complete verse (1 Kings 22:25)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Kings 22:25:

  • Kupsabiny: “Micaiah said, ‘You shall see/experience (it) the day you hide yourself in a bedroom.’” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Micaiah replied, "That you will know on the day when you go to hide yourself in an inner room."” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Micaya replied, ‘You will-find- it -out on the day you (plur.) will-be-defeated in war/battle and (when) you (sing.) hide in the most-inner room of the house.’” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Micaiah replied, ‘You will find out for yourself which of us Yahweh’s Spirit has truly spoken to on the day when you go into a room of some house to hide from the Syrian troops!’” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 1 Kings 22:25

Micaiah said: In the context of this ongoing conversation, the verb said may be more naturally translated “answered.”

The Hebrew focusing particle rendered Behold highlights Micaiah’s response.

On that day when you go into an inner chamber to hide yourself: On that day refers to the day when the Syrians defeat the Israelites. Good News Translation seems to slide over these words and not really translate them. Zedekiah would be trying to hide from the Syrians or perhaps from his own people because of his false prophecy.

For an inner chamber, see the comments on these same words in 1 Kgs 20.30. Bible en français courant attempts to communicate the meaning in this context with “the most secret part of your house.”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .