But: what follows is contrary to Tamar’s request. For this reason the Hebrew conjunction is to be translated by something that marks contrast.

He would not listen to her: literally “he did not want to listen to her voice.” New American Bible has “not heeding her plea….” The same idea is repeated in verse 16 after the rape had taken place.

Forced her: that is, used his superior strength to take advantage of her sexually. As in verse 12 above, the verb “rape” is certainly a possible translation. But “rape” is more appropriate for the expression that follows. In view of this context it may be better to translate the idea of “compelled” or “overwhelmed” here.

Lay with her: in view of the use of force, this verb may be translated “raped her,” as in Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, Revised English Bible, and New International Version, if the language has a special verb for this kind of action.

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 .