If indirect discourse is preferred over the first direct quotation of this verse, the model is relatively simple: “Then Saul asked Jonathan to tell him what he had done.”

Jonathan’s explanation follows very closely the wording of the actual event recorded in verse 27, although it is briefer. The Hebrew construction expresses a slight note of emphasis that is missing in both Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation. New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh attempts to capture this by inserting “only,” that is, “I only tasted a bit of honey.” Fox says “I tasted, yes, tasted … a little honey.”

Here I am: as in 3.4-16 and 12.3, this indicates the speaker’s availability. But in this context he is accepting a very negative fate.

I will die: that is, “I am prepared to accept the consequences of my actions.” Nearly all versions render the last words of this verse in the form of a statement: I will die. New International Version, however, says “And now must I die?” (so also New Century Version).

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 .