SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2020 – Page 33

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 4:21

4:21

In the Greek the clause in 4:21 connects to “was strengthened in his faith” (4:20b) in a similar way that 4:20c does. Consider how to connect it in your translation. For example:

He also was fully convinced…
-or-
Furthermore, he was fully convinced
-or-

⌊and as⌋ he was fully convinced…

being fully persuaded: This phrase means “completely sure about something.” Abraham was completely sure that God would do what he promised. For example:

was absolutely sure (Good News Translation)
-or-
was certain (Contemporary English Version)

God was able to do what He had promised: The Greek is literally “what he promised he is also able to do.” The pronoun “he” refers to God here. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

what God had promised, He was able also to perform (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
God was able to do what he had promised (New Century Version)
-or-
God could do what he had promised (Contemporary English Version)

The Greek present tense indicates that God was able to do what he promised then and he is able to do what he promised now and will be able to do what he promised in the future.

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 6:7

6:7

For: This word introduces a clause that supports what Paul said in 6:6c.

anyone who has died has been freed from sin: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause here. For example:

⌊God⌋ has set free from sin the one who has died

anyone who has died: Some scholars think this clause refers to believers, connecting to 6:5, but others think it refers generally to people. A literal translation allows for either interpretation. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

one who has died (English Standard Version)
-or-
Someone who has died (New Jerusalem Bible)

freed from sin: These words refer to no longer being under the power of sin. Some languages use an idiom for this meaning. For example:

untied from sin

sin: The singular word sin refers to sin as a concept. Here its power to make people sin is implied. In some languages, a different translation is necessary to make that clear. For example:

sins
-or-

⌊the power of⌋ sin

See how you translated this word in 6:2.

General Comment on 6:7

Paul used the singular here. In some languages a plural would be more natural. For example:

For those who have died have been set free from sin

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 7:16

7:16a

And: The Greek word here is often translated “but” or even “now” (as in the English Standard Version). It introduces something more that Paul said about himself and the law.

if I do what I do not want to do: Here the word if introduces a situation that is true. If this first part is true, that supports the second part (“I admit that the law is good”) 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:

I do what I do not want to do. ⌊True?⌋ ⌊So⌋…
-or-

⌊Would you agree that⌋ I do what I do not want to do? ⌊So⌋…
-or-

⌊You would agree that⌋ I do what I do not want to do. ⌊So⌋…

7:16b

I admit that the law is good: There are two ways to interpret the Greek words here:

(1) There is agreement with the Laws of Moses. For example:

I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good (New American Standard Bible)

(English Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, Revised English Bible)

(2) There is agreement about the Laws of Moses. For example:

I agree that the law is good (New International Version)

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

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because the Greek grammar does not support interpretation (2).

good: This word indicates that the laws are good and therefore it is good that people follow them.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 8:23

8:23a

Not only that, but we ourselves: The Greek is literally “and not only (so) but also ourselves.” These words emphasize the fact that believers also groan as we wait for the redemption of our bodies. In some languages the first part must have a verb. In some languages adding “also” in the last part is more natural. For example:

not only the creation ⌊groans⌋, but we ourselves also

Not only that: Some languages add the words “the creation.” These words are clearly implied in the Greek. For example:

And not only the creation (English Standard Version)

we ourselves: The word ourselves emphasizes the word we here. The Greek also has the word that means “also” here. For example:

also we ourselves (New American Standard Bible)

8:23b

who have the firstfruits of the Spirit: This clause describes all believers. It does not indicate that only some believers have the firstfruits of the Spirit. Some languages must translate with something other than who for the correct meaning. For example:

and we have the firstfruits of the Spirit
-or-
God gave to us the firstfruits of the Spirit

the firstfruits of the Spirit: The word firstfruits is often used to refer to a small portion of the first harvest of a crop. It was given as an offering to God as a way of thanking him for the whole harvest. But here it refers to something God has given believers. The Spirit is his pledge to us that we will receive the redemption of our bodies from the corruption of this world (8:23e). Here is another way to translate this phrase:

the Spirit as a pledge

the Spirit: This refers to the Holy Spirit.

8:23c

groan inwardly: The Greek is more literally “we ourselves also groan within ourselves.” It indicates that we groan in our hearts, not out loud. The Greek word translated “we” is repeated for emphasis. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

even we ourselves groan within ourselves (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
we ourselves also groan in our hearts/insides

In some languages it is not natural to repeat “we ourselves also” here. For example:

groan inside ourselves (New Jerusalem Bible)

8:23d

as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons: Here the first as indicates that waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons occurs at the same time as groaning inwardly (8:23c). Here are other ways to translate these words:

at the same time that we wait eagerly for adoption as sons
-or-

while we wait eagerly for adoption as sons

we wait eagerly: This phrase indicates that believers wait interested in our future adoption and wanting it to happen.

The same Greek word occurs in 8:19. See how you translated “waits in eager expectation” in 8:19.

our adoption as sons: The Berean Standard Bible adds the words as sons. The word adoption refers to taking someone who is not your child and making them legally your child. See how you translated this phrase in 8:15, where the Berean Standard Bible translates it as “sonship.”

This is a future event, unlike in 8:15. Here this is the final part of becoming God adopted children, as 8:23e explains. In some languages that will need to be made clear to avoid confusion. For example:

⌊the final step of⌋ adoption as his/God’s children
-or-

⌊the last part of⌋ God adopting us as his children

8:23e

the redemption of our bodies: This explains what Paul meant here by “adoption as sons.” In some languages connecting words must be used to clearly indicate that connection. For example:

⌊that is,⌋ the redemption of our bodies
-or-

⌊it is this:⌋ the redemption of our bodies

redemption: A slave was a person who was owned by someone else. The word redemption refers to the act of purchasing a slave in order to set him or her free. Here Christ’s death and resurrection paid the price so that our own corruptible bodies will be set free from corruption and be changed into incorruptible and glorified bodies. Here are other ways to translate this word:

to be set free (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
to be released from sin and suffering (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
redeemed ⌊from corruption⌋

See how you translated this word in 3:24.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 9:27

9:27–28

These words are from Isaiah 10:22–23, but it is not an exact quote. However, Isaiah spoke in 9:27b–28b, so quote marks are needed in English. If you indicate the location of quotes from the Old Testament with cross-references, you may want to do so here.

9:27a

The Greek of 9:27a begins with a word that can be translated “and” or “but.” A number of English versions want to indicate that Paul quoted the Old Testament again, so they use “and” (English Standard Version). It is also possible to see contrast between God speaking of only a remnant of Israel being saved and some Gentiles being called “sons of the living God.” For example:

But (Revised English Bible)

In some languages it is more natural to omit this word and allow the context to indicate the correct meaning, as the Berean Standard Bible does.

Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: This clause introduces an Old Testament quote that Isaiah wrote hundreds of years before Paul wrote Romans. In some languages some or all of this must be explained. For example:

⌊in Scripture⌋ Isaiah cried out about Israel ⌊long ago⌋

Isaiah: Isaiah was an Old Testament prophet, and his book has many prophecies. In some languages it is more clear for the readers to indicate that Isaiah was a prophet. For example:

the prophet Isaiah (Contemporary English Version)

cries out: The phrase cries out indicates speaking strongly with urgency. In some languages a literal translation would refer only to weeping or wailing. If that is true in your language, translate the correct meaning. For example:

exclaims (Good News Translation)
-or-
makes this proclamation (Revised English Bible)
-or-
said loudly/urgently

The Greek and the Berean Standard Bible use the present tense here, as in 9:15. Greek scholars call it the historical present. In many languages the normal way of referring to a past event must be used, as in the last example above.

Israel: Here this word refers to the people group called Israel.

9:27b

Though: The form of this Greek clause expresses something that is possible but not certain. Here, in the case where the number of the people of Israel might become as much as the sand of the seashore, only a portion (the remnant) will be saved (9:27c).

the number of the Israelites is like the sand of the sea: This clause compares the number of the people of Israel to the number of grains of sand on the seashore. It is a poetic exaggeration to say “very, very many.” Here are other ways to translate this clause:

the people of Israel are as many as the grains of sand by the sea (Good News Translation)
-or-
the people of Israel are as numerous as the grains of sand along every beach
-or-
the number (lit. manyness) of the descendants of Israel is like the sand on the edge of the ocean

sand of the sea: This refers to the sand on the ocean beaches around the world. See the above examples.

