The man of God: See the comments on this expression in the previous verse.

He and all his company: This part of the verse will probably need to be shifted forward in most languages to show that it is the subject of the verb returned even though Naaman’s followers are secondary in importance. The Hebrew noun rendered company often refers to a war camp, and sometimes it refers to the army itself, as in this verse. For his company, Contemporary English Version has “his officials,” but a more general expression such as “his men” (Good News Translation) or “his retinue” (Revised English Bible) is better since the context does not clearly indicate that the reference is to Naaman’s officials only.

He came and stood before him: This wording often implies the submission of the person standing before the other. Naaman’s attitude suggests the same kind of relationship, which is quite different from the interaction between the two men previously. Good News Translation omits these words, but they should be translated since they indicate that Naaman submitted himself to Elisha.

He said: In this context it is easy to think that Naaman may have made the following statement with emphasis, so New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh has “exclaimed” instead of said and Contemporary English Version uses “announced.”

Behold: As in verse 11, Naaman is again drawing attention to what he is about to say. Like Good News Translation, several versions render it “Now” (New International Version, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, Revised English Bible, Traduction œcuménique de la Bible).

There is no God in all the earth but in Israel: Naaman, a Syrian, is affirming here his view that gods other than the God of Israel do not exist in reality. This corresponds closely to the words spoken by Elisha in verse 8 in anticipation of this event.

Accept now a present: The Hebrew word translated a present is literally “a blessing.” This clause in Hebrew has the particle of entreaty. New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh reflects it by translating “please accept a gift” and New Jerusalem Bible has “please, accept a present.” Whatever forms are normally used in the receptor language to make a polite request should be chosen in this case.

Your servant: Naaman here refers to himself indirectly, showing his great respect for the prophet Elisha. Translators should determine how respect is shown in their own language and use whatever expressions are most natural in this context. It will be noted that Good News Translation does so by using the word “sir.”

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 .