offering

The Hebrew that is translated as “offering” in English is translated in Venda as nduvho. J. A. van Rooy (in The Bible Translator 1974, p. 439ff. ) explains: “It is derived from the verb u luvha (‘to pay homage to; to acknowledge the superiority of; at the same time usually asking for a favour’). It is sometimes used as a synonym for ‘asking something from a chief. The noun nduvho means ‘a gift of allegiance,’ which corresponds closely with minchah (מִנְחָה) as ‘offering of allegiance.’ This term nduvho has in it the elements of subjugation, of reciprocity (asking for a favor), of being taken up into the same community as the chief in allegiance to him. Only the element of expiation is missing.”

In Northern Emberá, it is translated as “given to God freely.” (Source: Loewen 1980, p. 108)

See also offering (qorban).

mule

The Greek and Hebrew that is translated with “mule” in English is translated in Swahili with nyumbu which also is a homonym for “wildebeest,” potentially causing confusion.

In Kutu it is translated with “big donkey” because there is no other adequate term in Kutu. (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

In the Hausa Common Language Ajami Bible it is translated jakin-doki or “donkey-horse,” since mules are also not known in Nigeria. (Source: Andy Warren-Rothlin)

fat, oil

The different Hebrew and Greek terms that are translated as “(olive) oil” and “(animal) fat” in English are translated in Kwere with only one term: mavuta. (Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

Translation commentary on 1 Kings 10:25

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 .