12:42a–b
Verse 12:42 is another example like the example in 12:41. In some languages, it may be natural to make this explicit. For example:
Also
-or-
Likewise
The Queen of the South: This phrase refers to the Queen of Sheba in 1 Kings 10:1–13. Her country was far to the south of Israel.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
The Queen of Sheba (Good News Translation)
-or-
The queen of a country to the south
will rise at the judgment with this generation: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as rise is a different Greek verb than “stand” in 12:41a. But it is probably similar in meaning. There are the same issues of interpretation as with “stand” in 12:41a. Follow the same interpretation here as there.
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
will also stand up against this generation on judgment day (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
will also give testimony against you on the day when God judges people
12:42c
for: Verse 12:42c is the reason that the queen of the South will condemn this generation. The Greek introduces this reason with a conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as for.
Here are some other ways to introduce this reason:
because
-or-
⌊She will accuse them⌋ because
she came from the ends of the earth: The phrase the ends of the earth is an expression that means “the places on earth that are very far away.”
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
she came from a distant land (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
she came from far away (New Century Version)
-or-
She traveled a long way (Contemporary English Version)
to hear the wisdom of Solomon: The word wisdom means “the ability to understand events and know the right action to take.” Solomon was king of Israel after his father David, and God gave very great wisdom to him.
In some languages, it may not be possible to speak about wisdom as a noun. If this is true in your language, here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
Solomon’s wise words
-or-
Solomon’s right and just thinking
Solomon: Solomon was one of the kings of Israel. In some languages, it might be good to make this clear in the text. For example:
⌊King⌋ Solomon
12:42d
As in 12:41d, there is some important, implied information in this part of the verse. Jesus implied here “but you did not listen to me.” The Queen of Sheba traveled a long distance to listen to King Solomon. Jesus was right there with the people, but they did not listen to him.
Here are some other ways to include this implied information:
• Put it after 12:42d. For example:
and someone greater than King Solomon is here, ⌊but you did not listen to him⌋.
• Put it before 12:42d. For example:
But ⌊you did not listen to⌋ the person among you who is greater than King Solomon.
and now One greater than Solomon is here: Translate this clause as you translated 12:41d, using the name of Solomon instead of Jonah.
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