21:31a
So also, when you see these things happening: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as So also means “in the same way, likewise.” It introduces a comparison. People look at new leaves and know that summer will soon come. In the same way, Jesus’ disciples will see the signs that Jesus told them, and they will know that the kingdom of God is near. Another way to translate 21:31a is:
Thus also when you see those happenings [mentioned] earlier
you: The pronoun you refers here to Jesus’ disciples who will be alive when he returns to earth. Since Jesus has not yet returned, it refers to everyone who will be trusting and following him at that time. It does not refer only to his first disciples.
these things: The phrase these things refers to the signs that Jesus mentioned in 21:25–26. Other ways to refer to them here are:
the signs that I have told you about
-or-
these ⌊terrible⌋ events
Refer back to them in a natural way in your language.
21:31b
know: There are two ways to interpret the Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as know in this context:
(1) It is a statement. The signs will make the disciples able to know that the kingdom is near. For example:
you can be equally sure (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
you will know (Good News Translation)
(New International Version, Revised Standard Version, God’s Word, Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version, New Century Version, Revised English Bible, English Standard Version, New Living Translation (2004), Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
(2) It is a command. When the disciples see the signs, they should realize or understand that the kingdom is near. Here is another way to translate this:
recognize (New American Standard Bible)
(Berean Standard Bible, New American Standard Bible, King James Version, New Jerusalem Bible, NET Bible)
It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).
the kingdom of God is near: This clause means that the kingdom of God will soon appear or begin. God will soon begin to rule his people.
The phrase kingdom of God refers to God’s activity of ruling and caring for his people as their king. It does not refer to a land or country that he rules over. It refers to the relationship that he has with his people. He leads, protects, and cares for them. They obey, trust, and submit to him as their king.
Some ways to translate this clause are:
God’s rule/reign will soon begin
-or-
it will not be much longer before God rules ⌊all people⌋ as king
-or-
the time when God will ⌊care for his people as⌋ king is near
See how you translated this in 17:20. See also kingdom of God in the Glossary.
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