complete verse (1 Samuel 22:23)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Samuel 22:23:

  • Kupsabiny: “But don’t be afraid, let us stay together, because this man who wants to kill me is also the one who again/in addition wants to kill you. Nothing will eat/harm you when we are together.’” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “You stay right here with me, don’t be afraid. Those who are trying to take your life are also trying to take my life. You will be protected with me.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “You (sing.) just (stay) here with me, for only one is-the-one-who wants/desires to-kill you (sing.) and I. You (sing.) do- not -be-afraid; nothing will-happen to you (sing.) here with me.’” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “You stay with me, and do not be afraid. The man who wants to kill you wants to kill me also, but you will be safe if you stay with me.’” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 1 Samuel 22:23

The transition word rendered for in Revised Standard Version introduces the reason why Abiathar should stay with David, not a reason for being unafraid. If this transition word is retained, it may be a good idea to reverse the two imperatives at the beginning of the verse.

He that seeks my life seeks your life: the word translated life is nefesh (see the comments on this Hebrew word at 1.10). Another way of expressing this is “your enemy is also mine.” Some other possible models are “we have a common enemy” and “Isn’t the same person trying to kill both of us?” (Contemporary English Version). The sense seems to be that before Saul can harm Abiathar, Saul will first have to kill David. Compare “for they must (first) seek my life who seek your life” (Fox).

You shall be in safekeeping: or “You are under my protection” (New American Bible, Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente). It may also be possible in some languages to make this sound more natural by reversing the positions of the subject and object: “I will protect you.”

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 .