complete verse (1 Kings 11:12)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Kings 11:12:

  • Kupsabiny: “But because your father David trusted me, I will not act that way during your days. Your son is the one from whom I will remove the rulership/kingship.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “But, for the sake of your father, David, I will not do like that as long as you are alive. But I will snatch the kingdom from your son’s hand.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “But because of your father David I will- not -do this while you are-still alive. I will-do this in the time of the reign of your child.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “But, because of what I promised your father David, I will allow you to rule all your kingdom while you are still living. After you die, I will not allow your son to rule the whole kingdom.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

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 Kings 11:12

Yet is a translation of a Hebrew adverb that often marks a contrast with a previously mentioned idea. In this case the idea of taking the kingdom away from Solomon has been mentioned. The contrast comes in the fact that it would not be done immediately. For this reason, at the beginning of this verse, most translations use a contrast marker like “Nevertheless” (New International Version, Revised English Bible) or “But” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, New Century Version).

For the sake of David your father means because he had promised David that his descendants would always rule over the kingdom whose capital was in Jerusalem.

In your days is “during your lifetime” or “in your lifetime” (Good News Translation, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh).

I will tear it out of the hand of your son: The meaning of this literal rendering may be expressed as “I will take the kingdom away from your son” or “I will do it when your son is ruling.” The idea of tearing the kingdom out of the hand has already been mentioned in the previous verse.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

SIL Translator’s Notes on 1 Kings 11:12

11:12a Nevertheless, for the sake of your father David, I will not do it during your lifetime;

But, in honor of David your father, I will not do this while you (sing) are still alive.
-or-
But I made a promise to David your father. Therefore I will allow you (sing) to rule as long as you live.

11:12b I will tear it out of the hand of your son.

I will snatch/take away the kingdom when your (sing) son becomes the king.
-or-
But I will remove this right/privilege from your (sing) son.

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