The common Hebrew conjunction translated But may not need to be translated in some languages since there is no strong contrast implied in this context. Here it functions simply to move the story along to the conclusion of this episode. In some cases it may be translated by a word like “eventually.”

The people who followed Omri overcame the people who followed Tibni: Overcame is literally “were stronger than” (An American Translation). The rendering in Good News Translation, “those in favor of Omri won out,” almost seems to suggest a democratic process. Although the text does not say so, it seems likely that Omri’s supporters defeated Tibni’s supporters in battle. Several English versions use verbs like “prevailed” (New American Bible), “proved stronger than” (New International Version, New Jerusalem Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh), and “defeated” (New Living Translation).

Since the phrase the son of Ginath occurs in the previous verse, it will be unnecessary in many languages to repeat it in this verse (so Good News Translation).

The text says that Tibni died. Since the Septuagint says that his brother Joram died at the same time, it is possible that Tibni and his brother were murdered. Since this verse states that the followers of Omri defeated the followers of Tibni, the context seems to suggest the use of force. Both Revised English Bible and New Jerusalem Bible seem to suggest that he was killed by saying “Tibni lost his life.” Contemporary English Version and New Living Translation state even more explicitly that “Tibni was killed.”

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 .