And: In order to mark the transition to the following lengthy quotation, Contemporary English Version begins this verse with the words “One day.” Most English versions, however, consider it adequate simply to begin a new paragraph at this point. Others use the transition word “Then” (New American Bible, New Jerusalem Bible). The Hebrew has only the common conjunction at the beginning of this verse.

By his servants the prophets: The English preposition by translates the common Hebrew idiom “by the hand of.” But in most cases it will not be advisable to try to retain the form of the Hebrew. The idiom merely focuses on the agency of the prophets in conveying the message of the LORD.

The prophetic message, which runs from verse 11 through verse 15, is not a direct quotation from any known Old Testament prophet. There are, however, certain phrases that are very similar to those found in Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The message seems to be a summary of the preaching of the prophets in general. For this reason it is wise to retain the expression his servants the prophets although it may be translated “the prophets who serve him.” Contemporary English Version translates “some of his prophets.”

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 .