SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2020 – Page 10

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 3:31

3:31a

Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Certainly not!: This is a rhetorical question and its answer. Some Jews probably asked this question after hearing Paul preach on this. The question and answer emphasize that we do not overthrow the law by this faith. Translate this clause with that meaning. Here are some ways to do that:

• Using a rhetorical question. For example:

Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! (New International Version)
-or-
So do we destroy the law by following the way of faith? No! (New Century Version)

• Using a statement. For example:

Therefore we should certainly not say that this faith destroys the Law ⌊of Moses⌋ !
-or-
So, God makes us straight in his sight just because of our faith. But let’s not say/think like this: we discard the Lord’s Law. Don’t!

then: The Greek word is literally “therefore,” but then is more natural in English here.

nullify: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as nullify means “to make ineffective/useless.” It is the same Greek word translated “nullify” in 3:3. Here are other ways to translate this word:

cancel
-or-
made pointless (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
overthrow (English Standard Version)
-or-
destroy/ruin

Certainly not!: The Greek is literally “May it not be.” This phrase indicates a very strong “no.” See how you translated it in 3:4.

Note that “certainly” in the first As a statement example above translates the words Certainly not! here. If you used “certainly” there, do not translate these words here.

3:31b

Instead: The Greek word is literally “but.” It indicates contrast and emphasis. In some languages the contrast of “but” is already indicated by the phrase “Certainly not” in 3:31a. If that is true in your language, translate without the contrast here. For example:

Indeed

we uphold the law: Here the word uphold indicates that Paul and the believers in Jesus supported the law of Moses as holy and good. Paul did not imply bad things about the law when he talked about righteousness by faith. He wanted people to understand its correct role in the life of a believer. This clause does not indicate that believers must follow every rule in the law of Moses, including the rules about what foods to eat and offering sacrifices. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

we support the law ⌊of Moses⌋
-or-
we believe/say that the law ⌊of Moses⌋ is still valid/important

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 5:7

5:7a–b

This verse has two examples of how people love in a limited way. This compares to the great love of God and Jesus for people. Some people might risk their life for a good or righteous person, but Jesus died for people who rejected him (the “ungodly”).

5:7a

In the Greek, 5:7a begins with a word that is usually translated as “For.” It connects this verse with 5:6. Here it probably indicates explanation/clarification or an interjection such as:

Indeed (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Even (Revised English Bible)
-or-
Now (New Living Translation (2004))

In some languages it is more natural to omit this word and allow the context to indicate the meaning.

Very rarely: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Very rarely means “not very often” or “very unlikely.” Here are other ways to translate this word:

scarcely (English Standard Version)
-or-

most people would not be willing to die (New Living Translation (2004))

anyone: Here this word refers generally to a person. For example:

someone (Good News Translation)

die for: Here the word for indicates that this person died to benefit this righteous person. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

give his life for (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
die to save the life of (New Century Version)
-or-
let himself be killed in the place of

a righteous man: Here the word righteous refers to a person who acts in right or straight ways toward other people. He obeys the laws and is honest with others. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

someone upright (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
a person who consistently-obeyed the law

See how you translated the word righteous in 1:17.

5:7b

though: The Greek word is the same one translated “For” at the beginning of 5:7a. Often in this context the best English translation is “and,” because that is the sense the second occurrence of the Greek word has in English. But the sense between these two clauses (5:7a and 5:7b) is generally agreed to be though, as in many English versions.

for: Here the word for refers to dying in order to help someone, as it does in 5:7a.

might: This word emphasizes “dare to die.” It is more than people might expect, that someone might dare to die for a good person.

possibly: Here this word indicates that dying for a good person is not common but more likely than dying for a righteous person.

dare: This word refers to being bold enough to do something. Someone might be bold enough to risk his life to rescue someone else. Here are other ways to translate this word:

have the courage (God’s Word)
-or-
is brave enough

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 6:18

6:18a

You have been set free from sin: This clause is passive. The Greek clause refers generally to a past event. Some languages must use an active clause here. For example:

⌊God⌋ set you free from sin

set free from sin: This phrase indicates that God has removed believers from being under the control of the power of sin, like a slave is removed from his owner. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

You were made free from sin (New Century Version)
-or-
You have now been released from the authority of sin

6:18b

have become slaves to righteousness: This indicates that believers came under the control of righteousness, like a slave is given to a new master.

