Ishbi-benob: the traditional Hebrew text at this point actually reads “they remained at Nob” (see Traduction œcuménique de la Bible note). But there is a marginal note in the Hebrew text indicating that it should be read as in Revised Standard Version and most other modern versions. Possibly the original wording was simply “Benob” as in Revised English Bible. Others read “Dadu” (New American Bible) or “Dodo” (Anchor Bible), after extensive emendation of the text, based in part on Septuagint manuscripts. This textual problem is not dealt with by Hebrew Old Testament Text Project, but probably translators will be wise to imitate the majority of English versions in retaining the name Ishbi-benob.
One of the descendants of the giants: the expression so translated has been traditionally understood to mean that the men described in this way here and in the following verses were physical descendants of people of unusually large stature, the Rephaim, who are described in Gen 14.5; 15.20; Josh 12.4; 13.12; 17.15, and elsewhere. However, McCarter indicates that the word translated descendants may be understood to imply membership in a group in the same way that “sons of the prophets” refers to members of a prophetic guild (1 Kgs 20.35; Amos 7.14). It was used especially to refer to people of low estate who were dedicated to the military service of a master (Gen 14.14). In 1 Kgs 12.8, 10 this term refers to the young men who had grown up with Rehoboam.
The meaning of the word translated giants is not entirely certain either and is therefore sometimes transliterated “Rapha” (New International Version, New Jerusalem Bible, New Century Version, Contemporary English Version, Anchor Bible), “the Raphah” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh), “Haraphah” (Anderson and Traduction œcuménique de la Bible), or “Rephaim” (Revised English Bible and New American Bible). So the whole expression may mean “one of those devoted to the service of the god Rapha” or, as Anchor Bible puts it, “the votaries of Rapha.” However, translators are advised to render the meaning found in Revised Standard Version (also Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente), adding an explanatory footnote if necessary. If the Hebrew means that Ishbibenob was a descendant of the giants (the Rephaim), then Good News Translation fails to indicate that the ancestors of Ishbibenob, and not just Ishbibenob himself, were also giants.
Spear: the meaning of the Hebrew word is not certain. It may mean “helmet” (Anchor Bible), but most interpreters take it to mean either “spear” or “spearhead” (Knox and Contemporary English Version).
Three hundred shekels of bronze: as indicated in the American edition of Good News Translation, this was about seven and a half pounds, using the English system of weights and measures. That was the equivalent of about “three and a half kilogrammes,” as the British edition of Good News Translation shows.
Was girded with a new sword: literally “he was girded a new.” The rather archaic sounding expression was girded has been rendered “was fitted out with” (New Revised Standard Version) and “was armed with” (New International Version). But in many languages it will have to be translated “was wearing” or “took for battle….”
A new sword: the word “sword” is not actually in the Hebrew text, but this seems to be what is implied. Some scholars, however, have suggested that in this context what is meant is “a new girdle” (An American Translation), that is, “a new [warrior’s] belt” (Anderson), “a belt of honour” (Revised English Bible), or “new armour” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh and Goldman). But the most likely intention of the writer(s) seems to have been “a new sword.”
Thought to kill David: literally “and he said,” but often this means “he said to himself” or simply “he thought.” The word thought is perhaps too weak to convey the intended meaning here. It was his definite intention to assassinate David, and very likely he was in the process of trying to kill him when Abishai came to the rescue. Translators may therefore prefer to say “tried to kill” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh), “intended to kill” (Anchor Bible), or “was confident of killing” (New Jerusalem Bible).
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 .