The future tense verb forms in this passage may be unnatural in some languages, since they may suggest that a decision has already been made. Ahithophel is rather requesting permission to do something, as indicated by the initial words Let me … and the often untranslated particle mentioned in the previous verse. So some translators may find it more natural at the beginning of each new sentence to say “I propose to…,” “I would like to…,” or possibly “if you agree, I will….”

Come upon him: this expression means more in this context than simply “find him.” Here it carries the idea “overtake him” (Knox and Revised English Bible) or possibly “take him by surprise” (Bible en français courant). The verb may also be rendered “attack him” as in Good News Translation.

Discouraged: literally “weak of hands” (Fox says “slack of hands”). But most versions take this as figurative language for being “dispirited” (New Jerusalem Bible and Revised English Bible) or “disheartened” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh).

Throw him into a panic: a causative form of a verb meaning “tremble” or “shudder” is used here. The meaning is to “make him to be afraid” or “cause him to fear.” New Century Version seems a little weak, with “frighten him.” Traduction œcuménique de la Bible renders this verb “terrorize,” while New American Bible and Anderson have “cause him to panic.”

Strike down: the verb used here is a rather general one meaning “hit” or “beat,” but in this context the sense is clearly that of killing. The verb “kill” is used in Revised English Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, and Contemporary English Version as well as Good News Translation.

Ahithophel’s use of the term the king for David does not mean that he does not acknowledge Absalom as king. But since this may cause a possible misunderstanding in some languages, it may be better to refer to him in some other way. Contemporary English Version uses his name “David.” Others may prefer to say something like “their king” (referring to those who still followed David), “the one who claims to be king,” or “the man who used to be king.”

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 .