In distress: that is, “in trouble” (Contemporary English Version) or in affliction. The reason for their distress is not stated. And it is probably best to use as general a term as possible in this context. Some may say “all those who were in any kind of trouble.”

In debt: that is, “who owed money to other people.” It is quite possible that they owed their warlord Saul some kind of payment for his protection, but it is probably unwise to translate in such a precise manner, since the text does not definitely imply this.

Discontented translates two Hebrew words, “bitter of soul.” This expression is used elsewhere in the Old Testament in reference to persons who are bitter because they have suffered some kind of loss or because they are without something that they want or need. The same expression occurs in 1.10 and 2 Sam 17.8. The translation “dissatisfied” (Good News Translation) may be a little weak. The force of the Hebrew is more accurately expressed as “all those who had a grievance” (New Jerusalem Bible, similarly Revised English Bible), “who were embittered” (New American Bible), “every man of bitter feelings” (Fox), or “everyone who was desperate” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh).

Became captain over them: the word translated captain is a rather general term for a “leader,” which is how New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh translates this term. It is elsewhere rendered “commander” (12.9; 14.50) and “princes” in the plural (18.30). Revised English Bible here translates “became their chief.” The same idea may also be stated as “began to lead the group.”

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 .