complete verse (1 Samuel 20:20)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Samuel 20:20:

  • Kupsabiny: “I will shoot three arrows to hit besides those stones as if I wanted to shoot something.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “I will shoot three arrows as if I were aiming at it.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Then I will-shoot-an-arrow three times to the side of this stone/rock as-if I were-shooting-arrows-at-a-target.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “I will come out and shoot three arrows as though I were trying to shoot at a target. The arrows will hit the ground close to the pile of stones.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 1 Samuel 20:20

To the side of it: the Hebrew literally has a single word that usually means “side” (compare 6.8). This can mean either the side of the rock itself or a point off to the side of the rock. Either understanding is possible. But the majority of modern versions seem to prefer the idea that the target was to the side of the rock rather than “at it.”

Anchor Bible proposes that the Hebrew be changed to read “As for me, on the third day I shall shoot an arrow from the side [of the mound] aiming toward a target.” The Hebrew text makes sense as it is, however, and should be followed.

As though I shot at a mark: some may translate the idea here more naturally by saying “pretending to be shooting at something.”

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 .