Here the author is providing background information to help readers understand what happens next in the story. In your translation, introduce this information in a way that would be natural in your own language and culture.

The phrases had aged and had come into days mean similar things. The author is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [had grown very old]

The author is using he had come into days as a common expression of his culture to mean “he had become very old.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use a comparable expression from your language that does have that meaning, or you could state the meaning plainly. If you have already translated the book of Joshua, see how you translated this phrase in Joshua 13:1 and Joshua 23:1. Alternate translation: [he had gotten on in years] or [he had become old]

Here the author is using the pronoun they in a general sense, not to refer to specific people, although the next verse shows that he means David’s servants generally. Use an expression for this that would be natural in your language. Alternate translation: [and even when he was covered with garments, it was not warm for him] or [and although his servants covered him with garments, it was not warm for him]

Since one servant is speaking on behalf of a group of servants, it may be more natural in your language to say “our” rather than my, here and at the end of the verse. Alternate translation: [for our lord the king]

See the discussion in the introduction to 1 Kings of how characters in the book, in order to show respect, often speak of David and other rulers in the third person as “my lord the king,” even though they are speaking to that ruler directly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in a respectful form in the second person. Alternate translation: [for you, my lord the king]

The author is using stand to the face of as a common expression of his culture to mean “enter the service of.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use a comparable expression from your language that does have that meaning, or you could state the meaning plainly. If you have already translated the book of 1 Samuel, see how you translated the similar expression in 1 Samuel 16:21. Alternate translation: [and let her wait on you] or [and let her become one of your royal servants]

Here and in the next verse, the author is introducing Abishag the Shunammitess as a new participant in the story. Your language may have its own way of introducing new participants that you can use in your translation.

Here, the border of Israel represents the entire territory of Israel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [the territory of Israel]

The author is referring to sexual relations in a polite way by using the phrase did not know her. Depending on what is helpful in your language, you could use a polite way of referring to this in your language, or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: [but the king did not make love with her]

Here and in the next verse, the author is reintroducing Adonijah as a participant in the story. He was first introduced in 2 Samuel 3:4. The author now provides further details about his appearance and reminds readers of his birth order to help them understand what happens next in the story. Your language may have its own way of reintroducing participants that you can use in your translation.

Here the author is speaking as if Adonijah were actually lifting himself up or raising his physical body higher. This expression means that he believed he deserved to become the next king and began acting like an important person. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [was thinking highly of himself] or [was putting himself forward]

See the discussion of the term “saying” in the introduction to 1 Kings. It introduces a direct quotation. In your translation, use a natural way of introducing direct quotations in your language. It may not be necessary to represent this term explicitly, here or in its other instances in the book.

Adonijah is stating the pronoun I separately, even though the verb translated as I will reign already includes this meaning. He is doing that to emphasize his belief that he will be the next king. In other words, he is boasting. If a speaker of your language would use an explicit pronoun for the same purpose, you may want to use that construction in your translation. If not, your language may have other ways showing the meaning here. Alternate translation: [The next king will be me!]

Having 50 men run ahead of his chariot to clear the way and announce his coming was a symbolic action by which Adonijah asserted his importance. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. If you have already translated the book of 2 Samuel, see how you translated the similar expression in 2 Samuel 15:1. Alternate translation: [And he had 50 men run ahead of his chariot to show how important he was]

Here the term days represents a period of time, Adonijah’s lifetime, since time is made up of days. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [during his whole life]

The pronoun she refers to Haggith, Adonijah’s mother, whom the author mentions in the previous verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: [and his mother Haggith had borne him]

The implication is that Haggith bore Adonijah to David as his next child after the birth of Absalom and that, since Absalom and David's two older sons by different mothers were now dead, Adonijah was David’s oldest surviving son. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [and he was David’s eldest surviving son]

Here, words represents what Adonijah said by using words. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [And he spoke]

The word Zeruiah is the name of a woman, one of David’s sisters.

The author is using the phrase helped after as a common expression of his culture to mean “supported” or “joined the side of.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use a comparable expression from your language that does have that meaning, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [And they became Adonijah’s followers and helped him] or [And they supported Adonijah]

In this verse, the word fatling is singular in form, but it refers to many fattened animals that Adonijah sacrificed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the plural form of “fatling.” Alternate translation: [and fatlings]

The author is using the term all as a generalization in these phrases, since he indicates in the next verse that Adonijah did not invite some of the men of Judah, and he did not invite his brother Solomon. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that shows that this is a generalization. Alternate translation: [all of his other brothers … and to all of the other men of Judah]

Solomon was Adonijah’s brother because they had the same father, David, but they had different mothers. It is also clear from the narrative that Solomon was younger than Adonijah. Your language may have its own term or expression for this relationship. Alternate translation: [or his younger half-brother Solomon]

Nathan is using the question form to inform Bathsheba of something she does not know and to express his alarm. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for those purposes, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: [You need to be aware that Adonijah, the son of Haggith, reigns, and our master David does not know!]

And now was an expression that speakers in this culture commonly used to introduce their main topic. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. You could also use plain language. The UST models one way to do that.

