38 Or “subjects.” Technically these people were not his subjects yet, but would be upon his return. They were citizens of his country who opposed his appointment as their king; later the newly-appointed king will refer to them as his “enemies” (v. 27).
39 The imperfect is intense in this context, suggesting an ongoing attitude.
40 Grk “this one” (somewhat derogatory in this context).
41 Or “to rule.”

In other versions

But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’

“But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’

“But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We don’t want this man to rule over us.’

But his people hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We do not want him to be our king.’

But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to be king over us!’

But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.

Public Domain