SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2020 – Page 29

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 11:20

11:20a

That is correct: The Greek word here means “good” or “well” or “appropriate.” Scholars believe it indicates here agreeing in part. 11:20b–d then explains what he means by saying That is correct. Here are other ways to translate the Greek word:

Yes, but remember— (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
Admittedly
-or-

⌊Yes,⌋ those words are true.
-or-
This is true but

With these words Paul began his response to the quoted words in 11:19. In some languages this must be made explicit for clear and natural communication of the meaning. For example:

⌊My answer/response is this:⌋
-or-
That is indeed true, relatives. But remember:

11:20b

They were broken off: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

⌊God⌋ broke them off

because of unbelief: The words because of introduce the reason why the branches were broken off. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

because they did not believe (Good News Translation)
-or-
because they did not have faith (Contemporary English Version)

unbelief: The word “their” is clearly implied here. Because of this, some English versions add this word. For example:

their unbelief (English Standard Version)

It may be more natural in your language to follow the English Standard Version or the examples in the previous note. The word unbelief refers to not believing in Jesus as the Christ, the one appointed by God to save his people. Some languages must say what the belief is in. For example:

did not believe ⌊in Jesus⌋
-or-
didn’t believe in Christ (New Living Translation (2004))

11:20c

you: The Greek word is emphatic here. For example:

⌊as for you,⌋ you

stand by faith: Here this phrase refers to remaining strong in what the person believes. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

stand fast (English Standard Version)
-or-
are established (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
stand strong ⌊in faith⌋

by faith: This phrase indicates that this person is able to stand strong because they continue believing in Jesus. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

because you do believe (Good News Translation)
-or-
because of faith (New American Bible, Revised Edition)

11:20d

Do not be arrogant: The connection of “therefore/so” is implied here. For example:

So, do not become proud (English Standard Version)

be afraid: Here it is unclear what the object of this be afraid might be. Many scholars think it means “respect/revere God.” But some scholars think it means “be afraid of being broken off like them.” The Berean Standard Bible and other English versions are perhaps more clear that it means be afraid, but many versions are not clear with just the word “fear.” On the whole it seems like this interpretation is more likely, because 11:21 seems to explain what to fear.

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 12:16

12:16a

Live in harmony with one another: The Greek clause is literally “thinking the same thing toward one another.” There are several ways to interpret it. Here are the main ways:

(1) It means to agree in opinion with one another here. It does not mean thinking exactly the same thing, but to have similar opinions on big issues. Differences of opinion on other things do not affect their love for their fellow believers. For example:

Live in agreement with one another (Revised English Bible)
-or-
Be of the same mind toward one another (New American Standard Bible)

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

(2) It means to be concern for each believer in the same amount here. For example:

Have the same concern for everyone (Good News Translation)

(Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because interpretation (2) is not really fitting to the Greek idiom.

12:16b

Do not be proud: This clause refers to not thinking you are better than other people. Someone of high social status should not think they are a better person than someone of low social status. Someone who has lots of knowledge should not think they are a better person than someone who does not have much knowledge. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

Do not be haughty (English Standard Version)
-or-
Don’t be arrogant (God’s Word)

12:16c

but: Some languages would not consider “enjoy the company of the lowly” as contrasting with “do not be proud” (12:16b). If that is true in your language, do not translate this as contrast. For example, the Otomi Back Translation omits this word and the Tagbanwa Back Translation says:

and

enjoy the company of the lowly: There are two ways to interpret the Greek phrase here:

(1) It means adjust your thinking and have a relationship with people of low social status here. For example:

make friends with those who seem unimportant (New Century Version)

(Berean Standard Bible, REV, 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, Contemporary English Version, NET Bible, Revised English Bible, New Century Version)

(2) It means adjust your thinking and accept that you should do deeds of low social status here. For example:

accept humble duties (Good News Translation)

(Good News Translation)

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

12:16d

Do not be conceited: This clause indicates that believers should not think that they are wise people. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

Do not think of yourselves as wise (Good News Translation)
-or-
Don’t regard yourselves as being wise people

conceited: This word means “to understand events and know the right action.” See how you translated the word “wise” in 1:14 or the word “wisdom” in 11:33.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 14:13

Section 14:13–23

Do not cause others to sin

In this section, Paul told the believers in Rome to stop considering some of their fellow believers as bad people. Instead they should choose not to hinder them. He told them that God does not consider any kind of food or any other kind of thing as not acceptable, but people who think that that food or thing is unacceptable, they should not eat it or use it. But those who find those things acceptable, they should not hurt the faith of those who find those things unacceptable. Righteousness, peace, and joy are the important things in God’s kingdom, not what you eat or drink. God is pleased when those who follow Jesus live in that way.

Paul encouraged the believers to do things that bring peace and encouragement for each other. They are not to hurt other believers over what they eat. They are not to cause other believers to stumble in their faith because of what they eat. Foods that might cause problems for other believers are to be eaten privately. A believer should not eat food if he has doubts about whether he should eat it or not. Everything that is not done in faith is sin.

