complete verse (2 Samuel 12:29)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 2 Samuel 12:29:

  • Kupsabiny: “When those words reached David, he gathered his young men and went for war there at Rabbah. He fought that city until he suppressed/conquered it.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “So David assembled all the soldiers in one place and, going to Rabbah city, attacked it and conquered it.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “So David gathered the remaining soldiers and they attacked Rabba, and they took- it – by-force.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “So David gathered all his troops. They went with David to Rabbah and attacked it and captured it.” (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 12:29

So: that is, as a result of Joab’s message. The underlying Hebrew is the simple conjunction often translated “and,” but the context requires a logical connector.

All the people: this refers to the fighting forces that remained in or near Jerusalem at that time. In some cases it will be best to translate “the rest of the army” as Contemporary English Version has done.

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 .