Turned back after Saul: a slight difference in meaning is found between certain modern translations at this point. Good News Translation depicts the two men going back together (so also New International Version, New American Bible, Revised English Bible), while New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, Traduction œcuménique de la Bible, Contemporary English Version, and New Jerusalem Bible say that “Samuel followed Saul back.” In the light of Samuel’s refusal to go back with Saul (verse 26), the latter may be correct.

Though Samuel had said that he would not return with Saul (verse 26), he changes his mind in response to Saul’s plea. In order to show that Samuel’s action represents a change of mind, one may say “So Samuel turned back after all and went with Saul.” While this seems to be the meaning, no modern translation consulted does this.

And Saul worshiped the LORD: literally “and Saul bowed down to the LORD.” A Qumran manuscript and some traditions of the Greek Septuagint have only the pronoun “he” where Revised Standard Version, following the Masoretic Text, has the name of Saul. But the reference is almost certainly to Saul, so his name may be used in translation regardless of the textual decision made. It is difficult to understand the relationship between Samuel’s turning back to follow Saul and Saul’s worshiping Yahweh. In some languages worshiped will be translated “gave thanks to the LORD,” but translators should try to avoid giving the impression that he was thankful that Samuel came.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .