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 6:17)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Nehemiah 6:17:

  • Kupsabiny: “There were many letters that Tobiah and the Jewish leaders wrote to each other during those days.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “That time, Tobia and the leaders/[lit. heads] of Juda were-writing-each-other.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “During this time, the Jewish leaders had been sending many messages/letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah had been sending messages back to them.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Nehemiah 6:17

It would be logical for verses 17-19 to follow directly after verse 14. What is described here could either refer to the continuing contacts with Tobiah after the completion of the wall or it could be a summary statement referring to the general situation before the completion of the wall.

Moreover in those days can refer to the period of time that has been under discussion, as in Neh 13.23, rather than being a marker for a new, subsequent event. In this case it could be translated “During all this time” (Good News Translation), “Even in those days,” “Throughout that period,” or “All this time” (New English Bible).

For nobles see Neh 2.16.

Sent many letters … letters came: See the comments on verse 5 above. Communication went back and forth. New English Bible speaks of “sending many letters” and “receiving replies.” Good News Translation therefore refers to it as “correspondence” and Bible en français courant says “much correspondence.” Translators should use a verb pattern that represents continual or repeated action.

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 .