In those days: The Hebrew words translated here are frequently used to introduce a new episode in an ongoing story (see 1 Sam 28.1; 2 Kgs 10.32). In this case Hezekiah’s sickness and the regaining of his health constitute a story within the overall story of Hezekiah’s reign. But the expression does not necessarily indicate that what follows is in chronological order. Some scholars believe that the events described here must have happened before Sennacherib’s attack on Jerusalem (chapter 19).
Became sick and was at the point of death is more literally “was sick toward dying” (see King James Version “sick unto death”) since the two verbs in Hebrew here are joined by a preposition rather than a conjunction. Most languages have common expressions that are used to describe a serious, life-threatening illness. Some modern English renderings are “became mortally ill” (Revised English Bible), “fell dangerously ill” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh), and “became so sick he almost died” (New Century Version).
Came to him: While the Hebrew verb rendered here usually means “to come,” the use of came (Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible) or “went” (Good News Translation, New International Version, New Century Version) will depend on how the receptor language ordinarily reflects the point of view of the writer. Some languages will use a completely different expression such as “visited him,” “called on him,” or “met him.”
Thus says the LORD: See 1 Kgs 11.31. As is often the case with messages that are reported to have come directly from Yahweh, there is an embedded quotation in this verse. Good News Translation handles this by making the longer, internal quotation indirect and beginning “The LORD tells you that….” Another way of handling this would be to make the initial short quotation indirect by saying “… gave him the following message from the LORD:….” Then the message itself would be a direct quotation.
Set your house in order is literally “Give orders to your house.” In addition to the parallel account in Isa 38.1, this clause is also used in 2 Sam 17.23 concerning Ahithophel after the Israelites refused to accept his advice and he was about to commit suicide. The expression clearly involves getting things ready before dying. Many languages have common idioms to convey such a notion. Some modern English renderings are “Put your affairs in order” (New Jerusalem Bible), “Make arrangements” (New Century Version), “Give your last instructions to your household” (Revised English Bible), and “you had better start doing what needs to be done” (Contemporary English Version).
The two statements you shall die and you shall not recover have the same meaning. They serve to reinforce each other. In some languages they may be used together, but the order may have to be reversed so that the translation will sound more natural.
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 .