SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2020

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 1:1

Paragraph 1:1–6

1:1a

Paul: The author of this letter is named Paul. He began this letter with his name. This was the normal way to begin a letter at that time in that region.

Paul did not use a sentence here. In some languages it is more natural to introduce the writer in a different way. For example:

From Paul, (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
This letter is from Paul, (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-

⌊I,⌋ Paul, ⌊am writing this letter.⌋ ⌊I am⌋

a servant of: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as servant refers to a slave. Here, this phrase indicates that Paul belonged to Jesus as his slave. Paul served him and completely submitted himself to the authority of Jesus.

People often despised servants or slaves. But when someone called himself a slave of Jesus, as Paul did here, he was not ashamed of it. You may have more than one word to describe servants or slaves. Choose the one that indicates or implies the believer’s good relationship to Jesus. That is why many English versions use the word servant instead of slave.

Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

a slave of (NET Bible)
-or-
a worker of/for

If you have translated other books, see how you translated this word in Galatians 1:10, Philippians 1:1, Titus 1:1, or James 1:1.

In some languages, it will be best to translate the word servant as a verb. For example:

I serve
-or-
I completely submit to
-or-
I do the work of

Christ Jesus: There is a textual issue here about the order of the words Christ Jesus :

(1) The correct order is Christ Jesus.

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Standard Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition, English Standard Version, New Living Translation (2004), Contemporary English Version, NET Bible, Revised English Bible, New Century Version)

(2) The correct order is Jesus Christ.

(Revised Standard Version, King James Version, God’s Word)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) because the UBS Handbook Greek New Testament supports it.

The order of the words Christ Jesus emphasizes that Jesus is the Christ/Messiah. However, in some languages the order Christ Jesus is not natural. If that is true in your language, emphasize, if possible, the fact that Jesus is the Christ in a natural way. For example:

Jesus, ⌊who/he is the⌋ Christ
-or-
Jesus, the Messiah,

Christ: This name is spelled “Christos” in the Greek language. (The Greek sound spelled ‘ch’ here is similar to a ‘k’ but without making the air stop in the mouth.) Spell the name as people in your language say it, or use the name from the common language in your region.

The word Christ was used as a title. It was the Greek translation of the Hebrew word “Messiah.” It means “the anointed one.” In the Jewish culture a person was anointed by pouring oil on top of his head in a ceremony. This was done to show that God chose him for a special task/job. In the Old Testament, some were anointed to be priests, some to be kings, and some to be prophets. In the Old Testament, “the anointed one” refers to the person whom God promised would save/free his people and rule them.

Here are other ways to translate Christ :

• Use a title or a descriptive phrase in your language that has the same meaning as Christ. For example:

⌊God’s⌋ Anointed/Chosen One
-or-
the Messiah
-or-
Promised Deliverer
-or-
the Rescuer-King whom God appointed

• Transliterate Christ and include a phrase that explains the meaning. For example:

Karisiti, the appointed one
-or-
Cristo, the King whom God promised to send

• Transliterate Christ and indicate in some way that it is a title. For example:

the Kirisita

If you do not indicate the meaning of Christ in your translation, you may want to include a footnote to explain it. For example:

The word/title “Christ” refers to the one whom God had promised to send. He would be both king and savior.

Or you may want to explain the meaning in a glossary.

1:1b

called to be an apostle: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as called to be an apostle is literally “(a) called apostle.” Here the word called means “chosen to be given a special benefit or purpose.” God invited Paul to do the work of an apostle (1 Timothy 1:1). Here are other ways to translate this word:

⌊his⌋ appointed apostle
-or-
an apostle by ⌊God’s⌋ call/choice

Some languages must use a verb here. For example:

called as an apostle (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
called by God to be an apostle (Revised English Bible)
-or-

