Paragraph 6:8–11

6:8a–b

if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him: Here, the word if introduces a situation that is true. If this first part is true, that supports the second part (we believe that we will also live with Him).

Here the word if does not indicate that we died with Christ might not be true. In some languages a literal translation would indicate this incorrect meaning. If that is true in your language, translate the correct meaning without using if. For example:

consider this : we died with Christ, therefore we believe that we will also live with him
-or-

it is true that we have been united with him in a death like his, therefore we believe that we will also live with him
-or-
we have been united with him in a death like his, therefore we believe that we will also live with him

6:8a

Now: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Now indicates that Paul added something new to his discussion here. In English the word Now does something similar. It does not mean “at the present time” here. Some languages would use “And,” some languages would omit this word, and some languages would use another word or phrase for that meaning.

we died with Christ: This is a metaphor for part of what happens when we first believe in Jesus as the Christ. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly refer to our physical body dying. If that is true in your language, translate the correct meaning. For example:

we have become ⌊as if⌋ dead, sharing in the death of Christ
-or-
we were included/joined in dying in Cristo’s death
-or-
as for our former evil nature/ways, (they were) included along with Cristo in being killed

6:8b

we believe that: The word that indicates that “we will also live with him” is what believers believe to be true. The word believe does not refer to believing in Jesus here. In some languages believe is only used in the sense of “believing in someone.” If that is true in your language, translate the correct meaning. For example:

we say it is true that

we will also live with Him: Some scholars think this refers to living with Jesus in the future, renewed world. Others think it refers to our time on earth. And others think it is both. If possible, allow the future to refer to or imply both.

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