So those who were engaged in the work labored: So renders the common Hebrew conjunction as a logical connector. Here it introduces the next event. Those who were engaged in the work refers to the different groups of workers mentioned in the previous verse. This expression may be rendered simply “The workmen” (Revised English Bible). New International Version says “The men in charge of the work,” but probably the reference is more general than this.

And the repairing went forward in their hands means that as a result of their hard work the repair project advanced toward its conclusion. Some will prefer to say “and they made progress in the repairs” or “and more and more repairs were completed.” The words in their hands is a Hebrew way of saying “under their guidance,” if the subject is thought to be the foremen (so New International Version), but otherwise it is simply a way of referring to the manual labor.

And they restored the house of God to its proper condition is literally “and they restored the house of God to its measurement/proportion.” This clause is usually taken to mean “they restored the house of God according to its original design” (Revised English Bible) or “They rebuilt the Temple of God to be as it was before” (New Century Version). Contemporary English Version says “and when they were finished, it looked as good as new.” But the Hebrew may also be understood to mean “They followed the measurements specified for God’s temple” ( NET Bible).

And strengthened it: This clause suggests that the repaired Temple was even stronger than it had been before. New International Version and God’s Word say “and reinforced it.” The Good News Translation rendering “as solid as ever” may be an undertranslation.

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 .