The subject is still “you (plur.).” For example:

you have become slaves of righteousness (New American Bible, Revised Edition)

slaves to righteousness: The word slaves is a figure of speech. It refers to believers allowing righteousness to rule their lives, like a master rules the lives of his slaves. Some languages cannot translate literally for the correct meaning. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Add “like/as” here. For example:

⌊as⌋ slaves of righteousness
-or-
you have become like enslaved to the doing of righteousness
-or-
God has put you as though righteousness was your ruler

• Translate the meaning without the figure of speech. For example:

God has put you under the direction/guide of righteousness
-or-
you are under the authority of righteousness

righteousness: Here this word refers to deeds and thoughts that God says are right to do or think. See how you translated this word in 6:13.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 8:2

8:2a

For: Here this word introduces the basis for Paul saying that God does not condemn believers.

in Christ Jesus: The word in here indicates that the Holy Spirit has freed us because we believed that Jesus is the Christ.

Christ Jesus: The order of the words Christ Jesus emphasizes that Jesus is the Christ/Messiah. See how you translated this phrase in 8:1.

the law of the Spirit of life: Here the word law probably refers to a controlling principle, telling Paul, in his thinking, to do this or that, as it does in 7:23 in the phrase “the law of my mind.” See how you translated the word law in “the law of my mind” in 7:23.

the Spirit of life: This phrase refers to the Holy Spirit. The words of life indicate here that the Holy Spirit is the source of life. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

the Spirit, who gives life (God’s Word)
-or-
the Spirit that brings life (New Century Version)

set you free: There is a textual issue here.

(1) Some Greek manuscripts have the word you (sing.).

(Berean Standard Bible, English Standard Version, New International Version (2011), New Jerusalem Bible, New American Standard Bible, New Revised Standard Version, New American Bible, Revised Edition, New Living Translation (2004), God’s Word, Contemporary English Version, NET Bible, Revised English Bible, NCV2005)

(2) Some Greek manuscripts have the word me.

(Revised Standard Version, New International Version (1984), Good News Translation, King James Version, NCV91)

It is recommended that you follow option (1), because the UBS Handbook Greek NT 5 supports it. Some of the English versions support option (2) perhaps because they are older translations and an earlier version of the UBS Handbook Greek New Testament supported it.

set…free: The verb here is in the past tense. The Holy Spirit frees a person when he or she begins believing in Jesus.

8:2b

the law of sin: See how you translated the phrase the law of sin in 7:25.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 8:34

8:34a

Who is there to condemn us?: This is a rhetorical question. It emphasizes that no one will be able to condemn God’s elect, that is, declare them guilty of wrongdoing and saying how they should be punished. Translate this clause with that meaning. Here are some ways:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

Who will condemn them? (God’s Word)
-or-
Who can say God’s people are guilty? (New Century Version)

• As a statement. For example:

No one will condemn them.
-or-
No one can say his people are guilty of sin!

to condemn us: The Greek word here is in the future tense, again referring to any time in our future. See the examples above.

condemn: For the meaning of this word, see the note on “condemned” in 8:3.

8:34b–e

For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us: There are two ways to interpret how to punctuate this verse:

(1) It is a statement, as in the Berean Standard Bible.

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Good News Translation, 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 is a question. For example:

Is it Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us? (Revised Standard Version)

(Revised Standard Version, New Jerusalem Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because it parallels the question and answer in 8:33a–b.

8:34b

Christ Jesus, who died: As an answer to the rhetorical question of 8:34a, this clause implies that Jesus will not condemn us. For example:

No one. Christ Jesus who died… (New International Version (2011))

Christ Jesus: There is a textual issue here:

(1) The text is Christ Jesus, 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, New American Bible, Revised Edition, New Living Translation (2004), English Standard Version)

(2) The text is Christ. For example:

Christ (Contemporary English Version)

(King James Version, New Living Translation (2004), God’s Word, Contemporary English Version, NET Bible, Revised English Bible)

It is recommended that you follow option (1), because the UBS5 supports it, although they say they had difficulty in deciding. If the major language version follows option (2), you may want to follow that.

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. See how you translated this phrase in 1:1 or 8:1.

8:34c

and more than that: These words indicate that Paul had more to say about Jesus here. Jesus’ resurrection is also an important part of his work as Savior. These words imply that Jesus’ resurrection is more important than his death. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

yes and more, (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-

but he was also raised (New Century Version)
-or-
He did not do that only, but
-or-
and beyond that
-or-
and what is more is that

was raised to life: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

whom ⌊God⌋ raised

In some languages the words “from the dead” must be added to make the meaning clear. For example:

who was raised from the dead (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
whom ⌊God⌋ raised ⌊from death⌋

See how you translated the words was raised in 6:4.

8:34d

is at the right hand of God: The Greek has the word that can mean “and” or “also” here. For example:

and is at God’s right hand (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
who also is at the right hand of God (New American Bible, Revised Edition)

at the right hand: To sit at the right hand of a ruler is a figure of speech that indicates that the ruler gave the place of greatest honor to that person.

If the words at the right hand do not imply highest honor under the leader in your culture, you may want to:

• Include some implied information. For example:

⌊in the place of honor⌋ at the right hand
-or-

⌊in the position of highest honor⌋ at the right side

• Include a footnote. For example:

To be at God’s right hand is the position of highest honor under God.

