And David dwelt in the stronghold; therefore it was called the city of David: It is important that the relationship of cause and effect between the two clauses in this verse be made clear in translation. This may be done by using a transition expression such as therefore or “that is why” (Revised English Bible) between them or by introducing the first clause with a word such as “Because” (Good News Translation). Contemporary English Version includes the implied information that David’s move took place some time after the battle, translating the whole verse as follows: “Later, David moved to the fortress– that’s why it’s called the City of David.”

For stronghold see 1 Chr 11.5 above. But in this case the qualifying words “of Zion” do not appear. It was called is literally “they called it.” The plural is indefinite, meaning “people called it.” New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh has “it was renamed,” suggesting that it had previously had a different name. In languages where passive verbs are rare or unnatural in such a context, a more literal rendering using the indefinite third person plural active verb may be preferred.

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 .