Said: in the context of this conversation between Absalom and Ahithophel, the verb here may be translated “answered” as in Good News Translation. This advice that Ahithophel gives is only the first part of his advice, for in 17.1 he recommends a second course of action. For this reason Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente translates the beginning of Ahithophel’s words as “First of all, go in to….”
Go in to your father’s concubines: the expression used here is a euphemism for having sexual intercourse (compare 12.24, as well as Gen 16.2 and Ruth 4.13). The translation should make this meaning clear without unduly shocking the reader. On the word concubines see 3.7; 5.13; 15.16.
Whom he has left to keep the house: in order to break up the long single sentence of Ahithophel’s response, this relative clause may be made into a separate introductory sentence setting the stage for the actual advice given. This sentence may read “Your father left behind some of his concubines to take care of the royal palace.”
Made yourself odious: an act such as Ahithophel recommends would show utter contempt for David. Not only would Absalom violate the law (Lev 18.8), but he would do so publicly in order to show everyone that he had no respect at all for his father. This would be a disgrace to David and make him hate Absalom. The same sort of expression is used in 10.6 with regard to the Ammonites. See also the discussion of this verb in 1 Sam 13.4.
Translations that may provide a helpful model for this part of the verse include “… all will become clear: the break is final. Between you and your father there is no longer reconciliation” (Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch), and “… will realize that you have made a complete break with your father” (Anderson).
The hands of all who are with you will be strengthened: as the word “hand” is used to represent power, the idea here is that the influence of those who were on Absalom’s side would become more powerful. The passive expression will have to be made active in many languages and may say something like “this will cause you and your men to become more powerful” or “doing this will make you and your followers stronger.”
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 .