But: the common conjunction clearly marks contrast between fearing the LORD and persisting in doing wrong. Most versions therefore use the word “But” as in Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation.

If you still do wickedly: the Hebrew verb phrase is literally “to do evil you do evil,” using two different forms of the same verb. In this context the construction conveys the idea of perseverance in wrongdoing. It is therefore not adequate to translate simply “if you do evil” (Bible en français courant). Some better models are “if instead you continue to do evil” (New American Bible), “if you persist in wickedness” (Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible), “if you cling to wicked ways” (Knox), and “if you persist in your wrongdoing” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh).

You shall be swept away: an allusion to exile. If this is true, it will be unwise to follow the model of Good News Translation at this point. New American Bible and New Jerusalem Bible likewise fail to preserve the allusion when they translate “you … shall perish.” In some languages it will be necessary to use a verb in the active voice with God as the subject. New Century Version says “God will sweep you and your king away.” Where the image of sweeping is unacceptable, translators may consider saying something like “God will cause you to go away” or “God will banish you.”

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 .