The Hebrew in 1 Samuel 4:12 that is often translated in English as “with his clothes torn” is translated in Anuak with the addition “that shows his fallen liver” (i.e., grief, sadness)
The Hebrew and Greek that is transliterated as “Benjamin” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with the sign for “wolf,” referring to Genesis 49:27. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Samuel 4:12:
Kupsabiny: “There was a man from the clan of Benjamin who tore his clothes because of pain/suffering and poured dust on his head. That man ran from where the fighting was until he arrived in Shilo on that same day.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
Newari: “That same day a man of the tribe of Benjamin, came running from the place where the battle occurred, and arrived in Shiloh. He had torn his clothes and put dust on his head to show his grief.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
Hiligaynon: “On that day there-was a man who (was) a member of the tribe of Benjamin who had-run from the battle going-towards Shilo. He tore his clothes and put dust on his head to show his mourning.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
English: “On that same day, one man of the tribe descended from Benjamin tore his clothes and threw dirt on his head to show that he was very sad. He ran from the place where the armies were fighting, and he arrived at Shiloh late that afternoon.” (Source: Translation for Translators)
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