This verse is full of geographical references that would have been familiar to the original readers and hearers, but which will be mostly unknown to the modern public. It will therefore be important to add classifier terms such as “river” (for Jordan and Arnon), “territory” or “region” (for Gilead and Bashan), and “town” (for Aroer). Some modern translations refer to the Arnon with the more technically correct term “wadi” (New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, Nouvelle Bible Segond; see the comments at 1 Kgs 8.65). If this term is not well known to readers, a word such as “river” is better.

Readers might also need to be reminded that the Gadites, the Reubenites and the Manassites are tribes or clans within the people of Israel. The Manassites at this point in the history of Israel were divided into two parts, only one of which was on the east side of the Jordan River. So the reference to this clan should be taken to mean only those who lived on the east side of the river. For this reason Good News Translation translates “East Manasseh.” Good News Translation also provides additional information that the original readers would have known: the town of Aroer was located on the southern boundary of the territory under discussion.

The structure of this verse may be altered in order to avoid the double mention of the region of Gilead (so Good News Translation).

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .