Paragraph 10:8–13
10:8a
what does it say?: This is a rhetorical question. It draws attention to what Paul said next. Paul did not expect the readers to answer this question. But he did expect the readers to agree with what he said next. Here are other ways to translate this question:
what else does it say? (God’s Word)
-or-
what does it say next? (Revised English Bible)
In some languages the correct meaning is indicated by using a statement instead of a question. For example:
it says, (New Living Translation (2004))
This clause introduces a quote from Scripture. Some language translations always note that in their translations. For example:
what does it say? ⌊It says as Scripture says,⌋
it: The word it refers here to the righteousness based on faith (10:6). You should refer to that here.
10:8b
The word is near you: Here the word near indicates that the word is within reach. It is not hard to get, like going up to heaven or down to the place of the dead is hard to do. Here are other ways to translate this clause:
The message is very close at hand (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
The word is not far from you
-or-
The message is easy to get/find
word: This Greek word refers to what was said. It implies many words, unified in some way. It does not refer to a single word. Here are other ways to translate this word:
message (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
news/statement
Paul explained which word he meant in 10:8d. You should not explain it here.
you: The Greek word is singular, but refers in general to anyone. In some languages the plural is used for that meaning.
10:8c
in your mouth: This is a figure of speech. It refers to the things a person knows and therefore he is able to talk about them. God’s words, either received through Moses or Paul, are known. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:
on your lips/tongue
-or-
in your minds
-or-
you are able to speak it
heart: This word refers to a person’s inner being. See how you translated it in 10:6.
General Comment on 10:8b–c
These words are a quote of Deuteronomy 30:14. If you indicate the location of quotes from the Old Testament with cross-references, you may want to do so here.
10:8d
that is: Translate this as you did in 10:6.
the word of faith: Here the word of indicates that God’s message calls people to have faith in God and the Christ/Messiah, as now known to be Jesus.
the word: Translate this as you did in 10:8b.
proclaiming: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as proclaiming means “speak loudly in public important information or news.” Here are other ways to translate this word:
announce
-or-
preach (New Jerusalem Bible)
See how you translated this word in 2:21, where the Berean Standard Bible translates it as “preach.”
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