⌊God⌋ invited me to be an apostle
-or-
an apostle whom ⌊he/God⌋ chose

an apostle: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as apostle means a “representative” or “messenger.” It refers to a person whom someone sends with his authority. He is sent to give a message or accomplish a particular task. Here, the word apostle refers to Paul whom Jesus sent as his messenger. Paul’s message was the gospel about Jesus. Here are other ways to translate apostle :

• Translate the meaning. For example:

his/Jesus’ ⌊special⌋ representative
-or-
Christ’s/his messenger
-or-
a man whom Jesus Christ sent (on a mission)
-or-
a person with authority ⌊from Jesus Christ to do his work⌋

• Use the common word for the word apostle if it is already in use. For example:

apostol

Use the same term for apostle as you used in the Gospels. (See Mark 6:30 or Luke 6:13.) Be sure that the term you choose for apostle is different from your terms for prophet (1:2) and angel (8:38).

1:1c

This clause also describes Paul (1:1a). God set him apart for the preaching of the gospel. In Greek and the Berean Standard Bible, the sentence continues from 1:1b. But in some languages, a new sentence would be more clear. For example:

God set me apart for his gospel

set apart for the gospel of God: The phrase set apart indicates that God chose Paul from among a group of people to do a specific task. He chose Paul to be a messenger to tell the gospel to the non-Jews (1:5). Here are other ways to translate these words:

separated to serve the gospel of God
-or-

⌊he/Jesus/God⌋ caused me to dedicate all my life for the gospel of God

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

God set me apart for the gospel ⌊about Jesus⌋

See how you translated the phrase set apart in Acts 13:2 or Galatians 1:15.

for: Here the word for introduces a purpose clause. God set Paul apart from other work for the purpose of preaching or sharing the gospel. Here are other ways to translate for :

in order that
-or-

The reason he chose me to be an apostle was so that
-or-

to speak/tell God’s good news

the gospel of God: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as gospel means “good news” or “announcement of a message that people consider very good.” Here, it refers to the good news that God sent Jesus to save us from wrongdoing and reconcile us to God. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

good/sweet news from God
-or-
God’s message/report that causes joy
-or-
good news ⌊about Jesus Christ⌋ that God sent

of God: The word of here indicates that the gospel is from God. See the examples above.

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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 Romans 1:7

Paragraph 1:7

1:7a

To all in Rome: This phrase tells to whom Paul wrote this letter. Here the phrase all in Rome refers to the Christians in Rome. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly indicate the letter is for all the people in Rome, not just the believers. For example:

To all the ⌊believers⌋ in Rome

In the Greek, this phrase has no verb. In some languages, it is more natural to include a verb here. For example:

⌊I am writing this letter⌋ to all those ⌊believers⌋ in Rome

Rome: This name refers to the capital city of the ancient Roman empire. Today Rome is the capital city of the country of Italy.

1:7b

who are loved by God: This clause further describes the believers in Rome, and refers to all of them. It does not separate some believers from other believers. For the correct meaning in some languages, translators must avoid the word who. For example:

God loves you!
-or-
God’s loved ones

loved: This word refers to a strong feeling of affection and concern for a person. It also refers to an attitude of actively seeking the good of another. It is the love a parent feels for his/her child. It does not refer to sexual desire. Consider how to translate that meaning in your language. Your language may have a phrase or idiom for that meaning. For example:

give heart/insides

1:7c

called to be saints: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as called to be here is literally “called (ones).” But many English versions translate “called (ones)” as the verb called. Here, as in 1:6, the word called means “chosen to be given a special benefit or purpose.” God has called all believers to be saints. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

appointed/designated saints
-or-
called as saints (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
called ⌊by God⌋ to be saints
-or-
whom ⌊he/God⌋ called to be saints

See how you translated called in 1:1 or 1:6.

saints: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as saints is literally “holy (ones).” It can mean “holy people,” “people dedicated/consecrated to God,” or “people whom God has made holy.” Here it probably implies all of these meanings. In the New Testament, this word refers to all Christians, not to any special group of Christians. Here are other ways to translate this word:

God’s holy people
-or-
his very own people (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
those whom God has made holy

Translate this word in a way that will refer to all Christians, and that people will use to refer to themselves as Christians.

1:7d

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: The writers of the NT often greeted their readers with a phrase like Grace and peace to you. This greeting was a prayer. Paul asked God and Jesus to bless the Roman believers with grace and peace.

This greeting has no verb. In some languages, it is more natural to include a verb or verbs. For example:

May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
I pray that God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace! (Contemporary English Version)

Grace: This word refers to kindness. God is kind to people because he wants to be kind, not because they have done anything to deserve it. Here are other ways to translate this word:

kindness
-or-
help
-or-
favor

peace: This word refers to having no conflicts with other people or with God. The Greek word may also indicate wholeness or well-being.

God our Father: When we believe in Jesus, we become God’s children by adoption. Also God created us. In those ways God is our Father. Some languages must indicate that God is not a human father. For example:

God our ⌊heavenly⌋ Father

the Lord Jesus Christ: Some languages must say whose Lord Jesus is. For example:

our Lord Jesus Christ (Contemporary English Version)

Lord: This word refers to someone who has authority over people. Here are other ways to translate this word:

Chief/Leader
-or-
the Sovereign ⌊over us⌋

See how you translated this word in 1:4.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2:7

2:7a–8b

Paul wrote about two groups here. He talked about the first group in 2:7a–c and the second group in 2:8a–b. The first group are those who persist in doing good deeds. The second group are those who do evil deeds.

2:7a–c

To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life: This clause follows the Greek order. Normally in English, the phrase To those… would come after the phrase eternal life. Having this phrase first indicates that this group is who Paul wanted to talk about now.

Some languages cannot move this phrase like that. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Leave it in front and make it the topic in a natural way in your language. Then refer to this group with the pronoun “them.” For example:

About those who by perseverance in doing good seek, glory, honor, and immortality, he will give eternal life to them

• Put it in its normal place. For example:

he will give eternal life to those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality

If possible, indicate that it is the topic.

2:7a

by perseverance: Here the word perseverance refers to consistently persevering. These people continue to do good deeds for their whole lives. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

by persistence (New International Version)
-or-
always continuing (New Century Version)
-or-
have persisted

doing good: The Greek phrase is literally “of good works.” It refers to deeds that honor God, help others and such. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

well-doing (English Standard Version)
-or-
behaving well

2:7b

seek glory, honor, and immortality: The Greek grammar indicates that this group of people sought these things at the same time that they were doing good (2:7a). The word seek indicates that glory, honor, and immortality are goals for doing good deeds. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

seeking after the glory and honor and immortality (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
with the goal of attaining glory, honor, and immortality
-or-
having the goal/desire of God giving them glory, honor, and immortality

glory: Here this word refers to the great and perfect life that these people will live. In some languages a literal translation would not have the correct meaning. If that is true in your language, indicate the correct meaning. For example:

⌊very⌋ great situation/position/life

Also see glory, sense A3(b) in Key Biblical Terms.

honor: Here this word refers to respect. God will respect this group of people.

immortality: The Greek word means “not able to become bad or ruined or dead.” A person whose life is not able to become bad would live forever. But the focus of this word is that this life will never become bad in any way. Here are other ways to translate this word:

incorruptible life
-or-
life that is not able to become bad

2:7c

eternal life: This phrase refers to life that never ends. It implies life that will never become bad.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 3:10

3:10–18

In these verses Paul quoted parts of the Old Testament. He did that to show that God also considers everyone a wrongdoer.

3:10a

As it is written: This phrase indicates that the following words are from Scripture. In some languages a literal translation would not clearly indicate that 3:4d–e are Scripture. If that is true in your language, you may want to explain it in the text. For example:

As it is written ⌊in God’s Word⌋
-or-
As scripture says (New Jerusalem Bible)

See how you translated this phrase in 1:17 or 2:24.

