SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 2013 – Page 49

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 10:3

10:3

Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves: This statement indicates that Jesus was sending his disciples to places where some of the people would oppose them.

10:3a

Go!: If the command Go! sounds too abrupt, you may wish to use a more gentle expression. For example:

Be on your way… (Revised English Bible)
-or-

⌊It’s time to⌋ go ⌊now⌋ (Translator’s Reference Translation)

In the Greek text, the next clause begins with a word that many English versions translate as “behold.” The Berean Standard Bible and some other English versions do not translate this word. The word is used here to introduce something surprising or unexpected. Some other ways to translate this word are:

Go now, but listen! (New Century Version)
-or-
Now go, but remember (Contemporary English Version)

In some languages there are special expressions or verb prefixes that have this meaning. If you have something like this in your language, you may be able to use it here.

In some languages it may be more natural to translate “behold” in a different place in the verse. For example:

Go! I am sending you. But remember, you will be like lambs that are among wolves.

I am sending you out: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as am sending…out is literally “send.” The word “apostle” is a different form of the same Greek word. There is no need to translate the word out unless it is natural in your language. For example:

am sending you (Contemporary English Version)

10:3b

like lambs among wolves: This is a simile. It compares the disciples to lambs in an area where there are wolves. The disciples were going to towns where some people would strongly oppose them and want to harm them.

The disciples were similar to lambs because they would be helpless and unable to defend themselves. Their opponents were similar to wolves because they were dangerous and vicious.

If the point of the comparison is not clear, it may be necessary to make some of the implied meaning explicit. For example:

⌊you will face danger⌋ like lambs among wolves
-or-
like ⌊helpless⌋ lambs in an area where there are ⌊dangerous⌋ wolves

lambs: The word lambs refers here to young sheep. In areas where people are not familiar with lambs, you may:

• Use a more general expression, with or without the implied point of similarity. For example:

a young animal ⌊that cannot defend itself⌋

• Use a term for another young animal that people in your culture consider to be helpless. Choose an animal that is as similar to a lamb as possible.

Translate this in the way that is most natural in your language.

wolves: The term wolves describes animals that are like wild dogs. They often attack and eat smaller animals such as lambs. If you do not have wolves in your area, you may:

• Use a general expression for a dangerous animal. For example:

a fierce/wild animal

• Use a term in your culture for a similar fierce animal or predator. For example:

wild dogs

Translate this in the way that is most natural in your language.

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 10:35

10:35a

The next day: In some languages it may be necessary to make explicit that the Samaritan and the other man stayed at the inn that night:

⌊They slept at the inn that night, and⌋ when morning came

he took out two denarii: This clause implies that the Samaritan took two silver coins called denarii from the place where he carried his money. In some languages it may be necessary to say from where the Samaritan took these two coins. For example:

he took two silver coins ⌊out of his money bag⌋

two denarii: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates literally as two denarii uses the plural form of the word “denarius.” A denarius was a Roman silver coin that was worth the pay for a full day’s work for an ordinary worker.

When translating this phrase you can:

• Transliterate the Greek word denarius, as the Berean Standard Bible and other versions do. For example:

two denarii (Revised Standard Version)

• Transliterate the Greek word denarius and add a descriptive phrase. For example:

two denarii coins

• Use a descriptive phrase. For example:

two silver coins (Good News Translation)
-or-
two pieces of money

• Use a generic phrase. For example:

some money

Whichever option you choose, it will probably be good to include a footnote. Some sample footnotes are:

Two denarii are two silver coins. This was as much money as a worker would earn in two days.
-or-
The money was called denarii in Greek. These two silver coins were worth the salary that a common laborer would earn in two days.

10:35b

gave them to the innkeeper: In this context the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as gave refers to handing over a payment, not to giving a gift. If that is not clear, it may be necessary to use a different expression. For example:

handed them to the innkeeper
-or-
paid them in advance to the innkeeper

innkeeper: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as innkeeper refers to the man who took care of the guesthouse. He was the “manager” of the inn and may also have been the owner.

