The sons of Abraham: Isaac and Ishmael: There is no verb in this verse in Revised Standard Version or in the Hebrew text (which is fitting in a genealogical list in Hebrew), but many languages will require one. Possible models are “Abraham had two sons, Isaac and Ishmael” (Good News Translation) and “Abraham was the father of Isaac and Ishmael” (Contemporary English Version). In some languages it will be natural to use the verb “gave birth to.” Since Abraham was mentioned at the end of the previous verse, Revised English Bible omits his name here and renders this verse as a relative clause, saying “whose sons were Isaac and Ishmael.” However, if a section heading separates these two verses, it will be important to repeat the name of Abraham.

Only two sons of Abraham are mentioned here, but verses 32-33 include descendants of Abraham and his concubine Keturah. Although Ishmael was the firstborn, his name does not appear first, no doubt because Isaac was the ancestor of the people of Israel (see Gal 4.21-31).

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Chronicles, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2014. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .