SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 2023 – Page 23

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 18:19

18:19a

Again, I tell you truly: There is a textual issue here. In some Greek manuscripts, there is a word that means “truly.”

Some important Greek manuscripts do not have this Greek word. Most English versions follow these manuscripts. For example:

Again I say to you (Revised Standard Version)

(Revised Standard Version, English Standard Version, New International Version, New American Standard Bible, Revised English Bible, King James Version, New Living Translation (2004), Good News Translation, New Century Version, Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

Other Greek manuscripts have this Greek word. A few English versions follow these manuscripts. For example:

Again, truly I tell you (New Revised Standard Version)

(Berean Standard Bible, New Revised Standard Version, NET Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, Contemporary English Version, God’s Word)

It is recommended that you follow option (1) and the majority of English versions. Do not include a translation of the word “truly.”

Again: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Again indicates that Jesus wanted to say some more things to his disciples. It does not mean that he wanted to repeat something he had already said.

Here are some other ways to translate this word and its context:

And I tell you more: (Good News Translation)
-or-
I also tell you this (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
Also, I tell you that (New Century Version)

18:19b

if two of you on the earth agree about anything you ask for: This clause refers to two of Jesus’ disciples agreeing to ask God for something. It refers to agreeing about something and praying for it.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

if two of you on earth agree about anything and ask ⌊God⌋ for it
-or-
if two of you on earth agree about something and pray for it (New Century Version)
-or-
when any two of you on earth agree about something you are praying for (Contemporary English Version)

In this context, this clause may refer to asking for wisdom to handle the issue of the brother who has sinned (in 18:15a). But it may include other issues as well. You should translate it in a general way so that it can refer to any issue.

two of you…you: The second you translates a form that is more literally “they.” However, both pronouns refer to Jesus’ disciples, so the Berean Standard Bible and some English versions change the pronoun “they” to you to make this clearer. In some languages, it would be natural to follow the Greek and use both you and “they” here. For example:

if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask (English Standard Version)

In some languages, it may also be more natural to use the same pronoun here.

on the earth: This phrase on the earth contrasts with the phrase “in heaven” at the end of 18:19c. It refers to where people are, as opposed to where God is.

In some languages, it will be natural to put this phrase at a different place in the clause. For example:

if two of you agree on anything here on earth (God’s Word)

about anything you ask for: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as anything you ask for refers to any matter or thing of concern.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

about whatever (NET Bible)
-or-
concerning any matter

18:19c

it will be done for you by My Father in heaven: This clause is passive. Here are some other ways to translate it:

• Use a passive verb, as in the Berean Standard Bible.

• Use an active verb. For example:

my Father in heaven will do it for you (NET Bible)
-or-
you will receive it from my Father in heaven

it will be done for you: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as will be done means “will do” what they asked for or “will answer” their prayer. You should use a verb in your language that refers to answering a prayer. For example:

my Father in heaven will answer their/your prayer
-or-
my Father in heaven will give it to them/you
-or-
my Father in heaven will fulfill what they/you asked

you: The pronoun you here, as in 18:19b, is more literally “them.” However, this pronoun refers to “you” in the phrase “two of you.” Therefore, the Berean Standard Bible and some other English versions change the “them” to you. In some languages, it would be natural to follow the Greek and use “they” here. For example:

it will be done for them (English Standard Version)

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 19:16

Section 19:16–30

Jesus taught about entering the kingdom of heaven

In this section, a young man asked Jesus what he must do to get eternal life. Jesus gave him a standard answer, which was to obey God’s commands.

The young man apparently felt that this was not enough and asked what else he should do (19:20). Then Jesus told him to sell his possessions, give the money to the poor, and follow him. The young man was rich, and he was not willing to sell his things. So he left.

Jesus then used the rich young man as an example. He explained that riches make it difficult to enter the kingdom (19:23–24). The saying of a camel going through the eye of a needle was probably a well-known proverb about something impossible to do. Without God making it possible, neither a rich person nor anyone else is able to enter the kingdom (19:26).

Jesus also gave a promise that those whom he asked to leave their possessions and family behind to serve him would receive great rewards (19:29).

Here are some other possible headings for this section:

The Rich Young Man (New International Version)
-or-
A rich young man’s questions

There are parallel passages for this section in Mark 10:17–31 and Luke 18:18–30.

Paragraph 19:16–22

19:16a

Just then: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Just then literally means “look” or “see.” This word brings attention to the words that follow. If you have an expression in your language that someone uses when he wants to bring attention to something that he is about to say, you should use it here.

Here are some other ways to translate this word in its context:

And behold (English Standard Version)
-or-
Then it happened that (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

Many English versions do not translate this word here.

a man: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as a man is more literally the word “one” (as in the Revised Standard Version). In 19:22, Matthew called him a “young man.” So here most English versions translate it as a man.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

a certain man
-or-
a young man

came up to Jesus: At the end of 19:15, Jesus began to travel. So the clause came up to Jesus probably means that the man met Jesus along the way.

This sentence starts a new section. So in some languages, it will be natural to mention the name of Jesus again. For example:

approached Jesus

19:16b

Teacher: Here, the word Teacher refers to a religious teacher. It was a polite title for a Jewish man who had authority to teach the things about God. Use a title that is an appropriate way to address a religious teacher in your culture. It should not refer only to a school teacher.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

Sir
-or-
Master

what good thing must I do: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as good thing is more literally just the adjective “good.” In this context it refers to deeds/activities that God considers good.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

what good must I do (Revised English Bible)
-or-
I must do which good work

to obtain: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as obtain means “have, obtain, possess.”

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

to possess (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
to gain (Revised English Bible)
-or-
to get (New International Version)

eternal life: The word eternal refers to something that does not end. The phrase eternal life refers to life in God’s kingdom. This life continues forever.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

unending life
-or-
life that never ends

In some languages, it may be best to translate life as a verb. For example:

to live eternally/forever

-or-

so that ⌊God will cause me⌋ to live forever

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 20:18

20:18a

Look: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Look draws attention to the words that follow. If it is natural in your language to use such a word or phrase, you may want to include it here. Here are some examples:

See (English Standard Version)
-or-
Listen (Good News Translation)
-or-
Pay attention to this

Some English versions do not translate this word. For example:

We are going up to Jerusalem (New International Version)

In some languages, it may not be natural to translate this word either.

we are going up to Jerusalem: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as going up is the same verb as in 20:17a. You should use the same verb here.

20:18b

the Son of Man: Jesus used the phrase the Son of Man to refer to himself. In some languages, it may be necessary to add the pronoun “I” to show that Jesus was referring to himself. For example:

⌊I,⌋ the Son of Man

In Matthew, this phrase first occurs in 8:20b. See the Note there for more information on translating it. This phrase last occurred in 19:28c.

will be delivered over: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as delivered over means “handed over to the power of someone else.” It often refers to a person being betrayed and delivered to his enemies.

Here are some other ways to translate this verb:

will be betrayed (New International Version)
-or-
will be handed over (Good News Translation)

This is a passive verb. Here the text does not specify who would betray Jesus. From later in Matthew, it is clear that Judas would betray Jesus. This would fulfill God’s plan. However, you should not make Judas explicit here. If you need to use an active verb, translate in a general way. For example:

⌊someone⌋ is going to betray

This same verb occurs in 17:22b.

20:18c

chief priests: A priest was a religious leader who offered sacrifices to God for the people. Jewish priests led the people in worship at the temple in Jerusalem. The phrase chief priests refers to the leaders among these priests.

Here are some other ways to translate chief priests:

• Use a descriptive term that focuses on the duty of priests. For example:

the leaders of the sacrificers
-or-
the elders among the men who offer sacrifices to God
-or-
the leaders of those who represent people to God

• Use a local word for priest. This option may be acceptable if the duties of a local priest are similar to those of a Jewish priest. You may need to indicate that the word refers to a Jewish priest. For example:

Jewish people’s leading priests/sacrificers

The term chief priests also occurs in 16:21c. You should translate it here as you did there.

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. (A scribe is someone who copies manuscripts.) In New Testament times, this was no longer their main task.

Here are some other ways to translate this term:

teachers of the Law of Moses (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
teachers of religious law (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
teachers of the law (New International Version)
-or-
experts in the law

Translate this term in the same way as you did in 12:38a, 15:1a, and 16:21c.

20:18d

They will condemn Him to death: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as condemn Him means “will judge him guilty.” The addition of the phrase to death means that the punishment that they would give Jesus would be that he should die.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

They will sentence him to die (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
they will say that he must die (New Century Version)

-or-

they will judge him as guilty ⌊of breaking the law⌋ and give a punishment of death

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 22:16

22:16a

And they sent their disciples to him: The phrase their disciples refers to disciples of the Pharisees. The word disciple should be translated in the same way as the word for Jesus’ disciples. The pronoun him refers to Jesus.

along with the Herodians: The word Herodians refers to servants or officials of Herod the tetrarch (mentioned in 14:1). Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

members of Herod’s party (Revised English Bible)
-or-
some of Herod’s followers (New Century Version)
-or-
some of King Herod’s officials

saying: This word introduces the message they spoke to Jesus. It could also be translated as a the start of a new sentence. For example:

