Righteous renders a Hebrew term with a wide range of meanings. It may refer to that which is right in a legal sense. In some contexts the primary focus seems to be on right ethical behavior. It is, furthermore, sometimes used to indicate that someone has acted loyally or in the proper way within an established relationship. This latter sense seems to be in focus in this verse.

In languages where comparisons are difficult to translate, the more categorical wording of Good News Translation may provide a better model for the first part of the quotation.

For: the transition word between Saul’s admission of wrong and his reasons for doing so is important. It is possible to render it “because.” In some languages the two parts may be reversed, giving the reasons first and then the evaluation, and connecting the two with a “therefore.”

The verb repaid is not to be taken in the sense of repayment for something owed. So a literal rendering is not advised. The basic meaning of the verb is “deal with [someone or something].” It is translated in other versions as “treated” (Revised English Bible) and “done” (Moffatt). In some languages two different verbs will be required to convey the ideas “done good” and “done wrong.” The second person singular pronoun, you, is emphatic in Hebrew.

Whereas: literally “and I,” using the emphatic pronoun, which highlights the contrast between Saul’s actions and those of David.

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 .