SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 2013 – Page 135

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 4:9

Paragraph 4:9–12

In this paragraph, Luke reported another way that the devil tempted Jesus. In this paragraph, the devil tempted Jesus to put himself in danger. If Jesus had put himself in danger, he would have sinned, because he would have tested God.

Then: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Then is a common connecting word. It does not necessarily imply a time reference, and so some English versions, such as the English Standard Version, translate it as “and.” Other versions, such as the New International Version, do not translate this conjunction.

The events in this paragraph may have occurred before the temptation in 4:5–8. So if it is natural in your language to begin this paragraph with a connecting word or phrase, you should be as general as possible. For example:

Also
-or-
Another time

In some languages, certain time words may not necessarily indicate that this paragraph occurred immediately after 4:5–8. If that is true in your language, a word such as Then may be appropriate. Connect 4:4a to 4:3b in a way that is natural in your language.

4:9a

the devil led Him to Jerusalem: In this context, the Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translated here as led can also be translated as “took, brought, or guided.” For example:

the Devil took him to Jerusalem (Good News Translation)
-or-
the devil brought him to Jerusalem (NET Bible)

Him: The pronoun Him refers to Jesus. Since this is the beginning of a new paragraph, it may be necessary to make this explicit. For example:

the devil brought Jesus to Jerusalem

to Jerusalem: The Greek preposition that the Berean Standard Bible translates here as to may also be translated as “into.” The temple was inside the city of Jerusalem, so the devil took Jesus into the city. For example:

the devil took him into Jerusalem (God’s Word)

4:9b

set Him: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as set Him is literally “placed him.” It means “caused him to stand.” Some other ways to translate this are:

had him stand (New International Version)
-or-
put him (New Century Version)

the pinnacle of the temple: The pinnacle of the temple probably refers to the top of one of the temple towers. Towers were built into the outer wall of the temple complex. Below this particular tower was a valley. If a person jumped from there, he would fall approximately 150 meters (450 feet).

Another way to translate this is:

the highest point of the temple (New International Version)

temple: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as temple refers to the temple building and the walls and courtyards that surrounded it. The temple was in Jerusalem and was the most important place where Jews worshiped God.

Some ways to translate the word temple are:

• Use a descriptive phrase. For example:

house/building of God
-or-
place of sacrifice
-or-
house/place of worship
-or-
holy/sacred house

• If your language has a word for “temple,” consider using it. But you may need to modify it by saying:

temple of the Jews/Lord

Be sure to use a different term from the one you have chosen for “synagogue.” There was only one temple, but there were many synagogues where the Jews met regularly for worship.

See temple, Meaning 1 in the Glossary for more information about the temple and how to translate it.

4:9c

If You are the Son of God: The words If You are the Son of God are the same words as in 4:3a.

he said: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible has translated as he said is literally “and he said to him.” In Greek, these words come before “If you are the Son of God.” You should place these words where it is natural in your language to identify the speaker of this quotation.

4:9d

throw Yourself down from here: The phrase throw Yourself down means “leap off,” “jump down,” or “make yourself fall down.” For example:

jump from here (God’s Word)
-or-
jump down (New Century Version)

Normally someone who jumped from such a great height would die. If Jesus had jumped, he would have sinned, because he would have tested God to prove that God would protect him.

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 4:41

4:41a

Demons … came out of many people: These demons came out of the people against their will. Jesus forced them to leave by telling them to come out. In some languages, it may be helpful to make this explicit. For example:

demons came out of many people ⌊at Jesus’ word/command⌋

Demons: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Demons is the same word as in 4:33a and 4:35b. Here it is plural.

many people: Many of the people there were possessed by demons. For each person there with a demon or demons, Jesus commanded the demons to come out, and all the demons came out.

Check that your translation does not imply that Jesus was able to cast out demons from “many” but not “all” people.

also: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as also introduces what happened to a different group of people. Another way to translate this is word:

Moreover, demons came out of many people (New International Version)

4:41b

shouting: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as shouting is literally “crying-out and saying.” The sound was a loud shout or scream. It was also understandable speech. For example:

screaming (Good News Translation)

It was the demons who were shouting.

You are the Son of God!: The demons shouted to Jesus that he was the Son of God. The way in which they shouted these words shows that they were not praising or worshiping Jesus.

the Son of God: See the note on the Son of God in 4:3a for more information on this title for Jesus. Translate it the same way in both places.

4:41c

But: There is a contrast between 4:41b and 4:41c. The contrast is that the demons wanted to speak but Jesus would not allow them. Most English versions are like the Berean Standard Bible and indicate this contrast by translating the Greek conjunction at the beginning of this verse part as But.

In some languages, it may not be necessary to translate this conjunction explicitly. For example:

Jesus gave the demons an order and would not let them speak (Good News Translation)

He rebuked the demons and would not allow them to speak: Another way to translate this is:

Jesus ordered the demons not to speak (Contemporary English Version)

He rebuked the demons: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as rebuked here is the same word as in4:35a and 4:39a. It means “spoke forcefully to.” Some other ways to translate this word are:

ordered (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
commanded (New Century Version)
-or-
said sternly (New International Version)

and would not allow them to speak: The phrase would not allow them to speak means that Jesus did not permit the demons to talk any more at that time.

In your translation, avoid implying that Jesus stopped the demons because what the demons had said was not true. It was true. Jesus stopped them because he did not yet want people to know that he was the Son of God, the Christ/Messiah (4:41d).

4:41d

because they knew He was the Christ: Verse 4:41d gives the reason why Jesus stopped the demons from speaking in 4:41c. It leaves implied the fact that Jesus did not want the demons to declare to the people that he was the Christ.

In some languages, it is more natural to put 4:41d before 4:41c. See the General Comment on 4:41c–d below.

the Christ: In Luke the word Christ is a title. It is not just one of Jesus’ names. The Jews used this title to refer to the person whom God had appointed and promised to send as king and savior. The title Christ is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word “Messiah,” and the two words have the same meaning.

Some ways to translate Christ are:

• Use a title or a descriptive phrase in your language that has the same meaning as Christ. For example:

Messiah
-or-
Promised Deliverer
-or-
the Rescuer-King whom God appointed

• Transliterate Christ and include a phrase that explains the meaning. For example:

Christ, the appointed one
-or-
Cristo, the Savior whom God promised to send
-or-
the Christ who comes from God

• Transliterate Christ and indicate in some way that it is a title. For example:

the Christ
-or-
the Kirisita

If you do not indicate the meaning of Christ in the text, you may want to include a footnote to explain it. Or you may want to explain the meaning in a glossary. For example:

The word/title “Christ” refers to the king and savior whom God had promised to send.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 5:29

Paragraph 5:29–30

5:29a

Then: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Then is literally “And.” It introduces what happened next in the story. Some other ways to connect this paragraph to 5:28 are:

Later (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
Afterwards (Revised English Bible)

Levi hosted a great banquet for Jesus: The phrase Levi hosted a great banquet for Jesus means “Levi invited many people to come and eat a meal to honor Jesus.” Levi was the host of the banquet.

banquet: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as banquet refers to a large meal. Some other ways to translate this word are:

big dinner (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
big feast (Good News Translation)
-or-
big reception (Revised English Bible)

for Jesus: The phrase for Jesus here means that Jesus was invited to the banquet as the guest of honor. Levi had the feast in order to honor Jesus in the presence of all the other guests. For example:

with Jesus as the guest of honor (New Living Translation (2004))

5:29b

tax collectors: The term tax collectors also occurs in 5:27b. See the note there.

along with others: The Greek word the Berean Standard Bible translates as others refers to “other people.” It refers generally to other people whom Levi knew. It includes Jesus’ disciples. Translate this word in a general way. For example:

other people (Good News Translation)
-or-
other guests (New Living Translation (2004))

were eating: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as were eating is literally “were reclining” (as in the New American Standard Bible). The Jews usually ate at low tables while reclining on the floor (on cushions). This is not the custom in many parts of the world, and the posture is not in focus here. So most English versions translate this with more general expressions. For example:

sitting at table (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
were eating (New Century Version)
-or-
ate (New Living Translation (2004))

with them: The word them probably refers to Levi, the host, and to Jesus, the honored guest.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 6:22

6:22

In the fourth statement that begins with “Blessed are you,” Jesus describes the opposition that those who are a part of God’s kingdom will experience. They will experience these things because they are Jesus’ disciples.

