SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 2020 – Page 50

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 10:6

10:6a

swore by Him: The word swore refers to calling upon someone greater to be a witness that what the speaker was saying is true. It is implied that this other being will punish the speaker if what he said is not true. It does not indicate that the speaker is using bad or inappropriate words.

Here the angel called on God to witness that his statement of 10:6e–7c was true. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

spoke a vow that his words are true according to him
-or-
promised with an oath calling the name of him
-or-
called for support for his words from him

Him who lives forever and ever: This phrase refers to God. He lives eternally. For example:

God who lives forever (Contemporary English Version)

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:

the living one of the timeless ages (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

10:6b–d

who created heaven and everything in it, the earth and everything in it, and the sea and everything in it: This clause tells the reader more about God. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly indicate that there are other gods that John was thinking of and only this one created heaven and all other things. If that is true in your language, translate this clause so that it tells more about the only true God. One way to do that is to start a new sentence here. For example:

He created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it.

Also see the General Comment at 10:6e about reordering the information in this verse.

10:6b

created: This word means “made.” God made all these things from nothing. For example:

made (New Jerusalem Bible)

heaven and everything in it: The Greek words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as heaven and it are singular. But the phrase refers to the sky and everything in it, such as the stars, the moon, and the planets. For example:

the skies and all that is in them (New Century Version)
-or-
the sky and space and all that is in those things

10:6c

the earth and everything in it: This phrase refers to the world and all the animals and plants that live here.

10:6d

the sea and everything in it: This phrase refers to all the seas and oceans of the world. It includes everything that lives in them; for example, fish, animals, and plants.

10:6e

There will be no more delay: The word delay refers to a time of waiting. This clause indicates that the final events are about to occur. For example:

The time of waiting is over (New Jerusalem Bible)

General Comment on 10:6a–e

10:6a indicates that an angel made an oath. It also describes God. 10:6b–d also describes God. 10:6e then begins to tell what the angel said. His words was supported by his oath in 10:6a.

In some languages it is more natural to separate the description from the main event. If that is true in your language, you may want to translate this verse as more than one sentence. You may also want to reorder those sentences. For example:

6a And he swore by him who lives for ever and ever, 6b who created the heavens and all that is in them, 6c the earth and all that is in it, 6d and the sea and all that is in it. 6e ⌊Finishing the oath,⌋ ⌊the angel,⌋ said, “There will be no more delay!
-or-

6a And he made an oath, asking the eternal God to be a witness to what he said. 6b God is the one who created the heavens and all that is in them. 6c ⌊He created⌋ the earth and all that is in it. 6d ⌊He created⌋ the sea and all that is in it. 6e ⌊After making that oath, the angel⌋ said, “There will be no more delay!
-or-

6a God lives for ever and ever. 6b He created the heavens and all that is in them, 6c the earth and all that is in it, 6d and the sea and all that is in it. 6a In the name of God, the angel made an oath 6e and said, “There will be no more delay!

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 12:8

12:8a

the dragon was not strong enough: There is a textual issue here:

(1) Some Greek manuscripts have he. For example:

he was too weak (Revised English Bible)

(2) Some Greek manuscripts have they. For example:

they were defeated (Revised Standard Version)

It is recommended that you follow option (1). The clause here focuses on the dragon as the leader. But both the dragon and his angels lost the war.

the dragon: The Greek is literally “he.” The pronoun refers to the dragon, as the Berean Standard Bible makes explicit. In some languages people may think this pronoun refers to Michael. If that is true in your language, you may want to clearly refer to the dragon, as the Berean Standard Bible models.

was not strong enough: This phrase indicates that the dragon and his army lost the war. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

was too weak (Revised English Bible)
-or-
was defeated (Good News Translation)
-or-
lost the battle (New Living Translation (2004))

12:8b

no longer was any place found in heaven for him and his angels: This clause indicates that God no longer allowed them into heaven. Other ways to translate this clause are:

there was no longer any place for them in heaven (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
he and his angels were not allowed to stay in heaven any longer (Good News Translation)
-or-
God no longer permitted them to enter heaven
-or-
they were forced out of heaven

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 14:4

14:4a

These are the ones who have not been defiled with women: This clause refers to men who have never had sexual relations with women. The word defiled is probably used in the sense of having become “ceremonially unclean.” A Jewish person could not go and worship God until the next sunset after he or she had sexual relations (Leviticus 15:18). Other ways to translate this clause are:

These men have not dishonored themselves with women
-or-
They are the men who have kept themselves pure by not having sexual relations with women (Good News Translation)

This clause may refer figuratively to all believers being pure in God’s eyes. For example:

They have kept themselves as pure (New Living Translation (2004))

But many English versions translate literally and allow the reader to decide whether to understand this clause literally or figuratively.

