SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 2020 – Page 6

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 5:8

5:8a–b

fell down: Here the phrase fell down refers to kneeling and putting the face to the ground with arms outstretched toward someone. The elders and creatures did this deliberately in order to show humility before God and to honor him. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

prostrated themselves (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
threw themselves to the ground (NET Bible)

Some languages have a different action that shows complete humility and honor to someone. If that is true in your language, you may want to use that action here. See how you translated this phrase in 3:9 or 4:10.

5:8c

Each one: This phrase probably refers to both the living creatures and the elders. Many English versions do not try to make it clear whether this word refers to both groups or just the elders. For example, the New Jerusalem Bible says:

each one of them

Some scholars think this refers only to the elders. For example, the Revised English Bible says:

Each of the elders

harp: A harp is a stringed instrument which is used to make music. There were several types of harps.

If harps are not known in your area, you may want to:

• Use a descriptive phrase. For example:

stringed musical instrument ⌊called a harp⌋

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

A harp is a stringed musical instrument.

5:8d

golden bowls: Here these bowls were the kind used to burn incense.

They were not the kind used for eating. They were probably shaped like bowls used in eating. But you should not refer to them as “soup dishes” or anything else referring to food.

golden: The word golden indicates that the bowls were 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.

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 the word 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.

5:8e

which are the prayers of the saints: This clause tells the reader more about the bowls full of incense. The clause indicates that the incense in each bowl is a symbol for the prayers of the saints.

Be sure to translate this in such a way that it is clear that John is informing his readers what these bowls represent. He is not distinguishing them from other bowls by saying in what way they differ. If it would be helpful in your language, translate these words so that they tell more about the incense. One way to do that is to start a new sentence here. For example:

The incense in the bowls was the prayers of the saints.

In some languages it will be necessary to indicate explicitly that the incense is a symbol. For example:

which are ⌊symbolically⌋ the prayers of the saints
-or-
The incense represents the prayers of the saints

the saints: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as saints means “holy ones.” The word does not refer to a small group of believers who were extremely godly. Here the word refers to all believers. For example:

God’s people (Good News Translation)

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 7:12

7:12a–c

Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God: These words praise God. There is no verb in the Greek. The Berean Standard Bible and many other English versions add the verb be. This phrase indicates that the angels agreed that God had praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength. Other ways to translate this clause are:

our God has all praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength
-or-
Praise, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power, and strength belong to our God forever and ever! (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
We praise and glorify our God. He is wise! We thank and honor him. He is powerful and mighty!

See how you translated a similar clause in 1:6 (“to Him be the glory and power”).

7:12a

Amen: The word Amen is a Hebrew word that means “even so” or “it is true.” It is used to agree with what was said. The Greek borrowed the Hebrew word. English borrowed this word as well. See how you translated this word in 1:6 or 5:14.

Blessing: This word refers to speaking words to honor someone. In some languages it is more natural to translate this noun as a verb. For example:

We praise you, our God
-or-
May our God be blessed

glory: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as glory refers to greatness, power, splendor, and majesty. In some languages it is more natural to translate this as a verb or adjective. For example:

we glorify our God
-or-
Our God is glorious/great/majestic

See how you translated this word in 4:9 or 5:12.

wisdom: The word wisdom means “be able to understand events and know what should be done.” See how you translated this word in 5:12.

7:12b

honor: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as honor means “respect, reverence.” See how you translated it in 5:12.

power and strength: The Greek words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as power and strength both refer to power, force, and strength. The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as power can also refer to ability. If possible, use two words related to “power,” “strength,” “might,” or “ability” here.

In some languages it is more natural to use verbs or adjectives. For example:

Our God is strong and mighty
-or-
How powerful is our God! How mighty is he!

See how you translated the two words power and strength in 5:12.

7:12c

forever and ever: The Greek phrase is literally “into the ages of the ages.” This phrase means “always” or “eternally.” See how you translated this phrase in 5:13.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 9:15

9:15a

the four angels who had been prepared: Earlier, God had prepared these angels for the task of killing one third of mankind. The clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

whom ⌊God⌋ had prepared ⌊beforehand⌋

the four angels: This phrase refers to the same four angels of 9:14b. For example:

These four angels (New Jerusalem Bible)

9:15b

for this hour and day and month and year: This phrase refers to the exact time in history that these angels are released. The four time words in this phrase emphasizes the fact that it is an exact time. God chose that time, and it will happen at that time.

