SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 2020 – Page 4

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 21:25

21:25a–b

Its gates will never be shut at the end of the day, because there will be no night there: Here the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as day refers to the hours of daylight. There will be no night, so the gates of the city wall will always be open. Other ways to translate these words are:

In the daytime (for there will be no night there) its gates will never be closed (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
The gates of the city will stand open all day; they will never be closed, because there will be no night there (Good News Translation)

21:25b

because: This conjunction introduces the reason or explanation for the gates never being shut.

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 1:4

Section 1:4–8

John greeted the churches and praised Jesus

In this section, John identified himself and indicated to whom the letter was addressed. He greeted them in the usual way that was done in letters at that time. He then praised Jesus and told the readers of this letter what its theme was.

Other examples of headings for this section are:

Greetings to the Seven Churches (Good News Translation)
-or-
John introduced himself and greeted the seven churches
-or-
Greeting ⌊and introduction⌋ from John

Paragraph 1:4–5c

1:4a–b

John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: After John introduced the content and purpose of this letter and announced a blessing (1:1–3), here he identified himself and those to whom he was writing. Other languages may use another order or other introduction words. For example:

From John to the seven churches in the province of Asia (Good News Translation)
-or-
This letter is from John to the seven churches in the province of Asia (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
To the seven churches in the province of Asia. This letter is from ⌊me,⌋ John

1:4a

John: John is the name of the person who wrote the letter. In some languages it is more natural to make this clear by using the first-person pronoun, “I.” For example:

⌊I am⌋ John. ⌊I write⌋ to the seven churches in Asia
-or-

⌊I,⌋ John, ⌊am writing this letter⌋ to the seven churches in the province of Asia

1:4b

To the seven churches in the province of Asia: The phrase the seven churches in the province of Asia refers to seven groups of believers in Asia. The phrase does not imply that only seven groups of believers existed in Asia.

seven churches: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as churches refers generally to a gathering of people. Someone summoned the people for a particular purpose. Here, as almost always in the NT, it refers to groups of believers.

In the Bible this word never refers to church buildings. You also should not use a phrase that refers to separate groupings of churches where each group has its own name. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

seven congregations
-or-
the believers ⌊who live in⌋ seven cities
-or-
the seven gatherings of believers

the province of Asia: The Berean Standard Bible adds the phrase the province of. At that time the name “Asia” referred only to a small region in what is now the western part of the country of Turkey. But in English the name now refers to a large region of the world that includes the country of China. So the Berean Standard Bible and some English versions add the phrase the province of to indicate the old meaning.

You may also want to explain its meaning in a footnote. An example footnote is:

At that time, the name Asia referred to a province under Roman rule that was across the Aegean Sea east of Greece. It was in the western part of what is now the country of Turkey.

1:4c

Grace and peace to you: The saying Grace and peace to you was a common greeting among believers at that time. So authors of the books in the New Testament usually began their books that way.

This greeting has no verb. In some languages it is more natural to add a verb. For example:

⌊May⌋ grace and peace ⌊be given⌋ to you
-or-

⌊May⌋ you ⌊receive⌋ grace and peace
-or-
Grace and peace be yours (Good News Translation)

Grace: The word Grace here refers to God being kind to those who do not deserve it. God does things for people because he wants to and not because they earned it. Other ways to translate this are:

kindness (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
help
-or-
favor

In some languages, it is necessary to translate Grace using a verb. For example:

voluntarily/graciously be kind
-or-
help ⌊as a gift/favor⌋

If you need to translate Grace using a verb, you may need to reorder the sentence. This is discussed in the General Comment on 1:4c–5c.

peace: In Jewish culture the word peace describes a situation of well-being that can include safety, wholeness, and health. It often describes harmony and friendship between God and people, or between individuals or groups of people. Other ways to translate peace here are:

harmony
-or-
wellness

In some languages, it is necessary to translate peace using a verb. For example:

live whole/well/peacefully
-or-
be calm/peaceful

Again, you may need to refer to the General Comment on 1:4c–5c for ways to reorder the sentence.

