4:49

Sir: This is a polite form of address. Use a form of address that is natural for a respected religious teacher. See the note on 4:11a, where the same Greek word is used. Here is another way to translate this word:

Lord (New Living Translation (2004))

the official said: The verb said introduces an important request. The man was humble and urgent as he spoke. Here is another way to translate this verb:

pleaded (New Living Translation (2004))

come down before my child dies: The official wanted Jesus to go with him to Capernaum, where the child was. You may want to translate come down in the same way that you did in 4:47b. Here are other ways to translate this request:

come with me before my child dies (Good News Translation)
-or-
please come now before my little boy dies (New Living Translation (2004))

General Comment on 4:47, 4:49

The official asked Jesus to come and heal his son at least twice. The first time (4:47) the author records it as indirect speech, and the second time (4:49) as direct speech. It is acceptable to use either indirect or direct speech both times, whichever is more natural in your language.

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