SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 2020 – Page 29

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 22:8

Paragraph 22:8–9

22:8a–b

I am John, who heard and saw these things: John referred to himself by name here in order to make it clear that he spoke for himself. Other ways to translate this clause are:

I, John, have heard and seen all these things (Good News Translation)
-or-
I ⌊am⌋ John, I myself heard and saw those things

I am John: The pronoun I is emphasized in the Greek.

these things: This phrase refers to all that John had just seen about the new Jerusalem. However, it can also refer to all the visions that he saw in this book.

22:8c

I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel: Here the phrase fell down refers to kneeling and putting the face to the ground with arms outstretched toward someone. This position showed complete humility before that person and honored him. The word fell implies a quick and complete action. It does not refer to accidentally falling. Other ways to translate this clause are:

I prostrated myself before him
-or-
I threw myself down to worship at the feet of the angel (NET Bible)
-or-
I knelt at the feet of the angel who had shown them to me, to worship him (New Jerusalem Bible)

See how you translated a similar clause (“I fell at his feet to worship him”) in 19:10.

worship: This word refers to honoring someone or something as sacred/divine. Other ways to translate this word are:

venerate
-or-
revere

See how you translated this word in 13:4 or 19:10.

In some languages it is helpful to make it clear that John was about to worship the angel. For example:

and I was about to worship him (Good News Translation)

22:8d

who had shown me these things: This clause tells the reader more about the angel. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly indicate that there were other angels in front of John and only this one had shown the visions to John. If that is true in your language, translate this clause so that it tells more about the angel. One way to do that is to start a new sentence here. For example:

He had showed them to me.

© 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 1:14

1:14a

white like wool, as white as snow: Both of these phrases indicate that Jesus’ hair was very white. Both wool and snow are examples of very white things. The two phrases together emphasize the whiteness. For example:

were as white as wool, even as white as snow (NET Bible)

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

• Translate the meaning without the similes. For example:

very, very white

• Use a substitute for the words wool and snow. Use something considered very white in your culture. For example:

white as ⌊bright⌋ clouds
-or-
The whiteness of his hair was like a broken wave

You may then want to explain the literal words in a footnote. An example footnote is:

Literally: “white like wool, as white as snow.” Wool and snow are examples of very white things.

• Use the major language words, if people are familiar with them. You may want to explain their use in a footnote. An example footnote is:

Wool and snow are examples of very white things.

wool: The word wool refers to the hair of sheep and some kinds of goats. Other ways to translate this word are:

sheep hair
-or-
very white animal hair

snow: The word snow refers to frozen ice crystals that fall from the clouds. Snow falls instead of rain when it is very cold. That is, it may precipitate in the form of snow when the air temperature is below freezing. Snow is white and fluffy; it is not clear like rain.

1:14b

His eyes were like a blazing fire: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as blazing fire is literally “a flame of fire” (as in the Revised Standard Version). This simile probably refers to the brightness of his eyes. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

his eyes were like a fiery flame (NET Bible)
-or-
his eyes looked like flames of fire (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
his eyes were ⌊bright⌋ as flames

Translate in a way that does not imply that Jesus was angry or that he showed any other specific emotion.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 2:27

2:27a–b

He will rule them with an iron scepter and shatter them like pottery: This is a quote of Psalm 2:9 (LXX). If you indicate the location of quotes from the Old Testament with cross-references, you may want to do so here.

This kind of rule is like destroying things. Jesus will rule the nations in a way that destroys them because they fight against him (19:15–19). Other ways to translate these words are:

he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
He will rule them with an iron stick, as if smashing pottery
-or-
He will rule them with club made of iron, like he would destroy pottery

In some languages a literal translation of the word rule would wrongly indicate ruling to their benefit. If that is true in your language, you may want to include some implied information. For example:

He will lead them with an iron scepter ⌊to their own destruction⌋ ; like dashing pottery to pieces
-or-
He will ⌊destructively⌋ rule them with an iron scepter; like he would destroy pottery

2:27a

He: Here the word He refers to believers who overcome and do his will to the end (2:26a). It does not refer to Jesus. Some English versions do not use He in 2:27a–b in order to make that clearer. For example:

They (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-

26b I will give them authority over the nations, 27a to rule them with an iron rod 27b and to break them to pieces like clay pots. (Good News Translation)

iron: This word refers to the strongest known metal at that time. It could break most things without damage to itself. Some languages do not have a word for this metal. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Use the major language word.

