Some translations begin a new section here (Bible en français courant, Parole de Vie), and they replace the pronoun he with the name “Elijah” at the beginning of this verse.

A cave: The Hebrew has a definite article with the noun cave. Although most translations say a cave, it is likely that the writer was referring to a specific cave, which he expected the readers to know about. In light of the numerous allusions to Moses in this section of 1 Kings, it seems likely, as a footnote in Traduction œcuménique de la Bible says, that the writer may have been alluding to the cave where Moses stood, according to Exo 33.21-23. For the translation of cave, see the comments on 1 Kgs 18.4.

The Hebrew word translated lodged refers to temporary living. New American Bible renders it “took shelter.” It will be better translated in some languages as “passed the night” or “slept the night.”

Again the Hebrew particle for behold is rendered “Suddenly” by Good News Translation. See the comments on verse 5.

The word of the LORD came to him is literally “the word of the LORD to him.” See the comments on 1 Kgs 6.11.

What are you doing here, Elijah?: Following the Hebrew, Revised Standard Version places the name Elijah at the end of this direct quotation while Good News Translation puts it first. Translators should feel free to follow whichever model seems more natural in the receptor language.

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 .