5:26a

Truly I tell you: The clause Truly I tell you is the same clause as in 5:18a except here the pronoun you is singular.

5:26b

you will not get out: This clause refers to leaving prison.

Here are some other ways to translate these words:

you will not leave there (New Century Version)
-or-
you surely won’t be free again (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
There you will stay (Good News Translation)

until you have paid the last penny: The word until indicates that before you can leave jail, you will be required to pay the whole amount. The money may either be a debt owed to the adversary of 5:25 or a fine by the judge for the wrong you have done to the adversary. If possible, you should translate this phrase in a general way that can refer to both.

the last penny: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as penny refers to a coin that was one of the least valuable coins used at that time. The words the last penny indicate that the whole amount must be paid.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

• Use a general term for the smallest amount of money. For example:

the smallest coin
-or-
the least valuable bill

• Use the term for the smallest amount of money in your language, as the Berean Standard Bible does.

• Translate without using a term for money. For example:

until you have paid everything you owe (New Century Version)

-or-

until you have paid every last bit you owe

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