Nevertheless: The transition word in Hebrew is important here. It is the same word as used in 2 Kgs 3.3 and is sometimes translated “only.” It is a rather strong indicator of contrast. Some other English renderings are “But” (New Century Version), “however” (New International Version, Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, Moffatt), and “Still” (New American Bible).
High places: See the comments on 1 Kgs 3.2. Worship in such places was not always forbidden in the history of Israel. It was apparently considered acceptable in the story of Saul’s visit to the prophet Samuel in 1 Sam 9.12. The practice seems to have been common before the building of the Temple for Yahweh (1 Kgs 3.2). New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh and Revised English Bible use the word “shrines” to translate the Hebrew noun here. New Century Version attempts to convey the notion that these were religious places with the words “places where gods were worshiped.” The writer does not state that false gods were being worshiped. If the writer is negative about the worship at the high places, it is most likely because this worship of Yahweh was taking place outside of Jerusalem, away from the central place of worship. For this reason a translation such as “pagan places of worship” (Good News Translation) or the one in New Century Version is not recommended here. The second occurrence of the words high places, at the end of the verse, may be replaced by an adverb, such as Good News Translation has done with the word “there.”
The passive expression were not taken away will have to be made active in some languages. The implied subject may be either the king or the people in general, who are specifically mentioned later in this verse. In languages where the passive form is not an option, translators are advised to make King Joash the subject of the verb; for example, Contemporary English Version translates the whole clause here as “Joash did not destroy the local shrines.” See the comments on 1 Kgs 15.14.
In some languages the verb sacrifice and possibly also burn incense (see the comments on this verb in 1 Kgs 3.3) will require a clear statement regarding the deity to whom sacrifice and incense are being offered. Some interpreters think that the present context would certainly require the addition of something like “to false gods,” “to idols,” or “to pagan deities.” But other interpreters think the main concern of the author is that people were worshiping God in the wrong places, that is, outside of Jerusalem. Compare 1 Kgs 12.33; 13.1, 2; 22.43 (22.44 in the Masoretic Text).
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 .