But not like the first one; that is, in splendor; Good News Translation expresses this clearly with “but it will not be as splendid as the first Temple.” The first temple refers to Solomon’s temple.

They will rebuild … they … will rebuild: The author speaks of two rebuildings of the temple. One (not like the first, Solomon’s temple) is that of the time of Ezra (Ezra 3.12-13). The second rebuilding may refer to a renovation of the temple carried out by the High Priest Simon the Second (219-196 B.C.; see Sir 50.1-3). The author may have been a contemporary of this Simon. Another view is that the second rebuilding here looks forward to a time when the Messiah will come. In any case, the several references in this passage to desolation and rebuilding remind the reader of Tobit’s own experience of losing and regaining his sight.

Until the period when the times of fulfillment shall come: Contemporary English Version is better than Good News Translation here with “until the time that all of God’s promises come true”; or we may say “until the time when all the things that God has promised will come to pass.”

After this: This is expressed by Good News Translation as “But when that time does come” and by Contemporary English Version as “And when that happens.”

From their exile may be rendered “from the countries where they lived as captives.”

Will rebuild Jerusalem in splendor may be translated “they will rebuild Jerusalem so that it will be as beautiful as it was before.”

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Tobit. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.