6:23a
For: This word introduces an explanation of the two outcomes. The verse also finishes Paul’s talk about living under the power of sin (6:1–22) and the final thing Paul wanted to say about it.
Some languages may have a word that introduces that kind of thing. For example:
Look/Hey
In some languages it is more natural to omit this word.
the wages of sin is death: This a figure of speech. This clause indicates that a person receives death as a result of being a slave of sin. Here are other ways to translate this clause:
When people sin, they earn what sin pays—death. (New Century Version)
-or-
the payback of the work of sin is death
-or-
Anyone who does sin receives a salary, and that salary is death that separates us from God.
-or-
death is the outcome of sin
-or-
the person who sins, the reward/penalty is death ⌊without end⌋
6:23b
the gift of God is eternal life: The word gift means that God gives eternal life to us without putting any obligation on us. We cannot earn that gift, unlike the wages in 6:23a. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:
God gives us a free gift—life forever (New Century Version)
-or-
God’s giving for-free thing is life all days
6:23c
in Christ Jesus: Here the word in indicates that believers are joined with Jesus in a close relationship. That relationship will continue in eternal life. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:
in union with Christ Jesus (Revised English Bible)
-or-
being united with Christ Jesus
-or-
walking with Christ Jesus
See how you translated this phrase in 6:11.
Christ Jesus: The order of the words Christ Jesus emphasizes that Jesus is the Christ/Messiah. See how you translated this phrase in 1:1 or 6:11.
our Lord: The word Lord refers to someone who has authority over people. Here it indicates that Jesus has authority over believers. See how you translated this phrase in 1:4 or 5:21.
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