SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2020 – Page 32

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 8:39

8:39a

height…depth: There are several ways to interpret the Greek words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as height and depth :

(1) Interpret these words as relating to something connected to the literal sense of these words. For example:

the heights…the depths (New Jerusalem Bible)

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

(2) It refers to powerful spirits high in the sky and in the earth or sea below. For example:

powers above…powers below (Contemporary English Version)

(New Living Translation (2004), God’s Word, Contemporary English Version)

(3) It refers to a world high in the sky and a world in the earth below. For example:

the world above…the world below (Good News Translation)

(Good News Translation)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because it is not clear exactly what Paul was thinking of here.

These words, height and depth, probably refers to things or beings that are high or deep (without being specific like interpretation (2) or (3)). Here are other ways to translate these words:

⌊things⌋ high above…⌊things⌋ deep down
-or-
nothing above us, nothing below us (New Century Version)

anything else in all creation: The Greek is more literally “any other created-thing.” It refers to any thing or being that God created. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

any created thing (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
any other creature (New American Bible, Revised Edition)

8:39b

separate: Here the word separate is used figuratively. It indicates that something prevents God from loving us or makes that love ineffective. See how you translated this word in 8:35.

the love of God: This refers to God loving us. Here it does not refer to us loving him.

8:39c

in Christ Jesus our Lord: The word in here indicates that God showed his love for us by sending Jesus to die on the cross for us (see 5:8). It is in relationship to Jesus that we experience God’s love for us. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

which we experience because of Cristo Jesus our Lord
-or-
through this Lord of ours Cristo Jesus
-or-

⌊which he gives us⌋ in our relationship to Jesus Christ, our Lord

Christ Jesus: 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 8:34.

our Lord: The word Lord refers to someone who has authority over people. Here it indicates that Jesus has authority over believers. See how you translated this phrase in 1:4 or 7:25.

© 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 9:32

9:32a

Why not?: Some English versions translate the Greek word here as Why not? as the Berean Standard Bible does. These translations add the word not because that same word occurs in 9:31b. In some languages it is more natural, in connection with 9:31b, to add that word here.

In some languages the question word Why alone in a question indicates a rebuke. If that is true in your language, use a question word or sentence that does not indicate a rebuke. For example:

What is the reason?
-or-
How might that be?

This is a rhetorical question. Paul immediately answered it himself. Some languages cannot use this word in that way. If that is true in your language, translate as a statement. For example:

Here is the reason: It is…

Because: Some languages do not start sentences with Because. If that is true in your language, repeat some or all of 9:31b or use the verb “do” instead. For example:

⌊They did not succeed⌋ because
-or-

⌊They did not⌋ because

their pursuit was not by faith: The Greek is literally just not by faith. Many scholars think that was is the correct verb to add here. Other scholars believe that the verb “pursue” is the correct verb to add. For example:

they did not did pursue it by faith (English Standard Version)

9:32b

but as if it were by works:
The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as by is the same Greek word translated “by” in 9:32a. Translate it the same way here.

as if it were: Here the word as indicates that it is not possible to attain the goals of the law by works. The Berean Standard Bible adds the words if it were to help with that meaning. Here are other ways to translate this Greek word:

as though it were (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
as if it was possible ⌊to pursue it⌋

works: Here this word refers to deeds. It implies deeds that God said the Jews must do. It does not refer to the outcome of someone’s paying job. For example:

what they do (Good News Translation)
-or-
their own efforts (God’s Word)
-or-
keeping the law (New Living Translation (2004))

9:32c

They stumbled over the stumbling stone: This is a figure of speech. It implies that the Jews have difficulty accepting Jesus as the Christ. But 9:33 also uses the metaphor of stumbling over a stone, so the metaphor should be kept here. But in some languages a literal translation would indicate only an actual stumbling over an actual stone, you may want to add the word “like” here. For example:

They ⌊are like those who⌋ have stumbled over the stumbling stone

stumbled: The Greek is the regular past tense. This word refers to someone losing his balance when walking because he hit his foot on something and nearly fell down.

the stumbling stone: This refers to a stone that causes people to stumble. For example:

the stone that causes stumbling (New American Bible, Revised Edition)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 11:10

11:10a

May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see: Here David asked God to make his enemies as if blind.

Paul applied this to a different group of people than David did. You should not explain who their refers to in your translation. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see (English Standard Version)
-or-
May their eyes be blinded so that they cannot see (Good News Translation)
-or-
Make their eyes ⌊as if⌋ blind so they cannot see

11:10b

(NET Bible🙂 make their backs bend: David asked God to bend the backs of his enemies. The scholars offer many suggestions as to what it might mean as a figure of speech. Other scholars say that Paul was not aiming for a specific meaning here, only that God will cause difficulties for the Jews who do not believe in Jesus. You should translate the meaning literally.

But in some languages a literal translation would not imply any figurative meaning. If that is true in your language, add a general idea of the figurative meaning. For example:

bend their backs ⌊with many difficulties/troubles⌋

(NET Bible🙂 continually: There are two ways to interpret the Greek words here:

(1) It means continuously for an unstated amount of time. For example:

unceasingly (Revised English Bible)

(Good News Translation, NET Bible, Revised English Bible)

(2) It means continuously for all time to come. For example:

forever (English Standard Version)

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

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because 11:25–32 indicates that God has not made the Jews resistant to the gospel of Jesus forever. Many scholars suggest the Greek words are an idiom that means “continuously.” The Jews who do not believe in Jesus are to have difficulties and troubles until such time that God takes away those things.

General Comment on 11:9b–10b

These words are a quote from Psalm 69:22–23. If you indicate the location of quotes from the Old Testament with cross-references, you may want to do so here.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 12:6

12:6a–b

We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith: The Berean Standard Bible adds the words let him use it. Many scholars and English versions agree that the Greek implies a command to use the gifts properly. For example, the English Standard Version adds the words of a command in the last part:

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them (English Standard Version)

12:6a

We have different gifts: This clause indicates that all believers do not have the same gift. Paul listed seven of the gifts in 12:6b–8. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

Having gifts that differ (English Standard Version)
-or-
the gifts that we have differ (New Jerusalem Bible)

gifts: This word refers to something that is given without cost to the person receiving it. Paul listed seven of the gifts in 12:6b–8. See how you translated this word in 1:11 or 11:29.

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

the grace ⌊that God⌋ gave to us

grace: This word refers to being kind to people without requiring anything in return. This kindness is not given because they have done anything to deserve it. See how you translated this word in 3:24 or 11:6.

12:6b–8

Each gift in the list has a phrase that begins with the Greek word that means “in.” Each phrase describes how each gift is to be used. Many languages must add a verb each time for a natural translation. See the note on 12:6a–b above or the individual notes below in 12:6b–8.

12:6b

prophecy: The word prophecy refers to a message that God gives to someone. The message may include a vision, as in Ezekiel 1 and Daniel 8. A prophecy may reveal something about past events, current events, or future events. The prophet speaks the prophecy to the people or writes it down for their use.

Some languages do not have a word for prophecy. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Use a descriptive phrase. For example:

direct message from God
-or-
God’s ⌊new⌋ message
-or-
a message that God has revealed

• Use the major language word. If people are not familiar with this word, you may want to explain it in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:

The word “prophecy” refers to a message that God gives to someone. The message may include a vision. A prophecy may reveal something about past events, current events, or future events.

let him use it: The Berean Standard Bible adds these words. See the note at 12:6a–b about that.

These gifts are given to each believer. They are not shared like someone might share a tool. Some languages must continue referring to the individual for the correct meaning, as the Berean Standard Bible does. Here is another way to translate this:

let ⌊each of⌋ us use them

in proportion to his faith: Here the word his refers to each of us who have the gift of prophecy. Each of us with the gift of prophecy must use it according to how much faith we have. One cannot speak true prophecies when he does not have the faith for it. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

measured to the amount of faith ⌊each of⌋ us ⌊have⌋
-or-
sized to our faith

proportion: This word refers to the relative sizes or amounts of different sorts of things. In this context, in relation to a small amount of faith, the amount of prophecy would be small, but in relation to a large amount of faith, the amount of prophecy would also be large. See the examples above.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 14:3

14:3a

The one who eats everything must not belittle: This is a command to The one who eats. He or she must not despise those who think they must not eat certain foods. For example:

The one who eats must not despise (New American Bible, Revised Edition)

The one who eats everything: This phrase refers to the person who believes he can eat any food (14:2a). In some languages a literal translation would not make that meaning clear. If that is true in your language, make it clear. For example:

the one who eats ⌊anything⌋

belittle: This word refers to considering someone to be worthless. Here are other ways to translate this word:

have contempt for
-or-
look down on (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
call worthless

the one who does not: The Greek is literally “the one not eating.” It refers to the person who believes it is not right for him to eat certain foods, so he does not eat them. In some languages a literal translation would not make that meaning clear. If that is true in your language, make it clear.

the one who does not eat ⌊certain foods⌋
-or-
the one who avoids ⌊some kinds of food⌋

General Comment on 14:3a

The words “eats” and “does” are in the English present tense. They indicate what is usually done by these two people. In some languages using the way to indicate habitual action would be the best translation.

14:3b

judge: Here this phrase refers to considering someone to be a bad person. It does not refer here to what a judge does in a courtroom. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

condemn (New International Version)
-or-
consider as a bad person
-or-
criticize (God’s Word)

14:3c

for: Here this word introduces the reason why believers should not despise or pass judgment on other believers. For example:

because (New Jerusalem Bible)

accepted: The Greek word refers to bringing in someone into your group of friends and accepting him or her. See how you translated this word in 14:1.

him: Here this word refers to both the believer who eats all foods and the believer who does not eat certain foods. It refers to both men and women. For example:

them (New International Version (2011))

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 15:12

15:12a

This quote is from Isaiah 11:10. If you indicate the location of quotes from the Old Testament with cross-references, you may want to do so here.

And once more, Isaiah says: This refers to what Isaiah wrote in Scripture. If you added the implied information about the quotes in 15:9–11 being from Scripture, you may want to include it here too. For example:

And also ⌊in the Scriptures⌋ Isaiah said

(alt:) the shoot of Jesse: There are two ways to interpret the Greek word that is translated as shoot :

(1) It refers to a shoot from the root and it is a figure of speech for a descendant. For example:

descendant (Good News Translation)

(Good News Translation, Revised English Bible, New Living Translation (2004))

(2) It refers to a root.

(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, God’s Word, NET Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because the BDAG supports it. Either way this phrase is a title for the Messiah/Christ.

Jesse: Jesse was King David’s father. The phrase “the shoot of Jesse” is used in the book of Isaiah as a reference to the Messiah. If readers of your translation will not be familiar with who Jesse is or this title for the Messiah, you may want to explain it in a footnote. Here are some example footnotes:

Jesse was King David’s father.
-or-
The words “the shoot of Jesse” are a title for the Messiah. Jesse was King David’s father.

will appear: The Greek word is more literally “will be.” It indicates that, in the future to when this was first said, the shoot of Jesse will exist. In English “there is” is the most natural translation. For example:

There will be the shoot of Jesse

But in many languages following this English translation would not indicate the correct meaning. A verb other than “be” may be needed. For example:

will arrive
-or-
will come (English Standard Version)

In some languages continuing the figurative language from “the shoot of Jesse” would be more natural. For example:

The shoot of Jesse will arise

15:12b

One who will arise to rule over the Gentiles: The Greek of 15:12b begins with a word that is often translated “and” or “also.” Here the word introduces something more about the shoot of Jesse. It emphasizes the words that follow and says they are as important or possibly more important than what was just said. For example:

indeed, one who will arise to rule

One who will arise to rule: The Greek is present tense here, but this event occurs at the same time as the future event of “there will be the shoot of Jesse” (15:12a). You should probably use the same tense here as you did in the clause about the shoot of Jesse.

will arise to rule: The words will arise refers to standing up from sitting or lying down. Here it is a figure of speech that means “comes to do” something. The purpose of this man arising is to rule. Here are other ways to translate this word:

appears ⌊and begins⌋ to rule
-or-
takes on the work of ruling

15:12c

in Him the Gentiles will put their hope: The phrase in Him is emphasized by being first in the clause. In some languages the phrase must be in its normal place. For example:

the Gentiles will put their hope in him

Some of these languages can emphasize this phrase in another way. For example:

the Gentiles will put their hope in him indeed
-or-
the Gentiles will put their hope, hey, in him

in Him…hope: These Gentiles will believe in God and his Messiah, and so they will have hope that he will fulfill his other promises in Scripture.

Some languages must say what is hoped for, more than just hoping in Him. If that is true in your language, refer to fulfillment of God’s promises that are not yet fulfilled. For example:

hope in his ⌊promises⌋
-or-
hope that he ⌊will fulfill his promises⌋

This is a quote from what is now called the Old Testament. You should not refer to anything that is specifically Christian or from the New Testament.

the Gentiles: Here this refers to Gentiles as a kind of person. It does not imply all Gentiles. In English omitting the word the refers to the kind of person called Gentiles but does not imply all of them. For example:

Gentiles

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 16:11

16:11a

Herodion: This name refers to a man.

fellow countryman: See how you translated this phrase in 16:7.

16:11b

those from the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord: Like at 16:10, the words from the household of refers to the family of Narcissus but not Narcissus himself. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus (English Standard Version)
-or-
those of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord’s fellowship (Revised English Bible)
-or-
the believers in the Lord living in the house of Narcissus

Narcissus: This name refers to a man.

who are in the Lord: The phrase in the Lord indicates here that only some of the family and slaves of Narcissus believed in the Lord Jesus. See the above examples.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 1:12

1:12a

that is: Here the Greek phrase indicates that Paul wanted to add to what he said in 1:11. Not only did he expect to encourage the believers in Rome (1:11) but he also expected that he and they would encourage each other (1:12). For example:

or rather (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Look, it is like-this

Your translation should not imply that what Paul said in 1:11 was incorrect.

that you and I may be mutually encouraged: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

⌊God⌋ may encourage you (plur.) and I together

mutually: Here this word refers to being together and experiencing the same thing. See the above example.

encouraged: This word refers to helping someone to have more hope about something or to have more confidence to do something. Here are other ways to translate this word:

help (New Century Version)
-or-
strengthen
-or-
help in that-which-strengthens

1:12b

by each other’s faith: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as by each other’s faith is literally “through the faith in one another, both yours and mine.” Paul said “both yours and mine” to be clear that he included himself when he said each other here. One of them talking about his or her faith would encourage the others, including Paul.

faith: To have faith in a person refers to believing in him, who he is, and who he claims to be. See how you translated this word in 1:5.

Search

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

Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2020