SIL Translator’s Notes on Ephesians 2019 – Page 17

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ephesians 4:8

4:8

Paul used a quotation from Psalm 68:18 although the wording is a little different. He used this quotation to support what he had just said about Christ giving gifts. In this psalm, the writer described a Jewish king who had defeated his enemies and returned in victory. In a parade to celebrate his victory, he went up the hill to Mount Zion in Jerusalem. During the parade, he forced some of the enemy soldiers he had captured to follow along behind him and implied in this passage is that from the plunder he gave gifts to his followers/soldiers.

4:8a

This is why: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translated This is why indicates that Paul used the quote in 4:8b–c to support what he has just said in 4:7.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

This is supported by
-or-
Therefore (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
As (Contemporary English Version)

it says: The pronoun it here refers to the Scriptures. In some languages it is not natural to say that a book says. So you may want to translate this:

we read words in God’s Book like this
-or-
they/someone wrote in the Book of God”

4:8b

When He ascended on high: Psalm 68 describes how the victorious king went up Mount Zion (a hill in Jerusalem) followed by the enemies he had captured. Paul saw this as a picture of Christ ascending to heaven. Just as the king won a victory and then went up to a high place, so also Christ won a victory (over sin and death) and then went up to a high place (God’s right side in heaven).

Since this is a quotation from the Psalms, you should translate on high in 4:8b in a general way. In the Psalm, on high refers to Mount Zion, so do not translate it “to heaven” here. Also, the pronoun He in this quotation should not be translated “Christ” because Psalm 68 does not mention the word “Christ.”

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

When He went up to a high place
-or-
If He ascended going to a high place (Uma back translation)

4:8c

He led captives away: The phrase He led captives away means that the king brought many prisoners along with him.

captives: The word captives refers to enemies the king had captured in a battle. These enemies then became prisoners of the king.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

he led a crowd of captives (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
he led away many prisoners (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
He brought along behind him many prisoners

4:8d

and gave gifts to men: The verb gave here is different from the verb in the psalm which is “received gifts,” but the translator must of course translate what Paul wrote in this verse. The word gifts here refers to material gifts, so you should not translate it “special abilities,” but rather something general like:

good things
-or-
blessings

to men: In the context of this quotation, to men refers to the king’s followers. It does not refer to his enemies in 4:8c. It should be clear in your translation that the reference is not to his enemies here. For example:

and gave gifts to his people (New Living Translation (2004))

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Ephesians 5:8

5:8a–b

you were once darkness, but now you are light: Paul contrasted the way they once were in the past before they were Christians, with the way they now are, now that they are Christians.

darkness…light: The words darkness and light are metaphors here. Many languages use darkness and light as metaphors. In this context, darkness refers to being disobedient and separated from the will and purposes of God. Here, light represents having true knowledge about the will and purposes of God.

Paul uses this metaphor for several verses here, and often in his writings. You should try to keep the metaphors of light and dark, if possible.

5:8a

For: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as For introduces the reason that the Ephesians should not be partners with evil people. They should not be partners because they are now in the light.

Some versions do not translate this conjunction. Translate it in a way that is natural in your language.

you were once darkness: Here are some ways to translate this clause:

You used to be like people living in the dark (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
your hearts were dark
-or-
you lived/dwelt in the dark
-or-
the darkness ⌊of disobedience and sin⌋ controlled you

5:8b

but now you are light: Here are some ways to translate this clause:

now you have light ⌊from the Lord⌋ (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
now you have ⌊entered⌋ God’s light ⌊of truth and goodness⌋
-or-
now God has made your hearts bright ⌊with purity and truth⌋

Use expressions that are natural and clear in your language.

in the Lord: The phrase in the Lord means:

since you have become the Lord’s people
-or-
in union with the Lord (Jesus)
-or-
since you have become united to the Lord

Lord: Here the word Lord refers to Jesus. When Paul used the word Lord in his letters, he almost always meant the Lord Jesus.

5:8c

Walk: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible literally translates as Walk means “behave.” See how you translated “walk/live” in 2:2a, 2:10c and 4:1b.)

as children of light: The phrase children of light here contrasts with the “sons of disobedience” in 5:6b. It refers to people who live in the light of God’s truth, that is, “people who behave as God wants.” All believers are children of light : they have turned away from their sins (darkness) and have come to Christ (light). For example:

people who belong to the light (Good News Translation)

Here are some other ways to translate “Walk as children of light”:

So act like people of the light (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
So you must live like people who belong to the light (Good News Translation)
-or-
Live as children who have light. (God’s Word)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ephesians 6:7

6:7a

Serve with good will: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as with good will means “enthusiastically” or “cheerfully.” Here, it means slaves should do their work willingly and happily, not just because they have to do it.

