The Hebrew word for flowers is actually singular, but undoubtedly has a collective meaning. It is therefore appropriate to translate it as a plural. This word refers to the flower-shaped ornaments on the lampstands (see Exo 25.31, 33). In order to make it clear that these were not real flowers, translators may wish to specify “gold flowers,” “pure gold flower-shaped ornaments” ( NET Bible), or “flower decorations made of gold.” New International Version says “the gold floral work.”

There is some confusion between the tongs in this verse and the “snuffers” in the following verse, so the two items should be treated together. See the comments on “snuffers” in verse 22.

Of purest gold is literally “gold it was perfection of gold.” This phrase is omitted by Good News Translation because the idea of gold is repeated in the next verse in the Hebrew text. The meaning of the Hebrew word translated purest is uncertain. It may refer to purity or solidity (so New International Version and Revised English Bible, which speak of “solid gold”). Either option is acceptable. The punctuation in Revised Standard Version suggests that the flowers, the lamps, and the tongs were all of purest gold. Other translations connect the words of purest gold only to the tongs (so Revised English Bible).

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 .