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.

© 2020 by SIL International®
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 2:5

Paragraph 2:5–11

2:5a

But: There is contrast between God’s kindness leading to repentance (2:4b) and this man not wanting to repent.

But the scholars who translated some English versions did not see contrast here and did not translate the Greek conjunction. For example:

Your stubborn refusal to repent… (New Jerusalem Bible)

because of: This man’s hard and unrepentant heart is the basis for God being angry with him. Here are other ways to translate this word:

according to
-or-
In (Revised English Bible)
-or-
you have a hard and stubborn heart, and so (Good News Translation)

your hard and unrepentant heart: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as hard means “stubbornness” here. The man was stubborn in that he refused to change his way of thinking or behaving.

The word unrepentant indicates that the man did not want to repent. He did not feel sorry about his sins and did not want to stop doing them.

Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

you are stubborn and refuse to change (New Century Version)
-or-
you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
you are stubborn and don’t want to change the way you think (God’s Word)
-or-
your heads are hard, you do not want to abandon your sins

It is possible that this phrase is a figure of speech that means “you stubbornly refuse to repent.” For example:

your obstinate refusal to repent (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
you refuse to repent because your minds are hard

heart: Here this word refers to the part of a person in which thoughts and feelings occur. In some languages people use a different part of the body, such as the mind, throat, liver, or stomach, in this way. In other languages people use a non-figurative word or phrase. For example:

insides/liver
-or-
mind

2:5b

you are storing up wrath against yourself: The phrase storing up is a metaphor. Here it indicates that God continues to be ready to punish this person because he continues to refuse to repent. In some languages a literal translation would have the wrong meaning. If that is true in your language, translate the meaning of the metaphor. For example:

you are causing God to be more and more angry with you
-or-
you are adding to the anger that God will have against you (God’s Word)

wrath against yourself: Here the word wrath refers to God’s anger. God is angry with this person because of his hard and impenitent heart. In some languages it is more clear to explain whose anger this is. For example:

⌊God’s⌋ wrath for/against you

for the day of wrath: This phrase refers to God’s judgment day. It will occur in the future. God is angry with wrongdoers who have refused to repent and will punish them.

This phrase is explained in 2:5c. If the meaning of this phrase is still not clear with reading 2:5c, you may want to:

• Explain it in the text. For example:

on the day of wrath ⌊and judgment⌋ ⌊of all people⌋

• Explain it in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:

This refers to God’s judgment day. It will occur in the future. God will be angry with wrongdoers who have refused to repent.

2:5c

God’s righteous judgment will be revealed: The phrase will be revealed indicates that everyone will see God’s righteous judgment. This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause here. For example:

On that day everyone will see God’s right judgments. (New Century Version)

God’s righteous judgment: This phrase refers to God rightly judging people. He will look at what a person has done and thought and then rightly reward them or punish them. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

God’s just verdicts (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
God will judge people fairly according to their deeds and thoughts

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 3:8

3:8a–c

Why not say,…“Let us do evil that good may result”?: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Why not say is literally just the word not. There are several ways to interpret what is implied for the correct meaning:

(1) The word Why is implied from 3:7b and the word say is implied from 3:8b. For example:

Why not say…“Let us do evil that good may result”? (NET Bible)

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Good News Translation, New American Bible, Revised Edition, New Revised Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, NET Bible)

(2) Only the word Why is implied from 3:7b. For example:

And why not do evil that good may come? (Revised Standard Version)

(Revised Standard Version, English Standard Version, Revised English Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because many scholars support it as well.

This is a rhetorical question. It emphasizes that people should not say “Let us do evil that good may result.” Translate this with that meaning. Here are some ways:

• As a rhetorical question, as in the Berean Standard Bible. But such a question in some languages might expect a “yes, let’s do that” for an answer. If that is true in your language, indicate that the saying is wrong to think or say. For example:

is it right to say,…“Let us do evil that good may result”? ⌊No!⌋

• As a statement. For example:

it is wrong to say,…“Let us do evil that good may result.”

