12:50a
But: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as But here introduces something that had to take place before the wish in the previous verse part could be fulfilled. It is not introducing a separate or contrasting idea.
I have a baptism to undergo: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as I have a baptism to undergo is literally “I have a baptism to be baptized with.” Some English versions, such as the Revised Standard Version, translate it that way.
In this context, Luke used the Greek word baptism figuratively. It describes an experience that is overwhelming. In this context it refers to the terrible suffering that Jesus would endure. In some languages it may not be possible to use the same term that you used for baptism in water. Here are some other ways to translate in this context:
• Use an expression that is similar to the one for baptism but does not necessarily require water. For example:
I must endure a purifying initiation
• Use an expression that is similar to the one you used for baptism but make the meaning explicit. For example:
I must endure a purifying bath of suffering
-or-
I have a terrible baptism of suffering ahead of me (New Living Translation (2004))
• Translate the meaning without the figure of baptism. For example:
I must endure overwhelming agony
-or-
I am going to be put to a hard test (Contemporary English Version)
See baptize, Meaning 2, in the Glossary.
12:50b
how distressed I am: The phrase how distressed I am expresses the mental and emotional stress/pressure and suffering that Jesus felt as he thought about his coming death on the cross. Other ways to translate this clause are:
I feel very troubled (New Century Version)
-or-
what stress I am under (New Revised Standard Version)
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