Saul’s uncle: the uncle is not named. Perhaps the intended uncle is Ner (see 14.50), who was the brother of Saul’s father, Kish (though according to 1 Chr 8.33 and 9.39, Ner was Kish’s father rather than his brother). In some languages it is essential to know whether this was on the father’s side or on the side of the mother. If such a decision is required, it is better to translate the meaning “paternal uncle,” although it is impossible to be certain of this.

The initial occurrence of the verb said will be better rendered “asked,” since it is followed by a question. And in the second case it may be rendered “replied” (New American Bible) or “responded” (Bible en français courant).

In languages where it is unnatural to respond to a question using an incomplete sentence, translators may say “I have been looking for the [female] donkeys.”

They were not to be found: this passive expression may be made active by saying “we could not find them anywhere” (New Jerusalem Bible).

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .