SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 2023 – Page 3

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 15:12

Paragraph 15:12–20

15:12a

Then the disciples came to Him and said: This clause indicates that the disciples had a private conversation with Jesus apart from the crowd. According to Mark 7:17, this conversation took place after Jesus and his disciples left the crowd and entered a house.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

Later his disciples came to him and said (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
Then the disciples approached and said to him (New Revised Standard Version)

15:12b

Are You aware that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?: This is a rhetorical question. The disciples were gently warning Jesus to be careful. The Pharisees had a lot of influence over the people, and people highly respected them. It was not wise to offend them.

Here are some other ways to translate this warning:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

Do you realize that when the Pharisees heard your statement they were offended? (God’s Word)

• As a statement. For example:

You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard you say those words. ⌊Please be careful.⌋

Are You aware: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as aware in this context means “know about,” “realize,” or “be aware of.” The disciples wanted to make sure that Jesus realized how much his words had offended the Pharisees. The disciples were concerned because Jesus spoke against the teachings of such an important religious group.

Here are some other ways to translate this verb:

Do you realize (God’s Word)
-or-
Do you know (English Standard Version)

the Pharisees were offended: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as were offended also means “were upset,” “were shocked,” or “were angered” by something.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

the Pharisees were upset
-or-
the Pharisees are angry (New Century Version)
-or-
The Pharisees are not at all happy
-or-
you insulted the Pharisees (Contemporary English Version)

Some languages have idioms to translate this clause.

when they heard this: This clause means “when the Pharisees heard this thing that you said.”

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

when they heard what you said (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
at the words that you said ⌊about them⌋
-or-
because of what you said (New Century Version)

-or-

by what you said (Good News Translation)

© 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 16:5

Section 16:5–12

Jesus warned against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees

In this section, Jesus warned his disciples about the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. The Pharisees and Sadducees refused to accept Jesus as the Messiah. And they tried to keep other Jews from believing that Jesus was the Messiah. They opposed Jesus and his message.

Jesus warned his disciples about the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees by telling them to be careful of their “leaven/yeast.” Jesus used leaven/yeast in a metaphorical sense to refer to their teaching. But the disciples thought that he referred to literal leaven/yeast. They thought that he said these things because they had forgotten to take bread on their trip. Jesus rebuked them for not understanding. Then he used some rhetorical questions to help them understand the correct meaning of his words.

Here are some other possible headings for this section:

Guard Against Wrong Teachings (New Century Version)
-or-
The yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
The teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees is compared to yeast

There is a parallel passage for this section in Mark 8:14–21.

Paragraph 16:5–12

In this paragraph Jesus warned the disciples about the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

16:5a–b

When they crossed to the other side, the disciples forgot to take bread: In the Berean Standard Bible, it may appear that first the disciples crossed to the other side of the lake, then they forgot to bring bread. You should make it clear in your translation that the disciples first forgot to bring bread, then they crossed to the other side of the lake.

Here are some other ways to make the order more clear:

• Add a word like “discovered” or “realized” to the second clause. For example:

Later, after they crossed to the other side of the lake, the disciples discovered they had forgotten to bring any bread. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
After ⌊Jesus and⌋ the disciples crossed to the other side of the lake, the disciples ⌊realized that they⌋ had forgotten to bring bread.

• Change the order of the clauses. For example:

The disciples had forgotten to bring any bread when they crossed the lake. (Contemporary English Version)

16:5a

When they crossed to the other side: The phrase the other side refers to the other (east) side of Lake Galilee. In some languages, it will be natural to make this information explicit. For example:

When the disciples crossed over to the other side of the lake (Good News Translation)
-or-
when they went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (God’s Word)

Mark 8:13 makes it clear that Jesus went across the lake with the disciples. In some languages, it will be more natural to make that information explicit. For example:

When ⌊Jesus and⌋ the disciples reached the other side of the lake

16:5b

the disciples forgot to take bread: As mentioned above in the note on 16:5a–b, it may be necessary to add the word “discovered” or “realized” before the word forgot. For example:

⌊they discovered/realized that⌋ they had forgotten to bring any bread

See the note at 16:5a–b for more information.

bread: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as bread sometimes means food in general. In this context, it refers specifically to bread. Later in the story this will be important, because Jesus refers to leaven/yeast, which is used to make bread.

If you have been using a local food such as rice, sago, etc. as a substitute for the word bread in other verses, you may want to:

• Use a local food word if people use yeast/leaven to make it.

• Borrow the major language word for bread here. You may then want a footnote to explain bread. For example:

Bread was the main daily food of the Jews. It was made from a mixture of wheat flour and water. Some kinds of bread dough (uncooked bread) were puffed up by adding leaven/yeast, then cooked in an oven as loaves. Bread could be eaten warm from the oven or carried along and eaten cold anywhere.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 17:9

Paragraph 17:9–13

17:9a

As they were coming down the mountain: In some languages, it will be more natural to say “going” than coming. For example:

As they were going down the mountain

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

As they descended the mountain (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
On their way down from the mountain (Contemporary English Version)

they: The pronoun they refers to Jesus and the three disciples.

17:9b

Jesus commanded them: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as commanded means “directed,” or “gave orders.” Jesus ordered them to not tell other people what they saw.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

Jesus gave them this order (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
Jesus warned his disciples (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Jesus instructed them (New International Version)

17:9c

Do not tell anyone about this vision: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as vision here refers to the things that the disciples actually saw on the mountain. Here it does not refer to something like a dream.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

Don’t tell anyone what you have seen (New International Version)

In some languages, it will be more natural to translate this clause as indirect speech. For example:

not to tell anyone about what they had seen (New Century Version)

17:9d

the Son of Man: Jesus used this phrase to refer to himself. In some languages, this phrase by itself would refer to someone other than Jesus. If that is true in your language, consider translating it as:

⌊I,⌋ the Son of Man

In Matthew, this phrase first occurs in 8:20b. See the Note there for more information on translating this phrase. This phrase last occurs in 16:28b. You should translate it here as you did there.

has been raised from the dead: This phrase refers to returning to life after being dead.

Here are some other ways to translate it:

is brought back to life after being dead
-or-
has come to life again
-or-
dies and returns to life again

This clause is passive. Here are some other ways to translate it:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

has been raised from the dead (New Living Translation (2004))

• Use an active verb with the “Son of Man” as the subject. For example:

until the Son of Man rises from the dead

• Use an active verb with “God” as the subject and the “Son of Man” as the object. For example:

until after ⌊God⌋ raises the Son of Man from the dead

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 18:14

18:14a

In the same way: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as In the same way introduces the application of the story that Jesus just told. This word indicates that God acts in the same manner as the shepherd in the story.

your Father in heaven is not willing: There is a textual issue here.

Some Greek manuscripts have your Father. For example:

it is not the will of your Father (New Revised Standard Version)

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

Other Greek manuscripts have my Father. For example:

it is not the will of my Father (Revised Standard Version)

(Revised Standard Version, English Standard Version, New Living Translation (2004))

It is recommended that you follow option (1). It seems more likely that a copyist changed the original “your” to “my” to make it the same as in 18:10 than the other way around. Also, the majority of English versions follow this option.

Father in heaven: This phrase refers to God the Father.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

Father who is in heaven (English Standard Version)
-or-
heavenly Father

is not willing: This phrase refers to something that God does not want/desire. He does not desire that any little one should perish.

Here is another way to translate it:

does not want (Good News Translation)

18:14b

any of these little ones: Jesus used this phrase in a figurative sense. He was referring to people who are humble like little children. He was referring to people of all ages who believe in him, both children and adults.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

one of these ⌊people who are like⌋ little children
-or-
one of these people who are not important
-or-
one of these simple/humble people

This same phrase occurs in 18:6a.

should perish: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as perish means “die,” “be destroyed,” “be ruined,” and “be lost.” Here Jesus used this word in a spiritual sense. God does not want anyone to die in their sins. He does not want anyone to be eternally lost.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

become lost spiritually/eternally
-or-
be far from him

-or-

be separated from him

Many English versions are like the New International Version and translate this word simply as “lost.” However, here Jesus was not talking about a little one who was lost and could not find his way. Be careful that your translation avoids this meaning.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 19:11

