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, Ge’ez, 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. ) and in Cherokee “imaginary gods” (source: Bender / Belt 2025, p. 16).

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.

messenger

The Hebrew and Greek that is translated as “messenger” in English is translated in Noongar as moort yana-waangki or “person walk-talk” (source: Warda-Kwabba Luke-Ang).

complete verse (1 Samuel 19:16)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Samuel 19:16:

  • Kupsabiny: “When those people entered into David’s bedroom, they found that idol placed in the bed and the hair was seen on the upper side of the bed.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “They came again and found an idol in bed, and goat’s hair on the pillow.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “But when they entered/went-inside the house of David, they found-out/discovered that the one lying-down (was) in-fact/[surprise particle] a little-god/idol with the hair of a goat on the head.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “But when those men entered David’s house, they saw that there was only an idol in the bed, with goat’s hair on its head.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 1 Samuel 19:16

Behold: the focusing particle in this case serves to highlight the surprise of Saul’s agents on discovering that it was not David lying in the bed.

The image: literally “the teraphim” (see verse 13).

On the meaning of the word translated pillow, see verse 13. New Century Version translates the end of this verse “Its hair was goats’ hair.”

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 .