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)
Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 2 Chronicles 25:22:
Kupsabiny: “Then the soldiers of Israel were victorious and every man among the soldiers of Judah fled to his home.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
Newari: “The men of Judah were defeated by the Israelites and they ran away home.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
Hiligaynon: “Juda was defeated by Israel, and every soldeir of Juda fled to their home.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
English: “The army of Judah was badly defeated by the army of Israel, and all the soldiers of Judah fled to their homes.” (Source: Translation for Translators)
And Judah was defeated by Israel: This passive clause may be readily transformed into an active statement by saying “Israel defeated Judah” (New Century Version) or “The army of Israel was victorious over the army of Judah.”
And every man fled to his home: Every man refers to “all the Judean soldiers” (Bible en français courant). Home is literally “tents.” But by this time in the history of Israel people did not normally live in tents. The Hebrew expression remained in use long after people began living in houses (see, for example, 1 Sam 4.10; 13.2; 1 Kgs 8.66; 12.16).
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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