To the side of it: the Hebrew literally has a single word that usually means “side” (compare 6.8). This can mean either the side of the rock itself or a point off to the side of the rock. Either understanding is possible. But the majority of modern versions seem to prefer the idea that the target was to the side of the rock rather than “at it.”

Anchor Bible proposes that the Hebrew be changed to read “As for me, on the third day I shall shoot an arrow from the side [of the mound] aiming toward a target.” The Hebrew text makes sense as it is, however, and should be followed.

As though I shot at a mark: some may translate the idea here more naturally by saying “pretending to be shooting at something.”

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 .