Paragraph 26:25–27

26:25a

most excellent: This is a title that shows respect. It was a proper title to use when speaking to a Roman judge. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

your Excellency (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
most noble (King James Version)
-or-
Honorable (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Respected Leader

See how you translated this phrase in 24:3.

26:25b

The Greek conjunction here indicates contrast between being crazy and being sane. But since Paul just said he was not crazy, it is more natural in some languages to not indicate contrast. For example:

but (Revised Standard Version)

The Berean Standard Bible and some other English versions do not translate the contrast here.

I am speaking words of truth and sobriety: This clause in Greek is literally “I speak words of truth and reasonableness.” Here the word “reasonableness” means the opposite of “insane.” Other ways to translate this clause are:

My words are true and sensible. (New Century Version)
-or-
I am speaking true and rational words. (English Standard Version)
-or-
What I’m saying is true and sane. (God’s Word)

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