And David said to God: In this context the verb said may be rendered “confessed” (Biblia Dios Habla Hoy) or “prayed” (Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch).

I have sinned greatly in that I have done this thing: This expression focuses on what David sees as his moral failure in ordering the census. The wording may be turned around in certain languages by saying “What I have done is very wrong.” If there is any danger that readers will fail to understand the meaning of the clause in that I have done this thing, it may be translated “when I had the people of Israel counted,” “when I ordered the people to be counted” (Nova Tradução na Linguagem de Hoje), or “by taking the census” (Nueva Versión Internacional).

But now, I pray thee, take away the iniquity of thy servant: But now translates the common Hebrew conjunction and an adverb. Here they introduce an unexpected request, so Revised Standard Version‘s rendering is correct. I pray thee renders the Hebrew particle of entreaty which is used when a person is imploring or begging another person or God. It is sometimes omitted in translation; but in languages where a similar particle exists, it may be appropriate here. Others will convey the same meaning with a word such as “please” or a verbal expression such as “I beg you.” Take away the iniquity is literally “allow to pass [the] iniquity/punishment.” The Hebrew word translated iniquity may also be rendered “guilt” (New Revised Standard Version, New International Version, Revised English Bible, New American Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh) since in this context it has to do with the resulting sense of alienation from God because of the violation of his will. New Jerusalem Bible has “fault,” and Moffatt says “sin.” The whole phrase may be translated “forgive … the transgression” (American Bible), “forgive the sin” (Biblia Dios Habla Hoy), or “pardon the wrong.” David refers to himself in the third person as thy servant while speaking to God. This will probably not be natural in most languages and should be translated by a first person pronoun, while at the same time showing proper respect; for example, the whole clause may be rendered “Please forgive my sin, for I am your servant.”

For I have done very foolishly: This verbal expression highlights the folly of what David had done, whereas the earlier statement (I have sinned greatly) focused on the moral wrong committed. Contemporary English Version uses the word “stupid” here. The Hebrew particle rendered for may be a logical connector here (so New Century Version with “because”), or it may be used for emphasis (so Parole de Vie with “Yes”). For the whole clause Moffatt says “for I have done a senseless deed.” Many languages will find it more natural to say “Yes, I have behaved like a fool” or “Truly, I have acted like a person who does not have good sense.”

A possible model for the prayer of David, based partly on the rendering of Parole de Vie, is: “I have committed a serious sin. Yes, I have really acted like a fool. Please forgive this sin of mine.”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Chronicles, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2014. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .