The Hebrew in 1 Kings 22:50 which is translated into English as “Jehoshaphat died” or “Jehoshaphat slept” was translated into Afar as Yacoosafatal amri yemeeteh: “The command came on Jehoshaphat.” (“God” understood in the view that death comes because of a divine command.)
Jehoshaphat
The Hebrew and Greek that is transliterated as “Jehoshaphat” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with the signs for “king” and “mixup” referring to the fateful alliance with king Ahab of Israel in 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 18. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
“Jehoshaphat” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España
For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .
More information about Jehoshaphat .
complete verse (1 Kings 22:50)
Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Kings 22:50:
- Kupsabiny: “Then, Jehoshaphat died and was buried in the City of David. Then, his son who was called Jehoram ruled taking over from his father.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
- Newari: “Jehoshaphat died, as had his ancestors. He was buried with them in the city of David, his ancestor. After him his son Jehoram became king.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
- Hiligaynon: “When Jehoshafat died, he was-buried in the place-of-burial of his ancestors in the Town of David. And Jehoram his child was- one who -succeeded him as king.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
- English: “When Jehoshaphat died, his body was buried where his ancestors were buried in Jerusalem, the city where King David had ruled. Then Jehoshaphat’s son Jehoram became king.” (Source: Translation for Translators)
Translation commentary on 1 Kings 22:50
Regarding the phrase slept with his fathers, see the comments on 1 Kgs 1.21.
Was buried with his fathers: See the comments on 1 Kgs 14.31.
The city of David: See the comments on 1 Kgs 2.10.
His father must be understood in this context to mean “his ancestor.”
The name of Jehoshaphat’s son is spelled Jehoram in Hebrew here; but in 2 Kgs 8.16-24 it is spelled “Joram.” Good News Translation uses the form Jehoram for consistency and clarity in English. In addition, the king of Israel (son of Ahab) who ruled at this same time was also named Joram. In order to avoid confusion between the two kings, the king of Israel (son of Ahab) is always called “Joram” in a number of modern versions and the king of Judah (son of Jehoshaphat) is consistently called “Jehoram.” This convention is adopted by Good News Translation, New International Version, New American Bible, and New Century Version. Translators are advised to follow this same convention in their own work in order to clearly distinguish the two rulers for Bible readers.
More information about the reign of Jehoram may be found in 2 Kgs 8.16-24 and 2 Chr 21. As will be noted in the discussion on 2 Kgs 8.16, there are conflicting statements in the text of 2 Kings about when Jehoram began to reign. For this reason some interpreters think that for some unknown reason, Jehoshaphat turned over the kingship to Jehoram about six years before Jehoshaphat died. The reference here in verse 50, then, will refer to the time when he became the sole ruler.
Reigned in his stead: See the comments on 1 Kgs 11.43.
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 .
SIL Translator’s Notes on 1 Kings 22:50
22:50a And Jehoshaphat rested with his fathers
Jehoshaphat died and went to be with his ancestors.
-or-
Then Jehoshaphat died.
22:50b and was buried with them in the city of his father David.
He was buried where they were buried, in the city of his ancestor David.
-or-
He was buried in the city of his ancestor David where his ⌊other⌋ ancestors were buried.
22:50c And his son Jehoram reigned in his place.
Then his son Jehoram became king ⌊of Judah⌋ in his place.
-or-
His son Jehoram was the next king to rule ⌊Judah⌋.
Section 22:51-53
King Ahaziah ruled Israel
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