SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2020 – Page 2

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 9:6

Section 9:6–13

The choices of God follow his purposes

In this section, Paul told the Romans that God’s word has not failed. In the history of the Jews God had chosen some of them and not others. Paul gave some examples of this.

Here are other possible headings for this section:

God’s promises do not fail
-or-
No one can change what God has chosen to do

Paragraph 9:6–13

9:6a

It is not as though God’s word has failed: This connects to the Jews (9:3b). In some languages a literal translation would not connect to the Jews. If that is true in your language, you may want to add implied information to your translation. For example:

It is not as though God’s word has failed ⌊regarding my kinsmen⌋

It is not as though: The Greek phrase here is a mixture of two phrases that mean “by no means” and “not as if.” Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

It is certainly not that
-or-
It cannot be that (Revised English Bible)
-or-
Don’t think that

God’s word has failed: This clause refers to the promises in God’s word not being fulfilled when people thought they should have been. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

God’s word was not fulfilled
-or-
God’s word failed to be fulfilled
-or-
God’s word was not able to become true

God’s word: Here this phrase refers to God’s promises to the Jews in the Old Testament. Do not translate it so that it means “the gospel.” In many languages a literal translation would have the correct meaning. But in some languages the meaning will need to be explained. For example:

the talks/things that God told ⌊the Jews⌋

9:6b

For: Here this word introduces an explanation of what Paul said in 9:6a.

not all who are descended from Israel are Israel: Paul used the name Israel in two different ways here. The first way that Paul used it refers to the people who descended from the man who God named Israel. The second way refers to those who have faith like Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. Paul expected the reader to figure out what he meant.

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

• Translate literally and explain the meaning in a footnote. Here are example footnotes:

The second name Israel refers to those who have faith like Abraham did.
-or-
This means that not all the descendants of Israel had faith in God like Abraham did.

• Explain the meaning in your translation. For example:

not all who are descended from ⌊the man⌋ Israel belong to ⌊the⌋ Israel ⌊of faith⌋
-or-
not all the people of Israel are the people of God (Good News Translation)

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 10:5

Section 10:5–15

Salvation for everyone is by faith not works

In this section Paul spoke about righteousness based on the Law of Moses and righteousness based on faith. The righteousness which comes from the Law is based on doing what the Law says. The righteousness which comes from faith is not based on what a person does but is instead a matter of the heart.

God rescues the person who believes in Jesus and announces that Jesus is his Lord. Paul said that this is true for both Jews and people who are not Jews. Jesus is Lord of all of them. and blesses them very much.

Paul then asked several questions for the believers in Rome to think about. He implied that someone must be sent and preach, and people must hear, believe, and call on Jesus. Paul ended the section with a quote from the Old Testament about how it is good to preach the good news.

Here are other possible headings for this section:

God saves anyone, ⌊Jew or Gentile,⌋ who believes in Jesus
-or-
Salvation by faith and the need for preaching near and far

Paragraph 10:5–7

10:5a

For: Here this word introduces an explanation or an elaboration on what Paul said about righteousness, works, and faith earlier.

the righteousness that is by the law: This phrase refers to being right with God based upon the Law of Moses. The life of the Jews was governed by the Law which God had given them through Moses. Their obedience to it provided their understanding of being in right standing with God. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

the righteousness that comes from the law (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
the righteousness that is from the Laws ⌊of Moses⌋

Moses writes: The verb is present tense, but Moses wrote the words of 10:5b over 1,500 years before Paul lived. Greek scholars call it the historical present. In many languages the normal way of referring to a past event must be used. For example:

Moses wrote (Good News Translation)

In some languages a quote from the Old Testament is always clearly introduced as one. For example:

Moses wrote ⌊in Scripture⌋

10:5b

These words are from Leviticus 18:5.

“The man who does these things will live by them”: The Greek of 10:5b begins with a word that is often translated as “that” (English Standard Version). There are two ways to interpret this Greek word:

(1) It introduces a direct quote here. For example:

“The man who does these things will live by them.” (Berean Standard Bible)

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

(2) It introduces an indirect quote here. For example:

that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on the law shall live by it (Revised Standard Version)

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

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because the words of 10:5a are very similar to that part of Leviticus 18:5.

The man who does these things: The Greek is literally “the man doing those things.” It refers to anyone, man or woman, who does as the commands in the laws of Moses say. It implies Jews who want to obey God. The words these things do not refer only to the Ten Commandments. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

Whoever obeys the commands of the Law (Good News Translation)
-or-
the one who does all the Laws ⌊of Moses⌋

will live by them: This phrase probably refers to having their whole life governed by the Laws of Moses. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

requires obedience to all of its commands (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
must do all that the Law commands (Contemporary English Version)

by them: The word them refers to all of the commandments in the Law, as above.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 11:16

Paragraph 11:16–21

11:16a–b

If the first part of the dough is holy, so is the whole batch: This is a figure of speech. It indicates that if part of something is holy, then the whole thing is holy. The whole batch refers to the people of Israel. Scholars have various ideas about the part of the whole lump of dough that is offered:

(1) It refers to Jewish Christians.

(2) It refers to the patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

(3) It refers to Jesus.

(4) It refers to Adam.

Many English versions translate literally and so do not interpret this figure of speech in their translation. But part of the lump probably refers to Jewish Christians because Paul had been talking about saving his fellow Jews.

In many languages the meaning of the figure of speech will not be understood here. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

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

In this figure of speech, the “whole batch” refers to the people of Israel. The “dough” refers to either (1) the Jewish Christians of that time, or (2) Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

• Explain the meaning in your translation. It says:

⌊The people of Israel are like⌋ a lump of dough, of which part of it has been offered to God as firstfruits and so all of it is holy
-or-
And since Abraham and the other patriarchs were holy, their descendants will also be holy—just as the entire batch of dough is holy because the portion given as an offering is holy. (New Living Translation (2004))

Note that the New Living Translation (2004) adds a complete explanation following interpretation (2), in addition to a literal translation.

11:16a

If the first part of the dough is holy: Here the word If introduces a situation that is true. If this first part is true, that supports the second part (the whole lump of dough (11:16b) is holy) to also be true.

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:

if ⌊it is true that⌋ the first part of the dough is holy
-or-
the first part of the dough is holy, so

See how you translated this kind of If in 3:5 or 11:15.

the first part of the dough: This phrase refers to a part of the whole lump of dough mentioned in 11:16b. It also refers to the Jewish practice of giving part of a lump of dough to God as a gift offering (Numbers 15:17–21). Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

first piece of dough (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
the part of the dough offered as first fruits (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-

part of a batch of dough is made holy by being offered to God (Contemporary English Version)

the dough: This refers to the mixture of flour, water, and other things for making bread. It is called dough before people cook it. When it is cooked, it becomes bread. Here are other ways to translate this word:

water and flour mixture
-or-
uncooked bread

Here this word refers to a part of the larger lump of dough (11:16b). In some languages that information needs to be added here to make the sentence clear. For example:

portion of the dough

holy: Here this word means “dedicated to God” or “set apart to serve God.” Priests and people will eat the cooked dough and thank God for it. As a figure of speech, the Jews are set apart as God’s special people, because he made promises to them and some of those promises are in effect for the whole future of this earth. Here are other ways to translate this word:

offered to God (New Century Version)
-or-
belongs to God
-or-
made holy by being offered to God (Contemporary English Version)

11:16b

so is the whole batch: This phrase indicates that the whole batch is holy like the first part of it is. In some languages the implied words must be explicit. For example:

then the whole batch is holy (New International Version)

General Comment on 11:16a–b

There are several interpretations of this metaphor. See the first note at 11:16a–b above, if you have not already.

It is recommended that you do not put these interpretations in your translation. If you want to make the meaning of the metaphor more clear, you may want to explain it in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:

This metaphor indicates that the Jews are God’s special people. He has not abandoned them even if only a few Jews believe in him and his Messiah, Jesus, at this time.

11:16c–d

if the root is holy, so are the branches: This is a figure of speech. It indicates that if the source or beginning of something is holy, then the other parts are holy. The branches refer to the people of Israel. Many scholars believe the root refers to Abraham or perhaps Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Only a few scholars believe it refers to Jewish Christians.

Many English versions translate literally and so do not interpret this figure of speech in their translation. Many scholars also translate literally.

In many languages the meaning of the figure of speech will not be understood here. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

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

In this figure of speech, the “branches” refers to the people of Israel. The “root” probably refers to either (1) Abraham or (2) Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

• Explain the meaning in your translation. It says:

⌊The people of Israel are like⌋ the branches of a tree and ⌊Abraham is like its⌋ root. The root is holy, therefore the branches are holy.
-or-
And since Abraham was holy, his descendants, the people of Israel, will also be holy—just as the branches are holy because the root is holy.
-or-
or, just as, ⌊for example,⌋ the branches are holy because the root is holy

11:16c

The Greek of 11:16c begins with a word that is usually translated as “and.” The Berean Standard Bible does not translate this word but instead places a semicolon between 11:16c and 11:16a and b to indicate the connection. This word introduces a second metaphor. In some languages a new sentence would be more natural. For example:

And
-or-
If the root is holy… (God’s Word)

if: Here the word if introduces a situation that is true. If this first part is true, that supports the second part. See how you translated it in 11:16a.

the root is holy: 11:16d refers to branches, so here the word root refers to the main root of a tree.

