SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 2021 – Page 16

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 23:7

Paragraph 23:7–9

23:7a–b

a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as dispute here probably implies anger and shouting while they argued. Other ways to translate this clause are:

the Pharisees and the Sadducees got into a big argument (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
the Pharisees and the Sadducees began shouting and arguing with each other

23:7c

the assembly was divided: The word divided means that some of the members of the Sanhedrin had one opinion and others members had another, very different opinion. Other ways to translate this clause are:

the council members were now divided (in opinion)
-or-
the men who had gathered now separated ⌊by their beliefs⌋

This word probably does not indicate that the Sadducees and Pharisees moved from where they were and gathered into two groups on different sides of the room.

the assembly: Here the word assembly refers to the Sanhedrin. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

the meeting (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
the men in the meeting (God’s Word)
-or-
those who had assembled there

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 24:4

24:4a

in order not to burden you any further: There are two ways to interpret the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as burden:

(1) It means delay here. For example:

detain (Revised Standard Version)

(Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition, English Standard Version, God’s Word, NET Bible, Revised English Bible, New Century Version)

(2) It means weary here. For example:

bore (New Living Translation (2004))

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, New American Standard Bible, New Living Translation (2004), Contemporary English Version, King James Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because of the scholarly support for it. Other ways to translate this phrase according to interpretation (1) are:

to take up too much of your time (Good News Translation)
-or-
so that I may not delay you any further (NET Bible)
-or-
to not waste the Governor’s time

24:4b

your indulgence: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as indulgence refers to being gentle and patient. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

with your customary graciousness (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
be patient with us (Contemporary English Version)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 25:9

25:9a

wishing: Here this word means “wanting.” Festus wanted to do a favor for the Jews.

favor: This word refers to doing something that would make someone else happy, at no cost to that person. The person doing this would not explicitly ask for something in return, but a favor from the other person may be implied. See how you translated the word favor in 24:27.

said to Paul: This phrase in Greek is literally “answering said to Paul.” This indicates that Festus spoke in response to what Paul said in 25:8a–c. For example:

responding said to Paul

But Festus does not respond specifically to what Paul said in 25:8, so many English versions allow the context to indicate “answering” and omit that Greek word. Since Festus asked a question, some English versions introduce the speech in that way. For example:

asked Paul (New Revised Standard Version)

25:9b

Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem: This clause refers to Paul allowing Festus to take him to Jerusalem. Festus would still try to protect him on the way, but he did not know of the plot of the Jewish leaders to kill Paul. Festus allowed Paul to decide to go or not. Other ways to translate this clause are:

Will you allow me to take you up to Jerusalem
-or-
Is it okay/acceptable if I take you to Jerusalem

25:9c

stand trial before me on these charges: This phrase probably indicates that Festus would judge Paul on these charges in Jerusalem. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

there be tried on these charges before me (English Standard Version)
-or-
to be tried there on these charges with me as your judge (God’s Word)
-or-
for me to judge you there on these charges (New Century Version)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 26:14

26:14a

We all fell to the ground: This clause indicates that Paul and the others were so frightened by the light that they fell down.

I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew: In Greek it is natural to refer to a voice speaking when the person speaking is not seen. Paul heard Jesus speak before he saw him. In some languages it is more natural to refer to the person in a general way rather than the voice. For example:

I heard someone saying to me in Hebrew

Hebrew: The Greek phrase here is “the Hebrew language.” During the time when the Old Testament was written, they spoke Hebrew. Hebrew and Aramaic are two similar languages. Jesus’ first language was probably Aramaic. The language of Jews in Israel at that time was Aramaic. So Paul was probably referring to “the language spoken by the Hebrews”; that is, Aramaic. Translate this word as you did in 21:40.

26:14b

Saul, Saul: Repeating the name shows that the person speaks earnestly or with much feeling. In some languages repeating the name is not natural or has a different meaning. If so, translate in a way that indicates addressing someone earnestly. Two ways in English are:

Saul, friend,
-or-
Saul, brother,

Saul: Paul was also known by his Jewish name Saul (13:9). Paul is called Saul from 7:58 to 13:9.

why do you persecute Me?: Paul persecuted those who believed that Jesus was the Christ. In that way he persecuted Jesus.

This question can be understood as both a real question and a rhetorical question. Jesus wanted Saul to reply and explain himself and his motives. It is also a rhetorical way to tell Saul that he is unhappy that Saul was persecuting him and wants him to stop. But since this question can be understood as a real question, you should translate it as a question.

But some languages must translate this in the rhetorical sense of a command, because Paul does not answer this question. For example:

Stop persecuting me!

