In Hebrew this verse begins with the verbal transition meaning “And it happened.” When Ben-hadad heard is literally “And it was when to hear.” Hebrew does not have an explicit agent for the infinitive “to hear,” but the context clearly shows that Ben-hadad is the subject. Both Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation insert his name for the sake of clarity. In fact, even King James Version does so.
Some languages require that the verb drinking have an explicit object. Verse 16 says that the king became drunk, which clearly indicates that they were drinking alcohol.
The kings are the thirty-two vassal-kings mentioned in verse 1. Regarding the translation of the word kings in this context, see the discussion at verse 1.
Booths were temporary dwellings made of branches and mats. They were used in military campaigns (2 Sam 11.11). The Hebrew noun rendered booths is spelled the same as the place name Succoth, which is mentioned in 1 Kgs 7.46. So in the booths is translated “in Succoth” by Gray and “at Succoth” by Anchor Bible, although most interpreters prefer the interpretation found in Revised Standard Version. The city of Succoth was around 48 kilometers (about 30 miles) from Samaria, and it seems unlikely that Benhadad would have camped so far from Samaria. So translators are advised to translate the idea of temporary dwellings. This has been rendered “under the awnings” (New Jerusalem Bible), “in their quarters” (Revised English Bible), and “in their tents” (Good News Translation, New Living Translation). It is, however, not advisable to follow New Century Version, which reads “in his tent.” See also the comments on verse 16.
His men is literally “his servants.” In this context the sense is most likely “his officers” (New Living Translation). Compare Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch, which says “his commanders.”
Take your positions translates a single Hebrew verb that means “to put” or “to place.” In this context it may be rendered “Position yourselves for an attack on the city” (similarly Revised English Bible). Certain languages may prefer to present this idea in the form of indirect speech rather than as a direct quotation. In such cases Good News Translation provides a possible model.
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 .