22:11a
Because the brilliance of the light had blinded me: This clause in Greek is literally “I was not seeing from the brilliance of that light.” It indicates that the light was so bright that it caused Paul to not be able to see. Other ways to translate this clause are:
I could not see because of the brightness of that light (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
I was blind because of the bright light (Good News Translation)
-or-
I was blinded by the intense light (New Living Translation (2004))
the brilliance of the light: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as brilliance is often translated as “glory.” Here it probably refers to the light being very bright. Other ways to translate this phrase are:
the bright light (Good News Translation)
-or-
the light had been so dazzling that (New Jerusalem Bible)
The Greek word would also imply “glory” here. If possible, imply “glory” here. For “glory,” see 7:2 or 7:55.
22:11b
It is implied that Paul arose from the ground before the men with him led him. In some languages it is more natural to include that implied information. For example:
⌊I got up and⌋…
my companions led me by the hand into Damascus: The men traveling with Paul held Paul’s hands and took him into town. Other ways to translate this clause are:
I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus. (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
my companions took me by the hand and led me into Damascus (Good News Translation)
General Comment on 22:11a–b
In the New International Version, the reason (22:11a) comes after the result (22:11b). In some languages it is more natural here to have the reason first, as the Berean Standard Bible does. Here is another way to translate this:
11athe brilliance of the light had blinded me, so 11bmy companions led me by the hand into Damascus
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