bow to the ground

The Hebrew that is translated as “bow to the ground” or similar in English is translated in Kwere as “bowing knees and face touching the ground.” (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 25:23

Made haste: see the comments at verse 18 on the possibility of translating this verb as an adverb.

Alighted from the ass: the verb translated alighted is the ordinary verb meaning “come [or, go] down.” In languages that have special terms for getting off an animal used to transport human beings, this would certainly be appropriate here. But others may simply say “got off the donkey.”

Fell … on her face … to the ground: a common expression of respect (see the comment on 20.41). Translators should ensure that readers understand this as an intentional action to honor David and not as an accidental fall after Abigail got down from her donkey.

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 .