Pilate

The name that is transliterated as “Pilate” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language (as well as in French Sign Language) with the sign signifying the washing of hands (referring to Matthew 27:24). (Source: John Elwode in The Bible Translator 2008, p. 78ff. )


“Pilate” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

In American Sign Language it is translated with the sign for “government/governor” plus the sign for “P” with a circular movement. The reference to government indicates Pilate’s position of authority in the Roman Empire. (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


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

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Pontius Pilate .

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 (Matthew 27:65)

Following are a number of back-translations of Matthew 27:65:

  • Uma: “Pilatus said: ‘There are soldiers. Take them and go guard his grave to-your-utmost.'” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “Pilatus said to them, ‘Take those guards and guard the grave well.'” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “And Pilate answered, ‘It can be. Take the soldiers there and have them carefully watch the cave.'” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “‘All-right then,’ Pilato said, ‘you call soldiers so that you will go to where-he-was-placed-inside (i.e. buried). Do your best (lit. put forth your ability) to guard it properly.'” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “Pilato replied, ‘You just get some soldiers and cause the grave to be guarded properly.'” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
  • Tenango Otomi: “Pilate said to them: ‘Here are the soldiers you ask for. God with them, guard the tomb and secure it very good.” (Source: Tenango Otomi Back Translation)

Translation commentary on Matthew 27:65

You have a guard (so also New American Bible) is translated “You may have your guard” by New Jerusalem Bible and New English Bible. Accompanying the translation in Jerusalem Bible is a footnote which states the meaning as “I now put one at your disposal” (Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch “I am giving you a guard”). But as the RSV footnote notes, the text may also be translated “Take a guard” (New International Version, Moffatt, An American Translation). One should avoid the faulty assumption that the words mean “You already have your own guard.”

As discussed at the heading at verse 62, guard is a collective term referring to a group, not to just one person. “A group of soldiers to guard” may be necessary.

Make … secure is the same verb used in verse 64.

As you can, as the RSV footnote indicates, is literally “as you know”; the meaning may also be expressed “as you know how” (New International Version).

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 .