So renders the common Hebrew conjunction. It is used here to show the logical link between the rumor that spread among the Syrians and their subsequent running away.

They fled away is literally “they arose and they fled away.” Since it may be possible to understand the pronoun they as referring to the four lepers, it will be wise in some languages to translate the pronoun with a noun phrase, such as “the Syrians” (Good News Translation). In this context the verb “arose” may be understood literally (NET Bible “got up”) or as a serial verb (see the discussion on Hebrew serial verbs in “Translating 1–2 Kings,” pages 15-16), in which case “they arose and they fled away” may be rendered “they took off fleeing” or they fled away.

In the twilight: See the comments on verse 5.

They forsook their tents, their horses, and their asses: The majority of modern English versions use the verb “abandoned” in place of the rather archaic word forsook. Other languages may say “left behind” or simply “left.” The Syrians were so frightened that they apparently fled on foot without taking the time to mount their horses and donkeys. Where tents are unknown, it may be necessary to say “houses of animal skins,” “houses of cloth,” or “portable shelters.”

Fled for their lives: The verb fled occurs twice in this verse. Here in the second case an additional detail is added for emphasis: for their lives. It may be necessary in some cases to say something like “in order to save their lives” or “because they feared dying.” In some languages the first occurrence of fled should be omitted. This will make the succession of events more logical or chronological. The Syrians fled after they abandoned their possessions. The order of Good News Translation may therefore be misleading if followed literally.

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 .