• Describe it. For example:

made of very strong metal

• Use the strongest thing in your language. You may then want to explain the Greek word in a footnote. An example footnote is:

Literally: “iron.” This word refers to the strongest known metal at that time. It could break most things without damage to itself.

scepter: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as scepter refers to a straight heavy stick. Often a shepherd would use a stick of this kind to fight off wild animals. The word scepter refers to an ornamental stick that symbolizes the rule of a king. Other ways to translate this word are:

stick
-or-
rod/staff

2:27b

shatter them like pottery: The Greek words are literally “as when clay pots are shattered” (as in the New Revised Standard Version). When a clay pot breaks, it shatters into many pieces and becomes useless. This clause explains how believers will rule the nations with an iron rod. They will destroy their enemies. Other ways to translate this clause are:

as when pottery is broken into pieces (New Century Version)
-or-
smashing them to pieces like earthenware (Revised English Bible)

In some languages a literal translation will not indicate the correct meaning of “being destroyed.” If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Explain the meaning in your translation. For example:

⌊he will completely destroy them like⌋ when pottery is broken into pieces

• Translate the meaning without the metaphor. For example:

he will completely destroy them

You may then want to explain the literal words in a footnote. An example footnote is:

Literally: “as when pottery is broken.” Broken pottery is symbolic of what happens when someone completely destroys his enemies.

• Translate literally and explain its meaning in a footnote. An example footnote is:

“When pottery is broken” is symbolic of what happens when someone completely destroys his enemies.

• Use a symbol in your language of something that, when broken, is useless and cannot be repaired. Then you may want to explain the literal words in a footnote. An example footnote is:

Literally: “pottery.” Broken pottery is symbolic of what happens when someone destroys his enemies.

2:27c

Some English versions begin 2:28 here. Follow how the major language version places the verse number.

—just as I have received authority from My Father: The words just as connect this clause to 2:26b. Jesus received authority to rule the nations from his Father. He will give that same authority to his followers. Other ways to translate this clause are:

They will have the same authority I received from my Father (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
This is the same power I received from my Father (New Century Version)

authority: Here the word authority refers to the right and power to control or rule over someone or something. You should translate this using the same word or phrase as in 2:26.

My Father: This phrase refers to God. In some languages people will not clearly understand that the phrase My Father refers to God. If that is true in your language, you may want to add this implied information. For example:

my Father ⌊God⌋
-or-
my ⌊heavenly⌋ Father

General Comment on 2:26a–27c

2:27c is closely connected to 2:26b. In some languages it is more natural to put 2:27c before 2:27a–b. For example:

26a To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, 26b I will give ⌊him/them⌋ authority over the nations,27c just as I have received ⌊that⌋ authority from my Father. ⌊As the Scripture says:⌋ 27a ‘He will rule them with an iron rod, 27b as when clay pots are shattered.’
-or-

26a To those who win the victory, who continue to the end to do what I want, 27c I will give the same authority that I received from my Father: 26b I will give them authority over the nations, 27a to rule them with an iron rod 27b and to break them to pieces like clay pots. (Good News Translation)

The Good News Translation example above requires that you combine verse numbers as 26–27.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 4:8

4:8a

And each of the four living creatures had six wings: The four living creatures each had wings like birds. But these creatures had six wings each. Each one probably had three wings on each side of its body.

4:8b

and was covered with eyes all around and within: The Greek clause is literally “they are full of eyes around and within.” There are two likely ways to interpret the word “within” here:

(1) It indicates that the eyes were on the body under the closed wings.

(2) It indicates that the eyes were on the underside of the opened wings.