8:34e

and He: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as and is often translated as “also.” Here it introduces the last thing that Paul wanted to add to the fact that Jesus died (for us). For example:

and who (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
and is also (New International Version)

is interceding: The word interceding refers to speaking to someone on behalf of someone else. Here Jesus speaks to God on our behalf. See how you translated this word in 8:26.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 9:27

9:27–28

These words are from Isaiah 10:22–23, but it is not an exact quote. However, Isaiah spoke in 9:27b–28b, so quote marks are needed in English. If you indicate the location of quotes from the Old Testament with cross-references, you may want to do so here.

9:27a

The Greek of 9:27a begins with a word that can be translated “and” or “but.” A number of English versions want to indicate that Paul quoted the Old Testament again, so they use “and” (English Standard Version). It is also possible to see contrast between God speaking of only a remnant of Israel being saved and some Gentiles being called “sons of the living God.” For example:

But (Revised English Bible)

In some languages it is more natural to omit this word and allow the context to indicate the correct meaning, as the Berean Standard Bible does.

Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: This clause introduces an Old Testament quote that Isaiah wrote hundreds of years before Paul wrote Romans. In some languages some or all of this must be explained. For example:

⌊in Scripture⌋ Isaiah cried out about Israel ⌊long ago⌋

Isaiah: Isaiah was an Old Testament prophet, and his book has many prophecies. In some languages it is more clear for the readers to indicate that Isaiah was a prophet. For example:

the prophet Isaiah (Contemporary English Version)

cries out: The phrase cries out indicates speaking strongly with urgency. In some languages a literal translation would refer only to weeping or wailing. If that is true in your language, translate the correct meaning. For example:

exclaims (Good News Translation)
-or-
makes this proclamation (Revised English Bible)
-or-
said loudly/urgently

The Greek and the Berean Standard Bible use the present tense here, as in 9:15. Greek scholars call it the historical present. In many languages the normal way of referring to a past event must be used, as in the last example above.

Israel: Here this word refers to the people group called Israel.

9:27b

Though: The form of this Greek clause expresses something that is possible but not certain. Here, in the case where the number of the people of Israel might become as much as the sand of the seashore, only a portion (the remnant) will be saved (9:27c).

the number of the Israelites is like the sand of the sea: This clause compares the number of the people of Israel to the number of grains of sand on the seashore. It is a poetic exaggeration to say “very, very many.” Here are other ways to translate this clause:

the people of Israel are as many as the grains of sand by the sea (Good News Translation)
-or-
the people of Israel are as numerous as the grains of sand along every beach
-or-
the number (lit. manyness) of the descendants of Israel is like the sand on the edge of the ocean

sand of the sea: This refers to the sand on the ocean beaches around the world. See the above examples.

9:27c

only the remnant will be saved: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

⌊God⌋ will save only the remnant

remnant: This word means “the portion left behind” or “the portion still remaining.” God will save only some Israelites.

saved: This word refers to being rescued from something harmful or dangerous.

See how you translated this word in 5:10 or 8:24.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 11:5

11:5a

In the same way: The Greek words here are “in-that-manner therefore also.” The word “in-that-manner” indicates that what is happening now is like what happened in the past. God chose a remnant in the time of Elijah and he chose a remnant in the time of Paul. The word “therefore” indicates that Paul said something based on what he said earlier. The word “also” indicates that something happened again that was similar to what happened earlier. Here are other ways to translate this Greek phrase:

So too (English Standard Version)
-or-
In just the same way (Revised English Bible)
-or-
What it is like now in our time is like that,

there is a remnant: The Greek is more literally “a remnant has begun existing.” God chose a small number of Jews to believe in him in the time of Elijah, and he chose a small number of Jews to believe in Jesus as the Christ/Messiah in Paul’s time. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

there are not many Jews who have been chosen
-or-
God has chosen a few people only among all the people

remnant: This word means “the portion left behind” or “the portion still remaining.” God will save only some Israelites. See how you translated this word in 9:27.

11:5b

chosen by grace: The Greek is more literally “according to a choice of grace.” God chose these Jews because he wanted to bless them, not because of anything that they had done. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

whom God has chosen because of his grace (Good News Translation)
-or-
his undeserved kindness in choosing them (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
because he was kind and chose them

grace: This word refers to kindness that is given to people without requiring anything in return. This kindness is not given because they have done anything to deserve it. See how you translated this word in 1:5 or 6:15.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 12:1

Division 12:1–15:13

Live according to God’s mercy in these ways

In this division, Paul gave many rules on how to live as Christians.

Here are other possible headings for this division:

How/The-way to live as Christians
-or-
Paul taught about living as Christians

Section 12:1–21

Paul taught about our body, love, and revenge

In this section, Paul taught that believers should use their bodies in ways that are holy and acceptable to God. Our thinking must change so that it follows the will of God and not the thinking of the people of this world.