Nathan is not asking Bathsheba to come somewhere. He is saying come to encourage her to do what he suggests. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: [go ahead]

Nathan is using a construction in which a verb and its object come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may have another way of saying this. Alternate translation: [let me give you some counsel]

This is an imperative, but Nathan is using it to describe what the results would be if Bathsheba followed his counsel. Use a form in your language that indicates a result. Alternate translation: [and that way you will be able to escape]

Nathan is saying Go to mean that Bathsheba should take action. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: [Take action and come to King David]

In a context such as this, your language might say “go” instead of come. Alternate translation: [Take action and go to King David]

There are three levels of quotation here. The author is quoting what Nathan said (level 1). Nathan is quoting what he wants Bathsheba to say to King David (level 2). This includes something that Nathan wants Bathsheba to remind David that he said to her (level 3). Use the appropriate punctuation in your language to mark these levels of quotation. Alternatively, you could translate this so that there are not second-level or third-level quotations.

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there are not quotations within quotations. Alternate translation: [and remind him that he, your lord the king, swore to you, his female servant, that your son Solomon would surely reign after him, yes, that Solomon would sit on his throne. Then ask him why Adonijah is reigning instead.]

See the discussion in the introduction to 1 Kings of how the ULT represents the Hebrew instructional verb form with the English helping verb “shall.” Decide as a team how you will represent this form in your translation in various contexts. Alternate translation: [and I want you to say]

Nathan is encouraging Bathsheba to use the question form to remind David of his promise and to express her alarm that Adonijah is trying to become king instead of Solomon. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for those purposes, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: [I recall well, my lord the king, that you swore to your female servant, saying, “Surely Solomon your son will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne.”]

Nathan wants Bathsheba to state the pronoun you separately, even though the verb translated as have you not sworn already includes this meaning. He wants her to do that to emphasize the personal role of David in saying that Solomon would be the next king. If a speaker of your language would use an explicit pronoun for the same purpose, you may want to use that construction in your translation. If not, your language may have other ways of showing the meaning here. Alternate translation: [have you not sworn personally]

See the discussion in the introduction to 1 Kings of how characters in the book, in order to show humility, often speak of themselves in the third person as your servant. Nathan is encouraging Bathsheba to do this by calling herself your female servant. Alternate translation: [to me, your female servant]

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. David used this repetition to make a solemn pronouncement in poetic form about his successor. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. It may be clearer in your language to connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [Surely Solomon your son will reign after me, yes, he will sit on my throne]

See the introduction to this chapter for a discussion of the symbolic action of sitting on a throne and for suggestions of how you might translate the references to that action in this chapter.

Nathan is encouraging Bathsheba to use the question form Then why does Adonijah reign? to express disapproval and protest. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: [So Adonijah should not be reigning!]

See the discussion of the expression “behold” in the introduction to 1 Kings to decide how to represent it in your translation here and throughout the book.

Nathan is stating the pronoun I separately, even though the verb translated as I will come already includes this meaning. He is doing that to emphasize that his action will take place at the same time as Bathsheba’s action of speaking with King David. If a speaker of your language would use an explicit pronoun for the same purpose, you may want to use that construction in your translation. If not, your language may have other ways of showing the meaning here. Alternate translation: [and right then, I will come after you]

Nathan is using I will fill your words as a common expression of his culture to mean “I will confirm what you have said.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use a comparable expression from your language that does have that meaning, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and I will confirm what you have said]

In a context such as this, your language might say “went” instead of came. Alternate translation: [So Bathsheba went]

The author assumes that readers will understand that by the room, he means David’s bedroom. You could indicate this explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [and she went into his bedroom to speak with him]

Here the author is providing background information to help readers understand what is happening in the story. In your translation, introduce this information in a way that would be natural in your own language and culture.

Since the author uses the phrase the king earlier in the verse, it may be more natural in your language to use a pronoun here. Alternate translation: [was serving him]

Bowing and prostrating oneself to someone was a symbolic action by which a person showed great respect and submission. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in the text of your translation or in a footnote. Alternate translation: [And Bathseba bowed down and stretched herself out completely on the ground in front of the king to show him honor]

The king is using What to you as a common expression of his culture to mean “What do you want?” or “What is your concern?” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use a comparable expression from your language that does have that meaning, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [What is your concern]

Bathsheba is stating the pronoun you separately, even though the verb translated as you swore already includes this meaning. She is doing that to emphasize the personal role of David in swearing this oath. If a speaker of your language would use an explicit pronoun for the same purpose, you may want to use that construction in your translation. If not, your language may have other ways of showing the meaning here. Alternate translation: [you swore personally]

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: [by Yahweh your God that Solomon my son will surely reign after you, that yes, he will sit on your throne]

See how you translated the similar expression in 1:13.

The expression that the ULT translates here as But now is the same one that it translates as “And now” in many other contexts. The ULT translates the expression this way when a speaker is drawing a contrast while introducing his main point. See how you translated the comparable expression “And now” in 1:12.

Some ancient manuscripts read “and now.” The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “and you.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

In this verse, the words ox, fatling, and sheep are all singular in form, but each term refers to a group of animals that Adonijah has sacrificed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use plural forms of these words in your translation. Alternate translation: [oxen and fatlings and sheep]

See how you translated the similar expression in 1:09. Alternate translation: [to all of the other sons of the king]

When speaking to David, who is Solomon’s father, Bathsheba calls Solomon your servant rather than “your son.” She is probably doing that to emphasize that Solomon is serving David loyally and not going against his wishes the way Adonijah is doing. In your translation, you may be able to use a phrase that makes Solomon’s relationship and loyalty to David clear, here and in 1:26. Alternate translation: [your loyal son]

Some ancient manuscripts read “And you.” The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “And now.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

Bathsheba is using the common expression of her culture the eyes of all of Israel are on you to mean “all the Israelites are depending on you.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use a comparable expression from your language that does have that meaning, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [all the Israelites are looking to you] or [all the Israelites are depending on you]

Here, David’s throne represents his royal authority and rule. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [who will rule the Israelites as your successor]

Bathsheba is referring to death in a polite way by using the phrase lies down with his fathers. Depending on what is helpful in your language, you could use a polite way of referring to this in your language, or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: [when you, my lord the king, have passed away]

Bathsheba is using the term fathers to mean “ancestors.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See the discussion of this image in the introduction to 1 Kings. Alternate translation: [his ancestors]

To make her appeal to David more effective, Bathsheba is first naming herself and then naming herself along with another person who is important to David, to show that the consequence she is describing would affect him as well. It might seem that her expression contains extra information that would not be natural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: [that I and my son Solomon will be offenders]

Here the author is using the pronoun they in a general sense, not to refer to specific people. Use an expression for this that would be natural in your language. Alternate translation: [And the king was told]

The person speaking to David is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [Nathan the prophet is here]

Here, to the face of represents being in the presence of the king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [into the presence of the king]

The phrase prostrated himself to the king with his nose to the ground was a symbolic action by which Nathan showed complete submission and respect to King David. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in the text of your translation or in a footnote. The UST models one way to do that.

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: [have you yourself said that Adonijah will reign after you, and he will sit on your throne]

Nathan is using the question form to clarify that David has not authorized Adonijah to become king. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: [as I understand it, you never said, ‘Adonijah will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne.’]

See how you translated the similar expression “you, you swore” in 1:17. Alternate translation: [have you personally said]

See how you translated the similar expression in 1:13.

Here the word For introduces not a reason but an explanation of what made Nathan ask his question in the previous verse. If the connection between this statement and the previous one is not clear, you may want to use a different connecting word or phrase to show how this statement relates to what comes before it. Alternate translation: [You see,]

To translate this expression and the several similar ones in this chapter that say “down” or “up,” see the introduction to 1 Kings for a discussion of how speakers in this culture marked travel for change in elevation. In this particular context, Nathan may be saying he has gone down to mean that Adonijah has gone down from Jerusalem to some place away from the city where he can act more freely. Alternate translation: [he has gone away]

See how you translated the similar expression in 1:19.

Nathan is using behold them as a common expression of his culture to indicate that something is happening at the very moment he is speaking. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use a comparable expression from your language that does have that meaning, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [And at this very moment they are eating and drinking]

Here, to his face represents being in Adonijah’s presence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [in his presence] or [as his guests]

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: [And they are wishing Adonijah a long reign as king]

Nathan is reporting how Adonijah’s guests are saluting him with the courteous expression that people in this culture would use to wish a ruler a long and prosperous reign. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: [Long live King Adonijah]

To make his appeal to David more effective, Nathan is first naming himself, and then naming himself along with other people to show that they are affected as well. It might seem that his expression contains extra information that would not be natural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: [But to me, your servant, and to Zadok the priest]

Nathan is using the question form to express doubt that the king would have made a decision about succession without telling his closest advisors. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: [I do not believe that my lord the king would have done this thing without making his servants know who would sit on the throne of my lord the king after him.]

The expression Has this thing been done uses a passive verbal form. If your language would not use that form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [Has my lord the king done this thing]

Some ancient manuscripts read “your servants.” The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “your servant.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

See the discussion of the phrase “and said” in the introduction to 1 Kings. It introduces a direct quotation. In your translation, use a natural way of introducing direct quotations in your language. It may not be necessary to represent this term explicitly, here or in its other instances in the book.

In this instance, to the face of represents being in the presence of the king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [And she came into the presence of the king]

In this instance, to the face of represents being in front of the king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [and she stood in front of the king]

Following the custom of his culture, David is swearing an oath and guaranteeing it by something that he holds sacred. Use a natural way in your language to express an oath. The content of the oath is in the next verse. The guarantee is in this verse. If you have already translated the book of 2 Samuel, see how you translated the similar expression in 2 Samuel 4:9. Alternate translation: [I swear by Yahweh, who has rescued my life from every distress]

If it would be more natural in your language, you may want to put the information about just as I swore to you with the information about what David would do. Alternate translation: [that surely thus I will do this day just as I swore to you]

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: [that surely Solomon your son would reign after me, and he would sit on my throne in my place, surely thus I will do this day]

See how you translated the similar expression in 1:13. Alternate translation: [Surely Solomon your son will reign after me, yes, he will sit on my throne in my place]

See how you translated the similar expressions in 1:16 and 1:23.