Many of the English versions are ambiguous. These verses do not say whether the wings were raised or folded next to the body. If possible, translate this clause in a way that implies or indicates either interpretation (1) or (2). For example:

they were covered with eyes, inside and out (Good News Translation)
-or-
their bodies were covered with eyes (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
their bodies and the underside of their wings were covered with eyes

4:8c

Day and night: The phrase Day and night indicates the creatures spoke the words of 4:8d–e all the time.

they never stop saying: The four creatures repeated the same words over and over again. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

they do not cease to say (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
they keep on saying (New Living Translation (2004))

saying: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as saying is the normal Greek word for speaking. However, the creatures are all speaking 4:8d–e in unison. For example:

saying ⌊together⌋
-or-
chanting

4:8d–e

4:8d–e are like two lines of a chant or two lines of poetry. You may want to print these lines separately to show that they are a chant or poem.

4:8d

Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty: The words Holy, Holy, Holy is emphasized in the Greek and in the Berean Standard Bible. If possible, emphasize this phrase naturally in your language.

The word Holy is repeated in order to emphasize its meaning. Consider how to emphasize the words as in a poem or chant in your language. For example:

Holy is the Lord God Almighty! Holy is he! Holy is he!
-or-
The Lord God Almighty is holy, holy, holy!
-or-
The Lord God Almighty is holy, indeed he is completely holy!

Holy: Here the word Holy indicates that God is perfect and unique. He only does what is right. He is different from all other beings since they are not perfect nor unique. Other ways to translate this word are:

sacred/divine
-or-
pure/perfect ⌊spiritually/morally⌋
-or-
unique/separate

See how you translated this word in 3:7.

the Lord: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the Lord means “the one who has authority over (something),” or “owner.” God is master or owner of everything. See how you translated this word in 1:8.

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.

4:8e

who was and is and is to come!: All these words refer to God and emphasize that God is eternal and will come and do what he wants to do. Other ways to translate it are:

He was, he is, and he is coming (New Century Version)
-or-
he who ⌊always⌋ existed, ⌊who⌋ exists, and ⌊who⌋ is coming

See how you translated these words in 1:4 or 1:8. Note that the order is different there: “who is and was and is to come.”

is to come!: This phrase indicates that God will come and do as he promised. It is not a substitute way to say “will be.” For example:

he is coming (New Century Version)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 6:15

Paragraph 6:15–17

6:15a

the kings of the earth: This phrase refers to the chief rulers of every nation on earth. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

rulers of nations
-or-
top/supreme leaders everywhere

nobles: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as nobles is literally “great men” (as in the Revised Standard Version). This word probably refers to important leaders, but not the chief/top rulers. Other ways to translate this word are:

rulers (Good News Translation)
-or-
governors (New Jerusalem Bible)

the commanders: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the commanders refers to military leaders. Use the usual word that people call the top rank of military leaders of your country. The word should be able to refer to any nation’s military leaders.

6:15b

the rich: This phrase refers to people who have great wealth. For example:

the rich people (New Jerusalem Bible)

the mighty: This phrase refers to people who have great political power or influence. For example:

the men of influence (New Jerusalem Bible)

slave: A slave is a person who belongs to his owner, called his master. A slave has to obey his master. He is not free to leave his master. Other ways to translate this word are:

forced laborers
-or-
those subjected to a master

free man: A free man is a person who is not a slave. A free person can work in exchange for money for anyone who needs him. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

free workers
-or-
those who rule their own lives

6:15c

caves: A cave is a large hole which goes deep into a hillside. Here these caves are big enough for people to enter them. Some languages may not have a word for caves. If that is true in your language, use a word referring to a good hiding place underground. For example:

holes

rocks: Here, this word refers to rocks big enough to hide behind. For example:

boulders

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 9:3

9:3a

out of the smoke, locusts descended: The phrase out of the smoke is emphasized in the Greek and the Berean Standard Bible. If possible, emphasize this phrase naturally in your language.