3:10b

no one: Here the phrase no one means “not one person.”

righteous: Here the word righteous refers to people whom God considers to be right in their standing before him. Here are other ways to translate this word:

is ⌊whom God regards as⌋ right
-or-
is right ⌊before God⌋

In some languages, people use an idiom to express this meaning. For example:

are on a straight path
-or-
is upright

See how you translated this word in 2:13.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 4:11

4:11a–b

And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith: There are two ways to interpret the relationship between the word sign and the word seal :

(1) The word seal further explains here what circumcision is. For example:

And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith (New International Version)

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, New Jerusalem Bible, New Revised Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition, King James Version, English Standard Version, NET Bible, Revised English Bible)

(2) The word seal means the same thing as sign here. For example:

He was circumcised later, and his circumcision was a sign to show that because of his faith God had accepted him as righteous before he had been circumcised. (Good News Translation)

(Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version, New Living Translation (2004), New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because the word seal adds the meaning of “confirm as true.”

4:11a

he received the sign of circumcision: In English, received indicates that someone gave but the word “take” does not. In some languages there is only one word that means both “receive” and “take.” If your word would mean “take” here, translate in a way that indicates that God gave this sign. For example:

He was given the sign of circumcision
-or-

⌊God⌋ gave the sign of circumcision to him

sign: This word refers to something that has a symbolic meaning. Circumcision was a sign that Abraham and his descendants had a relationship with God. Here are other ways to translate this word:

mark (God’s Word)
-or-
Abraham was marked with the sign of circumcision

4:11b

a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith: Here the word seal refers to a way to confirm that God had declared Abraham righteous. God told Abraham to be circumcised. That circumcision was visual evidence that God had declared Abraham righteous. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

hallmark of that righteousness which faith had given him (Revised English Bible)
-or-
a guarantee that the faith which he had while still uncircumcised was reckoned to him as uprightness (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
a sign which confirmed that God’s counting him as righteous was on account of his faith

the righteousness that he had by faith: These words refer to Abraham believing in God and so God declared him righteous. See the examples above.

faith: This word refers to believing in God. In some languages, this word must be a verb. Also, in some languages, whom is believed in must be said. For example:

believing ⌊in God⌋

4:11c

while he was still uncircumcised: Here Paul made it clear that Abraham was an uncircumcised man when he believed and God declared him right in His sight.

4:11d

So then, he is: The Greek is literally “for him to be.” It probably indicates purpose here. Here are other ways to translate these words:

In this way, Abraham was to be (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
so that he would become (NET Bible)

This purpose has become true already. In some languages a purpose clause implies that it has not yet become true. If that is true in your language, translate it as result. For example:

So Abraham is (New Century Version)

the father of all: The word father is a metaphor here. God uses Abraham as an example of an uncircumcised person who truly believed in God, and his story occurs early in the Bible. So in that way he like a father (or ancestor) to those who later believe and are not circumcised. Abraham is not the physical ancestor of those people.

In some languages translating father literally would indicate only an actual ancestor. If that is true in your language, indicate that it has a figurative meaning. For example:

⌊like⌋ the father of all
-or-

⌊to be thought of as a⌋ father of all
-or-
the ancestor/leader of all
-or-
we all consider Abraham as father
-or-
the ⌊spiritual⌋ father of all

4:11e

in order that righteousness might be credited to them:
Here the phrase in order that introduces the purpose of Abraham becoming the father of all believers who are not circumcised. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

so that they might be reckoned as upright (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
that they too could have righteousness credited to them (NET Bible)

However, if you translated 4:11d as a result clause, you should do the same here. For example:

and so righteousness is also counted to them
-or-
and are accepted as righteous by him (Good News Translation)
-or-
and God declares them to be righteous also

righteousness might be credited to them: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

⌊God⌋ might credit righteousness to them

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 5:18

Paragraph 5:18–19

5:18a–b

just as one trespass brought condemnation for all men, so also one act of righteousness brought justification and life for all men: The phrases just as and so also indicate that the second clause is similar to the first clause in some way. Both clauses talk of one deed that affects all people. Here are other ways to translate that meaning:

as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men (English Standard Version)
-or-

as the one sin condemned all people, in the same way the one righteous act sets all people free and gives them life (Good News Translation)

