21:36a–b

So: In Greek 21:36 begins with a common conjunction that is often translated as “But.” The Berean Standard Bible translates this word as So. In this verse Jesus told his disciples to “keep watch.” This command is similar to 21:34, where he said “watch yourselves.” A few English versions use “But” here. However, in some languages a contrast conjunction like “but” may imply a wrong contrast. Most English versions do not translate the conjunction. Connect this verse to 21:35 in a natural way in your language.

keep watch at all times, and pray: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as keep watch at all times, and pray is more literally “be alert at every time praying.” The phrase “at every time” may go with “be alert” or with “pray” or with both:

(1) It goes with both keep watch and with pray. For example:

But keep on the alert at all times, praying (New American Standard Bible)

(New American Standard Bible, New Revised Standard Version, NET Bible, English Standard Version, Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

(2) It goes with keep watch. For example:

Be alert at all times. Pray… (God’s Word)

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, God’s Word, New Living Translation (2004), New Century Version, New American Standard Bible)

(3) It goes with pray. For example:

Be on watch and pray always (Good News Translation)

(Good News Translation, Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, Contemporary English Version, King James Version)

The meaning of all three options is almost the same, and any of the options is acceptable. However, it is most likely that Jesus implied that his disciples must always be alert and also that they must always pray.

This sentence may imply that praying is the way his disciples can stay alert, or that praying is what they must do while they always stay alert. Some ways to translate this are:

keep on the alert at all times, praying… (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
Be always watching and praying that…
-or-
you should always be on your guard and you should always pray

21:36a

So keep watch at all times: The Greek command that the Berean Standard Bible translates as keep watch at all times means “Always be alert.” In this context the command implies that Jesus’ disciples should expect him to return at any moment. They must be careful to avoid doing evil so that they will be always ready for his return. Some other ways to translate this are:

Keep alert at all times. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
Be always watchful.
-or-
Be prepared continually.

at all times: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as at all times is more literally “at every time.” It refers to each moment.

21:36b–c

and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as may have the strength occurs only once in this verse. Most English versions follow the Greek text and do not repeat this verb before the words to stand. For example:

praying that you may have strength to escape…and to stand (NET Bible)

The context implies that the clause that begins with and to stand is a result of having the strength to escape in the previous clause. In some languages it may be necessary to make this connection explicit. For example:

praying that you will have strength to endure all that will happen so that you can stand before the Son of Man

In other languages it may be more natural to translate 21:36c as a separate sentence. For example:

…praying that you will be strong to escape all that will happen. Pray that you may be able to stand in the presence of the Son of Man.

Translate 21:36b–c in a natural way in your language.

21:36b

and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as you may have the strength means to have strength or ability for a certain purpose. Here Jesus told his followers to pray that they would have strength to escape the terrible things that would soon happen.

In this context escape probably refers to going safely through danger. The following clause implies that Jesus’ followers will be in danger of doing things that will make them ashamed to stand in his presence. They should pray to remain faithful throughout the time before he comes.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

pray…that you will have the strength to go safely through all those things that will happen (Good News Translation)
-or-
ask God to give you strength to be ⌊faithful⌋ through all that will happen
-or-
keep calling-out to the Lord God, so that you will be strong to endure all the sufferings that are about to happen

21:36c

You may want to refer again to the note on 21:36b–c as you translate 21:36c.

and to stand before the Son of Man: The action to stand before the Son of Man will happen after Jesus returns to earth and after the preceding times of suffering have ended. Then all his disciples who have been faithful to him during those times will stand before him.

Some scholars suggest that Jesus will judge his followers at that time. However, the text does not mention judgment, and no English version makes it explicit. It is recommended that you use a general expression that does not refer specifically to being judged.

In this context the text implies that Jesus’ followers will stand joyfully and without shame in his presence. In some languages it may be necessary to make this explicit:

and to stand ⌊with joy/confidence⌋ before the Son of Man
-or-
And then you will not be ashamed when you come before me
-or-
Pray that there may be nothing that shames you when you stand in my presence

stand before: In this context the phrase stand before implies a formal coming into the presence of Jesus after he returns as the victorious king. In some languages there may be a special way to describe coming to a king, chief, or other important person to meet with him. Use a natural expression in your language.

the Son of Man: The phrase the Son of Man was a title that Jesus often used to refer to himself. The term occurred earlier in this chapter at 21:27. See the note on 17:22a–b for translation suggestions. This term first occurs in Luke at 5:24a. See also “Son of Man” in Key Biblical Terms.

© 2009, 2010, 2013 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.

