Now therefore …: In Hebrew this verse begins with the common conjunction followed by an adverb of time often translated “now.” Since there is an implied contrast between David’s reluctance to punish Shimei and the recommendation that Solomon should punish him, the contrasting conjunction “but” may be preferable. Several English versions, therefore, begin this verse with the words “But you…” (Good News Translation, Revised English Bible, New American Bible, New Jerusalem Bible). Contemporary English Version, however, highlights the adverb of time with “Now you….” Some manuscripts of the Septuagint and the Vulgate read “you [singular]” instead of Now, and it is not clear whether some translations such as Good News Translation follow the Masoretic Text or the Septuagint.

Hold him not guiltless: The Hebrew verb here means “to declare [someone] to be free of guilt” or “to leave [someone] unpunished.” Although the Hebrew states this in the negative, it may be restated in a positive form; for example, “you must punish him” (Contemporary English Version).

You are a wise man: See the comments on wisdom in verse 6.

You shall bring his gray head down with blood to Sheol: His gray head is not mentioned in Good News Translation, perhaps because it is a repetition of the allusion in verse 6, but this element is important in the case of Shimei as well as in that of Joab. So it should be retained in the receptor language in this verse. As in verse 6, a literal rendering of this expression may be inadvisable. Instead of referring to his gray head, it may be better to say something like “He’s an old man” (Contemporary English Version). Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente translates the whole clause as “don’t let him die of old age!”

David is instructing Solomon to kill Shimei (or, to have someone else kill him). The Hebrew word rendered with blood clearly places the focus on a violent death. Shimei’s violent death is reported in verse 46. Regarding Sheol, see the comments on verse 6.

The elements in this verse may need to be restructured in certain languages. One possible model for such restructuring is Bible en français courant:

• But now, you who are a wise man, you will not hold him for innocent. You know how to treat him: in spite of his old age, you will see to it that he is put to death.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .