Ahijah laid hold of the new garment: The meaning of the Hebrew verb translated laid hold of is simply “seize” or “grasp.” But certain versions understand it in this context to mean “take off” (New American Bible, Contemporary English Version, Good News Translation). It seems logical that Ahijah would have removed the clothing in order to tear it into twelve pieces, but there is nothing in the verb that requires this meaning.

The Hebrew noun for garment (salmah) has nearly the same consonants as the name Solomon (shelomoh in Hebrew). Surely the original readers would have seen a play on words here (see also the comments on verse 4).

Tore it into twelve pieces: Pieces renders a Hebrew noun meaning “torn piece of cloth” or “rag.” In this context New Jerusalem Bible says “strips.” Ahijah’s action is symbolic; the twelve pieces symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel (see verses 11-13).

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 .