8:33a

But: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as But here introduces a contrast between Peter’s rebuke in 8:32 and Jesus’ response in 8:33b–c. Introduce this response in a natural way in your language.

Jesus, turning and looking at His disciples: After Peter rebuked Jesus, Jesus turned and looked at his other disciples. He wanted them to hear what he would say to Peter. In some languages it may be more natural to make this an independent clause. For example, the New Living Translation, 1996 edition says:

Jesus turned and looked at his disciples.

His disciples: See how you translated this term at 2:15b and 8:10a. See also disciple in the Glossary for more information.

8:33b

rebuked Peter and said: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as rebuked is another form of the same word that was translated as “rebuke” in 8:32c. Jesus rebuked Peter sternly. The New Century Version shows another way to say this:

Then he told Peter not to talk that way. He said…

In some languages it may be natural to use only one verb of speech here instead of both rebuked and said. For example:

he said to Peter sternly

Get behind Me, Satan!: Jesus rebuked Peter with the words Get behind Me, Satan! The phrase Get behind Me is an idiom. It usually means “go away from me.” In this context Jesus was implying that the things that Peter said in his rebuke came from Satan. He was tempting Jesus not to follow God’s plan, and Jesus emphatically rejected that idea. (See Matthew 4:1–10, where Satan tempted Jesus in a similar way.)

In some languages it may be confusing for Jesus to call Peter “Satan.” If that is true in your language, you may need to make the meaning more explicit. For example:

What you are saying is from Satan; I will not listen to it!

The context shows that when Jesus used the phrase Get behind Me, he was rejecting the ideas that Peter had expressed. He was not literally ordering Peter to go away. If a literal translation would be confusing in your language, you may be able to say:

That idea from Satan should go/be far from me!

Satan: The word Satan is the Hebrew name of the chief or leader of all the evil spirits. In Hebrew his name means “enemy.” He is the enemy of God and God’s people.

Here are some other ways to translate Satan:

• Use a local name or idiom that refers to the chief of all demons.

• Use a descriptive phrase such as:

the chief/leader of the evil spirits
-or-
the spirit enemy of God

• Transliterate the name Satan. If this word is not already known in your area, you may also want to add a descriptive phrase. For example:

Satanas, the ruler of demons
-or-
Shaitan

If you transliterate Satan or borrow a word from another language, be sure that it communicates the biblical meaning to people in your culture. It is important to check this in each biblical context.

Try to use a term that will be acceptable to churches in the area. It is suggested that you also add a footnote or glossary entry that further explains who Satan is. For example:

Satan is the leader of all the evil spirits or demons. Once he was an angel in heaven, but he rebelled against God. God expelled him from heaven, and now he tempts people on earth. Here are other names for Satan that are used in the Bible: “Beelzebul,” “the Devil,” “the Evil One,” “the Enemy,” and “the Tempter.”

See how you translated this word in 1:13a and 4:15b.

8:33c

For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as have in mind means “have an opinion about (something),” “think about (something) in a certain way,” or “consider (something).” Here Jesus indicated that Peter was not considering the things of God. He was considering the things of men. Jesus also implied that Peter’s opinion was different from God’s opinion.

The New Jerusalem Bible has another way to translate this:

You are thinking not as God thinks but as human beings do.

In some languages it may be natural to put the positive statement first. For example:

Your thoughts are men’s thoughts, not God’s!

you: The pronoun you here refers to Peter and not to Satan. Be sure that this is clear in your translation.

the things of God, but the things of men: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the things of God is a general expression. In this context it refers to thoughts, desires, and interests that God has. The phrase the things of men is similar. It refers to people’s thoughts, desires, and interests. In this context Jesus contrasted the things of God and the things of human beings. He implied that what God thinks and desires is different from what people think and desire.

God: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as God refers here to the eternal spirit who created everything. He is more powerful than any other spirit, and he is perfectly good and wise. He deserves to be worshiped.

Here are some other ways to translate God:

• Use a name or title for God that people in your culture already use.

• Use a descriptive term that fits the truth about God that is revealed in the Bible. For example:

Creator
-or-
Great Spirit
-or-
Ruler of the universe

Choose a term that is acceptable to the believers and churches in your area. For more detailed information, see God in the Glossary.

men: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as men means “people.” It does not refer only to males.

© 2008 by SIL International®

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.