In some languages it is more natural to put this clause in its usual place. For example:

locusts came out of the smoke

locusts: The Greek word used here refers to any kind of grasshopper. The locust is a kind of grasshopper that flies in swarms and eats all plants. Many English versions use the word locusts because of its harmful nature. Farmers fear swarms of locusts because they can eat a whole crop in minutes. Your language may have a word for locusts, or you may have a general word for grasshopper.

Some languages do not have a word for locust or grasshopper. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Use a descriptive phrase. For example:

swarms of plant eating, flying insects
-or-
swarms of flying insects ⌊called grasshoppers⌋

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

The name “locust” refers to a plant eating, flying insect. They swarm and eat all plants and even the bark of trees. Farmers fear swarms of locusts because they can eat a whole crop in minutes.

9:3b

they were given power: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

⌊God⌋ gave power to them
-or-
they received power

power like that of the scorpions of the earth: This phrase indicates that the locusts had stingers as scorpions do (9:10a). Other ways to translate this phrase are:

like the power of earthly scorpions (God’s Word)
-or-
the same power that scorpions have (Contemporary English Version)

like that of the scorpions of the earth: Scorpions can be two centimeters (0.8 inches) long or as large as twelve centimeters (five inches), depending on the kind of scorpion. A scorpion’s tail has a stinger on the end. The stinger can stab the skin and inject poison that causes pain.

The stings of some kinds of scorpions cause only mild pain. But the stings of other kinds of scorpions cause severe pain. 9:6a implies that these locusts cause severe pain.

In some languages scorpions are not known. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Describe a scorpion in your translation. For example:

like that of an insect/animal with a sting ⌊that causes severe pain⌋

• Use an insect or small animal in your area that has a painful sting or bite. You may then want to explain the literal word in a footnote, using the major language word for scorpion. An example footnote is:

Literally: “scorpion.” A scorpion is an insect that has a tail with a stinger on the end. It can stab the skin and inject a small amount of poison that causes pain.

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

A scorpion is an insect that has a tail with a stinger on the end. It can stab the skin and inject poison that causes severe pain.

the scorpions of the earth: The phrase of the earth indicates that these scorpions are the usual ones that live on earth. Since the earth is the only place where real scorpions live, some English versions omit this phrase. For example:

scorpions (New Living Translation (2004))

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 11:4

11:4–10

There are two ways to interpret who spoke these verses:

(1) They are not part of the quotation that began in 11:1. The speaker stopped speaking to John at the end of 11:3. For example:

3 And I will grant my two witnesses power to prophesy for one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”

4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands which stand before the Lord of the earth…. (Revised Standard Version)

(2) They are part of the quotation. The speaker continues speaking until the end of 11:10. For example:

3 But I shall send my two witnesses to prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, wearing sackcloth. 4 These are the two olive trees and the two lamps in attendance on the Lord of the world….10 and the people of the world are glad about it and celebrate the event by giving presents to each other, because these two prophets have been a plague to the people of the world.’ (New Jerusalem Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

Paragraph 11:4–6

11:4a–b

These witnesses are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth: This clause describes the two witnesses using the symbols of two olive trees and two lampstands. It refers back to the prophecy in Zechariah 4:1–14.

In some languages a literal translation would not have the correct meaning. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Translate this as a simile. For example:

These ⌊two witnesses⌋ are like two olive trees and two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth

• Explain that the saying is symbolic. For example:

These ⌊two witnesses⌋ are symbolically the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth

• Translate literally and explain its meaning in a footnote. For example:

This sentence has olive trees and lampstands, like Zechariah 4:1–14 does.

• Explain the reference in your translation. For example:

These ⌊two witnesses⌋ are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth, ⌊as is written in scripture⌋

11:4a

olive trees: Olive trees have small round fruit. People squeeze the fruit and collect the oil. This oil is used in cooking and as fuel for lamps.

the two lampstands: A lampstand is a 1–2 meter (3–6 feet) tall stand. It has a place for a lamp on top. Here it is implied that lamps are on the lampstands. There were many kinds and styles of lampstand. The kind and style of lampstand is not important here.

