Nehemiah

The Hebrew and Greek that is transliterated as “Nehemiah” in English means “YHWH comforts,” “YHWH has consoled.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

It is translated in Spanish Sign Language with the sign for “builder” referring to Nehemiah leading the effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Nehemiah” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

In Hungarian Sign Language it is translated with a sign that refers to his personality: to encourage, strengthen, and build. As governor, Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity; he encouraged the people, strengthened their faith and defenses, and restored the dignity of the community. Through his actions, he fulfilled the will of God. (Source: Jenjelvi Biblia and HSL Bible Translation Group)


“Nehemiah” in Hungarian Sign Language — note that only the first part refers to “Haggai,” the second part refers to “book” (source )

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

More information on Nehemiah .

Translation commentary on Sirach 49:13

The memory of Nehemiah also is lasting may be rendered “Nehemiah also has a permanent place in our memory [or history]” or “We should always give great honor to Nehemiah.”

He raised for us the walls that had fallen: The walls are the walls of Jerusalem, and it is helpful to say so. The Good News Translation model for this line may be improved a little by saying “He rebuilt for us the ruined walls of Jerusalem.”

And set up the gates and bars: The gates are the gates into the city, through the walls. The bars are heavy wooden pieces that served to lock the gates. An alternative model for this line is “putting in new gates and bars to lock them.”

And rebuilt our ruined houses: Good News Translation omits ruined as redundant. It is, but it could be kept by saying “He rebuilt our homes, which were in ruins.”

An alternative model for this verse is:

• We should always give great honor to Nehemiah also. He rebuilt for us the fallen walls of Jerusalem, putting new gates in them and bars to lock the gates. He rebuilt our homes, which were in ruins.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Sirach. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.