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)

complete verse (Judges 3:31)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Judges 3:31:

  • Kupsabiny: “Shamgar son of Anath became adviser. It was Shamgar who killed six hundred Philistines who fought against the people of Israel with a sharp hunting stick.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “After Ehud came Shamgar, son of Anath. He killed 600 Philistines with an ox goad. He also delivered the Israelites.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “The one-who followed Ehud as leader/[lit. heads] was Shamgar the child/(son) of Anat. He saved Israel from the Filistinhon. He killed about 600 Filistinhon with a staff/stick/cane which was-used to drive cows.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “After Ehud died, Shamgar became their leader. He rescued the Israelis from the Philistines. In one battle he killed 600 Philistines with an ox goad/sharp wooden pole.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Judges 3:31

Section 3:31 Shamgar was the judge of Israel

3:31a After Ehud came Shamgar son of Anath.

The ⌊next judge⌋ after Ehud was Shamgar the son of Anath.
-or-
After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath ⌊was the judge of Israel⌋ .

3:31b And he too saved Israel

He too rescued Israel ⌊from their enemies⌋ .
-or-
⌊Just like the judges before him,⌋ he also delivered the people of Israel.

3:31c striking down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad.

He killed six hundred Philistines with an ox goad.
-or-
He took a piece of wood used to prod cattle and killed six hundred (600) Philistia people with it.

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