This verse begins with the Hebrew verbal transition that is sometimes rendered “And it came to pass” (King James Version) or “And it came about” (NASB). Most modern English versions express it by beginning a new paragraph here (so Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation).

When the king heard the words of the law: This clause makes it quite clear that Shaphan was reading aloud for the king to hear. An alternative model is “When the king listened as he [Shaphan] read the book of the Law.”

He rent his clothes: The king’s reaction to the reading was one of grief and sadness because of the contrast between God’s Law and the practice of his people. As in similar passages (see 2 Chr 23.13), it will be helpful to many readers if the meaning of this gesture of tearing clothes is explicitly stated in translation as Good News Translation has done by adding “in dismay.” Contemporary English Version adds “in sorrow,” and New Century Version supplies “to show how upset he was.” Verse 21 explains the reason for the king’s great sorrow.

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 .