Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam: In the Masoretic Text the subject of the verb came is Jeroboam and all the people. The Septuagint, however, omits the name Jeroboam and says “All the people came to Rehoboam”; and this is the basis for a number of modern versions (so Osty-Trinquet, De Vries). Hebrew Old Testament Text Project gives a {B} rating to the Masoretic Text, which is followed by Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation and recommended to translators. Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament does not mention this textual problem.

Since the people had already met with Rehoboam three days earlier, the verb came is rendered “returned” (Good News Translation, New Century Version) and “came back” (Contemporary English Version) in some translations.

The third day may be rendered “Three days later” (Good News Translation) or “on the third day” (Revised English Bible).

As the king said is literally “as the king said saying.” New Jerusalem Bible renders this clause “in obedience to the king’s instruction” (similarly Good News Translation).

Come to me again the third day: Good News Translation restructures this verse and eliminates the direct quotation since English style tends not to use direct quotation as frequently as Hebrew does. The background for this verse is verses 3-5.

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 .