This verse contains a quotation within a quotation. Good News Translation has turned the embedded quotation, that is, the words of the LORD, into an indirect quotation, providing a good model for certain other languages.

Here is: translates the Hebrew particle traditionally rendered “behold.” The focusing particle actually occurs twice in this verse, but in this case “behold the day” may be more naturally translated “now is the time” or “this is the opportunity.”

Into your hand: see the comments on 4.8.

Good to you: literally “good in your eyes” (so Fox).

David stealthily, or secretly, cut off the skirt of Saul’s robe. The word stealthily, as well as all that follows, implies that Saul did not know what David had done. Good News Translation therefore says “without Saul’s knowing it.” The skirt (literally “corner”) refers to the extremity or end of the robe. Various renderings are found in English translations: “a piece” (Revised English Bible), “an end” (New American Bible), “a corner” (New Revised Standard Version), and “the border” (New Jerusalem Bible). The Hebrew word translated robe refers to a sleeveless, cloak-like outer garment. The word “cloak” (New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, Fox) may be a better translation than robe.

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 .