Abigail’s speech continues with the use of the respectful term my lord, which may be translated “you … sir” as in Good News Translation.

Pangs of conscience: literally “stumbling-block [or, offense] of heart.” Some languages may say “your heart will not accuse [or, condemn] you.”

And when the LORD has dealt well with my lord: this may be stated as “And when the LORD has prospered my lord” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh), or better, “Then when the LORD makes all you do prosper” (Revised English Bible).

The appeal concludes with a plea to remember your handmaid. That is, Abigail is asking for mercy for herself. Once again in many languages the best translation will include a first person singular pronoun, “remember me.” The element of respect is retained in Good News Translation by the use of “sir, please….”

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 .