Both riches and honor come from thee: The Hebrew noun translated honor may also mean “reputation” or “importance” in some contexts. In other contexts it may mean “riches” or “wealth.” Either reading makes sense in this context. If it means “wealth” here, then it is used as a synonym with the word translated riches. But the majority of versions take it in the sense of “honor” or “glory” (La Bible du Semeur). Instead of saying come from thee (literally “from before you”), some translators may find it more natural to restructure the whole clause by saying “You alone give riches and honor” or “You only are the source of riches and honor.” Compare “You are the source of wealth and honor” ( NET Bible).

And thou rulest over all may be rendered “You rule everything” (New Century Version, God’s Word) or “You have dominion over all” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh).

In thy hand are power and might: The expression In thy hand occurs twice in this verse. Both times it refers to God’s power. In some languages it will be better not to translate either one literally; for example, this clause may be translated “You are powerful and mighty.”

And in thy hand it is to make great and to give strength to all may be rendered “and it is in Your power to make anyone great and strong” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh) or simply “and you are able to make anyone great and strong” (Good News Translation; similarly American Bible). Revised English Bible says “yours it is to give power and strength to all.” New Century Version combines this clause with the previous one, saying “You have the power and strength to make anyone great and strong.”

Contemporary English Version has restructured this verse, connecting the idea of God’s reign with the previous verse as follows: “and you rule with strength and power. You make people rich and powerful and famous.”

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 .