11:16d

so are the branches: This phrase indicates that the branches are holy like the main root is. In some languages the implied words must be explicit. For example:

then the branches are holy

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 12:12

12:12a

Be joyful in hope: There are several ways to interpret the Greek grammar that the Berean Standard Bible translates as in :

(1) It indicates what we are to feel joy about, as in the Berean Standard Bible.

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

(2) It indicates what makes our rejoicing possible. Hope helps us to rejoice. For example:

Let your hope keep you joyful (Good News Translation)

(Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version, Revised English Bible)

(3) It indicates what the source of our rejoicing is. For example:

Be joyful because you have hope (New Century Version)

(New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because many English versions and the BDAG support it.

Be joyful: The Greek word here refers to being happy and feeling well.

hope: The word hope means “the looking forward to something happening with some reason for confidence that it will indeed happen.” Here this hope is probably the general hope of a believer, that God will fulfill his promises in Scriptures to him. See how you translated this word in 5:4 or 8:24.

In some languages hope must include the thing hoped in. For interpretations (2) and (3) above, something must be added for these languages. For example:

hope ⌊in God⌋
-or-
hope ⌊in the fulfillment of God’s promises⌋

12:12b

patient: The Greek word here refers to continuing to believe (or hope) or to do as planned in the midst of opposition or difficulty. Here are other ways to translate this Greek word:

persevere (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
endure (New American Bible, Revised Edition)

in: Here this word means “during” or “while experiencing.”

affliction: The Greek word here refers to any kind of trouble, oppression, suffering, or persecution.

trouble
-or-
hardship (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
difficulty

See how you translated this word in 2:9 or 8:35 (Berean Standard Bible: “distress”).

12:12c

persistent: The Greek word refers to making the effort to continue doing something. Here are other ways to translate this Greek word:

persevere (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
-or-
keep praying regularly (New Jerusalem Bible)

in prayer: Here the word in indicates that praying is what the believer is supposed to constantly do.

prayer: This word refers to talking to God, praising him, thanking him, and asking him to do something. See how you translated this word in 1:10.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 14:9

14:9a

This verse begins with a Greek conjunction that is often translated as “for.” Here this word introduces the basis for what Paul said in 14:8. Some translations, such as the Berean Standard Bible, leave this word implicit and allow the context to imply the connection.

For this reason Christ died and returned to life:
The Greek is more literally “to/for this Christ died and lived.” The phrase “to/for this” indicates that the purpose of Jesus dying and living again was so that he would be lord of all believers, both those living and those who die. The purpose of Jesus dying and living again was accomplished at that time. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

Christ died and then lived so that
-or-
Christ died and then lived, and so

14:9b

that He might be the Lord of both the dead and the living: This is a purpose clause. This purpose was fulfilled when Jesus died and God resurrected him. In some languages a result clause must be used to indicate that the purpose was fulfilled. For example:

and so he became Lord both of the dead and of the living

be the Lord: This phrase refers to ruling over someone. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

establish his lordship over (Revised English Bible)
-or-
rule
-or-
is our Leader

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 15:18

15:18a

The Greek of 15:18a begins with a word that is often translated as “for.” Here it introduces an explanation of Paul being proud of his work for God. He was proud of what Jesus had done through him. The Berean Standard Bible does not translate this word, but some English versions include it. For example:

For (English Standard Version)

I will not presume to speak of anything except: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as presume refers to being bold enough to do something. Paul was bold enough to tell others what Jesus did through him. He was not bold enough to tell others what he did by his own power. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

I will not dare to speak of anything except (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
-or-
I will be bold and speak only about (Good News Translation)

See how you translated this Greek word in 5:7 (“dare”). This Greek word is also related to the one translated “bold” in 15:15.

to speak of anything except: This indicates that Paul would only be bold when he spoke about certain things. See the Good News Translation example above.

15:18b

what Christ has accomplished through me: This refers to all the things Paul did as an apostle, and perhaps other things as well. Jesus told him what to do and gave him the power and authority to do those things. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

the things Christ did using me to do them
-or-
the deeds that Christ caused to happen by my hand

accomplished: This word means “did” or “caused to happen.”

in leading the Gentiles to obedience: The Greek is more literally “to the obedience of the Gentiles.” The first word introduces the result of things that Christ did through Paul. The result is that some Gentiles obeyed God. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

to lead the Gentiles to obedience (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
-or-
with the result that the/some Gentiles obey ⌊him⌋

obedience: This word refers to doing what someone else tells you to do. See how you translated this word in 1:5.

15:18c

by word and deed: Here this phrase refers to the things that Paul said and did as an apostle.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 16:17

Paragraph 16:17–20

16:17a

Now: This Greek conjunction introduces a new topic. Some English versions leave it implicit.

I urge you, brothers: In some languages it is more natural to begin with the term of address brothers. For example:

Brothers and sisters, I urge you (God’s Word)

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)

See how you translated this clause in 12:1 or 15:30.

