Revised Standard Version follows the form of the Hebrew by beginning a quotation in verse 2, which is followed by a quotation within this quotation in verse 3. Both quotations are, however, words of the Syrian king, Benhadad. Good News Translation restructures these verses and has only one level of quotation, and this may be appropriate in other languages as well.

Another way to handle the different levels of quotation in verses 2-3 is to follow the model of Contemporary English Version, which says simply “2 Benhadad sent a messenger to tell King Ahab of Israel, 3 ‘Ahab….’ ” This moves the name of Benhadad to the head of the introductory sentence rather than keeping it as a part of the quotation. There seems to be no good reason to change the plural messengers to a singular as Contemporary English Version has done.

Said to him: If the more literal form of Revised Standard Version is retained, it may be that the verb said should be translated according to the context as “demands” (Good News Translation) or something similar.

Thus says Ben-hadad: The Hebrew follows the same formula used when introducing the word of the LORD in verse 13.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .