Biblical scholars frequently note that it is difficult to reconstruct the order of events mentioned in verses 3-6. There are three different interpretations: (1) Some scholars think that these verses describe two different invasions by the Assyrians, verses 3-4 referring to the first invasion and verses 5-6 to the second one. (2) Other scholars think that verses 5-6 retell the events of verses 3-4 from a different perspective. (3) Others think that there was only one invasion, referred to in verses 5-6, and that verses 3-4 do not refer to an invasion. It is difficult to decide which interpretation is correct, but the first interpretation is most commonly accepted. The interpretation that is chosen will determine how the beginning of verse 5 is translated. If the common Hebrew conjunction at the beginning of verse 5 is rendered “Then,” this indicates that verses 5-6 refer to something that happened after verses 3-4. This will eliminate the second interpretation above.

Against him came up Shalmaneser king of Assyria: The structure of this sentence may need to be altered in order to preserve naturalness in the receptor language since it begins with a prepositional phrase and the verb comes before the subject. While this reflects the Hebrew word order, it may be awkward if translated literally in other languages. Good News Translation, like most other modern versions, places the name of the Assyrian king at the beginning of the sentence. The verbal expression Against him came up then follows, but the order of it is also modified in Good News Translation. The verb itself may be translated “attacked,” “made a foray against,” or “invaded.” Some scholars, however, think that these words do not refer to an invasion but simply that Shalmaneser V had become the new king who had authority over Hoshea; for example, NET Bible says “threatened him.”

Shalmaneser king of Assyria is mentioned in the Bible only here and in 2 Kgs 18.9. This is a reference to Shalmaneser V, who ruled Assyria 727–722 B.C. He was the son of Tiglath Pileser III. In some languages it will be more natural to put the title ahead of the proper name as in Good News Translation. In keeping with what is known from secular history, Good News Translation uses the title “Emperor” in place of king (see the comments at 2 Kgs 15.19).

Became his vassal: The Hebrew word rendered vassal is actually the ordinary word that is usually rendered “servant.” But in the context of a rival king, it indicates yielding to a superior authority. So it will be acceptable to translate the whole expression here as “submitted to him” (New Jerusalem Bible) or “surrendered to Shalmaneser” (Good News Translation).

Paid him tribute: This is not a reference to a single act but, as the next verse indicates, to a regular occurrence, so Good News Translation has “paid him tribute every year.” Some languages may use the habitual verb form to express this idea while still others may use a form that means “began to pay taxes,” implying that the practice continued. For the word tribute, see the comments on 1 Kgs 4.21.

Certain versions take the verb forms in the last part of this verse to indicate a past action; for example, Revised English Bible says “had been tributary to him” and New International Version has “had been Shalmaneser’s vassal and had paid him tribute.” But this interpretation is not recommended.

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 .