And David was afraid of God that day: The common Hebrew conjunction rendered And introduces the next event here, so it may be rendered “Then” as in Good News Translation, or it may be left untranslated as in New Revised Standard Version, New International Version, and New American Bible. The Hebrew root rendered was afraid is often used when Old Testament writers speak of “the fear of the LORD,” meaning respect or reverence for the LORD. But the context here seems to indicate apprehension or dread, so some other possible renderings are “was distraught” and “was terrified.” The addition of the words that day shows that this was a special emotion based on the events just experienced.

And he said: Since a question follows this quote frame, in some languages the verb said is better rendered “asked” (New Living Translation, New Century Version). Contemporary English Version says “asked himself” since this question was probably not voiced aloud to others.

How can I bring the ark of God home to me?: This question is not intended to ask about the means of getting the Covenant Box from its current location to David’s home. Rather, David is wondering about his worthiness as the guardian of the Box. David was afraid to become the person responsible for it. New Revised Standard Version tries to show this meaning with “How can I bring the ark of God into my care?” Contemporary English Version has “Should I really be the one to take care of the sacred chest?” Other possible renderings are “How can I become the keeper of the ark of God?” “How can I be responsible for the ark of God?” and “How would I dare to have the ark God come to my place?” (La Bible du Semeur). Since this is an internal question, some languages will prefer indirect speech instead of a direct quotation. A possible model for the whole verse that does this is:

• David was afraid of God and wondered how he could possibly take the Covenant Box back home with him.

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 .