SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2020 – Page 36

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 9:28

9:28

For: This word introduces an explanation about something Isaiah said in 9:27.

Lord: The word Lord refers to someone who has authority over people. See how you translated this word in 1:4 or 8:39.

In this Old Testament quote it refers to God. In some languages it is more natural to attach Lord to a name. For example:

Lord ⌊God⌋

will carry out His sentence: The Greek is literally “will do (the) word.” It indicates that God will do what he had said earlier, that is, cause destruction on the earth. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

will do what he said ⌊earlier⌋
-or-
will do what he warned ⌊that he would do⌋

on the earth: This phrase implies the people of the whole world. In some languages a literal translation would only refer to the land and trees and such things. If that is true in your language, add the implied information. For example:

on ⌊the people of⌋ the earth

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

(1) It refers to doing something completely here. For example:

thoroughly (Berean Standard Bible)

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, New American Standard Bible, English Standard Version, King James Version, God’s Word, NET Bible, Revised English Bible, New Century Version)

(2) It refers to doing something quickly here. For example:

with speed (New International Version)

(New International Version, New Living Translation (2004), Contemporary English Version)

(3) It refers to doing something without waiting here. For example:

without hesitation (New Jerusalem Bible)

(New Jerusalem Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because word is formed from “with” and the verb “to complete.”

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

(1) It means quickly here. For example:

quickly (New American Standard Bible)

(Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Standard Bible, English Standard Version, New American Bible, Revised Edition, New Revised Standard Version, NET Bible, New Century Version)

(2) It means to interrupt something that is happening here. For example:

cut [it] short (King James Version)

(King James Version)

(3) It means decisively here. For example:

with finality (New International Version)

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New International Version, New Living Translation (2004), Contemporary English Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because the BDAG says it refers to putting a limit on something, often implying an abrupt ending of it.

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 11:6

11:6a

if it is by grace: Here the word if introduces a situation that is true. If this first part is true, that supports the second part (“it is no longer by works”) 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:

should it be by grace, ⌊and it is,⌋
-or-
the basis ⌊of God choosing⌋ is grace, so

See how you translated this kind of if in 3:5 or 9:22.

it is by grace: The Greek is literally “by-grace.” The Berean Standard Bible and many English versions add the words it is for a natural English translation.

11:6b

it is no longer by works: The words no longer indicate that someone might have considered that God’s choosing was based on what that person did, but God has made it clear that it is not. These words do not imply that at one time God did choose people based on what they did. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

it is therefore not on the basis of works

by works: Here this phrase indicates that a person’s deeds are what is looked at when deciding something. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

based on works/deeds

works: Here this word refers generally to deeds. It does not refer to things done in a job or for business.

11:6c

Otherwise, grace would no longer be grace:
The word Otherwise introduces what might be true if God did choose people based on what they did. In this case, grace would accomplish nothing. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
God’s gift of grace would not really be a gift (New Century Version)
-or-

if the good they had done were the cause, it would not be possible for us to say it was grace
-or-

If they had been chosen through what they themselves have done, his grace would be meaningless

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 12:2

12:2a

Do not be conformed to this world: This clause is passive. It indicates that the believer should not allow the things of this world to change his thinking so that it goes against what God would want. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

⌊Others⌋ must not conform you to this world
-or-
Do not allow/let this world to conform you to its way of thinking

conformed: This word refers generally to making something into the shape someone desires. Here it refers to changing someone’s thinking and behavior to be like another’s thinking and behavior. Here are other ways to translate this word:

model (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
made like

this world: The Greek words are literally “this age.” It refers to the situation of life at the time of Paul and at this present time. It implies the thinking and behavior of people who do not believe, therefore thinking and behavior that does not honor God.

12:2b

but: Some languages would not naturally see contrast between “do not be conformed to this world” and “be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” For example:

and

The Otomi and Tagbanwa Back Translations on TW omit this word.

be transformed: This clause is passive. It refers to allowing God to make their thinking different than before. It follows God’s will rather than the thinking of the people of this world. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

allow ⌊God⌋ to transform

The Greek word refers generally to changing the form or nature of something. Jesus was transformed on the high mountain (Matthew 17:2) from an ordinary looking person to one filled with light. Here transformed refers to changing your outlook, thinking, and way of life to something completely new to you. Here are other ways to translate this word:

change (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
changed within (New Century Version)

The Greek present tense indicates that this transformation occurs over time; it does not happen all at once.

by: Here the word by indicates that the way to be transformed is having your mind renewed. Here is another way to translate that word:

through

renewing: This word refers to making something as if new again.

mind: This word refers to the faculty of thinking.

12:2c

Then: This word introduces the purpose of being transformed by the renewal of the mind. Here are other ways to translate this word:

so that (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
that (English Standard Version)

you will be able to test and approve: The Greek is more literally “the testing-approving (by) you (plur.).” The Greek verb refers to examining something under conditions that show what kind of thing it is and deciding if it is the right or genuine thing. Here the believer discerns what is God’s will and what is not, and so approves and does his will. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

you will approve
-or-
you will analyze and see
-or-
you will come-to-know and agree-with

See how you translated the Greek verb (“approve”) in 2:18.

will be able to: The Greek tense indicates an ongoing action. The context indicates that Paul expected the readers to test and approve God’s will.

what is: Here the word what indicates that this process of testing and approving helps the believer to learn what God’s will is.

