But: the conjunction here introduces a contrast between Abner’s request in the previous verse and Asahel’s response which follows. While many versions use the conjunction But, as in Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation, others insert the word “still” into the sentence (Revised English Bible, New American Bible). Since verse 24 also begins with “But,” this may be the preferred solution here.

Smote him in the belly with the butt of his spear: as shown by the notes in several English versions, the Hebrew at this point is unclear. Both Good News Translation and New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh speak of a “backward thrust,” but it is uncertain just what this means. Perhaps Abner was trying to cripple Asahel (without actually killing him) by using the blunt end of his spear. But the text indicates that the spear went completely through his stomach and killed him immediately. The butt of a spear was often pointed for sticking it into the ground.

The word translated belly occurs only here and in 3.27; 4.6; 20.10. It is nearly always translated as “stomach” (New Revised Standard Version), “abdomen” (New American Bible), or belly. The Hebrew word is exactly the same as the word for “fifth.” Fox therefore translates this as “in the fifth (rib),” meaning that the spear went through Asahel’s body where the fifth rib is located. On the left side of the body, this is where the heart is located.

Stood still: in some languages it may be advisable to state clearly the reason that everyone came to a halt on seeing the body of Asahel. Was it because of the manner in which he died? Or was it simply the fact that Joab’s brother had been killed? Probably the other soldiers were stunned by what had happened. Compare 20.12.

It is possible, though not likely, that the last sentence in this verse refers not to events on the day of battle but rather to a custom that was observed by Israelites in later generations (so Hertzberg). If, however, one accepts this interpretation, then it will be incorrect to say, as Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente does, that “all the other soldiers stopped.”

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 .