SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 2013 – Page 76

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 24:4

24:4a

In the Greek text, 24:4a begins with a phrase that literally means “And it happened.” Luke used this phrase to connect 24:4a with 24:3b and to introduce what was about to happen in 24:4b. You should connect 24:4a with 24:3b in a way that is natural in your language.

While they were puzzling over this: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as they were puzzling means that the women were perplexed and confused. The phrase over this tells what caused them to be confused. They could not imagine where Jesus’ body might be. Some other ways to translate this are:

Then they were troubled and amazed about that
-or-
As they were totally confused about ⌊where his body could be⌋
-or-
That caused them to be confused/amazed

In some languages there is an idiom for this meaning. For example:

While they stood utterly at a loss (Revised English Bible)

24:4b

suddenly two men in radiant apparel stood beside them: This clause implies that the two men were not ordinary people by saying that their clothes gleamed like lightning. In 24:23 the women described the two men as “angels” when they told the disciples about them.

In some languages it may be helpful to translate this part of the verse as two separate clauses. For example:

suddenly two men stood beside them. The men were wearing clothes that gleamed like lightning.

suddenly two men…stood beside them: In this context the Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as suddenly introduces something that is surprising or unexpected. The women were startled as they became aware of the presence of two men. The women did not see or hear these men come. Some other ways to translate this phrase in English are:

all at once two men appeared, standing beside them
-or-
unexpectedly two men…stood beside them

in radiant apparel: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as radiant means “dazzling, bright.” The same word can be used to describe flashes of lightning (as in 17:24). The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as apparel refers to clothing. In this context these words indicate that the angels’ clothes were bright and shining. A form of this word was also used in 9:29 to describe Jesus’ clothing during his transfiguration. You may be able to translate it in a similar way here.

Some other ways to translate in radiant apparel are:

in bright, shining clothes
-or-
clothed in dazzling robes (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
wearing clothes that were as bright as lightning

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 24:36

Section 24:36–43

Jesus appeared to his followers

This section tells about another time when Jesus appeared to people after he rose from the dead. Jesus had already appeared to Simon (24:34) and to the two men on the road to Emmaus. In this section Jesus appeared to all eleven apostles and those who were with them. He ate with them and proved that he really was alive.

Some examples of other headings for this section are:

Jesus Appears to His Followers (New Century Version)
-or-
Jesus showed his followers that he was alive

There are parallel passages for this section in Mark 16:14, John 20:19–23, and Acts 1:4–5.

Paragraph 24:36–39

24:36a

While they were describing these events: This clause introduces the very important event in 24:36b: Jesus appeared to all his followers when they were gathered together. He appeared as the two disciples were speaking in 24:35. Consider how you would introduce an important event like this in your language.

Some ways to introduce the event in English are:

They were still talking about this when ⌊suddenly⌋
-or-
As they were talking about all this (Revised English Bible)
-or-
And just as they were telling about it (New Living Translation (2004))

Introduce 24:36b in a way that is natural in your language.

24:36b

Jesus Himself stood among them: The phrase Jesus Himself is more literally “he himself,” as in the New Jerusalem Bible. The phrase “he himself” is emphatic. It emphasizes that just as the disciples spoke about Jesus, he himself was there with all of them. Some other ways to translate the clause Jesus Himself stood among them are:

Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
suddenly the Lord himself stood among them (Good News Translation)
-or-
there he was, standing among them (Revised English Bible)

English versions translate the phrase “he himself” in different ways. Some use these pronouns, and others use the name Jesus. The Good News Translation (see example above) has “the Lord.” This phrase refers back to 24:35, especially to the phrase “they had recognized Jesus.” See how you translated it there.

them: The pronoun them refers to everyone present, not just to the two disciples from Emmaus.

24:36c

There is a textual issue concerning the clause in this part of the verse:

(1) Most Greek manuscripts include 24:36c. For example:

and said to them, “Peace be with you.” (New International Version)

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, New Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, NET Bible, English Standard Version, God’s Word, New Living Translation (2004), New Century Version, Contemporary English Version, King James Version, Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

(2) A few Greek manuscripts do not include 24:36c.

(Revised Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, Revised English Bible)

It is recommended that you follow option (1). It has early and strong manuscript support, and the majority of English versions follow this option.

and said, “Peace be with you”: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Peace be with you is literally “Peace to you.” This was a common way to greet others in Jesus’ time. The greeting implies that Jesus was asking God to bless his disciples by giving them peace.

Some other ways to translate the greeting are:

and greeted them, “May ⌊God’s⌋ peace be with you”
-or-
He blessed them, saying, “May ⌊God⌋ bless/prosper you.”

In some languages it may be more natural to translate 24:36c as indirect speech. For example:

and greeted them with a blessing of peace

If you have a greeting that expresses the same meaning as the phrase Peace be with you, you should consider using it here.

A similar greeting occurred in 10:5. See how you translated it there. See also peace, Meaning 5, in the Glossary.

Peace: The Jewish people used the word Peace to refer to a condition of well-being, health, and prosperity. In this condition people are living in harmony with God and people. They are not in conflict or at war with them. All of these blessings come from God for those who trust him.

Some languages will have one way to describe not being in conflict or at war and a different way to describe general well-being and blessing. If that is true in your language, the term for general well-being fits this context better. In some languages there is an idiom to describe this meaning.

See the note on “peace” at 19:42b for more information. See also peace, Meaning 1, in the Glossary.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 1:2

1:2

just as they were handed down to us by the initial eyewitnesses and servants of the word: The verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates with the passive form were handed down is an active form in Greek. A more literal translation of the clause is:

just as the ones who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered (them) to us

Some ways to translate the clause are:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

just as they were told/delivered to us by those who were originally eyewitness and servants of the word

• Use an active verb. For example:

just as those who were originally eyewitnesses and servants of the word told us

This clause is long and complex. In some languages it may be more natural to translate it with more than one sentence. For example:

Some people were eyewitnesses of these things from the first. They were servants of the word. These people handed down the reports of these things to us.

See the General Comment on 1:2a–c at the end of the notes on 1:2b–c for another way to reorder 1:2a–c and translate it in an active way.

1:2a

just as: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as just as indicates that the others who had undertaken to “compose an account” about Jesus faithfully reported what they heard from the people who were eyewitnesses. They did not invent or change the story. Another way to translate this is:

exactly as

they were handed down to us: The pronoun they here refers to the “things” of 1:1b. These “things” were the events of Jesus’ life and death. Luke and the other believers had heard about these events from other people.

In some languages, it may be necessary to make it clear that it was the information about these events that was handed down. For example:

these accounts/reports were handed down to us

were handed down: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as were handed down means “delivered.” This word often describes the way people tell their children and grandchildren about important things that happened before their children were born. In this context people who saw the events in Jesus’ life told people who were born later about them. That generation also told the believers of the next generation. People told these things orally or wrote them down.

to us: The pronoun us refers here to Luke and the other Christians of his generation. It includes the others who had written accounts of the life and death of Jesus. Concerning whether it includes Theophilus, see the note on “among us” at 1:1b.

1:2b–c

the initial: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the initial is literally “from the beginning.” It refers to the time when the events of Jesus’ life and ministry began. It may refer mainly to the time when he was baptized and began his ministry, but there were also eyewitnesses to his birth.

eyewitnesses and servants of the word: The words eyewitnesses and servants refer to one group of people. Luke described them here in two different ways. The same people who actually saw the events were the ones who served by telling the message about them.

eyewitnesses: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as eyewitnesses refers to people who had personally seen or heard something. Luke and the other writers based their writings on what they learned from people who had seen and heard Jesus themselves.

servants of the word: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as servants of the word refers to people who served God by announcing his word (message) to others. In this context, the word refers to the message about Jesus. Another way to translate this is:

the people who…served God by telling people his message (New Century Version)

General Comment on 1:2a–c

In some languages, it may be clearer to combine or reorder parts of 1:2a–c. For example:

2a
⌊They wrote down the events⌋ just as 2bthe people who were eyewitnesses from the beginning ⌊had reported them⌋. 2cThese eyewitnesses were servants of the message ⌊about these events⌋ 2aand handed it down to us.

