SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 2020 – Page 27

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 20:5

20:5a

The rest of the dead:
This phrase refers to dead people who did not come to life in 20:4f.

20:5b

This is the first resurrection: This clause refers back to the resurrection in 20:4f. In some languages it is more natural to use the word “that” when referring back to that event. For example:

That is the first resurrection

the first resurrection: The word resurrection refers to when God causes people to come back to life. This will be the first time that a group of people will be resurrected. It is an event. In some languages it is necessary or more natural to translate this word using a verb. For example:

the first time that ⌊God⌋ resurrects people
-or-
the first time when ⌊God⌋ causes people to live again
-or-
when ⌊God⌋ first raises ⌊a group of⌋ people from death

General Comment on 20:5a–b

The phrase “the first resurrection” (20:5b) refers to those believers of 20:4b–f. But 20:5a tells about what happens one thousand years later (20:12). You should indicate that 20:5a is extra information about what happens to the other people. Some English versions do this by using parentheses. You may want to:

• Put 20:5a after 20:5b. For example:

5b This is the first resurrection. 5a The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.

• Put 20:5a after all the information about the believers whom God resurrected at this time (20:5b–6d). For example:

5–6 This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.

The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.

• Use parentheses on 20:5a as the New International Version and Good News Translation do.

• Move 20:5a and use parentheses. For example:

This is the first resurrection. (The rest of the dead did not come back to life until the thousand years had ended.) (New Living Translation (2004))

© 2020 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 Revelation 21:22

Paragraph 21:22–27

21:22a

But I saw no temple in the city: This sentence indicates that no temple existed in the city. Your translation should not imply that there was a temple hidden somewhere so that John did not see it. For example:

There was no temple ⌊anywhere⌋ in the city
-or-
Nowhere in the city did I see a temple

temple: The word temple refers to a building where God, or another deity, is believed to be present in a special way. People worship there. See how you translated this word in 3:12 or 16:17.

21:22b

because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple: Here the word temple refers figuratively to a place where people worship God. God and Jesus will live in the city and the people can worship them at any time and any place in the city. Other ways to translate this clause are:

the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb were themselves the temple (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are present in the city as its temple
-or-
the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are there and everyone worships in their presence

Lord: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Lord means “the one who has authority over (something),” or “owner.” God has authority over everyone. See how you translated this word in 4:8 or 19:6.

Almighty: This word is a title which means, “ the one with the power to do anything.” For example:

the All-Powerful (NET Bible)

See how you translated this word in 1:8 or 19:6.

the Lamb: This is a title for Jesus. Jewish people killed a lamb at the Passover as a sacrifice to God. The lamb has symbolic meaning as a special sacrifice and is a symbol for the Christ. See how you translated this title in 21:9.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 1:1

1:1a

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ: In Greek this phase is more literally “The revelation of Jesus Christ.” This phrase introduces the book. In some languages it is more natural to translate this phrase as a complete clause or sentence, as the Berean Standard Bible and some other English versions have done. For example:

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ. (Berean Standard Bible, God’s Word)
-or-
This ⌊book/letter/writing⌋ is the revelation of Jesus Christ,

This phrase indicates that Jesus Christ revealed the things in this book to John. Other ways to translate this are:

This is a revelation from Jesus Christ, (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
The revelation from Jesus Christ (New International Version (2011))
-or-
This book is the record of the events that Jesus Christ revealed. (Good News Translation)

revelation of Jesus Christ: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as revelation refers to something unknown that someone shows/reveals to someone else. In some languages it is more natural to translate this phrase using a verb. For example:

things revealed by Jesus Christ
-or-
hidden things/knowledge that Jesus Christ told
-or-

⌊ hidden/secret⌋ knowledge that Jesus Christ revealed

Christ: The word Christ is a title for Jesus. It means “the anointed one.” The Hebrew word mashiah (English: “Messiah”) has the same meaning. The Jews used it to refer to the person whom God promised would save/free his people and rule them. Here the word Christ describes Jesus as the Christ.

