2:13a

For: This conjunction introduces an explanation of 2:12c–d.

the hearers of the law: Compared to 2:13b, the word hearers refers to people who have heard the Jewish law but do not try to follow it.

In some languages a literal translation would wrongly imply that they obeyed the law as well. If that is true in your language, make it clear that they heard it but did not obey it. For example:

people who ⌊only⌋ listen to the law
-or-
those who hear the law ⌊but do not follow/obey it⌋

who are righteous before God: Here the word righteous means “being in a right relation with.” God has declared this person right before him. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

the ones that God will justify (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
make us right with God (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
whom God counts as righteous in his sight

2:13b

who will be declared righteous: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause here. For example:

that God will justify (New Jerusalem Bible)

declared righteous: This word indicates that God decides that a person is acceptable to him. Here are other ways to translate this word:

justified (English Standard Version)
-or-
have God’s approval (God’s Word)

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