• As a command. For example:

Do not say,…“Let us do evil that good may result.”

3:8b

as some slanderously claim that we say: The Greek is literally “as we are slanderously charged and some affirm us to say.” For example:

as we are being slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we say (New International Version (1984))

In some languages it is more natural to combine these two clauses into one clause. For example:

as some slanderously charge us with saying (English Standard Version)
-or-
some people even slander us by claiming that we say (New Living Translation (2004))

some slanderously claim that we say: Here the word slanderously refers to saying things that are not true in order to cause hurt. Here the slander may be directed at hurting Paul or the gospel of Jesus. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

slander us by claiming that (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
claim for the purpose of ruining our name/reputation
-or-
trying to give us a bad name, ⌊falsely⌋ say

3:8c

Let us do evil that good may result: This clause says that people should do evil because then God would show more grace to them or, more generally, more good things would happen. They should not. This is wrong thinking. (See the note on 3:8a–c.) Here are other ways to translate these words:

Let us do evil so that good may come of it (NET Bible)
-or-
Let us do bad deeds so that good things may happen to us

The phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as that good may result indicates that doing evil would lead to a good outcome. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

so that good will appear
-or-
in order that the result will be good

3:8d

Their condemnation is deserved: The word condemnation refers to the verdict or sentence that a judge gives to a guilty person. Here it probably refers to God condemning them. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

such people are justly condemned (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-

⌊God⌋ is right to judge those people as guilty/wrong

Their: The Greek word is literally “whose.” It probably refers to the people saying or thinking “if through my lie God’s truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner?” or “Let us do evil so that good may come of it.”

deserved: This word means “right.” Paul said it is right for God to say that these people are guilty and will be punished.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 4:9

Paragraph 4:9–12

4:9a–b

4:9 starts with the Greek conjunction that probably introduces the next topic that Paul wanted to write about. It indicates only a general connection to the previous verses. For example:

Then (New American Standard Bible)

Is this blessing only on the circumcised, or also on the uncircumcised?: This is a rhetorical question. It introduces two possibilities as to whom the blessing is for. Paul wanted his readers to ponder the answer to this question before he answered it in 4:10–12. There are at least three ways to translate this meaning.

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

Now, is this blessing only for the Jews, or is it also for uncircumcised Gentiles? (New Living Translation (2004))

• With 4:9a as a rhetorical question and 4:9b providing the answer. For example:

Does this happiness that David spoke of belong only to those who are circumcised? No indeed! It belongs also to those who are not circumcised. (Good News Translation)

• As a statement. For example:

This blessing is not only for the circumcised, but also for the uncircumcised.

If possible, translate 4:9a–b as a rhetorical question, because Paul answered it in 4:10–12, not here.

4:9a

the circumcised: The word circumcised refers to cutting off the loose skin at the end of a boy’s or man’s penis. See how you translated this word in 2:25 or 3:30.

The word the indicates that this phrase refers to a group of people, including men, women and children, whose men and boys are circumcised. They all participate in the covenant that includes circumcision. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

the ⌊people who are⌋ circumcised
-or-
the ⌊people with⌋ their ⌊males’⌋ foreskin removed

In some languages a euphemism is adequate to explain this meaning. For example:

the ⌊people with their⌋ ⌊males’⌋ skin cut

4:9b

the uncircumcised: The word uncircumcised refers to men who have not had someone cut off the loose skin at the end of their penis. See how you translated this word in 2:25 or 3:30.

The word the indicates that this phrase refers to a group of people, including the women and children, whose men are uncircumcised. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

the ⌊people who are⌋ not circumcised
-or-
the ⌊people with⌋ their ⌊males’⌋ foreskin not removed

In some languages a euphemism is adequate to explain this meaning. For example:

the ⌊people with their⌋ ⌊males’⌋ skin not cut

4:9c–d

We have been saying that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness: The Berean Standard Bible adds the word that to indicate indirect speech. The Greek can also be read as direct speech. For example:

We say, “Faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness”

But the Greek here differs from the words of Genesis 15:6 and its quote in Romans 4:3. So many English versions add the word that.

