army

The Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek, Ge’ez, and Latin that is translated as “army” in English is translated in Chichewa as “group of warriors.” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)

complete verse (2 Samuel 10:7)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 2 Samuel 10:7:

  • Kupsabiny: “When David heard those words, he sent Joab and/with all the soldiers who were strong/fierce in battle.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “David, hearing that report, sent Joab and all his soldiers with him to do battle.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “When- David -heard this, he sent Joab and all the mighty soldiers to fight.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “When David heard about that, he sent Joab with all of the army that Joab commanded, to fight against them.” (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 2 Samuel 10:7

Sent Joab …: the verb clearly implies that Joab and the Israelite army were sent to fight the Ammonites. This is why Good News Translation adds “against them.”

And all the host of the mighty men: or more literally “and all the army, the mighty men.” Usually the expression the mighty men suggests a special group of well-trained men or professional soldiers, while all the host refers to the entire fighting force of Israel. But here the two appear to be in apposition. Perhaps the two expressions are best understood as in New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, “the whole army—[including] the professional fighters.” But the brackets are not recommended. New Revised Standard Version has the same essential meaning: “all the army with the warriors.” However, when one says “the entire army,” the special forces are included.

Some translators may wish to restructure this brief verse to say:

• When David heard what the Ammonites were doing, he sent the whole army of Israel, with its special forces, with Joab at its head, to fight them.

Or:

• … despatched all the Israelite soldiers including its special forces and their commander, Joab.

Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente says “commanded by Joab.”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .