pledge loyalty

The Hebrew in 2 Samuel 15:33 that is translated in English versions as “pledged their loyalty to Absalom,” or “the hearts have gone after Absalom” was translated into Afar as ‘Ku kabut gacennooh ko’lih rabenno’ ‘yaanam axcuk yenen.: “They were saying, ‘We will go with you and we will die with you.’ (Direct speech is used instead of general descriptions of speech acts. The pledge to even die with one’s leader in battle is a typical expression of loyalty.)

self-referencing pronoun for king or queen

In Malay, the pronoun beta for the royal “I” (or “my” or “me”) that is used by royals when speaking to people of lower rank, subordinates or commoners to refer to themselves in these verses. This reflects the “language of the court because the monarchy and sultanate in Malaysia are still alive and well. All oral and printed literature (including newspapers and magazines) preserve and glorify the language of the court. Considering that the language of the court is part of the Malaysian language, court language is used sparingly where appropriate, specifically with texts relating to palace life.” (Source: Daud Soesilo in The Bible Translator 2025, p. 263ff.)

complete verse (2 Samuel 15:33)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 2 Samuel 15:33:

  • Kupsabiny: “Then David told Hushai that, ‘There is nothing you will help me with when/if we go together.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “But David said to him, "If you come with me [you] will only be a burden to me.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “David said to him, ‘You have nothing to help if you go with me.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “David said to him, ‘If you go with me, you will not be able to help me.” (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 15:33

It may be that instead of saying go on with me, it will be more natural in a few languages to use the plural pronoun “us.” But the focus is very much on David.

You will be a burden to me: this has been stated negatively in Good News Translation as “you will be of no help to me,” while La Bible du Semeur says “you will be my responsibility,” and New Century Version has “you will be just one more person to take care of.” Contemporary English Version has the same sort of meaning: “you might slow us down.” Some scholars have supposed that Hushai must have been very old and ill suited for rigorous travel.

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 .