When Jehoram had ascended the throne of his father and was established is a figurative expression that may be rendered “When Jehoram had established himself firmly over his father’s kingdom” (New International Version). In some languages a literal translation here may give the mistaken impression that the actions described in the last half of this verse took place as soon as Jehoram first sat down on the throne. Another possible model for this clause is “After Jehoram had become solidly established as king.”

He slew all his brothers with the sword, and also some of the princes of Israel: The archaic English verb slew is better rendered “killed” (Good News Translation). In all likelihood Jehoram did not do the actual killing of his brothers and some officials, but he made other people do it. So it will be more appropriate to say “caused to be killed” or “caused to die.” The text does not tell why he had them killed, but such killings were done in order to remove any possible rivals who could become king through a coup. Good News Translation, Moffatt, and Bible en français courant omit with the sword since “to kill with the sword” in Hebrew sometimes seems to be a fixed phrase that refers to a violent death, not necessarily by means of a sword. For the Hebrew word rendered princes, see the comments on 1 Chr 19.3 and 2 Chr 12.5. Here this word refers to high government officials, so it may be rendered “officials” (Good News Translation), “leaders” (Contemporary English Version, New Living Translation), or “leading figures” (Revised English Bible). As in 2Chr 21.2, the Chronicler uses Israel to refer to the southern kingdom, so New Living Translation renders some of the princes of Israel as “some of the other leaders of Judah” (similarly New Century Version).

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 .