22:30a–b

so that…and: In this context the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as so that indicates that 22:30a is a result. Jesus gave his apostles authority, and as a result, he and they will eat joyfully together in his kingdom. The clause that begins with and (22:30b) also expresses result. Jesus gave the apostles authority, and as a result, they will judge the twelve tribes of Israel. See the General Comment on 22:29–30 at the end of 22:30b for examples of ways to translate these results.

22:30a

you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom: In many cultures it is a custom for the king to invite important officials and elders to eat with him. It is a great honor to eat with the king. Jesus indicated here that when he rules as king, he will give his apostles the honor and the right to eat with him.

In some cultures people do not eat at tables. You should use a natural way in your language to describe eating with Jesus. Some other ways to translate this meaning are:

you will thus eat-with me in my ruling
-or-
We will feast together there in my kingdom.

eat and drink: The phrase eat and drink was a common way in that culture to refer to having a meal. See how you translated this phrase in 17:8.

in My kingdom: The phrase in My kingdom refers to the future time when Jesus will reign over everything. In some languages it may be more natural to translate this phrase as a clause with a subject and verb. For example:

when I will rule ⌊the people⌋ as king
-or-
in the future when I rule

22:30b

sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel: This clause tells a second action that the apostles will do as a result of 22:29. In some languages it may be more natural to begin a new sentence or clause here. For example:

And you will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (New Century Version)

This clause indicates that when the apostles sit on their thrones, their work will be to lead and rule people. Some other ways to translate this clause are:

…and you will sit on thrones to rule over the twelve tribes of Israel. (Good News Translation)
-or-
…and sit on thrones as judges of the twelve tribes of Israel. (Revised English Bible)
-or-
You will also sit on thrones and judge the twelve tribes of Israel. (God’s Word)

sit on thrones: The word thrones refers to special seats that are used by kings. A king often sits on his throne when he speaks to his people as their leader. In this context the phrase sit on thrones is a figure of speech. It indicates that the apostles will rule people with authority, as kings rule.

Some ways to translate this figure of speech are:

• Translate the figure of speech by referring in some way to a seat or to sitting. For example:

sit on king’s chairs
-or-
sit in places/seats of honor

• Translate the meaning without the figure of speech:

rule as kings
-or-
be honored rulers/leaders

judging the twelve tribes of Israel: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as judging is used in different ways. It can refer to deciding whether people are guilty or innocent, and deciding how the guilty people must be punished. It can also refer more generally to whatever rulers do as they govern a group of people. These activities include judging and many other actions.

It this context it is good to translate in a general way. This agrees with 22:29, where Jesus indicated that he was giving his apostles authority to rule. Jesus probably implied here that the apostles would have general responsibility to govern the tribes of Israel.

Some other ways to translate judging the twelve tribes of Israel are:

to rule over the twelve tribes of Israel (Good News Translation)
-or-
governing the twelve tribes of Israel

the twelve tribes of Israel: The phrase the twelve tribes of Israel refers to the descendants of the twelve sons of Israel. Each of his sons had many descendants, and these descendants became large groups. Languages have different terms to describe such groups of descendants, such as “clans” or “tribes.” These tribes together formed the nation called Israel.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

the descendants of the twelve sons of Israel
-or-
the twelve clans/groups among the Israel people

Use a natural term in your language.

General Comment on 22:29–30

The clauses in 22:30 tell the result of the statement in 22:29. In some languages the context will make it clear that 22:30 is the result of 22:29. In those languages a conjunction may not be needed. In other languages it will be necessary to use a special conjunction or other way to make the connection clear. Some ways to translate these verses in English are:

29and just as my Father has given me the right to rule, so I will give you the same right. 30aYou will eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom, and you will sit on thrones to rule over the twelve tribes of Israel. (Good News Translation)
-or-

29Now I give you authority to rule ⌊people⌋, just as my Father gave me authority. 30So when I come to rule, you will eat with me at my table, and you will also rule over the twelve tribes of Israel.

Use a natural way in your language to show that 22:30 is the result of 22:29.

© 2009, 2010, 2013 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.

22:62

he went outside: The phrase he went outside indicates that Peter left the courtyard of the high priest’s house. Here is another way to translate this:

And Peter left the courtyard (New Living Translation (2004))

wept bitterly: The word wept refers to loud weeping and sobbing. The word bitterly refers to the intense sorrow and regret that Peter felt. It indicates that Peter regretted that he had denied Jesus. He was very sorry about what he had done. Use a natural phrase in your language.

© 2009, 2010, 2013 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.

23:24

So: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as So is the common conjunction that is often translated as “and.” Here it introduces what Pilate did when he could not resist their shouting. Connect this verse to 23:23c in a natural way in your language.