In some languages it is more natural to start with the longest time period (year) and end with the shortest time period (hour). For example:

for this very year and month and day and hour

this: The Greek word is literally “the.” The Berean Standard Bible translates the Greek word as this to help indicate an exact time. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

that (God’s Word)
-or-
this exact

hour: Here the word hour refers to a point in time. The angels were prepared to begin at that exact time.

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

• Use a word or phrase for an exact time. For example:

moment
-or-

⌊exact⌋ time

• Use the word or phrase from the major language.

In some languages, the phrase “day and month and year” may imply the exact time of day. If that is true in your language, translating the word hour may not be necessary. For example:

for this very day and month and year

9:15c

were released: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

⌊the sixth angel⌋ released them

a third of mankind: Here the word third means “one part out of three parts.” For example, in a group of three thousand people, one thousand people would die. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

one part in three ⌊parts⌋ of mankind
-or-
one of every three of all people
-or-
one part of mankind and two parts not

See how you translated the phrase a third of in 8:7 (in “a third of the trees”).

mankind: The word mankind refers to all the people living on the earth. Other ways to translate this word are:

all people/humans
-or-
all the people of the earth

General Comment on 9:15a–c

All of 9:15a–b is the subject phrase for the main verb phrase “were released” in 9:15c. In some languages it is more natural to make 9:15a–b a background sentence. For example:

15a These four angels had been kept ready 15b for this very hour and day and month and year. 15c And at this time they were released to kill a third of mankind.

This example uses active clauses instead of passive ones:

15a God had prepared these four angels 15b for this very hour and day and month and year. 15c And at this time the sixth angel released them to kill a third of mankind.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 11:15

Section 11:15–19

The angel blew the seventh trumpet

In this section, the seventh angel blew his trumpet. Then voices in heaven announced that God and Jesus now rule over the whole world. The voices also announced that God would soon judge all people. He would reward believers but punish those destroying the earth. John also saw God’s temple in heaven opened and the ark of the covenant inside it.

Other examples of headings for this section are:

The seventh angel and his trumpet
-or-
The seventh trumpet sounded/blew

Paragraph 11:15

11:15a–b

loud voices called out in heaven: John did not see who spoke. It could have been angels, the four living beings, or other beings. Use a phrase that can refer to anyone in heaven. For example:

loud speech coming from heaven
-or-

⌊some others⌋ say loudly from heaven

11:15c

The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ: This clause indicates that God and Jesus will now rule over all things in the world. Satan will no longer rule people. Other ways to translate this clause are:

Sovereignty over the world has passed to our Lord and his Christ (Revised English Bible)
-or-
The power to rule the world now belongs to our Lord and his Christ (New Century Version)
-or-
Our Lord and his Christ have begun to rule/reign over the world

kingdom: Here the word kingdom refers to having the power to rule as king. The Lord now rules as king over the world. Other ways to translate this word are:

dominion
-or-
royal authority

the world: This phrase refers to the whole world and all who live in it.

our Lord: The word Lord refers to God here. The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Lord means “the one who has authority over (others),” or “owner.”

In some languages it is more natural to include “God” in this phrase. For example:

our Lord God

His Christ: The pronoun His refers to God. God chose Jesus to be the Christ, the anointed one.

Christ: The word Christ is a title for Jesus. It means “the anointed one.” See how you translated this word in 1:1 or 1:5.

11:15d

He: This pronoun probably refers to God. It is also possible that it refers to Jesus. Both God and Jesus will reign.

reign: This word refers to ruling over people as king. For example:

rule (Good News Translation)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 13:10

13:10a

If anyone is destined for captivity, into captivity he will go:
These words indicate that God is in control. If God plans for someone to be made a prisoner, then that will happen. Other ways to translate these words are:

Whoever is meant to be captured will surely be captured (Good News Translation)
-or-
Anyone who is destined for prison will be taken to prison. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
If ⌊God⌋ plans for you to be caught and jailed, then you will be caught and jailed

13:10b

if anyone is to die by the sword, by the sword he must be killed: These words indicate that God is in control. If God plans for someone to die by the sword, then that will happen. Other ways to translate these words are:

whoever is meant to be killed…will surely be killed (Good News Translation)
-or-
Anyone destined to die by the sword will die by the sword (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
If ⌊God⌋ has planned for you to be killed…then you will be killed

if anyone is to die by the sword: There is a textual issue here:

