1:25a
They: The Greek word here is literally “who.” There are two ways to interpret it here:
(1) It introduces something more that is said about these people. Here it introduces a condemnation of ungodly people that is similar to 1:23. For example:
They (Berean Standard Bible)
(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Good News Translation, King James Version, New American Bible, Revised Edition, New Living Translation (2004), God’s Word, Contemporary English Version, NET Bible, Revised English Bible, New Century Version)
(2) It introduces a reason for what Paul said in 1:24. For example:
because they (Revised Standard Version)
(Revised Standard Version, New Jerusalem Bible, English Standard Version, New American Standard Bible)
It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because 1:25a repeats the general sense of 1:23 rather than giving a reason for anything Paul said in 1:24.
exchanged: This word refers to replacing something with something else. See how you translated this word in 1:23.
the truth of God: This phrase refers to things that people can know about God by looking at creation (1:19–21). It does not refer to the gospel of Jesus.
for a lie: The Greek phrase here includes the Greek article, sometimes translated as “the.” It probably refers to the idols made in the images of man and creatures (1:23). But those idols are not explicitly called a lie there, so all the English versions on TW translate it as the Berean Standard Bible does.
1:25b
worshiped: The Greek word here refers to honoring someone as God as well as having awe for that person. The Greek word includes religious acts that in English are called “worship.” Here are other ways to translate this Greek word:
offered reverence (Revised English Bible)
-or-
honored and were in awe of
served: This word refers to doing religious duties. It includes praying, worshiping, and doing what the god required someone to do. Here are other ways to translate this word:
did the work of
-or-
obeyed/followed
creature: This word refers to any created being: people, animals, fish, and so on, as in 1:23. Here are other ways to translate this word:
the beings of ⌊God’s⌋ creation
-or-
the things God created (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
what God has created (Good News Translation)
Creator: This word refers to the one who created all things: God. Paul used this word here to compare against the word “creature.” Here are other ways to translate this word:
the One who created ⌊everything⌋
-or-
God, he who made all things there are
-or-
him who created (them)
1:25c
who is forever worthy of praise: This clause tells the reader more about God. It does not separate God from other gods. For the correct meaning in some languages, translators must avoid the word who. For example:
He is blessed forever.
is forever worthy of praise: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as worthy of praise here means “blessed” or “honored.” People and the angels and other creatures of heaven are praising and will always praise and honor God.
The phrase worthy of praise describes God. Some languages must use a verb instead. For example:
who is praised forever
-or-
whom ⌊his people and angels⌋ praise/bless always
forever: The Greek is literally “into the ages.” It refers to all time in the future.
Amen: The word Amen is a Hebrew word that means “even so” or “it is true.” It is used to agree with what was said. The Greek borrowed the Hebrew word. English borrowed this word as well.
In some languages people are not familiar with this word. If that is true in your language, you may want to:
• Translate the meaning. For example:
It is so.
-or-
True!
• Borrow this word and spell it as people in your language would say it. You may then want to explain its meaning in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:
The word “amen” means “even so” or “it is true.”
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