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 2 Chronicles 6:6

But I have chosen Jerusalem … and I have chosen David …: God is now choosing Jerusalem as a special place of worship, and he is choosing David to rule his people. This verse contains a clear contrast with verse 5. For this reason it is appropriate to translate the common Hebrew conjunction at the beginning of this verse as but. Some versions also add the word “now” (Good News Translation, New International Version, New Living Translation, New Century Version, New American Bible) to emphasize the contrast.

That my name may be there: See the comments on the previous verse.

To be over my people Israel is a literal translation, which may be rendered “to rule my people” (Good News Translation; similarly New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh).

Translators should make sure that readers will understand that within the words of Solomon, the quotation of what God said stops at the end of this verse.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Chronicles, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2014. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .