brother (older brother)

The Greek and Hebrew that is translated as “brother” in English is translated in Kwere as sekulu, in Elhomwe as mbalaawo´, and in Mandarin Chinese as gēgē (哥哥), all “older brother.”

Note that Kwere also uses lumbu — “older sibling” in some cases. (Source for Kwere and Elhomwe: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext; Chinese: Jost Zetzsche)

In Lama it is translated as “older or younger brother.” (Source: Neal Brinneman)

See also older brother (Japanese honorifics).

complete verse (1 Samuel 17:22)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Samuel 17:22:

  • Kupsabiny: “David left that food to the person who was guarding the properties for the soldiers and ran ahead to where all the soldiers were and he also greeted his brothers.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Having given responsibility for the food he had brought to the one who was watching the soldier’s equipment, he ran to the place where his brothers were lined up on the battlefield, and honored his brothers with a salutation.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “David left what he had-brought with the one-managing/in-charge-of the necessities/supplies of the soldiers, and he ran to the battle-field and greeted his siblings/(brothers).” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “David gave the food to the man who was taking care of the war equipment. He told him to take care of the food that he brought, and then he went and greeted his older brothers.” (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 17:22

The things: the Hebrew term is general and may refer to tools, gear, vessels of pottery, weapons, and clothes. Here it seems to refer to the same items as “the provisions” in verse 20, that is, the grain, bread, and cheese mentioned in verses 17 and 18.

Baggage is probably too limited in meaning to be used in an English translation here. The idea is rather “supplies” (New International Version, Contemporary English Version). Revised English Bible translates the whole expression keeper of the baggage by the somewhat technical term “the quartermaster.”

The ranks: see verse 8 above.

Greeted: see the comments on 10.4.

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 .