2:34a

For: This conjunction For introduces an explanation for what Peter said about Jesus in 2:33. Peter knew that Jesus was with God because Psalm 110:1 indicated that the Christ would sit there. Consider how to indicate that 2:34c–35 explains why Peter said that Jesus was exalted and with God. Here are some other ways to translate this word:

Indeed,
-or-
Listen,

David did not ascend into heaven: This clause implies that David was not the Christ. The phrase ascend into heaven refers specifically here to the promise for the Christ.

In some languages a literal translation would imply that David was not a good person or that God rejected David. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Explain in the text. For example:

David did not ascend to heaven ⌊as the Christ⌋

• Translate literally and explain in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:

This clause implies that David was not the Christ. The phrase “ascend to heaven” refers specifically here to the promise for the Christ.

heaven: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as heaven can mean either “heaven” or “sky.” Here it refers to the place where God lives. See how you translated heaven in 1:11.

2:34b

but he himself says: The word he is emphasized in the Greek text. The Berean Standard Bible indicates this by using the pronoun himself.

2:34c

The quote in 2:34c–35 is from Psalm 110:1. You may want to include this information in a footnote or cross-reference in your translation.

The Lord said to my Lord: This clause indicates that God spoke to someone whom David called my Lord. In 2:36 Peter indicated that the words my Lord refer to Jesus, the Christ. But 2:34c–35 is a quote from Psalm 110:1, so you should not try to explain the connection here.

The Lord: The word Lord means “master,” or “the one who has authority over others.” See how you translated this word in 1:6.

my Lord: This refers to a different person than “the Lord” above. It may be more clear in some languages to use a different word than Lord here that a similar meaning. For example:

my Master/Chief
-or-
my ⌊Big⌋ Leader

2:34d

Sit at My right hand: In Jewish culture the seat at the right side of the king was the position of highest honor and authority under the king. Here God told David’s “Lord” to take this position of honor and to rule along with him (God).

In some languages this implied information may not be clear. If that is true in your language, you may want to explain in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:

In Jewish culture the seat at the right side of the king was the position of highest honor and authority next to the king.

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