5:18a

one trespass brought condemnation for all men: The Greek is literally “through one trespass to/for all men to/for condemnation.” For natural English a verb must be used. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
condemnation for all people came through one transgression (NET Bible)
-or-
the one sin condemned all people (Good News Translation)

one trespass: Translate this phrase as you did in 5:16, where the Berean Standard Bible translates it as “one sin.”

all men: Here the word men refers to all people, men and women. See the examples above.

5:18b

one act of righteousness brought justification and life for all men: The Greek is literally “through one act of righteousness to/for all men to/for justification and life.” For natural English a verb must be used. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
through the one righteous act came righteousness leading to life for all people (NET Bible)
-or-
the one righteous act sets all people free and gives them life (Good News Translation)

justification: This word indicates that God decides that a person is acceptable to him. When people believe that Jesus died for their sins, God forgives them, accepts them, and considers them as righteous. See how you translated this word in 4:25.

life: Here this word implies eternal life and life in God while here on earth.

all men: Here the word men refers to all people, men and women.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 7:6

7:6a

But now: There is contrast to the old life where the law stirred our thinking to sin to now God having set us free from that way of life.

having died to what bound us: The phrase died to is a figure of speech that indicates that the law no longer has any power over us. When we began believing in Jesus, we were no longer under the laws of Moses. Some languages must change this metaphor into a simile. For example:

having become as a dead person to what bound us
-or-
became as if dead to what bound us by ⌊telling us what to do⌋
-or-
became as if dead ⌊to the commands⌋ that bound us

See how you translated the words died to in 6:2.

having died: This clause tells the reason or means for being released from the law. For example:

because we died (Good News Translation)
-or-
by dying (New International Version)

to what bound us: This phrase further describes the laws of Moses. It does not separate these laws of Moses from other laws of Moses. For the correct meaning in some languages, translators must avoid the word what. For example:

now we are released from the law, having died to it. It bound us. We are released so that…

what bound us: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as bound refers to holding something so that it cannot leave. Being in prison is one example of the meaning here, but the meaning is more general than that. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

to that which held us captive (English Standard Version)
-or-
the law held us like prisoners (New Century Version)

7:6b

we have been released from the law: In contrast to what was true before (7:5), we have been released from the law is true in the present. Translate this word with that meaning.

released from the law: Here the word released indicates that the laws of Moses no longer rule over us. We are free to follow the Holy Spirit. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

untied from the law
-or-
no longer required to submit ourselves to the law

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

⌊God⌋ has released us from the law

See how you translated released from in 7:2.

the law: Here the law refers to the laws of Moses.

General Comment on 7:6a–b

In some languages it is more natural to have the main clause (7:6b) before the reason clause (7:6a). For example:

But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive (English Standard Version)
-or-
But the Law no longer rules over us. We are like dead people, and it cannot have any power over us (Contemporary English Version)

7:6c

so that we serve: The phrase so that introduces the purpose of being released from the laws of Moses (7:6b). It does not connect to being bound (7:6a). In some languages that connection will need to be made clear. For example:

⌊we were released⌋ so that we serve

This purpose has already begun. In some languages a result clause must be used for that meaning. For example:

and so we serve
-or-

⌊we were released⌋ therefore we serve

we serve: Paul implied here that we serve God. Some languages must add who is served. For example:

we can serve God (New Living Translation (2004))

serve: Here this word refers to doing things that God wants people to do. This includes worship, praying, giving tithes, helping others, and doing whatever work that God has given to that person. Here are other ways to translate this word:

do his will
-or-
do the things that he commands us to do

See how you translated this word in 1:9.

in the new way: As believers, we serve God in a new way. That new way comes from the Holy Spirit. He leads us so we can serve God in that new way. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

in the new way of living in the Spirit (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
based on the new way-of-life that comes from the Holy Spirit

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

(1) It refers to the Holy Spirit. The Berean Standard Bible and other English versions indicate that meaning by capitalizing the word.

