For: the Hebrew conjunction at the beginning of this verse is often translated “because.” It is used to show a causal relationship between what has been said previously and what follows. While it is ignored by Good News Translation and certain other modern translations, it is probably better not to leave it out. In addition to the usual translation “For” (New Revised Standard Version, New Jerusalem Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh), Traduction œcuménique de la Bible begins the verse “Yes…” in the sense of “indeed,” understanding the conjunction as expressing emphasis. Either interpretation is possible.

As the LORD lives: literally “on the life of the LORD.” This expression is used frequently in 1 Samuel (see verse 45; 19.6; 20.3, 21; 25.26, 29, 34; 26.10, 16, 28.10; 29.6) and is found also in Judges 8.19 and Ruth 3.31. It constitutes a very strong oath or promise that Saul will actually do what he says in the following verses. In many languages translators will be required to add something like “I promise” (Good News Translation) or “I swear” (Contemporary English Version), to show clearly that this is a forceful oath.

He shall surely die: this emphatic construction in Hebrew uses two forms of the same verb, which may be translated more literally “to die he shall die.” The same kind of expression is used in the story of the Fall in Gen 2.17. This emphasis should be retained in translation where possible. Fox attempts to capture the force of the Hebrew by saying “indeed, he must die, yes, die!”

Not a man among all the people: this is a rather strong way of saying “no one at all.”

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 .