It would be easy to read this verse through the eyes of Christian theology as a reference to resurrection from death. But this is figurative language referring to the depths of misfortune and danger (see Psa 86.13, “thou hast delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol”).

It is possible to soften the meaning of this verse and reverse the order of the first two verbs by translating “You give life and take it away.” In some languages the expression brings to life may be translated by a causative verb form meaning “cause to live.”

Sheol was considered by the Israelites to be a dark place beneath the earth where dead people, good and evil of all nations, went after their death (see Gen 37.35; 42.38). Since this is a term that will have no meaning for many readers if transliterated into the receptor language, translators may wish to say something like “the world of the dead” (Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version), “the abode [or, dwelling place] of the dead,” or “the underworld” (Revised English Bible margin). But care should be taken not to give the impression that this is a reference to the local cemetery. For this reason “the grave” (New International Version, New Century Version) is not recommended.

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 .