The order of events in this verse seems to be slightly different in the base and model versions. According to Revised Standard Version, which reflects the Hebrew order, the salt would be added after the container was brought to Elisha. But Good News Translation indicates that this was to be done before the prophet received it. The Good News Translation understanding is allowed by the Hebrew.

A new bowl: The word translated bowl occurs only here in the Old Testament and its exact meaning is uncertain. Various attempts to determine the meaning on the basis of related languages have resulted in the following proposals: “small bottle,” “small jug,” and “small bowl.” While most versions indicate that the container requested was in the form of a “bowl,” some prefer other shapes. American Bible speaks of a “flask,” while New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh and Gray have a “dish.” Hobbs speaks more precisely of a “shallow bowl,” which is probably technically correct. It is also important that the container be new, that it not be ritually impure and not have been used by any humans. This is similar to the requirements for animals to be used for sacrifice (Num 19.2; Deut 21.3-4). Revised English Bible says “a new, unused bowl.”

According to ancient beliefs, salt was considered to have powers of purification. For this reason it was used in some sacrifices (Lev 2.13; Ezek 43.24). Today it is well known that salt does have certain cleansing properties. In languages that have different words for mineral and vegetable salts, the word for mineral salt should probably be used here.

So they brought it to him: If the wording of Revised Standard Version is retained in the first part of the verse, the reader might not be certain whether the container was brought with or without salt. But as the next verse shows, the intended meaning is certainly that the salt was included. So this should be made clear in one way or another in translation.

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