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 (Genesis 11:28)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 11:28:

  • Kankanaey: “Whereupon Haran died in his town Ur which is part of Babilonia while his father was still (alive).” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Haran died in Ur, the place where he was born, while his father Terah was still living. This was a place of the Chaldeans.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Haran died there in Ur which is under-the-jurisdiction of the Chaldeans, at the place itself where he was born. He died while his father Tera was- still -alive.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Haran died before his father died. He died in Ur city in Chaldea land, where he was born.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 11:28

Haran died before his father: before translates a Hebrew idiom “before the face of,” which means “while his father was still living.”

In the land of his birth: land is used here as a general expression to be followed by more detailed information. Land of his birth is used also in 24.7; 31.13, and may mean “land of his ancestors” or “land of his kinsmen.” Speiser translates it “his native land.” We may also say “in the country [nation] where he was born.” Good News Translation “in his hometown” means in the town where he was born and raised.

Ur of the Chaldeans is taken by some to refer to the southern Babylonian city of Uru, which was excavated by archaeologists and found to have an advanced culture and to be a great commercial center. Other scholars object that Abram, who lived in a tent and followed his herds, should not be identified with a city. They prefer to place Ur in northern Babylonia. There can be no certainty about the nature of and location of Ur. Good News Translation has chosen to call it Haran’s “hometown” in this verse and “city” in verse 31. Translators who must classify Ur may follow Good News Translation or be more general with “place called Ur.” The Septuagint always translates the expression as “land of the Chaldeans.” Chaldeans translates Hebrew kasdim, which refers to the people of Babylonia.

Verse 28 may be rendered, for example, “Before Terah died his son Haran died first. He died in the place called Ur in the country of Babylonia. That was where he was born.” Some languages may find it necessary to say “Haran was born in a place called Ur in the country called Babylonia. He died there before Terah his father died.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .