Saul

The name that is transliterated as “Saul” in English means “asked for,” “demanded,” “required.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

It 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 18:9)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Samuel 18:9:

  • Kupsabiny: “From that day onwards, Saul began to blackstomach (be envious towards) David.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “From that day, Saul started to feel jealous of David.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “So from that-time-on Saul would-watch David carefully because he (was) jealous of him.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “From that time, Saul watched David very closely because he was suspicious that David would try to become king.” (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 18:9

And translates the Hebrew verb traditionally rendered in English “and it came to pass” (see page 19).

Saul eyed David: this verb appears only here in the Old Testament and means “to eye or treat with suspicion.” La Bible Pléiade renders this “Saul saw David with an evil eye.” Contemporary English Version translates the meaning more dynamically: “Saul never again trusted David.” Klein may also be helpful: “Saul watched David suspiciously from that time forward.”

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 .