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

See also Judah.

Translation commentary on 2 Chronicles 10:17

But renders the common Hebrew conjunction as a contrastive connector. Many versions render it in the same way as Revised Standard Version. However, Good News Translation continues the sentence begun in verse 16. Translators must simply decide which structure is more appropriate in their own language. See the comments on verse 15 for the relationships in verses 15-19.

Rehoboam reigned over the people of Israel …: The name Rehoboam means “the people [or, nation] expands [or, enlarges].” The original readers would have noted the irony that under King Rehoboam the nation became smaller rather than larger. In verse 16 “Israel” clearly refers to the people of the northern kingdom and does not include the people of Judah. The words the people of Israel (literally “the sons/children of Israel”) most logically have the same reference here in verse 17. That is, Rehoboam ruled over the people originally from the northern tribes who now lived in the southern kingdom. In addition, he ruled over all the people of the tribe of Judah, but this is only implied here. The translation in Good News Translation appears to refer only to members of the tribe of Judah, but that is probably not the intended meaning of the Hebrew. Translators should make clear the meaning of Israel in this verse (see the model below).

Who dwelt in the cities of Judah: This clause is not intended to limit the rule of Rehoboam to the large population centers of Judah. Rather, the countryside, including the smaller towns and villages in the territory, was also included. Revised English Bible translates “who lived in the cities and towns of Judah.” But it is probably better to say “who lived in the territory of Judah” (Good News Translation; similarly Bible en français courant).

A model for this verse is:

• Only the families from the northern tribes who lived in the territory of Judah recognized Rehoboam as king.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Chronicles, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2014. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .