David

The name that is transliterated as “David” in English means “beloved.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with the sign signifying king and a sling (referring to 1 Samuel 17:49 and 2 Samuel 5:4). (Source: John Elwode in The Bible Translator 2008, p. 78ff. )


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

In German Sign Language it is only the sling. (See here ).


“David” in German Sign Language (source )

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

The (Protestant) Mandarin Chinese transliteration of “David” is 大卫 (衛) / Dàwèi which carries an additional meaning of “Great Protector.”

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

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: David .

Japanese benefactives (-sete)

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Like a number of other East Asian languages, Japanese uses a complex system of honorifics, i.e. a system where a number of different levels of politeness are expressed in language via words, word forms or grammatical constructs. These can range from addressing someone or referring to someone with contempt (very informal) to expressing the highest level of reference (as used in addressing or referring to God) or any number of levels in-between.

One way to do this is through the usage (or a lack) of an honorific prefix as shown here in the widely-used Japanese Shinkaiyaku (新改訳) Bible of 2017. When the referent is God, the “divine” honorific prefix mi- (御 or み) can be used, as in mi-kao (御顔) or “face (of God)” in the referenced verses.

(Source: S. E. Doi, see also S. E. Doi in Journal of Translation, 18/2022, p. 37ff. )

Japanese benefactives (tomo ni ite)

Click or tap here to see the rest of this insight.

Like a number of other East Asian languages, Japanese uses a complex system of honorifics, i.e. a system where a number of different levels of politeness are expressed in language via words, word forms or grammatical constructs. These can range from addressing someone or referring to someone with contempt (very informal) to expressing the highest level of reference (as used in addressing or referring to God) or any number of levels in-between.

One way Japanese shows different degree of politeness is through the choice of a benefactive construction as shown here in the widely-used Japanese Shinkaiyaku (新改訳) Bible of 2017. Here, tomo ni ite (ともにいて) or “be with” is used in combination with kudasaru (くださる), a respectful form of the benefactive kureru (くれる). A benefactive reflects the good will of the giver or the gratitude of a recipient of the favor. To convey this connotation, English translation needs to employ a phrase such as “for me (my sake)” or “for you (your sake).”

(Source: S. E. Doi, see also S. E. Doi in Journal of Translation, 18/2022, p. 37ff. )

Translation commentary on 1 Chronicles 28:20

Then David said to Solomon his son: Since David had already told Solomon to “be strong, and do it” (verse 10), Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch begins this verse with “Once more David said to his son Solomon.” Since Solomon has already been identified in this section as David’s son, Biblia Dios Habla Hoy omits the words his son here.

Be strong and of good courage, and do it: See the comments on verse 10 and 1 Chr 22.13.

For the LORD God, even my God, is with you: See the comments on 1 Chr 17.2.

Fear not, be not dismayed: See the comments on 1 Chr 22.13.

He will not fail you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished: Compare Deut 31.6, 8. The word until does not imply that God will forsake Solomon once the Temple has been built. Since the word until may convey incorrect meaning, New Living Translation provides a better model here with “He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the LORD is finished correctly.” Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch also expresses the correct meaning with “He will not forsake you and will not leave you in the lurch, but he will help you to complete all this work on his Temple.” Yet another possible model is “He will be with you throughout the entire project of building the Temple. He will never leave you or fail to help you.” All the work for the service of the house of the LORD refers to the work of building the Temple. In verse 13 and 1 Chr 9.13, a similar expression refers to the rituals of worship rather than the building of the Temple.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Chronicles, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2014. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

SIL Translator’s Notes on 1 Chronicles 28:20

28:20a David also said to Solomon his son,

King David also said to his son Solomon,
-or-
David spoke to Solomon,

28:20b “Be strong and courageous, and do it.

“Be(sing) strong. Be(sing) brave. Do(sing) God’s work.
-or-
telling him to be confident and take courage and to follow these instructions.

28:20c Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you.

Have(sing) no fear. Do(sing) not be discouraged. Yahweh who is my God will be with you(sing).
-or-
“Do(sing) not be afraid or dismayed. Yahweh will be with you(sing) and help you.

28:20d He will neither fail you nor forsake you

He will never fail. He will not leave you(sing).
-or-
Yahweh will not abandon you(sing).

28:20e before all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.

⌊Yahweh will be with you (sing) ⌋ until his temple is built ⌊and also after that⌋ .
-or-

⌊He will make sure⌋ all the plans for the house of Yahweh are completed properly.

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