Paragraph 10:16–20

10:16a

Behold: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Behold indicates that something extraordinary or important will happen or be said. Here, the amazing thing is the danger that the disciples will face.

Here is another way to translate this word:

Listen! (Good News Translation)
-or-
Watch out!

I am sending you out: This clause refers to Jesus sending the disciples to preach the good news, heal the sick, and so forth (10:7–8).

like sheep among wolves: This phrase is a comparison called a simile. In this simile, Jesus compared the disciples to sheep. He compared the people they will face to wolves. Sheep are in danger when they are among wolves. In the same way, the disciples will be in danger when they tell the good news to people who do not want to accept it.

Here are some other ways to translate this simile:

• Keep the simile. For example:

like sheep among wild dogs

• Make the comparison explicit in the text. For example:

⌊into danger⌋ like sheep among wolves
-or-
like sheep among ⌊dangerous⌋ wild dogs

• Make the parts of the simile explicit. For example:

I am sending you out ⌊to cruel/evil people. It is⌋ like ⌊sending⌋ sheep to wild dogs.

• Explain the simile in a footnote. Here is a sample footnote:

This is a picture of dangerous situations, because wolves attack sheep and eat them. Telling the good news of Jesus will sometimes be dangerous.

wolves: The word wolves refers to a type of wild dog. They weigh 60–80 kilograms. They roam around in groups and attack other animals and eat them.

If people in your area are not familiar with wolves, you may want to:

• Use different animals that have similar characteristics to wolves. For example:

panthers
-or-
hyenas

• Use a more general term. For example:

wild dogs
-or-
dangerous/wild animals

10:16b

therefore: In 10:16b Jesus gave two commands. The basis for these commands is the danger that he warned them about in 10:16a. These commands are introduced with a conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as therefore.

Here is another way to introduce these commands:

so (English Standard Version)

be as shrewd as snakes: This is a command. It is also a simile. In this command, Jesus told his disciples to be wise like serpents are wise.

The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as shrewd means “sensible” or “prudent.” It refers to having good judgment in difficult situations. In Jewish culture, snakes were thought to be good examples of being cautious and careful.

If people in your area do not think of snakes as wise, translate the meaning without using a simile. For example:

be wise
-or-
be cautious/careful

as innocent as doves: This is a command. It is also a simile. In this command, Jesus told his disciples to be innocent like doves are innocent.

The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as innocent refers to being harmless (New Living Translation (2004)) or gentle (Good News Translation). Here it refers to not harming your enemies.

The doves are small birds like pigeons. In Jewish culture, doves were thought to be good examples of being innocent. If people in your area do not think of doves as innocent, you should translate the meaning without using a simile. For example:

be gentle

-or-

be harmless

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