SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 10:19

10:19a

But when they hand you over: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as hand you over is the same phrase as in 10:17b. It refers to handing someone over for trial and judgment. In this context, this clause probably refers to the situation in 10:18: “you will be brought before governors and kings.” The disciples will be brought to trial before powerful people like governors and kings.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

Whenever they hand you over for trial (NET Bible)
-or-
When they give you to the authorities
-or-
When you are arrested (New Century Version)

10:19b

do not worry: This phrase also means “do not be anxious.” For example:

do not be anxious (English Standard Version)

This phrase also occurs in 6:34a.

about how to respond or what to say: The clause how to respond refers to the manner in which the disciples should speak. It can refer to whether to speak in a bold or friendly or other manner. It can also refer to the type of arguments they should use. In other words, the disciples should not worry about carefully preparing a good speech.

The phrase what to say refers to which words the disciples should use.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

what to say or how to say it (New International Version)
-or-
the words you should say or the manner in which you should say them

10:19c

In the Greek, 10:19c begins with a conjunction that is often translated as “for.” Verse 10:19c is the basis of the command not to worry. The Berean Standard Bible does not translate this conjunction but leaves the connection with 10:19b implicit.

Here are some other ways to translate this conjunction:

⌊I say this⌋ because
-or-
The reason is

In that hour: This phrase refers to the time when the disciple is to speak at his trial.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

when the time comes (Good News Translation)
-or-
at the right time (New Living Translation (2004))

you will be given what to say: The clause is passive.

Here are some other ways to translate it:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

you will be given the words to say (Contemporary English Version)

• Use an active verb. For example:

you will receive what to say

-or-

⌊the Spirit of your Father⌋ will tell you what to say

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Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.
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.

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