Philistines

The term that is transliterated as “Philistines” in English is translated in American Sign Language with a sign that signifies the helmet the Philistine warriors wore was decorated with feather-like objects. (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


“Philistines” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor

Click or tap here to see a short video clip about Philistines (source: Bible Lands 2012)

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 28:4)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Samuel 28:4:

  • Kupsabiny: “The soldiers of the Philistines came and stayed on the side of Shunem. The Israelite soldiers for Saul lived/stayed on the hill of Gilboa.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “The Philistines gathered their soldiers and set up tents in Shunem. Saul also gathered all the Israelites and set up tents in Gilboa.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Now, the Filistinhon camped at Shunem, and Saul and the Israelinhon camped at Gilboa.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “The army of Philistia gathered and set up their tents at Shunem city, in the north of Israel. Saul gathered the Israeli army and set up their tents at Gilboa in the eastern part of the same valley.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 1 Samuel 28:4

The town of Shunem, which overlooked the eastern end of the Valley of Jezreel, was located about twelve kilometers (or seven and one-half miles) northwest of Mount Gilboa. Mount Gilboa rises to a height of 520 meters (about 1700 feet) above sea level.

Depending on the perspective of the receptor language, the verb rendered came may become “went” (Contemporary English Version) or “advanced” (New American Bible). This verb of movement is, however, left implicit in certain modern versions. Others leave the verb assembled implicit.

At Gilboa: though Good News Translation says “Mount Gilboa,” it is uncertain whether the name Gilboa refers to the mountain or to a nearby city by that name. Here and in 2 Sam 21.12, the Hebrew text says only Gilboa and not “Mount Gilboa” as elsewhere in the Old Testament. The Hebrew may be rendered “at Gilboa” (New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible) or “on Gilboa” (New American Bible). The English preposition “on” in New American Bible clearly suggests that the reference is to Mount Gilboa, and “on Gilboa” also occurs in the Revised Standard Version translation of 2 Sam 21.12.

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 .