complete verse (1 Samuel 20:11)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Samuel 20:11:

  • Kupsabiny: “Jonathan replied that, ‘Let us both go to the grazing field.’ Then they both went there.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Then Jonathan said to David, "Come, let’s go to the field." And they both went to the field.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Jonatan said, ‘Come, let- us (incl.) -go to the field.’ So they went-(out).” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Jonathan replied, ‘Come with me. We will go out into the field.’ So they went together out into the field.” (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 20:11

If indirect discourse is preferred, translators may say “Then Jonathan responded by inviting David to go with him out into the [nearby] field.”

On the translation of the field, see the comments on 19.3.

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 .