But: introducing the opposite of “If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD.” The transition word chosen here should somehow point up this opposition.

What follows is a quote within a quote, and this will be especially difficult to imitate in some languages, since it is a hypothetical statement of what the LORD might say. In cases where this is a problem, the internal quotation can be made indirect as in Good News Translation.

Behold, here I am translates a single Hebrew word that is found frequently in 1 Samuel (3.4, 5, 6, 8, 16; 12.3; 14.43; and 22.12) and also in 2 Sam 1.7. It indicates that David is willing to be completely obedient and submissive to whatever God wants. Knox says “I am at his command.” New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh renders these words “I am ready.”

Let him …: in some languages this imperative form may have to be translated by a verbal expression such as “he can” or “he will….” In some languages the structure of the last part of this verse may have to be reversed, saying something like “whatever he wants to do to me, may it happen,” or “whatever he judges best for me, that is what I want.”

What seems good to him: that is, “whatever he wants to do” or “what he thinks is best.” If a passive construction is possible, Knox may provide a good model, with “his will be done.”

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 .