Some ways to translate Christ are:

• Use a title or a descriptive phrase in your language that has the same meaning as Christ. For example:

⌊God’s⌋ Anointed/Chosen One
-or-

⌊Promised⌋ Deliverer
-or-
the Rescuer-King

• Use the major language word, spell it as people in your language would say it, and include a phrase that explains the meaning. For example:

Karisiti, the appointed one
-or-
Cristo, the Savior whom God promised to send

• Use the major language word, spell it as people in your language would say it, and indicate in some way that it is a title. For example:

the Kirisita

• Use the word Messiah, if it is more clearly a title used only for Jesus. Spell it as people in your language would say it and indicate in some way that it is a title. For example:

⌊the⌋ Mesaaia

If you have translated other New Testament books, see how you translated this word there. Also, if you have a footnote explaining this word in Matthew 1:1, Mark 1:1, Luke 2:11, or John 1:17, you may want to repeat it here.

which God gave Him: This clause tells the reader more about the revelation. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly indicate that Jesus had other revelations but God only gave this one to him. If that is true in your language, translate this clause so that it tells more about this revelation. One way to do that is to start a new sentence here. For example:

It was given to him by God.
-or-
God gave it to him.

gave: The word gave indicates that God showed these revelations to Jesus. In some languages a word other than gave is more natural. For example:

showed (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
told

1:1b

His servants: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as servants refers to believers. It indicates that believers must obey the things God tells them to do.

The Greek word can also be translated as “slaves.” However, it is important not to indicate or imply that it is a position of shame or humiliation. A servant of God has a position of honor. Other ways to translate this word are:

his workers
-or-
the people who serve him
-or-
his people, they work for him
-or-
his people, they do his will

His: The pronoun His probably refers here to God.

must soon come to pass: Here the phrase must soon come to pass indicates that the events in the revelation will certainly happen soon. God has decided that all these events will happen, so they will certainly happen. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

must soon happen (New Century Version)
-or-
will soon necessarily/indeed occur
-or-
has been determined ⌊by God⌋ to happen soon
-or-
will definitely/certainly occur soon

1:1c

He made…known: The person that the pronoun He refers to is unclear. It is probably Jesus. In some languages it is more natural to say to whom this pronoun refers. For example:

Christ made these things known (Good News Translation)

made…known: This phrase refers to revealing something through signs. Here, the signs are things and events that have symbolic meanings. There are many things that are symbolic in Revelation, for example: the dragon (12:3) and the woman on the scarlet beast (17:3).

Jesus communicated this revelation to believers by sending his angel with the revelation to John. The angel showed the revelation to John. John wrote this revelation and sent it to the believers. Other ways to translate these words are:

revealed through signs
-or-
communicated (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
sent this revelation (God’s Word)
-or-
show (New Century Version)

it: The pronoun it refers to the revelation, namely, the things that Jesus revealed (1:1a).

His angel: The pronoun His probably refers here to Jesus.

angel: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as angel means “messenger.” It refers here to a spirit being who serves Christ. Some ways to translate this word are:

• Use a descriptive word or phrase. For example:

messenger
-or-

⌊good/holy⌋ spirit-being

• Use a local word that fits the biblical meaning.

• In some languages the churches may already be using the major language word for “angel.” Be sure that this word fits the biblical meaning. If some people do not know the right meaning from this word, you may want to indicate the meaning in some way. For example:

angel messenger
-or-
sacred angel spirit

Be sure that your word for “angel” is different from your words or phrases for “prophet” and “apostle.”

to His servant John: The name John refers to the author himself. John wrote about himself in the third person. This was good Greek style. In some languages it is more natural to use the first person. For example:

to his servant John, ⌊me⌋
-or-
to ⌊me⌋ John, his servant

His: This pronoun refers here to Jesus.

servant: This word has the same meaning as it does in 1:1b.

John: The traditional view is that John the Apostle wrote this Revelation. But a second century Christian, Dionysius, thought is was someone named “John the Elder” and not John the Apostle. Many scholars refuse to choose which is most likely. It is best not to name this John as “the Apostle” or “the Elder.”

General Comment on 1:1a–c

In some languages it is more natural to follow the chronological order of communicating the message. For example:

1a
⌊This book is⌋ the revelation of Jesus Christ. God gave it to him. 1c He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,1b ⌊He/God gave it to him⌋ to show his/God’s servants what must soon take place. 2a John testifies…

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 2:14

2:14a

But: Here the word But introduces Jesus’ criticisms of the believers in Pergamum:

Nevertheless (New International Version)

I have a few things against you: This statement indicates that Jesus did not like some things that the believers in Pergamum did. Other ways to translate this are:

I have a few complaints against you. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
You do some things that I do not condone.
-or-
I find fault with some things that you do.

2:14b

because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam: This indicates that some of the people in the church in Pergamum hold to the teaching of Balaam, as explained in 2:14c–e. Other ways to translate this clause are:

there are some among you who follow the teaching of Balaam (Good News Translation)
-or-
some of you are followers of Balaam (New Jerusalem Bible)

the teaching of Balaam: The phrase the teaching of Balaam means “what Balaam taught.”

Balaam: Balaam was a prophet mentioned in the Old Testament (Numbers 22–24; 31:8). He was not an Israelite. He tried to curse the Israelites in order to get money. He also encouraged the Israelites to worship false gods. You may want to:

• Explain who Balaam was in your translation. For example:

⌊the false/evil prophet⌋ Balaam

• Explain who Balaam was in a footnote. For example:

Balaam was a greedy false prophet.

2:14c

who taught Balak: This clause tells the reader more about Balaam. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly indicate that John was thinking of other men named Balaam and only this one taught Balak. If that is true in your language, translate this clause so that it tells more about Balaam. One way to do that is to start a new sentence here. For example:

He taught Balak…

Balak: Balak was the king of Moab during the time when Balaam was a false prophet. At this time, the people of Israel had left Egypt and were traveling to the land that God had promised them. Balak was afraid that the Israelites would destroy him and his people. So he offered Balaam money to go and curse the Israelites. He also tempted the Israelites to worship false gods. You may want to:

• Explain who Balak was in your translation. For example:

Balak ⌊the king of Moab⌋

• Explain who Balak was in a footnote. An example footnote is:

Balak was the king of Moab during the time of Balaam. At this time, the Israelites had left Egypt and were traveling to the land that God had promised them. Balak was afraid that the Israelites would destroy him and his people, so he tried to destroy the Israelites.

to place a stumbling block before the Israelites: The Greek words here are literally “put a trap/snare before the sons of Israel.” This clause indicates that Balak encouraged the people of Israel to sin. Other ways to translate this clause are:

set a trap for the Israelites (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
lead the people of Israel into sin (Good News Translation)
-or-
tempt the people of Israel ⌊into sin⌋

The two ways Balak enticed the Israelites to sin are listed in 2:14d–e.

2:14d

they would eat food sacrificed to idols: This clause refers to attending a feast dedicated to an idol. The food was presented to the idol in order to honor the god represented by that idol. Later the people ate the food. The Israelites attended such a feast, honoring a false god instead of the true God. Other ways to translate this clause are:

eat food that had been offered to idols (Good News Translation)
-or-
join in eating what had been used to honor idols

idols: An idol is a statue or other physical representation of a god. People worship the idol.

2:14e

commit sexual immorality: This clause refers to sexual immorality of all kinds. It refers to having sexual relations with someone who is not your spouse. It does not imply that either person was married.

In your culture, you may use a euphemism for this meaning. For example:

sleep/lie with someone who was not their spouse
-or-
do wrong with someone who was not their spouse

The clause you use should be acceptable for reading aloud in public.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 3:17

3:17a

The Greek begins with a conjunction that means “because.” It indicates that 3:17a states another reason for Jesus being ready to spit the believers in Laodicea out of his mouth (3:16b). For example:

For (Revised Standard Version)

The Berean Standard Bible and some other English versions allow the context to imply the connection and do not translate the Greek conjunction here. Introduce the reason clause in 3:17a in the way that is natural in your language.

You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy…’: As in all the letters to the churches (2:1–3:22), Jesus spoke here to the angel of the church. The angel represented the believers of the church.

In some languages it is more natural to address the believers directly. If that is true in your language, use plural pronouns here. For example:

You(plur) say, ‘We(incl.) are rich; we have acquired wealth…’

You say: Here the believers were probably saying these things to themselves. For example:

You say to yourself (New Jerusalem Bible)

I am rich; I have grown wealthy: In the Greek, the first clause uses the noun “rich” and the second clause uses the verb “become rich.” Together, the two clauses emphasize that the Laodiceans were very rich. Other ways to translate these clauses are:

I am rich and have acquired great wealth (NET Bible)
-or-
I am rich, I have made a fortune (New Jerusalem Bible)

need nothing: The believers in Laodicea felt like they lacked nothing that they needed for daily living. They had everything. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

do not need a thing (New International Version)
-or-
have all I need (Good News Translation)

3:17b–18e

These sentences use physical conditions symbolically to describe spiritual conditions. The English versions translate the sentences literally rather than explaining what the symbols mean. See the translation advice in the notes and the General Comment at 3:18e.

3:17b

you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked: These words figuratively describe the spiritual condition of the believers in Laodicea. They were like wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked people because they were not trusting and obeying God.

