save

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The Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, and Latin that is translated as a form of “save” in English is translated in Shipibo-Conibo with a phrase that means literally “make to live,” which combines the meaning of “to rescue” and “to deliver from danger,” but also the concept of “to heal” or “restore to health.”

Other translations include:

  • San Blas Kuna: “help the heart”
  • Laka: “take by the hand” in the meaning of “rescue” or “deliver”
  • Huautla Mazatec: “lift out on behalf of”
  • Anuak: “have life because of”
  • Central Mazahua: “be healed in the heart”
  • Baoulé: “save one’s head”
  • Guerrero Amuzgo: “come out well”
  • Northwestern Dinka: “be helped as to his breath” (or “life”) (source for all above: Bratcher / Nida),
  • Matumbi: “rescue (from danger)” (source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific notes in Paratext)
  • Noongar: barrang-ngandabat or “hold life” (source: Warda-Kwabba Luke-Ang)
  • South Bolivian Quechua: “make to escape”
  • Highland Puebla Nahuatl: “cause people to come out with the aid of the hand” (source for this and one above: Nida 1947, p. 222)
  • Bariai: “retrieve one back” (source: Bariai Back Translation)

See also salvation and save (Japanese honorifics).

Solomon

The Hebrew, Latin and Greek that is transliterated as “Solomon” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with the sign for “wise” referring to 1 Kings 3:12. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


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

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

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

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Solomon .

complete verse (1 Kings 1:12)

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

  • Kupsabiny: “So, (old) lady, let me tell you what you need to do in order to save your life and that of your son Solomon.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Now I will give you some advice to save your life and the life of Solomon your son.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “If you want to save your life and the life of your child Solomon, follow my advice.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “So if you want to save yourself and your son Solomon from being killed, allow me to tell you what you should do.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 1 Kings 1:12

If Adonijah succeeded in becoming king, he would almost certainly kill Solomon and Solomon’s mother in order to make himself secure as the new king. Such a practice was common (see 1 Kgs 15.29 and 16.11, for example).

Now therefore come: This transition, which includes an imperative verb, is neglected by Good News Translation, but it is important. It is a way of urging Bathsheba to take immediate action. Knox captures the idea in ordinary language: “Act quickly.” New Century Version tries to include the meaning by the use of the adverb “strongly” in the expression “I strongly advise you.”

Let me give you counsel: In Hebrew this clause contains a particle of entreaty, which is often translated “I pray” or “please.” In certain languages the most natural equivalent of this will be “I beg you.”

The Hebrew word translated life twice in this verse is the word nephesh. Though it is often translated “soul” in traditional translations, the meaning is clearly “life” in this context.

Contemporary English Version provides a possible model for the entire verse:

• You and your son Solomon will be killed, unless you do what I tell you.

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 1:12

1:12a Now please, come and let me advise you. Save your own life

So please let me give you (sing) the advice/plan you will need to save your own life,
-or-
Nathan urgently advised her/Bathsheba to take action to escape/avoid being killed,

1:12b and the life of your son Solomon.

as well as the life of your son Solomon.
-or-
and to rescue her son Solomon from danger.

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