Paragraph 12:9–13
12:9a–19a
In the Greek, this list of commands does not have connecting words between each command. Consider what is most natural in your language.
12:9a
Love: The word Love refers to a strong affection and concern for a person. In some languages an idiom such as “give/put heart/liver” is used for the meaning of Love.
sincere: This Greek word refers to not pretending to be other than you really are. Here are other ways to translate this word:
genuine (English Standard Version)
-or-
real (New Century Version)
-or-
Don’t just pretend to love others (New Living Translation (2004))
12:9b
Detest: This word means “to dislike very much,” “hate strongly.” For example:
Hate (New International Version)
what is evil: The Greek is more literally “the evil.” Here it refers to anything that is evil. The word what is not a question word here. For example:
everything that is evil (Contemporary English Version)
evil: The Greek word refers to things that are very bad or worthless, including deeds and thoughts. The meaning here does not focus on evil people, but rather evil deeds and thoughts.
12:9c
cling to what is good: Here the word cling means “hold tightly.” For example:
hold fast to what is good (English Standard Version)
The phrase cling to is a figure of speech. It refers to being focused on what is good and doing it. Some languages cannot use this phrase for that meaning. If that is true in your language, you may want to:
• Explain the meaning in your translation and add “like.” For example:
⌊concentrate on⌋ what is good ⌊and do it⌋ ⌊like⌋ clinging to ⌊something⌋
-or-
⌊be thinking on⌋ the things that are good ⌊and be doing them⌋ ⌊like⌋ you are clinging to ⌊them⌋
• Translate the meaning without the figure of speech. For example:
concentrate on what is good and do it
-or-
be thinking on the things that are good and be doing them
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