Good News Translation restructures verse 36-41 and introduces “Elishama,” the last person in Attai’s family line, from verse 41. This gives the reader an idea of the overall significance of these verses, that is, that they refer to the family line from Attai to Elishama. Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch provides another possible model for verses 36-41, saying “Attai begot Nathan, Nathan begot Zabad, Zabad Ephlal, then follow in a direct line Obed, Jehu, Azariah, Helez, Eleasah, Sismai, Shallum, Jekamiah and Elishama.”

The Hebrew name Nathan means “gift.” There are at least six different people who bear this name in the Old Testament, including the prophet who was active at the time of King David. But the reference here is not to that prophet.

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 .