He was the most renowned of the thirty is literally “From [or, More than] the Three in the two [or, by twofold] he was honored.” As noted in the comments on the previous verse, the meaning of this clause in the Masoretic Text is unclear. It has a number of translation problems. First, the Hebrew word at the beginning of the verse may mean (1) “from” or (2) “more than.” Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation, as well as most other translations, take it to mean “more than,” that is, Abishai was more honored than the Thirty (or, Three). But the meaning may be that Abishai received honor from the Thirty (or, Three). NET Bible follows this sense, saying “From the three he was given double honor.”

Another problem concerns the Hebrew expression for “in the two” or “by twofold.” Many translations take this to mean “twofold,” in the sense that Abishai was doubly honored, that is, he was the most honored. In this interpretation the words “in the two” are attached to the verb “honored.” But these words may also be connected to the first words of the verse, giving the meaning “It was he who had the greatest glory among the three of the second rank” (Nouvelle Bible Segond). However, it is not clear what the words “of the second rank” refer to. Other scholars have suggested that this Hebrew expression was a scribal note in the margin that later became a part of the text.

Finally, the textual confusion between “the Thirty” and “the Three” continues here. Revised Standard Version and most other versions follow the Syriac rather than the Masoretic Text by saying the thirty. The number “three” is the recommendation of Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament, which gives a {B} rating to this reading. If translators follow the reading in Revised Standard Version for this clause, it may be reworded as “More people knew his name than any of the rest of the Thirty.” And in some cases it will be necessary to turn this clause around to say “Among the Thirty, people praised him the most.” However, translators are encouraged to follow the Masoretic Text in reading “the Three.”

And became their commander: It is unknown whether Abishai was elected by the group of Thirty or named to this position by King David. But the important point here is that “He was their commander” (Contemporary English Version).

But he did not attain to the three: These words are usually understood to mean that Abishai did not reach the level of the three most famous warriors. This clause seems to contradict Revised Standard Version‘s last statement in verse 20. The Hebrew verb translated attain (literally “come”) is a very general one, but the context is usually interpreted to mean that he did not achieve membership in the most elite group. However, by making this statement it is implied that he was very close to this rank. Other renderings for this clause are “but he was not equal to the Three” (New Jerusalem Bible), “but he could not rival the first three” (Knox), and “though he was not one of the Three” (New Living Translation). However, Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament suggests that the sense is rather that Abishai was chief of the Three, but his deeds were so far superior than the deeds of the other two that he could not really be placed in the same category with them.

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 .