He said: The receptor language translation should make it clear that in this verse it is Elisha who is responding to the concern expressed by his servant in the previous verse.

Fear not: Compare 1 Kgs 17.13.

For: The conjunction used here introduces the reason for not being afraid. In some cases it may be translated “because” (Hobbs). In other languages the whole structure of Elisha’s statement will have to be reversed, saying something like “We have more soldiers on our side than they do on their side. Therefore, don’t be afraid.”

Those who are with us are more than those who are with them: It will be essential in some languages to specify what the word those refers to. The next verse shows clearly that what is intended is military might, which may be expressed either as “soldiers” or “horses and chariots.” So it will be better in certain languages to say “we have more horses and chariots than those who surround us” or “There are more troops on our side than on theirs” (Contemporary English Version).

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 .