He went and sent word: Many modern versions ignore the first verb in this verse (Good News Translation, New International Version, New Century Version, Revised English Bible), because the verb “to go” here in Hebrew is used as a kind of auxiliary verb meaning “to be aroused to action” (Cogan and Tadmor, page 44). But New Revised Standard Version and Hobbs begin the verse with “As he went…,” presumably implying that he went out of Samaria. Translators may follow the model of Good News Translation in saying simply “He sent word.” Sent word is literally “sent,” but most translations add an object, such as “word” or “message,” as the context requires.

The king of Moab has rebelled against me; will you go with me to battle…?: In some languages the use of a direct quotation in this context may not be completely natural. One possible way to render it indirectly would be as follows: “… sent a message to King Jehoshaphat of Judah telling him that the king of Moab had rebelled against Israel and asking him to join in battle against the people of Moab.”

The implied information in this verse includes the fact that Joram’s messenger or messengers delivered the message and then returned to him with Jehoshaphat’s answer that follows in the text.

He said, “I will go; I am as you are…”: See the comments on 1 Kgs 22.4. In order to avoid confusion, especially for those who hear the text read, some translations replace the pronoun he with the words “The king of Judah” (Parole de Vie), “King Jehoshaphat” (Good News Translation), or simply “Jehoshaphat” (Nouvelle Bible Segond). The king’s response is an indication of complete availability. The king of Judah begins by affirming his own availability and goes on to state that his soldiers and his horses were also ready to move in support of Joram.

If the whole response must be made indirect, the following is a possible model:

• In response the king of Judah agreed to go. He said that he, his soldiers, and his horses were ready to help, just as if they belonged to Joram.

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 .