For David said: For renders the common Hebrew conjunction, which introduces the reason why David provided the great quantities of iron, bronze, and cedar logs. The Hebrew does not indicate to whom David was speaking. In some contexts the Hebrew verb here may also be understood to mean “to say to oneself” or “to think.” Several versions take it in that sense (so Good News Translation, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, Bible en français courant, La Bible du Semeur, La Bible Pléiade, El libro del Pueblo de Dios, Nueva Versión Internacional, Osty-Trinquet), although it is possible that the Hebrew states what David said to various people on different occasions.

Solomon my son is young and inexperienced: Inexperienced translates a Hebrew word whose basic meaning is “soft” or “tender” (see, for example, Ezek 17.22, where this adjective is used of a sprout from a cedar tree). Depending on the context, this adjective may mean “tender,” “weak,” “timid,” or “inexperienced.” In this context the sense does not seem to be that Solomon was physically weak (so Traduction œcuménique de la Bible) or emotionally “immature” (New Jerusalem Bible, New American Bible, Braun), but rather that he lacked experience in life. New Century Version says “He hasn’t yet learned what he needs to know.” New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh takes the Hebrew words translated young and inexperienced together as meaning “an untried youth.” The same expression is used of Solomon in 1 Chr 29.1. The Old Testament nowhere tells us how old Solomon was when he became king. In 2 Chr 13.7 Rehoboam, who was about forty years old, is described in similar terms.

And the house that is to be built for the LORD must be exceedingly magnificent, of fame and glory throughout all lands: The house that is to be built is literally “the house to build.” The Hebrew has no explicit subject for the infinitive, so many translations use the passive. This passive expression will have to be made active in some languages; for example, it may be rendered “the house that we want to build” or “the house that Solomon will build.” Must be exceedingly magnificent is literally “to make great exceedingly.” Revised Standard Version supplies words must be, which the context requires. An alternative addition is “will be.” Exceedingly magnificent may be rendered “greater than anything” or “very splendid.” Of fame and glory throughout all lands may be translated “renowned and celebrated in every land” (Revised English Bible) and “the most famous and splendid in any country” (New Jerusalem Bible). All lands refers to all other nations. The relationship between the magnificence of the proposed Temple and its fame and glory should be made clear in translation. It is the magnificence that will result in its fame. This is done in New American Bible, which says “must be made so magnificent that it will be renowned and glorious in all countries.” Another way of showing this relationship is “will be famous everywhere for its greatness and beauty” (New Century Version).

I will therefore make preparation for it: Since the Hebrew pronoun translated it may refer either to the Temple or to Solomon, Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente says “I will therefore make preparation for him” (similarly Bible en français courant alternative translation), and New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh has “let me then lay aside material for him.” Whether the pronoun refers to the Temple or Solomon, the meaning of this clause is that David will make preparations for building the Temple by gathering together the needed material.

So David provided materials in great quantity before his death: So translates the common Hebrew conjunction. Here it provides a logical connection with what David has just said or thought. Provided materials in great quantity is literally “provided in abundance.” Revised Standard Version has added the object materials as the context requires. Instead of the verb provided, it may be more fitting in some languages to say “stored up.” For this whole sentence New Jerusalem Bible has “And so, before he died, David made ample preparations.”

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 .