And now again translates the common Hebrew conjunction followed by the adverb. This transition is, however, omitted by a number of English versions, including Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version, and New International Version. Translators should use a transition in their language that seems most natural in this context.

The Masoretic Text reads “And you” instead of And now. The two Hebrew words translated “you [singular]” and “now” are similar in both sound and spelling. Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament gives a {C} rating to the reading And now, and this is the reading that should be followed. The problem here is just the reverse of the problem with these same two words in verse 18.

Bathsheba alternates between third person and second person in speaking to the king (my lord the king and you). Good News Translation uses second person only, and this may be a useful model in other languages. Notice that Good News Translation maintains the attitude of respect by saying “Your Majesty.”

The eyes of all Israel are upon you: This expression, with the word eyes as subject, may sound peculiar if translated literally into other languages. The meaning is “everyone in Israel is waiting for you” (Contemporary English Version).

The words who shall sit on the throne … after him mean simply “who will be the next king.” After him may be rendered “after you” if this is translated as direct address to David. The meaning is “after your death” or “after you cease to be king.”

Contemporary English Version provides a good model for the entire verse:

• Your Majesty, everyone in Israel is waiting for you to announce who will be the next king.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .