It will sound redundant in many languages to repeat the Ammonite so soon after this information is given (verse 1).

In the context of this conversation, the verb said may be more naturally rendered “responded” (Bible en français courant) or something similar.

On this condition: literally “For this.” In some languages it may be difficult to express the idea of a conditional agreement. Another way of saying this is “I will agree with you if you will accept this one thing.”

I will make a treaty with you: see the comments on verse 1. The Hebrew is elliptical in verse 2, omitting the noun “covenant” and saying only “I will cut with you” (the same elliptical expression occurs again in 22.8). The meaning may be expressed here by saying simply “I will agree with you.”

No reason is given for wanting to gouge out the right eyes. Since most soldiers held their shield in their left hand, blocking the view of the left eye, they would not be able to see the enemy well in a fight if their right eye was blinded.

Thus translates the common Hebrew conjunction. Here it shows the relationship between blinding the right eyes of the Israelite population and the disgrace that followed. In some languages the order of the two main elements may be reversed by saying something like “bring disgrace on all the people of Israel by putting out the right eye of every person.”

The Hebrew noun translated disgrace comes from a root that means “to taunt,” “to mock,” “to shame.” As a result of Nahash’s actions, people of other nations will have contempt for the people of Israel. New Jerusalem Bible says “I will make it a taunt to the whole of Israel.” Some African languages will render this by a causative verb form meaning “I will cause all the people of Israel to see shame.”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .