3:18a-b

This verse is a summary and conclusion of Paragraph 3:15–18. In Greek it begins with a conjunction that is often translated as “therefore” or “thus.” The Berean Standard Bible does not translate this conjunction. Some other ways to introduce this conclusion in English are:

In this way
-or-
So (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
Then (CSB)

In some languages there may be a special way to introduce such a conclusion. Introduce the summary or conclusion of this paragraph in a natural way in your language.

With these and many other exhortations: There are two ways to interpret the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as other:

(1) It means “more of the same kind.” John used more exhortations like the one in the previous verses. For example:

with many other exhortations (NET Bible)

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Standard Bible, NET Bible, Revised English Bible, New Century Version, King James Version, New Living Translation (2004), God’s Word)

(2) It means “different.” This means that not all of John’s preaching was like the previous verses. For example:

In many different ways (Good News Translation)

(Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

John proclaimed the good news: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as proclaimed here refers to the act of appealing to people to do something. John was urging or encouraging the people to repent (3:8a) by accepting the good news that he told them and obeying God. For example:

urged them to change their ways (Good News Translation)

proclaimed the good news to the people: The phrase proclaimed the good news is a translation of one Greek verb. This verb also occurs in 2:10b. In this context John proclaimed to the people the message that God would soon send the Christ to save them.

Some other ways to translate this are:

told the Good News to the people (God’s Word)
-or-
announced the good news (Revised English Bible)
-or-
told them good news ⌊about the Christ⌋
-or-
told them good/sweet news ⌊from God⌋

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