Paragraph 2:29–31

2:29a

The quote from Old Testament ended at 2:28b. In 2:29a Peter began to speak his own words again.

In some languages the grammar for ending the quote in 2:28b will clearly indicate this change. But in some languages an introduction to 2:29a is needed or helpful to clearly indicate the change. For example:

⌊Peter continued,⌋
-or-

⌊Peter, now finished quoting that scripture, said,⌋

Brothers: The Greek text is literally “Men, brothers.” It is a polite way for Peter to address his fellow Jews, both men and women. Here are some other ways to translate this Greek phrase:

My people, my brothers and sisters
-or-
Fellow countrymen
-or-
My relatives

I can tell: The Greek text is literally “it is permitted (for me) to speak.” Here it is a polite introduction to what Peter wanted to say about King David. He did not want to offend anyone when he told them that King David was still dead and buried. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

allow/let me to say
-or-
I wish/want to say

with confidence: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as with confidence can often mean “with plainness/frankness.” It indicates that Peter was convinced of what he was about to say and told it plainly. Here are some other ways to translate this word:

plainly (Good News Translation)
-or-
freely (King James Version)

patriarch: The word patriarch refers to David as the founding ancestor of a family line. Here are some other ways to translate this word:

famous ancestor (Good News Translation)
-or-

⌊great⌋ forefather

died: King David died about one thousand years before the time that Peter spoke here. In some languages a literal translation might cause people to think that David died soon before Peter spoke. If that is true in your language, you may want to explain in the text. For example:

died ⌊long ago⌋

2:29b

was buried: The clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

⌊people⌋ buried him

his tomb is with us to this day: David’s tomb was built of stone. Even a thousand years later, in Peter’s time, it was there in Jerusalem. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

his tomb is still with us (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
the place where people buried him still exists here today
-or-
his grave is in our town to this time

tomb: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as tomb refers to a cave or small room that was cut out of a rock hillside. The people placed a dead body in a tomb and then covered or filled the opening.

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