See how you translated the similar expression in 1:25. Alternate translation: [Long live my lord King David]

The implied “you” in the imperative Call is plural. David is speaking to several of his servants. So use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

Here, to the face of represents being in the presence of the king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [into the presence of the king]

The words you and your and the implied “you” in the imperative Take are plural in this verse and the next two verses because David is addressing Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah. So use plural forms in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

By the servants of your master, David is referring to the Cherethites and Pelethites, his royal bodyguards, as 1:38 and the similar use of this phrase in 2 Samuel 20:6 indicate. You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [to the Cherethites and Pelethites] or [my royal bodyguards]

By sending his royal bodyguards with Solomon, David was ensuring Solomon’s safety. At the same time, this was a symbolic action that demonstrated that Solomon had royal authority. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in the text of your translation or in a footnote. Alternate translation: [Take my royal bodyguards with you to protect Solomon and to show that he is the new king]

Having Solomon ride on his own mule was a symbolic action by which David showed that Solomon was his chosen successor as king, since this mule was a symbol of royal authority. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in the text of your translation or in a footnote. Alternate translation: [have Solomon my son ride on my royal mule]

Gihon was a spring on the west side of Jerusalem. David may have chosen this location for the proclamation of Solomon as king because it was a public place where many people gathered. However, since Adonijah had proclaimed himself king at En Rogel on the east side of Jerusalem, David may also have chosen Gihon to symbolize his opposition to Adonijah and his full support for Solomon. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the potential significance of this action. Alternate translation: [to Gihon, on the opposite side of Jerusalem from En Rogel]

The act of anointing was a symbolic action by which Zadok and Nathan would show that Solomon was being appointed as the legitimate king of Israel. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in the text of your translation or in a footnote. Alternate translation: [And Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet shall pour oil on his head to show that he is the legitimate king]

David is addressing Zadok and Nathan in the third person in order to give them specific instructions. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use second-person forms. Alternate translation: [And you, Zadok the priest, and you, Nathan the prophet, shall anoint him]

The act of blowing on a shofar was a symbolic action by which David’s supporters showed that Solomon was being proclaimed as the new king. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in the text of your translation or in a footnote. Alternate translation: [And you shall blow on a shofar to proclaim him as king]

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: [and you shall proclaim that Solomon is the king]

See how you translated the similar expression in 1:25. Alternate translation: [Long live King Solomon]

Going up after Solomon, that is, having him lead the way back to Jerusalem while they followed, was a symbolic action by which the people showed their support for Solomon as the new king. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in the text of your translation or in a footnote. Alternate translation: [And you shall walk behind him to show your support as he leads the way back here to Jerusalem]

Sitting on David’s throne was a symbolic action by which Solomon showed that he was becoming king with authority over Israel and Judah. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in the text of your translation or in a footnote. Alternate translation: [and he shall come and take authority as king] or [and he shall come and assume his role as king]

David is stating the pronoun he separately, even though the verb translated as he will reign already includes this meaning. He is doing that to emphasize the personal role of Solomon as the one who will reign in his place. See how you translated the similar expression “you, you swore” in 1:17. Alternate translation: [and he is the one who will reign in my place]

Benaiah is using a phrase that expresses a strong feeling of agreement with the king’s command and loyalty to him. There may be an equivalent word or phrase in your language that you can use in your translation to convey this feeling. If not, you could say what Benaiah was feeling, or you could say what made him agree so strongly. Alternate translation: [Yes, indeed!] or [I strongly agree!]

By say thus, Benaiah is not just wishing that Yahweh would say the same thing that David has just said. He is wishing that Yahweh would make this happen. You could indicate this explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [May Yahweh, the God of my lord the king, make this happen]

The phrase has been with is a common expression of his culture to mean “has helped.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use a comparable expression from your language that does have that meaning, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [has helped my lord the king, so may he help Solomon]

Here, throne represents royal authority or rule. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [And may he make his reign greater than the reign of my lord King David]

The author is describing one event before describing another event that preceded it. If it would be helpful in your language, you may wish to relate these events in the order in which they happened. Alternate translation: [Then Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet and Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethite and the Pelethite made Solomon ride on the female mule of King David, and they went down and brought him to Gihon]

In this verse, the words Cherethite and Pelethite are singular in form, but they refer to all of the members of these groups. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the plural form of these words. Alternate translation: [and the Cherethites and the Pelethites]

Here the pronoun they represents the person whom Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah instructed to blow on the shofar to proclaim that Solomon was the new king. (It is likely that a single shofar would have been used for this official purpose.) Alternate translation: [And they had someone blow on a shofar]

The author says all of the people as a generalization to mean all those who were present at this ceremony. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: [all of the people who were there]

See how you translated the similar expression in 1:25. Alternate translation: [Long live King Solomon]

The author is using two constructions in which a verb and its object come from the same root. You may be able to use the same constructions in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may have another way of saying these things. Alternate translation: [And the people were making music on pipes and rejoicing very greatly]

The author is making an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: [And they made a very loud sound, such as there is during an earthquake]

The expression was split is a passive verbal form. If you decide to represent the author’s actual overstatement in your translation, if your language would not use that form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [And the sound they made split the earth]

