Nevertheless: The positive evaluation of Jotham is qualified in much the same way as was the one for his father Uzziah (verse 4). The transition word used here in Hebrew is stronger than the common conjunction. As pointed out in verse 4, it is sometimes translated “only” in other contexts.

The high places were not removed: The Hebrew verb here is the same one translated “were not taken away” in verse 4. In some languages the passive form will have to be made active as in the previous case.

For high places, see the comments at 1 Kgs 3.2 and 2 Kgs 12.3.

Sacrificed and burned incense: See the comments on 1 Kgs 3.3 and 2 Kgs 12.3.

He built the upper gate of the house of the LORD: The verb built is translated “rebuilt” in some translations (New International Version, New Century Version, New Living Translation, Contemporary English Version), but there is no evidence that the upper gate had existed previously and had been damaged or destroyed. It will be better, therefore, to say that Jotham built this gate rather than saying that he “rebuilt” it.

The upper gate is probably the same gate as the one called “the upper Benjamin Gate” in Jer 20.2. It was located on the north side of the Temple area. Ezekiel refers to it as “the north gate” (Ezek 8.14; 40.35, 40, 44; 44.4; 46.9; 47.2). It is for this reason that the name “North Gate” is found in Good News Translation. The parallel account in 2 Chr 27.3-4 also speaks of “the upper gate,” but it gives a more detailed description of the other building projects of King Jotham. Since the reference seems to be to a specific gate and not just an indefinite gate, many translations use capital letters: “the Upper Gate” (New International Version, New Century Version, Contemporary English Version).

Some translators may wish to move the apparently positive contribution of building the gate to the beginning of this verse and follow it with the conjunction marking contrast and the qualification about the negative aspects of Jotham’s reign. The translation would then read:

• He built the Upper Gate of the Temple. But he did not destroy the local shrines. So the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense 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 .