SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 2023 – Page 61

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 10:1

Section 10:1–4

Jesus appointed the twelve disciples as apostles

In the previous section, Jesus challenged the disciples to pray that God would send out workers into the spiritual harvest. In this section, Jesus appointed his twelve closest disciples as apostles or “sent ones.” He gave them power to cast out evil spirits and heal people. Matthew used this occasion to list the names of these twelve men.

Here are some other possible headings for this section:

Jesus Chooses His Twelve Apostles (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
The Twelve Apostles (Good News Translation)

There are parallel passages for this section in Mark 3:13–19 and Luke 6:12–16.

Paragraph 10:1–4

10:1a

And: This is the beginning of a new section. This section is loosely connected to the previous section.

Here are some other ways to begin this new section:

Then (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Later
-or-
After that

calling His twelve disciples to Him: In this context, the verb calling means that Jesus was “asking the disciples to come” to him. According to the parallel passages in Mark and Luke, Jesus did this when he was in the hills around Lake Galilee.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

Jesus summoned his twelve disciples (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Jesus called together his twelve disciples (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Jesus told/asked his twelve disciples to come to him

disciples: The word disciple also occurs in 8:21a. See the note there for help in translating this term. See also disciple in the Glossary for more information.

10:1b

Jesus gave them authority over unclean spirits, so that they could drive them out: This phrase means that Jesus gave his disciples the power to cast unclean spirits out of people. Up to this point, only Jesus had this power.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

He gave them the power to force out evil spirits (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
and gave them the power to make unclean spirits leave people

unclean spirits: The term unclean spirits refers to the same beings as “evil spirits” and “demons” (8:16a). You can translate these three terms with the same term.

The Jews believed that anyone who had an evil spirit was unclean. So an evil spirit was also called an unclean spirit.

Here are some other ways to translate unclean spirits:

• Use a general term in your language that refers to spirits that are evil and can control people. For example:

demons
-or-
devils

• Use a specific term in your language that refers to a certain type of spirit. Do not use a term that refers to the spirit of a dead person.

• Use a descriptive phrase. For example:

evil spirits (New International Version)

See demon in the Glossary for more information.

they could drive them out: The phrase drive them out means “to cause evil spirits to leave people and stop controlling their lives.”

Different cultures have different ways of speaking about people being controlled by evil spirits and being released from the control of evil spirits. Use a natural way to say this in your language.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

to send away evil spirits
-or-
to free people whom demons controlled
-or-
to expel evil spirits from people

The term drive…out also occurs in 8:16c.

10:1c

and heal: This is the second thing that Jesus gave his disciples power to do. In some languages, it may be necessary to make this explicit. For example:

and ⌊he also gave them⌋ ⌊the power⌋ to heal

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.

This same pair of words occurs in 4:23d and 9:35d. See the notes there for more information.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

• Use two terms. For example:

every kind of disease and sickness (New Century Version)
-or-
every disease and handicap
-or-
every illness and injury

• Use more than two terms. For example:

people who were sick, ill, or had a disease

• Use one term. For example:

every kind of sickness

-or-

everyone who was not well

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 10:33

10:33a

But: There is a contrast here. The contrast is between those who confess they are Jesus’ disciples (10:32) and those who deny they are his (10:33).

Here are some other ways to indicate this contrast:

However
-or-
In contrast

whoever denies Me before men: The word denies refers to denying that Jesus is the Savior and denying that he believes in Jesus.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

those who reject me publicly (Good News Translation)
-or-
the person who tells others that he doesn’t know me (God’s Word)
-or-
all who stand before others and say they do not believe in me (New Century Version)

10:33b

I will also deny: In this context, this clause refers to Jesus denying that the person is a true follower of Jesus.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

I will reject (Good News Translation)
-or-
I will say that I do not know him

-or-

I will say…that they do not belong to me. (New Century Version)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 11:23

11:23–24

Verses 11:23–24 contain a figure of speech called apostrophe. In this figure of speech, Jesus spoke to the town of Capernaum as if it were a person.

