Then: this marks the next episode after the end (or interruption?) of the prophet’s story. The transition here may be marked by the beginning of a new paragraph or by the introduction of a word that marks the completion or interruption of a story. Possibly Nathan would have continued the story, but King David was so indignant about the injustice described that he cried out his opinion of the situation. Some other possible transition markers are “At that,” or “Suddenly,” or “Immediately.”

Anger was greatly kindled: the expression used here is quite strong. The image of anger as burning may be carried over into some languages. But others may find a different image such as, for example, “flew into a rage” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh and New Jerusalem Bible). Still others will translate the meaning without any special figurative language, as Good News Translation and several other modern versions have done. Anchor Bible has “was incensed,” while Anderson says “became very indignant.”

Against the man: if this is translated literally there may be a question in some languages as to whether David’s anger was directed against the rich man or his guest. Translators should make sure that it was the rich man who was the object of David’s anger.

A literal rendering of the verb said may not be adequate in this context. Something more emotional would be more appropriate. Revised English Bible translates “he burst out.”

As the LORD lives: on this way of swearing see 4.9 and 1 Sam 14.39.

Deserves to die: literally “is a son of death,” which Anchor Bible translates “is a fiend of hell.” And according to the comment in Anchor Bible, David was “characterizing the man’s behavior, not condemning him to death.” If this is the case, there is no contradiction between this statement and the requirement of restitution in the following verse. However, most English versions translate the meaning found in Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation. Compare also 1 Sam 20.31 and 26.16, where the same kind of expression is found.

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 .