Pilate sentenced that their demand be met: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as sentenced occurs only here in the New Testament. In this context Pilate made a legal decision that he would do what the people demanded. Some other ways to translate this meaning here are:

Pilate decided to do what they wanted/demanded.
-or-
Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted. (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Pilate pronounced the official decision that their request should be granted. (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

In some languages it may be helpful to make explicit again what the people demanded. For example:

So Pilate sentenced Jesus to die as they demanded. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
So Pilate passed the sentence on Jesus that they were asking for. (Good News Translation)
-or-
Pilate agreed to their request and condemned Jesus to death.

General Comment on 23:23c–24

In some languages it may be helpful to combine 23:23c and 23:24 into one sentence. For example:

23cTheir yelling became so loud that 24Pilate decided to give them what they wanted. (New Century Version)

© 2009, 2010, 2013 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.

23:56a

Then they returned: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible literally translates as Then they returned indicates that the women went back to the place where they were staying in Jerusalem or the surrounding area. They did not go back to their homes in Galilee at this time. Some other ways to translate the clause Then they returned are:

Then they went back to the city (God’s Word)
-or-
After that, they returned to the town
-or-
Then the women left (New Century Version)

23:56b

to prepare spices and perfumes: This phrase indicates that the women prepared sweet-smelling substances to use to anoint Jesus’ body. Luke did not indicate how the women prepared them.

The women were planning to put the spices and perfumes on Jesus’ body after the Sabbath. It was a custom of the Jews to do this to a corpse before burial. They did this in order to honor the one who had died and to preserve the body for a while.

Translate the phrase in a natural way in your language.

spices and perfumes: In this context the words spices and perfumes have a similar meaning. They refer to sweet-smelling substances that were often used to anoint a dead body. The sweet smell of these substances helped to hide the smell of decay. The substances used in this way were probably some type of fragrant salve, oil, or ointment. They were not the same spices that were used in food.

In some languages it may be more natural to use one general term to describe such burial spices/perfumes. For example:

fragrant anointing oils
-or-
sweet-smelling burial perfumes

spices: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as spices can refer to any kind of fragrant substance. Here the word probably refers to some type of fragrant ointment.

perfumes: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as perfumes means “ointments, perfumes.” The word often referred to expensive oils that smelled very sweet.

23:56c

And: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as And is a common conjunction that is often translated as “and.” Here it introduces what the women did next. After they prepared spices and perfumes to anoint Jesus’ body, they rested on the Sabbath. They did not return immediately to the tomb, so there is an implied contrast with 23:56b. For example:

But (New International Version)

In some languages a conjunction is not needed. You should begin 23:56c in a way that is natural in your language.

they rested on the Sabbath: This clause indicates that at sunset on Friday the women began to celebrate the Sabbath day. The Sabbath was the day when the Jews rested and worshiped. So the women did not go back to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body until that day was over. See how you translated Sabbath in 23:54.

according to the commandment: The women rested in order to obey the commandment. The phrase the commandment refers to the command about the Sabbath in the Law of Moses. It is one of the Ten Commandments that God told Moses to give to all the Jewish people. God said that they must keep the Sabbath (seventh) day holy and do no work on that day. See Deuteronomy 5:12–15.

Some other ways to translate the phrase according to the commandment are:

as the Law commanded (Good News Translation)
-or-
as required by the law (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
as ⌊God⌋ commanded in the Law

© 2009, 2010, 2013 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.

24:32a

They asked each other: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as They asked each other is literally, “and they said to each-other.” It introduces a rhetorical question. Probably one of them asked the question, and the other agreed. Introduce this rhetorical question in natural way in your language. Some other ways to introduce it in English are:

They exclaimed to each other
-or-
They said to each other (Good News Translation)

24:32b

Were not our hearts burning within us…?: This is a rhetorical question. It emphasizes the disciples’ feelings as Jesus talked to them. They had intense feelings, which probably included awe, joy, hope, and excitement. The phrase our hearts burning is a figurative way to describe their feelings as Jesus explained the Scriptures to them.

Some ways to translate these intense feelings are:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

Weren’t our hearts glowing…? (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

• As a statement or realization. For example:

So that’s why we felt such burning/shining ⌊joy⌋ in our hearts
-or-
Our hearts were blazing ⌊with joy/awe⌋

• As an exclamation. For example:

No wonder we felt such ⌊joy/awe⌋ burning in us…!

