In some languages it will not be necessary to translate the words Huram also said (so Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version, Bible en français courant), because this verse is simply a continuation of the quotation begun in the previous verse. Revised English Bible, on the other hand, clearly shows that the following words consisted of more from the written document previously mentioned by translating “The letter continued.”

Blessed be the LORD God of Israel: See the comments on 1 Chr 16.36. In languages that cannot use a passive form here, an active expression will be required; for example, “Praise the LORD God of Israel” (Good News Translation) or “I praise the LORD….”

Who made heaven and earth …: In some languages it may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Good News Translation does this with the next clause who has given King David a wise son.

Endued with discretion and understanding: The passive expression endued with renders an active participle in Hebrew that means “who knows.” It may be rendered “who has” (Contemporary English Version). For discretion and understanding, see the comments on 1 Chr 22.12. Other translations of these two nouns include “prudence and intelligence” (Moffatt) and “wisdom and understanding” (New Century Version).

Who will build a temple for the LORD, and a royal palace for himself: There are two ways in which the relationship between this clause and what precedes may be understood. Most translations take this clause as a noun clause stating that it is Solomon who will build the Temple and palace. However, it is also possible to understand this clause as providing the evidence of Solomon’s wisdom. Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente, for example, says “full of intelligence and good sense, as his intention to build a temple for the Lord and a palace for himself shows.”

Temple and palace translate the same Hebrew word, which is literally “house.” A royal palace for himself is literally “a house for his kingship” (see verse 1). New American Bible says “a house for his royal estate,” and New Jerusalem Bible has “a palace in which to reign.” Among modern versions, only Moffatt omits the words for the LORD. The reason for this omission is not clear, but these words should be translated since there is a contrast between Solomon’s building a house for God and his building a house for himself.

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 .