At the beginning of this verse there is no conjunction in Hebrew, and this is reflected by Revised Standard Version. Good News Translation, however, correctly adds “but” in English. This serves to highlight the contrast between the action of the rest of the Israelite soldiers and that of Eleazar, who stood firm against the enemy. New International Version, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, New American Bible, and New Jerusalem Bible also add “but.”

He rose: this should not be taken to mean that Eleazar was in a sitting position or lying down before the action described in this verse. It is rather a way of introducing the beginning of significant action. Others take the verb here to mean that “he stood his ground” (Revised English Bible, New Century Version, and Anderson as well as Good News Translation).

His hand cleaved to the sword: this wording may be misleading if translated literally into other languages. The idea is that by gripping the handle of the sword so firmly and for such a long time, Eleazar reached the point where his muscles were so tense that he was unable to release his grip. Compare Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente (and Good News Translation), “his hand had a cramp and he couldn’t any longer let go of the sword.” Like Good News Translation, several other modern versions make this statement in a negative form: “he could not let go of his sword” (New Century Version, for example).

The LORD wrought a great victory: while Good News Translation translates “won a great victory,” a better model for some languages may be “brought about a great victory” (New American Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, New Revised Standard Version), using a causative verb form. The same expression should be used in verse 12.

The men: that is, the other Israelite soldiers.

To strip the slain: as in 1 Sam 31.8, this does not mean that the bodies of the enemies were left naked. The idea is that the Israelite troops came back to retrieve the armor and weapons of their enemies. A better rendering of the verb may be “to plunder” (New Jerusalem Bible, Moffatt) or “gather up the spoils of the dead” (Knox). New Century Version provides a more complete and simpler translation of the basic meaning, “to take the weapons and armor from the enemy.”

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 .