SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 2020 – Page 36

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 7:15

7:15a–17c

These verses read like poetry. The UBS4 formats it as poetry. Consider whether you want to format these verses as poetry, as the Berean Standard Bible and some other English versions do.

7:15a

they are before the throne of God: This clause indicates that these people are in the presence of God. For example:

they stand before God’s throne (Good News Translation)

7:15b

serve Him: Here the word serve refers to doing religious duties such as priests do. Other ways to translate this word are:

do His will
-or-
do everything that He commands them to do

day and night: This phrase refers to doing something all the time. See how you translated this phrase in 4:8.

His 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.

7:15c

the One seated on the throne: This phrase refers to God. This implied meaning may already be clear in your translation. See how you translated this phrase at 5:1.

will spread His tabernacle over them: This clause indicates figuratively that God will dwell with these believers, protect them, and care for them. Other ways to translate this clause are:

will shelter them with his presence (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
will be their shelter (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
will be present with them (New Century Version)

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 9:18

9:18

A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke, and sulfur that proceeded from their mouths: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

The three plagues of fire, smoke, and sulfur that came out of their mouths killed a third of mankind

A third of mankind: Here the word third means “one part out of three parts.” See how you translated this phrase in 9:15.

plagues: This word refers to disasters that harm a lot of people. Here it refers to the fire, smoke, and sulfur. Use a word that can refer to the fire, smoke, and sulfur. It should indicate harm or death. For example:

calamities/disasters that cause people to suffer
-or-
things that cause much death

See how you translated this word in 6:8.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 11:18

11:18a–b

The nations were enraged, and Your wrath has come: There is some contrast between these two clauses. The people were angry, but God was also angry. God made their anger ineffective. In some languages it is more natural to indicate this contrast. For example:

The nations were filled with wrath, but now the time of your wrath has come (New Living Translation (2004))

were enraged…wrath: The phrase were enraged and the word wrath both refer to strong anger. The people of the nations were very angry with God, and he became very angry with them. For example:

The nations were filled with wrath, but now the time of your wrath has come (New Living Translation (2004))

11:18a

nations: Here the word nations refers to people who do not believe in God. For example:

people of the world (New Century Version)

11:18b

Your wrath has come: This clause indicates that God has begun to act against the nations because of his anger. He will punish them. Other ways to translate this clause are:

the time for your anger has come (Good News Translation)
-or-
you now act in anger ⌊against them⌋

11:18c

The time has come to judge the dead: The Greek words are literally “and the time to judge the dead.” For example:

and the time for the dead to be judged (Revised Standard Version)

The Berean Standard Bible begins a new sentence at 11:18c and repeats the phrase has come. The Berean Standard Bible does that to make this verse easier to read. In some languages it is more natural to begin a new sentence here.

The time has come: This clause applies to all three phrases in 11:18 that begin with “to” (11:18c, 11:18d–f, 11:18g).

time: Here this word probably refers to a general time period rather than an exact time. But it is also possible that the elders are saying this just before God judges all people (20:11–15). Use a word or phrase that allows for either interpretation.

judge: This word means “decide whether a person is guilty or not.”

the dead: This phrase refers to people who have died.

11:18d–e

Your servants the prophets, as well as the saints: There are several ways to interpret the relationship between the phrase Your servants and the rest of these words. The main interpretations are:

(1) The word servants refers only to the prophets. For example:

your servants, the prophets, and all your people, (Good News Translation)

(2) The word servants refers to all of the following groups. For example:

your servants, the prophets and saints, (English Standard Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

11:18d

reward: This word refers to doing good to someone because of the good deed he has done. Another way to translate this word is:

give rewards

Your servants the prophets: This phrase indicates that the prophets were God’s servants. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

the prophets who served you
-or-
your servants, namely, the prophets

A similar phrase, “His servants the prophets,” occurs in 10:7. See how you translated the phrase there.

11:18e

the saints and those who fear Your name: There are two ways to interpret the relationship between the phrase those who fear Your name and the previous groups:

(1) The phrase those who fear Your name describes all the previous groups. For example:

all your people, all who have reverence for you, (Good News Translation)

(2) The phrase those who fear Your name refers to a group separate from all the previous groups. For example:

for the saints and for those who fear your name, (New Jerusalem Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). It is more likely that the phrase those who fear Your name describes all followers.

saints: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as saints means “holy ones.” Here the word refers to all believers. For example:

your people (Good News Translation)

See how you translated this word in 5:8 or 8:3.

those who fear Your name: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as fear is often translated “reverence.” Here the Greek word means “respect” or “revere.” People who fear God think about him humbly, with awe. They worship and obey him. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

all who respect you (New Century Version)
-or-
people who honor your name (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
those who reverence your name (New International Version)

11:18f

both small and great: This phrase refers to believers of low status in society and believers of high status in society. It implies believers of all classes and position in society. The phrase does not refer to physical size.

