But: the common Hebrew conjunction in this context marks contrast, since it was normally expected that Hannah would go to Shiloh along with the rest of the family. New Jerusalem Bible is even stronger, with “however.”

Hannah did not go up: since Hannah had gone to Shiloh in previous years, Good News Translation adds “this time.” The Hebrew states that she did not go up. Most translations omit the idea of “going up” and say only that she “did not go” (Good News Translation, New American Bible) or “did not accompany him” (Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente). See the comment on verse 3 above.

As soon as the child is weaned: the child could be as old as three or four years at that time (so 2 Maccabees 7.27). The idea of weaning may be expressed very differently in other languages. One African language speaks of the time “when the child lets go of the breast.” Others may say “when the child stops sucking.” And in English it is quite possible to say “until he’s old enough for me to stop nursing him” (Contemporary English Version). Translators may also wish to compare Gen 21.8 to see what vocabulary is used there of the weaning of Isaac.

I will bring him: since Hannah and Elkanah were at their home in Ramah and not in Shiloh when these words were spoken, the correct English verb here is “I will take” (Good News Translation) rather than “I will bring” (Revised Standard Version, New Revised Standard Version, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh) or “I will come” (Revised English Bible). Translators should use a verb of motion that correctly indicates that Hannah is not already in Shiloh.

That he may appear in the presence of the LORD: that is, he will be presented to the LORD in the house of the LORD.

For ever: the words “for ever” in English perhaps fail to convey the correct meaning. The child will stay there until he dies, that is, “all his life” (Good News Translation). New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh expresses the same meaning by saying that he must “remain there for good.” Other languages may have an adverb like “permanently” which implies that the child was to spend the rest of his life in Shiloh.

One Hebrew manuscript from Qumran contains an additional line at the end of this verse, which New Revised Standard Version and New American Bible accept and translate as follows: “I will offer him as a perpetual nazirite” (New American Bible) and “… as a nazirite for all time” (New Revised Standard Version). Compare the additional material supplied by New Revised Standard Version and New American Bible in verse 11.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .