6:17–18
In the Greek text of 6:17–18, the pronouns for “you” and “your” are singular. These pronouns are in commands that apply to everyone. In some languages, it is more natural to use plural pronouns. Translate these pronouns in the way most natural for general commands in your language.
6:17
But: There is a contrast between 6:16 and 6:17. The contrast is between the wrong way that hypocrites fast and the right way that Jesus wants his followers to fast.
Here are some other ways that English versions indicate this contrast:
But (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Instead (Contemporary English Version)
when you fast: In Greek, the pronoun you is emphasized. This further indicates a contrast between the hypocrites and Jesus’ followers. If your language has a way to emphasize the pronoun you, you may want to do so here. Here are some examples:
when you yourself fast
-or-
as for you, when you fast
-or-
you, when you fast
anoint your head and wash your face: The clause anoint your head means “put oil on you head/hair.” This clause and the clause wash your face both refer to everyday personal grooming in the Jewish culture at that time.
If people in your area will not understand that the clause anoint your head refers to a clean appearance and neatness, you may want to use a normal personal grooming activity from your area.
Here are some other ways to translate these clauses:
put oil on your head and wash your face (New International Version)
-or-
wash your face and comb your hair (Good News Translation)
-or-
wash your face and make your hair neat
-or-
clean and prepare yourself ⌊as you usually would⌋.
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