Here are some ways to translate this word:

• As an adverb. For example:

Work happily
-or-
Work willingly

• As a verb. For example:

Be-happy doing your work

• As an idiom: If your language has an idiom that means to do something with a cheerful willing attitude, you can use that. For example:

Let your heart dance while you do your work

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

Work with enthusiasm (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
Do your work as slaves cheerfully (Good News Translation)
-or-
Serve eagerly (God’s Word)

6:7b

as to the Lord and not to men: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible literally translates as as to the Lord and not to men means that a Christian slave serves the Lord, even when he is doing daily work for his master.

Here are some ways to translate this phrase:

Consider that you are doing your work for the Lord, not just for people
-or-
When you do your work, think this: you are working for the Lord, you are not just working for your master

the Lord: Here Lord refers to Christ (6:5c, 6:6b).

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ephesians 1:21

1:21a

far above: The phrase far above means that Christ is higher in rank than all other rulers. He is superior to them.

If you wish to begin a new sentence here, you can say:

He is far above (God’s Word)
-or-
Christ rules there above (Good News Translation)

all rule and authority, power and dominion: This list refers to all ranks of supernatural, spiritual beings. The list does not refer to earthly rulers. The meaning is that Christ is superior to all good angels and evil spirits however great they are.

dominion: The word dominion refers to the ruling power of angels. It is similar in meaning to “authority” and “power.”

Here are some other ways to translate this list of terms:

all heavenly rulers, authorities, powers, and lords (Good News Translation)
-or-
any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else (New Living Translation (2004))

It is possible to translate these four terms by one, two or three terms. See the Display for some examples.

1:21b

every name: The word name here means “title.” It refers to a word that is attached to a person’s name to show their rank or profession, or to give them honor. Some common titles in English are “Doctor,” “Captain,” and “Mayor.” God gave Jesus a title for his task that is more important than any other title/name. This means that Jesus’ authority is superior to that of any other person.

that is named: This is a passive. The “names” referred to in this verse are given by man. If it is not clear in your translation who is giving these names, you can add:

given ⌊by man⌋

Some ways to translate this verb are:

• As a passive verb. For example:

and all other names that can be named (God’s Word)

• As an active verb. For example:

his name is greater than all other names ⌊that people⌋ can give
-or-
he has a title superior to all titles (Good News Translation)

1:21c

not only in the present age but also in the one to come: This long clause means that Jesus’ authority is greater than the authority of anyone or anything that exists today or that will come in the future. For example:

He rules over all beings in this world and will rule in the future world as well. (Contemporary English Version)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ephesians 3:8

3:8a

Though: The Berean Standard Bible has supplied the word Though in order to emphasize Paul’s amazement that God would choose him to do this task. The Greek text begins 3:8a with an emphatic “To me,” as in the Revised Standard Version. Try to find a natural way in the language to show this emphasis. Some other versions do this by adding “but” or “yet” at the beginning of 3:8b. For example:

I am the least of all God’s people. Yet, God showed me his kindness… (God’s Word)
-or-
I am the least important of all God’s people. But God was kind… (Contemporary English Version)

I am less than the least: The phrase less than the least is a strong statement that means “the very least” or “the most unimportant.”

Paul humbly said that he was not important. Try to find a strong expression in your language. Be careful that your translation does not mean that Paul was physically smaller or weaker than other believers. In some languages the correct idea can be expressed by an idiom, such as:

I am behind all God’s people
-or-
I am lower than all God’s people

If your language makes comparisons by contrasting one phrase with another, you may need to translate this phrase in a different way. For example:

All of God’s people might have a name, but I have no name, I am underneath everyone.

all the saints: A literal English translation of the Greek is “holy ones.” It means “people set apart for God.” This Greek word refers to every believer. See how you translated this same expression in 2:19b.

See Holy, Meaning 1, special use in the Glossary for more information.

3:8b

this grace was given me: This clause is a passive. God gave this grace to Paul.

this grace: The meaning of grace here is “privilege, special work.” Here it refers to Paul’s work as an apostle and preacher of the gospel.

