Nathan began speaking to Bathsheba in verse 11, but several quotations within quotations have appeared in the intervening verses. Since it may be confusing for readers to remember who is speaking, the words “And Nathan added” may be inserted at the beginning of this verse (so Good News Translation, Bible en français courant, Parole de Vie).

This verse begins in Hebrew with the interjection that is often translated “behold.” Here the interjection serves to focus on the action just beginning. See the discussion on Hebrew focusing particles in “Translating 1–2 Kings,” pages 13-14.

Confirm your words: The Hebrew verb here often means “to fill” or “to complete,” and could mean that Nathan will finish telling the story or add details. But this verb may also mean “to confirm” (so New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, New American Bible, New Jerusalem Bible) and that meaning is likely intended here. Compare “I … will tell him that what you have said about Adonijah is true” (New Century Version) and “I will say the same thing as you did” (Parole de Vie).

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 .