Nebuchadnezzar

The term that is transliterated as “Nebuchadnezzar” in English is translated in American Sign Language with the signs for “king” and one signifying a wavy beard, referring to the common way of wearing a beard in Mesopotamia (see here ). (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


“Nebuchadnezzar” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor

In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with a sign depicting “idol in my image,” referring to Daniel 3:1. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Nebuchadnezzar” 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 .

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Nebuchadnezzar .

Translation commentary on Judith 11:1

Then Holofernes said to her: With the beginning of a new chapter, it will be helpful to connect this verse with the preceding chapter; for example, “When Judith came into Holofernes’ tent, he said to her….” Holofernes speaks to Judith as one in complete charge, able to give favors to whomever he wishes, offering his favor to Judith, with the assumption that she must serve King Nebuchadnezzar. It is important that the translator capture the mood here. Holofernes is speaking as the superior being gracious to an inferior, but not out of kindness. Though he sounds like God speaking merciful words, he is speaking out of arrogance, and there are threats hidden in his soft words.

Take courage, woman, and do not be afraid in your heart: Good News Translation‘s “Don’t worry; there’s no need for you to be afraid” sounds too kind and genuine. Holofernes’ arrogant self-confidence shows itself in his first word: Take courage or literally “be of good cheer.” The reader knows full well that Holofernes is talking to a woman of supreme courage, who has no need to be told not to be afraid. Her self-confidence is so sure that it has no need to assert itself, and that very lack of self-assertion will be enough to deceive the mighty warrior. Good News Translation is trying to avoid using woman as an address, but in this case it may be appropriate. New English Bible‘s “madam” is absurdly polite. Holofernes is brusque. He is talking down to Judith and thinking of her primarily as a female. He doesn’t call her an Israelite, a servant, or even a prisoner. He simply calls her woman. For do not be afraid in your heart, Good News Translation has “there’s no need for you to be afraid,” and Contemporary English Version has “You have nothing to worry about.” In some languages, however, there will be idiomatic expressions, as in the Greek; for example, “Don’t let your heart [or, liver] be full of fear.”

The king of all the earth: See lord of the whole earth at 6.4.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Judith. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.