Goliath

The term that is transliterated as “Goliath” in English is translated in American Sign Language with a finger pointing to the forehead (a reference to where the stone hit him) followed by the sign for “tall” referring to 1 Samuel 17:49 and 1 Samuel 17:4. (Source: RuthAnna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


“Goliath” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor

See also Zacchaeus.

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: RuthAnna 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)

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 17:23

Behold: on the function and translation of the Hebrew term, see page 18 and following. Here it focuses attention on the menacing enemy warrior. Some may translate it in this context as “suddenly.”

Goliath is again introduced as the champion and as the Philistine of Gath, as in verse 4 above. As in verse 4, Good News Translation does not translate the Hebrew term rendered champion here. Also as in verse 4, this term is more accurately rendered as “the infantryman.”

Spoke the same words as before: see his challenge in verses 8-10 above. New Jerusalem Bible translates “made his usual speech,” while Bible en français courant says “repeated his habitual challenge.”

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 .