19:11a

Not everyone can accept this word: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as this word can also be translated as “this saying” (as in the English Standard Version). There are two ways to interpret this phrase:

(1) It refers to what the disciples said in 19:10b. (It is better not to get married.) For example:

Not everyone can do what you suggest. (God’s Word)

(Berean Standard Bible, God’s Word, Revised English Bible and many commentaries)

(2) It refers to Jesus’ teaching about divorce in 19:3–9. For example:

It is not everyone who can accept what I have said (New Jerusalem Bible)

(Good News Translation, New Revised Standard Version, New Jerusalem Bible, Contemporary English Version, New Century Version)

Many English versions are ambiguous and it is not possible to tell which interpretation they follow.

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). Verse 19:12 is clearly about people who do not get married. It is likely that here in 19:11, Jesus was referring to what the disciples said about not getting married (in 19:10b). In other words, the topic of discussion in this paragraph has changed from divorce to not getting married. Also, it seems unlikely that Jesus would have said that his teaching about divorce was not for everyone.

Here are some other ways to translate this entire clause:

Not everyone can accept these/your words
-or-
Everyone will not agree with what you said
-or-
Not everyone will accept remaining unmarried

He replied: This clause begins with a Greek conjunction that is often translated as “But.” This conjunction here simply indicates a change from one speaker to another. In this context, it does not indicate a contrast. Many English versions, like the Berean Standard Bible, do not translate this word. In many languages, it will not be necessary to translate this word either.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

He said to them
-or-
Jesus said

19:11b

but only: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible here translates as but only occurs when a pair of clauses is related, and the first clause (19:11a) contains the word “not.” In some languages, it will be better to introduce 19:11b with another conjunction, or with no conjunction at all. For example:

except (NET Bible)
-or-

11aNot everyone can do what you suggest. 11bOnly those who have that gift can. (God’s Word)

those to whom it has been given: The word it refers to the ability that God gives to some people not to marry

This clause is passive. Here are some other ways to translate it:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

those who have been given the ability ⌊not to marry⌋

• Use an active verb. For example:

the people ⌊who can accept it are those⌋ to whom God has given the ability/strength

-or-

people to whom God has given the strength ⌊not to marry⌋

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 20:13

20:13a

But he answered: In this verse, the owner responded to the workers’ complaint. He responded by disagreeing with them. The Berean Standard Bible shows this by starting his response with the conjunction But. In some languages, it will also be natural to begin this verse with a conjunction like But. In other languages, it will not be natural.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

He responded
-or-
The owner said (God’s Word)

one of them: The pronoun them refers to the workers who complained. A group of workers complained, but the owner responded to just one of them.

Here is another way to translate this phrase:

to one of those workers (New Century Version)

20:13b

Friend: The owner responded to one of the workers by calling him Friend. Here are some reasons why the owner probably used this word:

(a) He wanted to show in a friendly way that he did not agree with him.

(b) He was using a mild rebuke.

Use a word or phrase in your language that has a similar function. For example:

My friend/comrade
-or-
Listen, friend (Good News Translation)

I am not being unfair to you: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as I am not being unfair to you is more literally “I am not being unjust to you.” In this context, the master is saying that he has not cheated the worker.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

I have not cheated you (Good News Translation)
-or-
I am being fair to you. (New Century Version)
-or-
I have not deceived/tricked you.

you: In Greek, this pronoun is singular.

20:13c

Did you not agree with me on one denarius?: This is a rhetorical question. It emphasizes that the master and the worker had agreed on a denarius.

There are two ways to translate this emphasis:

• As a rhetorical question expecting a “Yes” response. For example:

You and I agreed to a denarius for the day, did we not?
-or-
We agree on a denarius, isn’t it so?

• As a statement. The statement could follow a short command. For example:

You and I agreed that I would pay you a denarius.

-or-

⌊Remember,⌋ you agreed that I would pay you normal day’s wage.

