Translation commentary on Matthew 21:44

There is considerable degree of doubt concerning the presence of this verse in the text. A number of scholars believe it to have been introduced early into Matthew’s text on the basis of Luke 20.18. However, as TC-GNT indicates, the wording is not the same, and a scribe would more appropriately have introduced it after verse 42. On the other hand it is easy to see how a scribe’s eye could have glanced over the verse, since in Greek the last word of verse 43 is similar to the last word of verse 44. It is included in New International Version, Moffatt, An American Translation, and Traduction œcuménique de la Bible, though New International Version and Traduction œcuménique de la Bible provide footnotes concerning the textual problem. New American Bible and Bibel im heutigen Deutsch, 1st edition place it in brackets, without a footnote; in Luther 1984 it is placed in brackets followed by a footnote indicating its absence from some ancient manuscripts. Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, New English Bible, and New Jerusalem Bible place it in the margin with a footnote. At least one scholar suggests that the background for the reference is Daniel 2.44-45 and Isaiah 8.14, and he concludes that the verse was not brought in from Luke but represents an original part of the Matthean text. If it is not included as part of the text, it should be listed in a footnote.

If the verse is included as a part of the translation, it should be clear that this stone refers back to the stone mentioned in verse 42. Moreover, will be broken to pieces should not be interpreted as punishment for falling on the stone, but as a description of what happens when one falls on the stone: “Whoever falls on this stone will be cut to pieces by the stone.” The verb broken to pieces is found elsewhere in the New Testament only in Luke 20.18; the root meaning is “crush (together)” or “dash to pieces.” New American Bible renders “smashed to bits,” and Good News Translation has “cut to pieces.”

Crush translates a verb which means “winnow” or “crush”; elsewhere in the New Testament it is found only in Luke 20.18. If crush does not give the idea of death, then “crush to death” or “kill” can be used.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on the Gospel of Matthew. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1988. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

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