14:4b

for: This conjunction introduces an explanation of 14:4a.

they are virgins: The word virgins is masculine. It refers to men who have never had sexual relations. Other ways to translate this clause are:

they kept themselves pure (New International Version (1984))
-or-
they are celibate
-or-
they have not lain with women

This clause may refer figuratively to all believers being pure in God’s eyes. For example:

as virgins (New Living Translation (2004))

But many English versions translate literally and allow the reader to decide whether to understand this clause literally or figuratively.

14:4c

They follow the Lamb wherever He goes: This clause refers figuratively to obeying Jesus as their master or leader. These men/believers always did as Jesus commanded them. For example:

they follow the Lamb wherever he leads (Contemporary English Version)

In some languages a literal translation would wrongly indicate that these men/believers physically walked behind Jesus wherever he went. If that is true in your language, you should translate the figurative meaning. For example:

They have not separated from the Lamb wherever he goes
-or-
They obey everything that the Lamb tells them

14:4d

They have been redeemed from among men: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

⌊God⌋ has purchased them from among men

redeemed: This verb is the same Greek verb as in 14:3d. There the Berean Standard Bible translated it as “redeemed.” It probably means “redeemed” here as well. Translate it as you did in 14:3.

from among men: The Greek phrase is literally “from people.” It probably has the same or similar meaning as “from the earth” (14:3b).

14:4e

as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb: This phrase describes the men/believers whom God purchased. Other ways to translate these words are:

as first fruits for God and the Lamb (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
to be the first–fruits for God and for the Lamb (New Jerusalem Bible)

as firstfruits: This phrase is a metaphor. In the Jewish society the first part of the harvest was given to God (Exodus 23:19, Leviticus 23:9–14). This offering was called firstfruits.

Here the 144,000 men/believers are like the first part of the harvest. They are set aside for God to use. In some languages it is more natural to translate this as a simile. For example:

like an offering of the first part of the harvest
-or-
just as the first part of the harvest is offered
-or-
like the/a harvest offering

If you have translated James 1:18, see how you translated “firstfruits” there.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 16:8

Paragraph 16:8–9

16:8a

fourth: The word fourth refers to the next item after three other things. If counted, this item would be counted as number four. See how you translated this word in 4:7 or 8:12.

16:8b

it was given power: The Greek clause is literally “it was given to it” (as in the New American Standard Bible). It refers to receiving authority or power to do something. God gave to the sun the ability to burn people as fire burns people. For example:

it was permitted (NET Bible)

The clause is passive. Some languages must use an active or intransitive clause. For example:

⌊God⌋ gave power to the sun
-or-

⌊God⌋ caused the sun to have the power

it received the ability/power
-or-
it now had the ability/power

Your translation should indicate or imply that someone gave the authority.

to scorch the people with fire: This phrase indicates that the sun became so hot that it hurt people on the earth. For example:

to burn people with its fiery heat (Good News Translation)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 18:1

Section 18:1–24

Announcements/Messages about Babylon

In this section, three heavenly beings each announce something about Babylon. The first announcement is that the city is destroyed. Her riches and prosperity have been taken away.

The second announcement is that God’s people should leave Babylon before God destroys her. It also describes how kings and others mourn over the destroyed city.

The third announcement is that Babylon will never be built again.

Other examples of headings for this section are:

An angel announced that Babylon was destroyed, and some groups are sad
-or-
Announcements about the destruction of Babylon
-or-
Various people talk about Babylon

Paragraph 18:1–3

18:1a

After this I saw: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as this is literally “these (things).” It refers to what John had already seen. This clause introduces a new scene in heaven. For example:

After ⌊I saw⌋ those things, I saw

heaven: Here the word heaven refers to the place where God lives.

18:1b

authority: Here the word authority refers to having the right and power to control or rule over someone or something. For example:

right to rule/govern
-or-
power to control

These verses do not say what the angel had authority over. Some languages must say what the angel has authority over. If that is true in your language, refer generally to what the angel might have authority over. For example:

authority ⌊over things⌋

18:1c

and the earth was illuminated by his glory: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

his splendor brightened the whole earth (Good News Translation)
-or-
his glory made the earth bright (New Century Version)

illuminated: Here this word refers to the angel’s splendor shining on the earth.

glory: The Greek word here is often translated as “splendor” (as the New Jerusalem Bible has here). Other ways to translate this word are:

radiance
-or-
glorious light

See how you translated this word in 1:6 or 15:8.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 19:9

Paragraph 19:9

19:9a

the angel told me: The Greek word is literally “he-said.” Here “he” could refer to:

(1) Whoever spoke 19:6–8a. This being (or beings) had such a powerful voice that John described it as sounding like a great multitude (19:6a).