The phrase this grace is a short way of saying the same thing Paul just said in 3:7a: “This work of preaching the gospel that God in his grace gave me.”

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

he graciously gave me the privilege (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
God showed me his kindness by allowing me (God’s Word)

See grace, Meaning 4 in the Glossary for more information.

3:8c

to preach: The word preach means to publicly tell or announce a message. See how you translated “preached” in 2:17a.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

to announce
-or-
to declare publicly

to the Gentiles: Here the word Gentiles refers to people who are not Jews. See how you translated Gentiles in 3:6c.

unsearchable riches of Christ: The word unsearchable means “too great/big to be understood or imagined.”

riches of Christ: The phrase riches of Christ refers to the spiritual blessings of Christ, not just to material wealth. These spiritual riches may refer to:

(1) riches which Christ gives. For example:

endless treasures available to them in Christ (New Living Translation (2004))

(2) riches which Christ possesses, that is, his divine glory and perfection.

Most versions use words that could be understood either way. If you must choose, follow interpretation (1).

In your translation, avoid any word that refers only to material wealth.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

immeasurable wealth of Christ (God’s Word)
-or-
because of Christ there are blessings that cannot be measured (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
the riches of Christ, which are too great to understand fully (New Century Version)
-or-
The unimaginable blessings of Christ

Also, see how you translated riches in 1:7c and 1:18c.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ephesians 4:19

4:19

Commentators and versions differ on how 4:19a and 4:19b are connected to one another. There are two main interpretations:

(1) “Having lost all sense of shame” is the reason “they have given themselves over to sensuality.” For example:

Since they no longer have any sense of shame (God’s Word)

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, New Jerusalem Bible, God’s Word, NET Bible, Revised English Bible, New American Standard Bible, King James Version, Contemporary English Version)

(2) “Having lost all sense of shame” and “they have given themselves over to sensuality” are separate examples connected by the word “and.” For example:

They have lost all feeling of shame, and… (New Century Version)

(Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, New Living Translation (2004), New Century Version, English Standard Version, Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

Since there is strong support for both interpretations, either is acceptable. It is recommended that you consult your national versions and follow their example.

4:19a

Having lost all sense of shame: The phrase lost all sense of shame means that when the Gentiles do evil things, they are not ashamed of their actions. These people do evil things day after day, until their hearts (consciences) become “callous” (Revised Standard Version); that is, they no longer feel ashamed or guilty.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

They no longer have any feelings about what is right (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
They have no sense of shame (New Living Translation (2004))

4:19b

they have given themselves over to sensuality: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as given themselves over means that “they have turned themselves over” to sensuality, or “they have handed themselves over” to sensuality.

sensuality: The Greek word for sensuality means shameful behavior, impure behavior, immoral ways, debauchery. This is talking mainly about sexual sins, but it may also include other evil behavior, such as getting drunk.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

They live for lustful pleasure (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
they do nothing else but shameful deeds
-or-
they pass their time behaving in shameful ways

4:19c

for the practice of every kind of impurity: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as for the practice of also means “to continually do something” or “satisfy a desire.”

every kind of impurity: The word impurity means sexual immorality. It means almost the same thing as “sensuality” in 4:19b. For example:

They practice every kind of sexual perversion (God’s Word)

4:19d

with a craving for more: The Greek phrase which the Berean Standard Bible translates as craving for more is literally “in greediness.” These people are “greedy for more sin” or they “want to sin more.” Their sinful desires are never satisfied.

Some other ways to say this are:

they do not restrain themselves
-or-
they do not hold themselves back ⌊from doing all these immoral deeds⌋
-or-
They continually seek for more sinful pleasure

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ephesians 5:19

5:19–21

In 5:18 Paul gave the command “be filled with the Spirit.” In the Greek text, this sentence does not end at 5:18, but continues until 5:21. The Berean Standard Bible and some other versions begin a new sentence here. You must decide whether it is more natural in your language to begin a new sentence here or to translate 5:19a as a continuation of 5:18c. For example:

singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts (New Living Translation (2004))

In 5:19–21, Paul lists four kinds of good behavior that we should do when we are “filled” (controlled) by the Holy Spirit. We should:

(a) encourage one another with songs,

(b) sing to praise the Lord,

(d) submit to one another.

