Abiathar

The name that is transliterated as “Abiathar” in English means “father of plenty,” “father of the great one.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

In Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) it is translated with a sign that combines “priest” and “last.” Abiathar was a priest during the reigns of Saul, David and Solomon. He was also the last priest in the lineage of Eli (1 Kings 2:27). (Source: Missão Kophós )


“Abiathar” in Libras (source )

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

survive / escape / save

The Hebrew and Greek that is translated as “survive,” “escape,” “save,” or similar in English is translated in the Contemporary Chichewa translation (2002/2016) in these verses with pulumuka, describing someone whose life was in danger but who has freed himself or herself. (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)

complete verse (1 Samuel 22:20)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Samuel 22:20:

  • Kupsabiny: “But one of the sons of Ahimelech called Abiathar missed narrowly and he ran away to where David was.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Abiathat, one of the sons of Ahimelek, escaped to David’s place.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “But Abiatar the child/(son) of Ahimelec was-able-to-flee and went-with David.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “But Abiathar, Ahimelech’s son, escaped. He ran away and joined David and the men who were with him.” (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 22:20

But: the transition word is important in this context, since it marks a turning point in the story and a contrast between what happened to Abiathar and the rest of Ahimelech’s sons.

As in earlier verses in this chapter, for reasons of English style Good News Translation does not repeat the son of Ahitub.

According to Mark 2.26, it was Abiathar, not Ahimelech, who was high priest when David and his men ate the sacred bread (21.1-6).

Escaped: see the comments on 19.10.

Fled: see the comments on 19.18. Abiathar pursued David, not to attack him but to join him (see 23.6).

Instead of translating fled after David, Traduction œcuménique de la Bible and Revised English Bible, like Good News Translation, indicate that Abiathar “joined David,” and Contemporary English Version says that “he ran to 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 .