Are you not a man? Who is like you in Israel? The context makes clear that these are rhetorical questions. Some versions change one or both of these questions into strong statements of affirmation (so Nueva Biblia Española and La Bible du Semeur). David’s questions function almost as taunts to criticize Abner for not doing his job well, even though he is a great military leader. Bible en français courant says “Abner, you are a man, aren’t you?” David asked. “There is not a better soldier than you in Israel!”

The words your lord are used twice in this verse in the sense of “your master,” and they refer to Saul. If there is any doubt as to whom they refer, the name of Saul may be added, or “the king,” as in Good News Translation.

For: the transition word shows the relationship between David’s taunts and what had just happened in the camp for which Abner was responsible. Abner’s importance is questioned precisely because he had allowed someone to enter the camp without his knowledge.

One of the people: this expression refers to “one of the soldiers” (Anchor Bible) or simply “a soldier.”

Came in: that is, “came into the camp” or “came into your camp” (New Century Version).

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 .