Only, may the LORD grant you discretion and understanding: David asks the LORD to give wisdom and knowledge to Solomon, so that Solomon will not only be able to build the Temple, but also be able to rule as king. The Hebrew adverb rendered Only has several different uses, depending on the context. Here it seems to have a restrictive use, meaning “no more than” or “at least.” The English word Only expresses this restrictive sense. The Hebrew noun rendered discretion has the meaning of being wise, having good sense and insight. The noun translated understanding refers to understanding that comes through the senses, that is, through observation and listening. These Hebrew nouns are translated with a variety of near synonyms in English: “intelligence and understanding” (Braun), “prudence and discernment” (New American Bible), “sense and understanding” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh).

That when he gives you charge over Israel you may keep the law of the LORD your God: This second half of the verse in Hebrew is difficult grammatically. A literal translation of the whole verse in the Masoretic Text reads as follows: “Only may the LORD give you discretion and understanding and give you charge over Israel and to keep the law of the LORD your God.” Nouvelle Bible Segond takes the second clause of this verse as grammatically parallel to the first one, saying “Only, may the LORD grant you sense and intelligence, may he install you firmly over Israel….” However, most modern versions treat the second clause as a temporal clause; for example, Revised Standard Version has when he gives you charge over Israel. This is probably the best solution to this difficult text. Good News Translation says simply “so that you may govern Israel.” Good News Translation correctly expresses the sense of the Hebrew verb here, but it fails to show that Solomon will govern Israel because God has given him this position.

New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh follows the Hebrew of this verse by saying “Only let God give you sense and understanding and put you in charge of Israel and the observance of the Teaching of the LORD your God.” This rendering seems faithful to the Hebrew, but it is not clear in what sense Solomon is to be in charge of the observance of the Law. According to New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh’s rendering, this verse seems to be referring to the people’s observance of the Law rather than Solomon’s observance, but the next verse seems to indicate that the reference is to Solomon’s observance of the Law. The law refers to the Pentateuch. Braun simply transliterates the Hebrew noun here, saying “the Torah.” New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh has “the Teaching.”

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 .