But renders the common Hebrew conjunction. Since the prophet’s response is somewhat contrary to normal expectations, several versions use a contrasting conjunction as in Revised Standard Version (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, New Century Version, New Revised Standard Version). Others, however, omit it (New American Bible, Revised English Bible, Traduction œcuménique de la Bible).

He said: The pronoun he refers to Elisha. In many languages this may have to be made clear in translation by using the proper name. In some languages the verb said will be more naturally translated “replied” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Bible) or “answered” (Good News Translation, New International Version, Contemporary English Version) in the context of this conversation.

As the LORD lives: See the comments on 1 Kgs 1.29 and 2 Kgs 2.2.

Whom I serve: See the comments on 2 Kgs 3.14.

I will receive none: Elisha’s response is firm but polite. He absolutely refuses any kind of gift from Naaman. New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh says “I will not accept anything.” The Hebrew here is literally “if I receive.” This is an oath with the meaning, “if I receive it, may something terrible happen to me,” but as often happens in Hebrew oaths of this nature, the second part of the oath is not actually expressed. The Good News Translation rendering “I swear that I will not accept a gift” attempts to maintain the feature of an oath (similarly Contemporary English Version).

He urged him to take it, but he refused: Translators should ensure that the pronoun references are clear here. In some cases this will mean substituting the names of either Naaman (so Good News Translation) or Elisha or of both (so Bible en français courant, Parole de Vie). Another possibility would be to end with the statement “but the prophet still refused [the gift].”

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 .