But: the common conjunction here may be adequately translated by beginning a new paragraph. But in other languages it will be important to indicate a shift in subject from Zadok and Abiathar back to David. Anderson translates the conjunction at this point “on the other hand….” It will also be possible to begin this verse with “Meanwhile….”

Went up the ascent: in the Hebrew text the verb meaning “going up” is repeated before and after the place name (Mount of Olives). The meaning seems to be “kept on going up…” or, as New International Version puts it, “continued up….”

The Mount of Olives: the word Mount is not actually in the text. But the Hebrew word for ascent shows that he walked up a slope. Anderson and Anchor Bible speak of “the Slope of the Olives.” This general geographical area just outside the city of Jerusalem is well known from references in the New Testament, but it is also mentioned in Zech 14.4. Anchor Bible indicates that the expression probably refers more specifically to the second and steepest of the three ridges on the Mount of Olives.

Barefoot: going barefoot is also associated with mourning in Isa 20.2-4.

With his head covered: in order to make it clear that this action was intended to show his distress, Good News Translation adds “as a sign of grief.” The addition of this information may also be helpful in other languages. Revised English Bible has the opposite meaning, describing David as being “bareheaded” and his followers with “their heads uncovered.” This is based on considerable speculation about the text and is not recommended to translators.

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 .