Here are some other ways to translate this verse:

• Keep the apostrophe as in the Berean Standard Bible.

And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven?

• Translate it so that Jesus is speaking to the people of the town. For example:

23aPeople of Capernaum, do you think you will be honored in heaven? (Contemporary English Version)

11:23a

And you, Capernaum: The phrase And you, Capernaum shows that Jesus had finished talking about Chorazin and Bethsaida at the end of 11:22. Here in 11:23 he was beginning to talk about Capernaum. Consider how to show this change in subject in your language. For example:

And as for you, Capernaum! (Good News Translation)

Capernaum: The word Capernaum is the name of another town where Jews lived. Jesus often stayed in the town of Capernaum during his ministry around Lake Galilee. Although he did many miracles in this town, most of the people there did not believe in him. The people of Capernaum were like the people of Chorazin and Bethsaida: many people did not believe in Jesus.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

⌊the town of⌋ Capernaum
-or-

⌊people of the town of⌋ Capernaum

will you be lifted up to heaven?: Before you translate this clause, there are three issues to consider:

Issue 1: Meaning

The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as lifted up means “caused to have high status” or “honored.” In order to show this high status, a person was often lifted higher than other people.

This verb is contrasted with “brought down” in 11:23b. So, if possible, you should translate both the aspect of “honor” and the aspect of “lifted up.” To do this, you may need to use two verbs. For example:

lifted to heaven and honored there

English versions focus on only one aspect. For example:

lifted to heaven (God’s Word)
-or-
honored in heaven (New Living Translation (2004))

Issue 2: Rhetorical Question

This is a rhetorical question. It expresses in question form what the people of Capernaum probably believed about themselves. They were proud of themselves and believed that they would be exalted/lifted to heaven and honored there. Jesus used this rhetorical question to emphasize that they certainly would not be lifted/raised to a position of honor in heaven. His words also imply a rebuke to the people of Capernaum.

Here are some other ways to translate this rebuke and emphasis:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

do you think that you will be lifted/raised to a position of great honor in heaven?
-or-
do you think you will be honored in heaven? (Contemporary English Version)

In Greek, the form of this rhetorical question implies that the people of Capernaum would not be lifted to heaven. In some languages, it may be necessary to make this explicit. For example:

And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No. (NET Bible)

• As a statement. For example:

you are certainly not going to be raised to heaven and honored there.
-or-
you should not think that you will be lifted to heaven and honored there ⌊more than other people⌋.

Issue 3: Passive

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

• Use a passive verb. For example:

will you be lifted up to heaven (New Century Version)

• Use an active verb. For example:

will ⌊God⌋ lift you to heaven to honor you?

11:23b

you will be brought down: There is a textual issue here:

(1) Some Greek manuscripts have a verb that means “you will be brought/thrown down.” This verb implies the use of force. For example:

you will be thrown down (Good News Translation)

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, English Standard Version, Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, NET Bible, Revised English Bible, King James Version, New Century Version, New Living Translation (1996))

(2) Other Greek manuscripts have a verb that means “you will go down.” For example:

You will descend (New American Standard Bible)

(New International Version, New American Standard Bible, New Living Translation (2004), God’s Word, Contemporary English Version, Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). This interpretation corresponds with the passive in 11:23a and is a direct contrast with it. Instead of being lifted up and honored, the people of Capernaum will be brought down to a place of humiliation and punishment.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

you will be thrown down (New Century Version)

• Use an active verb. For example:

⌊God⌋ will throw you down

to Hades: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Hades means “the world of the dead.” In this context, it refers to hell. It is the place where God will punish people who did not believe in Jesus. It is the opposite of “heaven” in 11:23a.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

hell (Good News Translation)
-or-
the place of the dead (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
the place of fire/punishment

11:23c–d

if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day: This is another long sentence that begins with an if clause. It is further complicated because it contrasts two situations. The first situation is a real situation: Jesus did miracles in the Jewish town of Capernaum. It is implied that the people of that town did not repent. The second situation is a hypothetical situation: If Jesus had done those same miracles in the Gentile town of Sodom, the people of that town would have repented and the town would still exist.

