And Hezekiah said to Isaiah …: Most translations understand this verse to be a continuation of the narrative in chronological order. New International Version, however, takes verse 8 as a flashback of what Hezekiah had said prior to verse 7, since it follows the Masoretic Text at the end of verse 7, which says that Hezekiah recovered. New International Version reads “Hezekiah had asked Isaiah….” La Bible Pléiade, however, moves verse 7 after verse 11, assuming that it was originally there but was misplaced by a copyist. Translators should follow the Masoretic Text here in verses 7-8, saying that Hezekiah “recovered” at the end of verse 7, and then translating the beginning of verse 8 in such a way to indicate that what Hezekiah said in verse 8 took place before Hezekiah recovered. One possible model is “Before Hezekiah was healed, he asked Isaiah….” The verb said may be better translated “asked” in many languages since a question follows.

What shall be the sign that the LORD will heal me…?: For the word sign, see the comments on 2 Kgs 19.29. In this context some languages may prefer to say “How will I know that the LORD will heal me…?” or “What thing will show me…?” Contemporary English Version says “Can you prove that the LORD will heal me…?”

For the expressions go up to the house of the LORD and on the third day, see the comments on verse 5, where these expressions are initially used.

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 .