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 5:53

And Judas kept rallying the laggards and encouraging the people all the way till he came to the land of Judah: As this large body of people was on the move, many became tired and discouraged. Judas tried to keep up their spirits, especially those who were falling behind on the march (laggards; Good News Bible “stragglers”). So this verse may be rendered:

• All along the way Judas kept rounding up those who were falling behind and trying to keep everyone in good spirits until they [finally] reached the land of Judea.

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.