The Hebrew and Greek that is transliterated as “Rehoboam” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with the signs for “king” + “divide” + “south.” (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
The name that is transliterated as “Abijah” or “Abijam” in English means “God my Father” (Abijah) or “father of the sea,” “father of light (Abijam). (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )
Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 2 Chronicles 12:16:
Kupsabiny: “After that, Rehoboam died and was buried in the City of David. Then his son who was called Abijah ruled replacing his father.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
Newari: “Rehoboam died and he was buried in the tomb for the burial of kings in the city of David. After him his son Abijah became king.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
Hiligaynon: “When Rehoboam died, he was-buried in the city of David. And Abija his child was-the-one-who succeeded him as king.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
English: “When Rehoboam died, he was buried in the part of Jerusalem called ‘The City of David’. Then his son Abijah became the king.” (Source: Translation for Translators)
The account of Rehoboam’s reign is concluded by the common formula used to summarize the reign of most of the kings of Israel and Judah. It refers to his death, burial, and successor.
And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David: See the comments on 1 Chr 11.5 and 2 Chr 9.31.
And Abijah his son reigned in his stead: Abijah is called “Abijam” in 1 Kgs 14.31. He is also called “Abijahu” in 2 Chr 13.20-21. But it may be advisable to use one form of the name throughout the Old Testament as Good News Translation and some other modern versions have done in order to avoid confusing the readers. The name Abijah means “Yahweh is my father.” For reigned in his stead, see the comments on 1 Chr 19.1 and 2 Chr 9.31.
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 .
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