11:3a
And: The Greek conjunction here probably introduces more information. Some English versions translate the Greek conjunction as “and.” Other English versions do not translate the conjunction and allow the context to imply this connection.
There is some contrast here with the ungodly people trampling the holy city. In some languages it is more natural to indicate this contrast. For example:
But (New Jerusalem Bible)
I will empower: The Greek word the Berean Standard Bible translates as I will empower is literally “I will give.” Berean Standard Bible supplies the word empower because the context implies either “power” or “authority” will be given. What the witnesses will be able to do is told in 11:3b. For example:
grant authority (English Standard Version)
witnesses: The noun “witness” refers to a person who tells what he has seen, heard, or come to know. Here the witnesses tell others what God told them. The Greek word may refer to two men or to a man and a woman. It probably does not refer to two women. Other ways to translate this word are:
testifiers
-or-
people who speaks about what they knows
-or-
those who report/explain
See how you translated this word in 1:5 or 3:14.
11:3b
prophesy: The word prophesy refers to speaking to people a message that God gives to him. These messages are called “prophecies” and reveal things that God wants people to know at that time. Other ways to translate this word are:
speak God’s message
-or-
proclaim God’s revelation
See how you translated this word in 10:11.
1,260: The Greek phrase uses number words: “one-thousand two-hundred sixty.” There are several ways to translate this meaning:
• Use number words. For example:
one thousand two hundred sixty
-or-
one thousand and/plus two hundred and/plus sixty
• Use numerals as the Berean Standard Bible does.
Use number words or phrase for “thousand” and “hundred” from the major language. For example:
one tausen two handet six tens
-or-
one tausen and two handets and six tens
clothed in sackcloth: The word sackcloth refers to a rough cloth. The threads of the cloth are thick and made of hair. People often wore clothing made of sackcloth when they mourned someone who died.
In some languages people are not familiar with sackcloth. If that is true in your language, you may want to explain it in your translation. For example:
wearing mourning clothes
-or-
they will be dressed in rough cloth to show their sadness (New Century Version)
-or-
dressed in clothing of rough cloth ⌊as a sign of grief⌋
See how you translated this word at 6:12.
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