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 12:34)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Nehemiah 12:34:

  • Kupsabiny: “Judah, Benjamin, Shemaiah, Jeremiah,” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Juda, Benjamin, Shemaya, Jeremias,” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Behind them marched a group of priests who were blowing trumpets. They were Azariah, Ezra, Meshullam, Judah, Benjamin, Shemaiah, and Jeremiah. Next came Zechariah, the son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micaiah, the son of Zaccur, a descendant of Asaph.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Nehemiah 12:33 - 12:35

The list of trumpet players is now given. Next in the procession came seven priests with trumpets (see also verse 41).

Some translations have “Uzziel” in place of Azariah on the basis of the Syriac version and 1 Chr 25.4, but translators are advised to keep Azariah in the translation.

And certain of the priests’ sons with trumpets refers back to the names that are cited in verses 33-34. The connector and should be translated as “that is.” To make this easier to follow, Good News Translation restructures the three verses into a clearer sequence. Certain of the priests’ sons means those of the priestly group. For trumpets see the comments at Ezra 3.10.

The trumpet players were followed by the Levite Zechariah, the director of music for the first choir, whose lineage is traced back to Asaph. Good News Translation places part of the lineage in parentheses as an editorial comment, but this is not necessary.

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 .