6:22a

Blessed are you: Translate this phrase the same way you did in 6:20b.

when people hate you: The phrase when people hate you means “when people hate you as Jesus’ disciples.” Jesus was not implying that being hated (or excluded or insulted) is a blessing in itself. Being hated was a sign that they were faithful followers of God. They were supposed to recognize that they were blessed because of that. Some other ways to translate this are:

when others hate you (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
when you are hated

6:22b

and when they exclude you: The word exclude means “refuse to accept someone as part of a social or religious group.” Some other ways to translate this are:

won’t have anything to do with you (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
avoid you (God’s Word)
-or-
when they separate you from their group

and insult you: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as insult also means “to reproach.” This word implies that the person being insulted is wrong and should be blamed.

6:22c

and reject your name as evil: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as reject your name as evil is literally “cast out your(plur) name as evil.” It means “to speak against someone in a way that harms him or his reputation.”

Some other ways to translate this are:

slander your very name (Revised English Bible)
-or-
defame you (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
say cruel things about you (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
spoil your name/reputation

your name: For the Jews, a person’s name symbolized that person himself and his reputation. So the phrase your name is a figure of speech. It is another way to refer to a person himself. Another way to translate it here is:

you

6:22d

because of the Son of Man: The phrase because of the Son of Man means “because you are disciples of the Son of Man.” Many people would act badly toward Jesus’ disciples because those disciples followed Jesus, the Son of Man. Some other ways to translate this are:

because you follow the Son of Man (New Century Version)
-or-
because you are committed to the Son of Man (God’s Word)
-or-
because you are loyal to the Son of Man (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

the Son of Man: Jesus used the title the Son of Man to refer to himself. In some languages, it may be necessary to make it clear that Jesus was talking about himself. For example:

me, the Son of Man (New Living Translation (1996))

The phrase the Son of Man also occurs in Luke at 6:5.

General Comment on 6:22a–d

The phrase, “because of the Son of Man,” goes with all of the four verbs in 6:22a–c. Jesus was saying that his disciples are blessed when:

(a) people hate them because of the Son of Man,

(b) people exclude them because of the Son of Man,

(d) people reject them as evil because of the Son of Man.

To make this clear, you could move the phrase “because of the Son of Man” to the beginning of the list of the four verbs. For example:

⌊You have chosen to follow me,⌋ the Son of Man. Because of that, you are blessed when people hate you, when they exclude you…

Or you could leave it at its present position and add a phrase to include all four verbs. For example:

Blessed are you when men hate you…and reject your name as evil—all of this because you follow me, the Son of Man.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 7:5

7:5

In this verse the Jewish elders gave two reasons that the officer was worthy for Jesus to help him.

7:5a–b

for he loves our nation: The phrase for he loves our nation is the first reason that the elders gave Jesus for helping the officer. The phrase indicates that the Roman officer had affection for the Jewish people. He felt friendly concern for them and tried to act in a way that helped them. Other ways to say this are:

for he loves the Jewish people (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
for he is a friend of our nation (Revised English Bible)
-or-
because he is concerned about us ⌊Jews⌋

our nation: In this context the word nation probably refers to the Jews as a people and not as a political state. Another way to translate this is:

our people (New Jerusalem Bible, Good News Translation)

Jesus and the elders were all Jews. Use a form for our that includes Jesus.

and has built our synagogue: In the Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as has built our synagogue, the words built our synagogue are emphasized. This indicates that the officer had done a very important thing when he built the synagogue for them. Some English versions express this emphasis. For example:

and he is the one who built us our synagogue (English Standard Version)
-or-
and even built a synagogue for us (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
and it is he who built us our synagogue (Revised English Bible)

has built our synagogue: The phrase built our synagogue indicates that the officer had helped to build the synagogue in Capernaum. This does not mean that he did the actual labor of constructing it. He probably gave money to help pay for building it. He could also have helped by getting permission to build it from the Roman government.

If saying that he built our synagogue would give your readers the idea that the centurion was actually one of the builders, you could translate this as:

caused our synagogue to be built
-or-
built our synagogue at his own expense (God’s Word)
-or-
paid/provided for the building of our synagogue

our synagogue: The phrase our synagogue refers to a synagogue in Capernaum. (It is not known if there was more than one synagogue there.)

In some languages it will be necessary to decide whether the elders included Jesus in the word our. It is recommended that you use a form that includes Jesus. The focus here is probably that the officer built the synagogue “for us” in the sense that he built it for Jews.

synagogue: A synagogue was a building where Jews gathered to pray, read Scripture, teach their beliefs, and worship. The Jews also gathered there for cultural activities. There was only one temple (in Jerusalem), but each Jewish community had a synagogue. Some ways to translate synagogue are:

prayer-house ⌊of the Jews⌋
-or-
meeting-place ⌊of the Jews⌋
-or-
worship building
-or-
house for gathering together

If you make explicit a phrase such as “of the Jews,” be sure that it does not imply that Jesus was not a Jew.

If the word synagogue is already known in your area, you may write it according to the sounds of your language. You may want to include a word or phrase to explain the meaning. For example:

sinagog house/building

Consider using a footnote that contains some of the information above.

See how you have translated the word synagogue elsewhere. The first time it occurs in Luke is at 4:15. See also synagogue in the Glossary for more information.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 7:37

7:37a

When a sinful woman from that town: This part of the verse introduces the woman into the story. Consider how to introduce her in a natural way in your language. For example:

And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner (New American Standard Bible)

In Greek, this part of the verse begins with a word that many English versions translate as “behold.” It draws attention to what follows it. Here it probably draws attention to the woman and her surprising actions toward Jesus. Many English versions do not translate it. Consider whether you have a word or phrase in your language that would fit here. Some ways to translate it in English are:

look
-or-
listen

a sinful woman from that town: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates literally as sinful implies that this woman had been immoral. She may have been a prostitute. However, because this is not certain, you should use a more general expression that can include this type of sin. For example:

a woman…who had a bad name in the town (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
a woman from that town who had a bad reputation

The point of this statement is that the people in the room considered the woman to be a “sinner.”

7:37b

learned that Jesus was dining there: The word learned here indicates that the woman heard in some way that Jesus was in the Pharisee’s house.

was dining: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as was dining is literally “was lying/reclining.” See the note on “reclined at the table” at 7:36b. The position is not in focus here, so it is fine to use a more general expression. For example:

was at table (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
was eating (New International Version)
-or-
was a guest (Revised English Bible)

7:37c

an alabaster jar of perfume: In this phrase the perfume is most important, not the alabaster jar. Your translation should keep the perfume in focus. For example:

she brought perfume in an alabaster jar

alabaster jar: An alabaster jar was a small, expensive container like a vial or bottle. It was made from a beautiful white and yellow stone called alabaster that came from Egypt.

Some ways to translate the word alabaster are:

• Borrow the word from a major language version and add a descriptive phrase. For example:

a flask/bottle made of alabaster
-or-
a jar/bottle made of a beautiful stone called alabaster

• Use a descriptive phrase that describes the significance of alabaster in the context. For example:

a beautiful bottle/vial

• Use a general term. For example:

a bottle (God’s Word)

If you use a descriptive phrase, be sure that it is not so complex that it distracts people. You should not substitute a different material for “alabaster,” because this verse describes a real event.

of perfume: The word perfume here refers to a scented oil. If you do not have a general word in your language for this, you could:

• Use a descriptive phrase. For example:

sweet-smelling oil
-or-
that which makes you smell nice

• Describe this as like something that people in your culture use to cause a person’s body to smell nice. For example:

something like ⌊coconut⌋ oil

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 8:19

Section 8:19–21

Jesus said that people who obey God’s word are his real family

In this section Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him. However, they could not get to him because there were many other people around him. The theme of this section is similar to the theme of 8:4–18. In 8:4–18, the text emphasized that people should listen carefully to Jesus’ teaching. In this section, Jesus said that people who hear and obey God’s message are members of his family. They are as closely related to him as his own mother and brothers are.

