To persuade: this shows the intention of those who came to talk with David, but it does not indicate that their efforts were productive. In fact they were not successful. So it is appropriate to translate here “to try to persuade….”

Eat bread: the word for bread is frequently used in the Bible for “food” in general. But in view of David’s response, it will be possible to retain the word in its more literal sense here. Note, however, that Revised English Bible has translated “they came to urge David to eat something,” to which he answers “I refuse to touch food of any kind.” The use of the verb taste is used to show that he would not allow himself even the smallest scrap of food. It is an emphatic way of denying that he would eat. Some African languages have a special word for bread or cake that is prepared for mourning situations.

While it was yet day: another way of saying this may be “before the sun set.” Good News Translation conveys the same essential meaning by beginning the verse with “All day long….”

God do so to me and more also: this is almost exactly the same kind of vow that Abner had made with regard to helping David become king of all Israel (see verse 9 above).

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 .