5:40a
if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic: In this clause, the tunic is the payment that the person wants. It may be more natural in your language to state the second clause as purpose. For example:
if someone wants to sue you in order to take your tunic
sue you: The verb sue refers to someone trying to force you to pay him by having a judge order you to pay him.
Here are some other ways to translate this:
file charges against you to take your tunic
-or-
take you to court to make you pay him
-or-
accuse you before a judge and cause you to give your tunic as payment
tunic: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as tunic refers to a long “shirt” or “undergarment.” These were clothes both men and women wore next to the skin to cover their bodies. The cloak (in 5:40b) went over the tunic.
Here are some other ways to translate this word:
shirt (New Century Version)
-or-
undershirt
5:40b
let him have your cloak as well: This clause means that you should also give the person your cloak.
cloak: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as cloak refers to an outer garment.
Here are some other ways to translate this word:
coat (New Century Version)
-or-
outer/over shirt
-or-
garment that goes on the outside
General Comment on 5:40a–b
The word “tunic” is an example of things that people might sue for. Giving something extra shows love to an evil person. You may want to include a footnote that explains the probable implied meaning.
Here is an example of a footnote:
The “tunic” is an example of things people might sue for. Giving something extra shows love to an evil person.
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