But he himself turned back at the sculptured stones near Gilgal: This clause confirms that Ehud went part of the way back with his men, since it says he turned back. But he himself (literally “And he”) renders the Hebrew waw conjunction plus an independent pronoun. This phrase expresses a contrast, singling out Ehud as the only one to return to the king. Thus Revised Standard Version correctly translates the waw conjunction as But, showing the contrast between what the tribute bearers did and what Ehud himself did.

Here Ehud turns around or goes back to where he came from, that is, the court of the Moabite king. The Hebrew verb shuv rendered turned back is an important one that occurs throughout this book with a variety of meanings (see comments on verse 2.19). We might also say “turned around” or “went back.”

The sculptured stones seems to indicate a place that was known by the first hearers or readers of this book. However, biblical scholars are not unanimous as to what this phrase refers to. The Hebrew term here is pesilim, which also occurs in verse 3.26, forming an inclusio. This word is usually rendered “images” or “idols” (New International Version, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Bible). However, in this context some think it refers to the stones that were set up as a memorial at Gilgal (verse 4.20). In some older versions the word is rendered “quarries” (King James Version, ver Revised Versionver*). But the word pesilim seems rather to refer to “carved stones” (Good News Translation, Revised English Bible) or “statues” (Contemporary English Version). A general expression such as “stone monuments” may be the best solution.

For Gilgal see comments on verse 2.1.

Just as the storyteller seems to have left out Ehud’s first arrival at the king’s court, here Ehud’s return journey to Eglon is not mentioned. To help readers, the translator might add “and went back to the king [or, the king’s court/presence].” Without much transition, Ehud is presented speaking to Eglon.

And said may be made rendered “and he said to the king” for clarity. In some languages Ehud’s direct speech may have to appear in an indirect speech style, but translators should be sure that this is the best choice in this context.

I have a secret message for you, O king is literally “A word [or, thing] of secrecy I have for you, the king.” The Hebrew word rendered secret comes from a verb that means “hide” or “conceal.” Ehud’s choice of words is brilliant because of its double meaning. A secret message can mean “a secret word” or “a hidden thing.” Eglon, the powerful king of the Moabites, thinks that Ehud has yet another gift to offer to him, but Ehud’s words have another meaning. If possible, translators should try to imitate this Hebrew play on words using the word “hidden,” saying for example, “a hidden message,” “a hidden word,” or “something hidden.”

The pronoun you is singular in Hebrew, referring to the king. However, in some languages respect is shown by using a plural “you” to address kings and other authorities. O king renders a Hebrew vocative expression (literally “the king”). Translators can use appropriate forms, such as “your majesty,” “sir,” or “chief.” Some languages may even use a word that means “boss.” This vocative expression can be placed wherever it is most natural, at the end or at the beginning of the statement.

And he commanded, “Silence”: The pronoun he could refer to Ehud or the king, but the majority of versions say it is the king. The Hebrew verb rendered commanded is literally “said,” but if the king is speaking, this translation would be appropriate. Silence renders a rare Hebrew interjection (has), whose meaning is not very clear. Most think it is equivalent to the English “Hush!” (compare Amos 6.10; verse 8.3). Others interpret this sentence as the king telling his servants to leave. For example, Good News Translation has “So the king ordered his servants, ‘Leave us alone!’ ” Contemporary English Version makes another interpretation, with the king speaking to Ehud and telling him to refrain from speaking until the servants leave. Its translation is “Eglon replied, ‘Don’t say anything yet!’ ” Translators will have to decide which interpretation to follow. Whichever interpretation is followed, it is clear that the king’s servants leave him alone with Ehud.

And all his attendants went out from his presence: This sentence is crucial to the plot. In order for his plan to work, Ehud needs to be alone with the king. The departure of the king’s attendants also seems to parallel the departure of Ehud’s men in the previous verse. All his attendants is literally “all those [who were] standing with him.” They are the king’s “officials” (Contemporary English Version). They appear to be more than simple servants, and were probably people with some rank. Another possible translation is “all the king’s people.”

There is a textual problem concerning the verb went out, since some versions propose that the king “dismissed” his officials. However, Hebrew Old Testament Text Project gives a {B} rating to the reading went out. The Hebrew verb rendered went out (yatsaʾ) reoccurs throughout this book. See verse 1.24, where it is translated “coming out.” This verb is especially frequent in passages concerning Abimelech and in the last sections of the book. Here translators may simply say “left [the room].” From his presence translates a combination of two prepositions in Hebrew, literally “from upon him.” Translators can use natural equivalents, for example, “left the presence of the king” or “left the king alone.”

Some translation possibilities for this verse are:

• But Ehud returned from the stone memorial near Gilgal, went in to the king, and said, “Your majesty, I have a secret message for you.”
The king said, “Wait!” And he sent all his officials away.

• Ehud went with his men to the memorial stones at Gilgal. Then he returned to the king’s court and said, “O king, I have a secret for you.” So the king ordered his officials to leave and they left him alone.

Quoted with permission from Zogbo, Lynell and Ogden, Graham S. A Handbook on Judges. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .