So translates the common Hebrew conjunction. Since it introduces a kind of summary statement, some versions prefer a logical connector like “Thus” (Revised English Bible).

The expression did what was evil in the sight of the LORD occurs frequently in 1–2 Kings. This is the standard formula to summarize the reign of a bad king. The meaning is clearly that the usual way this king behaved was contrary to the will of God. For this reason translators should ensure that a verb form indicating habitual action is used. The Hebrew noun translated evil has been rendered “displeasing” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, New Jerusalem Bible) and “wrong” (Revised English Bible, New Century Version).

Did not wholly follow translates a Hebrew idiom that means “did not remain loyal to” (for example, Num 14.24; Deut 1.36). Some other ways of expressing this are “refused to follow … completely” (New Living Translation) and “was not wholehearted in his loyalty to” (Revised English Bible).

In some languages it will be more natural to speak first of the ideal (David) before talking about Solomon’s failure to live up to that ideal. Contemporary English Version provides a model for this type of restructuring:

• Solomon’s father had obeyed the LORD with all his heart, but Solomon disobeyed and did what the LORD hated.

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 .