The sound of the outcry: while Eli had heard the general commotion in the city, he apparently had not learned the specific details that the runner had brought. Translators need not search for two different words for sound and outcry, since the overall meaning is simply “uproar” (Revised English Bible) or “commotion.”

The question is not really what but rather why there was so much noise and confusion. In some languages the question will have to be asked differently: “What is the meaning of this uproar?” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, Moffatt) or “Why are people making so much noise?”

Instead of the verb said, some languages will more naturally put “asked” or “inquired,” since a question follows.

The man: that is, the man who had run from the battle (verse 12). Some languages may use a word like “runner” or “soldier” (Contemporary English Version) to avoid the general term man.

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 .