10:35c

This part of the verse implies that the Samaritan was about to leave the inn to continue his journey. He gave instructions to the innkeeper about caring for the man until he returned. In some languages, it may be necessary to begin 10:35c by mentioning the Samaritan’s intention to leave. For example:

⌊I must leave now.⌋ Look after him…

In other languages, this information may occur at the beginning of 10:35d. See 10:35c and 10:35d in the Display for examples.

Take care of him: In this context the Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Take care of him means, “Take care of ⌊this injured man⌋.” The same verb occurs in 10:34c.

In some languages, it may be necessary to begin this request with a polite word such as “please.”

he said: In some languages it may be helpful to say explicitly “the Samaritan said.”

In Greek, the words he said occur before the clause “Take care of him.” You should place he said where it is most natural in your language.

10:35d

and on my return: The Samaritan was going either to Jerusalem or to Jericho. Apparently he planned to come back later on this same road.

10:35e

I will repay you for any additional expense: The Samaritan did not know whether the innkeeper would have to spend more than two silver coins to take care of the injured man. In some languages it may be best to make this clear by using an “if” clause. For example:

If you spend more money on him, I will pay it back to you. (New Century Version)

I will repay you: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as I will repay you means “I will pay you back.” The Samaritan was willing to pay whatever it cost the innkeeper to take care of the other man.

any additional expense: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as any additional expense refers to costs in addition to the two silver coins that he had already paid.

General Comment on 10:35d–e

In some languages it may be necessary to reorder 10:35d–e to put the events in chronological order. For example:

35eYou may need to spend more than this. If so, 35dwhen I return 35eI will pay you the difference/extra.
-or-

35eIf the cost is more than this, I will pay you the rest 35dwhen/after I come back.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 11:25

11:25a

On its return: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as On its return is literally “and having come.” In some languages, it may be necessary to say explicitly where the unclean spirit comes. For example:

When the unclean spirit comes back ⌊to the person it lived in before⌋
-or-
When the unclean spirit returns ⌊to the person it had left⌋

11:25b

it finds the house swept clean and put in order: Luke 11:25b figuratively compares the condition of the man to a clean and tidy house. In some languages, it will be necessary to change this metaphor to a simile. For example:

it finds ⌊that the person is like⌋ a house swept clean and put in order

The relevant point of similarity in this context is that a clean house is ready for someone to live in. In the same way, a person who is spiritually empty is available for a spirit (good or bad) to live in him. (In Matthew 12:44, it says explicitly that the house is empty.) In some languages, it may be necessary to make this point of similarity explicit. For example:

⌊the man is like⌋ an ⌊empty⌋ house that has been cleaned and arranged neatly
-or-

⌊the man is like⌋ a house that has been cleaned and arranged neatly ⌊so it is ready for someone to live there⌋

it finds: In this context it finds means “the unclean spirit learns or discovers.” This implies that the unclean spirit finds something it had not expected. Some other ways to translate this are:

it discovers
-or-
it learns

swept clean: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as swept clean is literally “swept.” The Berean Standard Bible has supplied the word clean. In some languages it may not be necessary to include a word such as clean, since this idea may already be implied.

To sweep a house means to clean the floor by brushing it with a broom. In some cultures people do not clean a floor by sweeping it. If that is true in your culture, you may want to use a more general expression. For example:

clean (Good News Translation)

put in order: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as put in order means “made neat” or “tidied up.” The things in the house are in their right place, and the house looks nice and neat, ready for someone to live in.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 12:3

12:3

In this verse Jesus again used parallelism. Both parts of the verse contain similar ideas. They both mean that private information will be made public. See the General Comment on 12:3a–b at the end of 12:3b for ways to translate these parallel ideas.

12:3a

In Greek, this verse begins with a conjunction that several English versions, such as the CSB and English Standard Version, translate as “Therefore.” It introduces the specific result of the general principle that Jesus stated in 12:1–2. It applies this principle to the disciples. The Berean Standard Bible does not translate this conjunction. Other ways to introduce this result are:

So then (Good News Translation)
-or-
Accordingly
-or-
As a result

What you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the daylight: This clause has a figurative meaning. The phrase What you have spoken in the dark means “what you have said privately/secretly to a few people.” The phrase will be heard in the daylight means “will be heard in public by many people.” Some ways to translate this figure of speech are:

• Keep the images of dark/night and light/day. Make explicit some of the figurative meaning if necessary. For example:

