Nevertheless: The Hebrew text here has the same strong marker of contrast as in 2 Kgs 14.4. While the basic meaning of the Hebrew word is “only,” it may be translated in a variety of ways: “However” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, New Jerusalem Bible), “Yet” (New American Bible), and “But” (Good News Translation, Revised English Bible).

The high places were not taken away: As in the case of his father, whose example Uzziah followed, the local shrines were not destroyed (see 2 Kgs 14.4). This is clearly in sharp contrast with the overall positive rating given in the previous verse.

For high places, see the comments at 1 Kgs 3.2 and 2 Kgs 12.3.

As in 2 Kgs 14.4, the passive expression were not removed may be made active by saying “he [King Uzziah] did not take away…” or, stated positively, “he allowed … to remain.”

Sacrificed and burned incense: See the comments at 1 Kgs 3.3 and 2 Kgs 12.3.

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 .