This verse continues to list the descendants of Shobal.

And the families of Kiriath-jearim: The Hebrew word translated families has a broader sense in this context. Although New Revised Standard Version retains the word “families,” most modern English versions have either “clans” (Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version, New International Version, Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible) or “family groups” (New Century Version). For this whole phrase Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente says “and four groups of families of Kiriath-Jearim.”

The Ithrites, the Puthites, the Shumathites, and the Mishra-ites: These four clans lived in Kiriath Jearim. From the Ithrites came two of the mighty men in David’s army (see 1 Chr 11.40; 2 Sam 23.38). Nothing further is known concerning the Puthites, the Shumathites, and the Mishra-ites.

From these came the Zorathites and the Eshtaolites: The Zorathites and the Eshtaolites refer to inhabitants of the two cities called Zorah and Eshtaol (see Josh 19.41), which were located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) west of Jerusalem and 10 kilometers (6 miles) southwest of Kiriath Jearim. Good News Translation makes it explicit that these are cities rather than some other geographical entity. Since this clause is an explanation for the origin of the Zorathites and the Eshtaolites, Good News Translation makes it a parenthetical statement.

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 .