It may be that …: these words reflect a single adverb in Hebrew that is elsewhere translated “perhaps” (1 Sam 6.5; 9.6) and usually expresses a hope. Here it indicates the hope that David had in spite of the circumstances in which he found himself. In some languages it may be necessary to translate it “I hope that…” or “It is possible that….”

Look upon my affliction: the traditional Hebrew reading is “… my wickedness [or, guilt]” in the text and “… my eye” in the margin. But some Hebrew manuscripts as well as the ancient Greek and Syriac have “my affliction.” This is the text recommended by Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament, which gives it a {C} rating, and it is followed by most English versions. The idea may be expressed as “punishment” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh), “sufferings” (Revised English Bible), or “trouble” (Contemporary English Version). Psalm 3, apparently written after the fact, shows that God did, in fact, consider his trouble and bring relief. The title to this psalm indicates that it was written on this occasion.

If the repetition of the LORD is considered unnatural in the receptor language, the second occurrence may be translated by a pronoun.

Repay me with good: the idea here is that of balancing the misfortune of Shimei’s curses by giving David good fortune in the future. The Hebrew verb is the same as that rendered “give back” in verse 3. New American Bible translates “make it up to me with benefits.”

For this cursing of me today: that is, for the curses being uttered by Shimei.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .