The structure of this verse may have to be altered since Revised Standard Version, like the Hebrew, begins with a subordinate clause indicating the reason for God’s anger. The text then goes on to say God is indeed angry with the people of Jerusalem (see verse 13). In many languages, however, the statement that God is angry will come naturally before the explanation of why this is so.

They have forsaken me: As in 1 Kgs 11.33, this expression may be rendered “they have stopped following me” or “they have abandoned me” (New Jerusalem Bible, New Revised Standard Version).

Burned incense: See the comments at 1 Kgs 3.3.

Other gods: See the comments on 1 Kgs 9.6.

That they might provoke me to anger: See the discussion on the Hebrew verb here in 1 Kgs 14.9. The relationship of this clause to the preceding clause is uncertain. The Hebrew preposition rendered that may express either purpose or result. According to Revised Standard Version and New Jerusalem Bible (“so as to provoke my anger”), the people worshiped other gods in order to make God angry. However, according to Good News Translation and New Revised Standard Version (“so that they have provoked me to anger”), the people have worshiped other gods, and the result is that God became angry. Most likely the author did not make such a fine distinction between purpose and result, but if a choice must be made in the receptor language, either is acceptable.

All the work of their hands: This refers to “all the idols their hands have made” (New International Version) or probably better “all the idols they have made with their own hands.”

My wrath will be kindled: See the same expression in verse 13. The future tense of Revised Standard Version may be more naturally rendered as a present tense. While it is true that the result of God’s anger had not yet been experienced, it is clear that he was already angry. Some may say “I am very angry and my anger will not go away.”

This place: As in the previous verse, this may refer to the capital city of Jerusalem or to the whole country. But the latter sense is more likely.

It will not be quenched continues the image of divine anger as comparable to a fire: it is like a fire that cannot be put out. But if the imagery of a fire is not appropriate, translators may consider a nonfigurative rendering such as “I am furious” (Contemporary English Version).

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 .