Both New Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation agree that a new paragraph should be opened here; the scene changes again.

But not forty days passed is what this Greek text has (the other has “fifty”). The Good News Translation rendering “About six weeks later” is a satisfactory solution. However, in languages that do not use “weeks” we may translate in a way similar to New Revised Standard Version; for example, “About forty days later” (Contemporary English Version).

A footnote in New Revised Standard Version calls attention to the fact that the Greek text simply has “his” instead of Sennacherib’s. The proper name is used in place of the pronoun for clarity. New Revised Standard Version will have such a footnote in every case where the text uses a proper name for clarity rather than a pronoun. The Handbook will not comment on each of these.

The mountains of Ararat: This refers to mountains in the land of Ararat, rather than to a range of mountains known as Ararat (compare 2 Kgs 19.37). The land of Ararat is in the area of modern Armenia (compare Gen 8.4).

Esar-haddon reigned after him: Esar-haddon (Greek Sacherdonos) began his rule in 681 B.C. For reigned after him, see 1.15.

Ahikar (sometimes spelled Ahiqar) is a legendary figure, a wise man known from several ancient Near Eastern sources, including a Jewish papyrus of the fifth century B.C. found in Egypt. The name was clearly well-known, and connecting him with Tobit serves to enhance Tobit’s reputation. As Tobit’s nephew, he becomes an important figure in Esarhaddon’s court.

As the New Revised Standard Version footnote indicates, the name Hanael (Good News Translation “Anael”) can be spelled in different ways. Translators may take their choice with no fear of confusion since the name occurs nowhere else.

Appointed Ahikar … over all the accounts of his kingdom, and he had authority over the entire administration: Good News Translation combines these two clauses with “put Ahikar … in charge of all the financial [monetary] affairs of the empire.” Contemporary English Version separates them with “appointed Ahikar … to be in charge of both the royal accounting department and the treasury.” The Greek seems to say that Ahikar was given two responsibilities. Good News Translation, by combining the two clauses into one, and Contemporary English Version, by speaking of two aspects of finance, seem to say that Ahikar’s duties are confined to the financial area. But he had authority over the entire administration suggests that he was appointed prime minister as well, with special responsibility for the treasury. It is suggested that translators follow New Revised Standard Version.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Tobit. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.