What you said ⌊quietly⌋ in the darkness/night will become known ⌊to everyone⌋ in the daytime
-or-

⌊People/everyone⌋ will hear in the day the ⌊secret⌋ things you spoke when it was dark/night

• Translate the meaning without the figures of “dark” and “daylight.” For example:

What you say privately, people will hear about publicly

Translate this figure of speech in a way that is most natural in your language.

will be heard: This is a passive verb. If it is necessary in your language to use an active verb, you may supply “people” or “everyone” as the subject. For example:

everyone will hear what you talked about in private

12:3b

what you have whispered: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as whispered is literally “spoken in the ear.” It refers to talking quietly next to someone’s ear so that only that person can hear what is said. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

Whatever you whisper (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
whatever you have whispered in private (Good News Translation)

Use an expression that expresses this meaning naturally in your language.

in the inner rooms: Many Jewish houses had thin walls. Sometimes people outside could hear what people said inside the house. The phrase in the inner rooms refers to a part of the house where people could talk secretly. They knew that people outside could not hear what they said in that room. Other ways to translate this phrase in English are:

behind closed doors (Revised English Bible)
-or-
in a closed room (Good News Translation)
-or-
in private rooms (God’s Word)

In areas where houses do not have inner rooms, you may use a descriptive phrase that focuses on the function of an inner room. For example:

in a place where you can speak privately
-or-
in a place where others will not hear you

will be proclaimed: The verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as will be proclaimed means “will be announced” or “will be shouted.” It refers to saying something loudly and publicly. If you need to use an active verb and to supply a subject, try to use a general subject. For example:

someone will shout/announce
-or-

other people will proclaim

proclaimed from the housetops: The action of proclaiming something from the housetops had a special function or meaning in the Jewish culture. Jewish houses had flat roofs. People could stand on the flat roofs to announce important messages to others in the community who were gathered in the street below.

In some cultures people will not understand the meaning or function of speaking from a rooftop. Some other ways to translate this action with its special meaning are:

• Describe the action and supply the cultural meaning. For example:

will be shouted from the housetops for all to hear (New Living Translation (2004))

• Describe the action in a more general way and supply the meaning. For example:

⌊Someone⌋ will go up to a high place and announce what you said ⌊so that everyone can hear it⌋

• Translate the meaning without the specific action. For example:

will be announced loudly so that everyone can hear

General Comment on 12:3a–b

In some languages it may be more natural to combine the ideas in these parallel lines. For example:

So what you whispered to just a few people in a closed room will be announced in public so that everyone will hear it.
-or-
Since this is true, someone will say loudly to everyone in the middle of the day what you said secretly/quietly to only your friend in the middle of the night.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 12:35

Section 12:35–48

Jesus’ servants should be watchful and faithful

In this section Jesus continued to teach his disciples. He told them to do their work faithfully and to be ready for the time he would return to earth. He used three illustrations that all emphasized how important it is to be prepared for his return. In 12:35–38 he described a man who had gone to a wedding feast. His servants needed to be ready to open the door for him at whatever time he returned. In 12:39 he described the owner of a house watching out for a thief who might come at an unexpected time. In 12:41–48, Jesus explained the difference between a faithful servant and an unfaithful servant. This encouraged his disciples to be faithful.

Some other headings for this section are:

Faithful and Unfaithful Servants (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Be Ready for the Lord’s Coming (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
Watchfulness (New International Version)

There is a parallel passage for 12:41–48 in Matthew 24:45–51.

Paragraph 12:35–38

In this paragraph Jesus continued to speak. It may be helpful to indicate this here at the beginning of this new section. For example:

⌊Jesus also said⌋…
-or-

⌊Jesus continued teaching⌋ ⌊his disciples⌋ ⌊and he said⌋…

12:35–36a

In 12:35–36a, Jesus used three figures of speech:

(1) Be dressed for service.

(2) Keep your lamps burning.

(3) Be like servants waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet.

These figures of speech indicate that the disciples should be ready for Jesus’ return, just as servants should be ready for their master’s return. See the General Comment on 12:35–36a at the end of 12:36a for a way to reorder these figures of speech.

12:35

Be dressed for service: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Be dressed for service is more literally “Have your waists/hips girded.” Jesus referred here to how servants tucked the lower part of their robe up into their belt so they could work more easily. The form of the Greek verb indicates that they should remain dressed in this manner. Some ways to translate this metaphor are:

• Use a specific metaphor that would be appropriate in your culture. For example:

Keep your belts tightened
-or-
Have your clothes tucked in

• Use a general metaphor and make the function explicit, as the Berean Standard Bible has done. For example:

Be dressed and ready to work

• Change the metaphor to a simile and supply the point of similarity. For example:

Be ready to serve me, ⌊like people who are⌋ dressed in their work clothes

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

Be ready for action (God’s Word)

The last option is especially appropriate if other options imply that the disciples are to dress in a particular way. The point is that they should be ready to serve Jesus.

keep your lamps burning: Jesus was referring to how good servants kept lamps burning all night when they thought their master would return so that everything would be ready for him. (See also Matthew 25:1–13.) In the same way, Jesus’ disciples should be ready for him to return at any time.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 13:8

13:8a

In the Greek text this verse part connects to the previous verse part with a conjunction that many English versions translate as “and.” The Berean Standard Bible does not translate it. But since it introduces the gardener’s suggestion of doing something different from what his master had said, you may wish to translate it as “But.”

Sir: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Sir literally means “master” or “lord.” It was the normal, respectful way for a servant to address his master. You should use a natural term of address that has this function in your language.

the man replied: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the man replied is literally “he replied.” Refer to the servant in the way that is natural in your language.

In Greek the words “he replied” occur before the word “Sir.” The Berean Standard Bible has placed this phrase in the middle of what the gardener was saying. Place it where it is natural in your language.

leave it alone again this year: The gardener was asking the owner to let the fig tree live for one more year. He wanted to give it another opportunity to bear fruit. It is clear from the following context that the gardener did not want the tree to be left literally alone or ignored. Other ways to translate this request are:

let the tree have one more year to produce fruit (New Century Version)
-or-
let it stand for one more year (God’s Word)
-or-
give it one more chance. Leave it another year (New Living Translation (2004))

Be sure to translate this request in a way that shows proper respect in your language. It may be necessary to use a polite word such as “please” or to use a different form of the verb so that it does not sound as if the servant is giving orders to his master. For example:

please let it stay in the garden this next year also
-or-
perhaps it would be good if we(dual) allowed the tree one more year

13:8b

until I dig around it: The gardener was saying that he would care for the fig tree in a special way. He would loosen the soil around the base of the tree, probably using a hoe or similar tool. Other ways to translate this are:

Let me dig up the dirt around it (New Century Version)
-or-
I will hoe/cultivate the soil at its base
-or-
I will loosen/soften the ground around it

13:8c

and fertilize it: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as fertilize it is literally “put-on dung/manure.” The gardener planned to put manure on the ground around the tree to improve the soil quality. This would help the tree to grow better and bear fruit. Some ways to translate this idea are:

• Describe the material used. For example:

put manure/compost/fertilizer

• Describe the function. For example:

make the soil better

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 14:5

14:5a–b

Which of you whose son or ox falls into a pit on the Sabbath day will not immediately pull him out?:
This question emphasizes an obvious fact: the leaders would help their children or even animals on the Sabbath by pulling them out of a well. Jesus implied that it was also right for him to help the sick man on the Sabbath. The next verse indicates that Jesus expected a reply. Some ways to translate this emphatic question are:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

If any one of you had a child or an ox that happened to fall in a well on a Sabbath, would you not pull it out at once on the Sabbath itself? (Good News Translation)

• As a statement or a statement followed by a question:

⌊You must admit that⌋ when your child or your ox falls into a well, you pull him out right away, even if it is the Sabbath day. ⌊Am I not correct?⌋

14:5a

son: In languages that do not have a single word for son, you may use a more general word such as “child,” as in the Good News Translation. The focus here is not on whether the child is male or female.

ox: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as ox is a general word that can refer to any animal that is like a cow. It often refers to an animal that is used in farm work. Although the English word “ox” refers specifically to a castrated bull, the Greek word is more general. In languages that do not have a term for ox, you may:

