11:35a–b
These words are from Job 41:11a, but it is not an exact quote. However, some English versions put quote marks around Romans 11:35. If you indicate the location of quotes from the Old Testament with cross-references, you may want to do so here.
Who has first given to God, that God should repay him?: This is a rhetorical question. It emphasizes that no one, by giving something to God, has forced God to give him something in return. Translate with that meaning. Here are some ways:
• As a rhetorical question. For example:
Who has ever given him anything, so that he had to pay it back? (Good News Translation)
-or-
Has anyone first given a gift to him/God so that he/God must give a gift in return?
• As a statement. For example:
No one has first given a gift to him so that he had to repay him.
-or-
No one gave something to him/God, thus requiring him/God to give something in return
11:35a
Who: This word introduces another quote from Scripture. Some languages use a standard way to introduce Scripture quotes. For example:
⌊As the Holy Book also says,⌋ “Who…
has first given to God: The Greek word here means “gave (something) beforehand.” Here are other ways to translate this Greek word:
has given to God first
-or-
gave a gift to him so that he must repay ⌊that giving⌋
11:35b
that: This is the Greek word usually translated as “and.” The context implies that a result follows here. Some languages can use “and” and imply that meaning. For example:
and
God should repay him: The Greek is more literally “it will be repaid to him.” It implies that God must give something in return for the gift given to him. Here are other ways to translate this clause:
he might be repaid (English Standard Version)
-or-
to receive a gift in return (New Revised Standard Version)
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