5:16a

In the same way: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as In the same way indicates that 5:16 is similar to what precedes. A lamp should be put on a stand so that everyone can see the light and be helped by it (5:15b). Similarly Jesus’ disciples should do good deeds so that everyone can see them and praise God (5:16a).

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

Like the lamp (Revised English Bible)
-or-
Likewise
-or-
Similarly

let your light shine before men: The clause let your light shine is a metaphor. In this metaphor, Jesus compared the good deeds of his disciples to the light of a lamp. One way that they are similar is that both should be seen. Neither should be hidden.

Here are some other ways to translate this metaphor:

• Keep the metaphor, but make explicit the meaning of light. For example:

let your good deeds shine out for all to see (New Living Translation (2004))

• Change the metaphor to a simile and make parts of it explicit. For example:

like a light that shines before people is visible/seen, let your good deeds be visible
-or-

⌊just as⌋ people see that light, in that same way make sure that people see the good way that you live/behave

• Translate the meaning without the figure of speech. For example:

do your good works/behavior openly

before men: The Greek preposition that the Berean Standard Bible translates as before can also be translated as “in the sight of” or “in the presence of.”

The word men is general and refers to people, both men and women as in 5:13c.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

in people’s sight (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
in the presence of others

5:16b

that: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as that here indicates that 5:16b is the purpose for believers to shine their light before men (5:16a).

Here are some other ways to translate this conjunction:

so that (English Standard Version)
-or-
in order that
-or-
for the purpose that

they may see your good deeds: The phrase your good deeds means “the good things that you have done.”

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

the good things you do (Good News Translation)
-or-
your good works (English Standard Version)

5:16c

and glorify: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as glorify means “speak well about someone” or “honor someone.” Here it refers to giving praise to God.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

give honor to (NET Bible)
-or-
praise (New International Version)

your Father in heaven: In this verse, Jesus speaks of God as your Father. In some languages, that would imply that God was only the Father of those to whom Jesus was speaking, but not Jesus’ Father. If that is so in your language, you may want to translate this phrase as:

our(incl.) Father who ⌊lives⌋ in heaven

-or-

our(incl.) Father. ⌊He lives⌋ in heaven.

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