Saul

The Hebrew and Greek that is transliterated as “Saul” in English 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 19:19)

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

  • Kupsabiny: “Saul heard that David was in Naioth.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Someone told Saul, "David is in Naioth at Ramah."” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Someone told-the-news to Saul that David (was) there in Nayot in Rama.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Someone told Saul that David was in Naioth.” (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 19:19

Revised Standard Version maintains the direct quotation of the Hebrew text. Good News Translation, like Revised English Bible and Knox, restructures and uses an indirect quotation, which is more natural here in English, although in some languages this may lose something of the dramatic effect of the original.

And it was told Saul: literally “And it was told Saul, saying.” This passive formulation may be made active by saying “Someone told Saul” (Contemporary English Version) or “They [indefinite] told Saul.”

Behold: the focusing particle here directs the reader’s attention to the revelation to Saul about where David was located.

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 .