SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 2013 – Page 141

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 12:2

12:2–3

Many scholars think that one or both of these verses were well-known proverbs that Jesus used more than once in order to emphasize different truths. Here Jesus used the same proverbs he used in Matthew 10:26–27, but he was teaching a different lesson.

12:2a

There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed: This proverb gives a reason for Jesus’ warning in 12:1 that the disciples should not be hypocrites like the Pharisees. In some languages it may be necessary to make this connection explicit. For example:

⌊don’t become/be like them because⌋… (Translator’s Reference Translation)

In this context, the proverb means that God will reveal the truth about hypocrites such as the Pharisees. The Pharisees were trying to hide their real motives, but God will one day cause everyone to know what they were really thinking.

Notice that this proverb contains two negatives: nothing and not. In some languages it is more natural to translate without using negatives. For example:

Everything that is hidden will be found out (Contemporary English Version)

concealed…disclosed: In Greek, the words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as concealed and disclosed are both passive forms. Some ways to translate these words are:

• As passive forms. For example:

Whatever is covered up will be uncovered (Good News Translation)

• As active forms. Since this verse was probably a proverb, you should try to use a general subject for concealed. You should not refer specifically to the Pharisees. The implied subject of disclosed is God. For example:

⌊No one⌋ can hide anything that ⌊God⌋ will not reveal
-or-

⌊God⌋ will make known whatever ⌊anyone⌋ tries to conceal

Translate these words in a way that is most natural in your language.

12:2b

and: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as and introduces a statement that has the same meaning as the previous verse part. Some English versions introduce 12:2b with “or.” Others do not use a conjunction. Consider how your language would connect two similar statements such as 12:2a and 12:2b. See the General Comment on 12:2a–b at the end of 12:2b for ways to translate similar statements.

nothing hidden that will not be made known: This part of the verse repeats the meaning of the previous verse part, using similar words. This is called parallelism and was a common pattern in Jewish proverbs.

In Greek, the word “nothing” is not repeated in the second part of this statement. It has been left implied. In some languages it will be necessary to supply the full clause, as the Berean Standard Bible does by repeating nothing. For example:

⌊there is nothing⌋ hidden that will not be made known

As in the previous verse part, the Greek words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as hidden and be made known are passive forms. In some languages it may be more natural to translate them with active forms. For example:

⌊God⌋ will make known anything that ⌊a person⌋ hides.

General Comment on 12:2a–b

The parallel statements in 12:2a and 12:2b express the same meaning. No contrast is intended. In some languages it may not be possible to repeat two statements with similar meanings without sounding redundant or without implying a contrast. Two ways to avoid these problems are:

• Use a different general subject in 12:2b. For example:

2aEverything that ⌊people⌋ cover up ⌊God⌋ will uncover.

2b
You
(plur) cannot keep anything hidden forever.

• Reorder or combine the parts with similar meaning. For example:

Everything that is now hidden or unknown will be revealed or made known.
-or-
If people have any secret sins or hidden motives, God will cause them all to be known.

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 12:34

12:34

For: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as For introduces the reason why the disciples should store up treasure in heaven rather than on earth. This is what Jesus told them in 12:33c. Be careful not to imply a wrong connection to a different part of 12:33. Some English versions do not translate a connector here. In some languages it may be helpful to repeat some information from 12:33. For example:

⌊Provide this treasure in heaven⌋ because…

In other languages you may be able to use a more general phrase that refers back to all of 12:33. For example:

Remember/Realize that…

where your treasure is, there your heart will be also: The expression where your treasure is, there your heart will be also means that the place where your treasure is located is the place that you will think about. If a person has stored riches on earth, he will think about them and put efforts into protecting and increasing them. If a person has stored up riches in heaven, he will think about heaven and devote himself to God. Other ways to translate this verse are:

For what you consider to be your wealth is what you will truly love/value and think about.
-or-
Where a person puts his treasure, he will also direct his thoughts.

In some languages it may be more natural to reverse the order of the two clauses in this verse. For example:

For your heart will always be where your riches are. (Good News Translation)
-or-
You will dedicate your life to whatever you consider to be most valuable. (adapted from the TRT footnote)

heart: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as heart is used here in a figurative way. The Jews often spoke of the heart as the part of a person in which thoughts and feelings occur.