1:4d

from Him who is and was and is to come: These words refer to God. John described God here in the middle of his request for grace and peace.

John described God using three phrases. In your translation, make sure that it is clear that the one who is, the one who was, and the one who is to come all refer to God. Other ways to translate this saying are:

from the One who is and was and is coming (New Century Version)
-or-
from him who exists, who ⌊always⌋ existed and who is coming
-or-
from God, who is, who was, and who is to come (Good News Translation)

is to come: The clause is to come uses a different Greek verb that the verb used in the previous two clauses. Those clauses use the verb meaning “be/exist.” The verb in this clause probably refers to God coming to do the things written in this book. Other ways to translate this clause are:

who is still to come (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
who is coming (God’s Word)

The clause is to come does not refer to Jesus returning. So you should not translate this as “who is to return.”

1:4e

from the seven Spirits: This phrase is connected to “Grace and peace to you” (1:4c). It indicates that John also asked the seven spirits to give grace and peace.

the seven Spirits: Many scholars believe that the phrase the seven Spirits is a symbolic reference to the Holy Spirit. The number seven then represents completion or perfection. Other scholars believe that the phrase refers to seven angels. These angels could be either seven archangels, or seven other spirits who serve God. Since the meaning of this phrase is not clear, you may want to:

• Translate literally. You may also want to explain the various opinions about its meaning in a footnote. An example footnote is:

Scholars have several opinions about the words “the seven spirits.” Some think the words refer symbolically to the Holy Spirit. Others think the words refer to seven angels of highest rank. Others think that the words refer to seven spirits of a special kind that only serve God at the throne.

• Indicate that the phrase refers symbolically to the Holy Spirit. For example:

the Spirit ⌊symbolized by⌋ ⌊the word/number⌋ seven

If you do that, then you may want to include a footnote to indicate the literal words. An example footnote is:

Literally: “the seven spirits.” John may have used this phrase to refer to the Holy Spirit, seven angels of highest rank, or seven spirits of a special kind who serve God at the throne.

before His throne: Here the phrase before His throne indicates that the seven spirits are always in God’s presence. It is implied that God is seated on his throne. It is more clear in some languages to indicate the implied information. For example:

before the throne ⌊where God is seated⌋

throne: This word refers to 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 throne is a symbol for authority to rule. Another way to translate this word is:

leader’s place to rule

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 2:17

Paragraph 2:17

2:17a

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches: Translate this statement as you did in 2:11.

2:17b

To the one who overcomes: The clause To the one who overcomes is emphasized by being placed first in the sentence. If you have a natural way in your language to emphasize this clause, you may want to do so. See how you translated it in 2:7.

overcomes: The word overcomes means “triumphs” or “obtains/wins the victory.” Here the word refers to having success over sin, evil, and pressure to turn away from Jesus. Translate this phrase as you did in 2:7.

I will give the hidden manna: This is a figurative way to say that Jesus will give a spiritual blessing to the people who overcome. This spiritual blessing is probably having fellowship with him at the end of the age.

Manna is food, so it is implied that the people who overcome would eat it. In some languages it is more natural to include this implied information. For example:

I will give some of the hidden manna ⌊to eat⌋

the hidden manna: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as hidden refers to something that someone has concealed or put in a secret place. Jesus did not say who had hidden this manna. Probably God hid it or allowed it to remain hidden.

This word implies that no one else knows where it is. Therefore, it will be ready for Jesus to give at the right time.

Some ways to translate the hidden manna here are:

• Use a passive clause. For example:

the manna that has been hidden away in heaven (New Living Translation (2004))

• Use an active clause. Probably Jesus or God hid the manna. For example:

the manna that ⌊God⌋ has hidden

manna: The Greek word manna is the name of a food that God miraculously fed to the Israelites in the desert (Exodus 16). Manna was described as “thin flakes like frost” (Exodus 16:14). It was also described as “white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey” (Exodus 16:31).

In some languages people may not realize that manna refers to a food. It is also possible that the word might be mistaken for a similar word in your language with a different meaning. If that is true in your language, you should indicate that it refers to a food. For example:

⌊food called⌋ manna
-or-

⌊the heavenly food⌋ manna

You may also want to give more information in a footnote. An example footnote is:

Manna is the name of a food that God miraculously gave to the Israelites in the desert. (See Exodus 16.)

2:17c

a white stone: The word stone probably refers to a small stone that easily fits in someone’s hand. The phrase a white stone probably symbolically refers to receiving permission to enter heaven, like receiving a ticket or pass to an event. Many English versions translate this literally.

You may want a footnote to explain the symbol. An example footnote is:

This white stone probably refers to symbolically receiving permission to enter heaven, something like receiving a ticket/pass.

inscribed with a new name: The clause inscribed with a new name is passive. Some languages must translate with an active clause or a phrase. For example:

with a new name ⌊that I/God⌋ wrote on it
-or-
with a new name on it

If you follow the second example, it should imply that someone wrote the name.

a new name: A name is already written on the stone when Jesus gives it to the believer. These verses do not say whose name it is. If possible, do not add any information about whose name it is. The new name is probably one that Jesus gives to the victorious believer. But the new name might be a new name of Jesus (3:12).

2:17d

known only to the one who receives it: This clause refers back to the “new name” that is written on the stone in 2:17c. Only the person receiving the stone will know the name on it.

The Berean Standard Bible omits “that is” from the beginning of this clause, as is possible in English here. The Greek is more literally “no one knows except the one receiving it.” Some ways to translate it are:

• Use a passive clause. For example:

a name that is known only to the person who receives it (God’s Word)

• Use an active clause. For example:

that no one knows except the one who receives it (Good News Translation)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 3:20

3:20a–c

This verse is a metaphor for Jesus seeking the attention of the believers who are distracted. They have not been obeying or following him well. He wants to renew or continue the relationship he has with them.

3:20a

Behold: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Behold is literally “look.” The word emphasizes or calls attention to the words that follow. The word is not a command to look at something. Other ways to translate this Greek word are:

Indeed/Hey,
-or-
Look,
-or-
Listen! (Good News Translation)

I stand at the door and knock: The Greek grammar probably indicates that Jesus arrived at the door earlier, started knocking, and is still knocking. For example:

I am standing at the door, knocking (New Jerusalem Bible)

knock: Here the word knock means “request entrance.” Jesus wanted to enter their home. As 3:20b indicates, Jesus also calls to the person inside.

In some languages it is more natural to include the implied action here. For example:

knock ⌊and call/speak⌋

If the word knock has a different meaning than “request entrance” in your language, you should use the word or phrase in your language that means “request entrance.”

3:20b

If anyone hears My voice: This clause implies that Jesus spoke loud enough so that the person inside the house could hear him. Other ways to translate this clause are:

If you hear me calling (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
If there is someone who hears Me

3:20c

dine with him, and he with Me: These clauses indicates a mutual relationship. Jesus and the believer eat together, talk together, and share with each other. For example:

share a meal at that person’s side (New Jerusalem Bible)

General Comment on 3:20b–c

The Greek words change from second person (“you(sing)”) in 3:15–19 to third person (“he/she”) at 3:20b. But Jesus was still speaking to those who were spiritually poor, blind, and naked. In some languages it is more natural to continue using second person here. For example:

If any of you hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with you, and you with me

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 6:5

Paragraph 6:5–6

6:5a

third: This word refers to the next item after the second one. If counted, this item would be counted as number three. Other ways to translate this word are:

the one after the other two
-or-
the one after the two of them
-or-
another

6:5b

say, “Come!”:
The third living creature spoke here to the rider on the black horse (6:5d). It is probably implied that he spoke loudly, like the first creature spoke (6:1c).

