8:20a

In the Greek, 8:20a begins with a conjunction that is often translated as “and” or “but.” There is contrast between the desire of the teacher of the law and how Jesus responds. The Berean Standard Bible does not translate this conjunction, but leaves the contrast implicit. In some languages, it may be natural to show this contrast. For example:

But (New Living Translation (2004))

Foxes: Foxes are a kind of small, wild dog. They each weighed about 7 kilograms (15 pounds), and are about 1 meter (36–40 inches) long from nose to rump (not including the tail). They have orange-red or gray fur with white markings. They live in holes.

If foxes are unknown in your language, there are several ways to translate:

• Use a general expression such as:

wild dogs

• Use a name of a wild animal known in your area that is about the size of a fox and lives in a hole.

birds of the air: This phrase is a Jewish way of referring to birds. In many languages, it is more natural to just translate this phrase as “birds.” For example:

and birds have nests (Good News Translation)

This phrase also occurs in 6:26a. You should translate it here as you did there.

nests: The word nests refers to birds’ homes.

8:20b

the Son of Man: In Greek, the phrase that English versions translate as the Son of Man is more literally “the Son of the human/person.” Jesus used this title as a way to refer to himself without using the pronoun “I.” He used this title to imply that:

(a) He was a true human being, and he represented all people.

(b) He came from God and had authority from God (because this title hints at Daniel 7:13–14).

Try to use an expression that implies both meanings. Here are some other expressions that translators have used:

the Man whom God Sent
-or-
the True Man from God/Heaven
-or-
the Representative of Mankind
-or-
The Older Brother of All People

In some cases, an unusual title may correctly suggest a deeper meaning. For example:

the Child of a Person
-or-
the One who was Born as a Human

Translators have also used expressions that are more literal. These more literal expressions may be appropriate where readers are familiar with a literal title in another version.

In some languages it may be necessary to use a form like “I” or “me” to indicate that Jesus was referring to himself. For example:

I, the Son of Man (New Living Translation (1996))

See also Son of Man in Key Biblical Terms for more information.

no place to lay His head: The phrase lay His head refers to resting and sleeping. This whole phrase refers to not having a permanent home where Jesus could sleep.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

nowhere to sleep (God’s Word)
-or-
have no home of my own, not even a place to lay my head (New Living Translation (1996))

-or-

has no ⌊permanent⌋ place where he can sleep/rest

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