So: Most versions agree that the common Hebrew conjunction here should be rendered by a logical connector at this point in the story.

Gehazi followed Naaman: The Hebrew verb rendered followed is often used of chasing after a person and frequently includes the idea of hostile intent (see 1 Kgs 20.20, where Revised Standard Version has “pursued”). Here it is perhaps best translated “hurried after,” as in New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, Revised English Bible and New International Version.

Naaman saw some one running after him: The words some one running are literally “one running.” The Hebrew may be understood to mean that Naaman saw someone running but did not recognize him from a distance (so Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation). Compare also “Aware that someone was running after him” (New American Bible). Or it may be understood to mean that Naaman did recognize who it was, so Contemporary English Version has “Naaman saw Gehazi running after him.” Compare also “Naaman saw who was running after him” (La Bible Pléiade).

He alighted from the chariot is literally “he fell from the chariot.” But the meaning here is that Naaman intentionally got down from the chariot in which he had been riding. The Hebrew verb found here is the same one used in 2 Kgs 1.2 to describe King Ahaziah falling through the lattice work, but it is a common way of depicting a person dismounting from a camel, horse or some other animal. It is also used of a person getting down from a chariot. Some modern translations are “he jumped down from his chariot” (New Jerusalem Bible) and “he climbed down from his chariot” (American Bible).

Is all well?: This question uses the same Hebrew word for “peace” that is found in Elisha’s farewell in verse 19. But here it is accompanied by the interrogative particle, yielding the meaning “Is there peace?” Since Gehazi comes to the departing group so quickly after their having left the house of Elisha, Naaman wonders if some unexpected problem has arisen.

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 .