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 19:19

Revised Standard Version maintains the direct quotation of the Hebrew text. Good News Translation, like Revised English Bible and Knox, restructures and uses an indirect quotation, which is more natural here in English, although in some languages this may lose something of the dramatic effect of the original.

And it was told Saul: literally “And it was told Saul, saying.” This passive formulation may be made active by saying “Someone told Saul” (Contemporary English Version) or “They [indefinite] told Saul.”

Behold: the focusing particle here directs the reader’s attention to the revelation to Saul about where David was located.

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 .