brother (older brother)

The Greek and Hebrew that is translated as “brother” in English is translated in Kwere as sekulu and in Mandarin Chinese as gēgē (哥哥), both “older brother.”

Note that Kwere also uses lumbu — “older sibling” in some cases. (Source for Kwere: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

David

The name that is transliterated as “David” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language 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 )

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)

Translation commentary on 1 Samuel 17:22

The things: the Hebrew term is general and may refer to tools, gear, vessels of pottery, weapons, and clothes. Here it seems to refer to the same items as “the provisions” in verse 20, that is, the grain, bread, and cheese mentioned in verses 17 and 18.

Baggage is probably too limited in meaning to be used in an English translation here. The idea is rather “supplies” (New International Version, Contemporary English Version). Revised English Bible translates the whole expression keeper of the baggage by the somewhat technical term “the quartermaster.”

The ranks: see verse 8 above.

Greeted: see the comments on 10.4.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .