Adam

The name that is transliterated as “Adam” in English means “earthy or red earth,” “of the ground,” “taken out of the red earth.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

In Finnish Sign Language it is translated with the sign signifying “rib” (referring to Genesis 2:21). (Source: Tarja Sandholm)


“Adam” in Finnish Sign Language (source )

In Spanish Sign Language it is a sign that combines apple/fruit + man. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Adam” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

In Kenyan Sign Language it is a sign pointing to the Adam’s apple (laryngeal prominence). (Source )

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 Eve.

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Adam .

Translation commentary on 2 Esdras 6:54

And over these thou didst place Adam, as ruler over all the works which thou hadst made: See Gen 1.26. The Latin expression for over these thou didst place Adam can be understood as saying the same thing as the expression for ruler over all the works which thou hadst made; for example, Contemporary English Version combines them, saying “Then you created Adam and made him the ruler over everything you had created.” Or the first expression can be interpreted to mean “More important than all of these, you created Adam” (Good News Bible). New English Bible follows the later interpretation by saying “To crown your work you created Adam.” We prefer this interpretation.

And from him we have all come, the people whom thou hast chosen: Contemporary English Version says “We, your chosen people, are his descendants.”

Good News Bible provides a helpful 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.