But: As in verse 29, it is good to mark contrast with the conjunction here. In this case, however, the Hebrew has only the common conjunction. Although Jehu did what pleased God with regard to the worship of Baal and the extermination of Ahab’s family, he nevertheless failed to please him in other matters. While most modern versions translate “But,” New Jerusalem Bible has “however.”

Walk in the law of the LORD: The verb walk is used here in the sense of obeying the Law of Yahweh (see the comments at 1 Kgs 3.3). New International Version has “keep the law of the LORD” while others say “follow the law of the LORD” (New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible). The word for law (torah in Hebrew) may also be translated “Teaching” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh). It is the same word that is used when speaking of the first five books of the Old Testament.

With all his heart may be rendered “wholeheartedly” (New Jerusalem Bible, New American Bible) or “with complete devotion.” See the comments on this expression at 1 Kgs 14.8.

Moffatt provides a different kind of model for the first part of this verse, translating without the use of a negative as follows: “But Jehu was careless about following strictly the directions of the Eternal, the God of Israel.”

He did not turn from the sins of Jeroboam …: This last sentence in the verse repeats what is said at the beginning of verse 29, except that there is no mention here of the fact that Jeroboam was the son of Nebat. See the comments there.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .