Since translates two Hebrew words, a conjunction and a relative pronoun. Together they function to express cause, so they may be translated “Because” or “Since.” Revised Standard Version follows the form of the Hebrew and has a long sentence stretching over verses 2-3. Verse 2 tells why God is going to act against Baasha (because of his evil), and verses 3-4 tell what God is going to do. In some languages it may be more natural to reverse the order of these verses in order to have the cause follow the statement of what God will do. Good News Translation has broken this complex sentence up into shorter sentences in order that the relationships of the various parts may be more clearly understood. This may provide a helpful model for many languages that will require a less complex sentence structure.

I exalted you out of the dust is a poetic way of stating that Baasha was a person of no great importance until God made him the ruler of Israel. A similar expression in 1 Sam 2.8 says that God “raises up the poor from the dust.” If there is a danger that readers may not recognize that this is figurative language, then Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch may provide a useful model for the first half of the verse as follows: “Although you were a man without power and influence, I have made you king over my people Israel.” Two other possible nonfigurative models are found in Contemporary English Version (“Nobody knew who you were…”) and New Century Version (“You were nothing…”).

Leader translates a Hebrew noun that is sometimes rendered “prince.” See the discussion of this Hebrew noun in 1 Kgs 1.35, where Revised Standard Version translates it “ruler.” New American Bible uses the term “ruler” in translating this verse.

Walked in the way of Jeroboam … with their sins: This part of the verse points back to 1 Kgs 14.9, 15-16 and 15.26, 30, both in similarity of content and language.

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 .