12:5a
a son, a male child: The Greek words are literally “a son, a male.” The phrase a male child emphasizes the fact that the child was male. Some languages have another way to emphasize the meaning. For example:
a son, indeed, a boy
In some languages son and male child are translated in the same way. If that is true in your language, translate with only one phrase. For example:
a son (Good News Translation)
If possible, translate the emphasis in another way. See General Comment on 12:5a–b for other ways to translate the emphasis.
12:5b
who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter: This clause tells the reader more about the son. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly indicate that the woman gave birth to other sons and only this one will rule all the nations with an iron scepter. If that is true in your language, translate this clause so that it tells more about the son. One way to do that is to start a new sentence here. For example:
He will rule all the nations with an iron scepter.
will rule all the nations with an iron scepter: Translate these words as you did in 2:27. They have the same meaning here. If you are unclear as to the meaning, see the notes there. Here these words refer to the son (12:5a), not believers.
nations: Here the word nations can refer to language groups as well as groups under one government. If possible, use a word or phrase that allows either meaning.
General Comment on 12:5a–b
In 12:5a the baby is described as both a son and a male child to emphasize the fact that the child was male. In some languages it is more natural to make the phrase “male child” the subject of the following clause (12:5b). For example:
5a She gave birth to a son. This boy 5b will rule all nations…
-or-
5a The woman was delivered of a boy, 5b the son who was to rule all the nations… (New Jerusalem Bible)
12:5c
This sentence resumes describing the vision from 12:5a.
And: There is some contrast between what the dragon wanted to do (12:4c) and what happened here. In some languages translating the contrast is more natural. For example:
but (Revised Standard Version)
her child was caught up: Here the word caught up refers to taking the child away quickly and forcefully. He was caught up in order to rescue him from danger. Here the word does not refer to stealing or taking him wrongfully.
This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. Probably God commanded someone to snatch her child. For example:
⌊God caused/commanded someone to⌋ snatch her child
-or-
⌊someone⌋ quickly took her child
to God and to His throne: In some languages it is more natural to add another verb or verbs here. For example:
and taken to God and to his throne (God’s Word)
-or-
He was taken to God and placed on his throne (Contemporary English Version)
His throne: The pronoun His probably refers to God, but may refer to the child. You should not explain in your translation to whom the word His refers here.
throne: This word refers to the official chair of a king. It is a symbol of his power to rule. Here the word throne indicates that God rules heaven and earth.
See how you translated this word in 1:4.
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