Verses 23-25 form a summary statement regarding Solomon’s great wealth and wisdom. With these words the writer shows that God’s promise in 1 Kgs 3.12-13 has been fulfilled. It may be advisable to translate the common Hebrew conjunction at the beginning of this verse in such a way as to show that the writer is beginning a summary statement. Several versions follow Revised Standard Version in using Thus (New Revised Standard Version, New American Bible). Others have “So” (New Century Version, Knox).

King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth …: Since Solomon himself was a king, correct English usage requires the addition of the adjective “other” as in Good News Translation when referring to all the kings.

Some ancient Greek manuscripts (followed by De Vries) omit the words of the earth, but this is certainly what is implied. Translators should feel free to make these words explicit or leave them implicit according to what is most natural in the receptor language.

Instead of directly comparing Solomon with all the other kings in the world, some languages may prefer to follow Contemporary English Version in using the superlative:

• He was the richest and wisest king in the world.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .