Paragraph 19:9
19:9a
the angel told me: The Greek word is literally “he-said.” Here “he” could refer to:
(1) Whoever spoke 19:6–8a. This being (or beings) had such a powerful voice that John described it as sounding like a great multitude (19:6a).
(2) Whoever spoke 19:5.
(3) Whoever spoke 19:1–3 or perhaps someone in chapter 18.
(4) The angel referred to in 17:1.
You should translate so that it allows any of these interpretations. The Berean Standard Bible and other English versions do so by not describing which angel this is.
to write: This word is a command to write the words spoken in 19:9b. For example:
Write this, (New Jerusalem Bible)
19:9b
Blessed: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Blessed describes a person who is in a good situation. In the Bible, the good situation results from God showing favor/kindness to the person. It also indicates that God approves of this kind of person.
This word does not primarily refer to a feeling. However, a person in this good situation will frequently have good feelings such as happiness and joy. Do not use a word that only refers to material prosperity or physical health.
Other ways to translate this word are:
Favored
-or-
How good it is
-or-
In a good/desirable position ⌊in God’s eyes⌋
-or-
Shown kindness ⌊by God⌋
See how you translated this word in 1:3 or 16:15.
those who are invited: The clause who are invited is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:
those whom ⌊God⌋ has invited
invited: This word refers to God asking all believers to come to this celebration.
marriage supper: In Jewish custom, a large meal was part of the wedding celebration. Here, the time of day that the meal will be eaten is not implied or important. For example:
wedding supper (New International Version)
-or-
the feast celebrating the marriage
19:9c
he said to me: The Greek clause is literally “he says to me.” The pronoun he refers to the same speaker as in 19:9a. Also, this clause indicates that the command to write the exact words (19:9a–b) has ended but the person continued speaking. For example:
He also told me (God’s Word)
These are the true words of God: This clause emphasizes that the words in 19:9b are indeed God’s words and that they are true. For example:
These things that God has said are true (Contemporary English Version)
These: Here this word refers back to 19:9b. In some languages it is more natural to use “those” when referring back.
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