In some languages it is more natural to have the high status first. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

both of high and lowly position/place
-or-
whether ⌊they are⌋ important ⌊people⌋ or not
-or-
both humble and great

11:18g

those who destroy the earth: This phrase refers to all people who harm the earth or any part of it. God will destroy them because they destroyed his creation. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

those who ruin the earth

This phrase could also refer to Satan and demons. So your translation should allow for that possible meaning as well.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 13:13

13:13a

performed: This word means “did” here. For example:

worked (New Jerusalem Bible)

The beast probably did miracles throughout the 42 months. Translate the word so that it indicates “always doing so” rather than “doing this once.”

great signs: The Berean Standard Bible literally represents the Greek here. The word sign here refers to an unusual event that people regard as having a special meaning. These signs were probably miracles that showed the great power of the dragon and the two beasts. Other ways to translate the Greek phrase are:

great miracles (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
great portents
-or-
great wonders (King James Version)

The Greek phrase here is the same as in 12:1a. In that verse the Berean Standard Bible has “a great sign.” However, the phrase here is plural. The meaning here probably implies miracles as signs, rather than just signs that are seen.

13:13b

to cause even fire from heaven to come down: The word even indicates that to cause…fire from heaven to come down is an example of the great signs (13:13a). For example:

even, ⌊for example,⌋ causing fire to come down
-or-
including ⌊the amazing miracle of⌋ causing fire to descend
-or-

⌊For example,⌋ he caused fire to descend

from heaven…to earth: Here the word heaven means “very high in the sky.” The fire probably began so high in the sky that the people could not see where it began. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

to earth from the sky (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
from very high in the sky

13:13c

in the presence of the people: The Greek phrase is literally “before men.” This event was done purposely so people could see it. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

in the sight of everyone (Good News Translation)
-or-
while people are watching (New Century Version)

the people: This word is general and refers to both men and women.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 15:7

15:7a

four living creatures: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as living creatures is literally “living (ones).” The word refers to beings that are like angels. The living creatures speak and praise God (4:8). Other ways to translate this phrase are:

four living beings (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
four living things/ones

See how you translated this phrase in 4:6 or 14:3.

15:7b

seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God: These words are a metaphor for God’s anger, that it is like water or another drink such as wine. In some languages it is not natural to speak of anger as a liquid. If that is true in your language, you may want to make the metaphor into a simile. For example:

seven golden bowls filled with ⌊water/wine/liquid that represents⌋ the wrath of God

bowls: The Greek word here refers to a dish used to pour out offerings of liquids. It is similar to a soup bowl. You should not refer to them as “soup dishes” or anything related to food. Translate this word as you did in 5:8.

15:7c

who lives forever and ever: This clause tells the reader more about God. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly indicate that there are other gods and only this one lives forever and ever. If that is true in your language, translate this clause so that it tells more about God. One way to do that is to start a new sentence here. For example:

He lives forever and ever.

forever and ever: The Greek phrase is literally “into the ages of the ages.” The word “age” refers to a very long time, so the phrase “the ages of the ages” refers to eternity. For example:

for timeless ages (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

See how you translated this phrase in 1:6 or 14:11.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 17:10

17:10a

There are also seven kings: There is a verse numbering issue here. The Good News Translation and some versions include this sentence at the end of 17:9. You should place this sentence where the major language version does.

This clause is a second explanation of the symbolic meaning of the seven heads.

kings: Here the word kings may refer to many kinds of powerful leaders. They may not be the leaders of distinct countries. The word could even refer to rulers of empires. (An empire consists of more than one country.)

17:10b

Five have fallen: Here the words have fallen may figuratively indicate that these five kings are either:

(1) no longer ruling,

(2) no longer alive.

These verses do not say why they have fallen. You should not explain why they have fallen. For example:

Five of them have already gone (New Jerusalem Bible)

17:10c

one is: Here the word is probably indicates that this king was ruling either:

(1) at the time when the vision is fulfilled,

(2) at the time when John saw the vision.