Translate this emphatic joy and excitement in a way that is natural in your language.

our hearts burning within us: The phrase our hearts burning within us is a figure of speech. It describes very strong, good feelings. These feelings can include joy, awe, love, hope, and excitement. However, in some languages “fire” or “burning hearts” may imply anger or misery. If a literal translation implies a wrong meaning in your language, you should translate it in a different way. Some other ways to translate it are:

• Use a simile. For example:

our joy was like a ⌊beautiful⌋ fire in us

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

we (two) felt great/strong awe/comfort
-or-
how thrilled we were

• Use a figure of speech that has the same meaning in your language. For example:

we were deeply moved
-or-
we were so stirred up

Translate the meaning in a natural way in your language.

24:32c

The clause in 24:32c gives the reason for the disciples’ feeling of joy and excitement in 24:32b. In some languages it is more natural to give this reason before the result in 24:32b. See the General Comment on 24:32a–c below for an example.

as He spoke with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us: This statement indicates that as Jesus talked to the two disciples, he helped them to understand the meaning of the Scriptures. In some languages it may be more natural to translate the phrases spoke with us and opened the Scriptures to us with one phrase. For example:

while he was explaining to us the written word of God

on the road: The phrase on the road refers to the walk/journey toward Emmaus. Other ways to translate it are:

while we were walking
-or-
during our journey here

opened the Scriptures to us: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as opened the Scriptures is an idiom. It means “explained the Scriptures.” It indicates that Jesus taught the two disciples from the OT Scriptures and explained the meaning so they could understand it. It does not imply that Jesus opened the pages of a book. It also does not indicate that Jesus had a copy of the Scriptures with him. Jesus was teaching the men from his own memory and knowledge of what the Scriptures mean.

Other ways to translate this phrase are:

explained the Scriptures to us (Good News Translation)
-or-
helped us understand the Scriptures

Scriptures: For help in translating the word Scriptures, see the note at 24:27d.

General Comment on 24:32a–c

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

32aThey said to each other, 32c“When he talked with us along the road and explained the Scriptures to us, 32bdidn’t it warm our hearts?” (Contemporary English Version)

Use an order that is natural in your language.

© 2009, 2010, 2013 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.

1:9a

he was chosen by lot: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as he was chosen by lot refers to the custom of throwing or drawing “lots” to choose a person. It is not clear what kind of object the priests used for lots. They may have used small stones with one priest’s name on each stone. They may have thrown the lots in a certain way or drawn them from a container in which all of them had been placed. The priest who would serve before God was chosen in this way.

The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates with a passive form, he was chosen by lot, is literally “he obtained/received by lot.” This is an active form in Greek, and it may be more natural to use an active form in your language. For example:

the priests chose him by lot

The priests used lots in this way so that God would be the one to choose a priest. In some languages, it may be helpful to make this information explicit. For example:

he was chosen ⌊by the way God allowed⌋ the lot to fall
-or-
he obtained/received ⌊the privilege⌋ by lot ⌊as God determined⌋

In some cultures, the custom of using lots in this way is not known. It may also be difficult to describe this custom in the text. If this is true in your culture, you may want to use a more general expression and explain the custom in a footnote. For example:

he was chosen by priestly custom (God’s Word)
-or-

⌊they⌋ threw ⌊marked⌋ stones to decide which priest ⌊would serve⌋

Here is a possible footnote:

The priests used certain objects to decide which of them would burn incense. They put a priest’s name on each object. Then they put the objects in a container and shook or drew one out. They believed that the priest whose name was on that object was chosen by God to burn the incense.

according to the custom of the priesthood: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as according to the custom of the priesthood means that this was the method that the Jewish priests regularly used.

1:9b

the temple of the Lord: The phrase the temple of the Lord refers to the temple in Jerusalem where the Lord was present in a special way. Priests served in the temple and presented the people’s sacrifices to the Lord.

The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the temple refers specifically here to the holiest place in the temple building. It does not refer to the temple as a whole.

Some ways to translate this are:

the holy/holiest place of the Lord’s temple
-or-
the house/place where the Lord is/dwells
-or-
the innermost part of the Lord’s temple
-or-
the sanctuary

See temple, Meaning 2, in the Glossary for more information.

the Lord: The phrase the Lord refers here to God. See the note at 1:6b.

See also Lord, Context 2, in the Glossary.

burn incense: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as incense refers to a certain powder that smelled good when it burned. The Jews used a special type of incense to burn for God. While the incense burned, the priest prayed to God. The sweet-smelling smoke that rose while it burned was a symbol of people praying to God.

Jewish law did not allow any priest to burn this incense more than once in his life. So it was a special honor for Zechariah to burn the incense.

General Comment on 1:9a–b

In some languages it may be more natural to change the order of some of the information in 1:9a–b. For example:

9aIt was the custom of the priests to draw/take lots in order to decide who 9bwould enter the temple of the Lord to burn incense. 9aThe priests did this and Zechariah was the one who gained that right.

© 2009, 2010, 2013 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.