So: In Hebrew this verse begins with the common conjunction plus a form of the verb “to be.” Together they have the force of a connector that is used to introduce a summary statement. New American Bible uses the word “Thus” to make the transition. New Jerusalem Bible, like Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation, sets this verse off as a separate paragraph to highlight the fact that it is a summary statement.

These nations refers to the foreign settlers in Samaria as in verses 26 and 29. If verse 40 refers to the same people, then this verse is a continuation of the preceding verses. But if verses 34-40 refer to the Israelites, then verse 41 is a summary and should be set apart as a separate paragraph.

And also served their graven images: The conjunction and will have to be rendered differently in most languages since what follows stands in opposition to the preceding statement. A contrasting conjunction like “but” (Good News Translation) or “however” will be required in many cases.

Graven images renders a single Hebrew noun that comes from a verb meaning “to carve” either out of wood or stone. This is the only occurrence of the word in 1–2 Kings, but it is found elsewhere in the Old Testament (for example, Deut 7.5; Psa 78.58; Isa 10.10). It may be translated “carved images” (New Revised Standard Version) or, more generally, “idols” (Good News Translation, New American Bible, New Jerusalem Bible).

Their children … and their children’s children: In some languages this will be the most natural way to speak of “children and grandchildren.” But others may have a special term for children’s children. However, the expression is probably not intended to limit the meaning to two generations. For this reason Good News Translation translates “their descendants.” Translators are advised not to follow New American Bible “their sons and grandsons” since females as well as males are included.

Their fathers is better translated “their forefathers” (Revised English Bible) or “their ancestors” (New Revised Standard Version, New Jerusalem Bible).

To this day: See the comments at 1 Kgs 8.8 and 2 Kgs 2.22.

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 .