Verses 37 and 38 constitute a kind of summary statement about the building of the Temple. This verse, which repeats elements from the first verse of this chapter, talks about the beginning of the work. The following verse talks about its completion.

The Hebrew says that the foundation of the Temple was laid In the fourth year. The reference is to the “fourth year of Solomon’s reign” (Good News Translation, Biblia Dios Habla Hoy, Bible en français courant). It will be wise to make this information explicit for readers in other languages.

For foundation see the comments on 1 Kgs 5.17.

Regarding Ziv, see the comments on verse 1. Translators may wish to make explicit that Ziv was “the second month” (Good News Translation) in order for the length of time between the building of the foundation (verse 37) and the completion of the Temple (verse 38) to be clear.

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 .