Paragraph 3:19–20

3:19a

Now: This conjunction indicates that Paul resumed his thoughts after the quotes from Scripture. Consider how to indicate that in your language. For example:

So then
-or-
That is what the written word of God says, and

whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law: The phrase those who are under the law refers to Jews. The Good News Translation makes this clear by capitalizing law, their way of indicating the Laws of Moses. For example:

everything in the Law applies to those who live under the Law

whatever the law says, it says: In some languages, it is not natural to refer to laws “saying” anything. If that is true in your language, translate the correct meaning. For example:

whatever is written in the laws, it is written

those who are under the law: The Greek phrase is literally “the ones in the law.” It indicates that people live within boundaries set by the law, and in a way the law defines who they are. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

those who are subject to the Law (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
the people who exist/live within/under those laws

3:19b

so that every mouth may be silenced: The phrase so that introduces a purpose clause. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

in order to silence every mouth
-or-
for the purpose of stopping every mouth

every mouth may be silenced: This is a figure of speech. It indicates that no one will have an excuse. They will not be able to argue with God when he judges them.

This clause is passive. Some languages must translate it as an active clause. For example:

⌊God⌋ may silence every mouth
-or-

⌊God⌋ may keep people from having excuses

may: Here this word indicates that something will possibly happen. But Paul was convinced that God would silence every mouth. The word “will,” in English, indicates something more certain than may here. Consider what word or grammar in your language would indicate that every mouth will (certainly) be stopped.

3:19c

and the whole world held accountable to God: This clause is the second purpose.

the whole world: This is a figure of speech. Here it means “all the people in the world.” In some languages a literal translation would not have the correct meaning. If that is true in your language, explain its meaning in the text. For example:

every ⌊person⌋ in the world

held accountable: The Greek is literally “may come under judgment.” It indicates that every person is responsible for their deeds and words, and God will judge them as guilty for every evil deed and everything said to hurt someone. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

deserves punishment
-or-
deserves for God to punish them
-or-
is/are sinful in God’s sight and God must punish them

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