9:27c

only the remnant will be saved: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

⌊God⌋ will save only the remnant

remnant: This word means “the portion left behind” or “the portion still remaining.” God will save only some Israelites.

saved: This word refers to being rescued from something harmful or dangerous.

See how you translated this word in 5:10 or 8:24.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 11:5

11:5a

In the same way: The Greek words here are “in-that-manner therefore also.” The word “in-that-manner” indicates that what is happening now is like what happened in the past. God chose a remnant in the time of Elijah and he chose a remnant in the time of Paul. The word “therefore” indicates that Paul said something based on what he said earlier. The word “also” indicates that something happened again that was similar to what happened earlier. Here are other ways to translate this Greek phrase:

So too (English Standard Version)
-or-
In just the same way (Revised English Bible)
-or-
What it is like now in our time is like that,

there is a remnant: The Greek is more literally “a remnant has begun existing.” God chose a small number of Jews to believe in him in the time of Elijah, and he chose a small number of Jews to believe in Jesus as the Christ/Messiah in Paul’s time. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

there are not many Jews who have been chosen
-or-
God has chosen a few people only among all the people

remnant: This word means “the portion left behind” or “the portion still remaining.” God will save only some Israelites. See how you translated this word in 9:27.

11:5b

chosen by grace: The Greek is more literally “according to a choice of grace.” God chose these Jews because he wanted to bless them, not because of anything that they had done. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

whom God has chosen because of his grace (Good News Translation)
-or-
his undeserved kindness in choosing them (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
because he was kind and chose them

grace: This word refers to kindness that is given 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 1:5 or 6:15.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 12:1

Division 12:1–15:13

Live according to God’s mercy in these ways

In this division, Paul gave many rules on how to live as Christians.

Here are other possible headings for this division:

How/The-way to live as Christians
-or-
Paul taught about living as Christians

Section 12:1–21

Paul taught about our body, love, and revenge

In this section, Paul taught that believers should use their bodies in ways that are holy and acceptable to God. Our thinking must change so that it follows the will of God and not the thinking of the people of this world.

Paul also taught that believers should not be more proud of themselves than what is right before God. We all have different gifts from the Holy Spirit, and we should use them.

Believers should love in a genuine way, avoid evil deeds, honor others, be full of eagerness to serve the Lord. They should rejoice, be patient, pray, help others, and show hospitality.

Believers should bless the people who persecute them, and live in sympathy and harmony with other believers. They are not to be proud such that they avoid people with no status in society. They are not to think of themselves as wise.

Believers are not to take revenge, but leave that for God to do something about the evil done to them. They are to do things that are honorable and live at peace with others, if they can. They are to bless their enemies by doing good to them.

Here are other possible headings for this section:

The New Life in Christ (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Our bodies, thinking, and deeds must be holy and good

Paragraph 12:1–2

12:1a

Therefore I urge you, brothers: In many languages the word brothers must be first in the clause. But also in many languages the word Therefore must be first in the clause. Order the words in a way that is natural in your language. For example:

Therefore, brothers, I appeal to you
-or-
Brothers, I therefore appeal to you

Therefore: This word introduces a result of what Paul said in earlier chapters, not just 11:36. For example:

considering all those things

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)

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 11:25.

12:1b

on account of God’s mercy: There are several ways to interpret the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as on account of :

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

by the mercies of God (English Standard Version)

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

(2) It introduces the circumstances in which Paul urged them. For example:

in view of God’s mercy (New International Version)

(New International Version, New Jerusalem Bible)

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

because of God’s great mercy to us (Good News Translation)

(Good News Translation, Berean Standard Bible, God’s Word, New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because the BDAG supports both (1) and (2), and (1) seems more likely here.

mercy: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as mercy refers to concern for someone with troubles and here implies helping that person. It is one of the ways a father feels toward his children when they are in trouble and need help. (It is not the usual Greek word translated mercy.) Here are other ways to translate this word:

compassion (God’s Word)
-or-
sympathy

12:1c

to offer your bodies as living sacrifices: This is a figure of speech. It indicates that believers should allow God to say what they should do with their bodies. So the Berean Standard Bible and other English versions add the word as. In some languages it will be more clear to:

• Explain the figure of speech in your translation. For example:

give your life to serving God as if a sacrifice

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

These words indicate that we are to wholly serve God.

