complete verse (1 Samuel 17:29)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Samuel 17:29:

  • Kupsabiny: “David replied him that, ‘What wrong have I done? Can’t I even have a discussion?’” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “David said, "No, what have I said? Is it not OK even to ask one question?"” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “David said, ‘Why? What have- I -done? I only asked-(questions)!’” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “David replied, ‘Have I done something wrong? I was merely asking a question!’” (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 17:29

Since two questions follow, Good News Translation changes the verb said to “asked” in order to conform to common English usage. But in some languages the questions may be turned into statements. For example, the question What have I done now? is really a way of saying “I haven’t done anything wrong.” And in some cases it will be better translated this way.

Was it not but a word? In some languages it may be best to express this as a statement rather than as a question. See Revised English Bible, “I only asked a question.” If the question format is retained, the meaning to be conveyed is “Don’t I even have the right to speak any more?” (La Bible du Semeur).

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 .