But the king said to him: The common Hebrew conjunction introducing Ahab’s response is correctly rendered But, since his reply is somewhat contrary to the reader’s expectation. Ahab understands that Micaiah’s answer is sarcastic. The verb said may be translated “replied” (Good News Translation) in the context of this dialogue. Another possible rendering is “asked” since a question follows.

How many times shall I adjure you that you speak to me nothing but the truth…?: This is a rhetorical question that functions to rebuke the prophet Micaiah. In some languages this question will be better translated as a statement by saying “I have made you promise many times that you will tell me the truth…” or “I’ve told you over and over to tell me the truth! …” (Contemporary English Version). New Jerusalem Bible renders shall I adjure you as “must I put you on oath,” and New Revised Standard Version has “must I make you swear.” Good News Translation fails to preserve this nuance of meaning, but it should be kept if possible. Speak to me nothing but the truth may be expressed as “not to lie to me” or “not to be deceptive.” Others may say “tell me only the truth.”

To speak … in the name of the LORD underlines the fact that when Micaiah began speaking he started with the solemn statement “As the LORD lives, what my God says, that I will speak” (verse 13). This implies a special obligation to tell the absolute truth. So when Ahab responds here, he reminds Micaiah that he is under an oath and has a special obligation to speak the truth. This reminder apparently has its intended consequence because Micaiah goes on to reveal the rest of the story.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Chronicles, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2014. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .