And David became greater and greater is literally “And David went, going and becoming great.” Translators must be careful to avoid giving the impression that David became physically taller, stronger, or fatter. This statement has to do with his political and military power. In some cases it will be advisable to say more directly “David became an increasingly powerful leader.” Revised English Bible has “David steadily grew more and more powerful.”

For the LORD of hosts was with him: The connector for introduces the theological reason for David’s increased political strength. The Hebrew actually has only the common conjunction that is often translated “and.” But in this context it may be rendered “because” (Contemporary English Version, New International Version, New Living Translation). The Hebrew expression rendered the LORD of hosts is sometimes transliterated “Yahweh Sabaoth” (New Jerusalem Bible). The precise meaning of this title is not certain. “Sabaoth,” traditionally translated as “hosts,” may refer to (1) the armies of Israel (as in 1 Sam 17.45), (2) angelic beings (as in Psa 103.21; 148.2), or (3) heavenly bodies, that is, the stars (as in Isa 40.26). However, the general meaning of this title is clear. It designates the LORD as the one who is an all-powerful ruler. Hence some versions use the expression “the LORD Almighty” (Good News Translation, New International Version, Traduction œcuménique de la Bible) or “the LORD All-Powerful” (Contemporary English Version). Others say “the Lord of heaven’s armies” (International Children’s Bible) or “the LORD of the Armies” (Nouvelle Bible Segond, Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente, Peregrino; similarly La Bible Pléiade). The LORD of hosts is still common in English versions (New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, New American Bible), even though the word hosts is no longer used in contemporary English to mean “armies.” Translators should probably try to use a word or expression for hosts with wider meaning, such as “Almighty” or “All-Powerful,” rather than one with a narrower meaning like “armies.”

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 .