Every one of them refers to all those people who came from other parts of the world to see Solomon.

The Hebrew noun rendered present sometimes refers to offerings or sacrifices. Revised Standard Version translates this same noun as “cereal offering” in 1 Kgs 8.64. In non-religious contexts, it may refer to tribute imposed on other rulers. In this context the noun seems to refer to gifts that were voluntarily given.

The word translated articles represents the same Hebrew word that is translated “vessels” in verse 21. The word rendered garments probably, technically, refers to articles of outer clothing rather than to clothing in general. For this reason several versions translate “robes” (Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh).

Myrrh was a sweet-smelling powder that was highly prized. It was used in perfumes, served as a medicine, and was used in preparing bodies for burial. Information about such items may be given in a footnote or explained in a glossary. There is some question regarding the meaning of the Hebrew noun translated myrrh. It most likely means “weapons” (Good News Translation, New International Version, New American Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, New Living Translation), “weaponry” (New Revised Standard Version), “arms” (Anchor Bible, Bible en français courant, Parole de Vie, Nouvelle Bible Segond), “armour” (New Jerusalem Bible), or “armament” (De Vries), but some interpreters think the noun comes from an Arabic root with the same consonants, meaning “to smell.” The Septuagint translated it as “myrrh,” as does Revised Standard Version, and some other modern translations say “perfumes” (Revised English Bible).

Spices: See the comments on verse 2.

Mules: See the comments on 1 Kgs 1.33.

So much year by year: These gifts were presented annually. New American Bible moves this clause near the beginning of the verse, saying “yearly tribute.”

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 .