The common Hebrew conjunction at the beginning of this verse seems to call for a contrastive transition word. Yet seems inappropriate, since it has the meaning “In spite of this.” “But” (New International Version, Contemporary English Version, and others) is more appropriate here.

Walk: this verb frequently has a figurative meaning, “to conduct one’s life,” “to behave,” or “to live one’s life.” In this context it is possible to translate “did not behave as their father did,” “did not live as he did” (New Century Version), or “did not follow his example” (New American Bible).

His ways: that is, the ways of Samuel. Ways or “paths” continues the figurative language and refers to conduct, customs, example, or way of living.

Turned aside: that is, instead of walking straight ahead in the ways of their father (see 12.3-5), they abandoned his ways and violated the law against perverting justice (see Exo 23.2, 6 and Deut 24.17). Good News Translation shows one possible rendering of the whole figure in nonfigurative language.

Gain: the word may also be translated “profit,” specifically profit obtained illegally or in some inappropriate manner. In some cases it may be most natural to say directly “for the sake of money” or “for their own benefit.”

Took bribes: the word “bribe” refers to something given or paid to a person (often in secret) in order to encourage him to act the way the giver wants him to act, even if the act is wrong or unjust. The acceptance of such gifts is strictly forbidden in Exo 23.2, 6 and in Deut 16.19. In some cases this may be naturally expressed as “allowed people to give them gifts” or “accepted money secretly.”

Perverted justice: the verb perverted is a form of the same verb translated turned aside in this verse. The sons “bent” justice. This is not a separate action from took bribes. Rather they accepted money given to them for the purpose of influencing their decisions about who was right or wrong. For this reason the conjunction and may not be appropriate between these two elements. New Century Version reads “accepted money secretly to make wrong judgments.”

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 .