The introductory expressions instead, as the scripture says involve considerable ellipsis and these must be filled out in some languages—for example, “do not do that but do as the scripture says” or “instead of taking revenge do what the scripture says.” Since the phrase as the scripture says is added as an introduction to the direct quotation, some translators may not feel it necessary to have this type of introductory expression, particularly if the reference to Proverbs 25.21-22 is made clear in a marginal note.

The scripture reference in this verse comes from Proverbs 25.21-22. The imagery of the last clause in this verse is difficult, though all translations seem to prefer to retain the imagery rather than to change the metaphor into a non-metaphor. For by doing this you will heap burning coals on his head is perhaps best taken in the sense of “for by doing this you will make him ashamed.”

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 .