concubine

The Hebrew and Greek that is translated as “concubine” in English is translated in Kutu as “slave made to be his woman” or “female slave he married” and similarly in Makonde, “a slave who is/was a wife.”

In Kwere it is translated as “small wife.” This is the term for subsequent wives when polygamy is practiced among the Kwere. While they enjoy most of the same rights and privileges as the first wife, their status is not necessarily the same. In Kalanga it is likewise translated with balongwana or “small wife.” (Source for all: project-specific notes in Paratext)

In Newari it is translated as “illegitimate wife” (source: Newari Back Translation).

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Concubine .

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 (2 Samuel 21:11)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 2 Samuel 21:11:

  • Kupsabiny: “When David was told what Rispah who was a concubine of Saul did,” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “David was told about all what Saul’s concubine, Aija’s daughter Rizpa had done.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “When David was-told what Rizpa the wife of Saul had-done,” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “When someone told David what Rizpah had done,” (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 21:11

Was told: this passive verb may be easily translated “heard” as in Good News Translation, or, changing the structure of the sentence, it may be better to say “When someone told David….”

The form of the Hebrew verb translated had done implies that the events described in this verse took place after Rizpah had completed her time of mourning. This should be made clear in translation.

The repetition of the detail explaining that Rizpah was the daughter of Aiah (see verses 8 and 10) may not need to be stated again in many languages, because to do so may sound unnatural.

The concubine of Saul: if this information is shifted to verse 10 above as suggested, it will probably be unnecessary to repeat it here. Without careful attention to the preceding verses, someone who reads this verse in Revised Standard Version may mistakenly think that Aiah was the concubine of Saul. But as 3.7 clearly states, Rizpah is the concubine.

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 .