15:3a
sang: The Greek grammar probably indicates that the people sang for some time. For example:
were singing (New Jerusalem Bible)
the song of God’s servant Moses: The phrase God’s servant describes Moses.
the song of…Moses: The phrase the song of…Moses probably refers to:
(1) A song that Moses sang or wrote that is not recorded in the Old Testament.
(2) A song with some of the same themes as Moses’ songs in Exodus 15:1–18 and Deuteronomy 32:1–43.
Translate in a way that allows for one or both meanings. For example:
the song belonging to Moses
-or-
the song by Moses
-or-
the song that…Moses…had sung (Contemporary English Version)
servant: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as servant can also be translated as “slave.” The word indicates that Moses belonged to God and served him. The word “slave” is used figuratively to indicate that Moses obeyed God well. See how you translated this word in 7:3 or 11:18.
15:3b
and of the Lamb: This phrase probably indicates that this song is about Jesus or is a song to Jesus. For example:
the song sung to the Lamb
-or-
the song about the Lamb
the Lamb: This phrase is a symbolic title for Jesus. See how you translated this title in 5:6 or 14:1.
General Comment on 15:3a–b
The Greek word usually translated “saying” occurs before the words of the song. It indicates that the words of the song follow in 15:3c–4e. The Berean Standard Bible and other English versions use the colon (:) to indicate that the words of the song follow. Indicate that 15:3c–4e are the words of the song. For example:
and the song of the Lamb, saying, (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
and the song of the Lamb, which was :
15:3c
Great and wonderful are Your works, O Lord God Almighty!: The direct address to God occurs after what is said to him. In some languages it is more natural to have the direct address first. For example:
Lord God Almighty, great and wonderful are your deeds
In some languages it is necessary or more natural to translate works using a verb. For example:
Lord God All-Powerful, the things you have done are great and wonderful!
Great and wonderful are Your works: The Berean Standard Bible and other English versions have the description before the thing described. This is an English poetic style. In some languages it is more natural to have the description second. For example:
Your deeds are great and wonderful
Lord: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Lord means “the one who has authority over (others),” or “owner.” God is ruler over all things. See how you translated this word in 1:8 or 14:13.
Almighty: This word is a title which means, “one with the power to do anything.” For example:
the All-Powerful (NET Bible)
See how you translated this word in 1:8 or 11:17.
15:3d
Just and true are Your ways: The Berean Standard Bible and other English versions place the description before the thing described. This is an English poetic style. In some languages it is more natural to place the description second. For example:
Your ways are just and true
Just: Here the word Just refers to doing what is right. Other ways to translate this word are:
right (Good News Translation)
-or-
upright (New Jerusalem Bible)
true: Here the word true refers to God’s ways not being deceitful.
ways: This word usually means “roads” or “paths.” It refers here to actions, sayings, and attitudes that show what kind of person someone is. In some languages it is necessary or more natural to translate this word using a verb or verbs. For example:
all that you do and say
O King of the nations: There are two issues with this phrase.
Issue 1—The Greek text
There is a textual issue here:
(1) Some Greek manuscripts have the nations. For example:
Just and true are your ways, King of the nations! (New Revised Standard Version)
(2) Some Greek manuscripts have the ages. For example:
just and true are your ways, O King of the ages (Revised English Bible)
(3) A few later Greek manuscripts have the saints. For example:
just and true [are] thy ways, thou King of saints (King James Version)
It is recommended that you follow option (1).
Issue 2—Direct address
In the Greek and the Berean Standard Bible, this direct address to God occurs after what is said to him. In some languages it is more natural to have the direct address first. For example:
King of the nations, just and true are your ways
-or-
Ruler of all nations! Just and true are your ways!
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