5:19a

So then: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as So then introduces the conclusion to 5:17–18. Some English versions do not translate this Greek word. But in some languages, it may be more natural to use a word or phrase to indicate that this is the conclusion. For example:

Therefore (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
So (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
then (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Consequently

whoever: The Greek words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as whoever introduces something that is true of everyone.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

every person who
-or-
if you (New Living Translation (2004))

breaks: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as breaks in this context means “disobeys a law.” The person may disobey a law even though he recognizes that it is still valid, or he may disobey a law because he thinks that it is no longer valid. In either case, he does not do what the law says.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

disobeys (Good News Translation)
-or-
refuses to obey (New Century Version)
-or-
does not do
-or-
ignore (New Living Translation (2004))

one of the least of these commandments: The words these commandments refer to the law of Moses in the Old Testament (5:18).

The word least is used in regard to importance. The Jews considered some laws to be more important (or heavier) than others.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

the least important command in the Law (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
the smallest commandment (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
the lightest of the laws of God

5:19b

teaches others to do likewise: The clause teaches others to do likewise refers to teaching other people to also disobey one of the least of these commandments (in 5:19a).

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

teaches other people not to obey that command (New Century Version)
-or-
teaches other people that it is all right if they do not obey/follow that law

5:19c

will be called least: In this context, the verb called means “referred to as,” “spoken of as,” or “acknowledged as.” The word least is used in regard to importance (as in 5:19a).

The verb is passive. God will say that such a person is least or “less important.”

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

will be the least important (New Century Version)
-or-
will be unimportant (God’s Word)
-or-

⌊God⌋ will consider ⌊him/that person⌋ to be the smallest/lowest person

the kingdom of heaven: This same phrase occurs in 5:3b. Translate it here as you did there.

5:19d

but whoever practices: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as practices means “obeys” in this context.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

obeys (Good News Translation)
-or-
keeps (New American Standard Bible)

and teaches: In some languages, it may be natural to say who is taught. For example:

and teaches ⌊other people⌋
-or-
and teaches ⌊other people to obey⌋

them: The word them does not occur in the Greek. The Berean Standard Bible has supplied this word because it is implied from 5:19a. It refers to “these commands.”

Here are some other ways to make this information explicit:

these commands (New International Version)
-or-
the Law (Good News Translation)
-or-
God’s laws (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
what the commands say (God’s Word)

By practicing and teaching the least of those commands, it is implied that this person also practices and teaches all the other commands.

5:19e

will be called great: This expression means that this person will have a higher position of honor.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

will have an important place (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
will rank high (Revised English Bible)
-or-

⌊God⌋ will highly honor

-or-

⌊God⌋ will consider ⌊that person⌋ to be ⌊one of⌋ the biggest/highest ⌊people⌋

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