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 5:23

Then he took the Jews of Galilee and Arbatta: The connector Then is needed because this is the next action that Simon took after he defeated the Gentiles. According to the Revised Standard Version footnote on the Jews, the Greek text says “those.” Revised Standard Version makes this change for clarity. The location of the town of Arbatta is unknown, but it was in Galilee along the route that Simon would have taken returning to Judea from Ptolemais.

With their wives and children: In some languages it will be sufficient to say “along with their families” (Contemporary English Version).

And all they possessed: In a number of languages this clause may be translated simply “and their possessions.”

And led them to Judea with great rejoicing may be rendered “As they returned to Judea, they rejoiced greatly.”

In most languages it will be necessary to divide this long Revised Standard Version sentence into two or more shorter sentences as Good News Bible and Contemporary English Version have done.

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.