In some languages it is necessary to indicate that Jesus was speaking symbolically. For example:

⌊spiritually⌋ you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked
-or-
your ⌊faith is lacking like someone who is⌋ wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked
-or-
you ⌊believe so little that you are like someone⌋ wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked

wretched: This word refers to being in an awful and undesirable condition. The Good News Translation translates it as:

miserable

pitiful: This word refers to someone whom others feel sorry for because of all of his difficulties and troubles. Here the word indicates that others should feel sorry for the believers in Laodicea because of these problems in their faith. Other ways to translate this word are:

pitiable (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
pathetic

poor: This word refers to someone who lacks money and other material things. Spiritually, it describes someone who does not possess God’s spiritual blessings and riches. The believers in Laodicea had a lot of money and possessions, but they were “poor” in their faith.

blind: Someone who is physically blind is unable to see physical things. Someone who is spiritually blind is unable to understand spiritual things.

naked: This word refers to someone who is not wearing any clothes at all. Spiritually, it describes someone who does not use the qualities that God gives to believers to do his work.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 6:2

6:2a

So I looked and saw a white horse: The Greek words are literally “I saw, and look, a white horse.” The phrase “and look” emphasizes or calls attention to the words that follow. It also probably indicates surprise, unexpectedness, or suddenness. Other ways to translate these clauses are:

And I looked, and behold, a white horse. (New King James Version)
-or-
I looked, and before my eyes was a white horse (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
I looked up, and suddenly/hey I saw a white horse
-or-
Then there appeared before me a white horse!

saw a white horse, and its rider held a bow: The Greek words are literally “a white horse and one sitting on it having a bow.” It indicates that John saw both the horse and the rider at the same time but described the horse first. These verses also indicate that the rider held a bow when John saw him. Other ways to translate these Greek phrases are:

was a white horse and rider with a bow
-or-
was someone on a white horse and holding a bow

horse: A horse is a large, four-legged animal that weighs 500 kilograms (1100 pounds) or more. Horses are about 1.5 meters (5 feet) high at the back. People often use horses for transportation.

In some languages people are not familiar with horses. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Explain the word in your translation. For example:

riding animal ⌊called a horse⌋

• Use the major language word. If people are not familiar with this word, explain it in a footnote. An example footnote is:

A horse is a large animal that a person can ride. The person could direct the horse to go where he wanted.

rider: The Greek word does not say whether the rider was a human being, an angel, or another being. You should translate rider in a way that allows for any being. See the examples above.

a bow: A bow is a weapon which is used to shoot arrows. The rider may have been only carrying the bow and not shooting an arrow. But it is probably implied that he had arrows as well.

In some languages people are not familiar with bows. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Explain what the bow is in your translation. For example:

⌊a war weapon called⌋ a bow

• Use a general word or phrase. For example:

a war weapon

• Explain it in a footnote. For example:

A “bow” is a war weapon.
-or-
A “bow” is a weapon used in war. It is a long piece of wood bent and tied with a string. A straight reed/stick with a sharpened front end is called an “arrow” and is fitted to the string and the string pulled back, creating spring tension. When the warrior releases the string, the arrow shoots forward.

• Explain it in a footnote together with an illustration. Include an illustration that shows a bow and arrow being used. You could put the illustration in your glossary, if you did not want to include one in your translation. For example:

A “bow” is a weapon used in war. See illustration on this page.
-or-
A “bow” is a weapon used in war. See illustration in glossary.

• Use a traditional war weapon common in your area. But you should not use a name of a modern weapon such as “gun.” You may then want a footnote to explain the literal word. For example:

Literally: “bow.” It is a long piece of wood bent and tied with a string. The warrior uses it to shoot sharp sticks called arrows at the enemy.

6:2b

he was given a crown: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active or intransitive clause. For example:

⌊Someone/They⌋ gave a crown to him
-or-

⌊God⌋ gave a crown to him
-or-
he received a crown

In some languages the words “take” and “receive” are translated by the same verb. The English verb “receive” implies that someone gave the crown, but the English verb “take” does not imply that. Your translation should imply or indicate that someone gave it.

a crown: Here, the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as crown probably refers to a wreath worn on the head as a sign of victory over something. Here, it symbolizes victories in war (6:2c). See how you translated this word in 2:10 or 4:4.

6:2c

he rode out to overcome and conquer: The Greek words are literally “he went forth conquering and/even that he might conquer.” The clause emphasizes that the rider rode out to win battles, and he continuously won battles. Other ways to translate this clause are:

he went out conquering and to conquer ⌊many⌋
-or-
He rode out to win many battles and gain the victory (New Living Translation (2004))

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 8:3

Paragraph 8:3–5

8:3a

golden: The word golden indicates that the censer was made of gold. Gold is a rare metal of a somewhat yellow color. It was the most expensive metal known at that time. It is naturally shiny and beautiful. See how you translated this word in 1:12 or 5:8.

censer: A censer is a dish or bowl that was used to carry burning incense or hot coals. It sometimes had chains, a handle, or short feet attached to it. A person would hold the censer by the chains, handle, or feet when there were burning incense or coals in it.

