inclusive vs. exclusive pronoun (2Sam 2:14)

Many languages distinguish between inclusive and exclusive first-person plural pronouns (“we”). (Click or tap here to see more details)

The inclusive “we” specifically includes the addressee (“you and I and possibly others”), while the exclusive “we” specifically excludes the addressee (“he/she/they and I, but not you”). This grammatical distinction is called “clusivity.” While Semitic languages such as Hebrew or most Indo-European languages such as Greek or English do not make that distinction, translators of languages with that distinction have to make a choice every time they encounter “we” or a form thereof (in English: “we,” “our,” or “us”).

For this verse, the Jarai and the Adamawa Fulfulde translation both use the inclusive pronoun, including everyone.

inclusive vs. exclusive pronoun (2Sam 2:14)

Many languages distinguish between inclusive and exclusive first-person plural pronouns (“we”). (Click or tap here to see more details)

The inclusive “we” specifically includes the addressee (“you and I and possibly others”), while the exclusive “we” specifically excludes the addressee (“he/she/they and I, but not you”). This grammatical distinction is called “clusivity.” While Semitic languages such as Hebrew or most Indo-European languages such as Greek or English do not make that distinction, translators of languages with that distinction have to make a choice every time they encounter “we” or a form thereof (in English: “we,” “our,” or “us”).

For this verse, the Jarai and the Adamawa Fulfulde translation both use the exclusive pronoun, excluding David.

complete verse (2 Samuel 2:14)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 2 Samuel 2:14:

  • Kupsabiny: “Abner told Joab, ‘Let the men try/test themselves/one another in front us. Then Joab replied, ‘Good.’” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Abner shouted to Joab saying, "Would it be OK if some of your young men and some of my young men come and fought hand to hand before us?" Joab responded "Good! Tell them to do like that."” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Then Abner said to Joab, ‘Let us (incl.) have- some of our (incl.) good soldiers -fight in front of us (incl.).’ Joab agreed,” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Abner said to Joab, ‘Let’s tell some of our young men to fight each other!’ Joab replied, ‘Okay!’” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 2 Samuel 2:14

Said: the verb used here is a very general one, but in view of the nature of the encounter, and the fact that the two groups were seated at least eleven meters (thirty-six feet) apart on opposite sides of the pool of Gibeon, a stronger verb may be required. Contemporary English Version has “yelled to Joab.” It has also been translated in some languages as “proposed” (La Bible du Semeur); it can be rendered “challenged.”

Young men: as in 1.15 this expression refers to fighting men, or “soldiers” (Anchor Bible).

Arise and play: what is proposed here was probably not a matter of a harmless sporting match that got out of hand, although some commentators speculate about this possibility. Rather it was very likely an individual confrontation between the best men from each side: “join in single combat” (Revised English Bible). Anderson speaks of seasoned warriors engaging in “a trial of arms,” and Fox has “arise and do-a-war-dance.” The story goes on to show clearly that this was a fight to the death. The verb play is therefore probably much too weak for this context. A translation such as “hold a tournament [or, contest]” may express the correct meaning in some languages.

Let them arise: this is a repetition of what Abner had just said to Joab, and is simply a way of agreeing with what he had said. Instead of a direct quotation as in Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation, it is possible to say simply “and Joab agreed” or “Joab accepted Abner’s proposal [or idea, or plan].”

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 .