But: the conjunction here marks the contrast between normal expectation (that Ittai would agree to go back) and the fact that Ittai actually chooses to take the risk of remaining with David.

As the LORD lives: on this oath formula, see 4.9; 12.5; and 14.11.

As my lord the king lives: these words serve to further emphasize Ittai’s oath, but probably because there can be nothing stronger than swearing by the life of Yahweh, this has been omitted by Good News Translation. It is very similar in meaning to as your soul lives in 1 Sam 25.26. And since Ittai is speaking directly to the king, the words my lord the king may be better rendered by a pronoun. The same will be true of the use of these words in the expression wherever my lord the king shall be ….

Whether for death or for life: the meaning of this expression is that Ittai will be loyal to David even to the point of giving his life for him if this became necessary. Since for life does not express anything unusual, some versions do not include these words in Ittai’s vow. Good News Translation, for example, says simply “even if it means death.”

There also will your servant be: Ittai refers to himself as your servant, but this will be better translated by a personal pronoun in most languages. His commitment to David is not unlike that of Ruth to Naomi (Ruth 1.16-17).

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 .