SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 2023 – Page 9

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 18:2

18:2a

Jesus invited a little child: This clause indicates that there was a child nearby, but not right next to Jesus. So Jesus called for the child to come close to him.

Here is another way to translate this clause:

Jesus invited a little child ⌊to come⌋ to him

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

Jesus invited a little child and said, “Come here.”

invited: This word indicates that Jesus asked or summoned the child to come. Jesus did not shout or talk loudly.

little child: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as little child refers to a young child. In this context, it refers to a child who was old enough to stand and walk.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

small child (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
young child

18:2b

to stand among them: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as to stand among them means that Jesus stood the child among them. He set or placed the child in a standing position in the middle of the disciples.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

whom he set among them (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
and he placed him standing in the middle of them

among them: The words among them indicates that the child was in the middle of Jesus and the disciples. He was surrounded by them. The child was most likely standing, but the men could have been sitting down. It is very possible that they were all inside of a house.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

in the midst of them (English Standard Version)

-or-

in the middle of them all (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
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SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 18:34

18:34a

In anger his master: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as In anger can also be translated as an independent verb. For example:

His master was so angry that (God’s Word)
-or-
The king was very angry, and (Good News Translation)

turned him over: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as turned him over means “transferred his control to” (another person). The king gave the wicked servant to other people to punish.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

gave/put him into the power of
-or-
sent the servant to (Good News Translation)
-or-
handed him over to (New Jerusalem Bible)

This same verb occurs in 17:22b when Jesus talked about what would happen to him. There the Berean Standard Bible translates it as “delivered.”

to the jailers: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as jailers can also be translated as “torturers” (as in the New Jerusalem Bible and God’s Word). It describes officials in a jail whose job was to torture a prisoner in order to punish him and question him.

Some English versions are like the Berean Standard Bible and translate only the idea of jailers. Other English versions translate only the idea of torturers. It is best to use a term or phrase that includes both ideas. For example:

to the prison guards to be tortured (NET Bible)
-or-
to jail to be punished (Good News Translation)
-or-
in prison to be punished (New Century Version)

18:34b

until he should repay all that he owed: This same phrase occurs in 18:30c (except here the word all is added). You should translate it in the same way. For example:

until he paid off all the debt
-or-
until the day that he reimbursed all the money

-or-

for as long as he had not paid all the money that he owed

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 20:1

Section 20:1–16

Jesus told a parable about vineyard workers

In this section, Jesus told a parable about some vineyard workers and the man who owned the vineyard. Even though the workers worked for a different number of hours, the owner gave them all the same pay. This parable continues the discussion about rewards for being a disciple (19:27–29). It also helps to explain the meaning of the saying “many who are first will be last, and the last will be first” (19:30). The main point of the parable is about God’s grace. In the kingdom, God gives his servants much more than they deserve. In the kingdom, the values are different than the values here on earth.

Here are some other possible headings for this section:

The story about men who worked in a field of grapes
-or-
A story that shows God’s generosity/grace
-or-
Rewards for serving God

This parable occurs only in the book of Matthew.

Paragraph 20:1–7

20:1a

For: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as For introduces an explanation for something that was just said. In this case, the parable that follows explains the statement that Jesus made in 19:30. He said that, at the renewal of all things, many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.

Here are some other ways to introduce this explanation:

Let me explain
-or-
Jesus continued, explaining

the kingdom of heaven is like: Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to the entire parable in 20:1–16. Jesus did not just compare the kingdom of heaven to the master of a house. Make sure your grammar indicates that. Here are some examples:

Here is what the kingdom of heaven is like:
-or-
The kingdom of heaven is like this story.
-or-
I can compare the kingdom of heaven to this parable.

the kingdom of heaven: The phrase the kingdom of heaven last occurred in 19:23b. You should translate it the same ways in both places. For help to translate this phrase, see the note at 18:23a.

a landowner: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates a landowner is more literally “a man a house-master.” Jesus often used the phrase “a man” to introduce the main character of a parable he told. Follow the pattern of your language to indicate that this man is the main character of the story. For example:

There was a certain man who owned some land

This phrase refers to someone who was rich enough to own a house and possibly other property and land.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

a master of the house (English Standard Version)
-or-
a person who owned some land (New Century Version)
-or-
the owner of a farm/field

20:1b

who went out: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as went out indicates that the master of the house went outside his house. He went to the marketplace to find people willing to work for him. This is where people looking for work would gather. That place is made explicit in 20:3, but you may need to mention it here. For example:

who went out ⌊to the marketplace⌋
-or-
He went ⌊to the public square⌋

early in the morning: This phrase probably refers to a time soon after sunrise. It was as soon as there was enough daylight to work. In Israel this would have been about 6 o’clock in the morning.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

One morning…very early (New Century Version)
-or-
at daybreak (New Jerusalem Bible)

to hire workers: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as to hire is based on the word for “wage.” It means “to pay wages/money to.” The master of the house intended to give the men money for the work that they would do.

