And of the Shilonites: Asaiah the first-born, and his sons: Most scholars think that the vowels in the Masoretic Text for Shilonites should be corrected to read “Shelanites” (so Revised English Bible, New American Bible, Osty-Trinquet) since Shelah was one of Judah’s sons (Num 26.20). Some versions use the name “Shelah” here (so New Jerusalem Bible, Bible en français courant, Parole de Vie, Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente). Good News Translation makes it explicit that the descendants of Judah’s son Shelah are in view (see 1 Chr 4.21-22). Instead of saying that Asaiah was the “leader” (Good News Translation) of the descendants of Shelah, New Century Version translates “oldest son,” which probably implies leadership. The Hebrew text says simply first-born.

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 .