serve

The Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek that is typically translated in English as “serve,” “minister,” “walk with,” or “service” is translated in Igede as myị ẹrụ or “agree with message (of the one you’re serving).” (source: Andy Warren-Rothlin)

In Quetzaltepec Mixe, “serve” is translated as “obey.” (Source: Robert Bascom)

Saul

The Hebrew and Greek that is transliterated as “Saul” in English 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 16:22)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Samuel 16:22:

  • Kupsabiny: “Saul sent a mouth(message) to Jesse that, ‘I love David very much. So, I am requesting you if you can accept I could stay with this boy so that he will be doing for me work.’” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “So Saul sent a message to Jesse saying, "Allow David to serve me because I am very pleased with him."” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Then Saul sent a message to Jesse saying, ‘Allow David to-remain serving me, for I like him.’” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Then Saul sent a messenger to Jesse to tell him, ‘I am pleased with David. Please let him stay here and work for me.’” (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 16:22

The Hebrew text does not have a direct object after the verb sent. A word such as “a message” (Good News Translation, New American Bible, New Jerusalem Bible) or “a word” (Revised English Bible) may be added to complete the sense. See also New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, “Saul sent word to Jesse.”

The words Let … remain reflect a third person singular imperative followed by a particle indicating a polite request. This is similar to Let … command in verse 16 above. One possible translation in this context is “please agree to…,” or in some languages “I ask you to allow….”

Remain in my service: literally “stand before me.” See the comments on verse 16.

Found favor in my sight: literally “found favor in my eyes.” See the comments on 1.18. The rendering in Good News Translation, “I like David,” seems flat. New Jerusalem Bible says “since he has won my favour.” And New American Bible has “he meets with my approval.” Contemporary English Version translates “I really like David.” In certain languages it will be more natural to make Saul the subject of the sentence rather than David: “I appreciate David very much” (La Bible du Semeur).

Some languages will naturally reverse the order of the two elements in the quotation so that Saul states his approval of David before ordering that he be kept in the royal service.

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 .