Philistines

The term that is transliterated as “Philistines” in English is translated in American Sign Language with a sign that signifies the helmet the Philistine warriors wore was decorated with feather-like objects. (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


“Philistines” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor

Click or tap here to see a short video clip about Philistines (source: Bible Lands 2012)

complete verse (2 Samuel 21:15)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 2 Samuel 21:15:

  • Kupsabiny: “There was a day when David and his soldiers fought (the) Philistines until he became very tied.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Again a battle took place between the Philistines and the Israelites. David and his men came down to do battle, but while they were doing battle with the Philistines, David felt very tired.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “One time, the Filistinhon and the Israelinhon once-again fought. And as David and his men were-fighting, David became- very -tired.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “The army of Philistia again started to fight against the army of Israel. And David and his soldiers went to fight the Philistines. During the battle, David became weary.” (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 .