(2) Whoever spoke 19:5.

(3) Whoever spoke 19:1–3 or perhaps someone in chapter 18.

(4) The angel referred to in 17:1.

You should translate so that it allows any of these interpretations. The Berean Standard Bible and other English versions do so by not describing which angel this is.

to write: This word is a command to write the words spoken in 19:9b. For example:

Write this, (New Jerusalem Bible)

19:9b

Blessed: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Blessed describes a person who is in a good situation. In the Bible, the good situation results from God showing favor/kindness to the person. It also indicates that God approves of this kind of person.

This word does not primarily refer to a feeling. However, a person in this good situation will frequently have good feelings such as happiness and joy. Do not use a word that only refers to material prosperity or physical health.

Other ways to translate this word are:

Favored
-or-
How good it is
-or-
In a good/desirable position ⌊in God’s eyes⌋
-or-
Shown kindness ⌊by God⌋

See how you translated this word in 1:3 or 16:15.

those who are invited: The clause who are invited is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

those whom ⌊God⌋ has invited

invited: This word refers to God asking all believers to come to this celebration.

marriage supper: In Jewish custom, a large meal was part of the wedding celebration. Here, the time of day that the meal will be eaten is not implied or important. For example:

wedding supper (New International Version)
-or-
the feast celebrating the marriage

19:9c

he said to me: The Greek clause is literally “he says to me.” The pronoun he refers to the same speaker as in 19:9a. Also, this clause indicates that the command to write the exact words (19:9a–b) has ended but the person continued speaking. For example:

He also told me (God’s Word)

These are the true words of God: This clause emphasizes that the words in 19:9b are indeed God’s words and that they are true. For example:

These things that God has said are true (Contemporary English Version)

These: Here this word refers back to 19:9b. In some languages it is more natural to use “those” when referring back.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 21:5

Paragraph 21:5

21:5a

And the One seated on the throne: This phrase refers to God (21:7b). John described him here instead of referring to him directly. For example:

the One sitting on the throne (New Jerusalem Bible)

John named God as the being seated on the throne in other verses (for example, 19:4). It should be clear here that the words the One refer to God. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly refer to someone else. If that is true in your language, imply or indicate that the phrase refers to God. For example:

The One who sits on the throne ⌊and rules everything⌋
-or-
The ⌊great/greatest⌋ One who sits on the throne
-or-

⌊God,⌋ sitting on the/his throne,

See how you translated a similar phrase “the One seated on the throne” in 6:16.

Behold, I make all things new: The Greek clause here begins with the word “look” (as in the New Jerusalem Bible). The Berean Standard Bible translates this Greek word as Behold. The word emphasizes or calls attention to the words that follow. Other ways to translate this clause are:

Look/Listen, I am making the whole creation new
-or-
Indeed/Hey, I am making all things new

21:5b

Then He said: God spoke to John here. For example:

He also said to me (Good News Translation)

Write this down: This clause refers back to 21:5a or to 21:3b–5a. In some languages it is more natural to use the word “that” or “those” when referring back. For example:

Write that
-or-
Write those things

for: This conjunction introduces the reason that God commanded John to write down those words.

faithful: This word refers to something one can depend on. What God said will certainly happen. Other ways to translate this word are:

reliable (NET Bible)
-or-
can be trusted (Good News Translation)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 22:10

Paragraph 22:10–11

22:10a–b

Do not seal up the words of prophecy in this book: The phrase seal up refers to putting a seal on something. Here a seal would prevent others from reading the book. The angel wanted John to let others know what was in the book. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

do not prevent others from knowing the words of the prophecy of this book
-or-
Share the words of the prophecy of this book, do not hide them
-or-
Do not keep secret the words of prophecy in this book (New Century Version)

See how you translated the word “sealed” in 5:1.

the words of prophecy in this book: This phrase indicates that this book contained the words of prophecy to which the angel referred. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

the prophetic words in this book (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
the words of the prophecy of this scroll (New International Version (2011))

See how you translated this phrase in 22:7.

22:10c

the time is near: This clause indicates that the things in this revelation will happen soon. For example:

the time is near ⌊when these things will happen⌋

See how you translated this clause in 1:3.

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 2020