Paragraph 5:25–26

In 5:25–26 in the Greek text, the pronouns for “you” or “your” are all singular. But the teaching applies to all of Jesus’ followers. So in some languages, it is more natural to use the plural form of “you” here.

5:25a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to change the order of the clauses in 5:25a–b. Compare the Berean Standard Bible with the New Living Translation (2004) and New Century Version below.

25aReconcile quickly with your adversary, 25bwhile you are still on the way to court (Berean Standard Bible)

25bWhen you are on the way to court 25awith your adversary, settle your differences quickly. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-

25bIf your enemy is taking you to court, 25abecome friends quickly, 25bbefore you go to court. (New Century Version)

5:25a

Reconcile: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Reconcile means “settle matters” or “make friends.” A believer who has wronged someone must resolve the problem.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

Make friends (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Settle matters (New International Version)
-or-
settle the dispute (Good News Translation)
-or-
make peace

quickly: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as quickly means “at once, without delay.” In this context, it refers to settling matters before court begins.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

while there is time (Good News Translation)
-or-
immediately
-or-
before you arrive at the court

your adversary: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as your adversary refers to the person who is against you. He is the person taking you to court to accuse you before the judge.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

accuser (English Standard Version)
-or-
opponent (God’s Word)
-or-
enemy (New Century Version)
-or-
the one who has accused you of wrong

5:25b

while you are still on the way to court: The Greek text that the Berean Standard Bible translates as while you are still on the way to court is literally “while you are with him on the road.” The Berean Standard Bible has added the words to court. By doing this, the Berean Standard Bible makes it clear that “your adversary” is the one who initiated the court case. Your adversary has accused you of doing something wrong. The two of you are going to court so that the judge can hear your case. This clause does not mean that your enemy is literally carrying or dragging you to court.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

while you are on the way to court with him (God’s Word)
-or-
as he is taking you to where the judge is
-or-
while there is time, before you get to court (Good News Translation)

5:25c

Otherwise, he may hand you over to the judge: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Otherwise can also be translated as “so that not” or “lest.”

This clause and 5:25d indicate what will happen if matters are not settled quickly. You may need to translate this clause somewhat differently in order to make it clear. For example:

so that your opponent will not hand you over to the judge
-or-
lest, your accuser hand you over to the judge (English Standard Version)
-or-
If you do not ⌊settle matters quickly⌋, he will hand you over to the judge

hand you over to the judge: The words hand you over refer to putting someone under the power or authority of another. This accuser will bring you before the judge, and the judge will decide how to punish you.

Here are some other ways to translate these words:

will deliver/take you to the judge
-or-
will give/bring you to the judge
-or-
will cause you to appear before the judge

5:25d

and the judge may hand you over to the officer: In the Greek, this phrase is literally “and the judge to the officer.” There is an ellipsis here. The words may hand you over are implied from 5:25c.

officer: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as officer refers to a policeman or similar official who fulfills the judge’s orders. He has the authority to put someone in jail or set him free, as the judge tells him to.

Here are some other ways to translate officer:

guard (English Standard Version)
-or-
warden (NET Bible)
-or-
person in charge of prisoners

5:25e

you may be thrown into prison: The verb be thrown is passive. The guard in 5:25d obeys the order of the judge and puts the believer in prison. Some ways to translate this clause are:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

you will be put in jail (Good News Translation)
-or-
you will be locked up

• Use an active verb. For example:

he will put you in prison

-or-

who will put you in jail (Contemporary English Version)

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