In the context of the ongoing conversation, the verb said may be better translated “responded” (La Bible du Semeur) or “answered” (Knox).

The verbs sinned and transgressed are very similar in meaning in this context. The verb transgressed is literally “crossed over,” but followed by the commandment it indicates a violation. The Old Testament often speaks of transgressing “the covenant” (Deut 17.2; Josh 7.11; 2 Kgs 18.2). On the verb sin see 2.25; 7.6; 12.50.

Revised Standard Version translates the Hebrew ky here as for, as do most translations. But as in the previous verse, Fox takes it here also as a demonstrative particle expressing emphasis, and translates as follows: “I have sinned, indeed, I have crossed the order of YHWH and your words, for I was afraid of the people.”

The commandment of the LORD: literally “the mouth of the LORD,” as also in Num 22.18.

Because: this introduces Saul’s justification for doing wrong. In some languages it will be better to begin a new sentence saying “I did this because….”

I feared the people, that is, “I was afraid of the troops” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh). See the comments on verse 21.

Obeyed their voice: see the comments on verse 19.

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 .