16:8a

The Greek begins this verse with a word that the Berean Standard Bible leaves untranslated, but some English versions translate it as “But.” It is a connector that can show mild contrast. But it often just moves the story along, and it is not always translated into English. For instance:

Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked (NET Bible)

In some languages, it will not be necessary to translate this word.

Aware of their conversation: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Aware is more literally “knowing.” It is not clear how Jesus knew what the disciples were discussing. He may have known their thoughts. Or he may have overheard them talking. The text does not say how Jesus knew, so your translation should also not say specifically how he knew.

The words of their conversation are not in Greek but are implied.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

knew about their conversation (God’s Word)
-or-
knew what they were saying (New Century Version)

You of little faith: Jesus used the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as You of little faith to rebuke the disciples. He also used it to describe them. This is the first part of his rebuke.

Here are some other ways to translate this part of the rebuke:

• As an exclamation. For example:

You have so little faith! (God’s Word)
-or-
Your faith is so small!

• As a separate rhetorical question, or as the first part of the larger rhetorical question. For example:

Where is your faith? (Revised English Bible)
-or-
You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? (New International Version)

This same phrase occurs in 6:30d and 14:31b.

We may have expected Jesus to say, “You have little intelligence!” The phrase You of little faith indicates that he rebuked them for not thinking of spiritual things. By thinking of food, they missed the spiritual warning he was giving them.

16:8b

why are you debating among yourselves about having no bread?: This is a rhetorical question. It expresses a rebuke. Jesus rebuked the disciples because they thought that he was talking about bread.

Here are some other ways to translate this rebuke:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

Why are you talking about having no bread? (Revised English Bible)

• As a statement. For example:

You have no reason to be saying to each other that you have no bread!

-or-

You should not be saying to one another that you have no bread.

Translate this rebuke in a way that is natural in your language.

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