Be of good courage: The root meaning of the Hebrew verb used here has to do with being strong. Although this verb is a simple imperative, Joab is not just telling Abishai to be strong, but he is wishing it for both of them. For this reason it is probably better to translate “Let us be strong” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh) rather than simply “You be strong.” The form of the following exhortation does focus more on the fact that the two men were joined in a common endeavor. Compare the parallel text of 2 Sam 10.12, where the same expression is used.

And let us play the man for our people, and for the cities of our God: The wording let us play the man actually comes from a significant moment in English church history, but it is definitely not a literal rendering of the Hebrew here and should not be imitated in other languages. The Hebrew verb here is actually another form of the verb translated Be of good courage. This form probably means simply “to show oneself courageous” (so American Bible) or “to prove oneself brave.” However, some commentators argue that it should be translated “we’ll exert ourselves” or “we are bound to prevail.” Translators are strongly advised against imitating Revised Standard Version. New Revised Standard Version has reworded this as “let us be courageous,” and New International Version says “let us fight bravely.” The cities of our God probably refers to cities located to the south on the east side of the Jordan River where the God of the Israelites was worshiped. It is possible, but less likely, that the reference is to Israelite cities in general. A footnote in Revised English Bible indicates that the Hebrew word translated cities might be translated “altars,” which would place even more emphasis on the idea of worship. However, this interpretation is rarely followed in modern versions and is not recommended.

And may the LORD do what seems good to him is literally “and may the LORD do what is good in his eyes.” This same expression is used in the story of Eli and Samuel (1 Sam 3.18). As in that case, it shows a willingness to accept whatever turns out to be the will of God. In some languages it will have to be put in the form of a prayer by saying “I ask that the LORD will do whatever he wants to do” or “I pray that what the LORD wants will actually happen.” The form of the Hebrew verb translated may … do sometimes expresses a statement of fact, and sometimes it expresses the desire of the speaker. A number of modern versions take the Hebrew verb here as a statement of fact rather than as a prayer; for example, New International Version says “The LORD will do what is good in his sight” (similarly New Century Version, God’s Word). Either interpretation is possible.

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 .