While the Hebrew text begins with the common conjunction, which Revised Standard Version translates Now, many translators may see the need for a different kind of introductory word or expression to show that a new episode is beginning. Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version, and Bible en français courant do this with the words “One day.”

The sons of the prophets: See the comments at 1 Kgs 20.35 and 2 Kgs 2.3.

See: This is a translation of the Hebrew focusing particle that is often rendered “behold” (2 Kgs 2.11) or “lo” (2 Kgs 1.14). This particle is followed in the Hebrew text by another one, translated “now” in King James Version, which would normally indicate that the speakers are making an appeal. But this particle is ignored in many modern versions. Others take the two terms together to mean “Look” (New International Version, New Jerusalem Bible) or “As you see” (New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible).

The place where we dwell under your charge: This may mean either “the place where we live under your direction” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh; similarly New Revised Standard Version, New Jerusalem Bible) or “the place where we meet with you” (New International Version, New Century Version, Contemporary English Version, American Bible). The commentaries and modern versions are almost equally divided on this issue. Either interpretation is possible. The writer does not say where this place is, but it may have been in Jericho (see 2 Kgs 2.5) since Jericho was close to the Jordan River (verse 2).

The words under your charge are taken out of direct quotation by Good News Translation, but the meaning is retained in the introduction to the quotation.

Is too small for us: In some languages this may have to be rendered “is not fitting for us because it is small.”

The pronouns we and us should probably be rendered in such a way as to include Elisha in those languages that make the distinction between inclusive and exclusive first person plural pronouns. But in the following verse the exclusive form is more likely.

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 .