And then translates a frequently used transitional in Matthew.

I will declare translates a Greek verb which has a wide variety of meanings; quite frequently it is translated “confess.” Here the verb has its root meaning of “to speak openly and freely.” Most translations prefer a somewhat strong affirmation: “I will pass judgment” (Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch), “I shall tell them to their faces” (New Jerusalem Bible), “I will tell them straight” (Barclay), and “I shall tell them plainly” (Phillips). Many translators find that the Phillips rendering is a helpful model. They have “I will tell them openly (or, directly).”

Several scholars note that the words I never knew you constitute a formula used by Jewish rabbis when pronouncing a ban against someone; it means “I have nothing to do with you” or “You mean nothing to me.” Barclay translates “You are complete strangers to me!” “I have nothing to do with you” or “You were not my people (or, my followers)” are the most common renderings.

Evildoers (Good News Translation “wicked people”) is literally “who work lawlessness.” The noun “lawlessness” is one of Matthew’s favorite terms (see 13.41; 23.28; 24.12; it is not found in the other Gospels). In the Old Testament “lawlessness” means doing what is contrary to the Law of God, which is also true for Matthew. However, for him “lawlessness” is expressed in the failure to show love for one’s neighbor, since “love” is the true fulfillment of God’s Law. A number of translations are dynamic: “Out of my sight! Your deeds were sins!” (Barclay), “out of my sight, you and your wicked ways!” (New English Bible), and “You have neglected to live according to the will of God; away with you!” (Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch).

Depart from me, you evildoers is an allusion to Psalm 6.8. A parallel passage is found in Luke 13.27. Neither Luke nor Matthew agree in all details with the Septuagint. Luke agrees with the Septuagint in its choice of the initial verb (Good News Translation “Get away”), while Matthew’s choice of a verb differs. On the other hand, Matthew agrees with the Septuagint in its use of the final noun (“lawlessness”), while Luke prefers another noun in its place (“wickedness”).

The expression depart from me is certainly not very colloquial English. Good News Translation “Get away from me” is much better. Other possibilities include “Leave!” or “Get out of my sight.”

As for you evildoers, it is difficult to have an expression that is both accurate, in line with the explanations above, and also dynamic. New English Bible, Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch, and Barclay are good attempts. Other translators have said “Disobedient people!” “You never did what God required,” or “Your ways were contrary to God.”

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 .