son of

The Greek and Hebrew that is translated as “son of” in English is translated in all Icelandic Bible versions of the Icelandic Bible Society (latest edition 2007) in parallel with the Icelandic naming system . This means that for instance in Matthew 16:17 the name that is transliterated and translated in English as “Simon son of Jonah” becomes “Simon Jónasson” or in Isaiah 8:2 “Zechariah son of Jeberechiah” becomes “Sakaría Jeberekíason” where in both cases the “-son” means “son of.”

In cases where “son of” does not refer to a literal father or perhaps stepfather but to lineage, however, this system is not used. So in Matthew 1:1 “Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham” is translated as “Jesú Krists, sonar Davíðs, sonar Abrahams.”

The referenced verses all have at least one instance where the Icelandic patronymic or matronymic naming system is used. (Source: Halldór Elías Guðmundsson)

See also daughter of.

complete verse (Nehemiah 11:14)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Nehemiah 11:14:

  • Kupsabiny: “together with other 128 other men who were ahead of caves/of super/noble character. The person who was in charge of these people was Zabdiel the son of Haggedolim.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “the companions of Amashsai who were 128 men have abilities.
    Their highest-leader was Zabdiel the child of Hagedolim.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “There were 128 members of that clan who were valiant soldiers who settled in Jerusalem. Their leader was Zabdiel the son of Haggedolim.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Nehemiah 11:14

And their brethren, mighty men of valor …: The members of Amashsai’s clan numbered 128 and they are described in military terms as mighty men of valor. In verse 6 above, the Hebrew expression was “men of power,” but here it is “warriors of power.” These were clearly “outstanding soldiers” (Good News Translation), “soldiers of valor” (Bible en français courant), or “brave warriors” (Contemporary English Version).

Their overseer was Zabdiel: The Hebrew word here for overseer is the same as the one used in verse 9 above. It refers to an administrator and is used for civil, religious, and military officers. In this context it may refer to a priest who also had a military rank and function.

Haggedolim in Hebrew means “the great ones,” which is why Good News Translation interprets it to mean “a leading family.” Most translations, however, interpret it as the name of a person as Revised Standard Version has done.

Quoted with permission from Noss, Philip A. and Thomas, Kenneth J. A Handbook on Nehemiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2005. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .