Then shall the trees of the wood sing for joy: The trees of the wood refers to individual trees in an area where many trees are found. In many languages the most natural equivalent will be “the trees in the forest.” Sing for joy translates a Hebrew verb that means “to cry out for joy.” This verb is translated “shout for joy” in Good News Translation and Revised English Bible. New Jerusalem Bible and Traduction œcuménique de la Bible are similar with “cry out for joy.” This Hebrew verb is translated “shout for joy” by Revised Standard Version in other contexts (for example, Psa 35.27). It is probably better not to make the focus on singing here, as Revised Standard Version and New Revised Standard Version do. New Living Translation uses a verb that goes naturally with the subject here, saying “Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise.”

Before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth: The Hebrew word translated for may express cause, as in Revised Standard Version, or it may express a time relationship and be translated “when” (Good News Translation). The Hebrew verb rendered judge sometimes includes the meaning “to rule” or “to govern.” While the more narrow sense of judging is a part of its meaning, in this context the broader sense of ruling over something or someone is probably more appropriate (so Good News Translation, New American Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, Traduction œcuménique de la Bible).

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 .