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 .

complete verse (1 Samuel 17:11)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Samuel 17:11:

  • Kupsabiny: “When Saul with his soldiers heard that man’s words, they became afraid and nervous/restless.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “As soon as Saul and the Israelites heard what that Philistine said, being very much afraid, they were disheartened [lit.: their hearts fell].” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “When- Saul and the Israelinhon -heard that, they become- very -afraid.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “When Saul and all the Israeli soldiers heard that, they were extremely terrified.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 1 Samuel 17:11

All Israel in this context means all of the Israelite soldiers with Saul. Some languages may need to say “Saul and all the rest of the Israelites.” Compare “the men of Israel” in verse 2, which has the same meaning.

These words of the Philistine: Good News Translation replaces this phrase with the demonstrative pronoun “this.” Translators should use a style that is natural in the receptor language.

Dismayed and greatly afraid: depending on the context, the verb rendered dismayed may mean “in fear [or, terror],” “in confusion,” or “weak.” Many translations follow the interpretation found in Revised Standard Version, saying, for example, “they were all shaken and deeply afraid” (Revised English Bible) or “were dismayed and terror-stricken” (New American Bible). These two verbs are nearly synonymous here, and some translations combine the two into one as in Good News Translation and Traduction œcuménique de la Bible (“they were crushed with terror”).

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 .