Translation commentary on 1 Kings 8:48

With all their mind and with all their heart is literally “with all their heart and with all their soul” (similarly New Jerusalem Bible, New Revised Standard Version). See the comments on 1 Kgs 2.4. Good News Translation expresses the meaning as “truly and sincerely.”

In the land of their enemies: This element, referring to the place of exile, is left implicit in Contemporary English Version, but it should be included in translation unless it is unnatural to do so. It stands in contrast with their land toward which the people of Israel are to turn as they pray for forgiveness.

Their land, which thou gavest to their fathers: The Hebrew says their land and their fathers. Since Solomon is also an Israelite, Good News Translation changes this to read “this land” and “our ancestors.” If use of the pronoun their in other languages would mean that Solomon was not included also, then Good News Translation may provide a useful model. Good News Translation does say “their prayers” in verse 49, because there Solomon is referring to future generations of Israelite people.

I have built translates the corrected reading in the margin of the Masoretic Text. The text itself says “you built.” In light of verses 43 and 44, which say “I have built,” translators should follow the corrected reading as in Revised Standard Version.

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 .

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