All of these were men of Asher: The phrase All of these may refer to the whole tribe of Asher (beginning in verse 30) or only to the descendants of Heber (beginning in verse 32). Men of Asher refers to the “descendants of Asher” as indicated in many modern versions, such as Good News Translation, New International Version, and Revised English Bible.
Heads of fathers’ houses: See the comments on 1 Chr 7.2.
Approved, mighty warriors, chief of the princes: Approved may be rendered “chosen ones” (Braun), “choice men” (New International Version), or “select men” (American Bible). For mighty warriors, see the comments on 1 Chr 5.24. Chief of the princes may be translated “outstanding leaders” (Good News Translation, New International Version), “prominent leaders” (New Living Translation), or “foremost of the chieftains” (An American Translation). For these three expressions Moffatt has “picked soldiers of prowess, paramount chieftains,” and Revised English Bible says “picked men of ability, leading princes.”
Their number enrolled by genealogies, for service in war, was twenty-six thousand men: Regarding the translation of enrolled by genealogies, see the comments on 1 Chr 7.5. For this whole sentence Braun says “and their military roster listed twenty-six thousand men,” and Revised English Bible has “They were enrolled among the fighting troops; the total number was twenty-six thousand men.”
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 .
