2:27a–b
He will rule them with an iron scepter and shatter them like pottery: This is a quote of Psalm 2:9 (LXX). If you indicate the location of quotes from the Old Testament with cross-references, you may want to do so here.
This kind of rule is like destroying things. Jesus will rule the nations in a way that destroys them because they fight against him (19:15–19). Other ways to translate these words are:
he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
He will rule them with an iron stick, as if smashing pottery
-or-
He will rule them with club made of iron, like he would destroy pottery
In some languages a literal translation of the word rule would wrongly indicate ruling to their benefit. If that is true in your language, you may want to include some implied information. For example:
He will lead them with an iron scepter ⌊to their own destruction⌋ ; like dashing pottery to pieces
-or-
He will ⌊destructively⌋ rule them with an iron scepter; like he would destroy pottery
2:27a
He: Here the word He refers to believers who overcome and do his will to the end (2:26a). It does not refer to Jesus. Some English versions do not use He in 2:27a–b in order to make that clearer. For example:
They (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
26b I will give them authority over the nations, 27a to rule them with an iron rod 27b and to break them to pieces like clay pots. (Good News Translation)
iron: This word refers to the strongest known metal at that time. It could break most things without damage to itself. Some languages do not have a word for this metal. If that is true in your language, you may want to:
• Use the major language word.
• Describe it. For example:
made of very strong metal
• Use the strongest thing in your language. You may then want to explain the Greek word in a footnote. An example footnote is:
Literally: “iron.” This word refers to the strongest known metal at that time. It could break most things without damage to itself.
scepter: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as scepter refers to a straight heavy stick. Often a shepherd would use a stick of this kind to fight off wild animals. The word scepter refers to an ornamental stick that symbolizes the rule of a king. Other ways to translate this word are:
stick
-or-
rod/staff
2:27b
shatter them like pottery: The Greek words are literally “as when clay pots are shattered” (as in the New Revised Standard Version). When a clay pot breaks, it shatters into many pieces and becomes useless. This clause explains how believers will rule the nations with an iron rod. They will destroy their enemies. Other ways to translate this clause are:
as when pottery is broken into pieces (New Century Version)
-or-
smashing them to pieces like earthenware (Revised English Bible)
In some languages a literal translation will not indicate the correct meaning of “being destroyed.” If that is true in your language, you may want to:
• Explain the meaning in your translation. For example:
⌊he will completely destroy them like⌋ when pottery is broken into pieces
• Translate the meaning without the metaphor. For example:
he will completely destroy them
You may then want to explain the literal words in a footnote. An example footnote is:
Literally: “as when pottery is broken.” Broken pottery is symbolic of what happens when someone completely destroys his enemies.
• Translate literally and explain its meaning in a footnote. An example footnote is:
“When pottery is broken” is symbolic of what happens when someone completely destroys his enemies.
• Use a symbol in your language of something that, when broken, is useless and cannot be repaired. Then you may want to explain the literal words in a footnote. An example footnote is:
Literally: “pottery.” Broken pottery is symbolic of what happens when someone destroys his enemies.
2:27c
Some English versions begin 2:28 here. Follow how the major language version places the verse number.
—just as I have received authority from My Father: The words just as connect this clause to 2:26b. Jesus received authority to rule the nations from his Father. He will give that same authority to his followers. Other ways to translate this clause are:
They will have the same authority I received from my Father (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
This is the same power I received from my Father (New Century Version)
authority: Here the word authority refers to the right and power to control or rule over someone or something. You should translate this using the same word or phrase as in 2:26.
My Father: This phrase refers to God. In some languages people will not clearly understand that the phrase My Father refers to God. If that is true in your language, you may want to add this implied information. For example:
my Father ⌊God⌋
-or-
my ⌊heavenly⌋ Father
General Comment on 2:26a–27c
2:27c is closely connected to 2:26b. In some languages it is more natural to put 2:27c before 2:27a–b. For example:
26a To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, 26b I will give ⌊him/them⌋ authority over the nations,27c just as I have received ⌊that⌋ authority from my Father. ⌊As the Scripture says:⌋ 27a ‘He will rule them with an iron rod, 27b as when clay pots are shattered.’
-or-
26a To those who win the victory, who continue to the end to do what I want, 27c I will give the same authority that I received from my Father: 26b I will give them authority over the nations, 27a to rule them with an iron rod 27b and to break them to pieces like clay pots. (Good News Translation)
The Good News Translation example above requires that you combine verse numbers as 26–27.
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