Then: in some cases the beginning of a new paragraph at this point will be sufficient to represent the conjunction used here. But in others an overt connecting word such as “So” (New International Version, New Century Version, and Knox as well as Good News Translation) will be needed.

Told him: Good News Translation adds what is implied, “… what Absalom had said.” And New Century Version has “told him Absalom’s words.” A similar clarification may be required in other languages.

He summoned Absalom: it should be made clear in translation that it was David and not Joab who summoned Absalom as a result of this encounter. This may be done either by using the title “the king” or the name “David” in place of the pronoun he.

He came to the king: in some cases it may be necessary to say “his father, the king,” because it would be very unnatural to use only the title, since the two men were so closely related.

Bowed himself on his face to the ground: see verses 4 and 22, where the same verb is translated “did obeisance” in Revised Standard Version. Compare also 1 Sam 25.41 and 28.14.

Some translators may find it necessary to supply the implied information that Absalom got up from the ground before his father kissed him.

Kissed: the meaning of the gesture was as a greeting to show Absalom that the king was pleased to see him. In some languages a more general expression like “embraced him” will be more appropriate. Compare Ruth 1.9, 14; 1 Sam 10.1; 20.41. Further information may be found in Ellington, 1990.

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 .