In some languages people use a different part of the body, such as the mind, throat, liver, or stomach, in this way. In other languages people use a non-figurative expression, as in the TRT example above. You should use an expression that is natural in your language.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 13:7

13:7a

So he said: This verse begins with a Greek conjunction that some English versions translate as “and.” The Berean Standard Bible translates as So because it introduces what the owner said as a result of not finding any figs on his fig tree.

to the keeper of the vineyard: The Greek expression that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the keeper of the vineyard is a single word that referred specifically to someone whose job is to look after grapevines. Another way to translate this word is:

vinedresser (Revised Standard Version)

Consider if there is a natural expression in your language for a servant who is in charge of looking after vines and trees. If your readers are not familiar with vineyards, you will need to use a more general expression that fits the term you used for “vineyard” in 13:6b. For example:

his gardener (Good News Translation)
-or-
the caretaker/manager of his field/trees
-or-
the person who took care of his farm

13:7b–c

Look: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Look is used here to call attention to the next statement. Other ways to translate this word are:

Behold (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
See here! (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Listen!

Several other English versions do not translate this word. If your language has a natural way to draw attention to this statement, consider using it here.

for the past three years: The Greek expression that the Berean Standard Bible translates as for the past three years means “this is the third year.” The owner had also come looking for fruit the two previous years.

I have come: The owner had come at least three times. It is not clear whether he had come several times a year, or just once a year. Use a verb form that refers to doing something more than once.

13:7d

Therefore: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Therefore indicates that the command in 13:7d is a result of the situation described in 13:7b–c. In some languages it may be natural to introduce this command with that word or a similar one such as:

cut it down!: The command cut it down! implies that the whole tree should be removed, including the roots. In Israel people cut the roots of a tree in order to remove the tree along with its stump. If you have a natural expression in your language for cutting down a tree along with the stump, you may use it here. You may also use a more general expression, as in most English versions.

13:7e

Why should it use up the soil?: This is a rhetorical question. The owner used this question to express his opinion that the fig tree should not be allowed to continue wasting good soil in the vineyard. The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as use up has the basic meaning “make useless.” There are two ways to interpret the word in the context of this parable:

(1) The tree is taking up valuable space in the garden (that some other crop/plant could use to produce fruit). For example:

Why should it take up space? (Contemporary English Version)

(Contemporary English Version, New Living Translation (2004), New Jerusalem Bible)

(2) The tree is using up the nutrients in the soil (but producing no fruit). For example:

Why should it go on taking goodness from the soil? (Revised English Bible)

(Revised English Bible, NET Bible)

Many English versions translate in a way that allows both these meanings. It is recommended that you also translate in a way that allows both these meanings if possible. For example:

Why should it be wasting the soil? (New Revised Standard Version)

If it is not possible to allow both meanings, then you should follow interpretation (1), along with most scholars.

Here are some ways to translate the owner’s opinion, following interpretation (1):

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

Why should it be taking up the ground? (New Jerusalem Bible)

• As a statement. For example:

It’s taking up space we can use for something else. (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
I will not allow it to keep using the space ⌊and not produce fruit⌋.

Translate this question in a way that is most natural in your language.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 14:4

Paragraph 14:4–6

14:4a

But they remained silent: The clause they remained silent indicates that the Pharisees and experts did not answer Jesus’ question. The text does not indicate the exact reason why they did not answer. They probably realized that people would criticize them for either answer they gave. If they said that it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath, the other Jewish leaders could accuse them of not supporting the law against work on the Sabbath. If they said it was not lawful, the common people would accuse them of not caring about the suffering of sick people.

14:4b

Then: In Greek 14:4b begins with a conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Then. This conjunction introduces Jesus’ next action after the Jewish leaders refused to answer his question. Many English versions, including the New International Version, translate the conjunction as “So.” Other versions, such as the Good News Translation, do not translate this conjunction. Here is another way to connect 14:4a and 14:4b:

When they refused to answer, Jesus touched the sick man… (New Living Translation (2004))

Translate this connection in a natural way in your language.

