Good News Translation omits a great deal of repetition in this verse. The following pieces of information are left out by Good News Translation:
• (1) the origin of Joram’s injuries: which the Syrians had given him at Ramah, when he fought against Hazael king of Syria. This information is provided in the previous verse. Ramah is probably a short form for Ramoth, that is, for Ramoth-gilead mentioned in the previous verse.
• (2) the parentage and kingdom of Ahaziah: the son of Jehoram king of Judah. These details are stated in verse 25.
• (3) the parentage and location of Joram: the son of Ahab in Jezreel. That Joram was the son of Ahab is stated earlier in verses 25 and 28. That he was recuperating in the city of Jezreel is stated earlier in this verse.
• (4) the reason for his visit: because he was sick. The fact that Joram was wounded in battle is known from the previous verse. But it may be a good idea to state that this was the reason for Ahaziah’s visit.
To be healed: This passive expression may be made active by using a verb like “recuperate” or “recover” (Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, Revised English Bible). Or the first sentence might be reworded as “King Joram returned to the city of Jezreel to rest so that his wounds … might heal.”
Which the Syrians had given him: In certain languages a literal translation of this expression would be unfortunate since wounds are not thought to be given. They are rather “inflicted” (New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, New American Bible) or “caused.” Some other versions speak of the wounds that “he had received” (New Jerusalem Bible, New Century Version).
Ahaziah … went down to see Joram … in Jezreel: The text does not state where Ahaziah’s starting point was. It may have been Samaria or Jerusalem or some other place. While going from Samaria to Jezreel (a distance of about 38 kilometers or 24 miles) did involve a slight decrease in elevation, it may not be natural in certain languages to say went down. The more common way of speaking would be to use the verb “went.” Since the point of origin is uncertain, the more general term is advisable. For comments on Jezreel, see 1 Kgs 18.45 and 21.1.
Because he was sick: This wording almost makes it sound as if King Joram had caught some illness in addition to having been wounded in battle. It might be better to say “because he was wounded” (New Revised Standard Version), “who was wounded” (em>Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente), “Because of Jehoram’s injury” (Revised English Bible), or “because Joram was recovering from his wounds there.”
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 .