complete verse (Matthew 24:16)

Following are a number of back-translations of Matthew 24:16:

  • Uma: “the people in Yudea had better flee to the mountains.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “When you see this, the people who are in Yahudiya shall/must flee to the mountains.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “those who are in the province of Judea should run away to the hills.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “When you see that, those who are staying in Judea, it is necessary that they hurry to run-away to the mountains.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “When you see this, as for those who are taga Judea, it’s necessary to run-away to the hills.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
  • Tenango Otomi: “When you have seen this come to pass, then the people who live in the land of Judea must flee and go to where the mountains are.” (Source: Tenango Otomi Back Translation)

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 .

Translation commentary on Matthew 24:16

This and the next several verses give specific instructions for what one must do to escape the catastrophe that is going to strike Judea and Jerusalem.

Then may be translated “When this happens” or “When you see this happen.”

Those who are in Judea is best taken to mean “those who live in Judea.” Judea was discussed in 2.1.

The expression of Revised Standard Version, let … flee to the mountains, is more clearly expressed by Good News Translation‘s “must run away to the hills.” “Run to the hills to escape” is also good. This is a command in the third person, not a granting of permission.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on the Gospel of Matthew. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1988. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .