Hear now: the imperative verb is here followed by the particle of entreaty, which is often translated “pray.” Saul is urgently but politely requesting Ahimelech’s attention to what he is about to say.

Son of Ahitub: the reference is to Ahimelech, who was identified in verse 9 as the son of Ahitub. In some languages it will be much more appropriate at this point to use the name in translation.

Here I am: this represents the same words as found in the story of the call of Samuel (chapter 3) as well as in 12.3.

My lord: this is the same word that is used in other contexts for God. But in this case it is a term of respect used in response to the king. Some modern equivalents in English are “sir” (Good News Translation) and “master” (New Century Version).

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 .