21:13a
It is clear from what Paul said here that at least some people were weeping as they pleaded with Paul. In some languages it is more natural to refer to the people weeping in the translation before Paul talked about it. For example:
⌊Some of us were weeping.⌋ Then Paul answered…
Why are you weeping and breaking my heart?: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Why are you is literally “What are you doing.” This question is a rhetorical question. It means “Stop weeping and breaking my heart.” It may be a loving rebuke. Translate this clause with that meaning. Some ways are:
• As a rhetorical question. For example:
What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Why are you crying and making me so sad? (New Century Version)
• As a statement. For example:
You are weeping and breaking my heart!
• As a command. For example:
Stop weeping and breaking my heart!
breaking my heart: This idiom probably means “to cause me to grieve.” It probably means the same as the English idiom “to break my heart.” Some languages use a different organ or place in the body when referring to emotions like grief. Other ways to translate this phrase are:
making me so sad (New Century Version)
-or-
My liver is really grieved by you.
21:13b–c
I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus: In English the phrases not only and but also are used to emphasize the second clause (to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus). For example:
I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
I am prepared to be-tied and even to die in Jerusalem for the Lord Jesus.
-or-
I am ready to be bound in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. But even more than that, I am also ready to die there for his name!
21:13b
The Greek conjunction often translated as “for” introduces this verse. It introduces the reason why Paul said what he did in 21:13a.
to be bound: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:
for ⌊others⌋ to bind me
bound: The Greek word here means both “tied” and “put in prison.” Paul probably implied both meanings. The meaning “tied” refers to putting chains around the wrists or legs so that the person cannot escape (as in 21:33). He did not know whether one or both would occur.
Some languages have one word that has both meanings. Other languages must indicate both meanings with more than one word. For example:
bound or imprisoned
21:13c
to die…for the name of the Lord Jesus: This phrase indicates that someone may kill Paul because Paul believed in Jesus and was doing what Jesus wanted. In some languages a literal translation would not imply being killed for that reason. If that is true in your language, translate the implied meaning. For example:
for ⌊others/someone⌋ to kill me for the name of the Lord Jesus
for the name of the Lord Jesus: This phrase indicates that Paul’s death would honor Jesus, help spread the gospel, or in some way benefit Jesus. Other ways to translate this are:
for the sake of the Lord Jesus (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
for the Lord Jesus (New Century Version)
Lord: This word means “the one in authority over others” or “master.” Jesus rules over all things. See how you translated this word in 1:6 or 20:19.
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