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 6:56

As for the other nations which have descended from Adam, thou hast said that they are nothing …: Compare Isa 40.15, 17. The clause thou hast said may be moved to the beginning of this verse by saying “And you said that…” (Contemporary English Version).

And that they are like spittle: Spittle is another word for “spit” (Good News Bible).

And thou hast compared their abundance to a drop from a bucket: Good News Bible moves the phrase their abundance near the beginning of this verse, rendering it “in spite of their great numbers.” The phrase a drop from a bucket, based on Isa 40.15, has become an idiom in English for something of no account. Good News Bible has simply “a drop of water,” which is adequate, though the comparison with a large amount of water is lacking. It is better to say “one drop of water in a whole bucketful.”

An alternative model based on Contemporary English Version for this verse is:

• You said that all the other nations on earth, even though they are descended from Adam and are very numerous, are as worthless as spit. They are no more important to you than a single drop of water in a bucket.

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.