In some languages, it will be natural to divide this long sentence into several shorter sentences. For example:

I did miracles in your town, ⌊but you did not repent⌋. If, ⌊for example,⌋ I had done these same miracles in the town of Sodom, that town would still exist today.
-or-
I did miracles in your town, ⌊but you did not repent⌋. Suppose that I had done these same miracles in the town of Sodom. ⌊The people of that town are not Jews, but they would have repented long ago. As a result,⌋ their town would still remain.

11:23c

For: Verses 11:23c–d explain the reason why Jesus rebuked the people of the town of Capernaum (in 11:23a–b). The Greek introduces this explanation with a conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as For.

Here is another way to introduce this explanation:

⌊I say this⌋ because

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

if the miracles that were performed in you: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as miracles can also be translated as “mighty works” (as in the English Standard Version). Here Jesus referred to the miracles that he has done in the Jewish town of Capernaum. It is implied that even though he did miracles there, the Jewish people in Capernaum did not repent.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

If the miracles I did in you (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
If the miracles that took place in your town (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
I did miracles in your town, ⌊but you Jews did not repent⌋

had been performed in Sodom: This part of the “if” clause is hypothetical. This means that it refers to something that did not happen. Jesus did not do miracles in the town of Sodom. But if he had done miracles there, the people there would have repented.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

had been done in Sodom ⌊but they were not done⌋
-or-

⌊I did not do miracles⌋ in Sodom. But if I had done miracles there
-or-
If, ⌊for example,⌋ I had done these same miracles in the town of Sodom

Sodom: The word Sodom refers to a town that God destroyed long before Jesus’ time because the people were so evil (Genesis 19).

11:23d

it would have remained to this day: This clause means that the town of Sodom would have remained in existence. God would not have destroyed it. The people of Sodom, after seeing the miracles, would have repented, and God would not have destroyed them and their town.

This clause is another part of the hypothetical statement. The Gentile people in the town of Sodom did not see Jesus’ miracles. They did not repent, and God did not spare their town. He destroyed it.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

it would still be there today (God’s Word)
-or-
that town would still be standing (Contemporary English Version)

-or-

⌊God⌋ would not have destroyed it

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 12:25

Paragraph 12:25–29

12:25a

Knowing their thoughts: Jesus supernaturally knew what the Pharisees were thinking. Your translation should not imply that someone told Jesus what they were thinking.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

Jesus knew what they were thinking (Good News Translation)
-or-
Jesus knew what the Pharisees were thinking (New Century Version)

Jesus said to them: It is implied that the reason Jesus said the words of 12:25–32 was because he knew what the Pharisees were thinking. In some languages, it may be natural to make the connection more explicit. For example:

Since Jesus knew what they were thinking, he said to them (God’s Word)
-or-

so he said (New Century Version)

12:25b

Every kingdom divided against itself: This clause describes a civil war. It refers to any nation/country where the people within that country divide into groups and fight one another.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

Any kingdom divided by civil war (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
Any country that divides itself into groups which fight each other (Good News Translation)
-or-
Any kingdom where people fight each other (Contemporary English Version)

will be laid waste: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as will be laid waste means “will be destroyed” or “will be ruined.” The two sides killing each other would cause the country to be destroyed/ruined. It is implied that few people will remain alive in that country.

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

• Use a passive verb. For example:

will be ruined (New International Version)
-or-
will be destroyed (New Century Version)

• Use an active verb. For example:

If the people of a certain country fight against one another, they will destroy their country

12:25c

Verse 12:25c teaches the same principle as 12:25b.

and every city or household: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible literally translates as household is a figure of speech. It refers to the people in the house.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

house (English Standard Version)
-or-
family (Good News Translation)

divided against itself will not stand: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible literally translates as stand is a figure of speech. It refers to remaining or existing.

