Paragraph 6:37–38
In this paragraph Jesus told his disciples two things that they should not do and two things that they should do. All four commands illustrate an attitude of love and mercy. These commands specifically illustrate the principles that Jesus stated in 6:31 and 6:36. Each command includes a reason why the disciples should obey it: the disciples will be treated according to the way they act.
Jesus used plural forms in these commands. They are general commands to everyone listening. See the note at Paragraph 6:27–31. Use the form that is most natural in your language.
6:37a
Do not judge: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as judge means that people should not be severe in criticizing or in accusing others of doing wrong. Some ways to translate this are:
Do not harshly/severely accuse others of doing wrong
-or-
Do not be quick to identify the sins/wrongs of others
-or-
Do not ⌊harshly⌋ criticize/rebuke
This does not imply that leaders should never judge whether something is right or wrong.
6:37b
you will not be judged: The clause you will not be judged is a passive clause. Some ways to translate this are:
• As a passive clause. For example:
you will not be judged
• As an active clause. The person who will not judge the disciples may be either God or other people. If your language prefers active forms, try to leave the subject general. For example:
someone/they will not judge you
-or-
judgment will not come upon you
-or-
God will not judge you (Good News Translation)
In some languages, it may be more natural to begin this sentence with an “if” clause. For example:
⌊If you do not judge,⌋ then you will not be judged.
6:37c
Do not condemn: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as condemn means to say that someone is guilty because he has done something evil. It also implies that someone should punish the guilty person. Another way to translate this is:
Don’t accuse others of being guilty (New Century Version)
6:37d
you will not be condemned: The clause you will not be condemned is a passive clause. Some ways to translate this are:
• As a passive clause. For example:
you will not be accused of being guilty (New Century Version)
• As an active clause. If your language prefers active verbs, try to leave the subject general. For example:
someone/they will not condemn you
-or-
you will not receive condemnation
-or-
God will not condemn you (Good News Translation)
In some languages, it may be more natural to begin this sentence with an “if” clause. For example:
⌊If you do not condemn,⌋ then you will not be condemned.
6:37e
Forgive: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Forgive means “choose not to punish or seek revenge against a person who has actually done wrong to you.” The person who forgives must not continue to be angry with the other person. He must not continue hating that person.
Some other ways to translate Forgive are:
pardon
-or-
cancel the sins of someone
-or-
erase the guilt of someone
6:37f
you will be forgiven: The clause you will be forgiven is a passive clause. Some ways to translate this are:
• As a passive clause. For example:
you will be forgiven
• As an active clause. For example:
God will forgive you (Good News Translation)
In some languages, it may be more natural to begin this sentence with an “if” clause. For example:
⌊If you forgive,⌋ then you will be forgiven.
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