Ahaz

The name that is transliterated as “Ahaz” in English means “possessor,” “helper,” “Jehovah has seized or sustains.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

In Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) it is translated with a sign that depicts the suffering that one of the worst kings caused (see 2 Chronicles 28:19 and 2 Chronicles 28:22). (Source: Missão Kophós )


“Ahaz” in Libras (source )

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Ahaz .

complete verse (2 Kings 15:38)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 2 Kings 15:38:

  • Kupsabiny: “Later, Jotham died and then he was buried where his forefathers were buried in the City of David. But then, his son who was called Ahaz took over rulership replacing his father.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Jotham died, as had his ancestors. He was buried with them in the city of his ancestor, David. His son Ahaz became king after him.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “When Jotam died, he was-buried in the burial-place of his ancestors in the Town of David who was also his ancestor. And Ahaz his child/(son) succeeded him as king.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Jotham died and was buried where his ancestors had been buried in the part of Jerusalem called ‘The City of David’. Then his son Ahaz became the king of Judah.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

David

The name that is transliterated as “David” in English means “beloved.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with the sign signifying king and a sling (referring to 1 Samuel 17:49 and 2 Samuel 5:4). (Source: John Elwode in The Bible Translator 2008, p. 78ff. )


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

In German Sign Language it is only the sling. (See here ).


“David” in German Sign Language (source )

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

The (Protestant) Mandarin Chinese transliteration of “David” is 大卫 (衛) / Dàwèi which carries an additional meaning of “Great Protector.”

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

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: David .

Translation commentary on 2 Kings 15:38

Slept with his fathers: See the comments on 1 Kgs 1.21.

Was buried with his fathers: Good News Translation makes it specific that Jotham “was buried in the royal tombs.” See the comments on 1 Kgs 14.31.

The city of David: See the comments on 1 Kgs 2.10.

His father is translated “his ancestor” by New Revised Standard Version and “his forefather” by Revised English Bible. This phrase is omitted by Good News Translation, but there seems to be no compelling reason to do so.

Ahaz his son: If there is any doubt about who the pronoun his refers to, translators may have to say “Ahaz the son of Jotham.” Ahaz is mentioned at the beginning of the prophetic books of Isaiah, Hosea and Micah. Isaiah, in fact, refers to him frequently, especially in chapter 7. His reign is described in greater detail in the following chapter.

Reigned in his stead: See the comments on 1 Kgs 11.43.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

SIL Translator’s Notes on 2 Kings 15:38

15:38a And Jotham rested with his fathers

Then Jotham passed away to join his ancestors.

-or-

When Jotham died,

15:38b and was buried with them

⌊His body⌋ was buried near their graves

-or-

he was buried by/with his forefathers

15:38c in the City of David his father.

in the place called the City of David, the city of his ancestor.

-or-

in the area/part of ⌊Jerusalem⌋ city ⌊conquered by⌋ his ancestor David.

15:38d And his son Ahaz reigned in his place.

His son Ahaz became the next king.

-or-

Ahaz his son became king in his place/stead.

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