Became greater and greater: translators must be careful to avoid giving the impression that David became physically stronger or fatter. This has to do with his political and military power. In some cases it will be advisable to say more directly “became an increasingly powerful leader.”

For: this provides the theological reason for David’s increased political strength. The Hebrew actually has only the common conjunction that is often translated “and.” But in this context it may be rendered “because” (New International Version) in many languages.

The LORD, the God of hosts: the expression “the LORD God of hosts” occurs frequently in Isaiah and Jeremiah but is a translation of ʾadonai YHWH tsevaoth. Here, however, the underlying Hebrew is YHWH elohim tsevaoth. While there is a comma in Revised Standard Version, in some cases the only difference between these two expressions in Revised Standard Version is a matter of capitalization, “LORD God of hosts” versus “Lord God of hosts.” Translators should be aware of this difference and make a distinction in their own language.

Regarding the meaning and translation of hosts, see the comments on 1 Sam 1.3.

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 .