Every one of them brought his present …: Every one of them refers to all those kings who came from other parts of the world to have an audience with Solomon. The Hebrew noun rendered present sometimes refers to offerings or sacrifices. Revised Standard Version translates this same noun as “cereal offering” in 1 Chr 21.23. In non-religious contexts it may refers to tribute imposed on other rulers (see 1 Chr 18.2). In this context the noun seems to refer to gifts that were voluntarily given.

The Hebrew word translated articles is the same one rendered “vessels” in verse 20. Here it has a very general meaning.

The Hebrew word rendered garments technically refers to articles of outer clothing rather than to clothing in general. For this reason several versions translate “robes” (Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, Moffatt).

Myrrh was a sweet-smelling powder that was considered of great value. It was used in perfumes, served as a medicine, and was used in preparing bodies for burial. Information about such items may be given in a footnote or explained in a glossary. There is some question regarding the meaning of the Hebrew noun translated myrrh. It most likely means “weapons” (Good News Translation, New International Version, New Living Translation, New American Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, Moffatt), “weaponry” (New Revised Standard Version), “arms” (Bible en français courant, Parole de Vie, Nouvelle Bible Segond, Traduction œcuménique de la Bible, Biblia Dios Habla Hoy), or “armour” (New Jerusalem Bible). However, some interpreters think the noun comes from an Arabic root with the same consonants, meaning “to smell.” The Septuagint translated it as “myrrh” (so Revised Standard Version), and some modern versions say “perfumes” (Revised English Bible).

Spices: See the comments on 2Chr 9.1.

Mules: See the comments on 1 Chr 12.40.

So much year by year: These gifts were presented annually. New American Bible moves this phrase to the beginning of the verse, saying “Year in and year out.”

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 .