The first part of this verse is very much like the last part of verse 18. However, the word Again is added in the introduction to the lookout’s report. The direct quotation may once again be made indirect if naturalness in the receptor language requires it. But a new element is included in the report this time. It has to do with the identity of the leader of the approaching forces. Jehu is identified by the way in which he drove his chariot. The text implies that he was well known for his aggressive driving.
Reported: Once again, it may be necessary in some languages to say “reported to the king,” as in verse 18.
In order to make a break between the report of what the messenger had done and the statement about the identity of Jehu, it may be necessary in some languages to add something. Contemporary English Version does this by having the lookout say “Wait a minute!” And Good News Translation reverts to direct discourse for this important element, introducing it with “And he added.”
The driving is like the driving of Jehu: The driving refers to the way in which the lead chariot was being driven. In certain languages it will be much more natural to make the chariot driver rather than his manner of driving the subject of the sentence; for example, New Century Version says “The man in the chariot is driving like Jehu.”
Son of Nimshi: According to verse 2, Jehu was actually the grandson of Nimshi (so Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente).
Furiously: Others have translated “like a madman” (American Bible, New International Version, New Jerusalem Bible), “like a madman, which is like he is” (Biblia Dios Habla Hoy), or “like a maniac” (New Revised Standard Version). The same Hebrew word for furiously is found in Deut 28.28 and Zech 12.4. In each case the basic meaning is related to reckless abandon. The same Hebrew root is used to describe the actions of David before King Achish (1 Sam 21.14-15).
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 .