The common Hebrew conjunction at the beginning of this verse is not translated by Revised Standard Version because it renders the previous verse as a temporal clause. The conjunction is rendered as a logical connector (“So”) by Good News Translation and New Century Version since they both begin a new sentence at this point.

He sent his son Hadoram to King David: The name of Tou’s son in the parallel passage of 2 Sam 8.10 is “Joram,” the Israelite form of the name, which Good News Translation uses here also for the sake of consistency. New Living Translation also harmonizes the spelling of this proper name. The Hebrew name “Joram” means “Yahweh is exalted,” while Hadoram (probably a shortened form of “Hadadram”) means “Hadad is exalted” (concerning the name “Hadad,” see the comments on the name “Hadadezer” in 1 Chr 18.3). It is unlikely that the original name of this non-Israelite would have been in praise of Yahweh, so Hadoram was probably original and should be kept in translation.

To greet him, and to congratulate him: The Hebrew verb rendered congratulate is literally “bless” (New American Standard Bible), which is how it is usually translated in other contexts. Here it may be rendered “praise” or “honor.”

For Hadadezer had often been at war with Tou is literally “for a man of wars Tou was Hadadezer.” The Hebrew grammar is difficult here, but the sense seems to be this: “King Tou of Hamath and King Hadadezer had been enemies” (Contemporary English Version). It may also be more natural in some languages to introduce the whole discussion on Tou with words like these. Contemporary English Version, for example, restructures verses 9 and 10 together and places this clause in the very beginning since this presents a more logical order.

And he sent all sorts of articles of gold, of silver, and of bronze: Revised Standard Version adds he sent as the context requires, that is, Tou sent his son and he sent various metal items. Bible en français courant inserts the words “Hadoram brought” (similarly Good News Translation). The Hebrew term rendered articles is a very general one that may refer to anything made. It sometimes refers to containers of liquid (Ruth 2.9) or figures (1 Sam 6.8) or weapons (1 Sam 8.12). Probably in this context it refers to a number of different types of objects. So it will be advisable to use a general term, such as “objects,” “items,” or “things.” Gold, silver, and bronze were the materials used to make the objects. The most probable meaning is that some objects were made of one metal and others of another–not that each object was made of a combination of the three metals.

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 .