22:7a
I fell to the ground: Paul fell to the ground because the bright light shone on him. He did not fall because he tripped on something.
In some languages a literal translation would have the wrong meaning. If that is true in your language, translate the correct meaning. For example:
I threw myself to the ground
-or-
I collapsed to the ground
-or-
I at once went-down-on-my-face on the ground
heard a voice say to me: This clause indicates that Paul heard someone speak but did not see him. In some languages, it will be more natural to refer to “someone” rather than a voice. For example:
heard someone say to me
22:7b
Saul, Saul: When God or Jesus wants to speak to someone, he often speaks his name twice. It indicates he wants to say something important. It may also show concern for that person. It does not imply that he was angry. Consider how to indicate that meaning in your language. Other ways to translate this phrase are:
Saul, listen!
-or-
Hey Saul
Saul: This is the Hebrew version of the Greek name Paul. Luke called the apostle Paul Saul until 13:9. 22:4–16 retell the story in 9:1–30, so the name Saul is used again.
why do you persecute Me?: This question demands that Paul think about who he was persecuting. In 22:8 Jesus identifies himself. From this experience, Paul realized that Jesus was the Christ and persecuting his followers was wrong, so he asked, “What should I do?”
This is a rhetorical question. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly indicate or imply that Jesus did not know why Paul persecuted Jesus and his followers. If that is true in your language, you should translate the correct meaning. Some ways are:
You are persecuting me!
-or-
Stop persecuting me. Explain yourself!
persecute Me: The word persecute refers to hurting people or to causing them to suffer because you disagree with them. Other ways to translate this word are:
oppress me
-or-
cause me hardship/suffering
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