In the pass: literally “between the passes.” Jonathan and his armorbearer cross the deep ravine separating the Israelites and the Philistines by going through Michmash Pass (see 13.23). Though the Hebrew does not mention here the name of the pass, such information may be made explicit (see Good News Translation).

Garrison: as in verse 1.

A rocky crag refers to a steep rugged rock or cliff. The Hebrew is more literally “a tooth cliff” (see the comments on the Hebrew word shen at 7.12). While this expression is repeated in this verse, it is quite possible to speak of “two rocky cliffs” in the first instance.

The names of the large rocks on each side of the pass were called Bozez, which means “Shining,” and Seneh, which means “Thorny.” Most translations simply transliterate these two Hebrew names. Revised English Bible explains the meanings of the names in a footnote. According to its usual practice, Nueva Biblia Española translates the names in the text rather than transliterating the Hebrew names: El Brillante (Shining) and La Espina (Thorn). Similarly Contemporary English Version translates “Shiny Cliff … and Thornbush Cliff.” Since there is no doubt about the meaning of these names, it is certainly legitimate to translate rather than transliterate.

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 .