For … therefore: these two transition words introduce the two main parts of this verse. Good News Translation reverses the order of these two propositions by talking first about the fact that David had the courage to pray this prayer and then explaining why this was the case. This type of structure may be more typical of the way such a thing is said in many other languages.

Hast made this revelation to thy servant: literally “has uncovered [to] the ears of your servant” (see the comments on 1 Sam 9.15). This revelation does not represent the same word as translated vision earlier (verse 17), where the focus is more on supernatural perception—often in a dream. Here the word has to do with the taking away of that which conceals. It is the same as is used of David’s uncovering himself physically in 6.20. But the idea here is that of a figurative taking away of that which veils or obscures. While this may be translated by a noun like “disclosure,” it may also be possible to use a verb such as “to make known” or “to cause to see.”

Thy servant: or, more naturally, “to me, your servant” in most languages. See verses 19-21 and 26.

As has already been indicated, the quotation ‘I will build you a house’ involves a play on words that is sustained throughout this passage. David wanted to “build a house [Temple]” for God, but God wanted rather to “build a house [dynasty]” for David. In some languages it will be possible to retain the word house (and thus something of the play on words) while at the same time translating this passage naturally and meaningfully. Translators may say “I will make the people of your house rulers….”

Found courage: literally “found his heart.” The Revised Standard Version rendering is an English idiom that is not likely to be something that can or should be imitated in other languages. The Hebrew expression containing the word “heart” may be closer to many languages. Knox attempts to reflect the form to some extent with “finds his heart full of such prayers as these.” New Century Version has “am brave enough to pray,” and Revised English Bible has “I have made bold to offer this prayer.” A number of other English versions use the verb “ventured” (Moffatt, New Jerusalem Bible, and New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh).

Pray this prayer: while many languages may be able to reflect this expression with the same root for the noun and the verb, others will more naturally say something like “say this prayer” or “pray like this.” The words this prayer seem to refer to the whole passage from verse 18b to the end of the chapter.

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 .