This verse actually begins in Hebrew with the words that are often translated in more literal versions as “And it came to pass.” Most modern versions, however, consider this transition marker to be adequately represented by the beginning of a new paragraph.

In some languages it may be more natural to translate the words When they had crossed as “After they had reached the other side” (Contemporary English Version, Parole de Vie). The Hebrew preposition translated When may express approximate time or it may express identical time. Some versions, therefore, take this clause to mean “As they were crossing” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, American Bible) or “While they were crossing” (Revised English Bible, Nouvelle Bible Segond). A translation such as “While they were crossing” is preferable, but the meaning is not significantly different either way.

Ask what I shall do for you: This imperative statement is used by Elijah to give permission to Elisha to make any request he wished. Languages differ greatly in the way in which such an announcement is naturally made. In some cases it takes the form of a question: “What can I do for you?” In others, it may be a straightforward declaration of intention: “I am ready to do whatever you want me to do.” Translators should consider which form would be most naturally used in their own language in this situation.

Before I am taken from you: In view of the special circumstances of Elijah’s departure from earth, it is not advisable to translate this “before I die.” Where it is necessary to avoid the passive verb form, translators may say “before the LORD takes me away from you” (Parole de Vie).

Contemporary English Version reorders the elements in the direct quotation from Elijah as follows: “Elisha, the LORD will soon take me away. What can I do for you before that happens?” Such restructuring may prove to be a helpful model for certain other languages.

I pray you renders the same Hebrew particle of entreaty as found in verses 2, 4 and 6. Here it is used as a polite way of introducing Elisha’s request and is very much like the English word “please” in this context.

Let me inherit is literally “let there be … on me.” But the idea is that of inheritance, which involves the receiving of the possessions of a person by his or her children when that person dies. In this case the company of the prophets would be considered the “children” of Elijah, the prophetic leader. Translators need not trouble themselves to find a specific word for inherit if this proves difficult. The idea will be adequately translated by expressions such as “I would like to receive…” (La Bible du Semeur) and “Let … pass on to me” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh).

A double share of your spirit: It is sometimes noted that while Elijah performed eight miracles, Elisha performed sixteen. But Elisha is not here asking to become twice as great as his mentor; rather, he was probably thinking of the law which requires that the firstborn son receive a double share of all that his father possessed (Deut 21.17). The Living Bible (Living Bible) renders Elisha’s request as “Please grant me twice as much prophetic power as you have had,” but this is inaccurate and should be avoided. New Living Translation, however, correctly reads “Please let me become your rightful successor.” The meaning is also adequately conveyed by Contemporary English Version with “Please give me twice as much of your power as you give the other prophets, so I can be the one who takes your place as their leader.” The Hebrew noun for spirit in this context refers to the prophetic spirit, that is, the power to prophesy. This noun may also be translated “breath” (so Nouvelle Bible Segond), but such a translation does not fit well in this context.

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 .