SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 2016 – Page 18

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 2:17

2:17a–c

But if, while we seek to be justified in Christ, we ourselves are found to be sinners, does that make Christ a minister of sin? Certainly not!: In Greek, 2:17 is a complex sentence. Before you translate this complex sentence, it is important to understand its grammatical structure.

The main part of this verse is the rhetorical question at the end of the verse: does that make Christ a minister of sin? This rhetorical question begins with an if clause. In the middle of this if clause, there is an embedded clause: while we seek to be justified in Christ.

Your translation may be easier to understand if you put this embedded clause first. For example:

We are endeavoring/seeking to be justified in Christ. But if, while doing that, we too are found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not!

The parts of this verse are explained below.

2:17a

But: There is a contrast between the clause “not Gentile ‘sinners’” (in 2:15) and “if…we ourselves are found to be sinners” (here in 2:17). The Berean Standard Bible indicates this contrast with the conjunction But.

This contrast is between two clauses that are separated by several verses. So some English versions do not indicate this contrast with a conjunction. In some languages, no conjunction will be necessary here either.

while we seek to be justified in Christ: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as while we seek means “we are seeking/looking.” It implies success.

The clause to be justified in Christ has the same meaning as “we may be justified by faith in Christ” (2:16d). It means that God makes us right with him because we believe in Christ.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

we seek to be made right with God through faith in Christ (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
we try to be put right with God by our union with Christ (Good News Translation)
-or-
we want God to consider us righteous because of our faith in Christ

2:17b

we ourselves are found to be sinners: The pronoun we refers to Paul, Peter, Barnabas, and other Jews who became Christians.

There are several ways to interpret this clause. Two of the main interpretations are centered on the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as are found :

(1) It has a passive meaning. Peter, Paul, and other Jewish Christians were found to be sinners by other Jews who still followed the law. One example of this was when the men from James arrived in Antioch and found Peter and other Jews eating with Gentiles. They found that they were not obeying the law. The men from James found/considered Peter and other Jewish Christians to be sinners just as the Gentiles were sinners.

(2) It has a reflexive meaning. Peter, Paul, and other Jewish Christians found themselves to be sinners. This happen when they were searching to be right before God and they realized that the law would not save them. They realized that they themselves were sinners just like the Gentiles. For example:

we discovered that we are sinners too (Contemporary English Version)

Most English versions are ambiguous, and it is not possible to tell which interpretation they follow. It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). This interpretation suits the context of 2:16 and also the previous paragraph about the men from James.

According to interpretation (1), some Jews accused Peter and Paul of being sinners because they had abandoned the law of Moses. But their accusation was not true. Peter and Paul were not sinners in God’s eyes. Paul did not agree with their accusation, but he included it to show that its conclusion was not logical.

Some ways to translate this clause are:

• Use a passive clause. For example:

we ourselves have also been found to be sinners (NET Bible)

• Use an active clause. For example:

hey found/regarded us also to be sinners
-or-

some Jews considered us also to be sinners

found: Here, the word found means “considered” or “regarded.” Jews who followed the law “regarded” Jewish Christians as sinners. This word does not mean “found” in the sense of lost and then found.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

considered/regarded
-or-
counted
-or-
looked upon

sinners: Here the word sinners refers to someone who does not follow all the Jewish laws. One example is Peter. The men from James found Peter to be a sinner because he ate with Gentiles. He also probably ate their food. These things were against Jewish laws. The Jews considered Peter and the other Jewish believers to be sinners, but they were not sinners in God’s eyes.

To make this meaning clear, it may be necessary to add some information. For example:

sinners in the eyes of some Jews
-or-
found by some Jews to be sinners

2:17c

does that make Christ a minister of sin?: The phrase a minister of sin refers to someone who “serves sin” or “works for sin.” A person who works for sin is someone who encourages other people to sin.

This clause is a rhetorical question. Paul used this rhetorical question to emphasize that Christ does not serve sin. He does not encourage people to sin.

