The Hebrew text begins with the common conjunction followed by the focusing particle, which are translated in King James Version as “And, lo” (New American Standard Bible “And behold”). This emphasizes the suddenness of Nathan’s entrance on the scene. Contemporary English Version attempts to convey this with “Just then….” Others may prefer to begin the verse with “Suddenly…” or include this idea at some other point in the verse.

In languages that do not distinguish masculine and feminine pronouns, it may be important to translate the pronoun she with the proper name “Bathsheba,” as has been done in New Century Version and Bible en français courant.

Came in translates the Hebrew verb “came.” Good News Translation and Nova Tradução na Linguagem de Hoje make explicit the place to which Nathan came: “the palace.” As the following verse indicates, the prophet had not yet been ushered into the presence of the king.

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 .