This negative evaluation of Pekah is given in almost exactly the same words as the assessment of his predecessor Pekahiah in verse 24 (see the comments there). However, the Hebrew verb rendered did not depart is translated “did not turn away” in verse 24 even though the same verb occurs in both places.

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 .