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 Revelation 5:5

Then one of the elders: for elders see 4.4.

Weep not: better, “Stop crying,” as a translation of the present imperative of the verb.

Lo: see comments on “Behold” in 1.7.

The Lion of the tribe of Judah: this is a Messianic title (see Gen 49.9). The fact that it is a title may be made clear by translating “the one who is called ‘The Lion of the tribe of Judah.’ ” The lion was a symbol of power and dominion, and if in a given culture the lion is not considered “the king of beasts,” some other animal with that reputation should be chosen. Or else the figurative language may have to be partially discarded, and something like “The Lion, that mighty ruler from the tribe of Judah, …” may be said. The word translated tribe has already been used (in 1.7) in the general sense of an ethnic group; here it is specifically one of the twelve tribes of Israel (see 7.4-8). Instead of of the tribe of Judah, it may be better to say “from the tribe of Judah” or “who belongs to the tribe of Judah.”

The Root of David: this is another Messianic title (also 22.16). It means “a famous descendant of David,” the one whose coming was prophesied (see Isa 11.1, 10, where the family line is traced to David’s father, Jesse). In the Gospels the title “the Son of David” has the same meaning (see Mark 10.47; 12.35). In very few languages will Root or “shoot” make much sense in a title like this, so something like “the one who is a ruling (or, powerful) descendant of King David” may have to be said. In certain languages this phrase will be expressed as “the famous one whose great ancestor (or, big grandfather) was King David.”

Has conquered: this implies a battle or struggle of some sort against his enemies (see 3.21); but nothing definite is said. If the verb “to conquer” requires a definite object, “his enemies” should be added.

So that he can open the scroll and its seven seals: Revised English Bible has translated the whole verbal clause “… has won the right to open the scroll….” But it is better to assign a separate meaning to has conquered which gives the reason why this one can open the scroll. The one verb in Greek, “to open,” is applied both to the scroll and to its seven seals; in some languages it may be necessary to say “to break (or, unstick) the seven seals and open (or, unroll) the scroll.”

An alternative translation model for this verse is:

• Then one of the important leaders said to me, “Stop crying! Look! The Lion, that mighty ruler from the tribe of Judah, the famous one whose big ancestor was King David, has won the victory (or, is victorious). Therefore he can break the seven pieces of wax and unroll the paper document (or, scroll).”

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on The Revelation to John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1993. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 5:5

5:5a

Then: The Greek word here is usually translated “and” or “but.” However, this verse tells of the one exception to “no one” in 5:4. In some languages this connection must be made clear. For example:

But then
-or-
Except that

one of the elders: The word elders refers to the leaders who were worshiping God in 4:10. See how you translated the word elders there.

5:5b

Behold: The word emphasizes or calls attention to the words that follow. In some languages it will be more natural to translate it as:

Listen

Other ways to translate this word are:

Look (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
See (New International Version)

the Lion of the tribe of Judah: This phrase is a title for the Christ. In Genesis 49:9–10, Jacob prophesied that Judah would be like a lion. Jacob also said that one day all nations would obey the person with this title. Therefore, the Jews used this title for the Christ. Jesus is that descendant of Judah. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

The Lion from Judah’s tribe (Good News Translation)
-or-
the one titled The Lion Who Descended From Judah

Lion: A lion is a large, fierce, four-legged animal. It weighs about 200 kilograms (450 pounds) and is about 2 meters (6.5 feet) in length. See how you translated this word in 4:7.

tribe: Here the word tribe refers to one of the twelve groups in the nation of Israel. The groups were founded by the twelve sons of the man named Jacob, or Israel. The name “Israel” is the name for the nation of the Jews. Another way to translate this word is:

clan

the Root of David: Here the word Root probably refers to a new shoot that grows from the root of a plant after the main plant has been cut off. This phrase combines the thoughts in Isaiah 11:1 and 11:10. For example, the Revised English Bible says:

the shoot growing from David’s stock

It refers to the promised leader of God’s people who descended from King David. He was David’s heir. In some languages the meaning of the Root of David will not be clear. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Translate the meaning without the metaphor. For example:

the ⌊special/unique⌋ Descendant of David
-or-
the ⌊promised⌋ Heir of David
-or-
the one who renews/restores David’s kingship

• Translate literally and explain its meaning in a footnote. For example:

This phrase combines the thoughts in Isaiah 11:1 and 11:10. It indicates that one who could open the scroll was the promised leader of God’s people who descended from King David.

But if your word for “shoot” refers to ancestors, you should translate as in the first option above.

has triumphed: This phrase refers to winning a victory over enemies. Jesus followed God’s plan to redeem mankind by dying on a cross for their sins. By that act, Jesus defeated sin and death. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

has won the victory (Good News Translation)
-or-
has conquered (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
has surpassed ⌊all⌋

These verses do not say over which enemies Jesus triumphed. It is best not to add this information. But in some languages it is necessary to say over what Jesus triumphed. If that is true in your language, use a phrase that can refer generally to what he triumphed over. For example:

has triumphed ⌊over all things⌋
-or-
has prevailed ⌊over all his enemies⌋

5:5c

to open the scroll and its seven seals: The Greek clause indicates that 5:5c is the result of 5:5b. Jesus conquered his enemies, and that deed showed that he had the authority to open the scroll. For example:

so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals. (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
thus he can open the scroll and its seven seals. (NET Bible)

It is implied here that Jesus is worthy to open the scroll. In some languages this implied information must be explicit for the correct meaning. For example:

He is ⌊worthy and⌋ able to open the scroll and its seven seals
-or-
He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals

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