Then: after having heard the advice of his counselor and having had it confirmed by a larger group, Absalom nevertheless sought further confirmation from Hushai. Since this may be somewhat contrary to expectations, some versions use the conjunction “but” at this point (Revised English Bible, Fox). Most versions, however, take it as simply introducing the next step in the decision-making process and translate “Then” (New Jerusalem Bible and New American Bible, for example).

Call … also: the fact that Hushai is called at this point indicates that he was not a part of the group of elders who had already given their approval to the proposed plan. The Hebrew text has a particle sometimes translated “I pray” (see, for example, 13.13). Like Good News Translation, several other versions translate this by beginning the quotation with “Now…” (Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, and New Century Version). The imperative verb call is singular in the Hebrew, but several ancient versions have the plural. In some cases the verb may be translated “let someone call…” (Bible en français courant).

Hushai the Archite: if the repetition of the Archite is awkward or unnatural, it may be omitted, since this information has already been provided in 15.32 and 16.16.

What he has to say: literally “what in his mouth also he.” Compare Fox, who translates “what is in his mouth, his also.” The word “also” should be considered important, and it is reflected as “too” in New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, and New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh. Another possible model for the whole expression is “find out his opinion too” (Knox).

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 .