The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates workers refers to people who do work which requires physical labor. (This same word occurs in 10:10b.)

Here are some other ways to translate this entire phrase:

to employ workers
-or-
to find people whom he would pay to work
-or-
to look for people to work

for his vineyard: A vineyard is a field where grapevines are planted. Grapevines are long, woody vines that produce a fruit called grapes. People used sticks to hold the vines off the ground so that the fruit hung down without touching the ground.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

in his grape farm
-or-
in his field of grape vines

In some languages, there may not be a word for “vineyard” or for “grape.” If this is true in your language, here are two other options to consider:

• Borrow the word for “grape” from another language and add a general expression that describes what a grape farm is. For example:

farm for producing ⌊a fruit called⌋ grapes
-or-
farm for raising ⌊fruit from⌋ grape ⌊vines⌋

• Use a general word for fruit that would fit in this context. For example:

farm to produce a fruit ⌊used to make wine⌋

You may also want to add a footnote. For example:

The fruit called “grape” grows on a vine. The fruit is used for making wine.

Note that “grape” and “grapefruit” are not the same thing.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 20:33

20:33

Lord: The word Lord means “master.” It was a polite form that people used when they addressed a respected leader.

This word also occurs in 20:30c and 20:31c. You should translate it here as you did there.

let our eyes be opened: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as eyes be opened is a figurative expression. It means that the blind people wanted to be able to see again.

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

• Use a passive verb. For example:

we want our eyes to be opened (New American Standard Bible)

• With an active verb. For example:

let us have our sight back (New Jerusalem Bible)

-or-

we want to be able to see

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 22:31

22:31a–22:32a

31a
And as for the resurrection of the dead, 31bhave you not read what was said to you by God: 32a‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?: This is a long and complex rhetorical question. It is possible to divide this long question into two sentences. For example:

31aAnd as for the resurrection of the dead, 31bhave you not read what was said to you by God? He said, 32a‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’

It may also be more natural to change the order of the clauses. For example:

31bHave you not read what God said to you 31aabout the resurrection of the dead? He said, 32a‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’

22:31a

And: The Greek conjunction that the English Standard Version here translates as And often indicates a change. Here, the change is a change in the subject. Jesus changed from talking about marriage to talking about the issue of the resurrection of the dead.

Some versions do not translate this conjunction. In some language, it will also not be necessary to translate this conjuction.

as for: The Greek word that the English Standard Version translates as as for indicates what the new subject will be. Here are some other ways to translate this word:

concerning
-or-
about (New International Version)
-or-
as for the matter of (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

the resurrection of the dead: The Greek word that the English Standard Version translates as the resurrection is the same as in 22:23b and 22:28a. Here there is the addition of the Greek phrase of the dead. Even if you did not include that idea in 22:23b and 22:28a, you should include it here. For example:

⌊God⌋ resurrecting dead people
-or-
the dead coming back to life (God’s Word)

22:31b

have you not read what was said to you by God: This is a rhetorical question. It is a rebuke. Jesus rebuked the Sadducees for not understanding the Word of God. The Sadducees had of course read the passage from Exodus that Jesus quoted. But they did not accept the idea of resurrection. So Jesus rebuked them and tried to correct their belief by quoting a Scripture that he knew that they accepted.

Here are some ways to translate this rebuke:

• Use a rhetorical question. For example:

haven’t you ever read what God has told you? (Good News Translation)

• As a statement. For example:

Surely you have read what God said to you…. (New Century Version)

what was said to you by God: This is a passive clause. Here is a way to make it active:

what God said to you

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 1:20

Paragraph 1:20–21

1:20a

But: There is a contrast between 1:19 and 1:20. The contrast is between what Joseph planned to do, and what the angel told him to do. Some English versions are like the Berean Standard Bible and indicate this contrast with the conjunction But.

after he had pondered these things: This clause indicates that Joseph was still thinking about Mary’s pregnancy and his decision to divorce her when the angel appeared.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

While he was thinking about this (Good News Translation)
-or-
While Joseph thought about these events

these things: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as these things refers to the events surrounding Mary’s pregnancy and his decision to divorce her.

