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)

Jerusalem

The name that is transliterated as “Jerusalem” in English is signed in French Sign Language with a sign that depicts worshiping at the Western Wall in Jerusalem:


“Jerusalem” in French Sign Language (source: La Bible en langue des signes française )

While a similar sign is also used in British Sign Language, another, more neutral sign that combines the sign “J” and the signs for “place” is used as well. (Source: Anna Smith)


“Jerusalem” in British Sign Language (source: Christian BSL, used with permission)

Translation commentary on 1 Samuel 17:54

The claim that David took Goliath’s head to Jerusalem reflects a later time in the history of David’s rise to power. Jerusalem did not come under Israelite control until David himself became king (David’s capture of Jerusalem is told in 2 Sam 5.6-10).

His armor refers to Goliath’s armor, or perhaps more generally to Goliath’s weapons and armor. The Hebrew term is a rather general one meaning “gear” or “things” (see the comment on this term in verse 22). The majority of modern versions and commentaries seem to prefer “weapons” (Revised English Bible, New American Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, Contemporary English Version, Klein, and Anchor Bible) as in Good News Translation. Both the pronoun referent and the meaning of the noun should be made clear in the translation.

His tent refers to David’s tent. This should be clear to readers and hearers of the receptor language translation.

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 .