Even though the words translated passage of scripture here and in verse 35 are different words, there is no essential difference of meaning. The passage quoted in these verses comes from the Septuagint of Isaiah 53.7-8, and it is the first time in the book of Acts that the “Suffering Servant” passage is applied to our Lord. (Note, however, 3.13.)

The verb taken must not suggest “seized” or “grabbed,” but rather “being led away.”

Though sheep are not particularly well-known in certain parts of the world (for example, the tropics or arctic regions), there is usually some knowledge concerning these animals and normally some term for them. Even the Eskimos speak of sheep as “woolly goats,” since they know wild goats and are acquainted with wool. Furthermore, sheep and lambs are so important in the biblical account and figure so prominently as symbols that one cannot substitute any other type of animal. If necessary, it is entirely possible to employ some kind of descriptive note in a glossary, and pictures of sheep and lambs may be introduced so as to make clear to the reader what type of animal is being spoken of.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on The Acts of the Apostles. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1972. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .