Taunted: the verb so translated has a wide variety of meanings, but the basic sense is that of “stripping away.” In the present context it means “derided” or “mocked.” Contemporary English Version uses the English idiom “made fun of.” It may also be rendered “defied” (Revised English Bible and New Jerusalem Bible) or “insulted” (New American Bible).

Translators will probably need to translate the name Israel in such a way as to ensure that there is no doubt in the readers’ minds that this refers to “the army of Israel” or “the men of Israel.” If it is translated literally, some readers may think that a single individual is intended.

Shime-i: this name is given as “Shimea” in the parallel passage in 1 Chronicles. But both of these are variants of the name “Shammah,” which appears elsewhere (1 Sam 16.9; 17.13) as the name of David’s brother. This person should not be confused with the Shimei who cursed David (16.5-14) and was later forgiven by the king (19.16-23). Translators are therefore advised to use the form “Shammah” here.

Instead of repeating the awkward structure the son of Shime-i, David’s brother, it may be simpler to say “David’s nephew” as in Contemporary English Version. In any case it must be clear that David’s brother is Shime-i (or “Shammah”), and that Jonathan is David’s nephew.

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 .