Jerusalem

The name that is transliterated as “Jerusalem” in English is signed in French Sign Language with a sign that depicts worshiping at the Western Wall in Jerusalem:


“Jerusalem” in French Sign Language (source: La Bible en langue des signes française )

While a similar sign is also used in British Sign Language, another, more neutral sign that combines the sign “J” and the signs for “place” is used as well. (Source: Anna Smith)


“Jerusalem” in British Sign Language (source: Christian BSL, used with permission)

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Jerusalem .

complete verse (Nehemiah 11:6)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Nehemiah 11:6:

  • Kupsabiny: “There were 468 grandchildren of the family of Perez who lived in Jerusalem. All those men were ahead of calves (of super/noble character).” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “(From the descendants of Perez there were 468 full-of-abilities men who also lived in Jerusalem.)” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “There were 468 men who were descendants of Perez who were valiant/courageous soldiers who lived in Jerusalem.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Nehemiah 11:6

There were 468 sons of Perez, that is, descendants of Perez, in Jerusalem. They are identified as valiant men, which is literally “men of power,” a term usually used for soldiers (see Ezra 8.22; Neh 2.9; 4.2). They may have been the military guard in the city or men capable of performing military service. Bible en français courant and Chouraqui say “men of valor,” New International Version calls them “able men,” Contemporary English Version describes them as “the best men,” while Traduction œcuménique de la Bible refers to them as “men of arms.” The expression could also mean “men of wealth” or “men of substance” (so Revised English Bible). However, the interpretation of valor seems to be more appropriate to the context of Jerusalem in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah and this should be adopted by the translator.

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 .