He said to Jehoshaphat: The pronoun he refers to King Ahab. Since the verb said introduces a question, it may be better in some languages to translate it “asked,” as in New International Version, New American Bible, and other modern versions.

Will you go with me to battle at Ramoth-gilead?: This question implies more than merely accompanying Ahab’s army to the place where the battle would take place. Rather, Ahab is requesting military assistance. For this reason some may prefer to translate “Will you go with me to fight…?” (New International Version) or “Will you help me to attack…?” The purpose of attacking Ramoth was to take it back from Syrian rule. Bible en français courant, therefore, says “Will you come fight with me to retake Ramoth of Gilead?”

Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel: Here the verb said may be rendered “answered” (New American Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh) or “replied” (New Jerusalem Bible, New Revised Standard Version) in the context of this dialogue.

I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses: The reply of Jehoshaphat indicates that the people in the southern kingdom of Judah are one with the people of the northern kingdom of Israel. Whatever Ahab wishes to do, the people of Judah will join with him. Compare Moffatt: “I am one with you, my men are one with your men, my horses with your horses.” The Good News Translation translation “I am ready … and so are my soldiers…” (similarly New Century Version) takes the Hebrew noun for people in the specific sense of “military troops,” which is a common meaning in 1 Kings. In this context a translation such as “soldiers” or “forces” (Anchor Bible) most likely expresses the intended meaning. Good News Translation also renders the Hebrew word for horses with a military expression here by saying “cavalry.” However, some languages may lack such a technical term. In such cases horses is certainly an adequate translation. Jehoshaphat will give the same response to King Jehoram of Israel in 2 Kgs 3.7.

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 .