But translates the common Hebrew conjunction, and in this context there is a clearly implied contrast and this is a valid rendering.

In the continuing dialogue, the verb said is followed by a question. For this reason it may be more natural to translate it “asked” as in Good News Translation and New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh.

Is there not here another prophet of the LORD of whom we may inquire?: A literal translation of Jehoshaphat’s question reads “Is there not here a prophet of Yahweh still that we can inquire of him?” Notice that the Hebrew does not have a word corresponding to the word another in Revised Standard Version. This question may be understood two different ways: (a) the prophets of verse 6 were prophets of the LORD, but Jehoshaphat wants to consult another prophet of the LORD (so Revised Standard Version/New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, Good News Translation, New American Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh); or, less likely, (b) the prophets of verse 6 are not prophets of the LORD, so Jehoshaphat wants to consult a prophet who does speak for the LORD (so New International Version, New Century Version).

In the conversation between the two kings, the first person plural pronoun we (here and in the following verse) is inclusive since each king would be including the other in their endeavor to determine God’s will.

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 .