And now is a literal rendering of the common Hebrew conjunction followed by an adverb. However, most modern versions consider the conjunction here a marker of contrast and use “But” (Good News Translation, New Revised Standard Version, New International Version, Revised English Bible) or “Yet” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh).

Behold translates a Hebrew interjection that draws attention to what Bathsheba is about to say. Good News Translation does not translate this, but if the receptor language has some natural equivalent, then it may be used here. Bible en français courant attempts to capture the surprising nature of the situation by translating “I have just learned that….”

Adonijah is king is literally “Adonijah rules.” Others may prefer to say “Adonijah has taken over as king.”

Although you is literally “and now” in the Masoretic Text. Many Hebrew manuscripts and ancient versions, however, read “and you [singular]” instead of “and now.” Both Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation, as well as most modern translations, read “and you.” Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament gives a {C} rating to the reading “and you,” and this is the reading that should be followed. The Hebrew words translated “and now” and “and you [singular]” are similar in sound and spelling and were confused in the manuscript tradition of verse 20 also.

The words my lord the king express respect. Although Good News Translation has not translated these words, translators should attempt to keep the respectful attitude that Bathsheba shows by her words.

Do not know it; that is, David was unaware of what had happened. Revised Standard Version has added the word it as English style requires.

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 .