2:21
everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved: The clause with the verb saved is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:
the Lord will save everyone who calls on his name
calls on the name of the Lord: Here the verb calls refers to asking for help. This phrase indicates that when people ask the Lord to save them, he does. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
invokes the name of the Lord
-or-
asks the Lord to save him
The present tense refers generally to any time a person calls on the name of the Lord.
the name of the Lord: Here this phrase refers to the Lord himself, as opposed to anyone else. For example:
the Lord (New Century Version)
Lord: Since 2:17–21 is a quote from the Old Testament, this word refers to God. In some languages it is more natural to include the word “God” here. For example:
Lord ⌊God⌋
However, in the context of Peter speaking, this verse implies believing in Jesus as Lord and Savior. If possible, translate without adding the word “God.” You should not add “Jesus” here.
will be saved: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as saved means “to rescue someone from danger or trouble.” Here it refers to rescuing someone from the spiritual dangers of sin and the punishment that results from sin.
In some languages, it may be necessary to make explicit what people are saved from. For example:
will be rescued ⌊from God’s judgment for sin⌋
-or-
will be saved ⌊from sin and its punishment⌋
General Comment on 2:17–21
This is a quote from Joel 2:28–32. You may want to include this information in a footnote or cross-reference in your translation.
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