The conjunction and between the first two clauses in this verse should probably be taken as showing a relationship of cause and effect. It was because Saul was displeased that he became very angry. It is therefore legitimate to translate “Saul was very angry because this saying displeased him” or, reversing the order of the elements, “This saying displeased Saul, so he became very angry.”

This saying displeased him: literally “this saying was displeasing in his eyes.” In many languages, however, this will have to be restructured to make him (Saul) the subject, as he is of the first verb in this verse, “he [Saul] was not pleased with this.”

He said is a literal translation of the Hebrew. Perhaps David said the following words to someone else, but most likely Fox captures the intended sense by saying “he said (to himself),” placing the words “to himself” in parentheses to show that they are not in the Hebrew. Compare “he thought” (New American Bible, New International Version, Contemporary English Version, New Century Version, Bible en français courant).

They: there is no specific referent for this pronoun, which serves for both masculine and feminine in Hebrew; it probably does not refer only to the women who had been singing (verse 6). It seems rather to refer to the people in general. In many languages the third person plural pronoun will convey this idea quite naturally. But if not, translators may substitute “the people [of Israel].”

Ten thousands … thousands: instead of translating the numbers themselves, Bible en français courant says “They have ascribed to him ten times more than to me!”

What more can he have but the kingdom? The Hebrew noun rendered kingdom is better translated “kingship.” Saul’s question is rhetorical and may be changed into a statement or exclamation as in Good News Translation. Compare New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, which says “All that he lacks is the kingship!” and Fox, who says “There yet (remains) for him only the kingdom!”

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 .