If translators use the same word in the receptor language for lord and LORD as in Revised Standard Version, this verse will sound confusing to one who only hears it read. My lord refers, of course, to David in this verse. And in the context of Abigail speaking directly to David, it may be translated by “you, sir” or something similar.

As the LORD lives: see the comments on 14.39.

As your soul lives: see the comments on 17.55 and 20.3.

Bloodguilt: that is, the guilt of spilling blood by killing an innocent person (see verse 31). See the use of this term in Exo 22.2-3. The expression the LORD has restrained you from bloodguilt may be rendered “the LORD has stopped you from becoming guilty by shedding blood” or “… prevented you from killing people and so becoming guilty.”

Taking vengeance with your own hand: this expression, which occurs also in verse 33, focuses on the personal nature of the revenge that David might have sought. This Hebrew idiom means “to take the law into one’s own hands,” that is, to do by force what should be done by someone else. Some translations that avoid the literal rendering of the word hand are “striking a blow for yourself” (Revised English Bible) or “avenging yourself personally” (New American Bible).

Be as Nabal: at this point in the story, Nabal has not yet been punished. Abigail’s words anticipate the events of verses 36-38. This verse does not state who will punish David’s enemies or who will punish Nabal, but verse 38 says that the LORD struck Nabal. The LORD has also turned against Saul (see 15.26). Translators may find it necessary to say that the enemies of David will “be punished by the LORD just as Nabal will be punished.”

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 .