And say: Unlike the parallel text in 1 Kgs 22.27, the Hebrew verb rendered say is plural. Ahab continues to address the whole group of those who would arrest Micaiah.

Thus says the king is a way of formally stating that what follows is a royal demand. But it is the king who is speaking, so in many languages the third person reference will be transformed into first person as follows: “this is what I say.” Bible en français courant has only one level of quotation for verses 25-26 and conveys the meaning of this clause by saying “You will order them on my behalf to….” While this element is not present in Good News Translation, it should be retained where possible. By using indirect discourse here, both Good News Translation and Bible en français courant have avoided the need for the three levels of quotation in Revised Standard Version.

Put this fellow in prison: This fellow is literally “this.” Some interpreters think that the Hebrew construction here is an expression of contempt, but that is far from certain.

And feed him with scant fare of bread and water is literally “and feed him bread of oppression and water of oppression.” Micaiah is to be given only enough food and water to keep him alive. In languages where bread is considered a luxury, a literal translation may be misleading here. If so, possible models are “and feed him the minimum of food and water” and “and feed him only what he needs to stay alive.”

Until I return in peace means until Ahab returns safely from fighting against the Syrians. The word peace implies that he thinks he will return without having been harmed. Bible en français courant makes this explicit by translating “until I return safe and sound from this expedition.” Compare “until I return safely from the battle” (New Living Translation, New Century Version) and “until I return victorious” (Nouvelle Bible Segond).

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 .