The Hebrew text repeats the introductory formula, Thus says the LORD, from verse 15. While this is probably done for reasons of emphasis, the repetition may seem unnecessarily redundant in certain languages.

Behold: The focusing particle in Hebrew here directs special attention to the prophetic word that follows.

I will bring evil …: This expression suggests punishment. Several versions speak of “disaster” (New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible) rather than evil (compare 2 Kgs 21.12). What is important, however, is the relationship between the evil and all the words of the book. The parallel text in 2 Chr 34.24 says more specifically “all the curses that are written in the book.” Perhaps the prophetess had in mind the warnings found in passages like Deut 28.15-68. For this reason New American Bible translates “all the evil that is threatened in the book” and Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch says “All of the threats that are written in this book.”

This place may refer to the city of Jerusalem where Huldah and the royal delegation were located at the time of their discussion (Good News Translation, Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente, Bible en français courant; similarly Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch “this city”). Or it may refer to the whole country of Judah. Contemporary English Version and La Bible du Semeur, in fact, translate “this country.” The latter understanding seems more likely since the promised punishment was not likely to be limited to the capital. In some languages it will be wise to make this clear in translation.

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 .