26:14c

It is hard for you to kick against the goads: This was a Greek proverb that was probably well-known in Israel. The metaphor refers to an ox or other animal used for pulling things. Its owner uses a “goad” (a sharp stick) to direct it. The ox may rebel and kick at the owner, but the owner points the goad at its leg so it kicks the goad instead. This teaches the ox not to kick but do as directed.

The Greek proverb indicates that people should not rebel against what the gods tell them to do, because if they do rebel, they only hurt themselves. Jesus used this proverb to indicate that Saul was fighting against God by persecuting people who followed Jesus.

In some languages, a literal translation would not have the correct meaning. If so, you may want to:

• Translate literally and explain the meaning in a footnote. An example footnote is:

This proverb refers to an ox or other animal rebelling and kicking at the owner, but the owner points the goad at its leg so it kicks the goad instead. Jesus used this proverb to indicate that Saul was fighting against God by persecuting people who followed Jesus.
-or-
This proverb indicates that Saul was fighting against God by persecuting people who followed Jesus.

• Use a proverb or saying in your language that has that meaning. You may then want a footnote to indicate the literal words. An example footnote is:

Literally: “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” This saying means that Saul was hurting himself by what he was doing.

• Explain the meaning in your translation. For example:

You are ⌊fighting against God but only hurting yourself like an ox/donkey⌋ kicking at its owner but kicking the goad instead.
-or-
You are hurting yourself by hitting back, like an ox kicking against its owner’s stick. (Good News Translation)

• Translate the meaning without the figure of speech. For example:

You are fighting against God but only hurting yourself.
-or-
It’s hard for [ a mortal like ] you to resist God. (God’s Word)

You may then want a footnote to indicate the literal words. An example footnote is:

Literally: “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”

goads: The goads were pointed sticks. They were used to poke an animal to make it move or change direction. The goads were not used to injure the animal. Another English word is:

prods

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 27:14

27:14a

But it was not long before: There is possible contrast here to the hopeful beginning to the sailing from Fair Havens with the change of winds. This is why the Berean Standard Bible and many English versions translate the Greek conjunction which occurs in 27:14a as But. For example:

But before very long (New American Standard Bible)

it was not long before: This phrase in Greek is literally “after not much.” Here it refers to a short time after they began sailing. For example:

soon (Revised Standard Version)

a cyclone: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as a cyclone refers to a wind that blows very hard. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

a violent wind (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
a wind of typhoon strength (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
a powerful wind (God’s Word)
-or-
a terrific gale (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

27:14b

called the Northeaster:
The wind was from the northeast. So they named the wind Northeaster. People feared this wind because it often blew ships off course or made big waves that damaged them. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

called “the northeast wind”
-or-

⌊fearfully⌋ called the “Northeaster”
-or-
which ⌊people⌋ called the Northeast Wind

Some languages have names for winds coming from certain directions. If your language has a name for a wind coming from the northeast, you may want to use it here.

swept down: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as swept refers here to moving quickly. This wind blew hard from the mountainous island of Crete down to the sea. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

blew down (Good News Translation)
-or-
burst on them (New Jerusalem Bible)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 28:2

28:2a

The islanders: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as islanders refers to those who did not speak Greek as their mother tongue. It implies a different culture as well. The people of Malta spoke Punic and culturally were Phoenician, but they were familiar with Greek and Roman languages and cultures. Other ways to translate this word are:

the natives (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
The inhabitants (New Jerusalem Bible)

showed us extraordinary kindness: The Greek tense probably indicates that the islanders showed kindness for some time. They did not just help them once and then ignore them. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

were very friendly to us (Good News Translation)
-or-
treated us with uncommon kindness (Revised English Bible)

extraordinary kindness: This phrase in Greek is literally “no ordinary kindness.” This emphasizes that the people showed them much kindness, more than what would normally be expected. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

unusual kindness (New International Version)
-or-
did many good things for us, much more than we anticipated

28:2b

The Greek conjunction usually translated “for” introduces the clauses here. It introduces how the people of the island were kind to the people from the shipwreck. Here is another way to translate this:

for (Revised Standard Version)

They kindled a fire: Here the verb kindled refers to piling wood and starting a fire. Many languages would use a different verb here. For example:

they lit a bonfire (Revised English Bible)
-or-
They started a fire

it was raining: The Greek clause indicates that the rain had started earlier and was still raining. Other ways to translate this clause are:

the rain that had set in (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
It had started to rain (Good News Translation)

cold: This was probably about 10°C (50°F). This is cold but not freezing. The people from the ship had already swum in cold sea water and the rain was cold and the wind was blowing.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 1:20

