1:32a
Then John testified: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as testified indicates that John honestly reported what he had seen and heard. In some languages it is more natural to use a phrase or clause to make this clear. For example:
John told the people what he had seen and heard
1:32b
I saw the Spirit descending from heaven: The pronoun I refers to John the Baptist. He saw God’s Spirit come from God to earth.
the Spirit: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Spirit here refers to God’s Holy Spirit. See Key Biblical Terms 2(b).
like a dove: The Spirit came in the shape and manner of a dove. He was not a dove, and he did not become a dove. But he was like a dove in some way. See also Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10, and Luke 3:22. This is not a metaphor, because there was really something that looked like a dove. Therefore, your translation should refer to an actual bird.
dove: A dove is a small white or gray colored bird similar to a pigeon. It has a gentle voice and was a symbol of being gentle and morally pure. It is also mentioned in Genesis 8:8–12. A dove or pigeon may not be known in your area or these birds may imply something bad. If either is true, you may translate this word like this:
• Use a general word for bird. For example:
like a small bird
• Use a bird that is known in your culture and that is similar to a dove/pigeon. It should be a bird that people consider good and harmless.
You may want to add a footnote that explains how Jews thought about doves. For example:
To the Jews, a dove was a symbol of someone who was pure and gentle.
and resting on Him: This clause indicates that the Holy Spirit stayed with Jesus. As the dove came to stay on Jesus, so the Spirit remained with Jesus.
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