Behold translates a Hebrew word that calls attention to what follows, which is the consequence of Jehoram’s wrongdoing. New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh begins this verse with the connector “therefore.” Good News Translation is similar with “As a result.” Contemporary English Version begins with “Because you have done these terrible things.”

The LORD will bring a great plague on your people … and on all your possessions: For the Hebrew word rendered plague, see the comments on 1 Chr 21.22. Will bring a great plague is literally “the one striking a big strike/plague.” Good News Translation says “will severely punish,” which is not as specific as the Hebrew. But the Good News Translation rendering is acceptable in the larger context since verse 17 indicates how the plague here is to be understood. Although the Hebrew uses just one verb here, Good News Translation has two different verbs (“punish” and “destroy”) since it is not natural in English to speak of punishing possessions. Your people refers to the people of Judah and not simply to Jehoram’s family, so Moffatt says “your nation.” Good News Translation omits the word all, but this is unfortunate since there seems to be an emphasis on “everything you own” (Contemporary English Version).

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 .