to offer: Here the word offer refers to putting something in front of someone, either as a gift or for that person to do something with it. Here are other ways to translate this word:

present (English Standard Version)
-or-
give (New Living Translation (2004))

as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God: The Greek is more literally “a sacrifice, living, holy, pleasing to God.” The words living and holy and the phrase pleasing to God all describe what kind of sacrifice this is. For example:

a sacrifice—alive, holy, and pleasing to God (NET Bible)
-or-
a sacrifice that is living and holy and pleases God

living: Here this word indicates that this sacrifice still lives and therefore is able to do God’s will. This is unlike usual sacrifices, which are killed at the altar and therefore not able to do anything.

sacrifices: As a part of the Jewish religion, people would kill an animal, put it over a fire, then offer it to God. They sometimes burnt the animal whole and sometimes they or the priests ate it, depending on the type of “sacrifice” that they were offering. This was done to honor and worship God. The Greeks and Romans did something similar for their gods.

Here are other ways to translate this word:

offering
-or-
gift for God to use

holy: Here this word means “set apart for God’s use.” It also implies that it is special, because it belongs to God. See how you translated this word in 11:16.

pleasing to God: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as pleasing also means “acceptable.” Presenting one’s body has to be the proper kind of sacrifice, so that God accepts it.

12:1d

which is your spiritual service of worship: These words further describe presenting your bodies as a sacrifice. It does not separate this presenting from other presentings. For the correct meaning in some languages, translators must avoid the word which. For example:

This is the way to worship him in your mind
-or-
That is your worship custom that is appropriate

spiritual: The Greek word here was used to describe a human being’s ability to think, an action that makes us different from animals. Paul probably used it here to describe worship that is true and proper. Here are other ways to translate this word:

the worship offered by mind and heart (Revised English Bible)
-or-
intelligent (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

service of worship: This word refers to religious activities done for the purpose of honoring God.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 13:12

13:12a

The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near: The semi-colon (;) indicates that there is a connection between the two parts of this saying but does not say what that connection is. Here “and” is implied. For example:

The night is almost gone, and the day is near (New American Standard Bible)

The night is nearly over: The night is a metaphor for the present evil age in which we live. That it is nearly over means that it is coming to an end. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

The night is far gone (English Standard Version)
-or-
The night has almost ended

In some languages a literal translation would refer only to actual night or would not imply a time of evil. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

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

This indicates that the time of evil will soon end.

• Explain its meaning in your translation. For example:

The night, ⌊that is, this time of evil,⌋ is nearly over

the day has drawn near: The phrase the day is a metaphor for the blessed time that begins after Jesus returns. That it is near means that it will soon happen. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

the day is almost here (New International Version)
-or-
the day has almost begun

In some languages a literal translation would refer only to actual day or would not imply a time of special goodness. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

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

This indicates that the time of blessedness/goodness will soon begin.

• Explain its meaning in your translation. For example:

The day, ⌊that is, the time of blessedness/goodness,⌋ is nearly here

13:12b

So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness: The phrase the deeds of darkness refers to deeds that are consistent with darkness. The phrase lay aside indicates that we must stop doing them. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

let us cast off the works of darkness (English Standard Version)
-or-
we should get rid of the things that belong to the dark (God’s Word)

In some languages a literal translation would refer only to anything done in the dark. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

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

This indicates that we must stop doing evil deeds.

• Explain its meaning in your translation. For example:

let us cast off the works of darkness ⌊that is, evil deeds⌋

deeds: This word refers to deeds, not to something related to work. See the above examples.

13:12c

put on the armor of light: The words “let us” are implied from 13:12b. This clause is a figure of speech that indicates that believers must use the things of God that help us in our struggles with evil.

In some languages a literal translation would refer only to actual armor. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

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

This indicates that we must use the things that God gives to us to fight spiritual battles.

• Explain its meaning in your translation. For example:

let us put on the armor of light ⌊that is, things that God gives us to fight our spiritual battles⌋
-or-
let us put on the armor of light ⌊that is, things that God gives us to strengthen our lives⌋

armor: The Greek is more literally “weapons.” For example:

the things of fighting/war

light: Paul used this word as an opposite to the word “darkness” in 13:12b. Here it implies good things, things that God gives us. See examples in the note on “put on the armor of light” above.

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2020

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 4:21

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 6:7

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 7:16

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 8:23

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 9:27

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 11:5

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 12:1

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 13:12

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