General Comment on 1:1–2

In some languages, it may be clearer to put some of the parts of 1:1–2 into the order in which the events happened. For example:

2bFrom the beginning ⌊of Jesus’ time on earth,⌋ certain people were eyewitnesses 1bof the things/events ⌊of Jesus’ life and death⌋ that have been fulfilled among us. 2cThey served God by telling people what Jesus did and what he taught 2aand so the knowledge of these things was passed/delivered to us. 1a⌊Later,⌋ many ⌊others⌋ undertook to put these events in order as a story/history and to write it down.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 1:34

1:34

The Berean Standard Bible divides Mary’s question in 1:34 into two parts, and it puts the words “Mary asked the angel” between these parts. In many languages it is more natural to put the phrase “Mary asked the angel” at the beginning of the sentence. That is the word order in Greek. See the Display for 1:34a for an example. Follow the order that is natural in your language.

1:34a

How can this be: The word this refers to the angel’s words in 1:31a, “You will conceive.” So the question How can this be means “How shall this happen?” Mary was asking the angel for information. She was not implying that she did not believe what the angel had said. She did not understand how she could have a baby when she had not had sexual relations. You should express the question in a respectful way.

Some other ways to say this are:

But how can I have a baby? (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
How can/will I become pregnant?

Mary asked the angel: The Berean Standard Bible has placed the words Mary asked the angel in the middle of what Mary asked the angel in 1:34a–b. Place these words where it is natural in your language.

1:34b

since I am a virgin: The basis for Mary’s question in 1:34a is that she was a virgin. That is, because she was a virgin, she concluded that she could not have a baby. So she asked the angel to explain how this could happen.

I am a virgin: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as I am a virgin is literally “I do not know a man.” This phrase is a polite way to refer to the fact that Mary had never had sexual intercourse with a man. In some languages there may be an idiom for this. Be careful to use an expression that is not vulgar in your language.

Some other ways to say this in English are:

I have not been intimate with a man (NET Bible)
-or-
I am still a virgin (Revised English Bible)
-or-
I have not had sexual relations with a man

General Comment on 1:34a–b

In some languages it may be more natural to reverse the order of 1:34a and 1:34b. For example:

34b“I have no husband, 34a so how can this happen?” Mary asked the angel.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 1:77

1:77

This verse tells the means by which John will prepare the people for the Lord. In some languages you may need to make this connection more explicit. For example:

⌊You will prepare his people for him by⌋ giving them the knowledge of salvation

In other languages you may leave this connection implied and choose whether to begin a new sentence here. For example:

You will give them the knowledge of salvation
-or-
giving his people the knowledge of salvation

to give to His people the knowledge of salvation: The expression to give to His people the knowledge of salvation implies two things:

(a) John would tell the people about God coming to save his people through the Christ.

(b) John would lead the people to experience God saving them.

Some English versions translate only the idea of (a). However, it is good to translate in a way that implies both (a) and (b). For example:

⌊You will do this⌋ by leading his people to know/experience salvation.
-or-

⌊You will tell⌋ his people about salvation and help them be saved.

See save in the Glossary (see the note on salvation).

salvation through the forgiveness of their sins: The phrase through the forgiveness of their sins expresses the way in which God would save his people from judgment and punishment. He would save them by forgiving them for their sins.

forgiveness of their sins: In this context the phrase forgiveness of their sins refers to God choosing not to punish people for the evil/wrong things that they have done and thought. God cancels their guilt and treats them as though they had never offended him.

Some ways to translate forgiveness of their sins are:

release from their sins
-or-
taking away their sins
-or-
canceling their sins/guilt

In some languages it may be necessary to translate the noun forgiveness with a verb. Some ways to do this are:

pardon their sins
-or-
cancel their sins

In many languages there may be an idiom for this. For example:

erase their sins/guilt
-or-
wiping away their sins

In some languages it is more natural to say “forgive people,” rather than to “forgive sins.” For example:

forgive ⌊people⌋ for their sins

See forgive in Key Biblical Terms.

sins: The word sins refers to offenses against God or another person. These sins include acts, thoughts, and attitudes that are not what God wants or approves. A person can also offend God by not doing what God wants him to do.

Try to translate sins with a general term that can include any wrongdoing against God. Here are problems to avoid:

(a) The term should not imply that only serious crimes such as murder or stealing are sins. Other offenses such as gossip and greed are also sins.

(b) The term should not include accidents or mistakes that are not against God’s will.

Some ways to translate sins are:

wrong acts
-or-
offenses ⌊against God⌋
-or-
evil deeds

In some languages it may be natural to translate sins with a phrase that includes a verb. For example:

wrong things that they have done

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 2:29

2:29

In some languages, it may be more natural to put 2:29 after 2:32. See the General Comment on 2:29–32 at the end of the notes on 2:32b for an example.

2:29a

Sovereign Lord: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Sovereign Lord means “master” or “lord.” This is what a slave would call his master.

This is a different Greek word than the usual word for “lord,” but the meaning is similar. You may use the same term as you use for “lord,” or you may use another term with a similar meaning.

as You have promised: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as as You have promised is literally “according to your word.” This refers back to 2:26. At some time in the past, the Holy Spirit had told Simeon that he would not die before he had seen the Christ.

God fulfilled his promise that Simeon would see the Christ when Simeon saw Jesus.

2:29b

You now dismiss Your servant in peace: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as dismiss is literally “release” or “set free.” It is used in this clause as a euphemism, so that the clause means “you now allow your servant to die in peace.” Simeon implied that when the time came for him to die, he would die in peace. Simeon praised God with these words. The words do not imply that Simeon died that same day.

Some ways to translate this are:

• Use a euphemism in your language for dying. For example:

you are allowing your servant to leave in peace (God’s Word)

• Translate the meaning directly. For example:

I am your servant, and now I can die in peace (Contemporary English Version)

now: The word now refers to that exact time when Simeon saw Jesus. Simeon felt that whenever he might die after that time, he would die satisfied.

Your servant: When Simeon praised God, he referred to himself as Your servant. In some languages, it may be necessary to express this in a different way to make it clear that Simeon was referring to himself. For example:

you now dismiss me, your servant, in peace
-or-
I am your servant, you now dismiss me in peace

servant: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as servant also meant “slave.” This referred to someone who was owned by another person. He had no rights of his own and worked for his owner without receiving pay.

If the idea of slaves or servants is not known in your area, you can say:

I belong to you
-or-
you who own me

Simeon expressed humility and his desire to serve God by referring to himself in this way.

in peace: In this context the phrase in peace describes an attitude of calmness and contentment. Simeon could die in peace because he had at last seen the Christ. Some other ways to say this are:

⌊die⌋ happily
-or-
I am at peace

See peace, Meaning 3, in the Glossary.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 3:9

3:9a

In Greek, 3:9a begins with a phrase that emphasizes what John was about to say. The Berean Standard Bible does not translate this phrase. Consider whether it is natural in your language to use such an expression here. Some ways to translate it in English are:

Yes, even now (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
Indeed (New American Standard Bible)

The axe lies ready at the root of the trees: This clause is a metaphor. Its literal meaning is that ⌊someone⌋ has already placed his ax on the ground next to the trees because he is ready to cut them down. This metaphor indicates that God is ready to punish people, just as a man brings his ax over to a tree is ready to cut it down.

In some languages the meaning of this metaphor may not be clear. If this is true in your language, it may be necessary to indicate the meaning more explicitly. For example:

Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-

⌊God⌋ is about to ⌊punish people who do not repent⌋. He is like a man who is aiming his ax at the root of a tree, ready to cut it down.

ready: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as ready emphasizes that the danger is immediate/imminent. The ax is right there, ready to strike. The tree is about to be cut down.

the root: Here the phrase the root refers to the part of the tree that is just above the ground. In this context, it does not mean the part that is below the ground. A person could cut the tree there and make the whole tree fall. In some languages this may be translated as something like:

the base of the tree/trunk

the trees: John did not name a specific type of tree. The context indicates that he was referring to fruit trees, such as fig trees.

3:9b–c

and In Greek, this part of the verse is connected to 3:9a with a conjunction that is sometimes translated as “therefore,” as in the English Standard Version. Many English versions, including the Berean Standard Bible, translate it as and. Other versions start a new sentence here. For example:

Any tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into a fire. (God’s Word)

Connect 3:9b–c to 3:9a in a way that is natural in your language.

every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire: The Greek verbs that the Berean Standard Bible translates as will be cut down and thrown are passive. In some languages it may be more natural to use an active clause here and supply a general subject such as “man” or “woodcutter.” For example:

the man/woodcutter will cut down every tree that does not produce good fruit and throw it into the fire

In this part of the verse John continued to use the metaphor about the fruit trees from 3:9a. The trees represent people. Fruit trees that do not produce good fruit represent people who do not do and say what is good. The man/woodcutter represents God ready to punish those people. In some languages it may be necessary to make the meaning of the metaphor more explicit here, as in 3:9a. For example:

If anyone is like a tree that does not produce good fruit, ⌊God will punish that person. That person will be like a tree⌋ that is cut down and burned up.
-or-

⌊If you do not repent and do what is good, you will be punished/destroyed⌋ like a useless/fruitless tree is cut down and thrown it into a fire.

In some translations, it may be helpful to explain the meaning of the metaphor more fully in a footnote. For example:

God is ready to condemn and severely punish all people who do not repent and do good things that show that they have repented. If the descendants of Abraham do not repent, God will punish them also.

Paragraph Group 3:10–14

In 3:10–14, three groups of people asked John the same question. They asked him what they should do. The three groups are:

(a) the crowd (3:10);

(b) tax collectors (3:12);

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 4:14

Division 4:14–9:50

Jesus ministered in Galilee

Much of Jesus’ public ministry took place in the province of Galilee. Luke described this part of Jesus’ ministry in 4:14–9:50. Jesus began his work in Nazareth, went on to the town of Capernaum, and then spread his message throughout the region. He did many miracles and taught many things. Jesus often used parables when he taught the people. He showed clearly that God had given him power and authority. Even though Jesus so amazed the people that they praised God, many of the religious leaders began to oppose him. As Jesus was ending his ministry in Galilee, he foretold that he would be killed and come back to life.

Section 4:14–30

The people rejected Jesus at Nazareth

In the synagogue in Nazareth, Jesus read a text from Isaiah that refers to the Messiah. Jesus said that what this scripture talked about was happening as he read it. By saying this, Jesus was claiming to be the Messiah. He used examples from the history of Israel to show that the Israelites did not believe and obey God well. He implied that people from other countries were ready to believe and obey God more than the people of Israel were. So the people of Nazareth tried to kill Jesus, but they could not.

Some other possible headings for this section are:

The People of Nazareth Turn against Jesus (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Jesus Rejected at Nazareth (English Standard Version)

There is a parallel passage for this section in Mark 6:1–6.

Paragraph 4:14–15

This verse begins with a Greek conjunction that is often translated as “and.” Some English versions, such as the English Standard Version, translate it that way. The Berean Standard Bible has not translated this conjunction, and some other versions such as the New International Version and NET Bible also do not translate it here.

However, the events in this paragraph occurred soon after the events in 4:13. In some languages, it may be natural to begin this paragraph by using a time word or phrase to translate this conjunction. For example:

Then (Good News Translation)
-or-
After that

Connect 4:14a to 4:13b in a way that is natural in your language.

4:14a

Jesus returned to Galilee: Galilee was the name of a province in the northern part of the land of Israel. Galilee was where Jesus had lived when he was a boy. In this passage, Jesus left the province of Judea and went north to return to Galilee.

in the power of the Spirit: The phrase in the power of the Spirit means “guided by the Spirit” or “with the Holy Spirit’s power.” God’s Holy Spirit guided Jesus and gave him the power to do all that God wanted him to do. (The phrase “full of the Holy Spirit” in 4:1a has a similar meaning.)

Some other ways to translate this are:

and the power of the Holy Spirit was with him (Good News Translation)
-or-
filled with the Holy Spirit’s power (New Living Translation (2004))

4:14b

the news about Him spread throughout the surrounding region: Here are some other ways to translate the phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the news about Him spread throughout the surrounding region:

people told other people about Jesus all over the province of Galilee
-or-
Soon he became well known throughout the surrounding country. (New Living Translation (1996))

surrounding region: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as surrounding region can also be translated as “countryside” (New International Version) or simply “area” (New Century Version). It is a general term that here refers to the towns and villages throughout Galilee.

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 2013