2:21a–23b

These verses are the then-clause of the if-clause in 2:17–20. Paul probably expected any religious Jew or Jewish Christian to agree that he or she is like the person described in the if-clause. Now he asked if they follow that religion properly. Or were they hypocritical, saying what was good but doing evil?

Paul used four rhetorical questions and an accusation to point out possible ways of being hypocritical. If they were being hypocritical, these rhetorical questions and accusation were a rebuke to them to stop doing those evil deeds. Consider how to translate that meaning here.

2:21a

you, then, who teach others: The word then connects to the if-clause of 2:17–20. See the above note.

In some languages the word then must be first in the clause. For example:

then you who teach others

General Comment on 2:17a–2:21a

The if-clause begins in 2:17a and continues to 2:20c. Such a long if-clause may not be natural or easy to follow in some languages. If that is true in your language, you may want to use grammar or words that indicate the possibility of 2:17a–20c and put the if-clause at the beginning of 2:21a. For example:

17a But you may call yourself a Jew…. 19a and you may be convinced that you are a guide for the blind…20c having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth. 21a ⌊If you think like that⌋, then you who teach others…

2:21b

do you not teach yourself?: This is a rhetorical question. It emphasizes that this person should teach himself. That is, he should follow or obey what he teaches. Translate this clause with that meaning. Here are some ways:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

why don’t you teach yourself? (Good News Translation)
-or-
do you obey/follow what you teach?

• As a statement. For example:

you do not obey/follow what you teach
-or-
maybe you do not teach yourself

2:21c

preach: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as preach means “announce important information or news in public.” Here are other ways to translate this word:

announce
-or-
proclaim (Revised English Bible)

stealing: This refers to taking other people’s possessions when they do not want you to. It usually implies taking them secretly.

2:21d

do you steal?: This is a rhetorical question. It emphasizes that this person should not steal. Translate this clause with that meaning. Here are some ways:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

but do you yourself steal? (Good News Translation)

• As a statement. For example:

you yourself steal
-or-
maybe it is you who steals ⌊things⌋

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