Here are some other ways to translate this verb:

will not last (God’s Word)

-or-

will fall apart (New Living Translation (2004))

In some languages, it may be necessary to use a different verb to describe the destruction of a city and a family. For example:

A city whose people fight against one another will be destroyed. A family whose members argue with one another will not stay together.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 13:7

13:7a

Other seed fell among thorns: The phrase fell among thorns probably refers to soil where roots or seeds of thorny plants were present. So when the seeds began to grow, the thorn plants also grew. It is also possible that these seeds fell along the edge of the field where thorny plants were already growing.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

Some other seeds fell where thornbushes grew up (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Other seeds fell where thorns habitually grow
-or-
Other seeds fell upon soil with thorn seeds/roots

fell: Translate this verb as you did in 13:4b and 13:5a.

sowing seeds near thorns

thorns: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as thorns refers to any kind of thorny plant. In this context, this word refers to either:

(a) young thorny plants

(b) the seeds or roots of thorny plants

Some ways to translate the word thorns are:

• Use a general term in your language for thorny plants or for undesirable plants that compete with grain plants. For example:

⌊young⌋ thorny plants/bushes
-or-
thorn ⌊seeds/roots⌋
-or-
thistles/briars

• Use a specific word that describes a strong, fast-growing plant from your area that is annoying to farmers. If you choose a specific plant, try to choose one that has thorns.

In 13:7b, these thorns grow tall, perhaps one meter or more. So do not use a word for a plant that only grows close to the ground.

13:7b

which grew up: The phrase which grew up refers to the thorn plants growing tall.

choked the seedlings: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as choked means “grab at the neck and squeeze so (the person) cannot breathe.” In this context, the verb choked figuratively refers to the thorn plants crowding the good plants. The plants did not have enough room, soil, water, or sunlight to grow well.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

crowded the ⌊grain/good⌋ plants
-or-
squeezed/drowned them

-or-

hindered the grain from growing well

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 13:39

13:39a

the enemy who sows them is the devil: The pronoun them refers to the weeds. The man’s enemy who planted the weeds represents the devil. His name is Satan.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

the enemy who planted the weeds is ⌊like⌋ the devil
-or-
the ⌊man’s⌋ enemy who planted the weeds represents the devil

the devil: This word refers to Satan. If people in your area will think that “the devil” and “the evil one” (in 13:38c) are different beings, you should consider using the same term in both places. For example:

the evil one
-or-
Satan

13:39b

The harvest: The noun harvest refers to the time when mature crops are cut and gathered.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

harvest time
-or-
harvest season

The word harvest also occurs in 13:30a.

the end of the age: This phrase refers to the end of the world. At that time, God will judge the people of the world (13:40–42). The current way of living on earth will end.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

the end of the world (God’s Word)
-or-
the end of this time ⌊on earth⌋

13:39c

the harvesters: The harvesters are the people who cut down the wheat and gather it.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

reapers (English Standard Version)
-or-
the harvest workers (Good News Translation)
-or-
those who cut the ⌊ripened⌋ wheat/grain

This word also occurs in 13:30b.

are angels: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as angels means “messengers.” Here it refers to supernatural, spiritual beings who serve God.

Here are some ways to translate this term:

• Use a descriptive word or phrase. For example:

messengers ⌊from God⌋
-or-

⌊holy⌋ spirit-beings

• Use a local term that fits the biblical meaning.

• In some areas the churches may already be using a borrowed term or a transliterated word for “angels.” Be sure that this term fits the biblical meaning. If some people do not understand the right meaning from this term, you may need to indicate the meaning in some way. For example:

angelos messengers ⌊from God⌋

-or-

sacred ⌊angelos⌋ spirits

See angel, Meaning 1, in the Glossary for more information.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 14:13

Section 14:13–21

Jesus fed over five thousand people

In this section, Jesus showed his love for people by healing the sick and providing food for everyone. He provided food for them by miraculously multiplying a few pieces of bread and a few fish. He also tested the disciples to see how they would respond to the need of the people.