4:9c

4:9c begins with the Greek word that is usually translated “for.” It introduces the basis for Paul saying that the blessing is also for the uncircumcised. For example:

For (Good News Translation)
-or-
Well, (New Jerusalem Bible)

In some languages it is more natural to imply the connection and omit this word.

We have been saying that: The verb have been saying here is in the present tense. This probably implies what is usually said. Paul and perhaps his readers often say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness (4:9d). English can use the simple present tense for that meaning, as the English Standard Version does:

We say that (English Standard Version)

4:9d

Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness: This clause is similar to “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness” (4:3b–c) and “his faith is credited as righteousness” (4:5c). Translate the clause here in a similar way. For example:

Abraham’s faith was counted to him as righteousness

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

⌊God⌋ credited Abraham’s faith as righteousness

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 5:16

5:16a

the gift is not like the result of the one man’s sin: This clause in Greek is literally “the gift (is) not as through the one man having sinned.” There are three ways to interpret this clause:

(1) The word “through” means the results or effects of. Paul said that the gift is not like what Adam’s sin caused to happen. For example:

the free gift is not like the effect of that one man’s sin (Revised Standard Version)

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New International Version, English Standard Version, New American Bible, Revised Edition, New American Standard Bible)

(2) The word “through” is to be omitted. It does not contribute to the meaning here. For example:

there is a difference between God’s gift and the sin of one man (Good News Translation)

(Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, God’s Word, Contemporary English Version, NET Bible, New Century Version)

(3) The word “through” means the results or effects of, and is also implied for the gift. For example:

the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin (New Living Translation (2004))

(New Living Translation (2004), Revised English Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because it is most consistent with the Greek text here. Here are other ways to translate this clause according to interpretation (1):

The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
Another distinction between God’s gift and the result of one man’s sin is this.
-or-
And here is another difference between this gift of God and that not good result of the sin of Adam.

the gift: The word here in Greek is the same word as in 5:15c. Translate it in the same way here.

5:16b–c

The judgment that followed one sin brought condemnation, but the gift that followed many trespasses brought justification: There are two Greek words that combined can be translated using the English idiom “on one hand” and “on the other hand.” They contrast the two clauses. For example:

on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification (New American Standard Bible)

A simple translation in English is but, as in the Berean Standard Bible.

5:16b

In the Greek, 5:16b begins with a word that is usually translated as “for.” It introduces an explanation of 5:16a. It does not introduce a reason here. The Berean Standard Bible does not translate this word, but many English versions do. For example:

For (English Standard Version)

The judgment that followed one sin: This refers to God judging Adam guilty of sin after Adam disobeyed God’s command. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

after the one sin, God judged him guilty
-or-
Adam sinned and ⌊then⌋ God said that he did wrong

judgment: This word refers to God deciding that Adam had sinned. It does not refer to punishing Adam here. For that, see the note on “condemnation.”

one sin: Translate the word sin as you did in 5:13b. The word one indicates that this phrase refers to the sin in the Garden of Eden when Adam disobeyed God’s command.

brought: Here this word means “caused.” For example:

After the one sin, came the judgment of “Guilty” (Good News Translation)
-or-
resulting in (New American Standard Bible)

condemnation: This word refers to how someone is punished. Adam sinned and God punished him by saying that he would die.

5:16c

the gift that followed many trespasses brought justification: This clause indicates that after many people sinned many times, Jesus reconciled us to God (the gift), which caused God to decide that a person is acceptable to him. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
God’s free gift came after many sins, and it makes people right with God (New Century Version)

the gift: The word here in Greek is the same word as in 5:15a. Translate it as you did in 5:15a.

trespasses: Translate this word as you did in 5:15.

justification: This word indicates that God decides that a person is acceptable to him. Translate this word as you did in 4:25.

