as numerous as the sand on the seashore

The Greek and Hebrew that is translated as “as numerous as the sand on the seashore” or “as numerous as the sand by the sea” in English is translated in Bauzi as “as many like the tree flowers of the jungle” (source: David Briley in Kroneman 2004, p. 539), in Afar it’s translated as mari mangah arrooqih gide akkuk yeneeniih: “are as numerous as gravel” or loowo sinni: “not countable” (source: Loren Bliese), in Angal Heneng as “like the hairs on a dog” (Source: Deibler / Taylor 1977, p. 1077), and in Copainalá Zoque as “their number is like ants” (source: John Beekman in Notes on Translation, March 1965, p. 2ff.).

drink

In Telugu different verbs for humans drinking (tāgu / తాగు) and animals drinking (cēḍu / చేడు) are required.

Judah, Judea

The name that is transliterated as “Judah” or “Judea” in English (referring to the son of Jacob, the tribe, and the territory) is translated in Spanish Sign Language as “lion” (referring to Genesis 49:9 and Revelation 5:5). This sign for lion is reserved for regions and kingdoms. (Source: John Elwode in The Bible Translator 2008, p. 78ff. and Steve Parkhurst)


“Judah” and “Judea” 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 .

See also Judah, Judah (son of Jacob) , and Tribe of Judah .

complete verse (1 Kings 4:20)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Kings 4:20:

  • Kupsabiny: “The people of the region of Judah and of the region of Israel were as many as sand. Those people had wealth and they were happy.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They had as much as they needed of food and drink and they rejoiced.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “The number of the people of Juda and Israel seems like the sand on the seashore that can- not -be-counted. Their food and drinks were abundant, and they were happy.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “There were as many people in Judah and Israel as there are grains of sand on the seashore. They had plenty to eat and drink and they were happy.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

sea / lake

The various Greek, Aramaic, Ge’ez, and Latin and Hebrew terms that are translated as “sea,” “ocean,” or “lake” in English are all translated in Chichewa with one term: nyanja. Malawi, where Chichewa is spoken, has a lot of lakes but does not share a border with the ocean. (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)

SIL Translator’s Notes on 1 Kings 4:20

4:20a The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore,

There were very many people ⌊living in the land of⌋ Judah and Israel. They were like the sand by the sea.
-or-
There were so many people in Judah and Israel that counting them was difficult/impossible! It was like trying to count the ⌊grains of⌋ sand on a beach.

4:20b and they were eating and drinking and rejoicing.

They ate and drank and celebrated/rejoiced together.
-or-
They were ⌊all⌋ joyful because they had plenty to eat and drink.

Section 4:21-34

King Solomon had/enjoyed great fame, wealth, and wisdom

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