4:24a
He added: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as He added is literally “he said” (as in the Revised Standard Version). In 4:23 Jesus said what the people were thinking. In 4:24a, he began to express his response to their thoughts. Because of this, the Berean Standard Bible has translated the Greek word as He added. In some languages, it may be more natural to use a different speech clause. For example:
he continued (New International Version)
-or-
Then Jesus said (New Century Version)
Truly I tell you: Jesus often used the words Truly I tell you to introduce a statement that he wanted to emphasize. He wanted people to listen with extra attention. Some other ways to show this emphasis are:
I assure you that (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
I can guarantee this truth (God’s Word)
4:24b
no prophet is accepted in his hometown: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as is accepted means “is welcomed” or “is honored.” The clause no prophet is accepted in his hometown means that people in the town where a prophet grew up generally do not honor him. People find it hard to believe that someone whom they know personally is a prophet from God. Some other ways to translate this are:
prophets are never welcomed in their hometown (Good News Translation)
-or-
no prophet is acceptable in his hometown (NET Bible)
-or-
no prophets are liked by the people of their own hometown (Contemporary English Version)
Like the proverb “Physician, heal yourself!” (4:23b), this clause also appears to be a proverb.
no prophet is accepted: This clause is passive. Some ways to translate this are:
• Use a passive clause. For example:
a prophet is not accepted (New Century Version)
• Use an active clause and supply a subject. For example:
⌊People⌋ do not accept a prophet
prophet: The word prophet also occurs in 4:17a. Translate it the same way in both verses.
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