Judah, Judea

The name that is transliterated as “Judah” or “Judea” in English (referring to the son of Jacob, the tribe, and the territory) is translated in Spanish Sign Language as “lion” (referring to Genesis 49:9 and Revelation 5:5). This sign for lion is reserved for regions and kingdoms. (Source: John Elwode in The Bible Translator 2008, p. 78ff. and Steve Parkhurst)


“Judah” and “Judea” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

See also Judah, Judah (son of Jacob) , and Tribe of Judah .

Translation commentary on 2 Kings 21:18

For the expression slept with his fathers, see the comments at 1 Kgs 1.21 and 2.10.

Was buried in the garden of his house, in the garden of Uzza: The burial place of Manasseh is significant because the kings of Judah were traditionally buried in the City of David. This is specifically stated to be the case for every king from David (1 Kgs 2.10) to Ahaz (2 Kgs 16.20). The usual formula is absent in the account of the death of Hezekiah (2 Kgs 20.21), although no definite place is mentioned in that instance. In the case of Manasseh and his son Amon (verse 26 below), they are said to have been buried in the garden of Uzza, which is also referred to here as the garden of his house. Uzza is generally taken to be the name of the person to whom the garden belonged prior to its being used as a burial place. Some scholars think that the reference is to King Uzziah (2 Kgs 15.13), also known as “Azariah” (2 Kgs 14.21), but there is no definite proof of this. Moffatt translates “the garden of Azariah.” Given the uncertainty, translators should probably transliterate Uzza as such and provide a footnote regarding the other possibilities. Contemporary English Version (similarly Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente) makes Uzza the name of the garden (“Uzza Garden”) without any comment.

The Hebrew word translated garden is used in 1 Kgs 21.2 for a vegetable garden, but here and in verse 26 below it is used for royal gardens (also in 2 Kgs 25.4).

For the expression 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 .