9:3a
The Greek of 9:3a begins with a word that is often translated as “behold.” It indicates that something extraordinary will happen. The Berean Standard Bible does not translate this word. Here, what is unexpected is that, instead of being happy for the paralyzed man, some people there were upset with Jesus.
Here are some other ways to translate this word:
At this (New International Version)
-or-
Surprisingly
-or-
Unexpectedly
scribes: This is the first time in this section that the text refers to scribes. In some languages, it may be helpful to introduce them here. For example:
And some scribes ⌊were there. They⌋ said to themselves
The word scribes also occurs in 5:20a and 8:19a. You should translate this word here as you did there.
See also scribe in the Glossary for more information.
said to themselves: The phrase said to themselves is an idiom. It means “thought.” The scribes said the following words in their minds/hearts. They did not say them out loud.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
thought (God’s Word)
-or-
said in their hearts/minds
9:3b
This man: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as This man is more literally “this one.” It was a way for the scribes to dishonor Jesus. They did not say something respectful like “The teacher” or “The master.”
Here are some other ways to translate this word:
This fellow (New International Version)
-or-
This guy
is blaspheming!: The verb is blaspheming means “intentionally say something that greatly harms a person’s reputation.” The scribes thought that Jesus was blaspheming/dishonoring God by claiming to do something that only God had the authority and ability to do. They believed that such talk harmed God’s reputation.
Here are some other ways to translate this word:
He’s dishonoring God (God’s Word)
-or-
greatly slanders/insults God
-or-
speaks against God
-or-
This man is evil. He speaks as if he were God.
-or-
He makes himself equal with God. That is evil talk!
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