The connector and in and they had finished eating indicates that Adonijah and his guests heard the noise at the same time as when they finished eating. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could describe the time relationship more explicitly. Alternate translation: [And Adonijah and all of the called ones who were with him heard the sound just as they finished eating]

The expression called ones is a passive verbal form. If your language would not use that form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [and all of the ones he had called]

It might seem that this expression contains extra information that would not be natural to express in your language. If so, you could shorten it. Alternate translation: [Why is the city being noisy]

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: [Since you are a man of valor, and you will bring good news, come]

Adonijah is using a man of valor as a common expression of his culture to mean “an important person” or “a worthy person.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use a comparable expression from your language that does have that meaning, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [you are an important person, and you will bring good news]

Adonijah assumes that his listeners will understand that, based on the customs of this culture, he believes that someone has sent Jonathan to bring good news to him, since Jonathan, as a high priest’s son, is person of rank. (See the comparable episode in 2 Samuel 18:19–23, where Joab does not want to send Ahimaaz, similarly a person of rank as a high priest’s son, to bring bad news to David.) You could indicate this explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. The UST models one way to do that.

See how you translated the similar expression in 1:38. Alternate translation: [and the Cherethites and the Pelethites]

Here, the city represents the people of the city. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [and the people of the city are agitated]

The expression is agitated is a passive verbal form. If your language would not use that form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [and this has agitated the people of the city] or [and this has excited the people of the city]

The word you is plural here because Jonathan means that Adonijah and all of his guests have heard this sound. So use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

Jonathan is using this possessive form to describe the throne that symbolizes the Israelite king’s rule over his kingdom. If a speaker of your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could express this idea in another way. Alternate translation: [the royal throne]

By our, Jonathan means to include both himself and his listeners, so use the inclusive form of that word if your language marks that distinction.

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: [telling him that they wished that God would make the name of Solomon better than his name and make Solomon’s throne greater than his throne]

While you may have decided that in other contexts it was not be necessary to represent the term “saying” explicitly in your translation when it introduces a direct quotation, it may be helpful to do that here. Alternate translation: [They said]

Here, name represents reputation or honor. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [May God make the reputation of Solomon better than your reputation]

See how you translated the similar expression in 1:37. Alternate translation: [and may he make his reign greater than your reign]

Bowing himself on his bed was a symbolic action by which David worshiped God in order to join in his servants’ prayer for Solomon. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in the text of your translation or in a footnote. Alternate translation: [And on his bed, the king bowed his head in worship to join in their prayer]

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: [the king said that he blessed Yahweh, the God of Israel, who today had given a sitter on his throne, and his eyes were seeing]

The expression Blessed be Yahweh uses a passive verbal form. If your language would not use that form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [May people bless Yahweh] or [May people praise Yahweh]

The word that the ULT translates as and indicates that Yahweh has given someone to sit on David’s throne (that is, to be the next king) at the same time when David’s eyes were still seeing. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could describe the time relationship more explicitly. Alternate translation: [who today has given a sitter on my throne while I am still alive to see it]

Here, a sitter on my throne represents someone who would rule as king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [someone to succeed me as king] or [a son to continue my dynasty]

King David is using my eyes to mean all of him in the act of seeing Solomon sit on his throne. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and I myself am seeing]

David is speaking here as if he were actually seeing Solomon sitting on his throne. He means that this has happened during his own lifetime. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [while I am still alive to experience it]

The expression the called ones is a passive verbal form. If your language would not use that form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [all of the ones whom Adonijah had called, who were still with him]

By trembled, the author means that the guests at Adonijah’s feast were shaking with fear because they realized that they had supported the wrong person to be king and might be punished. You could indicate this explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [Then all of the called ones who were with Adonijah trembled with fear]

The author is using the phrase a man to his way as a common expression of his culture to mean “each one in the direction of his own home.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use a comparable expression from your language that does have that meaning, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [And they all went separately back to their own homes]

Here, from the face of is a common expression of the culture that means “because of” or “on account of.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use a comparable expression from your language that does have that meaning, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [on account of Solomon]

The implication is that Adonijah arose from the table and left the feast that he was hosting at En Rogel. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [And he left En Rogel]

By went, the author means that Adonijah went to the sacred tent. You could indicate this explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [and went to the sacred tent]

Grasping the horns of the altar was a symbolic action by which Adonijah showed that he was seeking sanctuary and asking for mercy. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in the text of your translation or in a footnote. Alternate translation: [and grasped the horns of the altar to seek sanctuary and ask for mercy]

The expression it was declared is a passive verbal form. If your language would not use that form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [And someone declared to Solomon]

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: [and has said that he wants you to swear as today that you will not kill him with the sword]

Adonijah is using the expression as today as a common expression of his culture to mean “first.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use a comparable expression from your language that does have that meaning, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [first]

By Let King Solomon swear to me as today, Adonijah means he wants Solomon to promise not to kill him before he, Adonijah, lets go of the altar. You could indicate this explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [I will not let go of the horns of the altar until King Solomon swears to me first] or [I will not leave the sanctuary unless King Solomon swears to me first]

