Elisha said to him, “Take a bow and arrows”: The direct quotation here is rendered as an indirect statement in Moffatt, which has “Elisha told him to take his bow and arrows.” This may be a helpful model for other languages.

A literal rendering of the verb Take may lead to misunderstanding in some languages. The intent seems to be that Jehoash should somehow “Get” (Good News Translation, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh) or “Bring” (New Jerusalem Bible) a bow and some arrows to the place where the prophet was dying.

So he took a bow and arrows: The fulfillment of Elisha’s order is emphasized by the repetition of all the elements contained in the command. This detailed repetition, however, may or may not be natural in other languages. If it is not, a shorter summary statement like that of Good News Translation may be used.

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 .