Jesus took hold of the man, healed him: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as took hold of the man is literally “having-taken” or “having-taken-hold.” It probably indicates that Jesus put his hands on the man in order to heal him. It does not imply that Jesus took the man to a different location. While 14:4b is part of the same sentence as 14:4a in Greek, in some languages it will be more natural to start a new sentence at 14:4b. Most English versions do that. For example:

So Jesus took hold of the man, healed him (NET Bible)
-or-
Then Jesus touched the man and healed him

sent him on his way: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as sent him on his way indicates here that Jesus dismissed the man. He gave him permission to leave and go home. Be careful not to imply that Jesus harshly ordered the man to leave.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 15:1

Section 15:1–7

Jesus told a parable about a man looking for his lost sheep

In Luke 15 Jesus welcomed sinful people, and many listened to him. However, the Pharisees criticized Jesus for welcoming people like that. Then Jesus told the three parables in this chapter. Each parable tells about something that was lost and the joy of the one who found it. The things that were lost represent sinful people. They need help to be restored to God. The parables illustrate that God feels great joy when even one sinful person repents and is restored to a good relationship with him. In the Notes each parable will be described in a separate section.

The parable in this section is about a sheep that went away from its shepherd. The sheep did not know how to find the shepherd again. When the shepherd noticed that this one sheep was missing, he searched for it diligently until he found it. He then invited his friends and neighbors to rejoice with him that he had found the lost sheep. Another heading for this section is:

The Lost Sheep (God’s Word)
-or-
A shepherd was happy to find his lost sheep

There is a parallel passage for this section in Matthew 18:12–14. However, the context and some of the details are different.

Paragraph 15:1–2

15:1a–b

Now: In this context the Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Now introduces a new event and a new topic. It is not a time word here. Introduce the topic in a natural way in your language.

all the tax collectors and sinners: The terms tax collectors and sinners refer to people who were known to be sinful. Many Jews refused to associate with such people. See how you translated this phrase in 7:34.

It is clear from 15:2 that tax collectors were included among those who were called “sinners.” In some languages it may be necessary to indicate this connection. For example:

tax collectors and other notorious sinners (New Living Translation (2004))

all: In this context the word all emphasizes that very many tax collectors and other sinners gathered around Jesus. It probably does not indicate that every sinner came. In some languages it may be more natural to make this clear. For example:

many tax collectors and sinners

tax collectors: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as tax collectors refers to Jewish men who collected taxes from their fellow Jews for the government. Ordinary Jews despised them because:

(1) Tax collectors worked for a government that oppressed the people.

(2) Tax collectors often cheated the people by collecting more money than the law required and keeping the extra money for themselves.

If you do not have a word in your language for “tax collectors,” some other ways to describe them are:

men who collected taxes/payment for the government
-or-
men who were paid by rulers to collect money for them from people

See how you translated tax collectors in 3:12a. You may also want to include a footnote in your translation to help readers understand why most Jews hated tax collectors.

sinners: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as sinners refers to people who habitually disobey God or do not do what he wants them to do. In this context sinners refers to people whom the Pharisees thought were especially sinful. The New International Version uses quote marks to indicate that the people had a reputation for being more sinful than others. Some ways to translate sinners here are:

people who ⌊habitually⌋ sin
-or-
people who do not obey God
-or-
wrongdoers

The word sinners also occurs in 5:30b.

were gathering around to listen to Jesus: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as were…gathering around means “were approaching” or “were coming near.” The people were coming nearer to Jesus so that they could listen to his teaching. Other ways to translate this are:

were…crowding in to listen to him (Revised English Bible)
-or-
were coming near Him to listen to Him (New American Standard Bible)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 16:1

Section 16:1–13

Jesus told a parable about a dishonest manager who acted wisely

In the main part of this section, 16:1–8b, Jesus told a parable that appears only in Luke. In this parable a rich man had hired a man to manage his money and possessions for him. The manager was dishonest in his work, so the rich man said that he could not continue to be his manager. But before the manager left this work, he used his position and money to cause other people to like him. He did this so that they would help him when he no longer had an income.

