complete verse (1 Samuel 20:39)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Samuel 20:39:

  • Kupsabiny: “That servant did not know what was happening, but Jonathan and David alone knew.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “But only Jonathan and David knew the reason for this. That young man did not know anything.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “The child/(boy) was-not at-all aware-of what that meant. Only Jonatan and David knew.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “But the boy did not understand the meaning of what Jonathan had said; only Jonathan and David knew.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

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 )

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

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)

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: David .

Translation commentary on 1 Samuel 20:39

This verse is taken as parenthetical by New International Version and New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, since it is apparently considered somewhat incidental to the primary narrative. But most versions consider it a part of the main story.

Knew nothing: that is, nothing about the purpose of Jonathan’s shot and the words that he shouted. What is implied is that he did not understand the signals that had been passed from Jonathan to David, although he had heard everything that was said. To clarify the meaning, some languages will require that the word the matter be transposed to the first part of the verse to say “knew nothing about the matter.”

Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente may provide a helpful model: “He was in the dark about everything. Only Jonathan and David understood the meaning of these words.” Compare also New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, “The boy suspected nothing; only Jonathan and David knew the arrangement.”

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 .