Jehu mounted his chariot, and went to Jezreel: The first verb used here in Hebrew may mean “to climb up on” and may be translated as Revised Standard Version and many other versions do. But the basic meaning includes “all aspects of riding, from the mounting of an animal or vehicle to the moving forward toward one’s destination” (Cogan and Tadmor, page 109). So it may mean “to ride,” which is the next step after getting into a chariot. Jewish Publication Version translates “Jehu rode in a chariot, and went to Jezreel.” But Contemporary English Version translates the two verbs naturally into English as “Jehu got in his chariot and rode to Jezreel.” Clearly the means of “going” was riding in the chariot. Revised Standard Version adds the words his chariot, which are only implied in the Hebrew text.

For: The connecting word here introduces the reason for Jehu’s going to Jezreel. Some languages may require a word like “because [that is where Joram was in bed recovering].”

Joram lay there: The Hebrew verb used here literally means “to lie down,” and the same verb is sometimes used of having sexual intercourse (2 Sam 11.4) or simply of ordinary sleeping (2 Sam 11.9). In this case, however, it is quite clear that the writer’s intention is to show that “Joram was lying ill” (New Revised Standard Version). This should not be taken to mean that he had contracted some additional illness in addition to his battle injury, but that he had not yet recovered from the wounds he suffered in the battle with the Syrians (see verse 15 and 2 Kgs 8.28-29). It may be better to translate something like “Joram was still in bed recovering from his injury.”

Ahaziah … had come down to visit Joram: See the comments on 2 Kgs 8.28. Ahaziah had most likely come from Jerusalem or Samaria. While this certainly involved proceeding from a higher elevation to a lower one, it may not be natural in other languages to use a verb like had come down. The perspective of the writer may also be important. But modern versions are divided on this matter. Revised English Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, and New Jerusalem Bible use the form “had gone down,” indicating that the writer was elsewhere, but others have “had come down” (New Revised Standard Version) or simply “had come” (New American Bible). What is important is that Ahaziah “was there” (Good News Translation) and this more neutral form may be the best model for many languages to follow.

It is interesting to note that Contemporary English Version restructures verses 14-16 together, providing what may be considered a more logical order:

• King Joram of Israel had been badly wounded in the battle at Ramoth, trying to defend it against King Hazael and the Syrian army. Joram was now recovering in Jezreel, and King Ahaziah of Judah was there, visiting him.
Meanwhile, Jehu was in Ramoth, making plans to kill Joram. He said to his officers, “If you want me to be king, then don’t let anyone leave this town. They might go to Jezreel and tell Joram.” Then Jehu got in his chariot and rode to Jezreel.

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 .