Said: in the context of this exchange between David and Nathan, this verb may be better translated “responded” or “answered.” The same is true of the verb as it is used again later in this verse.

I have sinned against the LORD: while this is the first occurrence of the verb “sin” in 2 Samuel, it is found frequently in 1 Samuel. See 1 Sam 2.25, where the distinction is made between sinning against other people and sinning against the LORD. See also 1 Sam 7.6; 12.10, 23; 14.33, 34; 15.24, 30; 19.4, 5; 24.11; and 26.21.

Put away: the verb so translated is found frequently in the Old Testament and has a wide variety of meanings. A root meaning of the verb is “to pass on,” “to cross over,” “to pass by.” The form here is causative, that is, “to cause to pass over [or, by].” Anchor Bible translates it “transferred” and comments that:

• the verb means more than “has put away.” The sin cannot be simply forgotten; it must be atoned for. Thus, if David himself is not to die, the sin must be transferred to someone who will.

If this analysis is true, it means that David’s sin is transferred to the innocent child born of the illicit union between David and Bathsheba. Revised English Bible agrees with this, translating “has laid on another the consequences of your sin.”

However, the same form of the verb occurs in 24.10; Job 7.21; and 1 Chr 21.8; and it is probable that the meanings there are simply “overlook” or “let [guilt] pass by.” Most versions take this verb to mean simply “forgive.” Probably any indication that the sin was transferred to the child should be put in a footnote if it appears at all in a translation.

You shall not die: translators should be careful not to give the impression that this is a promise that David will never die; this means simply that David will not lose his life immediately.

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 .