creation

The Greek, Ge’ez, and Latin that is translated as “creation” in English is translated in Lisu as ꓟꓵ ꓚꓰꓼ ꓟꓲ ꓚꓰꓼ — my tshe mi tshe, verbatim translated as “place — make — earth — make.” This construction follows a traditional four-couplet construct in oral Lisu poetry that is usually in the form ABAC or ABCB. (Source: Arrington 2020, p. 58)

In American Sign Language it is translated with a sign that signifies creating out of nothing. (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


“Creation” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor

Translation commentary on 2 Esdras 5:55

And those who come after you will be smaller than you: Contemporary English Version says “and those who will live after you will be even smaller.”

As born of a creation which already is aging may be translated “That’s because this world is getting older” (Contemporary English Version).

And passing the strength of youth: As noted at verse 53, the phrase the strength of youth translates a different Latin expression here, which refers directly to strength. For this last part of the verse Contemporary English Version is helpful with “and isn’t as strong as it used to be.”

Good News Bible provides a good model for this verse.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Esdras. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.