high priest

The Greek and Hebrew that is translated as “high priest” in English is translated in the following ways:

  • Yatzachi Zapotec: “the ruler of the priests of our nation”
  • Chol: “very great priest” (source for this and above: M. Larson / B. Moore in Notes on Translation February 1970, p. 1-125.)
  • Ayutla Mixtec: “first over the priests”
  • Desano: “chief of the priests” (source for this and one above: Viola Waterhouse in Notes on Translation August 1966, p. 86ff.).
  • Uma: “Big Priest” (source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “high sacrificer” (source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa as “Most-important Priest of God” (source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
  • Bariai: “Big leader of offerings” (source: Bariai Back Translation)

In Khoekhoe the translation for “high priest” is only capitalized when it refers to Jesus (as is Hebrews 2:17 et al.). (Source: project-specific notes in Paratext)

See also priest and chief priest.

Judah, Judea

The name that is transliterated as “Judah” or “Judea” in English (referring to the son of Jacob, the tribe, and the territory) is translated in Spanish Sign Language as “lion” (referring to Genesis 49:9 and Revelation 5:5). This sign for lion is reserved for regions and kingdoms. (Source: John Elwode in The Bible Translator 2008, p. 78ff. and Steve Parkhurst)


“Judah” and “Judea” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

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

See also Judah, Judah (son of Jacob) , and Tribe of Judah .

Salathiel / Shealtiel

The name that is transliterated as “Salathiel” or “Shealtiel” in English is translated in Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) with a sign that combines “ask” (the name means “I have asked God”) and a reference that his son Zerubbabel returned to the city of Jerusalem to build the second Temple (see Ezra 3:8). (Source: Missão Kophós )


“Salathiel” in Libras (source )

More information under Shealtiel .

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

Zerubbabel

The name that is transliterated as “Zerubbabel” or “Shealtiel” in English is translated in Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) with a sign that combines “begotten” (the name means “begotten in Babylon”) and a reference that he led the first group that left the city of Babylon to build the second Temple in Jerusalem (see Ezra 3:8). (Source: Missão Kophós )


“Zerubbabel” in Libras (source )

More information under Zerubbabel .

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 (Haggai 2:2)

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

  • Kupsabiny: “God said to Haggai, ‘Say to Zerubbabel, Joshua and my remnant:” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Speak like this to Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah and to Jehozadak’s son, the high priest Joshua and to all who have returned from Babylon. ” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “On the 21st day of the following month, the LORD commanded Prophet Haggai to say this to Zerubabel, to Josue, and still to the other Israelinhon who were-able-to-return to Israel:” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “The message was that I should say this to Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and to the other people who were still alive in Jerusalem:” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Haggai 2:2

Speak now to Zerubbabel … and say: In Hebrew this verse is recorded as direct speech, and is part of Haggai’s message from the LORD. In order to sound more natural in English, and to avoid a quotation within a quotation (beginning at verse 3), Good News Translation has translated this verse as indirect speech: “He told Haggai to speak…” (so also Contemporary English Version). Translators may use either direct or indirect speech, according to what is considered better style in their own languages. Because the words that follow are a question, some translators may need to put “and ask” rather than and say.

For comments on Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, see 1.1. For all the remnant of the people, see 1.12.

Quoted with permission from Clark, David J. & Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Haggai. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2002. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

SIL Translator’s Notes on Haggai 2:2

2:2a “Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah,

“You (sing.) should⌋ speak to Zerubbabel the ruler of Judah, whose father is Shealtiel.
-or-
“Ask (sing.) the ⌊following questions⌋ of Zerubbabel the ruler of Judah province.

2:2b and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest,

And ⌊you (sing.) should speak⌋ to Joshua, the chief priest whose father is Jozadak.
-or-
Ask (sing.) the ⌊same questions⌋ of Joshua the big priest ⌊who is the⌋ son of Jozadak.

2:2c and also to the remnant of the people. Ask them,

And ⌊you (sing.) should speak⌋ to the people ⌊who have⌋ returned from Babylon. Ask the people this:
-or-

Ask also the same questions⌋ of the people ⌊in Jerusalem⌋ who have returned from Babylon. Ask them ⌊all⌋ this:

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