He said: Once again the translation should make it clear who is speaking to whom. In this case it is the prophet Elisha who is talking to his servant about the woman rather than addressing her directly. Since what follows is a question, it is preferable in some languages to translate the verb as “asked” instead of said (so Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version, New Living Translation, La Bible du Semeur).

What then is to be done for her?; that is, since she does not seem to need anything that was suggested to her, what could the prophet do? As in verse 13, the passive form of the question may have to be made active. Some translations say “What can I do for her then?” (Good News Translation) and others say “What can we do for this woman?” (Parole de Vie). Either rendering is acceptable.

The Hebrew adverb translated Well usually has the force of “surely,” “indeed,” or “nevertheless” (see 2 Chr 19.3; 33.17). In this context it may be rendered “Still” (American Bible), but probably the best model for many languages will be Revised English Bible: “There is only this….”

Her husband is old suggests that he may be too old to father any children. The woman had no hope of ever having a child. The implication of this statement is quite clear: if there was anything that the prophet could do to ensure that this couple might have a son, that would be something they would appreciate very much. This verse probably also implies that the husband may not live many more years, and then the woman would be left without a husband or son to support her.

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 .