The common Hebrew conjunction here marks contrast between the course of action proposed by Abishai and David’s response, which rejects the proposal. It is properly translated But or “However.”

The verb said may in this context be translated “whispered” (New American Bible) or “whispered back” (Contemporary English Version) in order to maintain the hushed atmosphere of the scene.

David responds to the question of Abishai by an imperative that unquestionably opposes the idea of killing Saul. He then poses a question that is clearly rhetorical. In some languages it may be necessary to change the question into a statement, as in Good News Translation. But others may prefer to retain the question format, following the model of Bible en français courant: “Do you think one can remain unpunished after having made an attempt on the life of the king whom the Lord has chosen?”

The expression put forth his hand against is a way of saying “do harm to” or “cause injury to.”

The LORD’s anointed: that is, King Saul. See the comments on 2.10.

And be guiltless: or “and not be punished.” But where passive forms are a problem, it may be necessary to restructure the whole of David’s utterance: “Don’t kill him! If a person tries to kill the king chosen by the LORD, the LORD will certainly punish that person.” Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente provides another useful model: “ ‘No’ David replied, ‘don’t kill him: no one has the right to injure the king consecrated by the LORD.’ ”

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 .