14:17a
For: Here this word introduces the reason for not destroying a fellow believer or letting people speak evil of your freedom in what you eat (14:15–16).
the kingdom of God: This phrase refers to God’s rule over his people. It does not refer to a land or country that he rules over. It also refers to the relationship that he has with his people. He leads, protects, and cares for them. They trust him and obey him as their king. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:
God’s rule/reign
-or-
God’s kingship
-or-
the way God rules his people
-or-
the way God cares for his people as their king
a matter of eating and drinking: This phrase indicates that the important topics in the kingdom of God are not about eating or not eating certain foods or about drinking or not drinking certain beverages. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:
about eating and drinking (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
In the kingdom of God, eating and drinking are not important. (New Century Version)
14:17b
but of righteousness: The words “a matter” are implied from 14:17a but not repeated here. In some languages it is more natural to repeat these words. For example:
but a matter of righteousness
righteousness: Here this word refers to deeds and thoughts that God says are right to do or think. See how you translated this word in 6:13.
peace: Here this word refers to well-being and being free from troubles.
joy: This word refers to a continuing experience of being happy or glad.
in the Holy Spirit: This phrase connects to righteousness, peace, and joy, not just joy. If possible, make that clear.
in: Here this word refers to being righteous and having peace and joy because the power of the Holy Spirit enables us to do or have those things. Here are other ways to translate this word:
in ⌊the power of⌋
-or-
brought by the Holy Spirit (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
which the Holy Spirit gives (Good News Translation)
the Holy Spirit: This phrase refers to God’s Spirit. The word Spirit is used in a similar way to when a person refers to his own spirit. The word Holy here means “clean” or “sacred.” But it also refers to “coming from God.” See how you translated this phrase in 5:5 or 9:1.
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