20:21a
“What do you want?” He inquired: Jesus asked the woman a question. So, here it may be more natural to use the verb “asked” rather than inquired. For example:
he asked her (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
What do you want?: In Greek, the pronoun you is singular. Jesus asked the woman what she wanted.
20:21b
Declare that: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Declare that is the ordinary verb “speak.” Here it is in the form of a command, but the context indicates it is the mother’s request. Her request is that Jesus promise her something.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
Promise that (New Century Version)
-or-
Please let (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Permit (NET Bible)
-or-
I would like that
in Your kingdom: This phrase refers to the time when Jesus would reign as king. Here is another way to translate it:
when you are king (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
when you sit to rule
one of these two sons of mine: The woman used the word these to refer to the two sons who were there with her. We cannot know how many sons she had in all. It’s possible she had more than two, but she was asking on behalf of these two. You should avoid translating in a way that implies that they were her only sons.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
one of my two sons here
may sit: In many cultures, the position of greatest honor and authority underneath the king is at the king’s side. The women was asking Jesus to give her sons the second most important positions in his kingdom.
In some languages, it may be natural to include some of this implied information in the text. For example:
sit in places of honor next to you (New Living Translation (2004))
In other languages, this information can be included in a footnote. Here is a sample footnote:
The right hand side of a king’s throne was the place for the king’s most powerful official. The left hand side was also an important position. In this context, both would be equally important.
20:21c
at Your right hand: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as at Your right hand means “on your right side.” It refers to the most important position next to the king.
Here is another way to translate this phrase:
on your right side
and the other at Your left: The phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as at Your left means “on your left side.” This place would usually be a lesser position near the king. But in this context, the mother did not name which son should be in which position. So the important meaning is that these were the most important places for anyone.
Here is another way to translate this phrase:
on your left side
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