These are the sons of Israel: The word sons is to be taken here in its literal sense. Good News Translation adds the word “twelve,” making explicit what is implied in the Hebrew and what was commonly known by the original readers. Six of the twelve sons are listed in this verse, and the remaining six in the next one.

Israel is the name used in the Masoretic Text, but Good News Translation uses the name “Jacob” rather than Israel as in 1.34, so that readers will not confuse the individual called “Israel” with the nation by the same name. The writer of 1–2 Chronicles consistently uses the name Israel rather than the name “Jacob.”

Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun: These first six sons were the sons of Jacob and Leah (Gen 35.23).

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 .