10:2a
For: Here this word introduces the reason Paul prayed for the Jews.
I testify about: This phrase means “report what one saw.” The phrase is often used where the person is expected to be truthful and accurate. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:
I bear…witness (English Standard Version)
-or-
I ⌊truthfully⌋ say about
See how you translated the phrase “attested” in 3:21.
them: Here the Greek grammar indicates that Paul spoke about them, rather than to them. Some English translations can be taken either way, but the Greek only indicates the first meaning.
10:2b
they are zealous for God: The word zealous refers to an eagerness to do something. The Jews were eager to follow God according to the Laws of Moses, and eager to speak for God in an argument, and eager to fight against those who oppose God. Here are other ways to translate this clause:
what enthusiasm they have for God (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
they really strive to follow/obey God
10:2c
but not on the basis of knowledge: This indicates that the things that the Jews did in their zeal did not agree with what God said in the Old Testament. The Jews read and should have known what God wanted them to do. Instead they followed their own thinking.
Some languages must repeat all of part of the meaning of “they have zeal for God” for a natural translation. For example:
but ⌊their zeal is⌋ not according to knowledge
knowledge: This refers to things about God that people can know. In some languages a literal translation would refer to knowledge in general. If that is true in your language, you may want to explain in your translation. For example:
knowledge ⌊of him⌋
-or-
⌊religious⌋ knowledge
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