But the things that are reported about Jehoiakim and his uncleanness and impiety are written in the chronicles of the kings: The connector But may be omitted (so Good News Bible, Contemporary English Version). The things that are reported about Jehoiakim may be rendered simply “The stories about Jehoiakim” (Good News Bible, Contemporary English Version). Revised Standard Version‘s footnote on Jehoiakim simply notes that the translators have properly used Jehoiakim’s name rather than the pronoun “him,” which is in the Greek text. His uncleanness and impiety may be translated “the disgusting and evil things that he did and his lack of concern for religion,” “… and his godless life,” or “… and how irreligious he was.” The chronicles of the kings does not refer to any book now in the Bible.

Here are alternative models for this verse:

• In the book called The History of the Kings there are many stories about how wicked Jehoiakim was, and how little concern he had for religion.

• The stories about Jehoiakim, including his disgustingly evil acts and his godless life, are all recorded in The History of the Kings.

• You can find accounts [or, stories] about how irreligious and wicked Jehoiakim was in The History of the Kings.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Esdras. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.