So: the transition word here should indicate a logical connection. It was as a result of David’s instructions and Hushai’s consent that Hushai took this course of action.

Hushai, David’s friend: languages differ as to which of these elements should come first. In some cases it will be more natural to say “David’s friend Hushai” instead of following the order of Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation. Almost certainly the Hebrew word is a technical term borrowed from Egyptian court titles and refers to a court official who served as the king’s confidential adviser. Evidence for such a title is found in ancient documents from Egypt and Ugarit. For this reason the best translation may be “David’s counselor” (Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente) or “David’s advisor” (Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch) rather than a literal translation of the word friend.

Traduction œcuménique de la Bible uses the word “friend” in the text but states in a note that this term “has a technical sense here; it is the title given to a confidant or counselor of the king.” If translators choose to keep the word “friend” in the text, then they should consider explaining the meaning in a note, as Traduction œcuménique de la Bible has done. Revised English Bible takes a different approach in indicating that this is a title, using capital letters, “David’s Friend.” But translators should not rely on use of notes or capital letters to translate this word. It will be best to follow the examples of Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente and Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch and state the meaning clearly in the text.

Came into the city: this, of course, was not his first time to go to Jerusalem, so in some languages it will be better to use a verb meaning “to go back” or “return.” Contemporary English Version selects a verb that indicates the secretive nature of his return, “slipped back….” One possible model for this verse as a whole is:

• So David’s advisor Hushai went back to Jerusalem and arrived there at the same time that Absalom was also coming into the city.

Another possibility is:

• It was just as Absalom was entering Jerusalem that Hushai, David’s advisor, got back to town.

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 .