Jericho

The name that is transliterated in English as “Jericho” means “city of the moon,” “a fragrant place.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

In Hungarian Sign Language it is translated with a sign that alludes to the walls of Jericho coming tumbling down (see Joshua 6:20). (Source: Jenjelvi Biblia and HSL Bible Translation Group)


“Jericho” in Hungarian Sign Language — note that only the first part refers to “Jericho,” the second parts refer to “town” (source )

See also The Fall of Jericho.

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Jericho .

Joshua

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

It is translated in Swiss-German Sign Language with a sign that depicts a trumpet of rams’ horn, referring to Joshua 6:4 and following.


“Joshua” in Swiss-German Sign Language, source: DSGS-Lexikon biblischer Begriffe , © CGG Schweiz

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: Joshua .

Translation commentary on 2 Maccabees 12:15

But Judas and his men, calling upon the great Sovereign of the world: The great Sovereign of the world refers to God. Good News Bible says “the Almighty Lord of the universe.” Goldstein is similar with “the great Master of the universe,” and so is Revised English Bible with “the great Ruler of the universe.” Some translators may wish to use direct speech here by beginning this verse as follows: “But Judas and his men prayed, ‘Great Master of the universe [or, Lord God, you who rule the universe] …’” (similarly Contemporary English Version).

Who without battering-rams or engines of war overthrew Jericho in the days of Joshua: The reference here is to Josh 6. For battering-rams and engines of war, see the comments on 1Macc 5.30. For translators that prefer direct speech here, this clause may be rendered “you tore down the walls of Jericho in the time of Joshua, without using battering rams or other machines [or, instruments] of war.”

Rushed furiously upon the walls means Judas’ soldiers rushed toward the walls of Caspin and climbed them. Good News Bible expresses this clause well, separating it from the rest of the verse and joining it with the next one.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Maccabees. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.