• Use the name of a similar animal in your culture. For example:

cow/buffalo

• Use a general term. For example:

one of your work animals

The word ox is used in a similar context in 13:15c.

pit: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as pit refers to a hole that people dig to get water from a source under the ground. It may or may not have water at the bottom at any certain time. This kind of hole is deep, and if someone fell in, he could not climb out by himself. Other ways to translate this word are:

well (New International Version)
-or-
deep hole

14:5b

immediately pull him out: If a person or an animal fell into a well that had water in it, someone would have to pull him up quickly. Otherwise, the person or animal might drown. People would not wait until the Sabbath day ended before they helped him get out. Use an appropriate verb to describe getting someone out of a deep hole.

General Comment on 14:5a–b

In the Greek text, the Sabbath day is mentioned in 14:5b, rather than in 14:5a. For example:

5aIf one of you has a son or an ox that falls into a well, 5bwill he hesitate to pull him out on the sabbath day (Revised English Bible)

This order specifies that people were willing to pull out a child or animal on the Sabbath day. The text does not actually say that the child or animal fell into the well earlier that same day, but it implies it. The Berean Standard Bible order specifies that the child or animal fell into the well on the Sabbath. The word “immediately” in the Berean Standard Bible shows that the child or animal was also pulled out on the Sabbath. You may use whichever order is natural in your language.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 15:2

15:2a

So: This verse begins with a Greek conjunction that many English versions translate as “and.” The Berean Standard Bible translates it as So because it introduces what the Pharisees’ said as a result of what was happening. The Contemporary English Version also translates it as “So.” Jesus accepted people whom the Pharisees had rejected as sinners. They did not like this and they complained about it. Consider what conjunction would be natural here in your language. In some languages a conjunction may not be needed.

the Pharisees: The Pharisees were members of a religious group that emphasized obeying Moses’ Law. Here are some ways to translate this word:

• Transliterate the word Pharisees and indicate that it refers to a group of people. For example:

Farisi members
-or-
Parise adherents

• Transliterate the word Pharisees and indicate that it refers to a group of people with certain beliefs. For example:

people belonging to the Farise religious sect/group
-or-
members of the religious group called the Farasi

This word first occurs in 5:17b. See also the note at 11:37b.

scribes: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as scribes refers to men whose most important work at the time of Jesus was to study, interpret, and teach the Law of Moses. This word is sometimes translated as “scribes” by versions such as the Revised Standard Version. That is because the original work of these men was to copy the laws of Moses by hand. In New Testament times, this was no longer their main task.

Some ways to translate this term are:

teachers of the Law of Moses (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
teachers of religious law
-or-
experts in the law (NET Bible)

The term scribes also occurs at 9:22b. See also teacher of the law in the Glossary.

began to grumble: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as began to grumble here means “complained.” The religious leaders expressed to each other their disapproval or criticism of what Jesus was doing. The following context implies that they spoke loudly enough for Jesus to hear them.

The form of the Greek verb here may also be translated as an action that was beginning or continuing. For example:

started grumbling (Good News Translation)
-or-
were grumbling (New Revised Standard Version)

15:2b

This man welcomes sinners: The Greek expression that the Berean Standard Bible translates as This man welcomes sinners is a complaint or criticism. The religious leaders were not pleased that Jesus was friendly to people whom they considered to be worthless sinners.

This man: The Greek expression that the Berean Standard Bible translates as This man refers to Jesus. When the religious leaders referred to Jesus in this way, they showed that they disliked and disapproved of him. People in your culture may have a different way to indicate that they do not approve of someone they are referring to. In some languages it may be natural to use a separate phrase or a separate sentence. For example:

As for this fellow/person, he welcomes
-or-
Look at that Jesus/guy! He welcomes

welcomes: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as welcomes means “to receive in a friendly way.” In this context it refers to an action that Jesus did as a habit. He showed that he was happy to have sinners around him. He regularly talked with them in a friendly way.

sinners: This is the same word as in 15:1.

eats with them: The phrase eats with them again refers to an action that Jesus often did. He often ate at the home of people whom others despised as sinners.

General Comment on 15:2a–b

In some languages it may be more natural to express what the Jewish leaders said as an indirect quote. For example:

This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them! (New Living Translation (2004))

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 2013