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 27:4:
Kupsabiny: “He built other cities in the land of hills of Judah. He also built guarded houses in a forest where soldiers lived and places from where one could see far.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
Newari: “He built cities in the mountains of Judah and he built towers and fortresses in the forested areas.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
Hiligaynon: “He was also the one who built the towns in the hills of Juda, and built the strong-wall/something-that-gives-security and towers in the forest.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
English: “They built towns in the hills of Judah, and they built forts and defense towers in the forests.” (Source: Translation for Translators)
Moreover translates the common Hebrew conjunction, but many modern versions choose to ignore it here (so Good News Translation).
He built cities in the hill country of Judah, and forts and towers on the wooded hills: As in the previous verse, some languages will need to use a causative verb form for built to show that Jotham himself did not build the cities, forts and towers (so Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente). For the hill country of Judah, see the comments on 2 Chr 21.11. For the Hebrew noun rendered forts, see the comments on 2 Chr 17.12, where it is translated “fortresses.” For the sense of towers in this context, see the comments on 1 Chr 27.25 and 2 Chr 26.10. The Hebrew noun rendered the wooded hills may be translated simply “the forests” (Good News Translation, An American Translation, Moffatt, Bible en français courant) since the hill country is already in view.
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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