Paragraph 1:20–21
1:20a
But: There is a contrast between 1:19 and 1:20. The contrast is between what Joseph planned to do, and what the angel told him to do. Some English versions are like the Berean Standard Bible and indicate this contrast with the conjunction But.
after he had pondered these things: This clause indicates that Joseph was still thinking about Mary’s pregnancy and his decision to divorce her when the angel appeared.
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
While he was thinking about this (Good News Translation)
-or-
While Joseph thought about these events
these things: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as these things refers to the events surrounding Mary’s pregnancy and his decision to divorce her.
Here is another way to translate this word:
these events
1:20b
The Greek of 1:20b begins with a word that is usually translated as “behold.” It literally means “look” or “see.” This word focuses attention on what follows and indicates that it is important, unexpected, or amazing. The Berean Standard Bible omits this word. In this passage, an angel unexpectedly appeared to Joseph. If you have a term that gets the attention of people that is natural in this context, you should consider using it here. Here are some examples:
suddenly
-or-
Look!
-or-
unexpectedly
an angel of the Lord: The phrase an angel of the Lord refers here to an angel that the Lord (God) sent.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
an angel who came from the Lord God
-or-
an angel who was sent by God
angel: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as angel means “messenger.” Here it refers to a supernatural, spiritual being who serves God.
Here are some ways to translate this term:
• Use a descriptive word or phrase. For example:
messenger ⌊from God⌋
-or-
⌊holy⌋ spirit-being
• Use a local term that fits the biblical meaning.
• In some areas the churches may already be using a borrowed term or a transliterated word for “angel.” Be sure that this term fits the biblical meaning. If some people do not understand the right meaning from this term, you may need to indicate the meaning in some way. For example:
an angelos messenger ⌊from God⌋
-or-
a sacred ⌊angelos⌋ spirit
See angel, Meaning 1, in the Glossary for more information.
the Lord: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the Lord is here a title for God himself. The Greek word means “master,” “owner,” or “a person who has great authority.” If the word in your language for Lord is too general, you may want to include “God” in your translation. For example:
the Lord ⌊God⌋
appeared to him: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as appeared can also mean “became visible” or “was revealed.” The angel appeared to Joseph while he was dreaming. This indicates that in his dream, Joseph saw an angel.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
revealed/showed himself to him
-or-
he saw an angel
in a dream: Joseph was sleeping, and he saw the angel while he was dreaming.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
in a dream ⌊while he slept⌋
-or-
He dreamed that an angel of the Lord appeared to him
1:20c
Joseph, son of David: The phrase Joseph, son of David means that Joseph was a descendant of King David. For example:
Joseph, descendant of David (Good News Translation)
You should translate the phrase son of David as you did in 1:1.
1:20d
do not be afraid: The phrase do not be afraid indicates that the angel was telling Joseph not to worry. The angel was telling Joseph to go ahead with the marriage.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
Do not be reluctant
-or-
Do not hesitate
-or-
Go ahead and marry her. (Contemporary English Version)
to embrace Mary as your wife: This clause refers to Joseph marrying Mary and beginning married life together.
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
to take Mary to be your wife (Good News Translation)
-or-
to marry Mary
1:20e
for: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as for indicates that 1:20e is the basis for the angel’s command in 1:20d. Another way to translate this word is:
because (New International Version)
In some languages, it may be natural to simply begin a new sentence here.
the One conceived in her: The clause the One conceived in her refers to the baby in Mary’s womb. The word conceived refers to becoming pregnant.
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
the child conceived in her (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
She is pregnant (God’s Word)
-or-
the child she carries
is from the Holy Spirit: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as from the Holy Spirit is the same phrase as in 1:18d. This phrase indicates that the Holy Spirit caused Mary to become pregnant. It was a miracle.
You should translate this phrase here as you did in 1:18.
General Comment on 1:20d–e
In some languages, it is more natural to put the basis for the command (1:20e) before the command (1:20d). For example:
20ethe One conceived in Mary is from the Holy Spirit. 20d⌊So,⌋ do not be afraid to embrace her as your wife.
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