You should not explain when this occurs. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

one still rules (Good News Translation)

17:10d

has not yet come: This phrase probably indicates that this king had not yet begun to reign. For example:

has not yet come ⌊to the throne⌋
-or-
has not yet become ⌊a ruler⌋

17:10e

he must remain for only a little while: Here the word must indicates that God is in control and has determined that this will happen. The phrase remain for only a little while indicates that God will let this king rule for only a short time. Other ways to translate this clause are:

he will rule for only a little while (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
his reign will be brief (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-

⌊God⌋ will let him stay for only a little while

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 18:24

18:24a–b

And: This Greek conjunction probably indicates that 18:24a–b continues telling more reasons why Babylon was destroyed. For example:

For (JPB)

there was found in her the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who had been slain on the earth: There are two ways to interpret who spoke these words:

(1) The angel who began speaking in 18:21 continues speaking here. The ending quote mark occurs at the end of 18:24.

(2) The angel stopped speaking at 18:23 and John wrote his own thoughts here. The ending quote mark occurs at the end of 18:23.

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

18:24a

there was found in her the blood: In the Greek, the phrase in her is emphasized by being first in the clause. If possible, emphasize this phrase.

In some English versions, the verb phrase there was found occurs before the subject (blood). This is an English poetic style that also emphasizes the verb phrase. In the Greek, the verb is not emphasized. Other ways to translate this clause are:

The blood of prophets, God’s people, and everyone who had been murdered on earth was found in it (God’s Word)
-or-
In your streets flowed the blood… (New Living Translation (2004))

This clause indicates that the city was responsible for killing prophets, saints, and all others who were killed. For example:

You are guilty of the death… (New Century Version)

This clause is passive. Some ways to translate it are:

• Use a passive clause. For example:

In her was seen the blood

• Use an active clause. For example:

⌊God⌋ has found her responsible for the blood…

• Use a verb that implies that God considered her to be responsible. For example:

She is guilty/responsible for the blood…
-or-
She is guilty of killing…

in her: The Greek uses the pronoun her to refer to Babylon. In 18:23a–d the angel used the second person pronoun “you.” In some languages it is more natural to continue using the second person. For example:

In you

Or you may have continued to use the pronoun “she” in 18:23a–d, based on how you translated 18:21c–d. If that is true, continue using “she/her” here. Also see note on 18:21c–24b.

of prophets and saints: The prophets are saints who have the gift of prophecy. For example:

prophets and ⌊other⌋ saints

prophets: A prophet is a person to whom God gives a message. The message may include a vision, as in Ezekiel 1 and Daniel 8. The message, called a prophecy, may reveal something about past events, current events, or future events. The prophet speaks God’s message to the people or writes it down for their use. See how you translated this word in 18:20.

saints: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as saints means “holy ones.” It refers to all believers. See how you translated this word in 18:20.

18:24b

all who had been slain on the earth: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

all whom ⌊others⌋ have slain on the earth

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 20:11

Section 20:11–15

God judged the dead

In this section, John saw God sitting on his throne. God judged all people according to what they had done. If they had not followed God, he threw them into the lake of fire. These people did not have their names in the Book of Life.

Other examples for this section heading are:

The Judgment at the Great White Throne (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
The dead were judged

Paragraph 20:11–15

20:11a

great: The throne is probably called great because it is large, beautiful, and important. It is an important throne because it belongs to God.

throne: A throne is the official chair of a king. When the king is seated on his throne, he rules over his people and his country. Therefore, the word is used as a symbol for his authority to rule. Here the word throne refers to the place from where God rules.

See how you translated this word in 1:4.

the One seated on it: The word One refers to God here.

In some languages a literal translation would wrongly refer to someone other than God. If that is true in your language, you may want to refer to God in your translation. For example:

God who was seated on it
-or-
God, the one seated on it

20:11b

Earth and heaven fled from His presence: This clause is figurative language that describes the disappearance of the earth and sky. It pictures everything being cleared away, perhaps in the sense of clearing out God’s courtroom in preparation for the judging of all people. Other ways to translate this clause are:

Earth and sky left his presence
-or-
In his presence, earth and sky vanished (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
Earth and sky ran away from him (New Century Version)

Earth and heaven: Here this phrase probably refers to the whole universe. So all the things in the sky, such as the sun, moon, planets, and stars, are included here. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

all that God created/made
-or-
earth and sky ⌊and all that is in them⌋
-or-
the universe

from His presence: This phrase is emphasized in the Greek. If possible, emphasize this phrase.

20:11c

no place was found for them: This clause probably indicates that the earth and sky had completely vanished (as in 21:1b). Other ways to translate this clause are:

there was no room for them any more (Revised English Bible)
-or-
were seen no more (Good News Translation)
-or-
disappeared (New Century Version)

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 2020