Adonijah anticipates that, following the custom of his culture, Solomon would swear an oath by stating the first part of a condition (“if”) but not the second part (“then”). Use a natural way in your language to express an oath. In a context such as this, it may be natural to express just the first part of the condition as a negative statement. Alternate translation: [that he will not kill his servant with the sword]

Adonijah is not referring to a specific sword. He means any sword that David might command his soldiers to use to kill him. Adonijah is likely referring to beheading. 2 Samuel 16:9 suggests that this would have been the punishment for rebellion against the king. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use an expression that would be more natural in your language. Alternate translation: [that he will not command his soldiers to cut my head off with a sword]

In certain contexts, biblical authors and characters use the common expression of their culture son of to indicate that a person has the characteristic of something. In this case, Solomon means that Adonijah would have to prove that he was a person of trustworthy character by taking no further actions to try to become king. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [a man of trustworthy character]

The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [nothing from his hair shall fall to the ground] or [not a single one of his hairs shall fall to the ground]

Solomon is using one small part of Adonijah, a single strand from his hair, to emphasize that he will not harm him at all. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [I will not harm him in the slightest way]

The expression is found is a passive verbal form. If your language would not use that form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [But if I find evil in him]

Here Solomon is speaking as if evil were an object that could be found inside of Adonijah. He is describing the possibility of discovering that Adonijah has been acting with evil intentions. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [But if I find evidence that his intentions are evil]

The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [And King Solomon sent some soldiers]

Prostrating himself was a symbolic action by which Adonijah showed submission to Solomon as the legitimate king of Israel. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in the text of your translation or in a footnote. Alternate translation: [he came and bowed to the ground in front of King Solomon to show his submission]

Here the author is providing background information to help readers understand what happens next in the story. In your translation, introduce this information in a way that would be natural in your own language and culture.

The author is speaking of these days as if they had been a living thing that could have approached. Your language may speak of time in a similar way. If not, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [And the time came for David to die, so he commanded] or [Now when David was about to die, he commanded]

Here, the word days represents “time,” since time consists of days. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [Now the time for David to die approached]

See how you translated the similar expression in 1:5.

David is referring to death in a polite way by using the phrase going in the way of all of the earth. Depending on what is helpful in your language, you could use a polite way of referring to death in your language, or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: [I am about to pass away] or [My time to die has come]

David is using the present tense I am going to describe something that is going to happen in the future. He is doing that in order to show that the event will happen soon. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use the future tense. Alternate translation: [I am about to go]

Here, the earth represents “people on earth.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [the people on earth]

David is using the term man to represent a person who is courageous. He means that an experienced, full-grown man would be courageous in situations where younger, inexperienced boys and youths would not. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [So you shall be strong, and you shall be courageous]

The phrases you shall be strong and you shall be a man mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: [So you must be very determined]

David is using a construction in which a verb and its object come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may have another way of saying this. Alternate translation: [And you shall keep the charge of Yahweh your God]

The author is using the possessive form to describe a keeping that Yahweh has required. If a speaker of your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could express this idea in another way. Alternate translation: [the things that Yahweh your God requires you to keep]

See the discussion in the introduction to 1 Kings of how the author and characters use the idea of walking to mean living. Alternate translation: [to live as he wants people to live]

The terms statutes, commandments, judgments, and testimonies mean similar things. David is using these terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [everything that he has commanded]

The expression as written is a passive verbal form. If your language would not use that form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [as Moses wrote in the law]

The phrases all that you do and everywhere that you turn there mean similar things. David is using the two phrases together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [in everything that you seek to accomplish]

It might seem that the expression everywhere that you turn there contains extra information that would not be natural to express in your language. If so, you could shorten it. Alternate translation: [and everywhere that you go]

Here, word represents what Yahweh said by using words. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [so that Yahweh may raise up what he said]

David is speaking as if Yahweh’s word, or what Yahweh said, were an object that Yahweh could raise up. He means that Yahweh will cause what he said to happen. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [so that Yahweh may make what he said happen]

If you have been representing the term “saying” in your translation when it introduces a direct quotation, you could probably omit the second instance of saying here, since it occurs within the same quotation as the first instance. Alternate translation: [when he said, ‘If your sons keep their way, to walk to my face in truth with all of their heart and with all of their soul, then a man to you will not be cut off from upon the throne of Israel]

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: [saying that if my sons kept their way, to walk to his face in truth with all of their heart and with all of their soul, then a man to me would not be cut off from upon the throne of Israel]

See how you translated the similar expression in 2:3. Alternate translation: [your sons live as they should]

Here Yahweh was speaking as if future generations were actually sons. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [your descendants]

Here, to my face represents being in Yahweh’s presence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [in my presence]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of truth, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [truly] or [sincerely]

Yahweh is referring to all of a person by naming two major components of a person, his heart and his soul. These represent overlapping aspects of the inner life of a person, representing a person’s thoughts, feelings, desires, and intentions. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [with their entire being]

In this verse, the words heart and soul are singular in form, but they refer to all David’s sons as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use plural forms of these words. Alternate translation: [with all of their hearts and with all of their souls] or [with their entire beings]

