20:37
The actions in this verse (weep, embrace, and kiss) all took place after the prayer in 20:36 was finished. Some languages must make this clear. For example:
⌊Then⌋ they all wept…
-or-
⌊After they finished praying,⌋ they all wept…
They all wept openly: The Greek clause says there was much/great weeping. It is not clear whether this means that they wept a long time or that they wept loudly. If possible, translate in a way that allows either meaning. For example:
There was much weeping among them all (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
They all wept greatly
-or-
Everyone cried a lot (God’s Word)
wept openly: This word refers to water coming from the eyes and probably noises of sadness. Do not use the word “mourn,” as when someone dies.
they embraced Paul and kissed him: At that time, it was common for men to hug and kiss each other on the cheek when greeting or parting. These actions showed that they respected him and loved him like a brother.
In some languages the word embraced or the word kissed has a different meaning. If that is true in your language, you may want to:
• Translate literally and explain it in your translation. For example:
they hugged him and kissed him ⌊with the kiss of brothers⌋
-or-
They hugged him and kissed him good-bye (Good News Translation)
-or-
⌊in brotherly love⌋ they hugged and kissed him
-or-
they gave him ⌊Christian/holy⌋ hugs and kisses
• Translate the meaning of showing respect, affection, or brotherly love when leaving. For example:
bid/wished him farewell ⌊as brothers⌋ ⌊in Christ⌋
• Translate literally and explain it in a footnote. An example footnote is:
At that time, it was common for men to hug and kiss each other on the cheek when greeting or parting. These actions showed respect, affection, or brotherly love.
embraced: The Greek words are literally “having fallen on the neck of Paul.” This is an idiom that refers to hugging the body or neck of someone.
kissed: This word refers to a kiss on the cheek. The Greek verb indicates continual or repeated action. Each elder probably kissed Paul more than once. This showed that they loved him very much as their leader. For example:
they repeatedly kissed him (New American Standard Bible)
Or you may want to indicate generally that they hugged and kissed him. For example:
they wept embracing Paul and kissing him
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