Here is another way to translate this word:

these events

1:20b

The Greek of 1:20b begins with a word that is usually translated as “behold.” It literally means “look” or “see.” This word focuses attention on what follows and indicates that it is important, unexpected, or amazing. The Berean Standard Bible omits this word. In this passage, an angel unexpectedly appeared to Joseph. If you have a term that gets the attention of people that is natural in this context, you should consider using it here. Here are some examples:

suddenly
-or-
Look!
-or-
unexpectedly

an angel of the Lord: The phrase an angel of the Lord refers here to an angel that the Lord (God) sent.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

an angel who came from the Lord God
-or-
an angel who was sent by God

angel: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as angel means “messenger.” Here it refers to a supernatural, spiritual being who serves God.

Here are some ways to translate this term:

• Use a descriptive word or phrase. For example:

messenger ⌊from God⌋
-or-

⌊holy⌋ spirit-being

• 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 “angel.” 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:

an angelos messenger ⌊from God⌋
-or-
a sacred ⌊angelos⌋ spirit

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

the Lord: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the Lord is here a title for God himself. The Greek word means “master,” “owner,” or “a person who has great authority.” If the word in your language for Lord is too general, you may want to include “God” in your translation. For example:

the Lord ⌊God⌋

appeared to him: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as appeared can also mean “became visible” or “was revealed.” The angel appeared to Joseph while he was dreaming. This indicates that in his dream, Joseph saw an angel.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

revealed/showed himself to him
-or-
he saw an angel

in a dream: Joseph was sleeping, and he saw the angel while he was dreaming.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

in a dream ⌊while he slept⌋
-or-
He dreamed that an angel of the Lord appeared to him

1:20c

Joseph, son of David: The phrase Joseph, son of David means that Joseph was a descendant of King David. For example:

Joseph, descendant of David (Good News Translation)

You should translate the phrase son of David as you did in 1:1.

1:20d

do not be afraid: The phrase do not be afraid indicates that the angel was telling Joseph not to worry. The angel was telling Joseph to go ahead with the marriage.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

Do not be reluctant
-or-
Do not hesitate
-or-
Go ahead and marry her. (Contemporary English Version)

to embrace Mary as your wife: This clause refers to Joseph marrying Mary and beginning married life together.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

to take Mary to be your wife (Good News Translation)
-or-
to marry Mary

1:20e

for: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as for indicates that 1:20e is the basis for the angel’s command in 1:20d. Another way to translate this word is:

because (New International Version)

In some languages, it may be natural to simply begin a new sentence here.

the One conceived in her: The clause the One conceived in her refers to the baby in Mary’s womb. The word conceived refers to becoming pregnant.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

the child conceived in her (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
She is pregnant (God’s Word)
-or-
the child she carries

is from the Holy Spirit: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as from the Holy Spirit is the same phrase as in 1:18d. This phrase indicates that the Holy Spirit caused Mary to become pregnant. It was a miracle.

You should translate this phrase here as you did in 1:18.

General Comment on 1:20d–e

In some languages, it is more natural to put the basis for the command (1:20e) before the command (1:20d). For example:

20ethe One conceived in Mary is from the Holy Spirit. 20d⌊So,⌋ do not be afraid to embrace her as your wife.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 3:4

Paragraph 3:4–6

3:4

Verse 3:4 is background information. It speaks about John’s simple clothes and simple food while he lived in the wilderness. His simple lifestyle and clothing indicated to the people of that day that he was a prophet. He resembled the prophet Elijah (2 Kings 1:8). You may want to put this information in a footnote.

3:4a

In the Greek, 3:4a begins with a common Greek conjunction that is often translated as “now” (English Standard Version). Here it functions to introduce new information about John the Baptist. The Berean Standard Bible and many English versions do not translate this conjunction here. Introduce this background information in a way that is natural in your language.