Some other possible headings for this section are:

All who obey God are members of Jesus’ family
-or-
Jesus’ True Family (NET Bible)
-or-
Jesus’ Mother and Brothers (Good News Translation)

There are parallel passages for this section in Matthew 12:46–50 and Mark 3:31–35.

Paragraph 8:19–21

8:19a

Then: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Then here introduces the next thing that Luke wanted to write about. It does not refer to time. The parallel passage in Matthew 12:46–13:1 indicates that the event in this section probably happened on the same day that Jesus taught the people using parables. Some English versions have “Now” or “And” here. Other versions do not use a conjunction. Connect this section to the preceding one in a natural way in your language.

Jesus’ mother and brothers: Jesus’ mother and brothers are referred to in Mark 3:31 and also in Mark 6:3.

Jesus’…brothers: Church groups differ in what they believe about Jesus’…brothers. The three main views are:

(1) They were the sons of Joseph and Mary, born after Jesus.

(2) They were Jesus’ cousins.

(3) They were children of Joseph from a previous marriage. That is, they were Jesus’ step-brothers.

The Hebrew and Aramaic words for “brother” do not distinguish between biological brothers and cousins. It is good to use a general word for “brother” that could apply to any of the views above. For example, you may have a word that could refer to:

(a) brothers with the same father and mother,

(b) brothers with the same father but different mothers, and

If you must use a more specific word, it is recommended that you consult with all major church groups in your language area. You will want to choose a word that is acceptable to the churches.

If your language must distinguish between “older” and “younger” brothers, it is recommended that you use a term for “younger brothers” here. If your language does not use terms that distinguish male and female, such as brother or sister, it may be more natural to use general terms. For example:

siblings
-or-
younger-siblings

came to see Him: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as came to see Him is literally “came to Him.” Several English versions use the word see here, since it occurs in 8:20c. Jesus’ mother and brothers wanted to see Jesus and talk to him. They did not simply want to look at him from a distance. In some languages it may be necessary to make this clear in some way. For example:

came to him (Good News Translation)
-or-
came to ⌊talk to⌋ him
-or-
came to ⌊meet with⌋ him

8:19b

but: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as but is most often translated into English as “and.” Here most English versions translate it as “but” because this part of the verse contrasts with 8:19a. Jesus’ mother and brothers were not able to see him as they wanted and expected to. Connect 8:19a to 8:19b in a way that is natural in your language.

they were unable to reach Him because of the crowd: The phrase because of the crowd indicates that many people were sitting around Jesus as he taught (see Mark 3:32). Jesus’ mother and brothers were not able to come to Jesus because they could not get through that large crowd of people. Other ways to say this are:

they could not reach him because of the crowd ⌊of people⌋ ⌊around him⌋
-or-
but they could not ⌊press through⌋ the crowd to join him

In some languages it may be necessary to change the order of information here and first give the reason why Jesus’ mother and brothers could not get near him:

there was a crowd ⌊surrounding him⌋, so they could not get near

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 8:51

Paragraph 8:51–53

8:51a

When He entered: The word He refers to Jesus. Jesus came with other people, including at least Jairus, Peter, James, and John. In some languages it may be necessary to indicate this. For example:

When they arrived
-or-
When Jesus and those with him arrived

the house: The Greek text says simply “the house.” Some versions supply further information to make clear what house is being referred to. For example:

the house of Jairus (New International Version)

If it is not necessary in your language, you do not need to supply this information.

8:51b–c

He did not allow anyone to go in with Him except Peter, John, James, and the child’s father and mother: Jesus permitted these five people to go in with him when he entered the house. In some languages it may be more natural to translate this as a positive statement:

he only let Peter, John, and James, and the child’s father and mother enter with him

the child’s father and mother: If you supplied “Jairus” in 8:51a, consider whether it is confusing to refer to the same individual both as “Jairus” and as the child’s father in the same sentence. If this would cause your readers to think that Jairus was not the child’s father, you may need to translate this phrase as:

Jairus and ⌊his wife,⌋ the child’s mother

child’s: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as child’s can refer to either a young boy or a young girl. Use a term that is appropriate for a twelve-year-old girl (see Mark 5:42).

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 2013