But: the common conjunction here introduces a statement that is contrary to what is normally done with weeds. Instead of handling the thornbush with bare hands, some kind of instrument must be used.

The man who touches them: the subject here is not a specific male person but is any person who has to deal with the thorns described in the previous verse. The man may therefore be better rendered “whoever” (New International Version, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh) or “anyone.” As the context clearly shows, this person does not actually touch the thorns in the sense of coming into direct contact with them. The whole point of the sentence is that some sort of instrument is necessary to handle them. In some languages, therefore, the verb touches will not be appropriate, since it would imply direct physical contact. A verb like “handles” will be required.

The words arms himself translate a Hebrew verb meaning “to be filled.” If the Masoretic Text is followed, the sense seems to be “his hands are filled with….” Some interpreters, however, follow the Septuagint and correct the Hebrew to read “unless [or, except]” instead of “to be filled.” This correction results in the translation “nor will any man touch them except with…” (Anderson). Although Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament does not mention this possible correction to the Masoretic Text, it is quite likely a valid correction. However, whether translators follow the MT or the Septuagint here, the meaning is essentially the same.

Iron and the shaft of a spear: Good News Translation indicates that the writer intended the use of one instrument or the other. Similarly New Jerusalem Bible speaks of “a pitchfork or a spear-shaft.” And Contemporary English Version takes the expression to refer to a single tool, “a sharp spear” (similarly Anderson). But it is quite possible that the original meaning was that two instruments were necessary to root out the thornbush and place it on the fire. New American Bible, like Revised Standard Version, uses the conjunction “and,” speaking of the person being armed “with iron and with the shaft of a spear.”

Consumed with fire: in some languages it will be unnecessary to use a noun and a verb to express this idea. A single verb will express the idea “burned up.”

The Masoretic Text ends with a word that may be interpreted as meaning “where they lie” (New International Version, Revised English Bible, and New Century Version) or “on the spot” (New Revised Standard Version and Contemporary English Version). This, however, is not reflected in Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, New English Bible, and New Jerusalem Bible. Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament gives a {B} rating to the Masoretic Text here, and there is no good reason not to follow this recommendation.

As the note in Good News Translation indicates, verses 6 and 7 are unclear in Hebrew. If translators think it is important enough, they may add a similar footnote.

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 .