Now therefore: these words serve as a transition from the logical explanation of the reason for what had happened to a repetition of the plea not to accept the rumor that all David’s sons had been killed. Some other possible renderings are “So” (New Jerusalem Bible, New American Bible, and New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh as well as Good News Translation) or “Therefore” (Bible en français courant and Traduction œcuménique de la Bible). But note that several versions leave it untranslated (New International Version, Contemporary English Version).

My lord the king: in some cases this polite formula will be adequately translated by “please, sir….”

Take it to heart: see the comments on verse 20 above. And compare also Isa 42.25, where the same expression occurs. The context here shows that this means “don’t believe it” and does not mean simply “don’t worry about the report” (Contemporary English Version).

All the king’s sons: this expression once again refers to David’s sons. Since the speaker is addressing David directly, it will again be better in most languages to say “all your sons.” Compare verses 23, 27, 29, 30, and 32.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .