Beth-marcaboth, Hazar-susim, Beth-biri, and Sha-araim: In Josh 19.5-6 the last three towns are called “Hazar-susah,” “Beth-lebaoth,” and “Sharuhen.” The names of these places have meaning in Hebrew, but nearly all translations transliterate the names rather than translate them. Beth-marcaboth means “house of chariots” and was most likely a place where chariots were made and stored. Hazar-susim means “enclosure of the mares.” The consonants of the name Beth-biri suggest the meaning “house of my creator,” but the vowels do not. In the parallel passage in Josh 19.6, the same place is called “Beth-lebaoth,” which means “house of lionesses.” It is possible that this city was called “Beth-lebaoth” before the exile, and then it was called Beth-biri after the exile. Sha-araim means “two gates,” but since the parallel list in Josh 19.6 mentions a town called “Sharuhen,” it is possible that Sha-araim is a mistake for “Sharuhen.” It is also possible that this town had different but similar names at different times in its history.

These were their cities until David reigned: As already noted at verse 28, some common language translations have moved this sentence forward to the beginning of verse 28. This restructuring may be a good model for other languages; but if it is followed, the verses should probably be numbered together as 28-31 (so Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente). For the translation of this sentence see the comments on verse 28.

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 .