6:5c

I looked and saw: The Greek words are literally “I saw, and look,” as in 6:2a. Translate the Greek words as you did in 6:2.

6:5c–d

a black horse, and its rider held in his hand a pair of scales: The Greek words are literally “a black horse and one sitting on it having a pair of scales in his hand.” It indicates that John saw both the horse and the person sitting on it at the same time but described the horse first. These words are similar in grammar to the words about the white horse and rider in 6:2a. Other ways to translate these words are:

was a black horse and rider with a pair of scales in his hand
-or-
was someone on a black horse, holding scales in his hand

a pair of scales: This phrase refers to a balance scale used for weighing things. It had two bowls which hung from a beam. The beam hung from a hook or ring halfway between the bowls. When the weight of the items in the two bowls were equal, the beam was level.

Usually a standard weight was put in one bowl. The person filled the other bowl with portions of the item for sale until the beam was level. They then had measured out the correct amount of the item to sell. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

a scale (God’s Word)
-or-
a balance scale (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
a device/tool for measuring ⌊the weight of⌋ food
-or-
a weight measurer

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 8:6

Section 8:6–9:21

Angels blew the first six trumpets

In this section, the blowing of each trumpet signaled a disaster. God would send these disasters upon the people of the earth. Some of the disasters were hail, fire, and poisoned water.

Other examples of headings for this section are:

The Seven Angels and Trumpets (New Century Version)
-or-
The Seven Trumpets (New Revised Standard Version)

Paragraph 8:6

8:6

prepared to sound them: This phrase indicates that the angels made themselves ready to blow the trumpets. They probably raised the trumpets and put the mouthpieces of the trumpets to their lips. For example:

made ready to blow them (Revised Standard Version)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 10:5

Paragraph 10:5–7

10:5a

on the sea: Translate this phrase as you did in 10:2.

10:5b

lifted up his right hand to heaven:
Here the phrase lifted up his right hand indicates that the person was promising something. In some languages people will not know why he lifted up his right hand even after reading 10:6. If that is true in your language, you may want to include some implied information. For example:

lifted up his right hand to heaven ⌊to promise⌋
-or-
lifted up his right hand to heaven ⌊to make an oath⌋

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 12:7

Paragraph 12:7–9

12:7a

Then a war broke out in heaven: The Greek clause is literally “And war was in heaven.” The Greek does not say when this war occurred. Scholars have many opinions about when it occurred. If possible, refer only generally to war in heaven, as the Greek and Berean Standard Bible do.

Then: Here the conjunction Then introduces another event. It does not make explicit when this other event took place.

war: This word refers to fighting by organized groups. Michael and his angels fought in an organized manner. The dragon and his angels also fought in an organized manner. This war was fought with the supernatural weapons of angels. It was not fought with earthly weapons such as guns.

In some languages it is not possible to talk of war without saying who was fighting. See the General Comment at the end of 12:7a–c.

12:7b

Michael: This name refers to one of God’s leading angels. He watches over Israel (Daniel 12:1, Jude 9).

and his angels: Michael and these angels followed God. During the war they followed Michael’s command.

fought: The Greek word refers to fighting a war. For example:

had to fight a war (God’s Word)
-or-
battled (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

12:7c

the dragon and his angels: Satan (the dragon) was the leader of a group of angels. These angels are usually referred to as “demons” or “evil spirits” in the New Testament. If the word you use for angels only refers to good spirit beings, you may want to:

• Explain the meaning in your translation. For example:

the dragon and his ⌊evil⌋ angels
-or-
the dragon and the angels that follow him

• Use the word “demons.” For example:

the dragon and his demons

You may then want a footnote to explain the meaning of demons here. For example:

Literally: “angels.” Demons are the same kind of being as angels, but demons follow Satan and oppress people.

General Comment on 12:7a–c

In some languages it is necessary to say who was fighting. It is not possible to simply say “there was war.” For example:

7a And in heaven 7b Michael and his angels were fighting against the dragon. 7c The dragon and his angels fought back.

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 2020