19:15a
Eventually, one of the evil spirits answered them: Although some English versions add the phrase “one day,” according to interpretation (1) at 19:13c, this whole event happened only once. For example:
But the evil spirit answered them (Revised Standard Version)
one of the evil spirits answered them: 19:16 implies that the evil spirit did not come out of the man. In some languages it is more clear to include this implied information here. For example:
the evil spirit ⌊remained in the man and⌋ answered them
-or-
the evil spirit ⌊continued controlling the man and⌋ answered them
-or-
⌊they tried this/that, but⌋ the evil spirit ⌊did not leave the man and⌋ answered them
19:15b
Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?: Only the clause who are you is a question. In some languages it is more natural to have this clause in a separate sentence. For example:
Jesus I know, and I know about Paul. But who are you?
Jesus I know, and I know about Paul: The phrase know about probably indicates that this evil spirit had heard about Paul. He knew Jesus as the Son of God, but he did not personally know Paul. Other ways to translate these clauses are:
Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize (English Standard Version)
-or-
I know Jesus, and I’m acquainted with Paul (God’s Word)
-or-
I know Jesus and I have heard about Paul
Jesus I know: The Greek word order and the Berean Standard Bible emphasize the name Jesus. In some languages it is not possible to emphasize it here. For example:
I know Jesus
but who are you: This is a rhetorical question. It expresses scorn for the seven sons of Sceva. The sons did not believe in Jesus, so they had no authority to use his name. Translate in a way that clearly shows the scorn. Some ways are:
• As a rhetorical question. For example:
but you—who are you?” (Good News Translation)
• As a statement. For example:
but I do not know who you are!
-or-
but you have no authority ⌊from Jesus⌋
-or-
but ⌊Jesus⌋ has not authorized you
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