10:9a–b

And: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as And is literally “and.” It usually indicates a continuation of the story. This is why the Berean Standard Bible translates it as And. But since the voice from heaven commanded John to go and take the scroll, many English versions translate the Greek word as “so.” Consider how to connect the event here with the command of 10:8.

said: The Greek word is literally “told” (as in the Revised Standard Version). But John spoke politely to the angel. He did not rudely demand the scroll. He did not command the angel as if he had greater authority than the angel. So some English versions translate the Greek word as “asked.” This indicates a polite request. Other English versions, such as the Berean Standard Bible, translate this word as “said.” Consider how you want to translate this word.

10:9c

It will make your stomach bitter: This clause indicates that John’s stomach would hurt from the bitterness of the scroll. This bitterness implies that the message would be unpleasant in some way. Other ways to translate this clause are:

it will be bitter to your stomach (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
it will turn your stomach sour (New International Version)

10:9d

as sweet as honey: The word honey refers to the sweet, sticky, thick liquid that bees make. It is very pleasant to eat.

In some languages people are not familiar with honey. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Use a word that refers to a similar sweet substance that tastes good. For example:

as sweet as syrup

• Translate the meaning without the simile. For example:

very sweet

• Use the major language word. If people are not familiar with this word, explain it in a footnote. For example:

Honey is the sweet, sticky, thick liquid that bees make. People eat honey as food.

General Comment on 10:9c–d

Putting the scroll in the mouth happens first, and then the stomach becomes sour. In some languages it is more natural to put 10:9d before 10:9c. For example:

9d In your mouth it will be as sweet as honey, 9c but it will turn your stomach sour.

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