To prepare timber for me in abundance: While the Hebrew verb for prepare does not specify the manner of preparing the timber, it may be necessary in some languages to use a more specific word. But a more general expression is preferable if possible in the language of translation; for example, New International Version has “provide.” The Hebrew word translated timber is more literally “trees.” Timber … in abundance may be translated “a lot of wood” (New Century Version), “plenty of lumber” (New International Version), or “an ample supply of timber” (Revised English Bible).

For the house I am to build will be great and wonderful: This clause states why Solomon needed great quantities of various kinds of wood. It was because the new construction had to be significant in size and sensational in appearance. The Hebrew word translated great is the same one as in verse 5 and focuses on the actual size of the structure. Wonderful translates a less common Hebrew word. It is used of the wonders that God did in delivering his people from Egypt (Exo 3.20) and carries the idea of something that is “awesome.” For this whole clause New Jerusalem Bible says “since the house which I intend to build is to be of a size to marvel at.”

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 .