Abijah / Abijam

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 )

In Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) it is translated with a sign that depicts the two kingdoms of Judah and Israel fighting 1 Kings 15:6 and following). The V-shaped hand also means that the heart is not upright and does the opposite (see 1 Kings 15:3). (Source: Missão Kophós )


“Abijah / Abijam” in Libras (source )

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

complete verse (2 Chronicles 13:21)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 2 Chronicles 13:21:

  • Kupsabiny: “But Abijah continued to get much power. He married fourteen women who bore to him twenty-two sons and sixteen daughters.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Abijah, however, became stronger. He had 14 wives, and he was the father of 22 sons and 16 daughters.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Abia on-the-other-hand became- more -powerful. He had 14 wives and 22 sons and 16 daughters.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “But Abijah became more powerful. He married 14 wives and had 22 sons and 16 daughters.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 2 Chronicles 13:21

But Abijah grew mighty: This clause begins with the common Hebrew conjunction. Here the conjunction may be translated But or “however” (Good News Translation) since it introduces a contrast with the previous verse. Jeroboam lost his power, but Abijah became more powerful. Parole de Vie begins with “On the contrary” (similarly New Living Translation, Bible en français courant). Abijah grew mighty may be rendered “Abijah continued to grow stronger” (New American Bible).

And he took fourteen wives, and had twenty-two sons and sixteen daughters: As in 2 Chr 11.21, large families were considered a sign of God’s blessing. He took fourteen wives does not mean Abijah took the wives of other men. Rather, he married fourteen women. The Hebrew is literally “he lifted up for himself fourteen wives.”

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 .