The corpse of Jezebel shall be as dung: In view of the relatively small amount that was left of Jezebel’s body, the word corpse may not be appropriate. Good News Translation uses the word “remains,” while Contemporary English Version speaks of “bones.”

Like Good News Translation, some languages will find it necessary to state clearly in what way the body of Jezebel shall be as dung or “manure” (Contemporary English Version, New Century Version, Hobbs). It was spread over a wide area like fertilizer is scattered.

Upon the face of the field: This literal rendering means simply “on the ground” (Revised English Bible) or “in the field” (New American Bible).

Some translations omit in the territory of Jezreel on the basis of certain Greek manuscripts (so New Jerusalem Bible), but Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament gives a {B} rating to the Masoretic Text, which should be followed.

So that no one can say, “This is Jezebel”: The idea here is that no one would be able to recognize the body of Jezebel because it was so terribly mutilated and dispersed over a wide area and also because so much of it had been eaten by the dogs. The direct quotation at the end of the verse may be better rendered as indirect discourse (so Good News Translation); for example, “so that no one could tell who it was” (Contemporary English Version) and “No one will be able to say that this is Jezebel” (New Century Version).

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 .