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 (Nehemiah 12:32)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Nehemiah 12:32:

  • Kupsabiny: “Hoshaiah and half of the leaders of Judah followed them from behind.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Followed them were Hoshaya and the half of the leaders/[lit. heads] of Juda,” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Behind their leaders marched Hoshaiah and half of the leaders of Judah.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Nehemiah 12:32

The choir went first in the procession and after them went Hoshaiah and half of the princes of Judah. Hoshaiah is an unknown lay leader who served as the leader of the procession. The princes were the family heads or “leaders” (Good News Translation). They were divided into two equal groups and one of the groups went with Hoshaiah.

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 .