15:3a
For: Here this word introduces the reason why believers should please others (15:2).
even: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as even is often translated as “and” or “also.” Here it emphasizes the word “Christ.”
Christ did not please Himself: This clause indicates that Jesus did not do things that were selfish and would make only himself happy by doing them. Rather, he did things that pleased God.
but: Here this word introduces what Christ did instead of pleasing himself. Some languages will not see contrast here. For example:
Instead (Good News Translation)
-or-
indeed (New Jerusalem Bible)
as it is written: This clause introduces a quote from Scripture. The words that Paul quoted were written hundreds of years before he wrote the letter to the Romans. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly indicate these words were written at the same time as Paul wrote here. If that is true in your language, indicate it was long before Paul wrote. For example:
as it was written ⌊long ago⌋
This clause refers to what was written in the Old Testament. Some languages must make that explicit to make that clear. For example:
As scripture says (Good News Translation)
This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause here. For example:
the songwriter wrote ⌊long ago⌋
-or-
It is like it says in the Holy Book
See how you translated this clause in 1:17 or 11:26.
15:3b
This quote is from Psalm 69:9. If you indicate the location of quotes from the Old Testament with cross-references, you may want to do so here.
The insults of those who insult You: The word insults refers to saying something that indicates you do not approve of the person or deed. You criticize him for what he did. Here are other ways to translate this word:
The reproaches of those who reproach you (English Standard Version)
-or-
When people insult you (New Century Version)
-or-
The people’s despising of you (sg)
-or-
their belittling words to you
You: In the psalm this word refers to God. Paul probably also implied God here. But you should not explain who this word refers to in your translation.
have fallen on Me: Here the phrase have fallen refers to the insults affecting the person speaking (called here: Me) more than the person referred to as “you.” The person speaking takes those insults as really being directed to him. He takes them personally. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:
came to me
-or-
I am the one who was hit (by it)
-or-
have struck/hit me
-or-
hurt me also
Me: In the psalm this word refers to the writer of the psalm, King David. But as an Old Testament quote, you should not explain who this word refers to in your translation.
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