Paragraph 1:20

1:20a

For it is written in the book of Psalms: Some versions add the phrase “said Peter,” because Luke’s extra information in 1:18–19 interrupts Peter’s speech. The Berean Standard Bible and other English versions do not add such a phrase, but it may be helpful to reintroduce Peter speaking. For example:

Peter continued: “For it is written in the Book of Psalms
-or-
Peter also said, “For it is written in the Book of Psalms

For: This word introduces an explanation here. This verse explains what Scripture (1:16) Peter had in mind. Here are some other ways to translate this word:

Now (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
The words I have in mind (Revised English Bible)

it is written: This phrase is used here to introduce a quote from the Old Testament scriptures. Here the quote is from the book of Psalms.

The clause is passive. Here are some ways to translate it:

• Use a passive verb, as the Berean Standard Bible does.

• Use an active verb. King David wrote both of the Psalms that Peter quoted here. God inspired David to write those things. For example:

⌊David⌋ wrote
-or-

⌊God⌋ wrote ⌊through David⌋

1:20b–c

‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it’: These two clauses are commands in the third person (to “he/him”) in the Greek. David commands that something happen, but does not speak the command directly to that person or thing. Here it is implied that he asked God to make it that way. English does not have third person commands, but uses the words May and let for a similar meaning. Consider how your language does this kind of command.

These two clauses are an example of a Jewish poetry style. They wrote two clauses with similar meaning. This emphasizes the similar meaning. In some languages repeating a similar meaning is used in a different way (such as a rebuke). If that is true in your language, you may want to emphasize the meaning in a natural way in your language. For example:

May his place be deserted with no one to dwell in it!
-or-
May no one ever dwell in his place again!

1:20b

1:20b–c is a quote from Psalm 69:25. You will probably want to include this information in a cross-reference in your translation.

May his place be deserted: This clause is passive. Some languages must translate without using a passive clause. For example:

May his place be empty

his place: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as place refers to the location where a person lives. For example:

his house (Good News Translation)

But Peter was concerned with Judas’s position as an apostle, not with where Judas lived. So the Berean Standard Bible translates with the more general word place, which also allows the meaning of “position.”

deserted: This word refers to people leaving a building or place so that it remains empty of people. Here are some other ways to translate this word:

abandoned
-or-
uninhabited
-or-
empty (Good News Translation)

1:20c

let there be no one to dwell in it: The word dwell refers to living somewhere. For example:

may no one live in it (Good News Translation)

1:20d

1:20d is a quote from Psalm 109:8. You may want to include this information in a footnote or cross-reference in your translation.

and, ‘May another take his position’: The word and introduces the second quote from the book of Psalms. In some languages it is clearer or more natural to introduce this quote in a similar way to the first quote. For example:

It is also written, ‘May someone else take his place of service.’ (Good News Translation)

May another take his position: This is also a command in the third person in the Greek, as in 1:20b. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

Let someone else take over his office. (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
Let another take his position of responsibility (NET Bible)

his position: Here this phrase refers to Judas having the position of an apostle. But the Old Testament quote refers generally to a position of responsibility. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

his position of responsibility (NET Bible)
-or-
Let another man replace him as leader (New Century Version)
-or-
his place of leadership (New International Version)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 2:26

2:26a

my heart is glad: Here the word heart refers figuratively to the mind, emotions, and will of a person. It refers to the part of a person that he uses to think, feel, and make decisions.

In some languages people refer figuratively to this part of a person as his mind, throat, liver, or stomach. They are not referring literally to that physical part of the body. Translate in a natural way to refer to this spiritual part of a person.

my tongue rejoices: This clause is a figure of speech. It means “I speak joyfully.” Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

my words are full of joy (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
I express my joy in words
-or-
I speak of my happiness

2:26b

my body also will dwell in hope: This clause is a figure of speech. It indicates that in his life on this earth David would always hope in God.

In some languages a literal translation would not have that meaning. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Translate the meaning of the figure of speech in the text. For example:

I will also live in hope

You may then want to indicate the literal words in a footnote. Here is an example footnote on the word “I”:

Literally “my body”

• Translate literally and explain the meaning of the figure of speech in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:

This is a figure of speech. It indicates that David would also live in hope in God.

dwell in hope: This phrase refers to continually being confident in a belief. David was always confident that God would protect him.

dwell: There are two ways that the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as dwell is interpreted:

(1) It means live.

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New International Version, New American Standard Bible, English Standard Version, Contemporary English Version, NET Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition, Revised English Bible)

(2) It means rest.

(Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, King James Version, New Living Translation (2004), God’s Word)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 2021