Here are some other possible headings for this section:

Jesus miraculously gives food to five thousand men
-or-
Five Thousand Fed (New American Standard Bible)

There are parallel passages for this section in Mark 6:30–44, Luke 9:10–17, and John 6:1–14.

Paragraph 14:13–14

14:13a

When Jesus heard about John: This clause refers to Jesus hearing the news from John’s disciples that he had been killed.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

When Jesus heard what had happened (New International Version)
-or-
When Jesus heard the news about John (Good News Translation)

14:13b

He withdrew by boat: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as withdrew in this context means “move away,” or “take refuge.” Jesus first got into a boat, then he left the place where he had been. He left to get away from the crowds.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

he left in a boat (New Century Version)
-or-
he got into a boat and left that area

privately: In this context, the word privately implies that only Jesus’ twelve disciples went with him. Jesus would have needed the disciples to sail the boat. No one else was with them.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

with only his disciples
-or-
without the crowds

to a solitary place: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as a solitary place refers to an area where there were no other people.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

isolated place
-or-
lonely place (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
desolate place (English Standard Version)

In some languages, it will be possible to translate this phrase and the next phrase together as:

to a place where he could be alone (God’s Word)

14:13c

But: There is a contrast here. The contrast is between Jesus’ desire to be alone, and the crowd’s desire to be with him. The Berean Standard Bible indicates this contrast with the word But.

Here is another way to indicate this contrast:

However

the crowds found out about it: This clause refers to the people of the towns hearing that Jesus had left their area.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

when the crowd heard that he had left
-or-
when the crowd heard where he was going

the crowds: The plural word crowds refers to different groups of people. One group came from one town, and another group came from a different town.

Here is another way to translate this word:

people

followed Him on foot from the towns: The phrase on foot means that they walked rather than going in a boat or by other means.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

they left their towns and followed him on land

-or-

they left their villages and walked around the lake to follow him

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 15:9

15:9a

They: When Isaiah spoke, the word they referred to the Jewish people who did not worship God properly. When Jesus quoted what Isaiah said, he used it to refer to the Pharisees and teachers of the law. If you have used the phrase “you people” in 15:8a, it will probably be best to continue using it here.

worship Me: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as worship means to “show devotion and reverence” to God or a false god. People worship God in many ways. They give offerings and sacrifices, they pray, they bow down or kneel to show respect and submission, they serve him obediently, and they speak or sing about him.

In this context the meaning of worship is similar to the meaning of “honor” in 15:8a.

Here are some other ways to translate worship:

They praise me
-or-
They pray to me

Me: The word Me refers to God.

in vain: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as in vain means “to no purpose,” “uselessly,” or “without result.” This word indicates that their worship has no result or no benefit.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

Their worship of me is pointless (God’s Word)
-or-
Their worship of me is worthless (New Century Version)
-or-
They praise me, but it has no value
-or-
When they pray to me, I am not touched/pleased.

15:9b

The clause in 15:9b is the basis for the statement in 15:9a that people were worshiping in vain. Some English versions make this clear by adding a connecting word. For example:

because they teach human rules as though they were my laws (Good News Translation)

they teach as doctrine the precepts of men: The word doctrine refers to God’s laws. The phrase precepts of men refers to man-made rules.

This clause means that the Pharisees and scribes taught the rules that they made themselves. Not only that, they taught these rules as if they came from God.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

they teach human rules as though they were my laws! (Good News Translation)
-or-
they teach man-made ideas as commands from God (New Living Translation (2004))

-or-

they teach their own rules and say that they are rules/laws ⌊from God⌋

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 2023

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 10:1

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 10:33

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 11:23

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 12:25

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 13:7

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 13:39

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 14:13

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 15:9

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