And David said longingly is literally “And David longed for and he said.” The Hebrew verb for “longed for” actually means “crave,” “covet,” or “desire greatly,” but it has no object in this context. In other contexts the translation of the Hebrew root for this verb includes the ideas of “heart’s desire” (1 Sam 23.20) and “wanton craving” (Psa 106.14). Complete Jewish Bible translates the first clause of this verse as “David had a craving.” It is clear that David had a deep desire for something, but the problem is to determine what he wanted so badly. New International Version has “David longed for water,” and Braun says “David was very thirsty.” Holman Christian Standard Bible is similar with “David was extremely thirsty.” But it seems unlikely that he was merely thirsty. Rather, he was somewhat homesick and longed for water from Bethlehem. Some translations say that he “felt a yearning” or “felt a craving” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh). Traduction œcuménique de la Bible begins this verse with “David expressed this desire” (similarly New American Bible).

O that some one would give me water to drink… is literally “Who will give [or, supply] me water to drink…?” As in 2 Sam 15.4, the Hebrew word for “Who” functions here to introduce a rhetorical question that is an exclamation. In some languages it will be more natural to translate the Hebrew as a question (so most French versions) than to try to reflect the resigned sigh of David in Revised Standard Version. In other cases it may be better to say “I really wish someone would give me water to drink….” If the question format is retained, translators should ensure that David’s words are not misunderstood as a simple request for information, but rather as a wish for something considered impossible. Instead of the verb give, it may be more appropriate in many languages to use “bring” since the water David was requesting was not nearby at the time.

From the well of Bethlehem which is by the gate: The Hebrew for this phrase may also be translated “… which is within the gate.” The order of the elements here may need to be altered for the sake of naturalness and clarity. Some languages may say “from the well of Bethlehem, the one that is by the gate” or “from the well by the gate of Bethlehem.” The Hebrew word for well (also New International Version, Revised English Bible, Braun) may also be translated “cistern” (New American Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, American Bible). A well is a hole dug in the ground where water is found naturally. A “cistern” is a place where water is stored, but the water has to be brought from another source elsewhere or is collected there when it rains. Cisterns were cut out of the rock and plastered to hold the water.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Chronicles, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2014. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .