Philistines

The term that is transliterated as “Philistines” in English means “(from) the land of wanderers,” “(from the) land of strangers” (same as “Palestinian”). (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

It 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)

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 .

army

The Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek, Ge’ez, and Latin that is translated as “army” in English is translated in Chichewa as “group of warriors.” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)

complete verse (1 Samuel 17:1)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Samuel 17:1:

  • Kupsabiny: “There was another time when the Philistines wanted to fight the Israelites. The Philistines gathered their soldiers near Socoh in Judah. Those soldiers settled in Ephes-dammim between Socoh and Azekah.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “The Philistines gathered their soldiers for battle at Socoh of Judah. And they pitched their tents between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Now, the Filistinhon gathered their soldiers at Soco which was-part-of Juda, in-order to-fight. They camped at Efes Damim, between Soco and Azeka.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “The Philistines gathered their army to fight the Israeli army. They gathered together near Socoh, in the area where the descendants of Judah lived. They set up their tents at Ephes-Dammim, which is between Socoh and Azekah.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 1 Samuel 17:1

Now: this is the common Hebrew conjunction, which, at the beginning of this new section, may not need to be translated at all in some languages. But others may substitute a discourse marker showing that a new story is beginning.

Gathered: while certain English versions use the technical military term “mustered” (Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible), the verb used here is a very general one for gathering together. But it is followed by the words “for battle,” which clearly indicate a military purpose.

Socoh and Azekah were located about thirty kilometers (about eighteen miles) southwest of Jerusalem. Socoh was one of three towns by this name in the Old Testament. To indicate which of these towns is intended, the writer adds which belongs to Judah, that is, this Socoh was located in the lowlands of Judah. The name Socoh comes from a root meaning “to hedge” or “to shut in.” Nueva Biblia Española translates this name as Vallado, that is, “Enclosure.”

Azekah: another town in the lowlands of Judah, about five kilometers (three miles) north of Socoh. The name means “hoed ground.” Nueva Biblia Española translates this name as Cavada, that is, “Dug out.”

Ephes-dammim was located about six kilometers (about four miles) northeast of Socoh. The meaning of this name is uncertain. But it refers to the same place that is called “Pas Dammim” in 1 Chr 11.13 (and, in some versions that are based on the Septuagint, in 2 Sam 23.9). Since the reference is to the same place, translators would be justified in using the same spelling here and in the other passages where this place is referred to.

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 .