Here are other possible headings for this section:

Do Not Cause Another to Stumble (English Standard Version)
-or-
Don’t Cause Problems for Others (Contemporary English Version)

Paragraph 14:13–18

14:13a

Therefore: Here the Greek word introduces a summary of 14:1–12.

let us stop judging one another: This clause indicates that Paul wanted the believers to stop passing judgment on other believers. He included himself in this command. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

we (incl.) must no longer condemn one another
-or-
we must stop considering each other as bad people
-or-
let’s stop criticizing each other (God’s Word)

us: Here this word refers to Paul and all the believers in Rome. It does not refer to only one group of believers in Rome, as it did in 14:2a or 14:2b.

judging: Here this phrase refers to considering someone to be a bad person. See how you translated this phrase in 14:3 or 14:10.

14:13b

Instead: This indicates contrast to passing judgment on one another. But the command in 14:13a is to stop passing judgment. So in some languages indicating contrast would confuse the connection. If that is true in your language, translate without the contrast. For example:

And/Also
-or-
Like-that, studiously make the mindset…
-or-
We-inc should think

make up your mind: This word refers to thinking about something and choosing a way to think about it or do something about it. Here are other ways to translate this word:

choose
-or-
be determined
-or-
decide (English Standard Version)

The Greek here has the word “this” as well. It refers to 14:13c and emphasizes that meaning. For example:

decide this : never put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother

14:13c

not to: The Greek is simply the word not.

any stumbling block: This phrase refers to something that causes someone to stumble or trip. Here it is a metaphor that refers to doing anything that causes someone else to sin. Translate in a way that clearly indicates the meaning. Here are some ways:

• Change the metaphor to a simile. For example:

⌊something like⌋ a stumbling block

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

upset anyone’s faith (Contemporary English Version)

• Your language may have a cultural item that will have the same meaning as this metaphor.

a root/rock to stumble on

obstacle: The Greek word here refers to a trap. Here it is a metaphor that refers to doing anything that causes someone to do the wrong thing. Translate in a way that clearly indicates the meaning. Here are some ways:

• Use the literal sense of the Greek word. For example:

a trap (NET Bible)

• Change the metaphor to a simile and possibly explain why they are similar in your translation. For example:

⌊something like⌋ a trap ⌊that causes temptation⌋

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

temptation

General Comment on 14:13c

The meaning of the metaphor of a stumbling block is similar to the meaning of the metaphor of a obstacle/trap. In some languages it is more natural to translate the meaning with one word or phrase. For example:

Let us earnestly see to it that it is not our fault that our brothers should sin.
-or-
caused to sin

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 15:22

Section 15:22–33

Paul planned to visit Rome

In this section, Paul explained his plan to go to Spain and visit the believers in Rome on the way. He also explained that he was currently going to Jerusalem with a gift of money for the poor believers there from the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. Once he was finished with that, he planned to go to Spain.

Paul asked the believers in Rome to pray for him. Paul wanted to avoid being blocked in his ministry by Jews who did not believe in Jesus. He also asked them to pray that the gift he was taking to Jerusalem would be acceptable to the believers there. If it was, he would have joy and be able to enjoy his visit with the believers in Rome.

Here are other possible headings for this section:

Paul wanted to visit the believers in Rome on his way to Spain
-or-
Paul’s Plan to Visit Rome (New International Version)

Paragraph 15:22–24

15:22

That is why: This phrase probably introduces a result of God causing him to be the apostle who preaches in new places among the Gentiles (15:18–20). Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

For this/that reason
-or-
Therefore

You may want to make the connection to 15:18–20 clear:

• Explain the connection in your translation. For example:

⌊God has caused me to work/minister in that way,⌋ therefore

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

The word “therefore” indicates that God caused Paul to be the apostle who preached in new places, therefore he had been unable to go to Rome.

But if the major language translation translates without explaining in any way, you may want to do the same.

I have often been hindered: This clause is passive. Probably included in what hindered him are the needs of the ministry, negative circumstances, or God’s will. Some languages must use an active clause. Use a general term for what hindered Paul. For example:

⌊Things/Situations⌋ have often hindered me

hindered: This word refers to preventing something from happening. Here are other ways to translate this word:

prevented (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
stopped/blocked

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 16:21

Paragraph 16:21–23 [24]

16:21a

Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you greetings:
This phrase indicates that Timothy did the same work as Paul, evangelizing in various places and helping the believers there. Sometimes they worked together in the same place and sometimes they worked separately. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

my co-worker (New International Version (2011))
-or-
he does the same work in Christ Jesus as me

See how you translated my fellow worker in 16:9.

16:21b

fellow countrymen: The Greek word, can mean either (1) relatives, or (2) fellow citizens.

Some languages must choose one or the other meaning. It is not clear which meaning is more appropriate here. You may want to follow the major language version here.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 1:22

1:22a–b

Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools: There is no conjunction between these two clauses. The Greek grammar indicates that Although they claimed to be wise occurs at the same time as they became fools. Here are other ways to translate this connection:

While they were claiming to be wise, they became fools
-or-
They always say that they are wise, ⌊but⌋ ⌊in truth⌋ they became fools

claimed: The Greek word here refers to saying something with confidence that it is true. Here are other ways to translate this word:

declaring
-or-
asserting
-or-
saying confidently

wise: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as wise refers to people who have wisdom and education. See how you translated this word in 1:14.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2:22

2:22a

You who forbid adultery: The Greek is literally “not to commit adultery.” It indicates a general command for people not to commit adultery.

adultery: This word refers to having sex with someone to whom you are not married.