The main point of this parable is that the manager knew how to use money to make things better for his own future. In this way he was a good example for Jesus’ disciples. The parable does not mean that Jesus approved of the manager’s dishonesty.

In 16:8c–16:9 Jesus commented on the parable and applied it to his disciples. In 16:10–13 he gave other teachings about the proper use of wealth.

Other possible headings for this section are:

The Parable of the Shrewd Manager (New International Version)
-or-
The dishonest man who was in charge of a rich man’s wealth

Paragraph 16:1–2

16:1a

Jesus also said: In Greek, this verse begins with a phrase that is literally “and he said also.” The word also indicates that Jesus was continuing to tell parables. In some languages it may be helpful to indicate explicitly that Jesus’ next words were a parable. For example:

Jesus told ⌊a story⌋
-or-
Jesus also told ⌊a parable⌋

His disciples: In the previous chapter Jesus told three parables to the Pharisees and scribes. In this chapter he addressed a parable particularly to his disciples. In some languages it may be more natural to indicate in some way that Jesus was now speaking to a different group. For example:

Then Jesus also told ⌊a parable⌋ to his disciples. He said

disciples: For help in translating the word disciples, see the note at 9:14b.

16:1b

There was a rich man: This clause introduces one of the characters in the story. Use a natural way in your language to introduce such a character.

16:1c

manager: The manager was a skilled servant who managed the rich man’s money and property. The story makes it clear that he was an employee, not a slave. Other ways to translate this word are:

employee who was in charge ⌊of his wealth⌋
-or-
servant who managed his property (Good News Translation)
-or-
manager to take care of his business (New Century Version)

16:1d

was accused of wasting his possessions: The verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as was accused is a passive verb. It implies here that another person spoke to the rich man and told him that his manager was not taking good care of his possessions. In some languages it may be necessary to use an active verb and provide a subject. If that is true in your language, you should provide a general subject. For example:

⌊Someone⌋ ⌊went to him and⌋ accused the manager of wasting the rich man’s possessions.

wasting his possessions: The phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as wasting his possessions means here that the manager was misusing the rich man’s money and property. Apparently he was spending it for his own enjoyment. In 16:8 Jesus said explicitly that the manager was being dishonest. Some other ways to translate this expression are:

cheating him (New Century Version)
-or-
wasting his employer’s money (New Living Translation (2004))

his possessions: In your translation, make sure that it is clear that the pronoun his refers to the rich man.

General Comment on 16:1b–d

There is a lot of information in 16:1b–d. In some languages it may be helpful to divide it into two or more sentences. For example:

A rich man once had a manager to take care of his business. But he was told that his manager was wasting money. (Contemporary English Version)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 17:2

17:2

This verse emphasizes how terrible it is for someone to cause a little one to sin. Even an awful death like drowning is better than the punishment that such a person will receive.

17:2a

It would be better for him: The clause It would be better introduces a comparison. The comparison is between two terrible punishments:

(a) drowning in the sea with a millstone tied around the neck (17:2b);

(b) ⌊the punishment for⌋ causing a little one to sin (17:1b).

Jesus was saying that the punishment for causing a little one to sin is worse than drowning. A person should prefer to drown rather than to cause a little one to sin. Languages compare such situations in various ways. For example:

2bIf people tied a big stone around the neck of a person who did that and threw him in the ocean ⌊so that he drowned⌋, 2athat would be a little punishment. 2cBut if he causes one of these little ones to sin, ⌊God⌋ will give him a really big punishment.
-or-

2cThe person who causes a little one to sin ⌊will be punished⌋ 2ain a way that will be worse than 2bif a millstone were tied around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.

Use a natural way to express the comparison in your language.

