For: The first word in this verse indicates that what follows is an explanation of the reason for the prophet’s refusal to accept the older prophet’s invitation.

It was said to me by the word of the LORD is literally “a word to me by the word of the LORD.” Good News Translation says “the LORD has commanded me.” This verse repeats “the word of the LORD” from verse 9.

You shall neither eat bread nor drink water …: See the comments on verses 8-9 and 15-16. In Revised Standard Version these words are presented as a quotation within a quotation. But they may be rendered as an indirect quotation as in Good News Translation in those languages where embedded quotations are a problem.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .