Hermas

The name that is transliterated as “Hermas” in English means “interpreter,” “herald or messenger of the gods, “sand bank.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

In Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) it is translated with a sign that shows that he will be the bishop of Dalmatia (see here ). (Source: Missão Kophós )


“Hermas” in Libras (source )

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

Patrobas

The name that is transliterated as “Patrobas” (also: Patrobus) in English is translated in Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) with a sign that represents something “handed down from parents or ancestors,” referring to the idea of education (the name means “father’s life”). (Source: Missão Kophós )


“Patrobas” in Libras (source )

More information on Parrobus of Pottole .

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

brother (fellow believer)

The Greek that is translated in English as “brother” or “brother and sister” (in the sense of fellow believers), is translated with a specifically coined word in Kachin: “There are two terms for brother in Kachin. One is used to refer to a Christian brother. This term combines ‘older and younger brother.’ The other term is used specifically for addressing siblings. When one uses this term, one must specify if the older or younger person is involved. A parallel system exists for ‘sister’ as well. In [these verses], the term for ‘a Christian brother’ is used.” (Source: Gam Seng Shae)

In Matumbi is is translated as alongo aumini or “relative-believer.” (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific notes in Paratext)

In Martu Wangka it is translated as “relative” (this is also the term that is used for “follower.”) (Source: Carl Gross)

In the German New Testament translation by Berger / Nord (publ. 1999) it is often translated as Mitchristen or “fellow Christians.”

See also brothers.

complete verse (Romans 16:14)

Following are a number of back-translations of Romans 16:14:

  • Uma: “Announce my greetings to Asinkritus, Flegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and all the relatives with them.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “Tell also Asinkirit, Pelegon, Hermes, Patarobas, Hermas and all their companions who trust Isa Almasi that I remember them.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “Greet for me also Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas and Hermas, and all the other of our brothers who are their companions.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “So also Asincritus, Flegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the rest of our brothers who believe who are joined-with them (i.e. as in a congregation), I send-greetings-to all of them.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tenango Otomi: “Please greet for me these people I tell you now: Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, along with all the other brethren of ours who live where they live, greet them for me.” (Source: Tenango Otomi Back Translation)

Hermes

The name that is transliterated as “Hermes” in English means “gain,” “messenger or herald of the Greek gods, especially Zeus,” “bringer of good luck.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

In Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) it is translated with the sign for “interpreter.” It is possible that “Hermes” is derived from ἑρμηνεύς, the Greek word for “interpreter” (see “messenger” or “herald” above). (Source: Missão Kophós )


“Hermes” in Libras (source )

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

Translation commentary on Romans 16:14 – 16:15

The final phrase with them, may be interpreted as “those with whom they associate”—for example, “and all the other fellow Christians who associate with them.” The same applies to the last clause of verse 15, who are with them. The two groups of persons identified in these verses may represent persons who met in different homes for Christian fellowship and worship.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to the Romans. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1973. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .