Paragraph 4:17

4:17a

From that time on: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as From that time on refers to the time after Jesus returned to Galilee.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

From then on (God’s Word)
-or-
From that time (English Standard Version)
-or-
Starting from then
-or-
After returning ⌊to Galilee⌋

Jesus began to preach: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as preach means to publicly “announce,” or “proclaim.” Jesus was announcing the message that God had given to him. The words of 4:17b–c were a part of what he preached.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

Jesus began to proclaim the message (Revised English Bible)
-or-
Jesus began to tell God’s message ⌊to other people⌋

This same word occurs in 3:1b.

4:17b–c

Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near: This same clause also occurs in 3:2a–b. You should translate it here as you did there. Some translation advice is in the notes below.

4:17b

Repent: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Repent refers in a general way to changing one’s mind. In the Bible, it refers specifically to a person changing his mind and heart about sin and about God. When a person repents, he is sorry for his past sins. He decides to stop sinning and obey God.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

Turn from your sins and turn to God (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
Turn back to God (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Change your hearts and lives (New Century Version)
-or-
Leave the ways of sin and follow the ways of God

See how you translated this word in 3:2.

4:17c

for: The conjunction for introduces the basis for Jesus’ command to repent. People should repent because the kingdom of heaven was near.

In some languages, it is more natural to put the basis before the command. For example:

17cThe kingdom of heaven is near, 17bso/therefore ⌊you must⌋ repent.

the kingdom of heaven: When you translate the phrase the kingdom of heaven, there are two issues to consider:

Issue 1: The meaning of heaven

In the phrase the kingdom of heaven, the word heaven is a figure of speech called metonymy. In this figure of speech, heaven refers to God, but it refers to him indirectly by naming the place where he lives and rules. The Jews considered God’s name to be so holy that they hesitated to say it. So instead of pronouncing God’s name directly, they often used the name of the place where he lives and rules. Because Matthew was writing primarily to Jews, he often used the word heaven to refer to God.

Therefore, the kingdom of heaven means the same thing as “the kingdom of God.” The phrase the kingdom of heaven only occurs in the book of Matthew. The expression “the kingdom of God” is found in all other places in the New Testament, and it even occurs five times in Matthew.

Here are some other ways to translate heaven in this context:

• Make some information explicit. For example:

⌊the one/Lord who lives in⌋ heaven

• Translate the meaning without using a figure of speech. For example:

God

Issue 2: The meaning of the kingdom of heaven

Both the kingdom of heaven and “the kingdom of God” refer to God’s activity of ruling over his people. God’s rule is not simply giving orders or commands to people. It also includes his protection, care, and blessing for them. God leads, protects, and cares for his people. They obey, trust, and submit to him as their king. The phrase kingdom of heaven does not refer to a land or country that God rules over.

Here are some other ways to translate the kingdom of heaven:

• As a noun. For example:

the kingdom/rule of ⌊the one who lives in⌋ heaven
-or-
the kingdom of God
-or-
God’s kingship
-or-
God’s rule over people

• As a verbal expression. For example:

God rules his people
-or-
God cares for his people as king

See kingdom of heaven in the Glossary for more information.

is near: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as is near literally means “has approached.” In this passage it indicates that something will “soon happen.”

So the entire clause “the kingdom of heaven is near” means:

the time for God to rule over people is about to happen
-or-
God’s kingship will soon happen/occur
-or-
the kingdom of heaven will soon be here (Contemporary English Version)

-or-

the time is near when God will rule over you (plur.)

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