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 .

Translation commentary on 1 Esdras 8:49

And of the temple servants, whom David and the leaders had given for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty temple servants: For temple servants, see the comments on 1 Esd 5.29-32. David and the leaders refers to King David and his officials. We do not know what Ezra had in mind with this reference to David, unless it is 1 Chr 16.37-42, where David provides for regular worship procedures. However, no Temple servants are mentioned there.

The list of all their names was reported: The Greek verb translated was reported often refers to official actions. So this clause probably says there was an official, formal list of the names of these 220 Temple servants. The Greek noun translated list of … names also suggests this. The parallel passage of Ezra 8.20 simply says they were listed by name, but the Greek text here implies a little more.

An alternative model for this verse is:

• There were also 220 Temple workmen, whose ancestors had been designated by King David and his officials to assist the Levites. An official list was made of their names.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Esdras. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.