But: The transition word at the beginning of this verse should mark contrast since the kindness of Yahweh toward Israel stands in opposition to the cruelty and oppression of the king of Syria. Virtually all English versions have the conjunction “But.”

The LORD was gracious to them and had compassion on them: These two synonymous expressions serve to reinforce each other. They may be translated by a single expression if synonyms cannot be found, but it is preferable to duplicate the combined effect of the two together if possible in the receptor language.

He turned toward them: This clause has the same general meaning as the previous two clauses and is understood by Revised English Bible to mean “he looked on them with favour.”

Because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: See Gen 15.1-21; 26.23-25 and 28.10-22. This expression provides the reason for the compassion of Yahweh. But its placement within the structure of this verse may vary considerably from one language to another. It may be possible in certain languages to place this very early in the verse, but in many cases it will come toward the end. Naturalness in the receptor language should be the determining factor in deciding where it goes.

For covenant see the comments at 1 Kgs 3.15 and 2 Kgs 11.4.

Would not destroy them; nor has he cast them from his presence until now: These two statements have essentially the same meaning. They do not represent two completely different things but two aspects of the same truth. Both are negative statements of the positive truth presented in the words was gracious, had compassion, and turned toward earlier in this verse. The first clause, would not destroy them, focuses more on Yahweh’s will, while the second clause has to do with the result of his desire. Some possible translation models are “To this day he has been unwilling to destroy them or banish them from his presence” (New International Version) and “was unwilling to destroy them; nor has he even yet banished them from his sight” (Revised English Bible).

The words until now are lacking in certain ancient Greek manuscripts and are omitted by New American Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, and Gray, which consider them to be a later addition to the text. But Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament, with a {C} rating, recommends that these words be retained since they were probably omitted by the Greek translator in the time of the Diaspora, that is, the time when Jews were living in exile from the Promised Land.

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 .