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 .

complete verse (1 Samuel 18:16)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Samuel 18:16:

  • Kupsabiny: “But all the people of Israel and Judah loved David, because he was a good leader.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “But in all of this, Israel and Judah loved David very much, for as their leader, he took them into battle.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “But all who (were) of/from-Israel and of/from-Juda liked David, because he would-lead them into battle.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “But all the people of Israel and of Judah loved David, because he led the soldiers very successfully in the battles.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 1 Samuel 18:16

But: the common conjunction here marks the contrast between Saul’s attitude of fear and the approval of everyone else in Israel.

Israel and Judah: the division of the united kingdom into the kingdoms of Israel and Judah had not yet taken place. The same terminology occurs in 17.52, and it reflects the writer’s own historical situation, for by then the kingdom had been divided. But the text must be translated as it stands.

Went out and came in before them: on the meaning and translation of these words, see verse 13. Good News Translation correctly expresses the sense that David was their military leader. But perhaps Good News Translation changes the sense a little by bringing in from verse 15 David’s “success” and giving that as the reason the people loved him. Perhaps it is better to say simply “because he took the [battle]field at their head” (Revised English Bible) or “since he was their leader on [military] campaign” (New Jerusalem Bible and Bible en français courant).

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .