SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2020 – Page 31

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 11:7

Paragraph 11:7–10

11:7a

What then?: This is a rhetorical question. It introduces what Paul said in 11:7b. Translate it with that meaning. Here are some ways:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

What does all this mean?
-or-
What shall we conclude then?
-or-
What then will we say?

• As a statement. For example:

This means that… (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
What all these things mean to say is that

See how you translated this question in 3:9 or 6:15, but note that in those verses another question follows.

11:7b

What Israel was seeking, it failed to obtain: Here the word What may refer to righteousness (9:31, 10:3–5) or something else. Your translation should imply righteousness or something similar.

seeking: There are several ways to interpret the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as seeking :

(1) It means to search for something, as in the Berean Standard Bible.

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

(2) It means to search hard for something. For example:

sought so earnestly (New International Version)

(New International Version, New Living Translation (2004), NET Bible)

(3) It means to strive for something. For example:

striving for (God’s Word)

(God’s Word)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because many Greek lexicons and scholars support it.

obtain: Here this word refers to becoming the people they wanted to be. They wanted to be right with God and looked for the way to do that, but they did not achieve it. Here are other ways to translate this word:

attain (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
-or-
achieve (God’s Word)
-or-
succeed (New Century Version)

11:7c

the elect: The word elect refers to the people who are chosen. Here it refers to those whom God has chosen to save. Here are other ways to translate this word:

those who were chosen (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
the ones God has chosen (New Living Translation (2004))

Here this word probably refers only to the Jews whom God has chosen to believe in Jesus as the Christ/Messiah.

11:7d

The others were hardened: This clause is passive. Some languages must translate with an active clause. For example:

⌊God⌋ hardened the rest

The others: Here the word others refers to those who are not the elect (11:7c).

hardened: This word means “to cause someone to have difficulty in understanding (something),” or “to cause someone to be completely unwilling to learn and to accept new information.” Here are other ways to translate this word:

made stubborn and refused to listen to God (New Century Version)
-or-
made their minds closed

© 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 12:3

Paragraph 12:3–8

12:3a

For: Here this word introduces a way to be renewed in the mind (12:2b).

by the grace given me: There are two ways to interpret the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as by :

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

through the grace that I have been given (New Jerusalem Bible)

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

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

because of God’s gracious gift to me (Good News Translation)

(Good News Translation, New Living Translation (2004), God’s Word, New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because the BDAG supports it.

the grace given me: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

the grace that ⌊God⌋ gave to me

grace: Here this word refers to God’s gift of power to Paul that made him an apostle. See how you translated this word in 1:5.

12:3b

every one of you: This phrase refers to every person in the group of believers at Rome. For example:

everyone among you (English Standard Version)

12:3c

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought: This clause indicates that a believer should think about himself in a way that does not go beyond what God says about him. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think (English Standard Version)
-or-
never pride yourself on being better than you really are (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
Don’t think you are better than you really are (New Living Translation (2004))

12:3d

with sober judgment: This phrase refers to thinking in a reasonable or sensible way. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

Use good sense (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
with proper/good thinking

12:3e

according to the measure of faith God has given you: This phrase indicates that a believer should think of himself according to the amount of faith that God has given to him. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you (New International Version)
-or-
based on how much faith God has given to each of you

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 13:14

13:14a

Instead: This word indicates contrast to orgies, drunkenness, sexual immorality, sensuality, quarreling, and jealousy. But 13:13 says we are not to do those things. Some languages would not see contrast here to not doing those things. For example:

Let your armour… (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
Rather ⌊than doing those things⌋,

clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ: This is a figure of speech that indicates that a believer should have the same thinking and behavior as Jesus.

In some languages a literal translation would have the wrong meaning. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

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

This indicates that a believer should have the same thinking and behavior as Jesus.

• Explain the meaning in your translation. For example:

clothe yourselves with ⌊the characteristics of⌋ the Lord Jesus Christ

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

think and behave like the Lord Jesus Christ

You may then want to give the literal words in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:

Literally: clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ

13:14b

make no provision: This phrase refers to thinking about something ahead of time and plan what you will do about it. Here it indicates planning ways to fulfill the desires of the body. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

make no plans
-or-
do not think about how to make happy

for the desires: The Greek is literally “for desires/lusts.” It indicates that the goal of the plans is to satisfy the desires of the body. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

in regard to its lusts (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
may be fulfilled (New Jerusalem Bible)

the flesh: Here this word refers to the natural way people live. Here are other ways to translate this word:

human nature
-or-
our natural inclinations
-or-
our old nature
-or-
our own desires

See how you translated this word in 8:3.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 15:9

15:9a

so that: This phrase introduces another purpose for Christ becoming a servant to the Jews to show God’s truthfulness (15:8a–b). Not only do the Jews see that Jesus has confirmed the promises to the patriarchs (15:8c), but the Gentiles also glorify God because of him.

the Gentiles: Not all Gentiles will glorify God because of Jesus. Your translation should not indicate or imply that all Gentiles will do that. In English, dropping the word the implies some Gentiles. For example:

Gentiles

Gentiles: Here this word refers to all people groups except the Jews. See how you translated this word in 1:13 or 11:25.

glorify God: Here the word glorify refers to praising and honoring God, which adds to his glory. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

give glory to God (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
praise God (Good News Translation)

mercy: This word refers to being concerned for someone who is in a bad situation and helping him in some way, including even forgiving him for something bad he did. See how you translated this word in 9:15 or 11:31.

General Comment on 15:9a

15:9a is a purpose clause. Some Gentiles have already praised God for Jesus and more later will praise him for the same reason. So this purpose is already partly fulfilled. Consider how to translate this clause indicating or implying that meaning.

15:9b–c

As it is written: This clause introduces quotes from Scripture. The quotes were written hundreds of years before Paul wrote the letter to the Romans. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly indicate the quote was written at the same time as Paul wrote here. If that is true in your language, indicate it was written long before Paul wrote this letter. For example:

As it was written ⌊long ago⌋

This clause is passive. Some languages must use another kind of clause here. For example:

As ⌊the writer of Scripture⌋ wrote ⌊long ago⌋
-or-
It is like it says in the Holy Book

See how you translated this clause in 1:17 or 15:3.

Therefore I will praise You among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to Your name: These words are quoted from either Psalm 18:49 or 2 Samuel 22:50. If you indicate the location of quotes from the Old Testament with cross-references, you may want to do so here.

praise: This word refers to this person saying that God is good and other such things.

sing hymns to Your name: This phrase indicates that the songs honored and praised God. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

sing praises of/to your name
-or-
I will praise you (sg) with my songs

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 16:8

16:8

Ampliatus:
This name refers to a man.

my beloved in the Lord: See how you translated my beloved in 16:5.

in the Lord: See how you translated this phrase in 16:2a.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 1:9

1:9a

The Greek of 1:9a begins with a word that is often translated as “for” (as in the English Standard Version). This word introduces support for Paul saying that he thanked God for the believers in Rome. Some languages can omit this word and imply this connection, as the Berean Standard Bible does.

God…is my witness: This clause is an oath. Paul knew that God could confirm that Paul was praying often for the believers in Rome. It also encourages the believers in Rome to believe that Paul was praying often for them and not doubt what he said here. It also emphasizes that Paul was speaking the truth about praying for them. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

God knows and can tell you
-or-
God has seen and can proclaim

whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel of His Son: This clause further describes God. It does not separate this God from other gods. For the correct meaning in some languages, translators must avoid the word whom. Here is one way:

I serve God with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, and he is my witness

This clause also interrupts what Paul wanted the Roman believers to know (in the Greek: “God is my witness…that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers”). In some languages, it is more natural to have this clause in a different place. For example:

For I serve God with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, and he is my witness
-or-

9-10 God is my witness that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers. I serve him with my spirit in the gospel of his Son. I am asking…

I serve: Here this word refers to doing things that God wants people to do. For Paul, this word would include his work as an apostle and evangelist. Here are other ways to translate this word:

I do his will
-or-
I do everything that he commands me to do

This word does not refer to giving food to God here.

with my spirit: There are two ways to interpret the Greek words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as with my spirit :

(1) It indicates that Paul’s spirit was the means by which he served God. For example:

in my spirit (New American Standard Bible)

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New International Version (2011), New Jerusalem Bible, King James Version, New American Standard Bible, NET Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition, English Standard Version)

(2) It refers to the sincerity of Paul’s service. Paul was saying that he served God completely or wholeheartedly. For example:

whom I serve with my whole heart (New International Version)

(New International Version, Good News Translation, New Living Translation (2004), Contemporary English Version, New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because the Greek phrase “in…spirit” does not mean “sincere” anywhere else in the NT.

my spirit: The word spirit refers to the part of a person that is not the physical part. It includes the thinking, attitudes, emotions, and desires of that person. In some languages spirit is only used after a person has died physically. If that is true in your language, use the word with the correct meaning here. For example:

my insides
-or-
my life

in preaching the gospel of His Son: The phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as in preaching the gospel of His Son is literally “in the gospel of his Son.” It indicates that Paul’s service to God was in reference to sharing the good news about Jesus Christ. This included preaching, teaching, and doing miracles in the name of Jesus Christ. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

concerning the gospel of his Son
-or-
in regard to the gospel of his Son

The Berean Standard Bible supplies the phrase in preaching. This is not in the Greek. While that is part of Paul’s service, he did many other things in relation to the gospel. Here is a more general way to translate the idea:

in spreading the Good News about his Son

gospel: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as gospel means “good news.” Here, it refers to the good news that God sent Jesus to rescue us from wrongdoing and reconcile us to God. See how you translated this word in 1:1.

of: The word of here probably indicates that the gospel informs people about Jesus. For example:

about (New Living Translation (2004))

His Son: The phrase His Son refers to Jesus. He is God’s Son. It indicates that the relationship between God and Jesus is similar to the relationship of human fathers and their sons. See how you translated this phrase in 1:3.

1:9b

how constantly: This phrase is an exaggeration for emphasis. Here it means “continually” or “all the time.” It does not mean “every minute that Paul was awake.” Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

continually (NET Bible)
-or-
never stop (Contemporary English Version)

I remember you: This word indicates here that Paul referred to them when he to God. It also may indicate remembering to pray for them. Paul prayed briefly but often for the Roman believers.

© 2016 by SIL International®
Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.
All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2:9

2:9a

There will be trouble and distress for: The Greek is literally “tribulation and distress on.” The Berean Standard Bible and many English versions add the words There will be to make the English natural.

The context probably implies the words “he will give” again from 2:7c. For example:

He will give trouble and suffering to (New Century Version)

trouble: The Greek word refers to oppression, suffering, or persecution. God will cause all people who do evil to suffer.

distress: This word refers to difficulties or troubles that people experience. God’s punishment will be very difficult for these evil people.

who does evil: The word does indicates doing evil often. For example:

who lives doing evil
-or-
who practices evil deeds

does evil: This phrase refers to bad behavior. It includes not only treating others in unfair ways but also living in morally bad ways. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

are wicked (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
is a wrongdoer (Revised English Bible)
-or-
do bad

2:9b

first for the Jew, then for the Greek: This indicates that God will punish both Jews and Greeks. It also indicates that the Jews are first in status or time. The Jews are God’s people (higher status) but God will still judge them for their sins. Or it could mean that on the day of judgment, God will judge the Jews first.

In some languages, a literal translation would wrongly indicate two separate judgments. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Translate the literal meaning and allow other verses to indicate the correct meaning.

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

These words indicate that either (1) The Jews have higher status as God’s people but God will still judge them for their sins; or (2) On the day of judgment, God will judge the Jews first.

• Translate the meaning of the figure of speech. For example:

especially the Jews but so also the Gentiles

Greek: Here this word refers to people who are not Jews. For example:

Gentile (New International Version)
-or-
those who are not Jews (New Century Version)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 3:12

3:12a

turned away: This phrase refers to leaving the correct path. It is figurative language and refers to no longer living in a way that honors God. In some languages a literal translation would not have the correct meaning. If that is true in your language, explain the correct meaning in the text. For example:

turned aside ⌊from God’s ways⌋
-or-
turned aside ⌊to walk a bad path⌋
-or-
turned-their-backs on God

3:12b

together: Here this word refers to the “all” of 3:12a. It does not indicate that they all became worthless at the same time. In some languages a literal translation would indicate the wrong meaning. For a clearer indication of the correct meaning in English, the New American Bible, Revised Edition just repeats “all” from 3:12a. It says:

12a All have gone astray; 12b all alike are worthless

become worthless: The Greek word here refers to becoming good for nothing because of always doing bad things. Here are other ways to translate this Greek word:

have become debased (Revised English Bible)
-or-
are completely bad

3:12c

there is no one who does good: There are two ways to interpret the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as does good :

(1) It means goodness or kindness here. For example:

there is no one who does good (New International Version)

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

(2) It means right here. For example:

no one does what is right (Good News Translation)

(Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, Contemporary English Version)

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

not even one: The phrase not even one emphasizes the meaning of the phrase “no one.” Here are other ways to translate these words:

not a single one (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
no, not one

General Comment on 3:10b–12c

These words are similar to the words found in Psalms 14:1–3, 53:1–3, and Ecclesiastes 7:20.

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2020