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 .

complete verse (Jeremiah 13:19)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Jeremiah 13:19:

  • Kupsabiny: “The cities of Negev shall be surrounded
    so that no person is able to break through.
    All the people of Judah have been brought to become prisoners
    to all go to slavery.’” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “The gates/entrances of the towns of Negev will-be-shut-up; no one can-enter or can-go-out there. All the people of Juda will-be-taken-captive.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)