complete verse (1 Samuel 28:11)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Samuel 28:11:

  • Kupsabiny: “When Saul said like that, that woman asked him that, ‘Now you want me to call for you whose spirit?’ Saul replied to (her) that, ‘Call for me Samuel’s spirit.’” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Then that woman asked, "Whom should I call then?" Saul answered, "Samuel!"” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Later the woman said, ‘Whose ghost/spirit do- you (sing.) -want me to-call-(upon)?’ Saul said, ‘Call Samuel.’” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Then the woman said, ‘Whom do you want me to cause to appear?’
    Saul replied, ‘Cause Samuel to appear.’” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 1 Samuel 28:11

The first occurrence of the verb said may be better translated “asked,” since it is followed by a question. Similarly, the second can be translated “answered” in this context.

Bring up: see verse 8.

If necessary Saul’s response may be translated as indirect discourse: “And he told her that he wanted her to call Samuel.”

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 .