Then: the Hebrew conjunction reflected here may be left untranslated in some languages. Note that Revised English Bible and New American Bible tie the introductory statement in this verse to the comment at the end of the previous one: “Ziba, who had fifteen sons and twenty slaves, answered….” But many versions make a new paragraph at this point, which is probably a good model to follow.

Said: as in verse 7 “answered” may be more natural in this context.

My lord the king: this is a respectful way used by Ziba to refer to the king to whom he is speaking. While in some languages the pronoun “you” by itself may sound too direct and lacking in respect, it will probably be possible to add something to it to indicate respect. For example, one may say “you who are my king.” Or a separate sentence may be used to introduce the statement: “Sir, you are the king. [I will do whatever you order….]”

His servant … your servant: both of these indirect references are modest ways in which Ziba talks about himself in the presence of the king. They will be better translated in the vast majority of languages by the pronouns for “me” and “I.” This part of the verse may be translated “Whatever you command me to do, my king, that is what I will do.”

So: this reflects the common Hebrew conjunction, but its translation will depend on whether the following sentence is taken as part of what Ziba was saying. And that depends on the textual problem discussed in the following paragraph.

Mephibosheth ate at David’s table: the Hebrew text actually has “my table” instead of David’s table. Because of this some versions have taken this whole sentence as a continuation of what Ziba said rather than as a summary statement by the writer of 2 Samuel. If these are Ziba’s words, this constitutes a contradiction of the order of the king, or at least a mild protest against it. The Hebrew text is so interpreted by Traduction œcuménique de la Bible and Bible en français courant, which both have notes regarding this “timid protest.” Traduction œcuménique de la Bible, for example, renders verse 11b as follows: “But Mephibosheth will eat at my table like one of the king’s sons.”

Other versions have made this a quotation of David, adding the words “said the king” (King James Version and New King James Version ). King James Version, for example, says “As for Mephibosheth, said the king, he shall eat at my table, as one of the king’s sons.” The Latin Vulgate keeps the words in the mouth of Ziba but has “at your table.” However, no version consulted follows the Vulgate. The vast majority of modern translations adopt the reading of the ancient Greek version, which has made this a summary statement and reads “Mephibosheth ate at David’s table” or “… at the king’s table,” and this is recommended to other translators. It is surprising that this problem is not treated in Hebrew Old Testament Text Project or Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament.

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 .