Solomon

The Hebrew, Latin and Greek that is transliterated as “Solomon” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with the sign for “wise” referring to 1 Kings 3:12. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Solomon” 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 .

Click or tap here to see a short video clip about King Solomon (source: Bible Lands 2012)

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Solomon .

complete verse (2 Chronicles 9:2)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 2 Chronicles 9:2:

  • Kupsabiny: “At that time, Solomon answered all those questions so that not even a single question defeated (him).” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Solomon answered all her questions. Not a single question was difficult for him.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Solomon answered all her questions and there was nothing whatever thing that he could- not -explain to her.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Solomon answered all her questions. He explained everything that she asked about, even things that were very difficult.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 2 Chronicles 9:2

And Solomon answered all her questions: Questions is literally “words,” but most modern versions agree with Revised Standard Version‘s rendering here.

There was nothing hidden from Solomon which he could not explain to her: Hidden in this context means “too difficult” (Good News Translation) or “too hard” (New Living Translation, Revised English Bible). The Hebrew text has two negatives here (nothing and could not). But the basic meaning may be better translated positively in some languages as follows: “he gave her accurate solutions to every problem she posed” or “he explained correctly all of the riddles that she asked him.”

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 .