Philistines

The term that is transliterated as “Philistines” in English means “(from) the land of wanderers,” “(from the) land of strangers” (same as “Palestinian”). (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

It is translated in American Sign Language with a sign that signifies the helmet the Philistine warriors wore was decorated with feather-like objects. (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


“Philistines” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor

Click or tap here to see a short video clip about Philistines (source: Bible Lands 2012)

complete verse (1 Chronicles 14:13)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Chronicles 14:13:

  • Kupsabiny: “After that, the Philistines again attacked/raided the valley of the Rephaites.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Once again the Philistines came and did robbery with violence in that valley.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “The Filistinhon attacked again the Plains/Valleys of Refaim.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “But soon the army of Philistia attacked the people in that valley again.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

SIL Translator’s Notes on 1 Chronicles 14:13

14:13 Once again the Philistines raided the valley.

But soon the army of Philistia attacked the people in that valley again. (Translation for Translators)
-or-
Once again, the Philistines attacked the people who lived in the valley ⌊Rephaim⌋ .

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