Philistines

The term that is transliterated as “Philistines” in English is translated in American Sign Language with a sign that signifies the helmet the Philistine warriors wore was decorated with feather-like objects. (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


“Philistines” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor

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

complete verse (1 Samuel 14:31)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Samuel 14:31:

  • Kupsabiny: “On that day, the Israelites continued killing the Philistines right from Mikmash to Aijalon. All along, they did not eat anything and became very tied.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “That day, after the Israelinhon defeated the Filistinhon from Micmash up-to Ayalon, they (were) very hungry and tired.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “The Israelis pursued and killed Philistia soldiers all that day, from Micmash town west to Aijalon. But they continued to become weaker from being hungry.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 1 Samuel 14:31

In this context the verb translated struck down may be rendered “routed” (New American Bible) or “killing” (Contemporary English Version). In either case the subduing of the Philistines is clearly indicated.

Moffatt has “from noon to nightfall” instead of from Michmash to Aijalon (which seems to be based on a conjecture). And Anchor Bible has simply “at Michmash.” This latter rendering is based on the Septuagint reading, but the longer reading seems more likely precisely because it is the more difficult one. Most major translations adopt the reading followed by Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation.

Michmash: as in verse 5.

Aijalon was located in the territory of Dan, about twenty-five kilometers (about twenty miles) west of Michmash, that is, toward the land of the Philistines, who were in retreat. The name Aijalon means “deer-field.”

The people, that is, the Israelite troops, were very faint. The verb form is unusual but almost certainly means “to be weary” or “to be tired” (see the comments on verse 28).

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .