And renders the Hebrew verbal transition marker that is sometimes translated “And it happened.” See the comments at 2 Kgs 8.3.

Heard the words of the book of the law may be simplified by saying something like “listened as he [Shaphan] read the book.” This has the advantage of avoiding the passive verb used in Good News Translation and at the same time reminds the reader that it was Shaphan (verse 10) who was reading to the king.

He rent his clothes: As in similar passages (1 Kgs 21.27; 2 Kgs 2.12; 5.7, 8; 6.30; 11.14; 18.37; 19.1), it will be helpful to many readers if the meaning of this gesture is explicitly stated in translation as Good News Translation has done by adding “in dismay.” Contemporary English Version accomplishes the same purpose with the addition of the words “in sorrow.” Verse 13 explains the reason for the king’s great sorrow.

The Hebrew grammar in this verse may be understood as indicating either that the king tore his clothes while the book of the Law was being read (Good News Translation) or that he tore his clothes immediately after the Law had been read (Traduction œcuménique de la Bible “When the king had heard…,” La Bible Pléiade “As soon as the king had heard…”). The second interpretation is more likely correct.

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 .