army

The Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek and Latin that is translated as “army” in English is translated in Chichewa as “group of warriors.” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)

Jerusalem

The name that is transliterated as “Jerusalem” in English is signed in French Sign Language with a sign that depicts worshiping at the Western Wall in Jerusalem:


“Jerusalem” in French Sign Language (source: La Bible en langue des signes française )

While a similar sign is also used in British Sign Language, another, more neutral sign that combines the sign “J” and the signs for “place” is used as well. (Source: Anna Smith)


“Jerusalem” in British Sign Language (source: Christian BSL, used with permission)

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Jerusalem .

Chaldean

The name that is transliterated as “Chaldean” in English means “astrologer,” “wanderers.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

In Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) it is translated with the sign that combines “Mesopotamia” (see here) and “spreading out,” since the Chaldeans originated in southern Mesopotamia and spread out from there. (Source: Missão Kophós )


“Chaldean” in Libras (source )

More information about Chaldea .

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

complete verse (2 Kings 25:10)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 2 Kings 25:10:

  • Kupsabiny: “The soldiers of Babylon who came with Nebuzaradan overturned the wall that surrounded that city.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “The commanding general of the king’s bodyguard, along with the Babylonian army, tore down the walls all around Jerusalem.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Under his rule, the soldiers of Babilonia broke-down the stone-walls that surrounded Jerusalem.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Then Nebuzaradan supervised all the soldiers of the Babylonian army as they tore down the walls of Jerusalem.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 2 Kings 25:10

All the army of the Chaldeans refers, of course, to all of Nebuchadnezzar’s soldiers or “troops” (New American Bible). For the translation of Chaldeans as “Babylonians,” see verse 4 and 2 Kgs 24.2.

The captain of the guard: See the comments at verse 8.

Broke down the walls: Regarding the wall of Jerusalem, see 1 Kgs 3.1. The Hebrew verb translated broke down is rendered “demolished” in 2 Kgs 10.27 and “pulled down” in 2 Kgs 23.12. The city walls were destroyed so that Jerusalem was no longer protected.

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 .