5:19a

Speak to one another: People normally “sing” psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. They generally do not Speak them. So when Paul said Speak to one another, he could have meant:

(1) sing songs to one another. For example:

as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves

(New Revised Standard Version, New Living Translation (2004), Contemporary English Version, New Jerusalem Bible, Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

(2) speak or recite the words of these songs to one another. For example:

by reciting psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs for your own good

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Good News Translation, NET Bible, New American Standard Bible, Revised English Bible, King James Version, New Century Version, God’s Word)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), as this seems to fit the context better and has more commentary support. See also Colossians 3:16 where Paul used the verb “sing” in a similar context.

psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs: Paul here mentioned three types of songs. (Compare this phrase with Colossians 3:16.)

psalms: The word psalms refers to the psalms in the Old Testament. King David wrote most of these songs.

hymns: These hymns were in honor of God and Jesus. The early Christians wrote these songs.

spiritual songs: Scholars are not certain of the meaning of spiritual songs. These songs may have been spontaneous singing inspired by the Holy Spirit.

If you do not have three different terms, use short, descriptive phrases to translate these terms. You could combine two of the terms. For example:

songs of David and other songs praising God

5:19b

Sing and make music: The verb Sing obviously means with the voice. So the clause make music may indicate other types of music, for example, playing instruments. However, this clause should remain generic in the translation.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

Sing ⌊songs⌋ and make ⌊other⌋ music
-or-
Singing and making melody (Revised Standard Version)

in your hearts: There are at least two ways to understand the phrase in your hearts :

(1) It means sing with all your hearts, in other words, sing with enthusiasm. For example:

…as you praise the Lord with all your heart.

(Revised Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, English Standard Version, God’s Word, Revised English Bible, Contemporary English Version)

(2) It means literally sing in your heart. This would mean singing privately in your own heart without making any sound. For example:

…making music in your hearts for the ears of the Lord!

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Good News Translation, New Revised Standard Version, NET Bible, New Living Translation (2004), Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English, New Jerusalem Bible, King James Version, New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). This fits the prior clause well, since Paul was writing about public singing.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ephesians 6:18

6:18–20

In 6:14–17, Paul used six metaphors (belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet, sword) to teach the Ephesian Christians how they should fight against Satan and protect themselves from Satan. In 6:18–20 he added a seventh way to fight Satan: by praying. But he did not use a metaphor to teach about praying.

6:18a

Pray in the Spirit: The phrase Pray in the Spirit means that we should pray as the Holy Spirit leads or shows us. It does not mean that we should pray silently. Here are some ways to translate this phrase:

pray by the power of the Spirit (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Pray…as the Spirit leads (Good News Translation)

at all times: The phrase at all times means “all the time” or “in every situation.” Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

Never stop praying (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Pray…in every situation (God’s Word)
-or-
Constantly ask God’s help in prayer (Revised English Bible)

with every kind of prayer and petition: The phrase with every kind of means to use “all types of” prayers. For example:

Use every kind of prayer and request there is. (God’s Word)

prayer: The word prayer is a generic term for the many types of prayer that the New Testament mentions: giving thanks to God, asking him for forgiveness and asking him for things.

petition: A petition is a specific type of prayer—it is when a person asks God for something.

If your language would not use nouns for “prayer” and petition, you can say:

pray to God in every way and ask him to help you
-or-
asking for everything you need (New Century Version)

6:18b

To this end, stay alert: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as To this end means “for this purpose.” It refers back to 6:18a about praying in many ways as the Holy Spirit leads. In order to pray as the Holy Spirit leads, a person must be alert.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

For this purpose, be alert
-or-
In order to ⌊pray like⌋ this, pay attention.

stay alert: to the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as stay alert means to “be watchful,” “pay attention,” or “look for opportunities” to pray. Here is another way to translate this:

always be ready (New Century Version)

In some languages it may be possible to state this negatively as:

do not be inattentive
-or-
do not sleep

6:18c

with all perseverance in your prayers: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible literally translates as with all perseverance in your prayers means that we should be persistent when we pray. We should not give up. This does not mean that we should always pray and never do anything else.

for all the saints: As in 1:1c and 3:18a, the word saints means “people set apart for God.” It does not refer to a special group of “holy people.” All Christians are saints.

Here are some ways to translate the word saints :

God’s people
-or-
people belonging to God

See Holy, Meaning 1, special use in the Glossary for more information.

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Ephesians 2019

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ephesians 4:8

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ephesians 5:8

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ephesians 6:7

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ephesians 1:21

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ephesians 3:8

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ephesians 4:19

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ephesians 5:19

SIL Translator’s Notes on Ephesians 6:18

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