In languages where the masculine and feminine pronouns are not distinguished, it will almost certainly be necessary to use the proper names in place of one or more of the pronouns in this verse. It should be made clear that Elisha is speaking to his servant Gehazi at the beginning of this verse and later it is the woman who responds.

And he said to him, “Say now to her…”: Since Elisha tells Gehazi what to say to the woman of Shunem, this verse contains a quotation within another quotation. In languages where this kind of structure is considered awkward, a different construction must be used. One possible way to do this would be to begin the verse by saying “Elisha then told Gehazi to give the woman the following message….” The word now renders the Hebrew particle of entreaty. Most translations omit it, but compare Nouvelle Bible Segond for the beginning of the quotation here: “Tell her, I beg you….” Other languages may prefer “Please tell her….”

See, you have taken all this trouble for us is literally “Behold, you have worried [or, trembled] for us all this worrying [or, trembling].” In Hebrew this clause begins with the focusing particle hinneh, which is rendered See. The trouble referred to is apparently the effort required to build and furnish the guest room and the provision for the other needs of her visitors. The plural pronoun us refers to Elisha and his servant Gehazi.

What is to be done for you?: This question is very similar to the one asked of the poor widow earlier in this chapter (verse 2). But here the passive form of Revised Standard Version will have to be transformed into an active expression in many languages; for example, “What can I do for you?” (Revised English Bible) or “what can we do for you?” (New Jerusalem Bible). New Jerusalem Bible uses “we” instead of “I” because of the pronoun us just before this question.

Would you have a word spoken on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?: One possible meaning lying behind these words is that Elisha may have been suggesting that he could ask the king and his military commander to lower the taxes of the woman’s family. Other commentators think that the prophet might have been asking whether the woman had any unfinished business in the courts that could be settled by his influence with the king. But the translation should not be more precise than the original.

I dwell among my own people: The woman’s answer may not at first seem logical to some readers, but in many areas of the world this response will be readily understood. The woman spoke this way to indicate that she had need of nothing. All her needs were taken care of by the relatives that surrounded her. Contemporary English Version translates this meaning quite clearly: “With my relatives nearby, I have everything I need.” Compare also “No, thank you. I live among my people and I have everything I need” (Parole de Vie).

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 .