The words Let … be given translate a single Hebrew word that is passive in form. Since such a form will not be possible in some languages, it may have to be translated “Give….” Contemporary English Version translates “Allow … to marry,” taking into consideration the words as his wife at the end of this verse.

Since Abishag the Shunammite has been named in verse 17, Good News Translation omits as unnecessary repetition the words the Shunammite.

As his wife is literally “for wife,” but both Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation add the pronoun his in order that the English may sound natural.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .