SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 2023 – Page 21

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 4:13

4:13a

Leaving Nazareth: The noun Nazareth is the name of Jesus’ hometown. It was a small town in the district of Galilee. It is implied that Jesus first went there. Then he left that town. You may want to include some of the implied information. For example:

⌊He went to the town of⌋ Nazareth, ⌊and later⌋ he left
-or-

⌊He first went and stayed in his hometown of⌋ Nazareth. ⌊Then⌋ he left

went and lived in Capernaum: The noun Capernaum is the name of another town in the district of Galilee. Jesus moved to Capernaum and it became his home.

Here are some other ways to translate these words:

moved to Capernaum (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
went and settled in Capernaum (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
went to stay in ⌊the town of⌋ Capernaum

4:13b

which is by the sea: The phrase by the sea is the first of two phrases that describe where the town of Capernaum was located. Capernaum was by/beside the Sea of Galilee.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

This town was beside Lake Galilee (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
on the shores of the Sea of Galilee (God’s Word)

the sea: The phrase the sea refers to the largest freshwater lake in Israel. It is the Sea of Galilee. This lake is about 21 kilometers long and 11 kilometers wide. If your language has different words for “lake/sea” based on its size, this information may help you decide which word to use.

The Sea of Galilee is a body of freshwater, not saltwater. The word “sea” is often associated with saltwater. But it can also refer to a lake of freshwater, as is the case in this passage. Several other versions, such as the New International Version, say “lake.”

If your language has a separate word or phrase for a freshwater lake, you will want to use it here. In languages that do not have a word for “sea/lake,” you may be able to use a descriptive phrase. For example:

the big pond/water
-or-
large water
-or-
wide/large river

4:13c

in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali: The phrase in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali is the second of two phrases that describe where the town of Capernaum was located. Capernaum was in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali.

The nouns Zebulun and Naphtali are the names of two of the tribes/clans of Israel. The land that belonged to these two clans covered some of the same area as the district of Galilee.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

in the region/area of Zebulun and Naphtali

-or-

⌊It/Capernaum was⌋ in the land that belonged to the descendants/clans of Zebulun and Naphtali

© 2023 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.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 5:20

5:20

The Jews considered the Pharisees and the teachers of the law to be the most righteous people because they closely followed the commandments. So what Jesus said here would have shocked his hearers. He did not consider most of the teachers of the law and the Pharisees to be truly righteous.

5:20a–b

unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven: The Greek text has a negative in each clause:

if your righteousness does not surpass…, you will certainly not enter…

In some languages, it may be necessary to adjust the way the negatives are used in order for the correct meaning between the clauses to be clear.

Here are some other ways to translate these clauses:

you will be able to enter the kingdom of heaven only if you are more faithful than the teachers of the law and the Pharisees in doing what God requires. (Good News Translation)
-or-
your goodness must be a far better thing than the goodness of the scribes and Pharisees before you can set foot in the kingdom of Heaven at all! (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
You must obey God’s commands better than the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law obey them. If you don’t, I promise you that you will never get into the kingdom of heaven. (Contemporary English Version)

5:20a

For: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as For indicates that the words in 5:20 are a further explanation of the ideas in 5:17–19.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

then (Good News Translation)
-or-
So
-or-
Therefore

Many English versions do not translate this conjunction. In some languages, it may not be necessary to translate it either.

I tell you: The words I tell you emphasize the importance of the words that follow. This phrase is similar to “For I tell you truly” (in 5:18a) except that it does not have the word translated as “truly.”

Here is another way to translate this phrase:

I assure you
-or-
listen

unless your righteousness: The word righteousness refers here to doing what is right and good in God’s sight. A righteous person has good morals and is honest.

Here are some other ways to translate righteousness:

you do what is right
-or-
you do what God wills/desires
-or-
doing what God requires (Good News Translation)
-or-
you do what God considers right

This same word occurs in 5:6a.

exceeds: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as exceeds also means “surpasses” or “is better/greater than.”

Here are some other ways to translate exceeds:

is greater/more/better than
-or-
goes beyond (NET Bible)

scribes: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as scribes refers to men who studied, interpreted, and taught the law of Moses. These men were called scribes because their original work was to copy the laws of Moses by hand. In New Testament times, this was no longer their main task.

Here are some other ways to translate this term:

teachers of the law (New International Version)
-or-
teachers of the Law ⌊of Moses⌋
-or-
teachers of religious law (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
experts in the law (NET Bible)

This word also occurs in 2:4. You should translate it here as you did there.

Pharisees: The Pharisees were a Jewish religious group or party known for teaching a very strict obedience to the law of Moses. See how you translated this term in 3:7.

5:20b

never: The Greek words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as never is a stronger way to say “not.”

Here are some ways to translate these words:

certainly not (New International Version)
-or-
never (Revised Standard Version)

enter the kingdom of heaven: In this context, the word enter refers to “becoming a citizen of.” When people believe in Jesus, they become citizens/members of the kingdom of heaven.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

become a citizen of the kingdom of heaven
-or-
become one of those who are in the kingdom of ⌊the one who lives in⌋ heaven

-or-

be added to those over whom God rules

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 6:4

6:4a

so that: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as so that introduces the purpose of not letting your left hand know what your right hand is doing (in 6:3b).

3bDo not let one hand know what the other is doing, 4ain order that your giving may be in secret.

Another way to translate this conjunction is as the introduction of a result clause. For example:

Then (Good News Translation)

your giving: In some languages it is more natural to translate the phrase your giving with a clause. For example:

what you give
-or-

⌊the alms/help⌋ you give ⌊to the needy⌋

may be in secret: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as secret refers to something “hidden” or “unseen.” By not letting others know that you are helping the poor (6:3b), your “giving” is in secret. Other people do not see or know what you give because you are “giving” in a private way.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

it will be a private matter (Good News Translation)
-or-
no one will know/see what you have done

Use an expression that can be used both here and in 6:4b.

6:4b

And your Father: The phrase your Father refers to God.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

And your Father ⌊God⌋
-or-
Then your ⌊heavenly⌋ Father
-or-
Our(incl.) Father ⌊God⌋

The phrase your Father also occurs in 6:1c. See how you translated it there.

who sees what is done in secret, will reward you: The phrase in secret is the same phrase as in 6:4a, and refers to the same thing.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

who sees all that is done in secret will reward you (New Jerusalem Bible)

-or-

knows the deed that you have done when no one can see you, and he will reward you.

Be careful to translate the clause in a way that does not imply that you have two Fathers: one who sees in secret and another who does not see in secret. In some languages, it is more natural to translate this as two sentences. For example:

Your Father sees what you do in private. He will reward you. (God’s Word)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 7:2

7:2a

For: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as For introduces the basis for the command not to judge (in 7:1).

Here are some other ways to translate this conjunction:

because (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
the reason is that

In some languages, it is not necessary to use a conjunction here.

with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged: This clause is a comparison. It compares the way you judge with the way you will be judged. In other words, if you judge someone harshly, you will be judged harshly. If you judge someone fairly, you will be judged fairly.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

You will be judged in the same way that you judge others (New Century Version)
-or-
You will be judged like you judge other people.
-or-
The way you condemn others will be the way you are condemned.

you will be judged: This clause is passive. Translate it like you translated “you will be judged” (7:1b). For example:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

you will be judged (Berean Standard Bible)

• Use an active verb. For example:

God will judge you (Good News Translation)

7:2b

Verse 7:2b is a proverb that people commonly used in Jesus’ time. This proverb also occurs in Mark 4:24. In each context, this proverb has a different application.

with the measure you use, it will be measured to you: In the New Testament, the noun measure literally refers to a measuring instrument. It can be:

(a) a measuring cup that measures the quantity of something like grain that is sold in the marketplace.

(b) a measuring stick that measures the length of something.

In the context of the marketplace, this refers to that fact that if you fill the measuring cup full when you sell something to others, people will also fill the measuring cup full when they sell something to you. But if you measure in a stingy way when you sell something to others, people will also measure in a stingy way when they sell something to you. In other words, if you are generous with people, they will be generous with you. If you are stingy with people, they will be stingy with you in return.

In the context of this verse, this proverb refers to the standards you use to judge someone. If the standards you use to judge someone are harsh, you will be judged harshly. If the standards you use to judge someone are fair, you will be judged fairly.

Here are some other ways to translate this proverb:

• Translate the meaning literally or generally. For example:

and the measure you give will be the measure you get (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
and the amount you give to others will be given to you (New Century Version)
-or-
and the standard you use will be the standard used for you (New Jerusalem Bible)

• Translate the meaning as it applies here. For example:

The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
the rules you use to condemn others will also be the rules God will use to condemn you

it will be measured to you: This clause is passive.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

will be given to you (New Century Version)

• Use an active verb. You may have to supply a subject. Depending on the way you translate this first part of this proverb, the subject may be “God” or “people.” For example:

will be the measure you receive (NET Bible)
-or-
will be the measure/amount ⌊other people⌋ will give to you

-or-

⌊God⌋ will use the same measure/standard to judge you

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 8:5

Section 8:5–13

Jesus healed a Roman army officer’s servant

This section tells the story of a Roman officer who had greater faith than many Jews. This Gentile officer believed that Jesus had the power to heal his servant, even from a distance. Matthew used this story to show Jesus’ power. He also used this story to show that believing Gentiles would also be in the kingdom of God.

Here are some other possible headings for this section:

The faith of a centurion
-or-
A believing ⌊Roman⌋ army officer
-or-
A ⌊Roman⌋ officer shows he believes strongly ⌊in Jesus’ power⌋

There is a parallel passage for this section in Luke 7:1–10.

Paragraph 8:5–9

8:5a

When Jesus had entered: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Jesus is literally “he.” The pronoun “he” refers to Jesus. Since this is the beginning of a new section, you may want to make this explicit, as the Berean Standard Bible does.

Capernaum: The word Capernaum refers to a town near the Lake of Galilee. In some languages, it may be good to make it explicit that Capernaum was a town. For example:

the town of Capernaum (Contemporary English Version)

8:5b

centurion: A centurion was a Roman army officer. He was the leader of about one hundred soldiers. The word centurion literally means “leader of one hundred.”

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

• Translate the literal meaning of the Greek word. For example:

officer/leader of one hundred soldiers

• Use a word for such an officer in the army in your country. For example:

captain

• Use a general word or phrase for an officer or commander. For example:

soldier leader
-or-
great/big soldier
-or-
soldier who commands others

You may also need to supply the information that this was a Roman officer. This is implied by the word centurion, which was used only by the Roman army. He was not a Jew leading Jewish soldiers. For example:

a Roman captain
-or-
a leader of Roman soldiers

came:

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

came to him (New International Version)
-or-
met him (Good News Translation)
-or-
approached him

pleaded with Him: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as pleaded with Him also means “begging him.”

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

pleaded (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
beg him for help (God’s Word)

-or-

strongly asked him to help him

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 9:3

9:3a

The Greek of 9:3a begins with a word that is often translated as “behold.” It indicates that something extraordinary will happen. The Berean Standard Bible does not translate this word. Here, what is unexpected is that, instead of being happy for the paralyzed man, some people there were upset with Jesus.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

At this (New International Version)
-or-
Surprisingly
-or-
Unexpectedly

scribes: This is the first time in this section that the text refers to scribes. In some languages, it may be helpful to introduce them here. For example:

And some scribes ⌊were there. They⌋ said to themselves

The word scribes also occurs in 5:20a and 8:19a. You should translate this word here as you did there.

See also scribe in the Glossary for more information.

said to themselves: The phrase said to themselves is an idiom. It means “thought.” The scribes said the following words in their minds/hearts. They did not say them out loud.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

thought (God’s Word)
-or-
said in their hearts/minds

9:3b

This man: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as This man is more literally “this one.” It was a way for the scribes to dishonor Jesus. They did not say something respectful like “The teacher” or “The master.”

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

This fellow (New International Version)
-or-
This guy

is blaspheming!: The verb is blaspheming means “intentionally say something that greatly harms a person’s reputation.” The scribes thought that Jesus was blaspheming/dishonoring God by claiming to do something that only God had the authority and ability to do. They believed that such talk harmed God’s reputation.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

He’s dishonoring God (God’s Word)
-or-
greatly slanders/insults God
-or-
speaks against God
-or-
This man is evil. He speaks as if he were God.

-or-

He makes himself equal with God. That is evil talk!

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 9:35

Section 9:35–38

The harvest is plentiful, the workers are few

This short section is a transitional section. The section begins with what is probably a summary of Jesus’ activities in chapters 5–9: he traveled around teaching, preaching, and healing people. The section ends with a call to pray to God to send more workers into the harvest. This is an introduction to Jesus sending out the twelve disciples in chapter 10.

Here are some other possible headings for this section:

The need for more workers in God’s kingdom
-or-
Jesus’ workers are few
-or-
Jesus Has Pity on People (Contemporary English Version)

Paragraph 9:35–38

9:35

This verse introduces the summary of Jesus’ activities in chapters 5–9.

Here are some ways to begin this summary:

So
-or-
In this way

9:35a

Jesus went through: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as went through indicates that Jesus traveled from village to village and visited each one. He probably stayed for a day or two in each village. Your translation should not imply that he passed through these villages without stopping.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

Jesus went around visiting (Good News Translation)
-or-
Jesus traveled through (New Century Version)

Jesus took his disciples along with him during his trips. Notice that they are with him in 9:37a. In some languages, it may be necessary to add this information here. For example:

Jesus ⌊and his disciples⌋ went throughout

all the towns and villages: This phrase probably refers to all the cities and villages in a certain area of the country of Israel. It may have been the district of Galilee, but the exact area is not specified. It probably does not refer to all the cities and villages in the entire country.

Here is another way to translate this phrase:

all the towns and villages of that area (New Living Translation (2004))

towns and villages: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as towns refers to communities that are larger and more important than villages. Do not use a word that refers only to large, modern cities of today.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

cities and villages (English Standard Version)
-or-
the big villages and the small villages

9:35b–d

Verse 9:35b–d is exactly the same as 4:23b–d. You should translate these two verses the same way.

9:35b

teaching: In some languages, it may be necessary to say what Jesus was teaching. For example:

teaching ⌊about God⌋
-or-
teaching ⌊God’s word⌋

in their synagogues: The word synagogues refers to buildings where Jews gathered to pray, read Scripture, teach their beliefs, and worship God. The Jews also gathered in synagogues for cultural activities. There was only one temple, but each Jewish community had a synagogue.

The pronoun their refers to the Jews in each town.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

in the prayer-houses of the Jews
-or-
in the meeting-places of the Jews
-or-
in their buildings for worship
-or-
in each of the houses for gathering together

This word first occurs in 4:23b. See the note there for more information.

If a literal translation of in their synagogues would imply that Jesus was not a Jew, you should leave the word their untranslated. For example:

in the synagogues (Good News Translation)

9:35c

preaching: The word preaching refers to announcing news in a public manner.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

proclaiming (English Standard Version)
-or-
announcing (New Living Translation (2004))

This word also occurs in 4:23c.

the gospel of the kingdom: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as gospel is sometimes translated as “good news” (as in the New International Version). In the New Testament, this Greek word specifically means “the good news that God has made a way to save sinful people through Jesus.”

In Matthew, the word kingdom is usually referred to by the fuller expression “kingdom of heaven.” It refers to God’s rule in a person’s life.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

the good message about ⌊God’s⌋ kingdom
-or-
the good news concerning ⌊God’s⌋ kingship/ruling
-or-
the good news about submitting to ⌊God’s⌋ rule/authority

This phrase also occurs in 4:23c. You should translate it the same in both places.

9:35d

healing every disease and sickness: The words disease and sickness are a doublet. This means that these words have almost the same meaning. Together, these words refer to every type of illness and physical problem that people can have.

Different cultures categorize diseases and physical problems in different ways. As you translate this clause, remember that Jesus healed people of leprosy, fever, blindness, demon-possession, and various handicaps. You should find terms that cover all (or most) of these.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

• Use two terms. For example:

healing all kinds of diseases and sicknesses (New Century Version)
-or-
healing every disease and handicap
-or-
curing every illness and injury

• Use more than two terms. For example:

he cured people who were sick, handicapped, and injured
-or-
he healed people who had every type of disease, illness, disability, and other sickness

• Use one term. For example:

healing every kind of sickness

-or-

curing everyone who was not well

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 10:29

10:29–31

This parable shows that God is greatly concerned for the well-being of people who believe in him. The parable shows this by comparing the way God values sparrows to the way he values people.

10:29a

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?: This is a rhetorical question. The rhetorical question emphasizes the fact that people put little value on sparrows. A penny is the smallest amount of money. Yet, people could buy two sparrows with one penny.

Here are some other ways to translate the emphasis:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

Can you not buy two sparrows for a penny? (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
Two sparrows are sold for only a penny, isn’t that right?

• As a statement. For example:

Two sparrows are sold for just a penny
-or-
For only a penny you can buy two sparrows (Good News Translation)

Translate this emphasis in a way that is natural in your language.

sparrows: The word sparrows refers to a kind of small bird that was sold for food. Here are some other ways to translate this word:

• Use a descriptive phrase and transliterate the word sparrow. For example:

small birds called sparrows
-or-
sparrow birds

• Use a generic phrase. For example:

small birds

• Use a common bird in your area that is small and that people eat. For example:

rice birds

penny: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as penny refers to a small coin. It had little value. Sixteen of these coins were equal to one denarius. (A denarius was the usual wage for a farm worker for one day at that time.) Because the value of money changes, it is recommended that you use a general term. For example:

a small coin
-or-
very little money

10:29b

Yet not one of them will fall to the ground: This clause is an idiom. It means “not one bird will die.” For example:

not even one of them can die (New Century Version)

apart from the will of your Father: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as apart from the will of your Father is more literally “without your Father.” There are several ways to interpret this phrase:

(1) This phrase refers to the will of God regarding the sparrows. Not one sparrow dies without God willing it. For example:

apart from the will of your Father (New International Version)

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New International Version, Good News Translation, God’s Word, NET Bible)

(2) This phrase refers to the knowledge of God regarding the sparrows. Not one sparrow dies without God knowing it:

without your Father knowing (New Jerusalem Bible)

(New Jerusalem Bible, New Living Translation (2004), Contemporary English Version, Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English, Revised English Bible, New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) because it seems to best fit the context. Just as a sparrow will not die unless it is the will of God, a disciple will not be persecuted unless it is the will of God.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

without your Father’s permission (God’s Word)
-or-
only if/when your ⌊heavenly⌋ Father allows it

-or-

unless/except your Father ⌊God⌋ wants it to happen

Search

Step into the multitudes of languages of the Bible and join the worldwide conversation!

Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 2023

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 4:13

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 5:20

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 6:4

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 7:2

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 8:5

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 9:3

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 9:35

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 10:29

Search

Step into the multitudes of languages of the Bible and join the worldwide conversation!

American Bible Society