Some ways to translate this rhetorical question are:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

does that mean that Christ encourages us to sin? (God’s Word)
-or-
Would that mean Christ has led us into sin? (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
Does this mean that Christ is the one who makes us sinners? (Contemporary English Version)

• As a statement. For example:

This does not in any way mean that Christ encourages us to sin.

Use whichever form is most natural in your language to emphasize that Christ does not serve sin.

Certainly not!: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Certainly not is a strong response, “No!” to the rhetorical question.

Some ways to translate this are:

Never!
-or-
Absolutely not!
-or-
No, no, no!

© 2016 by SIL International®
Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.
All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 3:28

3:28a

There is neither Jew nor Greek: This clause means that among believers, everyone is equal. There is no distinction between the races of Jew and Greek. Both Jews and Greeks are sons of God because they believe in Jesus Christ.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

there is no difference between Jew and Greek (New Century Version)
-or-
there is no distinction between Jew and Greek
-or-
it does not matter whether a person is a Jew or a Greek

In some languages, it may be more natural to make the nouns Jew and Greek plural. For example:

there is no difference between Jews and Greeks

If you use the plural form for Jews and Greeks, you should also use plural forms for slaves, free men, men, and women.

Greek: In this context, the word Greek refers to a non-Jew.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

non-Jew
-or-
Gentile

3:28b

slave nor free: This clause is another example that among believers, everyone is equal. There is no distinction between a slave and a free man. Both slaves and free men are sons of God because they believe in Jesus Christ.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

there is no difference between a slave and a free man
-or-

it does not matter whether one is a slave or not a slave
-or-

there is no distinction between a boss and a worker

3:28c

male nor female: This clause is the third example that among believers, everyone is equal. There is no distinction between men and women. Both men and women are sons of God because they believe in Jesus Christ.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

there is no distinction between a man and a woman
-or-

it does not matter whether a person is a man or a woman

3:28d

for: Verse 3:28d is the reason why Paul can say that there is no difference between various categories of people (in 3:28a–c). There is no difference for/because everyone is one in Christ Jesus. The Greek introduces this reason with a conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as for.

Some English versions do not translate this conjunction. For example:

You are all the same in Christ Jesus. (God’s Word)

In some languages, no conjunction will be necessary here either.

you are all one: This clause indicates that all believers are equal.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

you are all equal
-or-
You are all the same (God’s Word)

in Christ Jesus: This phrase refers to being united to or joined with Christ Jesus. Believers are united to Christ Jesus because they believe in him.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

in union with Christ Jesus (Good News Translation)
-or-
through faith in Christ Jesus (New Century Version)
-or-

because you believe in Christ Jesus

General Comment on 3:28

In some languages, it may be more natural to put 3:28d first in the verse. For example:

28d You are all one in Christ Jesus, 28a so there is neither Jew nor Greek, 28b slave nor free, 28c male nor female.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 4:31

4:31a–b

Therefore, brothers: Verse 4:31 is the conclusion to this section. The Greek introduces this conclusion with a conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Therefore.

Some other ways to translate this conjunction are:

So, brothers, (English Standard Version)
-or-
In conclusion, fellow believers

we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman: In this clause, Paul concluded this section by repeating the main point of his illustration. His main point is the contrast between the two branches of Abraham’s family and who they are.

The slave woman and her slave children represent the Jewish law and those who are slaves to the law. The free woman represents righteousness by faith apart from the law. Her children are free through faith in Christ. The Galatian believers are children of the free woman.

In some languages, it may be necessary to make parts of this explicit. For example:

we are not children of the slave woman and slaves to the law . We are children of the free woman, and sons of God by faith .
-or-
we are not children of the slave woman, obligated to the law. We are children of the free woman, acceptable to God because of our faith. (New Living Translation (1996))

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 6:6

Paragraph 6:6–10

6:6a

Nevertheless: This verse begins with a Greek conjunction. The Berean Standard Bible translates it as Nevertheless in order to show that it introduces a contrast. The contrast is between “each one” carrying “his own load” (6:5) and believers helping their instructors. While the New International Version also translates this conjunction as “Nevertheless” and a few other versions translate it as “But,” most English versions do not translate this conjunction. In some languages, it will not be necessary to translate this conjunction either. Connect 6:6a to 6:5 in a way that is natural in your language.

the one who receives instruction in the word: This clause refers to a person/student who is taught the word of God.