They said

22:16b

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

Sir
-or-
Master

This is the same form of address as in 8:19b. Translate it the same way here.

we know that you are true: The Greek word that the English Standard Version translates as true refers to the quality of truthfulness or honesty. Here it implies that the speakers considered Jesus to be someone who tells the truth. Because this was a trap (see 22:15), it was an insincere statement. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

you tell the truth (Good News Translation)
-or-
you are an honest man (New Century Version)

22:16c

and teach the way of God: The Greek word that the English Standard Version translates as way is more literally translated “road.” In this context it describes a manner of living. So the whole phrase refers to the way of life which God desires.

Here is another way to translate this clause:

and teach the way of life that God requires (Revised English Bible)

truthfully: The Greek phrase that the English Standard Version translates as truthfully uses another form of the word “true” in 22:16b. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

in accordance with the truth (NET Bible)
-or-
in all honesty (New Jerusalem Bible)

22:16d

and you do not care about anyone’s opinion: In Greek this clause is more literally “and it is not a concern to you about anyone.” The context indicates that Jesus was not concerned about what people thought. If he did not care about that, he could say whatever he thought regardless of the opinion of others. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

You are not afraid of what other people think about you (New Century Version)
-or-
you are not concerned about the opinions of others

If you have a phrase or idiom in your language to express this idea, use it here.

22:16e

for: This connector introduces the reason for the statement just given.

Here is another way to translate this word:

because (Good News Translation)

you are not swayed by appearances: In Greek this clause is more literally “you do not look into the face of a man.” It means that Jesus was not someone who might change what he said depending on whom he was talking to. His teaching did not depend on whether his listener was rich or poor, lowly or important. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

you do not regard the position of men (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
you pay no attention to anyone’s status (Good News Translation)
-or-
You donʼt care how important they are. (NirV)

-or-

If someone is important, you do not change your answers to make them happy. (Easy English Bible)

If you have a phrase or idiom in your language to express this idea, use it here.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 2:12

Paragraph 2:12

2:12a

And: In some languages, it may be natural to begin 2:12 with a word or phrase that shows that the wise men’s dream occurred some time after they gave gifts. For example:

Later (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Then (Good News Translation)

having been warned in a dream: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as having been warned is passive.

Here are some ways to translate this verb:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

Later they were warned in a dream (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
And having been warned by God in a dream (New American Standard Bible)

• Use an active verb. For example:

God had warned them in a dream (Good News Translation)
-or-
God instructed/told them in a dream

warned: Here are some other ways to translate this word:

advised
-or-
told/instructed
-or-
informed

not to return to Herod: The phrase not to return to Herod was God’s warning in the dream. It is implied that they should not return to Herod and tell him where Jesus was.

Also, it may be more natural in some languages to make this direct speech. For example:

“Do not go back to Herod.”
-or-
“You (plur.) must not return to Herod.”

2:12b

they withdrew to their country: The wise men went back to their own country where they lived. They returned to their homeland. For example:

they went back home (Contemporary English Version)

by another route: They returned a different way. They did not go back the same way they had come. They did this to avoid seeing Herod again.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

by another road (Good News Translation)

-or-

a different way

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 4:4

4:4a

But: There is a contrast between 4:3 and 4:4. The contrast is between the devil’s desire and Jesus’ desire. Jesus refused to do what the devil wanted him to do. Some English versions indicate this contrast with the word “but.”

Here are some other ways to translate this contrast:

However
-or-
Instead
-or-
But instead ⌊Jesus refused⌋

Jesus answered: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as answered here means “replied” or “responded.” Jesus was not answering a question. He was responding to what the devil was suggesting.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

he replied (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
Jesus responded by saying

It is written: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as It is written introduces words from the Hebrew Scriptures.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

The scripture says (Good News Translation)
-or-
It is written ⌊in the Scriptures⌋ ⌊that God said⌋

4:4b–c

In 4:4b–c, Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8:3. That passage teaches about true life. A person needs physical food, but for a complete life, he also must depend on God and obey all that he tells him to do.

4:4b

Man shall not live on bread alone: Jesus was saying that bread (food) alone does not give true life. There is something more important than food.

Be careful not to translate this clause in a way that implies that Jesus was saying that people need a variety of foods in addition to bread. He was not saying that bread is not nutritious enough to sustain life. He was saying that food alone does not give true life.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

A person does not live by eating only bread (New Century Version)
-or-
No one can live only on food. (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
It takes more than bread for man to live.
-or-
Food by itself is not enough to give people ⌊true⌋ life.