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 15:30.

watch out for: This is a warning to be looking for people who cause divisions among the believers in Rome. If they see such people, they are to avoid them (16:17c). Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

be on your guard against (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
beware of

those who create divisions: This refers to people who come into the group of believers and start arguments about the way people should live as Christians. They cause the believers to separate from believers who have a different opinion about the issue. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

those who cause people to be against each other (New Century Version)
-or-
divides the church (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
people who cause-you-to-separate

This is a general warning. Paul did not imply here that these kind of people were already doing this in Rome.

16:17b

and obstacles: This is a second thing that these people “who create divisions” (16:17a) cause.

obstacles: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as obstacles is often translated “stumbling block(s).” Here (and in those places) it refers to something that causes someone to have problems in their faith. It is like someone stumbling over a root and perhaps falling. In this case it could be a false teaching or something similar causing someone to have problems with their faith. Here are other ways to translate this word:

difficulties (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
hindrances (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
upset people’s faith (Good News Translation)

See how you translated the word obstacles in 14:13 (“stumbling block”).

the teaching you have learned: This Greek phrase refers to teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ, as taught by the apostles and other church leaders.

16:17c

Turn away from them: If the believers see the kind of people described in 16:17a–b, they must not associate with them. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

Stay away from them (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Distance yourselves from them

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 1:18

Division 1:18–3:20

All people sin so God is right to judge them

In this division, Paul wrote about people sinning, God’s anger against sin, God judging all people according to what they have done, and no person being righteous before God.

Here are other possible headings for this division:

All people have sinned against God and therefore God is right to punish them
-or-
The Unrighteousness of All Mankind (New International Version)
-or-
God is right to be angry with all people

Section 1:18–32

God is angry with people because they sin

In this section, Paul said that it is clear that God is angry about the bad things that people do. God has shown all people who he is, but they have rejected him. So they became fools and worshiped things instead of God. And so God put them under the control of sinful desires even more.

Here are other possible headings for this section:

The reason why God is angry with people
-or-
God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness (English Standard Version)
-or-
People do what is not right in God’s sight and so God is angry

Paragraph 1:18–20

1:18a

This verse begins with a word that is usually translated as “for.” The Berean Standard Bible does not translate this word. It probably introduces support for the gospel being the power of God for salvation to all who believe (1:16). But it is also possible that it introduces support for God’s righteousness being revealed from faith to faith (1:17). It probably introduces the whole section (1:18–3:20) rather than just this verse.

The wrath of God: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as wrath here means “strong indignation directed at wrongdoing” (BDAG, sense 2, page 720). Here it is God’s anger against people’s sins.

is being revealed: This phrase translates the same Greek word as in 1:17. If possible, translate in the same way here.

from heaven: These words emphasize that God himself is revealing his wrath.

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

1:18b–c

men who suppress the truth by their wickedness: There are two ways to interpret how this clause connects to “men/people”:

(1) Only some people suppress the truth. In English this is indicated by not having a comma after “men/people.”

(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), NET Bible, Revised English Bible)

(2) All people suppress the truth. In English this is indicated by having a comma after “men/people.” For example:

people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness (New International Version (2011))

(New International Version (2011), English Standard Version, King James Version, New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because Paul was speaking about certain attitudes and behavior, not all attitudes and behavior.

1:18b

all the godlessness and wickedness of men: The word men refers here generally to people. The whole phrase refers to deeds and thinking that are ungodly and unrighteous. For example:

all godlessness of people and their wickedness ⌊too⌋
-or-
all godless and wicked deeds and thinking of people

godlessness: This word refers to doing or saying things that show no reverence or respect for God. Here are other ways to translate this word:

impiety
-or-
doing or saying things that dishonor/disrespect God

wickedness: This word refers to doing things that are not right to do. Here are other ways to translate this word:

unrighteousness (English Standard Version)
-or-
injustice (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
evil (Good News Translation)

1:18c

This clause tells the reader more about people. It does not separate some people from other people. Translate this clause so that it tells more about all people. One way to do that is to start a new sentence here. For example:

They suppress the truth by their wickedness.

suppress the truth: Here the word suppress refers to preventing others from knowing the truth. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

prevent the truth from being known (Good News Translation)
-or-
hold back the truth (New Jerusalem Bible)

the truth: Here this word refers to what is true about God, Jesus and the gospel. Some languages only have an adjective meaning “true” and so must add a noun. For example:

the true ⌊talk⌋

their wickedness: People’s unrighteous deeds is the way that they suppress the truth. If possible, translate the word wickedness in the same way as in 1:18b.

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2020

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 9:6

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 10:5

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 11:16

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 12:12

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 14:9

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 15:18

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 16:17

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 1:18

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