Paragraph 3:11–12
3:11a
I am coming: There are two ways to interpret this clause:
(1) Jesus physically coming the second time to the whole world.
(2) Jesus spiritually visiting the believers in Philadelphia to encourage them.
The English versions translate this clause literally. It is best to translate literally; do not say where Jesus will come. Both interpretations are possible, but more scholars follow interpretation (1). See how you translated a similar clause in 2:25 (“until I come”).
3:11b
Hold fast to what you have: This clause refers to the believers remaining strong in their faith. It does not refer to the believers keeping their physical belongings. In some languages a literal translation would not have the correct meaning. If that is true in your language, make it clear that Jesus referred to their faith. For example:
Continue strong in your faith (New Century Version)
3:11c
so that no one will take your crown: This is a negative purpose clause. It expresses something to be avoided. Jesus did not say who might take away the crown. He was probably referring to Satan and other evil ones who might tempt believers to stop following Jesus. Other ways to translate this are:
so that no one may seize your crown (English Standard Version)
-or-
let no one deprive you of your crown (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
and let no one rob you of your crown (Revised English Bible)
crown: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as crown refers to a victor’s wreath. It was the reward for winning a contest. Here it is a symbol for the reward of eternal life. See how you translated this word in 2:10.
In some languages it is necessary to explain what the crown is used for here. For example:
the crown that you will be given as your reward (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
your victory prize (Good News Translation)
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