Then: this transition into a new phase of the story may be represented by a new paragraph, as in Good News Translation and several other versions. Many versions also reverse the order of the first two elements in this verse by moving the verb spoke close to the actual quotation and beginning the verse with “When David saw the angel….”

Was smiting: the verb smiting is archaic language and has been replaced in New Revised Standard Version by “was destroying.” Revised English Bible says “was striking down.” But it should be made clear in translation that the people were being killed and not simply hit or knocked down.

Lo: the Hebrew particle often translated “Behold” is used to draw special attention to what is about to be said. In some languages such a focusing particle will be appropriate here, although it is often omitted in modern English versions.

The pronoun I is emphatic in both cases in the Hebrew text. The first case can be translated as “I myself have sinned” (Anderson); “I am the one who has sinned” (New International Version). However, in the second case there is some evidence from the Septuagint and a manuscript from Qumran that an additional word was a part of the original: “I, the shepherd, did wrong” (Anchor Bible). This correction to the Masoretic Text is recommended by Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament, which gives a {B} evaluation to the corrected text, and it is also followed in a more dynamic rendering by Contemporary English Version, “These people are like sheep with me as their shepherd. I have sinned terribly….” Although the majority of Hebrew manuscripts do not have the word for shepherd, one of the oldest does include it, and its presence certainly makes the translation read more smoothly. Compare also New American Bible, “It is I who have sinned; it is I, the shepherd, who have done wrong.”

I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: this does not refer to two separate acts, but the use of the two synonyms reinforces the statement. For this reason it may be better not to use the conjunction and between them. They may be better joined by a different kind of word to say something like “I have sinned; indeed I have done wickedly” or “I have done wrong; yes, I have certainly sinned.”

These sheep: here David is comparing the people of Israel to sheep rather than talking about literal sheep. In some languages it will be more acceptable to say “these people who are like my sheep.”

The question what have they done? is really a way of saying “they have done nothing to deserve this punishment.” In some languages it will be better to translate in this way or, retaining the question form, to say “they have done nothing wrong, have they?”

Let thy hand … be against me …: again the word hand refers to the exercise of power, or what the LORD was doing. Perhaps a more meaningful way of translating here is “use your power to punish me…” or simply “punish me” (New American Bible). The Hebrew contains a particle of entreaty sometimes translated “please” or “I pray” in the clause. Good News Translation does not attempt to translate this particle, but Revised Standard Version says “I pray thee.” The position of this element in the sentence, however, will vary from language to language.

My father’s house: is a way of referring to David’s immediate family. Several modern versions say simply “my family” (New International Version, Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, Contemporary English Version, New Century Version as well as Good News Translation). New American Bible has “my kindred.”

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 .