However: The transition word here is not the common Hebrew conjunction, but an adverb that is sometimes used to emphasize the truth of what follows. However, in other cases it is used to mark contrast. In this context it indicates a contrast between the fact that even though the priests were brought to Jerusalem from other towns in Judah (verse 8), these same priests were not allowed to function as priests in the Temple in Jerusalem. Many versions agree with Revised Standard Version in using the word “however” (New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh). Jewish Publication Version has “Nevertheless.”

The priests of the high places: Since the reference here is to “the priests out of the cities of Judah” in verse 8, Good News Translation and Nova Tradução na Linguagem de Hoje say simply “Those priests.”

Did not come up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem: This seems to indicate that the absence of these priests from the Temple in Jerusalem was a result of their own choice, but the wording of Good News Translation is more accurate: “were not allowed to serve in the Temple” (similarly Bible en français courant, Nova Tradução na Linguagem de Hoje, and Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente). Because they had practiced what was forbidden, they were not permitted to serve at the altar in Jerusalem. While this information is only implied by the verb used here in Hebrew, it is legitimate to add it in translation.

Unleavened bread: This refers to the “sacred bread” (Contemporary English Version) of the grain offerings which the LORD had allocated to the priests (Num 18.8-10). In order to translate the idea of unleavened or “without yeast,” some languages have had to say something like “lacking that which causes it [bread] to rise” or “[bread] that does not swell up.” Unleavened bread is mentioned in connection with the first Passover meal (Exo 12.8) and in the story of the visitors to Lot in Sodom (Gen 19.3). In the immediate context the writer may have had in mind the Passover, mentioned in verses 21-23.

Some interpreters suggest that the Hebrew noun translated unleavened bread (matsoth) should be corrected to read either “portions” (menayoth) or “according to custom” (mitswoth). Gray, for example, accepts the change to “portions” and claims that the reference is to the parts of the sacrifice which went with the unleavened bread (Lev. 6.14-18). There is, however, no support in the Masoretic Text or in the ancient versions for such proposed corrections, so translators should follow the Masoretic Text.

Among their brethren: The preposition among is not to be taken in the literal sense that these priests were seated at the same table as the other priests. Rather, they were permitted to eat the bread as were the other priests.

The archaic word brethren means “brothers.” Translators should be aware that this word is not intended to be taken here in the strict sense of those having the same father and the same mother. Rather, it carries the idea of “relatives” (New American Bible). Their brethren may also be translated “their kindred” (New Revised Standard Version) or “their clan” (Revised English Bible), since all the priests would have been descendants of Aaron. La Bible du Semeur translates simply “the other priests.”

Perhaps Contemporary English Version captures the meaning of the last part of this verse better than the other versions, saying “but they were allowed to eat sacred bread, just like the priests from Jerusalem.”

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 .

The words At that time, which occur also in 2 Kgs 20.12, refer to the short period of Jehoiachin’s three-month reign. Compare “It was during the reign of Jehoiachin that…” (Nova Tradução na Linguagem de Hoje).

The servants of Nebuchadnezzar probably refers to the officers in the Babylonian army; and, of course, wherever the officers went, the rest of the army followed. Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, and Contemporary English Version translate servants as “troops.” But the meaning is not significantly different in either case.

For king of Babylon, see verse 1.

The verb came up is again an ordinary verb used in a rather technical sense to describe a military action. As in verse 1, it may be translated “advanced on” (Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible) or “attacked” (New American Bible). In the Masoretic Text the verb came up is third person singular. But a singular verb makes no sense here, so nearly all translators follow the reading in the margin of the Masoretic Text, which is third person plural. The Septuagint omits the words the servants of and says simply that Nebuchadnezzar came up to Jerusalem, but the Septuagint text does not represent the original text here.

The passive expression the city was besieged (literally “the city came under siege”) may be made active since the agents of this action were clearly the members of the Babylonian army. Some may have to say “they surrounded the city [to cut off all contact with others].” See the comments at 1 Kgs 15.27 and 2 Kgs 6.24.

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 .

A description of this flight of the remaining Israelites into Egypt is found also in Jer 43.5-7.

All the people, both small and great: This expression probably refers to social class rather than to physical size or age. These words may, however, intend to be all-inclusive, in which case a translation such as “the whole population” (Bible en français courant) will be acceptable. See the comments at 2 Kgs 23.2.

The captains of the forces: See the comments at verse 23, where the Hebrew expression here is translated “the captains of the forces in the open country.”

Arose, and went: The verb arose should not be taken to imply that the Israelites had necessarily been sitting or lying down. When this verb is used together with the verb went, it simply denotes the initiation of significant action (see the discussion on Hebrew serial verbs in “Translating 1–2 Kings,” pages 15-16). Revised English Bible translates the two together with the verb “fled.”

For they were afraid of the Chaldeans: The connector for introduces the reason why the Israelites fled. It was because of their fear of the Babylonians that they acted in the way that they did.

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 .