This clause is passive. Some ways to translate it are:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

The person who is taught the word of God

• Use an active verb. For example:

Anyone who is learning the teaching of God (New Century Version)
-or-
Each person to whom a teacher teaches the word of God

6:6b

must share in all good things with his instructor: This clause is an indirect way to say that the student should pay his teacher. He should willingly give money or goods to the teacher. This is because the teacher may not have enough time to earn his own living by other work. (See also 2 Corinthians 9:6–12 for a similar passage about giving material things to those who serve us spiritually.)

Some other ways to translate this verse are:

should share all the good things he has with his teacher (New Century Version)
-or-
should help their teachers by paying them (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
he should give his teacher a share in all his possessions (New Jerusalem Bible)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 1:20

1:20

In this verse, Paul wrote an oath. He used this oath to emphasize that what he had written about his visit to Jerusalem was true. He wanted to convince the Galatians that although he saw Peter and James, they did not teach him the gospel.

I assure you before God: The phrase before God is a natural way in some languages to emphasize that what was said is the truth. In other languages, it may be more understandable to translate this phrase as:

I declare before God (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
God is my witness (God’s Word)
-or-
And in the presence of God I swear (Contemporary English Version)

is no lie: This clause also emphasizes that what Paul wrote concerning his visit to Jerusalem was true.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

these things I write are not lies (New Century Version)
-or-
what I am writing to you is true
-or-
I am telling the truth (Contemporary English Version)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 3:7

3:7

In 3:7, Paul explained how his quotation from Genesis about Abraham related to the Galatians. Because the Galatians believed in Christ, they were spiritual descendants of Abraham. God considered both Abraham and the Galatians as righteous by means of faith.

In some languages, it may be more natural to change the order of parts of 3:7a and 3:7b. For example:

a So you should know that b the true children of Abraham are a those who have faith. (New Century Version)

3:7a

Understand, then, that: These words are a command or encouragement to draw a conclusion from the example of Abraham and his faith.

Some other ways to translate these words are:

So you should know that (New Century Version)
-or-
And so, you should understand that (Contemporary English Version)

those who have faith: This phrase means “it is those people who have faith” or “the people who believe in Christ.”

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

it is the people who have faith
-or-
the people who believe in Christ are the ones
-or-
if you believe

See faith, Meaning 1 in the Glossary for more information.

3:7b

are sons of Abraham: The expression sons of Abraham is a figure of speech. It means “to be like Abraham.” The Galatians are like Abraham in that they have faith. Because of that faith, they are considered to be in the line of Abraham’s descendants.

All Jews are physical descendants of Abraham. But Paul did not consider them to be descendants of Abraham if they did not have faith. He focused on the spiritual relationship and not on the physical relationship.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

the true children of Abraham (New Century Version)
-or-
are counted as Abraham’s children
-or-
are children of Abraham

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 4:10

4:10

You are observing special days and months and seasons and years: This clause tells how the Galatians were enslaving themselves. They were celebrating festivals in the Jewish calendar as a way to be made right with God.

The word days probably refers to keeping the Sabbath. The word months could refer to the monthly new moon celebration. The word seasons could refer to the various Jewish festivals throughout the year such as Passover. The word years may refer to the sabbatical years or the year of Jubilee.

Some ways to translate this clause are:

You are celebrating the Jewish festivals, which include the days, the months, the seasons, and the years, as if you could earn your salvation by doing this !
-or-

When you observe Jewish festivals, the days, the months, the season, and the years, then you are becoming slaves again !
-or-
Why do you observe days, months, seasons, and years commanded by the law

When the Galatians started to follow the law of Moses in order to be made right with God, they were required to celebrate these festivals. Paul confronted the Galatians with the foolishness of what they were doing.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 5:11

Paragraph 5:11–12

In this paragraph, Paul concluded his discussion about circumcision. He made it clear that he was not preaching that people should be circumcised to be made right with God. He strongly condemned the false teachers who did teach this.

