Not true: literally “Not thus the matter.” In some languages it may be more natural to state clearly “It is not true that we want to destroy your city” or “We are not seeking to destroy your city.”

The order of the elements in the description of Sheba should follow whatever is most natural in the receptor language. Frequently the most natural order will be name, parentage, and then region of origin, although the Hebrew puts the last element first. These preliminary descriptive elements are then followed by an explanation of the reason why Sheba is being sought. Regarding the meaning and translation of the hill country of Ephraim, see the comments on this expression in 1 Sam 1.1.

Lifted up his hand: a literal rendering of this expression is not advisable in most cases. It refers, of course, to the rebellion that Sheba was seeking to lead against David. Some possible renderings are “is in rebellion” (Knox) or “has revolted” (New Jerusalem Bible). The same expression occurs in 18.28, and a similar expression, with a different Hebrew verb, is found in 1 Kgs 11.26.

Give up him alone: that is, “surrender that one man to me.” Instead of a general attack where many would be killed, the lives of others would be spared by simply handing over the one individual. Joab would then withdraw from the city, meaning that he would not carry through with his threat to destroy the whole city.

Behold: this particle is used at the beginning of the woman’s response to Joab in order to call attention to what she is about to say. While it is left untranslated in a number of versions (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, New International Version, New Revised Standard Version, and Revised English Bible as well as Good News Translation), many languages have focusing particles that can be used quite naturally in contexts like this.

His head shall be thrown to you over the wall: the passive verb form will have to be replaced by an active formulation in many languages. The agent(s) performing the action is almost certainly the people of the city. So the best translation may be something like “we will throw his head over the wall to you….”

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 .