11:15a
For: Here this word introduces an explanation of 11:13–14.
if: Here the word if introduces a situation that is true. If this first part is true, that supports the second part (acceptance of the Jews would mean life from the dead (11:15c)) to also be true.
In some languages, using an if -clause would have a different meaning. If that is true in your language, translate the correct meaning. For example:
if ⌊it is true that⌋ their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, ⌊and it is⌋ ⌊true,⌋
-or-
their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, so
See how you translated this kind of if in 3:5 or 11:12.
their rejection: This phrase could mean “someone has rejected them” or “they have rejected someone or something.” Many English versions, like the Berean Standard Bible here, translate in a way that allows for either interpretation. If you can translate in a way that allows both interpretations, you may want to do so.
A few English versions choose “someone has rejected them.” For example:
they were rejected (Good News Translation)
-or-
God turned away from the Jews (New Century Version)
Many scholars support this interpretation. If you must choose, you may want to follow this interpretation.
is: There is no verb in the Greek here. Usually, “be/is” is implied. Here “their trespass” leads to “riches for the world.” So some English versions add a verb like “means” (as in the English Standard Version). You may be able to translate this as you did in 11:12.
reconciliation: This word refers to causing two people or two groups of people, who have been enemies, to be at peace with one another. Jesus, by his death and resurrection, has made a way for people to be reconciled to God. Some languages use a phrase for this meaning. For example:
he made peace
-or-
he brought us back to be God’s friends
See how you translated this word in 5:11.
the world: This phrase implies that reconciliation with God is available to all people, and in particular to the people who are not Jews. It does not imply that all people will be reconciled with God. People must believe in Jesus to be reconciled in this way.
In some languages a literal translation would refer only to the physical world. If that is true in your language, you may want to:
• Explain the meaning in your translation. For example:
⌊people throughout⌋ the ⌊whole⌋ world
-or-
all other people (Good News Translation)
-or-
other people in the world (New Century Version)
• Translate literally and explain the meaning in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:
This phrase implies that reconciliation with God is available to all people, and in particular to the people who are not Jews.
11:15b–c
what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?: Here the word but introduces the answer to the question what will their acceptance be ? In many languages the answer will need to be separated from the question. For example:
what will their acceptance be? It can only be life from the dead ⌊for them⌋.
-or-
what will their acceptance be? It will be that they will gain life from the dead.
This is a rhetorical question. In some languages people will see this as a real question. If that is true in your language, translate it as a statement. For example:
their acceptance will be this: life from the dead.
11:15b
acceptance: If you translated “their rejection” in 11:15a as someone rejecting them, then this word would refer to that same someone accepting them back into a relationship with him. Scholars generally see that here it is God who accepts them.
be: There is no verb in the Greek here. Usually, “be/is” is implied. Here “their trespass” leads to “riches for the world.” So some English versions add a verb like “mean” (as in the English Standard Version). You may be able to translate this as you did in 11:15a.
11:15c
life from the dead: This phrase refers to life after the resurrection of the dead. It implies that God’s promises apply to the Jews when they believe in Jesus. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:
bring them life after death (New Century Version)
-or-
they will receive the thing for being taken from death and given life
-or-
The dead [ones] will get life!
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