On the left hand were their brethren the sons of Merari: Regarding the expression On the left hand, see the comments on verse 39. Some languages will say “Standing at his left side,” “Standing by him at his left,” or “Standing at the left side of Heman and his group.” The pronoun their refers to Heman (verse 33) and Asaph (verse 39). Brethren may be rendered “relatives” (God’s Word, Holman Christian Standard Bible) or “associates” (New International Version). See the comments on the word “brother” at verse 39. Merari was a son of Levi (verse 1).

Ethan the son of Kishi, son of Abdi …: As in verses 33-43, Good News Translation omits the repetition of son of in verses 44-47, but makes it clear that each successive name refers to an earlier generation by saying that Ethan’s “family line went back to Levi.”

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 .