The Hebrew and Greek that is translated as “messenger” in English is translated in Noongar as moort yana-waangki or “person walk-talk” (source: Warda-Kwabba Luke-Ang).
sheep
“Sheep are known throughout most of the world, even though, as in Central Africa, they are a far cry from the fleecy wool-producing animals of colder climates. Where such animals are known, even by seemingly strange names, e.g. ‘cotton deer’ (Yucateco) or ‘woolly goat’ (Inupiaq), such names should be used. In some instances, one may wish to borrow a name and use a classifier, e.g. ‘an animal called sheep.’ In still other instances translators have used ‘animal which produces wool’, for though people are not acquainted with the animals they are familiar with wool.” (Source: Bratcher / Nida)
In Dëne Súline, it is usually translated as “an evil little caribou.” To avoid the negative connotation, a loan word from the neighboring South Slavey was used. (Source: NCEM, p. 70)
Note that the often-alleged Inuktitut translation of “sheep” with “seal” is an urban myth (source Nida 1947, p. 136).
See also lamb and sheep / lamb.
Saul
The name that is transliterated as “Saul” in English means “asked for,” “demanded,” “required.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )
It is translated in Spanish Sign Language with the sign that depicts “sword in chest” (referring to 1 Samuel 31:4 and 1 Chronicles 10:4) and also “self-centered.” (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
“Saul” 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 Saul (source: Bible Lands 2012)
Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Saul .
self-referencing pronoun for king or queen
In Malay, the pronoun beta for the royal “I” (or “my” or “me”) that is used by royals when speaking to people of lower rank, subordinates or commoners to refer to themselves in these verses. This reflects the “language of the court because the monarchy and sultanate in Malaysia are still alive and well. All oral and printed literature (including newspapers and magazines) preserve and glorify the language of the court. Considering that the language of the court is part of the Malaysian language, court language is used sparingly where appropriate, specifically with texts relating to palace life.” (Source: Daud Soesilo in The Bible Translator 2025, p. 263ff.)
complete verse (1 Samuel 16:19)
Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Samuel 16:19:
- Kupsabiny: “Then, Saul sent his servants to tell Jesse that, ‘Send your son called David, the one who looks after your sheep to come to where I am.’” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
- Newari: “So Saul sent messengers to Jessie with this message, "Send your son David, the shepherd to me."” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
- Hiligaynon: “So Saul sent messengers to Jesse telling him to send (from)-there his child/(son) David who (is) the-one-who-watches the sheep.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
- English: “So Saul sent this message to Jesse: ‘Send your son David to me, the one who takes care of sheep.’” (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 Samuel 16:19
Therefore translates the common Hebrew conjunction waw. Here it connects verse 19 with verse 18 as the logical conclusion. In English the meaning is correctly expressed by “So,” “Therefore,” or “Accordingly.”
Grammatically the subject of the verb said is third person singular, presumably Saul. But the message is a transmitted one using messengers. Some languages may have to say “they said.” And in other cases the whole quotation will be made indirect, “requesting that Jesse send his son David, the one who usually watches over the sheep.”
Who is with the sheep: the Hebrew leaves implicit David’s reason for being with the sheep, although it is clear in verse 11. The reason may be made explicit here, as in Good News Translation and La Bible du Semeur.
Contemporary English Version provides a slightly different model, with “Tell your son David to leave your sheep and come here to me.”
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 .
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