The phrase a man to you is a possessive form. It means “a man who belongs to you,” and it describes someone who is a male descendant of David. If a speaker of your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could express this idea in another way. Alternate translation: [one of your male descendants]

This is a double negative, consisting of the negative not and the verb cut off. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this. Alternate translation: [a man to you will always be on]

The expression will not be cut off is a passive verbal form. If your language would not use that form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [I will not cut off a man to you]

Here Yahweh is speaking as David’s descendants could be cut off from the throne. This image depicts someone being removed from power as if they were being physically separated from the throne, like a branch being cut from a tree. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [a man to you will not be removed] or [I will not remove a man to you]

The throne of Israel represents rule and authority as king over Israel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [from reigning over Israel] or [from being the king of Israel]

David is stating the pronoun you separately, even though the verb translated as you know already includes this meaning. He is doing that to emphasize that Solomon knows what Joab has done, and so he has a responsibility to punish Joab. If a speaker of your language would use an explicit pronoun for the same purpose, you may want to use that construction in your translation. If not, your language may have other ways of showing the meaning here. Alternate translation: [you know quite well]

Joab did not do the things that David describes directly to David. When David says that these were things that Joab did to me, he is speaking of the effects of Joab’s actions on him. You could indicate this explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [how Joab, the son of Zeruiah, harmed me by what he did]

David is speaking as if peace were actually a container into which Joab had put the blood of war. He means that Joab took revenge during a time of peace against people who had killed others during a war. (In 2 Samuel 3:30, the author says explicitly, in the case of Abner, how wrong this was.) If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [For he took revenge during a time of peace against people who had killed others during a war]

David is using the fact that Joab got the blood of his victims on his belt and sandal to indicate that Joab murdered them treacherously at close range. (Joab had pretended that he wanted to speak with Abner privately, 2 Samuel 3:26–27, and he had pretended that he was coming close to Amasa to greet him 2 Samuel 20:8–10.) If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [and he murdered his victims treacherously at close range]

In this verse, the word sandal is singular in form, but it refers to both of Joab’s sandals. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the plural or dual form of “sandal.” Alternate translation: [and on his sandals that were]

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause explains the purpose for the action that the first phrase describes. You could also use a connecting word that more specifically shows the relationship between the clauses. Alternate translation: [And so that you do not let his gray hair go down in peace to Sheol, you shall act according to your wisdom] or [And you shall act according to your wisdom, so that you do not let his gray hair go down in peace to Sheol]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wisdom, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [And you shall act wisely toward him] or [And you shall act shrewdly toward him]

By using the phrase you shall not let his gray hair go down in peace to Sheol, David is referring in an indirect way to Solomon executing Joab. Depending on what is helpful in your language, you could use an indirect way of referring to this in your language, as the UST does, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [make sure that you execute him]

This is a double negative, consisting of the negative particle not and the verbal phrase go down in peace, which is negative in this context from David’s perspective. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this. Alternate translation: [and you shall make sure that that old man dies a violent death by execution, as he deserves]

David is using gray hair to represent Joab in his old age. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [that old man]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of peace, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [peacefully]

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: [But since the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite came near to me when I fled from the face of Absalom your brother, do covenant faithfulness to them, and let them be among the eaters at your table]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of covenant faithfulness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [But act in a kind way toward the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite]

Although the term sons is masculine, David is using the word in a generic sense that could include both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: [the family of] or [the sons and daughters of]

The phrase eaters at your table represents those who regularly eat with the king in his palace. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [among those who dine with you in your palace]

David says that Barzilla and his family came near to me to mean that they helped and supported him. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [they assisted me]

Here, from the face of is a common expression of the culture that means “because of” or “on account of.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use a comparable expression from your language that does have that meaning, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [on account of]

Absalom and Solomon had the same father, David, but they had different mothers. Absalom was also older than Solomon. Your language may have its own term or expression for their relationship, marking these things. Alternate translation: [your half-brother]

See how you translated the similar expression in 1:14. Alternate translation: [Now listen]

David is using the phrase with you as a common expression of his culture to indicate that Shimei is still alive in Solomon’s kingdom and therefore under his jurisdiction and authority. (David does not mean that Shimei is nearby Solomon. Solomon later required Shimei to live near him in Jerusalem, as 2:36 indicates, but he had not done that yet.) If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use a comparable expression from your language that does have that meaning, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Shimei, the son of Gera, the Benjaminite from Bahurim, is still there for you to deal with]

David is using a construction in which a verb and its object come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may have another way of saying this. Alternate translation: [And he, he cursed me severely]

David is stating the pronoun he separately, even though the verb translated as he cursed already includes this meaning. He is doing that in order to emphasize the contrast between the bad thing that Shimei did and the good thing that Barzillai did. If a speaker of your language would use an explicit pronoun for the same purpose, you may want to use that construction in your translation. If not, your language may have other ways of showing the meaning here. Alternate translation: [And for his part, he cursed me]