General Comment on 5:16b–c

Paul used the Greek words “from” (“followed” in the Berean Standard Bible) and “to” (“brought” in the Berean Standard Bible) in both 5:16b and 5:16c. This helps to make the differences between the two clauses more clear. If possible, use similar words in both clauses. For example:

the judicial action, following on the one offence, resulted in a verdict of condemnation, but the act of grace, following on so many misdeeds, resulted in a verdict of acquittal (Revised English Bible)
-or-

After that one man sinned ⌊once⌋, it caused God to judge him guilty. But after many sins God’s free gift came, and it caused God to make people right with him

But in some languages it is better to not have exactly the same words in both places. For example:

judgment, resulting from the one transgression, led to condemnation, but the gracious gift from the many failures led to justification (NET Bible)
-or-

following the one sin, God judged and put a burden, but following the sin of many, God’s gift came and took many people and made them righteous

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 7:4

Paragraph 7:4–6

7:4a

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

(1) It means therefore here. For example:

So (New International Version)

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, New American Standard Bible, King James Version, New Living Translation (2004), NET Bible, Revised English Bible)

(2) It means in the same way here. For example:

Likewise (Revised Standard Version)

(Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, English Standard Version, Contemporary English Version, New American Bible, Revised Edition, God’s Word, New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because in 7:4–6 Paul gave his conclusion about dying to the Laws of Moses based on the analogy of the law of the husband (7:2–3).

brothers: Here the word brothers refers to believers in Jesus, both men and women. The word indicates a close relationship because all believers are considered spiritual children of God. See how you translated this word in 7:1.

you also died to the law: The phrase died to is a figure of speech that indicates that the law no longer has any power over us. Some languages must change this metaphor into a simile. For example:

you have become as a dead person to the law
-or-
you became as if dead to the Laws ⌊of Moses⌋

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

you also died: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as died is literally “were caused to die.” It implies that God caused believers to be like dead people to the law. They are only to follow Jesus and the Holy Spirit. So Paul used the metaphor of death to make that clear. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

you also were put to death (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
-or-

⌊God⌋ made you ⌊as if⌋ dead

you: Here the word you is emphatic in the Greek. Here are other ways to translate this word:

as for you
-or-
you yourselves

also: Here this word indicates that Paul said something more about the believers, probably connected to what he said in 7:1.

to the law: Here the word law probably refers to the law of Moses. For example:

to the power of the Law (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
to the Laws ⌊of Moses⌋

7:4b

through the body of Christ: Here the phrase the body of Christ refers to Jesus dying on the cross. The word through indicates that Jesus dying on the cross enabled God to cause us to be dead to the law (7:4a). Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

because when Christ died in our place, it’s as if we also died
-or-
because of your being included/joined in dying in Cristo’s death

The phrase the body of Christ does not refer figuratively to believers being members of his body (as in 12:4–5 and other verses in the NT) here.

7:4c

that you might belong to another: This is a purpose clause. In this case believers already belong to another. In some languages a fulfilled purpose clause must be translated as a result clause. For example:

and so you belong to another

belong to another: The same Greek phrase here is translated as “joined to another” (Berean Standard Bible) in 7:3a and “marries” in 7:3d. But it means “be to/for another” here and implies a close relationship. It does not imply marriage here as it did in 7:3. Do not translate it as “join to” or “marry” here.

another: Here this word refers to someone other than (the power of) sin (chapter 6). It does not refer to someone other than Jesus (7:4b). In fact, 7:4d makes it clear that believers belong to Jesus.

