Yet: This verse begins in Hebrew with the common conjunction. Since what follows expresses an exception to what God might be expected to do in light of verse 27, this conjunction is correctly translated “Yet” in several modern versions (Revised Standard Version, New International Version, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, Anchor Bible). Some other ways of translating the same idea are “Even so” (New Jerusalem Bible), “But” (Contemporary English Version), and “However” (Bible en français courant).

Have regard to the prayer of thy servant and to his supplication: Have regard renders a Hebrew verb meaning “to turn toward.” Compare “turn … to the prayer…” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh) and “do thou turn … to thy servant…” (Moffatt). Here the verb is used figuratively to mean “to concern oneself with.”

Solomon speaks about himself here in the third person: thy servant and his supplication. Good News Translation changes this to first person singular to avoid any possible misunderstanding. This will be a helpful model to follow in many other languages. See the comments on “Indirect reference” in “Translating 1–2 Kings,” page 10.

The Hebrew nouns rendered prayer and supplication are basically synonyms in this context. Among the various English translations are “prayer … plea for mercy” (New International Version), “prayer … request” (New Century Version, New Living Translation), and “prayer … plea” (New Revised Standard Version). The Hebrew noun rendered prayer is the most commonly used Hebrew word for “prayer.” It often refers to intercessory prayer, as it does here. The Hebrew noun rendered supplication comes from a root meaning “to be gracious,” and is a prayer for mercy.

Hearkening to the cry and to the prayer which thy servant prays: The noun rendered cry comes from a root meaning “to shout for joy.” The English translation “cry” does not mean “to weep” here but rather “to shout.” The noun prayer translates the same Hebrew noun rendered prayer at the beginning of this verse; and the verb prays comes from the same root.

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 .