Paul also taught that believers should not be more proud of themselves than what is right before God. We all have different gifts from the Holy Spirit, and we should use them.

Believers should love in a genuine way, avoid evil deeds, honor others, be full of eagerness to serve the Lord. They should rejoice, be patient, pray, help others, and show hospitality.

Believers should bless the people who persecute them, and live in sympathy and harmony with other believers. They are not to be proud such that they avoid people with no status in society. They are not to think of themselves as wise.

Believers are not to take revenge, but leave that for God to do something about the evil done to them. They are to do things that are honorable and live at peace with others, if they can. They are to bless their enemies by doing good to them.

Here are other possible headings for this section:

The New Life in Christ (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Our bodies, thinking, and deeds must be holy and good

Paragraph 12:1–2

12:1a

Therefore I urge you, brothers: In many languages the word brothers must be first in the clause. But also in many languages the word Therefore must be first in the clause. Order the words in a way that is natural in your language. For example:

Therefore, brothers, I appeal to you
-or-
Brothers, I therefore appeal to you

Therefore: This word introduces a result of what Paul said in earlier chapters, not just 11:36. For example:

considering all those things

I urge you: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as urge has a wide range of meaning. Many scholars believe it means “exhort” here, rather than “command” or “beg.” Here are other ways to translate this clause:

I appeal to you (English Standard Version)
-or-
I encourage you (God’s Word)

brothers: Here this word refers to all the believers living in Rome, both men and women. The word indicates a close relationship between believers because God has made them his (adopted) children. See how you translated this word in 1:13 or 11:25.

12:1b

on account of God’s mercy: There are several ways to interpret the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as on account of :

(1) It introduces the means or instrument by which Paul urged them. For example:

by the mercies of God (English Standard Version)

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

(2) It introduces the circumstances in which Paul urged them. For example:

in view of God’s mercy (New International Version)

(New International Version, New Jerusalem Bible)

(3) It introduces the reason why Paul urged them. For example:

because of God’s great mercy to us (Good News Translation)

(Good News Translation, Berean Standard Bible, God’s Word, New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because the BDAG supports both (1) and (2), and (1) seems more likely here.

mercy: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as mercy refers to concern for someone with troubles and here implies helping that person. It is one of the ways a father feels toward his children when they are in trouble and need help. (It is not the usual Greek word translated mercy.) Here are other ways to translate this word:

compassion (God’s Word)
-or-
sympathy

12:1c

to offer your bodies as living sacrifices: This is a figure of speech. It indicates that believers should allow God to say what they should do with their bodies. So the Berean Standard Bible and other English versions add the word as. In some languages it will be more clear to:

• Explain the figure of speech in your translation. For example:

give your life to serving God as if a sacrifice

• Translate literally and explain the meaning in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:

These words indicate that we are to wholly serve God.

to offer: Here the word offer refers to putting something in front of someone, either as a gift or for that person to do something with it. Here are other ways to translate this word:

present (English Standard Version)
-or-
give (New Living Translation (2004))

as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God: The Greek is more literally “a sacrifice, living, holy, pleasing to God.” The words living and holy and the phrase pleasing to God all describe what kind of sacrifice this is. For example:

a sacrifice—alive, holy, and pleasing to God (NET Bible)
-or-
a sacrifice that is living and holy and pleases God

living: Here this word indicates that this sacrifice still lives and therefore is able to do God’s will. This is unlike usual sacrifices, which are killed at the altar and therefore not able to do anything.

sacrifices: As a part of the Jewish religion, people would kill an animal, put it over a fire, then offer it to God. They sometimes burnt the animal whole and sometimes they or the priests ate it, depending on the type of “sacrifice” that they were offering. This was done to honor and worship God. The Greeks and Romans did something similar for their gods.

Here are other ways to translate this word:

offering
-or-
gift for God to use

holy: Here this word means “set apart for God’s use.” It also implies that it is special, because it belongs to God. See how you translated this word in 11:16.

pleasing to God: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as pleasing also means “acceptable.” Presenting one’s body has to be the proper kind of sacrifice, so that God accepts it.

12:1d

which is your spiritual service of worship: These words further describe presenting your bodies as a sacrifice. It does not separate this presenting from other presentings. For the correct meaning in some languages, translators must avoid the word which. For example:

This is the way to worship him in your mind
-or-
That is your worship custom that is appropriate

spiritual: The Greek word here was used to describe a human being’s ability to think, an action that makes us different from animals. Paul probably used it here to describe worship that is true and proper. Here are other ways to translate this word:

the worship offered by mind and heart (Revised English Bible)
-or-
intelligent (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

service of worship: This word refers to religious activities done for the purpose of honoring God.

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2020