In some languages a literal translation would indicate the wrong meaning. If that is true in your language, explain the proper meaning in your translation. For example:

another, ⌊someone other than the power of sin⌋

7:4d

to Him who was raised from the dead: This phrase explains who the other person (“another”) in 7:4c is. This describes Jesus. Believers belong to him. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

and that person/one has been raised from the dead
-or-
who is ⌊Jesus⌋, who has risen from death

If you explain the word Him as Jesus, some languages need to translate the clause who was raised from the dead without the word who for the correct meaning. For example:

who is ⌊Jesus⌋, the one has risen from death
-or-
who is ⌊Jesus⌋, the person ⌊God⌋ raised from death

who was raised from the dead: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

whom ⌊God⌋ raised from the dead

raised from the dead: This phrase refers to God making Jesus alive again after he died and was put in the tomb. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

raised…from death (Good News Translation)
-or-
brought…back to life (God’s Word)

See how you translated this phrase in 4:24 or 6:9.

7:4e

in order that we might bear fruit to God: This phrase connects to “belong to another” (7:4c), not “raised from the dead” (7:4d). The purpose of us belonging to Jesus is to bear fruit to God. In some languages the correct connection must be explained in the translation. For example:

⌊and you
(plur.) and I belong to him⌋ in order that we might bear fruit to God

we might bear fruit to God: The phrase bear fruit is a metaphor that means “doing good deeds that produce good results.” These good results benefit God or his kingdom. 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 simile. For example:

⌊be like plants that⌋ produce fruit for God

• Make the meaning more explicit. For example:

we might produce good results that honor God

• Translate without the figure of speech. For example:

we might serve God
-or-
we can do the work of God
-or-
we will now live righteous lives to the glory of God

we: Paul changed from “you (plur.) ” to we. He now includes himself with the believers about bearing fruit for God. See the example above.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 8:11

8:11a

And: This Greek word indicates that the topic from 8:10 continues and there is new information about the Holy Spirit and believers. There is possibly contrast between the Holy Spirit giving new life (8:10c) and God also giving life to the believer’s body in the future (8:11c). For example:

And (New International Version, Berean Standard Bible)
-or-
But (New American Standard Bible)

if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you: Here the word if introduces a situation that is true. If this first part is true, that supports the then-clause (“He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you” 8:11b–d).

In some languages, using an if -clause would have a different meaning. If that is true in your language, translate the correct meaning. For example:

the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, so
-or-
should the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwell in you
-or-
if ⌊you agree that⌋ the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, ⌊and I know that you do⌋, then ⌊you should also agree that⌋

The word Spirit refers to the Holy Spirit. The word Him refers to God. In some languages, if you translate Him as “God,” you will also need to translate the word who in another way. For example:

God raised Jesus from the dead, and if his Spirit dwells in you,
-or-
God raised Jesus from the dead, and should that Spirit of God dwell in you,
-or-
God raised Jesus from the dead, if ⌊you agree that⌋ his ⌊Holy⌋ Spirit dwells in you, ⌊and I know that you do⌋, then ⌊you should also agree that⌋

raised…from the dead: This phrase refers to God making Jesus alive again after he died and was put in the tomb. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

raised…from death (Good News Translation)
-or-
brought…back to life (God’s Word)

8:11b

He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead: Paul repeated what he has said about God raising Jesus for emphasis. In some languages it is not natural to repeat these words. If that is true in your language, indicate the emphasis in a natural way. For example:

that one
-or-
this same God

Christ Jesus: There is a textual issue here:

(1) Some Greek manuscripts have Christ, and the New International Version and other English versions follow those.

(New International Version, Good News Translation, New American Bible, Revised Edition, New Revised Standard Version, King James Version, God’s Word, NET Bible, New Century Version)

(2) Some Greek manuscripts have Christ Jesus, as in the Berean Standard Bible.

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, English Standard Version, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Standard Bible, New Living Translation (2004), Revised English Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because the Greek NT 5 has decided it is the best reading.

