The introductory words, As for me and as for you, reflect emphatic pronouns in both cases. They focus on the results of such an outrageous action, first for Tamar and then for Amnon. The force of these pronouns is often lost in English translation, but if such emphatic forms fit naturally in contexts like this, translators should not hesitate to use them here. New International Version attempts to reflect these forms by the two introductory questions, “What about me? … And what about you?” And similarly Contemporary English Version has “Think of me… And think of yourself.”
The question where could I carry my shame? is a way of saying “I could not bear the shame.” It will probably not be advisable to translate it literally in most languages. Some may say something like “I would never again be able to show my face” (compare Knox) or “I could never get rid of my shame” (New Century Version). Good News Translation is an idiomatic translation in English.
One of the wanton fools in Israel: the word translated wanton fools has the same root as the word for “wanton folly” in the previous verse. And again the idea of disgrace is involved. Anderson speaks of “one of the social outcasts in Israel.” Another possible model is “all Israel will condemn your disgraceful behavior” or “you will be considered the laughing-stock of the people of Israel because of your outrageous conduct.” Contemporary English Version renders this in idiomatic English as “Everyone in Israel will say you’re nothing but trash!”
Now therefore: the presence of a reasoned, logical transition such as this in a moment of high emotion may seem unnatural in some languages, and translators may wish to leave it out. But these words serve to connect Tamar’s plea with her previous statement.
I pray you: that is, “I beg you.” The particle used here is the same as in verses 6, 24, and 26, where requests are being made. As elsewhere it is here translated “please” by a number of English versions (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, New American Bible, New International Version, New Century Version).
The king: since the king was the father of both Amnon and Tamar, it may be more natural in some languages to say “our father, the king” in this context.
He will not withhold me from you: the marriage of a half brother and a half sister was not acceptable according to the laws of holiness in Leviticus (18.9, 11; 20.17). Such marriages were, however, permitted earlier in Israel’s history. See, for example, Gen 20.12. However, this may be nothing more than a desperate effort on the part of Tamar to save her honor. In any case, she pleads with her half brother to go through proper channels rather than forcing himself on her. Revised English Bible says “he will not refuse you leave [permission] to marry me.” Compare also Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente, “Instead, ask the king for my hand [permission to marry me]. He will not say ‘No’ to you.” But instead of being stated negatively as in the original, some languages may prefer a more positive statement like “he will surely allow you to take me as your wife.”
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 .