He took into exile in Babylon those who had escaped from the sword: He took into exile translates a single verb in Hebrew meaning “to deport.” See the comments on 1 Chr 5.6, where this verb is rendered “carried away into exile.” Those who had escaped renders a Hebrew noun meaning “the remnant.” But Revised Standard Version conveys its sense well in this context. The reference to the sword is not to be taken literally. This word is often used to refer to warfare in general, which is true here. So those who had escaped from the sword may be rendered “those who did not die in battle,” “the people who were left alive” (New Century Version), or “the survivors” (Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version). Unlike the account in Jer 52.28-30, the Chronicler claims that all survivors were taken into exile in Babylonia.

And they became servants to him and to his sons: In this context sons refers to “descendants” (Good News Translation, Bible en français courant).

Until the establishment of the kingdom of Persia: The word establishment translates a Hebrew infinitive meaning “to rule.” It may be better expressed as a verb in some languages; for example, New International Version and New Living Translation render this whole clause as “until the kingdom of Persia came to power.” Parole de Vie is similar with “until the kings of Persia took control.” The kingdom of Persia defeated the Babylonians in 539 B.C. This empire came to cover territory from India in the east to Ionia in the west.

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 .