Therefore: The transition word in Hebrew here shows clearly the relationship between the actions of Manasseh and the people of Judah in verse 11 and the punishment threatened by the LORD as a result. Bible en français courant begins this verse with “that is why.”

The usual formula, thus says the LORD, sets the stage for a very definite message from God. But since the text actually begins a direct quotation of the LORD in the previous verse, it may be more natural to transform this into a first person expression rather than using the third person; for example, translators may wish to say “I, the LORD … tell you” (similarly Good News Translation).

Behold: The focusing particle here in Hebrew fixes attention on the divine message that follows. See the comments at 1 Kgs 1.18 and 2 Kgs 2.11. See also the discussion on Hebrew focusing particles in “Translating 1–2 Kings,” pages 13-14.

I am bringing: The verb form used here in Hebrew has the effect of an immediate future in this context. For this reason “I am about to bring” (Revised English Bible, Hobbs) is probably a better translation than “I will bring” (New American Bible) or “I am going to bring” (New International Version).

Upon Jerusalem and Judah: Since Jerusalem was the capital of the kingdom of Judah, it may be more natural in some languages to say something like “on Jerusalem and indeed on all the land of Judah” or “on the land of Judah and on its capital Jerusalem.”

Such evil should probably be taken in the sense of “such disaster” (Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible). The result will, of course, be seen as evil by the people of Judah.

The ears of every one who hears of it will tingle: This expression is an attempt to describe the involuntary effects of terrible news on those who receive it. Revised Standard Version translates literally, but in many languages it may be necessary to change the form in order to express the meaning more clearly. Bible en français courant says “it will have the effect of a clap of thunder on those who hear it.” Other languages may prefer to say something like “everyone who hears about it will be stunned” (Good News Translation), “all people who hear it will stagger,” “it will make people who learn about it tremble,” or “whenever anyone hears of it, his ears shall ring” (New American Bible). The same expression is also found in 1 Sam 3.11 and Jer 19.3.

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 .