complete verse (2 Samuel 10:17)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 2 Samuel 10:17:

  • Kupsabiny: “When David received that news, he also gathered all the Israelite soldiers. They crossed the river Jordan and went towards Helam. The Arameans had already prepared themselves to fight David. Soon after, the soldiers of the Arameans and those of David were fighting.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Hearing of that matter, David gathered all the Israelite soldiers. David took them across the Jordan river to Helam. He caused the Israelites to stand before the Arameans. Then they battled with them.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “When David knew this, he gathered all the soldiers of Israel to fight. Then they crossed-over the River of Jordan and went to Helam. The Arameanhon positioned to fight-against David and company, and they fought-each-other.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “When David heard about that, he gathered all the Israeli soldiers, and they crossed the Jordan River and marched to Helam. There, the army of Syria took their positions/arranged themselves for battle, and the battle started.” (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 2 Samuel 10:17

When it was told: as in verse 5, this passive expression will have to be made active in many languages by saying “when David heard about it” or “when someone told David about it.” See also 3.23 and 6.12.

Gathered all Israel together: in this expression all Israel refers to the fighting forces of Israel and not to every single person including women and children. This should probably be made clear in translation as Good News Translation has done. David and his troops crossed the Jordan, going from the west side to the east side.

Arrayed themselves: see verses 8-10, where this same expression is used.

Fought: since the description of the battle continues in the following verse, this verb form in English may be misleading. The idea at this point is that the battle began. In some cases it may be best to translate “the battle started” or, if the Syrians are still the subject, a verb like “attacked” or “charged” may be most natural.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .