Revised Standard Version does not translate the Hebrew particle of entreaty here, but Good News Translation does with the word “Please.” The force of this particle may be retained even if the embedded quotation is translated as indirect discourse. This may be done by using a verb like “begged.”

The transition word translated for (Good News Translation “because”) introduces the reason for David’s wanting to go to Bethlehem. This logical connection is important for the understanding of the relationships between the different parts of this verse.

Family: see verse 6.

The use of the word city for Bethlehem may be inappropriate, since Bethlehem was a relatively small village. The classifier word “town” is more appropriate (New Jerusalem Bible and New International Version as well as Good News Translation).

My brother: David was the youngest son (16.11), so this must be an older brother. The Septuagint says “my brothers,” and is followed by some translations (New American Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, and Osty-Trinquet).

Found favor in your eyes: see verse 3.

Jonathan addresses his father with respect in the third person, the king’s table. But it will be more natural in most languages to say “at your table, sir.” This wording or something similar will be more natural and at the same time include the idea of respect that the third person conveys in Hebrew.

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 .