Some languages do not have a word for censer. If that is true in your language, you may want to use a general word for what a censer does. The exact shape of the censer is not important here. For example:

incense bowl
-or-
incense burner

altar: On earth, an altar is a platform on which people offer sacrifices or gifts to God. This altar is golden, like the small altar for burning incense in the Jewish Temple. But this altar is in heaven in John’s vision. Translate this word as you did in 6:9.

8:3b–c

He was given much incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the saints: The Greek words are literally “Much incense was given to him, so that he will give (it) with the prayers of all the saints.” Someone gave the incense to the angel. The angel offered both the incense and the prayers to God. For example:

he was given a great quantity of incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints (New Revised Standard Version)

8:3b

He was given much incense: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

⌊someone⌋ gave much incense to him
-or-

⌊God had someone⌋ give a lot of incense to him
-or-
he received much incense

much incense: The word much indicates more than the usual amount. The amount of much incense might be several handfuls or more.

incense: The word incense refers to the dried sap of certain kinds of trees. The dried sap burns slowly to make a sweet-smelling smoke. Incense is often used as a part of worship.

In some languages people are not familiar with incense. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Explain incense in your translation. For example:

⌊special tree⌋ resin/sap ⌊called incense⌋ burned to give/release a sweet smell
-or-
sweet smelling ⌊tree⌋ resin/sap ⌊called incense⌋

• Use the major language word. If people are not familiar with this word, explain it in a footnote. An example footnote is:

Incense is the dried sap of certain trees. The dried sap burns slowly to make a sweet-smelling smoke. People often burned incense as part of their worship.
-or-
See the footnote on incense at 5:8.

See how you translated this word in 5:8.

to offer: The word to introduces a purpose clause. The angel offered the incense by burning it.

In some languages people are not familiar with burning incense as an offering. If that is true in your language, you may want to explain the process in your translation. For example:

to burn as an offering
-or-
to offer by burning ⌊and giving the good smell⌋

8:3c

along with the prayers of all the saints: This phrase indicates that the prayers would mix with the incense. For example:

to mix with the prayers of God’s people (New Living Translation (2004))

along with the prayers: The smoke of burning incense is often a symbol of prayers. Here the incense smoke is mixed with what it represents. The prayers are offered with the incense.

saints: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as saints means “holy ones.” Here the word refers to all believers. See how you translated it in 5:8.

8:3d

on the golden altar before the throne: This phrase refers to the altar in 8:3a. John described the altar as being golden and before the throne. Your translation should indicate that this phrase refers to the altar in 8:3a. For example:

on ⌊that⌋ altar of gold ⌊that stood⌋ before the throne
-or-
on it. ⌊This⌋ altar was made of gold ⌊and stood⌋ before the throne

on the golden altar: The incense altar had a small place to hold the burning coals. The incense was placed on those coals. You may need to explain this process. For example:

⌊and burned the incense on the coals⌋ on the golden altar

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 10:2

10:2a

He held in his hand a small scroll, which lay open: The clause and phrase He held in his hand a small scroll, which lay open explain how the angel held the scroll. The scroll was partly unrolled and lay on his open hand. Other ways to translate this clause are:

He had a small scroll open in his hand. (Good News Translation)
-or-
He held a small, opened scroll in his hand. (God’s Word)

a small scroll: This scroll was a different one than the scroll with the seven seals.

scroll: The word scroll refers to a long piece of paper that is written on. Then it is rolled into a cylinder shape. See how you translated this word in 5:1.

10:2b

He placed his right foot on the sea: Here the Greek word the Berean Standard Bible translates literally as placed means “placed” or “put.” The Good News Translation translates this as:

He put his right foot on the sea

on the sea: Here the word on probably indicates that the angel’s foot was on the surface of the sea. His foot was probably not sunk into the sea.

sea: The word sea refers to a large body of water. A sea is often so large that someone standing on one side cannot see the other side. The sea is symbolic, so you should not name a particular sea. See how you translated this word in 5:13 or 8:8.

his left foot on the land: The phrase “He placed/put” is implied from the previous clause but not repeated. In some languages it is more natural to repeat some or all of the phrase. For example:

⌊he put⌋ his left foot on the land

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 2020