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New International Version, Good News Translation, New American Standard Bible, English Standard Version, New Living Translation (2004), Contemporary English Version, NET Bible, New Century Version)

(2) It refers to the believer’s spirit. For example:

the spirit (New Jerusalem Bible)

(New Jerusalem Bible, King James Version, New American Bible, Revised Edition, God’s Word, Revised English Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), but it is difficult to choose, as scholars on both sides make good points about why they choose their interpretation.

7:6d

and not in the old way of the written code: The phrase “we serve (God)” is implied here. In some languages it is more natural to repeat it here. For example:

⌊we do⌋ not ⌊serve God⌋ in the old way of the written code

the old way of the written code: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as old way refers to something that is old and no longer useful. The laws of Moses belong to the old covenant, but Jesus has given us a new covenant. The word of indicates that the written code described that old way to serve God. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

the old way of obeying the letter of the law (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
an old way dictated by written words (God’s Word)
-or-
the obsolete way described in the written Law

the written code: The Greek word is literally “letter.” It can refer to a single letter of the alphabet or a long written document like the book of Romans. Here it refers to the Old Testament. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

the letter (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
a written law (Good News Translation)
-or-
the letter of the law (New Living Translation (2004))

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 8:13

8:13a

For: Here this word introduces a sentence in support of believers having no obligation to live according to the flesh (8:12).

if you live according to the flesh: Here Paul spoke about the possibility that the believers in Rome might be living according to the flesh. He did not expect it to be true. But if it was true, 8:13b tells the result of such a life.

The if caused the believers in Rome to examine their lives to see how they are living.

if you live: The verb is present tense. Previous verses imply that Paul did not expect this to be true. Translate in a way that makes it clear that Paul did not expect that the believers in Rome were living this way. For example:

should you live
-or-
if you might be living

you: This is a letter to the believers in Rome, so the you here primarily applies to them. But the you here also allows a general application to anyone.

8:13b

you will die: The Greek expresses certainty here. For example:

you will certainly die
-or-
you are destined/doomed to die

8:13c

but if: Here Paul spoke about the possibility that the believers in Rome might be living by the Spirit. He expected this to be true. 8:13d tells the result of such a life. The if caused the believers in Rome, and causes all believers since this is Scripture, to examine their lives to see how they are living.

by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body: Here the word by indicates that the Holy Spirit enables believers to put to death the deeds of the body. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

by/through ⌊the power of⌋ the ⌊Holy⌋ Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body
-or-
with ⌊the help of⌋ the ⌊Holy⌋ Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body

The phrase by the Spirit is emphasized by being first in the clause. In some languages it must be in its normal place. It may be possible to emphasize the phrase in some other way. For example:

you put to death the deeds of the body by ⌊the power of⌋ the ⌊Holy⌋ Spirit
-or-
you put to death the deeds of the body in this way alone: with ⌊the help of⌋ the ⌊Holy⌋ Spirit

you put to death the deeds of the body: This is a metaphor. The metaphor indicates that believers are to work at ending the deeds of the body. The verb is present tense, which here indicates an ongoing effort. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

you are killing the deeds of the body
-or-
you are causing the deeds of the body to die

Some languages must translate without this metaphor for the correct meaning. For example:

you are ending/abandoning the deeds of the body
-or-
you are turning your backs to the deeds of the body

the deeds of the body: The word body refers to our physical being and implies its desires. In some languages a literal translation would be too general. If that is true in your language, indicate the correct meaning. For example:

the deeds of ⌊the desires of⌋ the body

8:13d

you will live: Here the word live is in contrast to “die” in 8:13b. Just as the body “dies” (8:10), we live by the Holy Spirit when we believe (8:11). For example:

you will have true life (New Century Version)
-or-
you will definitely obtain life which has no ending

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2020