17:2b

to have a millstone hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea: This part of the verse describes how a person might be punished. People might tie a millstone around the person’s neck and then throw the person into the sea. Some English versions mention the sea first. For example:

to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck (New International Version)

But in some languages it may be more natural to mention these actions in the order they happen. For example:

if a large millstone were tied around his neck and he were thrown into the sea (Good News Translation)

You should use a natural order in your language.

millstone hung…thrown: The verbs hung and thrown are passive. In some languages it may be more natural to use active verbs and supply a general subject like “people” or “someone.” For example:

if ⌊people⌋ tied a large stone around his neck and threw him into the sea

to be thrown into the sea: If someone is thrown into deep water with a millstone tied around his neck, he will sink and die by drowning. In some languages it may be necessary to make this implied information explicit. For example:

thrown into the sea ⌊to drown/die⌋

the sea: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as sea refers to a large, wide body of water. The water can be either salty or fresh. This word can also be used in contrast to land. The phrase the sea does not refer here to any particular sea.

In some areas people may not be familiar with large seas. If that is true in your language, you can translate it with a more familiar term. For example:

into a lake/river

a millstone: A millstone is a large, heavy stone. People used stones like this to grind grain to make flour.

Sometimes a person rotated the stone. At other times an animal turned the stone.

Some other ways to translate the word millstone are:

large stone
-or-
very heavy stone

17:2c

than to cause one of these little ones to stumble: This verse implies that God will severely punish a person who causes little ones to sin. The punishment will be far worse than if someone had killed him by drowning him. In some languages it may be necessary to make some of this information explicit. For example:

than to endure the way that ⌊God⌋ would punish him for causing one of these little ones to sin

cause…to stumble: Translate cause…to stumble in a similar way as you translated “stumbling blocks” in 17:1a.

these little ones: The phrase little ones often refers to children. In this context Jesus used the phrase figuratively to refer to people who are innocent or weak in some way. They need protection and help. The word these refers to people who were listening to Jesus and probably to others like them. Some ways to translate this are:

one of these childlike people
-or-
an innocent/vulnerable person ⌊like⌋ these

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 17:34

Paragraph 17:34–37

For 17:34–35 see also Matthew 24:40–41. These verses indicate that some people who live and work close to one another will be separated at the time when Jesus returns.

17:34a

I tell you: The pronoun you is plural here. Jesus often used the words I tell you to introduce a statement that he wanted to emphasize. It indicates that the statement was important and that people should listen carefully to it. Some other ways to show this emphasis are:

let me tell you this
-or-
listen carefully to this:
-or-
I assure you

If you have another way in your language to emphasize a statement or to alert people to listen with special attention, consider using it here.

on that night: Here Jesus was referring back to what he said in 17:30 about the Son of Man being revealed (when he returns and everyone will see him). In some languages it may be better to use a different phrase to refer back to it. For example:

At that time ⌊when I return⌋
-or-
When ⌊I, the Son of Man, return⌋

two people will be in one bed: The Greek text does not say whether these two people are men or women, children or adults. A husband and wife, or two children, or any other two people might be in one bed. So use an expression for be in one bed that does not have sexual connotations. For example:

two ⌊family members⌋ will be ⌊sleeping⌋ in/on one bed

Jesus was not referring to any specific two people. He was saying that similar separations will happen all over the world when he returns.

17:34b

one will be taken and the other left: The verbs will be taken and left are passive. Here are some ways to translate these actions:

• Use passive verbs. For example:

one ⌊person⌋ will be taken and the other ⌊person⌋ will be left.

• Use active verbs and supply a subject. The subject may be either God or Jesus, since the clause refers to the time of Jesus’ coming. For example:

⌊God⌋ will take one ⌊of them⌋ and leave the other ⌊one⌋.
-or-

⌊I⌋ will take one person and leave the other person.

There are two ways to interpret the words One will be taken and the other left:

(1) The people who are taken will go to safety with Jesus. The people who are left will be punished. For example:

one will be taken away; the other will be left behind (Good News Translation)

(2) The people who are taken will go away to be punished. The people who are left will not endure that punishment. For example:

destruction will take one

It is recommended that you attempt to leave this ambiguous, as most English versions do. The point is that the righteous and wicked will suddenly be separated.

However, if you must decide between the interpretations, it is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). Most Bible scholars follow this interpretation. It fits the context of Noah and Lot, who were taken away to be safe while the other people were punished.

taken and…left: Note that the words taken and left refer to two opposite actions. In some languages it may be natural to use a conjunction that implies contrast. For example:

God will take one but will leave the other.

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 2013