(1) One of the earliest Greek manuscripts says is to be killed. For example:

Anyone destined to die by the sword (New Living Translation (2004))

(2) Some, mostly later Greek manuscripts say kills. For example:

if anyone kills with the sword (New American Standard Bible)

It is recommended that you follow option (1), because of the similar clause in 13:10a.

anyone is to die: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

⌊God plans for⌋ ⌊someone⌋ to kill you by the sword
-or-

⌊God plans for⌋ ⌊enemies⌋ to kill anyone with a sword

by the sword: This phrase is an example of purposely killing someone. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly indicate only killing by the sword and not any other way of purposely killing someone. If that is true in your language, you may want to indicate that it refers generally to purposely killing someone. For example:

⌊for example,⌋ with the sword
-or-
with a weapon
-or-
purposely

13:10c

Here is a call for: Some believers will be captured and other believers will be killed. The phrase indicates that since those things will happen, believers should have patient endurance and remain faithful to Jesus. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

This calls for (New International Version)
-or-
This requires (NET Bible)
-or-

In this situation God’s holy people need (God’s Word)

the perseverance: This phrase refers to continuing to follow God even though there are hardships or opposition. Other ways to translate it are:

patient endurance (New International Version)
-or-
patience to continue
-or-
endure

See how you translated this phrase in 1:9 or 3:10 (“persevere”).

faith: There are two ways to interpret the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as faith :

(1) It refers to continuing to believe in God. For example:

faith (Revised Standard Version)

(2) It refers to being true to what one has promised. For example:

remain faithful (New Living Translation (2004))

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). Other ways to translate this word are:

believing
-or-
continuing to believe ⌊in God/Jesus⌋

of the saints: This phrase indicates that the saints need to endure and continue to have faith. In some languages it is necessary or more natural to make the saints the subject of the sentence. For example:

the saints must have perseverance and faith (New Jerusalem Bible)

saints: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as saints means “holy ones.” See how you translated this word in 13:7.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 15:4

15:4a–b

Who will not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name?: This is a rhetorical question. It emphasizes that all people will fear God and glorify his name. Translate these words so that the meaning is emphasized. Some ways to do that are:

• Use a rhetorical question. For example:

Who will not fear you, Lord, and glorify your name? (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
Lord, who won’t fear and praise your name? (God’s Word)

• Use a statement. For example:

Lord, all will fear you and bring glory to your name!
-or-
Everyone will respect you, Lord, and will honor you. (New Century Version)

This question has two parts. In some languages it is more natural to translate them as two sentences. For example:

Who will not stand in awe of you, Lord? Who will refuse to declare your greatness? (Good News Translation)
-or-
O Lord, who will not fear you? Who will not bring glory to your name?

fear: Here the word fear means “respect” or “revere.” People who fear God are humble before God and are in awe of him. They also realize he is all-powerful and does as he chooses. So they respect him.

In some languages the word fear only means “be afraid of.” If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Include the meaning of “respect” or “revere.” For example:

fear ⌊and respect/revere⌋

• Translate the meaning of fear as “respect” or “revere.” For example:

honor

See how you translated this word in 14:7.

O Lord: The Greek word is literally “Lord.” The Berean Standard Bible and other English versions add the word O. In English it probably indicates a formal address, as speaking to someone of high status. Some English versions do not add this word. The context clearly indicates that God has high status. For example, the New Jerusalem Bible says:

Lord

In some languages it is more natural to have the direct address first. For example:

Lord, who will not fear you, and bring glory to your name?

Lord: The word Lord refers to God here. In some languages it is more natural to include “God” in this phrase. For example:

Lord ⌊God⌋

glorify Your name: This phrase refers to honoring God. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

declare your greatness (Good News Translation)
-or-
acknowledge your glory
-or-
do homage to your name (Revised English Bible)

See how you translated a similar phrase “give glory” in 4:9 or 14:7.

15:4c

For: This conjunction introduces the reason for people to fear and glorify God. For example:

because (NET Bible)

You alone: Here the word alone means “only.” God is the only one who is holy. For example:

You are the only holy one (God’s Word)

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. 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.

15:4d

In Greek 15:4d begins with the same conjunction as in 15:4c. It introduces a second reason here. The New Jerusalem Bible uses “and” to connect 15:4d with 15:4c under a single “For”:

4c
For you alone are holy, 4d and all the nations will come and adore you

worship before You: This phrase indicates that the people will worship God in his presence.

