Jesse’s three oldest sons were introduced earlier in 16.1, 6-13, though the text there does not explicitly state which was the firstborn.

A literal translation of the form of this verse into English results in a heavy style. To repeat, for example, the words to the battle is unnatural in English. Good News Translation has restructured this verse according to English style, and translators should aim for an equally natural equivalent.

The oldest son, Eliab, appears again in verse 28 below.

Next to him should not be taken to mean that Abinadab was standing beside Eliab during the battle. Rather it indicates that Abinadab was the next son born in Jesse’s family. In some languages the most natural way to say this will be to say that he was the “second son.” The Hebrew says literally “his second.”

Shammah: a variant form of this name in 1 Chronicles (see 1 Chr 2.13, for example) is “Shimea.” But in order to avoid confusing the reader, the same form should be used in all cases where the reference is to the same person.

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 .