bed

The Hebrew and Greek that is translated as “bed” or similar in English is translated in Noongar as maya-ngwoorndiny or “bark sleeping” (source: Warda-Kwabba Luke-Ang).

See also mat, bed.

idol / idols

The Hebrew, Greek and Latin that is translated as “idol(s)” in English is translated in Central Subanen as ledawan or “images.” (Source: Robert Brichoux in OPTAT 1988/2, p. 80ff. )

In German, typically the term Götze is used. Originally this was used as a term of endearment for Gott (“God” — see here ), later for “icon” and “image, likeness.” Luther started to use it in the 16th century in the meaning of “false god, idol.”

Other terms that are used in German include Götzenbild(er) (“image[s] of idols”) or Bildnis (“image” — Protestant) / Kultbild (“cultish image” — Catholic) (used for instance in Exodus 20:4 and Deuteronomy 5:8). The latest revision of the Catholic Einheitsübersetzung (publ. 2016) also uses the neologism Nichtse (“nothings”) in 1 Chron. 16:26 and Psalm 96:5. (Source: Zetzsche)

See also worthless idols.

complete verse (1 Samuel 19:13)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Samuel 19:13:

  • Kupsabiny: “After that, Michal got an idol and placed it in the bed. She covered it with a cloth (sheet), and put hair of goats at the head (end).” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Then Michal took an idol and put it in his bed and dressed the idol with an upper garment and putting goat’s hair [on it], [she] put its head on a pillow.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Then Mical took a little-god and had-(it)-laid on the bed/[lit. thing-to-lie-on]. He put-a-blanket on this and put- hair of a goat -at/on the head.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Then Michal took an idol and put it in the bed. She covered it with some of David’s clothes, and put some goat’s hair on the head of the idol.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 1 Samuel 19:13

An image: literally “teraphim.” See the comment on 15.23.

The bed: Contemporary English Version says “his [David’s] bed.” This is very likely the intended meaning of the definite article with the noun bed.

Pillow: this Hebrew word occurs only here and in verse 16 in the Old Testament, and its meaning is uncertain. New Revised Standard Version, New American Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, and La Bible Pléiade say “a net [of goats’ hair],” and Fox has “some twined-goats’ hair.” Revised English Bible calls this “a goat’s-hair rug.” The sense seems to be that Michal used goats’ hair to look like human hair. Though New Century Version fails to translate this Hebrew word, the essential meaning seems to be retained by saying “She covered it with clothes and put goats’ hair at its head.”

The clothes: as in the case of the bed earlier in this verse, the use of the definite article with this word seems to suggest that these were “David’s clothes” (Contemporary English Version). In languages that do not have definite articles, it will be doubly important to state clearly that both the bed and the clothes used in this trickery were those of David.

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 .