Thus says the LORD: this is a repetition of the prophetic formula used by Nathan at the beginning of his direct message from the LORD (following the parable). It serves as a reminder of the source of the message and the importance of the verdict that follows. It has been translated by Good News Translation as “I swear to you,” but the formula itself may be retained unless it is distracting in the receptor language.
Behold: in Hebrew the particle so translated draws special attention to what is about to be said. If the receptor language has a similar element that can be introduced naturally in this context, it should be used here. If not, this word may have to be left untranslated, as in a number of modern English versions (New International Version, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, New American Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, and New Revised Standard Version, as well as Good News Translation).
I will raise up evil against you: the verbal expression used here carries the notion of causing problems. Anchor Bible uses a well-known English idiom, “I am going to stir up trouble for you.” Other versions have renderings like “raise misfortune for you” (New Jerusalem Bible), “bring trouble on you” (Revised English Bible), and “bring calamity upon you” (New International Version).
Out of your own house: as often, the word house is not intended literally. The source of the problems that the LORD will cause for David will be a member of his own family. This refers, of course, to Absalom, who rebelled against his father (15.1-12) and even took his concubines (see 16.21-22).
Before your eyes: while Uriah did not know what was happening between his wife and David, David would be fully aware of all that was going on when his wives were violated. This passage refers several times to the contrast between what was done in secret by David and what the LORD will do openly. The purpose of the repetition of this idea seems to be emphasis. This emphasis should be retained in translation.
Your neighbor: as often in the Old Testament, the word neighbor here does not mean “a person who lives nearby” but more broadly “another person.” In this context it refers to “another man,” as in New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh as well as Good News Translation.
He shall lie with your wives: in some languages translators may need to know whether this means that the man slept with the women one at a time or with several women at the same time. Almost certainly these words should not be understood to mean group sex. The idea is rather that of sleeping with different women at different times.
In the sight of this sun: the account of Absalom’s defiant action (16.22) indicates that it was intentionally done “in the sight of all Israel.” A literal translation of the expression here may sound strange. The idiom “in broad daylight” (Good News Translation) captures the idea in English, but other languages will have different ways of expressing this. Some may say simply “in the daytime” or perhaps “for everyone to see.”
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 .