The transition words Now therefore are left untranslated by Good News Translation, Revised English Bible, Bible en français courant, and many others. They serve merely to introduce the oath formula that follows and may be omitted.

As the LORD lives: This expression, which is used frequently in the Old Testament, occurs also in 1 Kgs 1.29. It constitutes a very strong oath or promise that Solomon will actually do what he says. In many languages translators will be required to add something like “I swear” (Good News Translation) to show clearly that this is a forceful oath.

Established: See the comments on this same verb in verse 12.

The words placed me on the throne … may have to be rendered “made me ruler…” or something similar (compare verses 4 and 12).

Has made me a house, as he promised: These words recall the promise in 2 Sam 7.11. A literal rendering will be misleading in many languages. This does not refer to the construction of a building, but to the guarantee that David’s family would continue. The expression also implies that the descendants of David would continue to rule. This is all made clear in a rendering like that of Contemporary English Version, which reads “promised that the kings of Israel would come from my family.”

In some languages the words this day in this context may be rendered “before the sun sets” or “before I sleep.”

It will be noted that Good News Translation has radically restructured the wording of this verse, placing the actual oath at the end of the verse rather than at the beginning. At the same time, the relative clause beginning who has established me … is made into an independent proposition and placed at the beginning of the verse. Such restructuring may also be advisable in other languages.

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