In some languages people will want to use the polite expression to refer to this deed in this book. This might be an idiom. For example:

lie/sleep with someone who is not your wife or husband

2:22b

do you commit adultery?: This is a rhetorical question. It emphasizes that this person should not commit adultery. Translate this clause with that meaning. Here are some ways:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

but do you commit adultery? (Good News Translation)

• As a statement. For example:

you yourself commit adultery
-or-
maybe it is you who commits adultery

2:22c

You who abhor idols: The word abhor means to hate and turn away from something, because it is so bad. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

You detest idols (Good News Translation)
-or-
you treat idols with disgust (God’s Word)
-or-
You hate idols (New Century Version)

idols: An “idol” is a statue or other physical representation of a god. It is something before which someone could worship that god.

2:22d

do you rob temples?: This is a rhetorical question. It emphasizes that this person should not rob temples. Translate this clause with that meaning. Here are some ways:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

but do you rob temples? (Good News Translation)

• As a statement. For example:

you yourself rob temples
-or-
maybe it is you who rob temples

It is likely that Paul meant this literally, since there are a few stories about Jews going and stealing valuable things from temples of pagan gods. But Gentiles thought this was a really bad crime, as bad as killing people.

temples: Here the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as temples refers to buildings where a god is worshipped. Greek temples usually had a statue of the god and an altar. Some languages do not have a word for this meaning. If that is true in your language, explain the meaning in the text. For example:

houses of/for worship
-or-

⌊pagan⌋ worship houses/places

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 3:25

3:25a

God presented Him: Here the word presented means “to display publicly.” God had Jesus do his work openly, for everyone to see. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

whom God put forward (English Standard Version)
-or-
whom God displayed publicly (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
God sent openly

as the atoning sacrifice: These are two main ways to interpret the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as atoning sacrifice :

(1) It refers to making amends for sin. Jesus’ death for the sake of mankind paid the penalty for sin. God could then forgive their sins. For example:

as a sacrifice of atonement (New International Version)

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

(2) It refers to appeasing God’s anger against sin. Jesus’ death for the sake of mankind allowed God to forsake his anger against the sins of people. For example:

as a means to appease his wrath

(English Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, King James Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because BDAG supports it. Here are other ways to translate this word according to interpretation (1):

as a sacrifice for reconciliation (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
as a way to forgive sin (New Century Version)

3:25b

through faith: The Berean Standard Bible literally translates these Greek words. When we believe that God accepted the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross to atone for our sin, God forgives and accepts us. Believing in Jesus makes his work effective in our lives. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

through their faith in him (Good News Translation)
-or-
to be received and made effective in ourselves by faith (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
so that he would forgive our sins if we believe in Yesus
-or-
in order to clear the sins of all people who would believe in him

in His blood:
In the Old Testament God required a sacrifice of an animal to atone for sin. Here, the blood of Christ was poured out as the ultimate sacrifice to atone for people’s sins. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

through the shedding of his blood (New International Version (2011))
-or-
by-means-of his blood
-or-
by ⌊the sacrifice of⌋ Jesus’/his ⌊own⌋ blood

3:25c

in order to demonstrate: The Greek is literally “for the display of.” The Greek sentence continues from 3:25b. For example:

to demonstrate (New American Standard Bible)

But in some languages it is more natural to begin a new sentence here. For example:

He did this to demonstrate (New International Version)
-or-
God did that in order to show

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

(1) It means righteousness here. God does what is right. For example:

he is righteous (Good News Translation)

(Berean Standard Bible, English Standard Version, Revised Standard Version, New International Version (2011), Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Standard Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition, King James Version, NET Bible, Contemporary English Version, New Century Version)

(2) It means justice here. God judges in a right way, according to what is right and wrong. For example:

his justice (Revised English Bible)

(New International Version (1984), Revised English Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because the BDAG and L&N support it.

See how you translated this word in 1:17 or 3:5.

3:25d

because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand: The Greek is literally “because of the passing by of the previously occurred sins.” In the past God did not immediately judge and punish sins. He waited for Jesus to atone for sins for those who believed in Jesus. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

because in his forbearance he had overlooked the sins of the past (Revised English Bible)
-or-
In his patience God waited to deal with sins committed in the past. (God’s Word)
-or-
when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past (New Living Translation (2004))

in His forbearance: This phrase is the first phrase of 3:26 in the UBS Handbook Greek New Testament. But it connects to “he passed over former sins,” and the King James Version put it in 3:25, so many English versions put it in 3:25.

The Greek is literally “in the forbearance of God.” The word forbearance means “being patient with.” God patiently waited for Jesus to atone for sins while people continued to sin. See the examples above.

the sins committed beforehand: These are the wrongdoings of people who lived during the time of God’s first covenant before Jesus died and God resurrected him.

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2020