Huram is mentioned twice in verse 11 and again in verse 16, where the fuller form of his name, Huram-abi, is used (see the comments on 2 Chr 2.13, which explains the Good News Translation rendering “Huram the master metalworker”). Some translators choose to use the longer form in both verses (so NET Bible), while others only use the short form (so Contemporary English Version). What is important is to avoid making the reader think that the text is speaking of two different persons. The best way to do this is probably to use the same form in both verses, but others may prefer to do it by using a footnote.

Pots (verses 11 and 16) were used to collect the ashes and animal remains that were on the altar after the sacrificial victim had been burned. This noun may be expressed in a variety of ways, but it is important to make clear that these are not cooking pots, but containers for ashes. Possible renderings are “ash containers” (New Jerusalem Bible, Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente), “pans for hot ashes” (Contemporary English Version), and “pails” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh).

Shovels (verses 11 and 16) were used for putting the ashes in the ash containers. Archaeological evidence suggests that these shovels were probably small, not more than about two feet long including the handle. The English word shovels usually refers to an instrument somewhat larger than this. For this reason New Jerusalem Bible calls these tools “scoops.”

Basins (verse 11): See the comments on 2Chr 4.8.

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 .