Moreover: the Hebrew adverb so translated is ignored by Good News Translation and several other modern versions. But it denotes the addition of something more and should probably be included in translation. Other versions have rendered it “What is more” (New Jerusalem Bible); “Further” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh).

Into the hand of the Philistines: that is, “to Philistine control [or, power].” See the comments on 4.8.

Shall be with me: that is, they will die and go to Sheol. This prophecy is fulfilled in 31.6. If there is any danger of misunderstanding, the meaning may be filled out as in Bible en français courant by translating “you and your sons will be with me in the world of the dead.” Contemporary English Version is similarly explicit on this point, though it restructures the verse to place the defeat of the army of Israel before speaking of Saul’s joining Samuel in Sheol: “Tomorrow the LORD will let the Philistines defeat Israel’s army, then you and your sons will join me down here in the world of the dead.”

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 .