The man: that is, the person who was sacrificing (verse 15).

Let them burn the fat first: it is not clear to whom the pronoun them refers. Good News Translation assumes that the two parties are both responsible to see that the requirement of the law is followed, and therefore translates “Let us….” In languages where a passive verb would be naturally used in this context, the problem may be solved by saying something like “Let the fat be burned up first” (New International Version and New Century Version). But where the passive is not an option, it may be necessary to use a vague reference like “Let someone burn the fat first.” According to Lev 7.31, the priest is the person who is supposed to burn the fat on the altar. Therefore it is acceptable to say “Let the priests burn the fat first.”

It may also be important to supply the implied information that what the person is suggesting is only normal and according to the standard rules. Good News Translation does this by adding “do what is right,” and New Century Version accomplishes the same purpose by including the words “as usual.”

First is the usual translation of the Hebrew idiom “as the day,” which in this context seems to have this meaning. King James Version, however, translates “presently.” And both Klein and Anchor Bible take the same expression to mean “as usual.” This translation is also adopted by New Century Version.

No: the Masoretic Text says “to him.” The marginal note in the Masoretic Text, however, says that the text should read No. This is just the reverse of the text and the marginal reading in verse 3 above. Almost all modern versions accept the marginal reading and translate “No.” Other translators would be wise to do the same.

I will take it by force: or, “I will make you give it to me by force.”

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 .