This verse may be restructured as in Good News Translation, if it is more natural to provide the reason for Ishbosheth’s fear before indicating that he was speechless. But instead of stating that it was impossible for Ishbosheth to speak, some languages may prefer to say something like “dared not answer” or “did not presume to respond.”

He feared him: that is, Ishbosheth was afraid of Abner, and this should be made clear.

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 .