Joshua

The Hebrew, Latin, and Greek that is transliterated as “Joshua” 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 .

complete verse (Deuteronomy 3:28)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Deuteronomy 3:28:

  • Kupsabiny: “But give advice to Joshua, strengthen him and give him wisdom since he is the one who shall lead these people to the other side to take that country you will see.’” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “But give orders to Joshua, strengthen him by encouraging [him], for he is the one who will take these people to the other side of the Jordan river to bring to the land that you have seen, into their possession."” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “But teach Josue what he will-do. Strengthen him for he will-lead this people to cross-over Jordan. He will-give to them the land which you (sing.) only see!’” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “But tell Joshua what he must do and encourage him to be strong, because he is the one who will lead the people across the river in order that they can occupy/capture the land that you will see from the top of the mountain.’” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Deuteronomy 3:28

Charge Joshua: “Give Joshua instructions [or, orders].”

Encourage and strengthen: there are usually idiomatic phrases in a given language, sometimes including bodily features, that serve as vivid equivalents of the text; for example, “cause him to have a brave heart, and give strength to his heart.”

He shall go over at the head of this people: “he will lead the Israelites across the river.”

He shall put them in possession: by means of his leadership, Joshua will enable the Israelites to conquer and occupy the land.

Which you shall see: that is, from the top of Mount Pisgah (34.1-3).

In some languages it will be helpful to restructure this verse as follows:

• It is Joshua who is going to lead the people of Israel across the Jordan river to occupy the land that you see before you. So help him be strong and brave, and tell him what he must do.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Deuteronomy. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .