Danced … with all his might: based on the ancient Greek version, Anchor Bible proposes “strumming on a sonorous instrument.” But most modern versions translate “danced.” This kind of dancing did not involve a partner but was an individual act to display pleasure over the Covenant Box arriving in Jerusalem. Rather than say that David was dancing, Fox says “David was whirling,” since the Hebrew verb means “to whirl” or “to spin around.” The idea of dancing with all his might may be translated in some languages by an adverb meaning “vigorously” or “energetically.” Others may say something like “with great spirit” or “with much heart.”

Before the LORD: see verse 5 above as well as 3.28. But note that Good News Translation in this context translates the idea that David’s dancing was “to honor the LORD.”

Girded with a linen ephod: the linen ephod was appropriate to David’s function as one offering a sacrifice. Exo 25 indicates that this is a part of the priestly attire. See also comments on 1 Sam 2.18 and 22.18. While this garment may have been adequate to cover a priest during his normal activities, it apparently left David exposed when he was involved in rather hectic twisting and turning movements in his dance to honor the LORD.

The two separate sentences may be combined into one as in Good News Translation, since David is the subject in both cases.

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 .