6:32a
For: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as For in this context indicates that 6:32 is the basis for the commands in 6:31.
Here is another way to translate this conjunction:
⌊I say that⌋ because
Some English versions do not translate this conjunction. In some languages, it will not be necessary to translate this conjunction either.
the Gentiles: The word Gentiles refers to people who were non-Jews.
Here are some other ways to translate this word:
people who don’t know God (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
people who do not trust/believe in God
-or-
heathen (Revised English Bible)
-or-
pagans (New International Version)
This word also occurs in 6:7a, where the Berean Standard Bible translates it as “pagans.” You should translate it here as you did there.
strive after: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as strive after means “desire,” “want,” or “wish for,” or “look/search for.” The Greek grammar indicates a continuous seeking or wishing for something.
Here are some other ways to translate this word:
always concerned about (Good News Translation)
-or-
always worrying about such things (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
keep trying to get (New Century Version)
all these things: The phrase all these things refers to the food, drink, and clothes mentioned in 6:25–31. You will want to use the proper word that refers back to these things. For example:
all these/those things
-or-
all the things ⌊I just mentioned⌋
6:32b
and: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates here as and is the same conjunction that is translated as “For” in 6:32a. It introduces the second basis for the commands not to worry.
Here are some other ways to translate this conjunction:
⌊I also say that⌋ because
-or-
⌊you should not worry⌋ because
Some English versions do not translate this conjunction. In some languages, it will not be necessary to translate this conjunction either.
your heavenly Father: The phrase your heavenly Father refers to God. This phrase also occurs in 6:14b.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
⌊God⌋ your heavenly Father
-or-
⌊God⌋ your Father ⌊who is/lives⌋ in heaven
knows that you need them: This clause implies that God will also provide the things that you need. If people in your area will think that this clause indicates only that God knows but does not provide, you may want to include some implied information. For example:
knows that you need them ⌊and will give you all these things⌋
them: The Greek words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as them are the same as those translated as “all these things” in the previous clause. It refers to food, drink, and clothes.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
all these things (Good News Translation)
-or-
all your needs (New Living Translation (2004))
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