ASL Dictionary of Religious Signs

New Testament

Sign:

"New Testament"

New Testament

Hand Shape:

For the first part, both hands are in "5" shape. For the second, dominant hand is "T" shape while other hand is open "B".

Motion:

Hold non-dominant "5" hand in front of your body, palm upward. Slide dominant "5" hand, also palm upward, across other hand starting at fingers and moving toward wrist. The motion is a scooping motion, ending with dominant hand slightly raised (sign for "new"). Next hold your non-dominant open "B" hand in front of your body, palm away and fingertips pointing upward. Begin the next step with dominant "T" hand touching the fingers of the "B" hand, with palm perpendicular to "B" hand. Move "T" hand away from "B" hand and down in a small arc; finish by touching "T" hand to lower palm of "B" hand. The motion is the same as for "law".

Note(s):

(Grammatical Note) This is a compound sign combining "new" and "testament".

Variations:

variation 1

Sign is the same as for "testament", but instead of keeping the dominant hand in the "T" shape throughout, it begins in the "N" shape and finishes as "T" (See Variation 1).