John wore a garment of camel’s hair: John wore clothes that were made from the hair of an animal called a camel. A camel is a large, domesticated animal that carries people and cargo in the desert. People wove a rough kind of cloth made from the hair of this animal.

If camels are not known in your area, you could:

• Transliterate the word camel and explain the term in the text. For example:

John’s clothes were made from the hair of a ⌊large⌋ ⌊desert⌋ animal called a camel

• Transliterate the word camel and explain the term in a footnote. Here is a sample footnote:

A camel is a large domesticated animal that carries people and cargo in the desert.

• Translate using a general term:

The clothes that John wore were made from ⌊coarse⌋ hair of a desert animal

garment: The word garment is a general word that refers to all types of clothes. Here is probably refers to John’s outer robe or tunic.

Here is another way to translate this word:

clothes (New International Version)

3:4b

with a leather belt around his waist: The phrase leather belt refers to a strip of animal skin tied around the waist. It kept one’s outer robe close to the body. It also made it possible to tuck up the robe in order to walk or run unhindered.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

and he wore a long strip of animal skin around his waist
-or-
and he tied his clothes around his waist with an animal skin rope

3:4c

His food was locusts: The word locusts refers to a large kind of grasshopper. They are insects which jump and can fly. Large numbers of locusts frequently migrate together to eat and destroy crops. People who live in the desert sometimes eat locusts.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

His food was large grasshoppers
-or-
He ate large insects/bugs that jump and fly

wild honey: The phrase wild honey refers to honey that wild bees of the desert made. People found it under rocks or in cracks between rocks. It was not honey made by bees that people raised.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

honey of wild bees

-or-

honey

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 4:19

4:19a

“Come, follow Me,” Jesus said: The Berean Standard Bible places the words Jesus said in the middle of what Jesus said. This is good English style. However, in some languages it may be more natural to put these words at the beginning of 4:19. For example:

And he said to them, “Follow me…” (English Standard Version)

When Jesus told Simon and Andrew to follow him, he meant two things:

(a) He wanted them to literally go with him;

(b) He wanted them to become his disciples.

In trying to express these two meanings, you should be aware of the following problems that some translators have faced:

(a) A translation such as “Come with me” may not adequately express the teacher-student relationship that the word follow implies. It may imply that Jesus and the disciples had equal status.

(b) A translation such as “Follow me” may imply that Simon and Andrew were simply supposed to walk behind Jesus on the road or were to follow Jesus at a later time.

New Living Translation (1996) may provide a model that avoids these wrong implications. It has made clear that the word follow refers to being a disciple:

Come, be my disciples.

If you follow this translation model, use the same term for “disciples” as you will use in 5:1c.

4:19b

and I will make you fishers of men: This clause is a metaphor. In this metaphor, the work of gathering people into God’s kingdom is compared to the work of fishermen. The way that these two occupations are similar are that both catch/gather things. Both bring/move things from one situation to another.

Jesus used this metaphor to tell Simon and Andrew that he wanted them to change occupations. He told them that he would train them to do the work of fishing for people. They would fish for (catch) people like fishermen fish for (catch) fish.

Here are some other ways to translate this metaphor:

• Translate the metaphor literally. For example:

I will show you how to fish for people (New Living Translation (2004))

In many languages, it will not be possible to use a word combination like “fish for people.” Another solution will have to be found.

• Explain the metaphor. For example:

I will teach you how to catch people instead of fish (God’s Word)

In some languages, an expression like “catch people” refers to someone who gathers people to do forced labor. Or it refers to a policeman who catches a criminal. If that is true in your language, it may be necessary to express the meaning in a different way. For example:

I will teach you how to bring in people instead of fish (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
I will teach you to bring people into the kingdom instead of bringing in fish.
-or-
Your work has been to catch fish ⌊in a net⌋. But now I will teach you to do the work of bringing people into the kingdom.

• Use a simile. For example:

I will teach you to search for people like you have been catching fish.

I will make you: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as I will make you means “I will teach you” or “I will train you” to do a different kind of work. For example:

I will teach you (God’s Word)

-or-

I will show you (New Living Translation (2004))

It does not imply that Jesus will force them to change their work.

men: The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as men refers to people in general. For example:

people (Good News Translation)

You should use a word in your language that includes both men and women.

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 2023

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 18:2

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 18:34

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 20:1

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 20:33

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 22:31

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 1:20

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 3:4

SIL Translator’s Notes on Matthew 4:19

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