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)
The Hebrew and Greek that is transliterated as “Jehoshaphat” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with the signs for “king” and “mixup” referring to the fateful alliance with king Ahab of Israel in 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 18. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 2 Chronicles 17:12:
Kupsabiny: “So, the rulership of Jehoshaphat stuck deep and then he built cities in the land of Judah that had walls and cities that had where they could keep things.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
Newari: “In this way Jehoshaphat became more and more powerful. All over the land of Judah he built fortresses and storage cities.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
Hiligaynon: “So Jehoshafat became more powerful. He built fortress/heavily-guarded-places in Juda and cities that being-used as storehouses.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
English: “Jehoshaphat continued to become more powerful/influential. His workers built forts and places to store supplies in various towns in Judah.” (Source: Translation for Translators)
And Jehoshaphat grew steadily greater: The common Hebrew conjunction rendered And may be translated “So” (Good News Translation, New Living Translation, God’s Word, NASB), since it functions as a logical connector here. But many versions leave it untranslated (so New International Version, Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Bible). Jehoshaphat grew steadily greater in this context means that he became “more powerful” (Good News Translation, Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, An American Translation) militarily. Translators should take care not to give the impression that his physical growth is intended.
He built in Judah fortresses and store-cities: The Hebrew noun rendered fortresses is translated “forts” in 2 Chr 27.4. In 1 Chr 29.1 this noun refers to the Jerusalem Temple (see the comments there), but in 2 Chronicles it refers either to fortified towns or to forts. For store-cities see the comments on 2 Chr 8.4.
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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