5:11a–b

if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted?: This is a rhetorical question. Paul used this rhetorical question to prove that he did not preach that a person needs to be circumcised.

The word if introduces a statement that is not true. If Paul were still preaching circumcision, then he would not be persecuted. But since he was being persecuted, the Galatians should know that he did not preach circumcision.

It appears that the false teachers had accused Paul of being inconsistent. They perhaps said that in some circumstances he still taught circumcision.

Some ways to translate this proof are:

• As a rhetorical question. In this rhetorical question, it may be necessary to make it clearer that Paul does not preach circumcision. For example:

if I were still preaching that you must be circumcised—as some say I do—why am I still being persecuted? (New Living Translation (2004))

• As statement followed by a rhetorical question. For example

I do not teach that a man must be circumcised. If I teach circumcision, why am I still being attacked? (New Century Version)
-or-
Some people say that I am still preaching that it is necessary to be circumcised. But if that were true, why am I still being persecuted?

• As statement followed by a tag question. For example:

if I still preached that circumcision is necessary, I would not still be persecuted, would I?

• As a statement. For example:

if I still preached circumcision, then I would not still be persecuted.
-or-
if I were continuing to preach that people must be circumcised, then I would not be persecuted. However, I am still being persecuted. So you can be sure I am not preaching circumcision .

Use whichever form is natural in your language for Paul to prove that he did not preach circumcision.

5:11a

brothers: As in 1:11a, the word brothers refers to “spiritual brothers.” They were Paul’s “fellow believers.” The word includes both men and women. It does not refer to Paul’s biological brothers.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

brothers and sisters (NET Bible)
-or-
fellow believers
-or-
my friends (New Revised Standard Version)

In some languages, it will be natural to put this word first in the verse. See the Display for an example.

if I am: In 5:11, Paul switched from talking about the false teachers to talking about himself. He used the emphatic form of the pronoun I in Greek to focus on his actions.

Some other ways to begin this verse are:

But as for me…, if I (Good News Translation)
-or-
As for me, if I
-or-
if I myself

preaching circumcision: The clause preaching circumcision means “announcing or proclaiming that a person must be circumcised in order for God to accept him.”

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

preach that circumcision is necessary (Good News Translation)
-or-
preach that people need to be circumcised (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
preach that a person must be circumcised to be made right with God

5:11b

why am I still being persecuted: The verb being persecuted means “made to suffer because of one’s religious beliefs.” This verb first occurred in 1:13b.

This verb is passive. Some ways to translate it are:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

why am I still being made to suffer
-or-
how is it that I am still persecuted

• Use an active verb. For example:

why are the Jews persecuting me

5:11c

In that case: The phrase In that case is the translation of one Greek conjunction. This conjunction introduces what would happen if it were true that Paul still preached circumcision.

Some other ways to connect 5:11c to the rest of the verse are:

In such a case
-or-
If that were true (Good News Translation)
-or-
If I still taught circumcision (New Century Version)

the offense of the cross has been abolished: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as offense is often translated “stumbling block” (as in the Revised Standard Version) or “stumbling stone.” It is a figure of speech that refers to something that causes opposition, disapproval, anger, or revulsion. The message of the cross does that.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

the cross wouldn’t be offensive anymore (God’s Word)
-or-
no one would be offended that I preach about Christ’s death on the cross
-or-
my preaching about the cross would not be a problem (New Century Version)

cross: Here the word cross is a figure of speech called a metonymy. The cross represents the gospel message. This message teaches that the only thing that a person needs to do to be saved is to believe that Christ died on the cross for his sins. The true gospel does not include circumcision.

Some ways to translate cross are:

Christ’s death on the cross
-or-
the message of Christ’s death
-or-
salvation through the cross of Christ alone
-or-
the gospel of Christ’s death on the cross for salvation

Search

Step into the multitudes of languages of the Bible and join the worldwide conversation!

Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 2016

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 2:17

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 3:28

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 4:31

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 6:6

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 1:20

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 3:7

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 4:10

SIL Translator’s Notes on Galatians 5:11

Search

Step into the multitudes of languages of the Bible and join the worldwide conversation!

American Bible Society