The proverb of the ancients: the Hebrew term rendered here as proverb covers a wide range of meanings, including “taunt,” “discourse,” and “instruction.” In this verse the English words “proverb” or “saying” capture the correct meaning. The Revised Standard Version translation of this phrase reflects the form of the Hebrew, but many versions say simply “the old proverb” (Revised English Bible, New American Bible, and New Jerusalem Bible). A more natural rendering in certain languages may be something like “the ancestors used to say….”

The meaning of this proverb, which consists of three words in Hebrew, seems clear, and most translate in a manner similar to either Revised Standard Version or Good News Translation. New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh says “Wicked deeds come from wicked men!” Revised English Bible, however, says “One wrong begets another.” It is possible that David intends the proverb to describe the kind of person that Saul is for hunting down David. More likely, however, David uses this proverb in order to make his own claim that he is not wicked, since he did not do evil against Saul.

My hand shall not be against you: as in verse 12.

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 .