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

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

See also Judah, Judah (son of Jacob) , and Tribe of Judah .

Translation commentary on 2 Chronicles 25:22

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 .