On the other hand: the conjunction used here usually means “or,” but it is sometimes translated “otherwise” (Anchor Bible and Goldman). However, since it marks a kind of contrast between what the soldier actually did and what he might have done, some languages may prefer a conjunction like “But” or “However.”

If I had dealt treacherously: the understanding of the verb here depends to some degree on the solution to the textual problem that follows immediately. The verbal expression itself seems to mean “be reckless” or “act in an imprudent manner.”

Against his life: the Hebrew text has “against his life [or, soul],” but in the margin the ancient scribes indicated that it should be read “against my life [soul],” as in the margin of New Revised Standard Version, “at the risk of my life.” Several English versions and commentators propose following the marginal reading rather than the reading in the text. New International Version, for example, says “if I had put my life in jeopardy.” And New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh has “if I betrayed myself” (similarly Anchor Bible). There seems to be no compelling reason to depart from the Hebrew text in this case.

The parenthetical statement about the king knowing everything that happens may fit better at the beginning or at the very end of the verse in many languages. Placing it in the middle as in Revised Standard Version may be distracting, since it interrupts an “if … then” statement. Similar statements are made about the king in 1 Kgs 10.3 and 2 Chr 9.2. The point is that if the soldier disobeyed King David’s orders he would surely be found out. This provides at least a part of the reason for his actions. While this is a general statement, some translations apply it specifically to the present situation. Revised English Bible, for example, says “the king would soon have known.”

You yourself: the emphatic form of the pronoun is used here and should be reflected in translation, if it is natural to do so. Some languages may begin “as for you….” As in 17.6, Fox‘s translation uses italic font for the pronoun you in order to show emphasis.

Would have stood aloof: more literally “you would have placed yourself before [or, opposite] me.” This may be understood in the sense of testifying against another person. Compare Nueva Biblia Española, “You would have put yourself against me.” But most versions take it as meaning to be indifferent. The following renderings are typical of English versions: “you would have let me take the blame” (Contemporary English Version); “you would have kept well out of it” (Revised English Bible); “you would have disassociated yourself from me” (New Jerusalem Bible); “you would have left me to my fate” (Moffatt); and “you would have done nothing to protect me” (Biblia Dios Habla Hoy).

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 .