This verse is the last verse of chapter one in the Masoretic Text, that is, it is verse 18 of chapter one in the Masoretic Text. So in some versions 2.1 in Revised Standard Version is numbered 1.18 (so New Jerusalem Bible, New American Bible, Bible en français courant, La Bible du Semeur, Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente).

Now Solomon purposed to build a temple: Now translates the common Hebrew conjunction, which may be omitted in translation since the beginning of a new section serves the same purpose. Good News Translation again identifies Solomon as king at the beginning of a new section. Purposed is literally “said.” The Hebrew verb here may be understood two different ways, depending on whether Solomon (1) “said to himself” or (2) “said to others.” If the first interpretation is followed, the Hebrew may be rendered “said in his heart,” “said to himself,” “decided” (New Revised Standard Version, Bible en français courant), “purposed” (English Standard Version), or “resolved” (Revised English Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh). But since Solomon had long known that he was going to build a Temple for Yahweh (1 Chr 22.6-16; 28.11-19), the word “decided” may incorrectly suggest that he just now made the decision to build the Temple. If the second interpretation is followed, the Hebrew may be translated “gave orders” (New International Version, God’s Word) or “ordered” ( NET Bible, Nouvelle Bible Segond, Traduction œcuménique de la Bible, Osty-Trinquet). Either interpretation is possible and acceptable here. However, the first one seems somewhat more likely.

A temple is literally “a house” (King James Version, NASB, Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Bible). But the context clearly indicates that the reference is to the Temple of Yahweh.

For the name of the LORD: It is not Yahweh but literally his name that will dwell in the Most Holy Place in the Temple. But his name refers to the full presence of God in this cultic context. Some other ways that this phrase has been translated are “as a place to worship the LORD” (New Century Version), “consecrated to the Lord” (Bible en français courant), “in honor of the LORD” (Parole de Vie), and simply “for the LORD.”

And a royal palace for himself is literally “and a house for his kingship.” The same Hebrew word for “house” is used for both the palace where Solomon would live and for the Temple.

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 .