Man: The word Man here means a human being. It refers to both males and females.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

Human beings (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
People (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
A person (New Century Version)

bread: In this context bread represents food in general. This is the same word as in 4:3c.

4:4c

but: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as but indicates a strong contrast. The contrast is between what man cannot live on and what he can live on.

Here are some other ways to translate this contrast:

instead
-or-
rather

on every word that comes from the mouth of God: There is some implied information here. If the implicit information is included, it will say:

⌊he will live⌋ by/on every word that comes from the mouth of God.

Jesus meant that obeying God is more important than eating food. Jesus implied here that he would be disobeying God if he turned the stones into bread and ate it.

The phrase every word that comes from the mouth of God is a figure of speech. It refers to the words that God speaks.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

every word that God speaks (Good News Translation)
-or-
by everything God says (New Century Version)

-or-

what God commands

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 5:11

Paragraph 5:11–12

5:11a

In 5:11 the pronoun changes from “Blessed are those” to “Blessed are you (plur.).”

Blessed are you when people insult you: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as insult can also be translated as “revile” (as in the English Standard Version). It means to “treat someone or speak to someone with scorn or great disrespect.” It can also mean to “say or do something that hurts or intends to hurt the feelings of someone.” People insult Jesus’ followers in order to make them feel sad, shame them, or make others think that they are evil.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

Blessed are you when others revile you (English Standard Version)
-or-
You are blessed when people say bad things about you (plur.)
-or-
God blesses you when people mock you (New Living Translation (2004))

persecute you: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as persecute means “deliberately harm someone,” “mistreat someone” or “cause someone to suffer.” This word also occurs in 5:10a. You should translate it here as you did there.

5:11b

and falsely say all kinds of evil against you: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as say means to “say/speak.” Jesus said that when people say all kinds of evil against his followers, what they are saying is a lie. This is indicated by the word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as falsely. Some people will lie and say that Jesus’ followers practice all sorts of bad behavior.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

tell all kinds of evil lies against you (Good News Translation)
-or-
They will lie and say all kinds of evil things about you (New Century Version)
-or-
lie concerning you saying, “These people have done many evil things.”

because of Me: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible literally translates as because of Me gives the reason why people insult Jesus’ followers, persecute them, and say evil things to them. The reason is because they are Jesus’ followers. Those who oppose Jesus and his teachings will also oppose his followers who believe and teach the same message.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

because you are my followers (Good News Translation)
-or-
on my account (English Standard Version)

-or-

the reason ⌊is⌋ ⌊that you obey⌋ me

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 5:43

Section 5:43–48

Jesus taught that his disciples should love their enemies

In this section, Jesus continued to explain the difference between the way that Jewish religious leaders interpreted the law of Moses and the correct interpretation of the law. Some rabbis taught that Jews should hate their enemies, but this teaching is not directly found in the law of Moses. Jesus taught that we should love everyone, even our enemies.

This section continues the theme that believers should do good to those who do evil to them. They should love those who hate them. They should pray for those who try to harm them.

Here are some other possible headings for this section:

Love your enemies
-or-
Believers must love their enemies

Paragraph 5:43–48

5:43a

You have heard that it was said: These same words are found in 5:27a and 5:38a. Translate it here as you did there.

5:43b

Love your neighbor: This part of the verse is a quote from the Old Testament (Leviticus 19:18). The Greek verb for Love is in the future tense, but is used as a command. It is also in the singular, but applies to all.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

Love (plur.) your neighbor
-or-
You(sing)(plur) must love your neighbor
-or-
Everyone must love his neighbor

Love: The word Love in this context means to show kindness to someone and value him highly.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

Care greatly for
-or-
Show great kindness toward
-or-
Treat very well
-or-
Be very concerned for

your neighbor: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as neighbor originally referred to someone who lives nearby. In this context it refers to a fellow Jew.

Here are some other ways to translate “Love your neighbor”:

Love your countryman/fellowman
-or-
Show kindness to your own people
-or-
Love your friends (Good News Translation)

Hate your enemy: This part of the verse is not a direct quote from the Old Testament. But the teachers of the law were teaching it as a command from God.

Hate: The verb Hate means to have strong dislike and hostility toward someone. Just as in “love” above, the Greek verb is in the future tense, but is used as a command. It is also in the singular.

enemy: An enemy is a person who hates and opposes you and may try to harm you physically or in some other way.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

Despise the one who wants to harm you (sing.).

-or-

Do not love the one who opposes you (sing.).

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 2023

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 18:19

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 19:16

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 20:18

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 22:16

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 2:12

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 4:4

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 5:11

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 5:43

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