Aide: The Hebrew term used here has been translated “assistant” (Contemporary English Version), “lieutenant” (Revised English Bible), “adjutant” (New American Bible), “officer” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh), “and chariot officer” (New International Version, New Century Version). See the comments at 1 Kgs 9.22 and 2 Kgs 7.2, where Revised Standard Version translates it “captain.” His aide refers almost certainly to Jehu’s assistant and not Ahaziah’s.
Take him up: Since Joram was dead, some languages will require the use of the word for “corpse” or “body” in place of the pronoun him, which Revised Standard Version has supplied from the following verb. The Hebrew here says simply “take up.”
The plot of ground belonging to Naboth the Jezreelite: For this expression, see the comments on verse 21. It will be unnecessary in many languages to repeat the words the Jezreelite since this information is given just a few verses earlier. While there is no definite reference to 1 Kgs 21, the story unfolding here is clearly intended to show that these words of Elijah are now being fulfilled: “in his son’s days I will bring the evil upon his house” (1 Kgs 21.29) and especially “In the place where dogs licked up the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick your own blood” (1 Kgs 21.19).
Remember …: Jehu recalls an event that he and Bidkar had experienced previously. But there is no other biblical reference to Bidkar or to the particular incident of Bidkar and Jehu riding together behind King Ahab. Translators should nevertheless render this passage in such a way as to show that it refers to a previous incident. If necessary, a footnote may be added to inform the reader that no Scripture reference can be found to confirm that Jehu and Bidkar rode behind Ahab.
When you and I rode side by side behind Ahab: The meaning of the Hebrew expression translated side by side behind is uncertain. The Hebrew is literally “teams after.” Some scholars divide the two Hebrew words here differently to read “team from behind.” The Hebrew usually refers to a team of oxen, but here it may mean that Jehu and Bidkar were riding side by side on separate horses, together in a chariot, or side by side in separate chariots. New Jerusalem Bible follows the second interpretation with “when you and I manned a chariot together behind Ahab.” New American Bible, however, assumes that Jehu and Bidkar had been in separate chariots by saying “when we were driving teams behind … Ahab.” In languages that use different terms for riding on horseback and riding in a chariot, the latter is probably to be preferred.
Oracle: The Hebrew word found here has the root meaning of a load or a burden (see 2 Kgs 5.17 and 8.9), but it is often used of prophetic messages (Isa 13.1; Nahum 1.1; Hab 1.1; Zech 9.1; Mal 1.1). Revised English Bible and New Jerusalem Bible speak of a “sentence” against Ahab, while New International Version has a “prophecy” about him. American Bible and New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh use the word “pronouncement.”
Against him: Translators should ensure that readers know that the pronoun here refers to Ahab. In some cases the pronoun will be replaced by the proper name “Ahab.”
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 .