David is referring to how Shimei cursed him as he fled from his son Absalom and went to Mahanaim (see 2 Samuel 16:5–10). David is then referring to how he returned to Jerusalem after Absalom’s death. When he was about to cross the Jordan to go back to Jerusalem, Shimei met him and asked for forgiveness (see 2 Samuel 19:15–23). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make those ideas more explicit or include some extra information in a footnote. Alternate translation: [on the day of my going to Mahanaim to escape from Absalom. And he himself went down to meet me at the Jordan when I was returning to Jerusalem after Absalom died]

In a context such as this, your language might say came instead of went. Alternate translation: [But he himself came down to meet me]

In keeping with the conventions of his culture, David is marking travel for change in elevation. See how you translated the similar expression in 1:25. Alternate translation: [But he himself came to meet me]

See how you translated the similar expression “you, you swore” in 1:17. Alternate translation: [But he came personally to meet me]

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: [telling him that I would not kill him with the sword]

Following the custom of his culture, David was swearing an oath by stating the first part of a condition (“if”) but not the second part (“then”). Use a natural way in your language to express an oath. In a context such as this, it may be natural to express just the first part of the condition as a negative statement. Alternate translation: [I will not kill you with the sword]

David was not referring to a specific sword. See how you translated the similar expression in 1:51. Alternate translation: [If I should kill you with a sword]

David was using himself to represent the soldiers whom he would command to kill Shimei. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [I will not command my soldiers to cut your head off with a sword]

See how you translated the similar expression in 1:18.

David is using a figure of speech here that emphasizes a positive meaning by using a negative word, not, together with a mild expression that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could emphasize the positive meaning in a strong way. Alternate translation: [be sure that you punish him]

Here the word For introduces not a reason but an explanation. Alternate translation: [After all,]

Here, one part of an elderly person, gray hair, represents the entire person. See how you translated the similar expression in 2:6. Alternate translation: [And you shall make that old man go down with blood to Sheol]

Here, blood represents a violent death. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [And you shall make that old man go down violently to Sheol]

See how you translated the similar expression in 2:6. Alternate translation: [and you shall make sure that that old man dies a violent death by execution, as he deserves]

In this verse and the next verse, the author is using phrases that he will also use throughout the book to conclude his accounts of the reigns of other kings. The occurrence of these recurring phrases signals the end of a story. Use a natural form in your language for expressing the conclusion of a story, and try to translate all the occurrences of these phrases consistently so that their purpose will be evident. Alternate translation: [text]

See how you translated the similar expression in 1:21. Alternate translation: [And David passed away]

See how you translated the similar expression in 1:21. Alternate translation: [his ancestors]

The expression he was buried is a passive verbal form. If your language would not use that form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [and people buried him]

If it would be more natural in your language, you could state the smaller numbers first and then give the total. Alternate translation: [David reigned in Hebron 7 years, and he reigned in Jerusalem 33 years. So all the days that David reigned over Israel {were} 40 years]

Here, days represent time, since time consists of days. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [And the time … was 40 years]

The author is using this statement to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event.

See how you translated the similar expression in 1:20. Alternate translation: [Then Solomon succeeded his father David as king]

The expression was established is a passive verbal form. If your language would not use that form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, the context indicates that it is God. Alternate translation: [and Yahweh established his kingdom]

The author is introducing a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event.

The author identifies Bathsheba here as the mother of Solomon, and he seems to mean that Adonijah came to speak to her in her official role of queen mother. That was an important and honored role in the royal courts of this culture, as Solomon’s respectful actions in 2:19 show. Your language may have its own term or expression for this role and relationship. Alternate translation: [Bathsheba, the queen mother]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of peace, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [peaceful … Peaceful]

Adonijah is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [Yes, I have come in peace]

Adonijah is using A word is to me for you as a common expression of his culture to mean “I have something to discuss with you.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use a comparable expression from your language that does have that meaning, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [I have a matter to discuss with you] or [I would like to speak with you about something]

This is an imperative, but it communicates permission rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates permission. Alternate translation: [You may speak]

See how you translated the same expression in 2:5. Alternate translation: [You know quite well]

Adonijah is using the term Israel to mean the Israelite people, who were descendants of a man named Israel, also known as Jacob. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [and all of the Israelites had set their faces on me to reign]

Adonijah is using had set their faces on me as a common expression of his culture to mean “were expecting me to be their next king.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use a comparable expression from your language that does have that meaning, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and all of the Israelites were looking to me as their next king] or [and all of the Israelites were expecting me to reign]

Adonijah is saying all as an overstatement for emphasis. It is not true that every Israelite wanted him to be the king. Instead, as Bathsheba said in 1:20, the Israelites were waiting for David to tell them who the next king would be. However, it would be good to show in your translation that Adonijah is making an overstatement to try to persuade Bathsheba to do what he wants. So we recommend that you do not translate his statement as a less emphatic one.

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: [But since it was to him from Yahweh, the kingdom turned and became to my brother]

Adonijah is speaking of the kingdom of Israel as if it had been a living thing that could have turned and moved from him to his brother. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [But my brother became the king instead]

See how you translated the similar expression in 2:7. Alternate translation: [my younger brother] or [my half-brother]

Adonijah is using it was to him from Yahweh as a common expression of his culture to mean “Yahweh wanted him to have it.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use a comparable expression from your language that does have that meaning, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Yahweh wanted him to have it]