complete verse (2 Kings 9:20)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 2 Kings 9:20:

  • Kupsabiny: “The very guard again reported, ‘Well, he met (them), but I do not see him, too, returning. The horses are being driven like how Jehu son of Nimshi comes because he is furious.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Then the guard said, "He has reached their place. But he is also not coming back. The leader of the troup has been driving the chariot like Jehu grandson of Nimshi. He drives his chariot like a madman."” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “The guard again shouted to the king, ‘The second horsemen that you (sing.) sent has- already -arrived to them, but he too has- not -come-back! And the leader/[lit. head] of the soldiers is very fast in driving/[lit. causing-to-run], like Jehu!’” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Then the watchman reported again, ‘That messenger also reached them, but he is not coming back alone. And the leader of the group must be Jehu, the son of Nimshi, because he is driving his chariot furiously, like Jehu does!’” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 2 Kings 9:20

The first part of this verse is very much like the last part of verse 18. However, the word Again is added in the introduction to the lookout’s report. The direct quotation may once again be made indirect if naturalness in the receptor language requires it. But a new element is included in the report this time. It has to do with the identity of the leader of the approaching forces. Jehu is identified by the way in which he drove his chariot. The text implies that he was well known for his aggressive driving.

Reported: Once again, it may be necessary in some languages to say “reported to the king,” as in verse 18.

In order to make a break between the report of what the messenger had done and the statement about the identity of Jehu, it may be necessary in some languages to add something. Contemporary English Version does this by having the lookout say “Wait a minute!” And Good News Translation reverts to direct discourse for this important element, introducing it with “And he added.”

The driving is like the driving of Jehu: The driving refers to the way in which the lead chariot was being driven. In certain languages it will be much more natural to make the chariot driver rather than his manner of driving the subject of the sentence; for example, New Century Version says “The man in the chariot is driving like Jehu.”

Son of Nimshi: According to verse 2, Jehu was actually the grandson of Nimshi (so Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente).

Furiously: Others have translated “like a madman” (American Bible, New International Version, New Jerusalem Bible), “like a madman, which is like he is” (Biblia Dios Habla Hoy), or “like a maniac” (New Revised Standard Version). The same Hebrew word for furiously is found in Deut 28.28 and Zech 12.4. In each case the basic meaning is related to reckless abandon. The same Hebrew root is used to describe the actions of David before King Achish (1 Sam 21.14-15).

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 .

SIL Translator’s Notes on 2 Kings 9:20

9:20a Again the watchman reported,

The watchman/guard reported to the king,

-or-

The soldier/man who was watching said to the king,

9:20b “He reached them,

“That rider has met them,

-or-

“That man/messenger has arrived ⌊too⌋ ,

9:20c but he is not coming back.

but he also is not coming back ⌊to us (incl.) ⌋ .

-or-

but he is not returning either.”

9:20d And the charioteer is driving like Jehu son of Nimshi—

And ⌊the way⌋ the man ⌊in the chariot⌋ is driving reminds me of Jehu son of Nimshi.

-or-

⌊Then he added,⌋ “The man in the war cart drives like Nimshi’s grandson Jehu!

9:20e he is driving like a madman!”

He is driving like someone who is mad!”

-or-

His driving is wild/crazy!”

9:20d-e (combined)

And the chariot driver is driving/approaching so fast that it must be ⌊that crazy⌋ Jehu!”

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