And: the transition word used here will be determined in part by the decision about how the last part of verse 27 in the previous chapter is handled. If it is made a part of this section, it will be possible to translate 11.27b and the first part of this verse as follows: “Because the LORD was angry about what David had done, he sent Nathan the prophet….” If the section break is made at the beginning of the chapter, it may be better to leave the Hebrew conjunction untranslated, as in Good News Translation, New International Version, New Jerusalem Bible, and New American Bible. Without a section heading at this point, An American Translation translates the transition word “Accordingly….” Similarly Knox begins “So it was that [the LORD sent Nathan…].”

There is no record in this verse of the usual formulas of politeness that are typical of encounters with a king. Apparently the prophet launches directly into his parable without showing the customary deference. This direct approach should be retained in the receptor language if at all possible.

Nathan: Nathan is introduced as “the prophet” in 7.2. Since readers may not remember that he was a prophet, many common language translations add that information again at this point (Contemporary English Version, Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente, Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch, Bible en français courant, as well as Good News Translation).

In a certain city: literally “in one town [or, city],” that is, “in the same city” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh). Since the size of the place where the two men lived is unimportant to the story, those languages that usually translate “city” as “large village” will not need to add the adjective. In fact New International Version, Contemporary English Version, and New American Bible as well as Good News Translation translate “town.” What is important is that the two men lived in the same location.

Rich … poor: the two terms used are clearly intended to show a sharp contrast in personal and material possessions. The word translated poor comes from a root meaning “to be in need” or “to lack.” The detailed meaning of the two terms is filled out by the rest of the story.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .