1:9a
The Greek of 1:9a begins with a word that is often translated as “for” (as in the English Standard Version). This word introduces support for Paul saying that he thanked God for the believers in Rome. Some languages can omit this word and imply this connection, as the Berean Standard Bible does.
God…is my witness: This clause is an oath. Paul knew that God could confirm that Paul was praying often for the believers in Rome. It also encourages the believers in Rome to believe that Paul was praying often for them and not doubt what he said here. It also emphasizes that Paul was speaking the truth about praying for them. Here are other ways to translate this clause:
God knows and can tell you
-or-
God has seen and can proclaim
whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel of His Son: This clause further describes God. It does not separate this God from other gods. For the correct meaning in some languages, translators must avoid the word whom. Here is one way:
I serve God with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, and he is my witness
This clause also interrupts what Paul wanted the Roman believers to know (in the Greek: “God is my witness…that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers”). In some languages, it is more natural to have this clause in a different place. For example:
For I serve God with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, and he is my witness
-or-
9-10 God is my witness that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers. I serve him with my spirit in the gospel of his Son. I am asking…
I serve: Here this word refers to doing things that God wants people to do. For Paul, this word would include his work as an apostle and evangelist. Here are other ways to translate this word:
I do his will
-or-
I do everything that he commands me to do
This word does not refer to giving food to God here.
with my spirit: There are two ways to interpret the Greek words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as with my spirit :
(1) It indicates that Paul’s spirit was the means by which he served God. For example:
in my spirit (New American Standard Bible)
(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New International Version (2011), New Jerusalem Bible, King James Version, New American Standard Bible, NET Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition, English Standard Version)
(2) It refers to the sincerity of Paul’s service. Paul was saying that he served God completely or wholeheartedly. For example:
whom I serve with my whole heart (New International Version)
(New International Version, Good News Translation, New Living Translation (2004), Contemporary English Version, New Century Version)
It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because the Greek phrase “in…spirit” does not mean “sincere” anywhere else in the NT.
my spirit: The word spirit refers to the part of a person that is not the physical part. It includes the thinking, attitudes, emotions, and desires of that person. In some languages spirit is only used after a person has died physically. If that is true in your language, use the word with the correct meaning here. For example:
my insides
-or-
my life
in preaching the gospel of His Son: The phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as in preaching the gospel of His Son is literally “in the gospel of his Son.” It indicates that Paul’s service to God was in reference to sharing the good news about Jesus Christ. This included preaching, teaching, and doing miracles in the name of Jesus Christ. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:
concerning the gospel of his Son
-or-
in regard to the gospel of his Son
The Berean Standard Bible supplies the phrase in preaching. This is not in the Greek. While that is part of Paul’s service, he did many other things in relation to the gospel. Here is a more general way to translate the idea:
in spreading the Good News about his Son
gospel: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as gospel means “good news.” Here, it refers to the good news that God sent Jesus to rescue us from wrongdoing and reconcile us to God. See how you translated this word in 1:1.
of: The word of here probably indicates that the gospel informs people about Jesus. For example:
about (New Living Translation (2004))
His Son: The phrase His Son refers to Jesus. He is God’s Son. It indicates that the relationship between God and Jesus is similar to the relationship of human fathers and their sons. See how you translated this phrase in 1:3.
1:9b
how constantly: This phrase is an exaggeration for emphasis. Here it means “continually” or “all the time.” It does not mean “every minute that Paul was awake.” Here are other ways to translate this phrase:
continually (NET Bible)
-or-
never stop (Contemporary English Version)
I remember you: This word indicates here that Paul referred to them when he to God. It also may indicate remembering to pray for them. Paul prayed briefly but often for the Roman believers.
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