A lamp in Jesus’ time was a small clay or metal container that people put oil in. The lamp was shaped to hold a wick on one side. The exact kind of lamp is not important here. So you should use a word that refers generally to this kind of lamp or light producing device.

See how you translated the word lampstands in 1:12 or 2:5.

11:4b

that stand before the Lord of the earth: This phrase refers to both the olive trees and the lampstands.

stand: Here the word stand indicates that the trees and lampstands are in the presence of the Lord of the earth.

the Lord of the earth:
This phrase indicates that the Lord God rules over all that happens in the world. For example:

the Lord who rules the earth (Contemporary English Version)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 12:17

12:17a

enraged: This word means “very angry.” For example:

furious (Good News Translation)

12:17b

make war: This phrase refers to fighting with organized groups. Usually nations make war with armies. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

fight a war
-or-
battled

See how you translated the word war in 12:7.

Satan makes war against believers by trying to make their faith weak. He makes war by tempting them to sin, deceiving them into believing false teaching, and causing evil people to persecute them.

In some languages a literal translation would wrongly refer only to fighting. If that is true in your language, you may want to explain the meaning in a footnote. For example:

Satan makes war against believers by trying to make their faith weak. He does this by tempting them to sin, deceiving them into believing false teaching, and causing others to persecute them.

children: Here this word refers figuratively to believers, as explained in 12:17b.

In some languages a literal translation would wrongly refer to children, not believers. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Explain the meaning in your translation. For example:

⌊spiritual⌋ children
-or-
children ⌊regarding faith in God⌋

• Translate literally and explain its meaning in a footnote. For example:

The word “children” refers figuratively to believers, as explained in 12:17c.

12:17c

commandments: This word refers in general to the commands that God has given to people.

hold to the testimony of Jesus:
There are several ways to interpret the Greek words here. The main interpretations are:

(1) It means believers are faithful to the testimony that Jesus gave. For example:

are faithful to the truth revealed by Jesus (Good News Translation)

(2) It means believers continue to testify/witness about Jesus. For example:

maintain their witness to Jesus (Revised English Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). However, if a literal translation implies interpretation (1), you may want to translate literally. For example:

hold to the testimony of Jesus (New American Standard Bible)

testimony: The word testimony means “the words spoken about what one saw.” See how you translated this word in 1:2 or 6:9.

12:17d

See the General Comment below about the different locations that 12:17d is placed in various English versions.

And the dragon stood on the shore of the sea: There is a textual issue here:

(1) The earliest Greek manuscripts say he stood. The pronoun “he” refers to the dragon (12:17). For example:

And he stood on the sand of the sea. (Revised Standard Version)

(2) Some later Greek manuscripts say I stood. The pronoun “I” refers to John. For example:

And I stood upon the sand of the sea (King James Version)

It is recommended that you follow option (1), as the UBS4 does.

dragon: This word refers to a mythical creature that is something like a huge lizard. See how you translated this word in 12:3.

General Comment on 12:17d

The people who divided the Greek text into chapters and verses long ago probably had manuscripts that followed option (2) above. So they understood this Greek clause to be part of chapter 13. However, many English versions follow option (1). It indicates that the Greek clause connects to the topic in 12:13–17.

Several ways to indicate that the Greek clause connects to the topic in 12:13–17 are:

• Include the clause at the end of 12:17, as the Berean Standard Bible does. For example:

12:17 Then the dragon was angry with the woman, and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and bear testimony to Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the seashore.

13:1 And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, (Revised Standard Version)

• Keep the clause as 13:1a but indicate that it belongs with 12:17. For example:

12:17 Furious with the woman, the dragon went off to wage war on the rest of her offspring, those who keep God’s commandments and maintain their witness to Jesus. 13:1 He took his stand on the seashore.

Then I saw a beast rising out of the sea. (Revised English Bible)

• Mark the clause as a new verse: 12:18. For example:

12:17…and are faithful to the truth revealed by Jesus. 18 And the dragon stood on the seashore.

13:1 Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea. (Good News Translation)

Place this clause so that it clearly indicates its meaning here. You may want to see where the major language version puts it.

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 2020