The man cried is literally “he cried.” The verb cried should not be understood as having to do with weeping; rather it involves speaking out in a loud, authoritative voice. New Jerusalem Bible, like Good News Translation, translates it “denounced.” God’s Word renders it “condemned,” while Contemporary English Version has “shouted.” In order to avoid giving the impression that Jeroboam is the subject of the verb cried, it may be wise to say the man or “the prophet” (Good News Translation, Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente, Parole de Vie).

O altar, altar: While it may be somewhat unnatural in some languages for a person to speak directly to an object like the altar, the direct address is difficult to avoid in this context. But it may be necessary to avoid the interjection O (see 1 Kgs 12.28) and the repetition of the word altar.

Thus says the LORD: See the comments on 1 Kgs 11.31.

Behold: The Hebrew focusing particle used here may have to be left untranslated in some languages since it merely draws attention to what is about to be said.

A son shall be born to the house of David: The house of David clearly refers to the royal family or “the family of David” (Good News Translation). Of course, the reference is not to King David’s own immediate family, so New Living Translation says “the dynasty of David.” In languages where there may be a problem with the passive verb shall be born, it will be possible to say “David’s family will have a son” (so New Century Version).

Josiah by name is literally “Josiah his name.” From the time of this prophecy, it will be almost three hundred years before Josiah will become king of the southern kingdom of Judah. This prophecy concerning Josiah is fulfilled in 2 Kgs 23.15-16.

For high places, see 1 Kgs 3.2.

Men’s bones shall be burned upon you: Men’s bones refers to “human bones” (Good News Translation, New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, New Century Version). There is no intention of excluding the bones of females here. Shall be burned is literally “they will burn,” which is an impersonal construction that is translated in the passive in Revised Standard Version. The Septuagint says “he shall burn.” It is not clear whether Good News Translation is based on the Septuagint or whether translation principles have led to its rendering “he will burn.” A number of modern versions do follow the Septuagint (Revised English Bible, New American Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, Osty-Trinquet). To burn human bones on the altar was a desecration of the altar.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .