God answered Solomon: The verb answered is literally “said” (New International Version, Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible); but in this context of dialogue Revised Standard Version renders it well, and so does Good News Translation with “replied.”

Because this was in your heart …: Revised Standard Version‘s rendering of God’s response to Solomon follows the Hebrew closely, beginning with the adverb meaning Because or “On account of.” This word is followed by a long and complex sentence continuing through the beginning of verse 12. But this sentence will require restructuring in many languages. Possible models are given at the end of the discussion on the next verse. The demonstrative pronoun this refers to the “choice” (Good News Translation) or desire of Solomon for wisdom and understanding. The heart in Hebrew is the seat of the intellect, will and conscience, and is not to be understood primarily as a reference to emotions. NASB and Anchor Bible correctly express the meaning of this whole clause by saying “Because you had this in mind.” New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh translates “Because you want this,” highlighting the decision-making process. Revised English Bible is similar with “Because this is what you desire,” and so is New Jerusalem Bible with “Since that is what you want.”

And you have not asked possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked long life: Solomon did not ask for things that someone would expect him to request. The Hebrew terms for possessions and wealth are closely related and may have to be translated by a single term in some languages. The life of those who hate you refers to killing Solomon’s enemies. According to the account in 1 Kings, Solomon had already taken the lives of some of his enemies (1 Kgs 2.5-46), but there were doubtless others in his kingdom who disliked him intensely and would have wanted to see him dead. It would not have been unusual for someone in Old Testament times to ask that his enemies be destroyed (see, for example, Psa 3.7; 54.5; 143.12). But this was one of the things that Solomon did not request. Although the Hebrew says the life of those who hate you, in many languages the meaning will be more naturally expressed as “the death of those who hate you.” Another way of saying the same thing is “that I take away the life of your adversaries” or “that your enemies might die.”

But have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may rule my people over whom I have made you king: See the comments on the previous verse.

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 .