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 14:7.

15:4e

for: This conjunction introduces a third reason here. If you used “and” to introduce the clause in 15:4d, you may want to do the same here.

Your righteous acts have been revealed: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as righteous acts has several meanings. There are two ways to interpret it here:

(1) It means right/just deeds. For example:

your righteous deeds have been revealed (New Living Translation (2004))

(2) It means right/just judgments. For example:

they know about your fair judgments (God’s Word)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

This clause indicates that all people had seen God’s righteous deeds. This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. God revealed what he had done. For example:

you have shown your righteous deeds
-or-
you have revealed ⌊to them⌋ your right/just deeds

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 17:7

17:7a

“Why are you so amazed?”: This is a rhetorical question. It emphasizes that John did not need to be surprised at seeing the woman. The rhetorical question may also be a slight rebuke. Translate this clause in a way that emphasizes that John did not need to be surprised. Some ways are:

• Use a rhetorical question. For example:

Why are you surprised? (God’s Word)
-or-
How is it that you are so amazed?

• Use a statement. For example:

You should not be surprised.

17:7b

I will tell you the mystery of the woman: The word mystery indicates that the angel would reveal something to John. He told John the secret meaning of the symbol of the prostitute. See how you translated the word mystery in 17:5, where the Berean Standard Bible translates it as “mysterious.” You may want to translate it the same way here. For example:

I will interpret for you the mystery of the woman (NET Bible)
-or-
I will tell you the secret of this woman (New Century Version)
-or-
I will tell you the secret meaning of the woman (Good News Translation)

17:7c

and of the beast that carries her: The angel would also explain the mystery of the beast. This implies that the beast also had a secret or hidden meaning.

carries: Here the word carries refers to the woman sitting on the back of the beast.

which has the seven heads and ten horns: The information from 17:3d is repeated here in order to make clear which beast was meant.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 18:21

Paragraph 18:21–24

18:21a–b

mighty: This word refers not only to physical strength but probably also to great authority and influence.

a stone the size of a great millstone: A stone is a rock. A millstone is a very large, circle-shaped stone used to grind grain into flour. A great millstone likely weighed hundreds of kilograms (double that for the number of pounds).

In some languages people are not familiar with using millstones for grinding grain. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Explain what a millstone is in your translation. For example:

a large stone, like one used for grinding grain (New Century Version)
-or-
one of a set of a very large circular stones used for grinding much grain at once

• Use a general word for a stone of this size. For example:

a huge stone (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
a heavy boulder

You may then want to explain the Greek phrase in a footnote. An example footnote is:

Literally: “a stone the size of a large millstone.” A large millstone likely weighs over 50 kilograms. It is circular with a hole in the middle. It is used to grind grain into flour.

18:21c–24b

The angel first spoke about the city of Babylon using grammar equivalent to using the pronoun “she” (18:21c–d). He then spoke directly to Babylon using the pronoun “you” (18:22a–23d).

In some languages it is more natural to refer to someone or something with the same pronoun. If that is true in your language, consider which pronoun would be most natural in these verses.

18:21c

With such violence the great city of Babylon will be cast down: The phrase With such violence is emphasized because it is first in the clause. If possible, emphasize this phrase.

With such violence: This phrase refers to how powerfully the angel threw the stone into the sea. For example:

This is how the great city Babylon will be violently thrown down (Good News Translation)

the great city of Babylon will be cast down: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active or intransitive clause. The beast (and the ten kings) (17:16) will destroy the city. For example:

⌊the beast⌋ will cast down the great city of Babylon
-or-
the great city Babylon will meet its ruin/end
-or-
the great city Babylon will become a ruin

If you translate following the last two examples, your translation should imply that someone destroyed the city.

cast down: Here the phrase cast down refers figuratively to the beast destroying the city. It is used here to be compared to how the angel threw the stone.

In some languages the phrase cast down cannot be used that way. If that is true in your language, you may want to translate the figurative meaning. For example:

destroyed

18:21d

never to be seen again: The boulder disappeared forever under the surface of the sea. So also Babylon will never exist again. For example:

and will never be seen again (Good News Translation)

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

• Use a passive clause. For example:

to be found (New International Version)

• Use an active clause. For example:

for ⌊anyone⌋ to find/see

• Use an intransitive clause. For example:

Babylon will disappear

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 2020