But: Since the actions of these leaders in Samaria were contrary to the instructions received from Jehu, the common Hebrew conjunction at the beginning of this verse may be translated in this way to mark the contrast. Many English versions, however, omit the conjunction altogether (so Good News Translation).
Since the pronoun they may possibly be understood as referring to the potential candidates to the throne, some modern versions replace it with a noun phrase. Good News Translation has “The rulers of Samaria,” and International Children’s Bible translates “the officers and older leaders of Jezreel.” The choice here will depend on the textual decision made in verse 2. Contemporary English Version, however, avoids the problem by not being too specific; it translates the pronoun as “The officials and leaders” without anything further.
Were exceedingly afraid: The Hebrew construction used here is much stronger than saying simply “were frightened” (New Century Version). The adverb translated exceedingly appears twice in the Hebrew text. Some modern translation attempts at reflecting the strength of this statement are “were panic-stricken” (Revised English Bible), “were utterly terrified” (New Jerusalem Bible), and “were overcome by fear” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh).
The Hebrew focusing particle rendered Behold is dropped by most modern versions, but if the receptor language has a comparable means of highlighting what is about to be said, it should be used here.
The two kings: This refers, of course, to King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah (2 Kgs 9.22-28). In some cases translators may wish to follow the example of Good News Translation and Contemporary English Version in making this information explicit.
In this context the Hebrew expression translated could not stand before him means “could not withstand him” (New American Bible, New Revised Standard Version) or “could not resist him” (New International Version). Some modern versions attempt to retain something of the form of the original text by using the English idiom “stand up to” (New Jerusalem Bible, New Century Version). It may also be necessary in certain languages to use the proper name “Jehu” in place of the pronoun him for clarity (so Good News Translation).
How then can we stand?: This question is really a way of strongly affirming “there is no way we can stand against him” or “we cannot possibly oppose him.” If the question format does not convey this meaning, a more direct affirmation may be required. Contemporary English Version does this by stating emphatically “We have to do what he says.”
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 .