They took the bull: If there is any danger that the readers will think that the pronoun they includes Elijah, it may be translated explicitly as “the prophets of Baal.”

Which was given them is literally “which he gave them.” The subject of the verb “gave” is not Elijah (see verses 23 and 25), so either this is an impersonal construction, which is correctly translated by a passive expression as in Revised Standard Version, or the implied subject is one of the unnamed prophets of Baal. The Septuagint, which omits this clause, is followed by some translations (New Jerusalem Bible, Osty-Trinquet), but the Masoretic Text makes sense and should be followed.

From morning until noon: The Hebrew word translated morning is a rather general term, but in this context it probably refers to the time early in the day when the contest started. The Hebrew word for noon will have to be translated “midday” (New Jerusalem Bible) or “the middle of the daytime” in some languages. The same Hebrew word is, in fact, translated “midday” by Revised Standard Version in verse 29.

There was no voice, and no one answered is literally “no voice and no one answering.” The Hebrew text does not simply say that no one answered; rather, it says that there was no one answering (so New American Bible). Compare also New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh: “there was no sound, and none who responded.”

They limped: Limped translates an intensive form of the Hebrew verb rendered “limping” in Revised Standard Version in verse 21. The writer apparently refers to some kind of cultic dance around the altar. New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh says “they performed a hopping dance.” New Living Translation and Revised English Bible translate “they danced wildly.”

The altar which they had made: Instead of they had made, the Masoretic Text has “he had made.” A number of Hebrew manuscripts, as well as some of the early versions, read the third person plural verb. Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament gives a {B} rating to the Masoretic Text and suggests that the singular verb is impersonal and may be translated by a passive verb (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh “the altar that had been set up”) or an impersonal form such as “the altar which one had made.” Even if the reading in the Masoretic Text is followed, the rendering “they had made” may be followed for reasons of translation.

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 .