In a number of languages an expression such as you are sure that you are a guide for the blind must be rendered as “you confidently say, I am a guide for the blind.” It is possible, however, that the metaphorical expressions guide for the blind and light for those who are in darkness may be wrongly construed by some readers. Accordingly, such phrases can be rendered as similes—for example, “that you can, as it were, serve as a guide for the blind”; and similarly, “to cause light for those whose hearts are in darkness” or “a light for those whose hearts cannot see because of the darkness.” In some instances sure may be rendered idiomatically—for example, “your heart is very strong because you think you are a guide for the blind.” In certain cases an appropriate equivalent is “you tell everyone that you are a guide for the blind.” On the statement you are sure that you are a guide for the blind see Matthew 15.14 and Luke 18.9.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to the Romans. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1973. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .