Habakkuk

The Hebrew, Greek, and Latin that is transliterated as “Habakkuk” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with a sign for “dialog,” referring to the dialog between Habakkuk and God in chapters 1 and 2. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


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

In Swiss-German Sign Language it is translated with the sign for “why” because Habakkuk asked many questions of God.


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

In Hungarian Sign Language it is translated with a sign referring to direct communication with God; the hand shape is the same as the one used for the sign for complaint. Here, it is directed toward God, as if the prophet were lodging a complaint with him (see Habakkuk 1:2ff.) (Source: Jenjelvi Biblia and HSL Bible Translation Group)


“Habakkuk” in Hungarian Sign Language — note that only the first part refers to “Habakkuk,” the second and third parts refer to “prophet” and “book” (source )

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

More information about Habakkuk .

Translation commentary on Bel and the Dragon 1:35

If integrated into the book of Daniel: 14.35.

Sir renders the Greek word that is often translated “Lord.” It is a title of respect. What would you say to an angel?

I have never seen Babylon: Good News Translation has “I have never been to Babylon” (similarly Contemporary English Version).

I know nothing about the den is literally “I do not know the pit.” This means either “I’ve never heard of, don’t know anything about a pit of lions” (apparently how Revised Standard Version takes it) or “I don’t know where the pit of lions is” (so Good News Translation; similarly Contemporary English Version). It’s the translator’s choice.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on The Shorter Books of the Deuterocanon. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2006. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.