This verse contains a quotation within a quotation. Good News Translation turns the second quotation, the words of Saul’s soldiers, into indirect discourse once again, providing a helpful model for other languages.

The word translated men is very likely intended to refer to human beings in general and not just to males. So it is better to translate “people” as in Good News Translation and Contemporary English Version. Others may say less definitely “those who…” (La Bible du Semeur).

Seeks your hurt: that is, “seeks to do you harm” (New Revised Standard Version). Some other possible models are “[David] intends your ruin” (New Jerusalem Bible) and “[David] is your enemy” (Knox).

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 .