Contemporary English Version restructures verses 49-51 to make it sound more natural in English. The name of Saul’s wife is shifted forward from verse 50. Then, instead of speaking of the sons of Saul and his two daughters, it says that “They had three sons” and “They also had two daughters.” Naturalness in the receptor language will determine which model is followed in this matter.

The sons of Saul: this list probably names the sons in order of birth. The list of Saul’s sons who were killed with him on Mount Gilboa includes a son named “Abinadab” (31.2) but does not mention Ishvi, who is perhaps to be identified with “Ishbosheth” in 2 Sam 2.8-13; 3.8-15 and 4.5-12. This same son is also called “Eshbaal” (1 Chr 8.33; 9.39). Malchishua is mentioned again in 31.2.

The correct name of Saul’s second son is debated because of differences in the ancient manuscripts. Revised English Bible spells the name “Ishyo,” which in Hebrew means “Man of Yahweh.” Ishyo will be the theologically correct name that corresponds to “Ishbaal” (“man of Baal”), called “Ishbosheth,” (“man of shame”). Despite the problems, Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament gives a {B} rating to the spelling found in the Masoretic Text. It will probably be wise to add a footnote to inform the readers that Ishvi is the same person as Ishbaal (or Eshbaal) and Ishbosheth.

Saul’s two daughters, Merab and Michal, are prominent in 18.17-29.

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 .