that survives.) It is not clear what John burned. Perhaps the author means Kedron; perhaps he means the towers. The pronoun it refers to Azotus, so the text literally says that he burned Azotus (which Jonathan had already burned according to 1Macc 10.84), and this is what translators must say. Good News Bible has a helpful model for the first half of this verse. So does Contemporary English Version with “Others reached the towers in the open country near the town of Azotus. But John burned the town.”

And about two thousand of them fell. And he returned to Judea safely: Good News Bible‘s combination of these two clauses into one sentence is effective, but it should say “about 2,000 enemy soldiers” rather than “2,000 enemy soldiers.”

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.