SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2020 – Page 30

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 16:27

16:27

to the only wise God be glory forever: This resumes what Paul was about to say concerning God at 16:25 (“to Him…”). See the examples at the General Comment below for ways to translate with that meaning in mind.

to the only wise God be glory: This phrase indicates that Paul declared that God should get glory. With this saying Paul praised God. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

may there be glory to the only wise God
-or-
glory should go to the only wise God
-or-
may glory belong to the only wise God

See how you translated be glory in 11:36.

the only wise God: The word only indicates that the God of the Jews and Christians is the only god who is wise. It also does not claim that there are other gods.

wise: The word wise refers to skillful application of knowledge to a situation or deed. See how you translated this word in 1:14 or 16:19.

glory: The word 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:

splendor
-or-
radiance
-or-
greatness

See how you translated this word in 1:23 or 11:36.

through Jesus Christ: The word through here indicates that God has glory because of what Jesus Christ did on earth.

Amen: The word Amen is a Hebrew word that means “even so” or “it is true.” The Greek borrowed the Hebrew word. English borrowed this word as well. It is used to agree with what was said. Paul wrote this expecting his readers to agree as well. See how you translated this word in 1:25 or 15:33.

General Comment on 16:25a–27

16:25b–26d is a description of how God is able to strengthen believers and also says things about the gospel, its revelation and purpose. It interrupts Paul declaring that God should get glory (“to him…to the only wise God be glory”).

This is one sentence of 52 words in the Greek (and one sentence of 73 words in the Berean Standard Bible). In some languages it is not natural to interrupt the main point with a long description. In some languages a sentence over 50 words long will be hard to understand. If either is true in your language, you may want to translate 16:25a–27 as a number of sentences. You may also want to avoid interrupting the main point. For example:

25-27 Now, he is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ. ⌊That gospel and proclamation⌋ are according to the revelation of the mystery that was concealed for ages past but now is revealed. ⌊That gospel and proclamation⌋ have been made known through the writings of the prophets, by the command of the eternal God. The purpose is to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith. To him, the only wise God, be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
-or-

25-27 Now, to ⌊God be glory⌋ ! He is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ. ⌊Those two things⌋ are according to the revelation of the mystery that was concealed for ages past but now is revealed. ⌊They⌋ have been made known through the writings of the prophets, by the command of the eternal God. The purpose is to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith. To him, the only wise God, be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

© 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 1:28

Paragraph 1:28–32

1:28a–c

Furthermore: The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Furthermore is literally “and.” It indicates that Paul said more about the people he spoke about in 1:18–27.

since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done: Here the word since introduces the reason (they did not see fit to acknowledge God, 1:28a) for the result (He gave them…, 1:28b–c). It does not connect back to 1:27. In some languages using “therefore” at the end of 1:28a would indicate the right connection. For example:

28a they did not see fit to acknowledge God, therefore 28b God gave them up to a depraved mind to do what ought not to be done

1:28a

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

(1) It means as here. For example:

just as (New International Version (2011))

(New International Version (2011), New American Standard Bible, King James Version, NET Bible)

(2) It means since here. For example:

Because (Good News Translation)

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

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because Paul used the Greek root word that means “proved” here and in 1:28b as a point of comparison.

they: Here the word they refers to the people of 1:18–27, not just the men. For example:

those people (Good News Translation)

did not see fit: The Greek words here are more literally “did not approve.” This phrase refers to thinking about whether something is good or bad and deciding it is bad. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

refuse (Good News Translation)
-or-
decided it was worthless

to acknowledge God: Here this phrase refers to continuing to believe that God exists and is involved in their lives and requires something from them. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

admit/confess God in their thinking
-or-
they recognize/consider that God exists

1:28b

He gave them up: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as gave…up refers to putting someone under the control of something or someone else. See how you translated the similar clauses in 1:24 or 1:26.

depraved: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as depraved refers to something that was tested and found worthless. It is similar to “did not see fit” in 1:28a. Here are other ways to translate this word:

debased (New International Version (2011))
-or-
corrupted (Good News Translation)

1:28c

what ought not to be done: This phrase refers to things that are not proper or fitting to be done. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

improper conduct (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
things that should never be done (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
what it is not fitting to do

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2:28

2:28a–29a

Jew…Jew: Paul now used the word Jew in a figurative sense. Here it means “a person with a special relationship to God” or “God’s people.” He did not mean being a Jew because your ancestors were Jews.

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

• Explain the word Jew in the text. For example:

Jew ⌊(and here I mean God’s people)⌋…Jew
-or-
the true Jew, I mean to say, the true person of God,…the person
-or-
It is said that the Jew is God’s people. But it is not true that one is God’s people just because he was born of Jews…

• Translate the meaning of “God’s people” here. You may then want a footnote to indicate the literal word. Here is an example footnote:

Literally “Jew.”

• Translate the word Jew as you always do but explain it here in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:

Paul now used the word “Jews” in the sense of “people with a special relationship to God” or “God’s people.” He was not talking about being a Jew because your ancestors were Jews.

2:28a

The Greek begins with a conjunction that is usually translated as “for.” The Berean Standard Bible omits this word. The conjunction introduces an explanation of what Paul said in 2:27.

outwardly: The word outwardly refers to what people can see about someone. How a person appears to look or behave may not be the same as what he truly thinks or feels. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

on the outside (Good News Translation)
-or-
in appearance and in custom only
-or-
in what is seen
-or-
in the things people see him do or wear

2:28b

nor is circumcision only outward and physical: The word nor means “and not.” For example:

and circumcision is not outward and physical

circumcision: Paul now used the word circumcision in a figurative sense. Here it means “the mark of a relationship with God.” Jewish circumcision indicates that the Jew is a member of the people who have a covenant with God. This figurative circumcision refers to right attitudes and thinking (2:29b).

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

• Explain the word circumcision in the text. For example:

circumcision ⌊(and here I mean the mark/sign that he is one of God’s people)⌋
-or-
the true circumcision, I mean to say, the true mark/sign that a person belongs to God
-or-
It is said that ⌊Jewish⌋ circumcision is the mark/sign of God’s people. But the true mark/sign is not outward and physical

• Translate the meaning of “the mark of a relationship with God” here. You may then want a footnote to indicate the literal word. Here is an example footnote:

Literally “circumcision.”

• Translate the word circumcision as you always do but explain it here in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:

Paul now used the word “circumcision” in a figurative sense. Here it means “the mark of a relationship with God.”

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

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.

Search

Step into the multitudes of languages of the Bible and join the worldwide conversation!

Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2020