The order of the words Christ Jesus emphasizes that Jesus is the Christ/Messiah. If you choose the reading Christ Jesus, it is not natural in some languages to have Christ before Jesus. See how you translated this phrase in 8:1.

8:11c

will also give life to your mortal bodies: Many scholars think that the words will…give life refer to when God resurrects believers. It probably does not refer to the new life that we have as believers here on earth.

your mortal bodies: The word mortal indicates that earthly bodies die. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

your bodies that will die
-or-
your bodies will die
-or-
your bodies that die

See how you translated the word mortal in 6:12.

8:11d

through His Spirit: There is a textual issue here about the Greek phrase:

(1) It means through his Spirit here, as in the Berean Standard Bible.

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New International Version, Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Standard Bible, King James Version, English Standard Version, New American Bible, Revised Edition, New Living Translation (2004), God’s Word, Contemporary English Version, NET Bible, Revised English Bible, New Century Version)

(2) It means because of his Spirit here. For example:

because of his Spirit (New International Version (2011))

(NIV2011)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because the Greek NT 5 has decided it was the best reading.

through: Here this word indicates that God will give the task of giving life to believers to the Holy Spirit and he (the Holy Spirit) will do it.

His Spirit, who lives in you: The words who lives in you further describe the Holy Spirit. It does not separate this Holy Spirit from other spirits. For the correct meaning in some languages, translators must avoid the word who. For example:

his Spirit, he dwells in you

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 9:4

9:4a

the people of Israel: The Greek is literally “who are Israelites.” It describes “my brothers, my own flesh and blood” in 9:3b. The word “who” does not imply here that only some of Paul’s “flesh and blood” are Israelites. The Greek grammar clearly indicates that all of Paul’s “flesh and blood” were Israelites.

God gave the name Israel to Jacob. The words people of can also be indicated by the “-ites” ending in English. For example:

the Israelites

If people in your language group are not familiar with the name Israel, you may want to translate literally and explain its meaning in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:

Israel is another name for the Jews. God gave their ancestor Jacob the name Israel (Genesis 32:28).

Theirs is the adoption as sons: The Greek is literally “of whom the adoption.” God made a covenant with Israel and considers them his adopted children. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

theirs the adoption (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
-or-
who were adopted as ⌊God’s⌋ children
-or-
whom ⌊God⌋ adopted as his children
-or-
they have the adoption
-or-
they are adopted ⌊by God⌋, and they have

Some languages must translate the adoption with a verb. For example:

⌊God⌋ adopted them and they have

9:4b–c

theirs the divine glory and the covenants; theirs the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises: The word “theirs” that the Berean Standard Bible repeats three times in 9:4a and 9:4b connects each of these terms. Also, some languages need to put the word and between each term. For example:

and the divine glory and the covenants and the giving of the law and the temple worship and the promises
-or-
the adoption as sons and the divine glory and the covenants and the giving of the law and the temple worship and the promises belong to them

9:4b

the divine glory: The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as divine glory refers literally to a very bright light. In this context it implies power, majesty, and greatness. Here are other ways to translate this word:

majesty
-or-
greatness

Some languages must translate this word as describing something or someone, as the Berean Standard Bible does. For example:

the glory ⌊of God⌋

See how you translated the word glory in 1:23 or 5:2.

the covenants: The word covenants refers to an agreement or contract. God made several covenants with the people of Israel. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

the pledges (God’s Word)
-or-
He made agreements with them (Contemporary English Version)

the giving of the law: This refers to God giving the laws to Moses for the people of Israel to follow. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

he…gave them the Law (Good News Translation)
-or-
to them were given the Law (New Jerusalem Bible)

9:4c

the temple worship: This refers to the pattern of worshipping God that he gave to the Jews to follow. This includes the sacrifice of animals and all that was done at the temple in Jerusalem. It may also include worship in the synagogues. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

their way of worship
-or-
They were told the way they were to worship

the promises: This refers to the promises that God made to the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as others such as Moses and David.

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2020