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

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 22:11

Paragraph 22:11–13

22:11a

But: There is a contrast between the successful start of the wedding and the presence of one of the guests. The English Standard Version indicates this contrast with the word But. Some English versions begin this paragraph without the conjunction But. For example:

When the king came in to see the guests (New Century Version)

when the king came in to look at the guests: The Greek verb that the English Standard Version translates as look at indicates that the king came to inspect the people at the wedding.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

when the king went in to inspect the guests
-or-
When the king went in to meet the guests (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
when the king entered to greet the guests
-or-
Later when the king came to talk with the guests

the guests: The word guests refers to the people who came to the wedding. It is the same word as in 22:10d.

Here is another way to translate this phrase:

the people (Easy English Bible)

22:11b

he saw there: The word there refers to the inside of the wedding hall.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

he noticed among them (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
he found (Contemporary English Version)

a man who had no wedding garment: The Greek phrase that the Revised Standard Version translates as wedding garment probably refers to clothing that was suitable to wear to a wedding. Here it probably refers to nice, clean clothes. This phrase probably does not refer to special clothes intended for weddings.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

a man who wasn’t wearing the proper clothes for a wedding (New Living Translation (2004))

-or-

one of them wasn’t wearing the right kind of clothes for the wedding (Contemporary English Version)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 22:43

Paragraph 22:43–44

Before you translate 22:43–44, there are two issues to consider:

Issue 1: Where to end the question?

Some English versions are like the English Standard Version and translate 22:43–44 as one long question. Other English versions end the question after 22:43b. For example:

43a He said to them, 43b“How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’? 43cFor he says, 44‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.” ’ (New International Version)

Still other English versions end the question in the middle of 22:43b. For example:

43a Then Jesus said to them, 43b “Then why did David call him ‘Lord’? David, speaking by the power of the Holy Spirit, 43csaid, 44 ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit by me at my right side, until I put your enemies under your control.” ’ (New Century Version)

Issue 2: How to handle the three levels of quotes

Notice that there are three levels of quotes in these two verses:

• 1st level: the words of Jesus

• 2nd level: Jesus quoted David

• 3rd level: Jesus quoted David who quoted the Lord

Most English versions use double quotes for the 1st level and single quotes for the 2nd level. It is the 3rd level that is different. Some versions use double quotes again. For example:

‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand…” ’ (English Standard Version)

Other versions do not use quotes for the 3rd level. Instead, they use a colon before the 3rd level. For example:

‘The Lord said to my Lord: Sit here on my right… (Good News Translation)

The Display will show different ways to handle these three levels of quotes. The Display will also show how to make one level indirect speech so that there are only two levels of direct quotes.

22:43a

He said to them: The pronoun He refers to Jesus. The pronoun them refers to the Pharisees. The words that follow are a set of question. This is the second set of questions that Jesus asked the Pharisees. Here is another way to translate this clause:

Jesus asked (Good News Translation)

22:43b–45

Verses 22:43b–45 contain a set of two questions. The real part of the two questions is actually the second question (in 22:45).

22:43b

How is it then that: The Greek word that the English Standard Version translates as How is it…that is a question word that seeks to know how something came about. In this question is a Greek conjunction that the English Standard Version translates as then. In this question, the word then asks for a conclusion. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

Therefore, how is it that
-or-
Then why does (New Living Translation (2004))

David, in the Spirit: This phrase indicates that the Spirit of God inspired David to say the words in 22:44. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

the Spirit inspire David (Good News Translation)
-or-
David, guided by the Spirit (God’s Word)
-or-
David, speaking by the power of the Holy Spirit (New Century Version)

calls him Lord: The pronoun him refers to the Christ/Messiah.

The word Lord is the common word for Lord in the New Testament. It means “master,” “owner” or “a person who has great authority.” It is used to refer to someone greater in status or power. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

calls the Christ/Messiah ‘Lord’
-or-
calls his son/descendant his ‘Lord’

22:43c

saying: It might be useful to start a new sentence here. For example:

For he says (New International Version)

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 2023

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 15:12

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 16:5

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 17:9

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 18:14

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 19:11

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 20:13

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 22:11

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 22:43

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