Came to the king: the presumed point of view of the writer as well as receptor language practices will determine whether the verb “came” or “went” is used in translation. Note also that In some languages it may be important to specify which king is being talked about. Good News Translation makes it clear that it is “King David.”

Behold: this particle is left untranslated by the majority of modern English versions. It serves merely to focus attention on what is about to be said. But if a similar device exists in the receptor language, it should be used here. The Hebrew also contains a particle of entreaty, which neither Revised Standard Version nor Good News Translation translate. This may be rendered “Look, I pray,” or “Please hear what I have to say.”

Even though David was his father, in his presence Absalom twice uses the polite third person reference to himself as your servant. But this will be very unnatural in many languages. Translators should look for natural expressions of courtesy and esteem in their own languages to try to convey the same respect. Good News Translation attempts to do this by using the English expression “Your Majesty,” but other languages may have very different means of doing this. And in most cases normal first person pronouns will be used for self reference.

On the other hand, the words his servants refers to the officials of King David, and since Absalom is speaking directly to the king, this will be rendered “your officials” in most cases.

The notion that there would be a celebration must be made clear in many languages, since it will not be understood as it was by the original readers and hearers.

Pray let the king …: on this request formula, see the comments on verses 6 and 13 above.

Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente may provide a helpful model for some languages:

• He went to the king and said to him, “I am having a festival for the shearing of sheep. I will be honored to have the king and his court with me.”

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 .