This verse stands alone as a paragraph in many translations, summarizing the continual war between Israel and the Philistines during Saul’s rule. The Philistines were already mentioned in the summary statement in verse 47, but this verse highlights the fact that they were a special case among the enemies of Israel.

There was hard fighting: this may sound too impersonal in some languages. The translation should probably indicate that Saul was intensely involved in this fighting.

All the days of Saul is a literal translation of the Hebrew. Revised English Bible says “throughout Saul’s lifetime.”

Valiant man: literally “son of worth [or, son of power].” The same noun is found in the expression “did valiantly” in verse 48. And a similar idiom is translated “men of valor” in 10.26.

He attached him to himself: a literal translation may result in an unnatural expression in some languages. The meaning is clearly expressed in Good News Translation. In some cases it may be appropriate to say that “he drafted them into his army” or that “he persuaded them to join his soldiers.”

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 .