12:2d

the…will of God: Here the word will refers to what God wants to see happen or what he wants his people to do. See how you translated this word in 1:10 or 2:18.

good, pleasing, and perfect: This clause further describes the things that God wants to happen. This clause does not separate some of the will of God from other parts of the will of God.

good: The Greek word refers to what is morally good. But many languages only have one word and it covers both morally good (for example, deeds that are good for others) and good qualities (for example, a good house).

pleasing: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as pleasing also means “acceptable” (as in 12:1). Here it probably indicates that the person finds God’s will acceptable or pleasing.

perfect: This word means “without fault.” There is nothing at all wrong with God’s will.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 13:13

13:13a

Let us behave decently: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as behave is literally “walk.” It used as a figure of speech to indicate how one lives. Believers must live decently. They must live as God wants them to live.

as in the daytime: This phrase indicates that believers should do the good deeds that people do during the day, not the evil deeds that people do during the night. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

as in the light of day (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
as in the daylight

13:13b

not in carousing and drunkenness: The words “Let us walk/behave” are implied from 13:13a. In some languages they must be repeated here for the correct meaning. For example:

Let us not live in orgies and drunkenness

carousing: The Greek word here refers to excessive feasting or parties with much drinking of alcoholic beverages. This Greek word focuses less on sexual immorality during these parties than the usual Greek word that is translated carousing. Here are other ways to translate this word:

reveling (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
drinking parties

drunkenness: This word refers generally to drinking too many alcoholic beverages so that the person becomes drunk.

13:13c

not in sexual immorality and debauchery: The list of evil deeds continues from 13:13b.

In some languages, the sentence in 13:13a–d may get too long. If you start a new sentence here you may want to repeat the words “Let us walk/live” from 13:13a. For example:

Let us walk not in sexual immorality and sensuality
-or-
Let us not walk in sexual immorality and sensuality

sexual immorality: The Greek word refers generally to sexual intercourse. It implies here sex outside of marriage.

debauchery: The Greek word refers to allowing oneself to do anything, including bad or evil behavior. Here are other ways to translate this word:

licentiousness (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
-or-
doing anything you want
-or-
indulging of disgusting desires with no self control whatsoever

See how you translated this word in Mark 7:22 or 2 Corinthians 12:21 (“debauchery” in the Berean Standard Bible both times).

13:13d

not in dissension and jealousy: The words “Let us walk/behave” are implied from 13:13a. In some languages they must be repeated here for the correct meaning.

dissension: The Greek word refers to conflict of any kind: arguments, fighting over a difference of opinion, or rivalry over a job or position. Here are other ways to translate this word:

fighting (Good News Translation)
-or-
arguing
-or-
rivalry (New American Bible, Revised Edition)

See how you translated this word in 1:29 (“strife”).

jealousy: This refers to having bad feelings toward a person because that person has something that you want for yourself.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 15:8

15:8a

For: Here this word introduces a reason for welcoming other believers.

I tell you that Christ has become a servant: The words I tell you indicate that the words that follow are important. The word that introduces what Paul wanted to tell them.

a servant of the circumcised: The Greek is more literally “a servant of the circumcision.” There are two ways to interpret the Greek word ending that often means of :

(1) It indicates that Jesus served the circumcised, that is, the Jews. For example:

serve the circumcised (New Jerusalem Bible)

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New International Version, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Standard Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition, King James Version, English Standard Version, New Living Translation (2004), NET Bible, Contemporary English Version, Revised English Bible, New Century Version)

(2) It indicates that Jesus served others on behalf of the circumcised. For example:

life of service was on behalf of the Jews (Good News Translation)

(Good News Translation, God’s Word)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because it fits better with showing God’s truthfulness (15:8b) and confirming the promises to the Jewish ancestors (15:8c).

a servant: The work of a servant was to help another person with his needs and wants. This other person tells him what he needs or wants, and the servant helps him with that need or want.

Jesus was a servant by doing things for the Jews that showed God’s truthfulness (15:8b). He did not take orders from the Jews as a servant usually would. Consider if your usual word or phrase for servant is fitting in this context.

the circumcised: Here this phrase refers to the Jews. In some languages a literal translation may not clearly indicate that. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Explain in the text. For example:

the circumcised, ⌊that is, the Jews⌋

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

This refers to the Jews.

circumcised: The word circumcised refers to cutting off the loose skin at the end of a boy’s or man’s penis. See how you translated this word in 2:25 or 4:12.

15:8b

God’s truth: There are several ways to interpret the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as truth. Here are the two main ones:

(1) It means the characteristic or habit of speaking the truth. God always speaks the truth. For example:

the truthfulness of God (New Jerusalem Bible)

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

(2) It means truth. The words of God are true. For example:

God’s truth (New International Version)

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

(3) It means being true to one’s promises. For example:

God is faithful (Good News Translation)

(Good News Translation, Revised English Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because the BDAG supports it. The BDAG does not list interpretation (3) as a sense of this Greek word.

General Comment on 15:8b

The Greek is translated as a purpose clause. Jesus fulfilled this purpose during his time on earth. In some languages purpose clauses are always unfulfilled. If that is true in your language, indicate that Jesus fulfilled this purpose. For example:

and showed God’s truthfulness
-or-
and showed that what God says is true

Often fulfilled purpose clauses are translated as result clauses. But here it was not only Christ becoming a servant that showed God’s truthfulness but also his deeds as that servant. So the above examples only imply the result connection. Consider what the best connection is in your language.

15:8c

to: This phrase introduces a second purpose clause. The first purpose clause, to show that God is truthful (15:8b), is a general statement. This purpose clause, to confirm God’s promises, is a part of that more general statement.

Jesus fulfilled this purpose of confirming the promises during his time on earth. In some languages purpose clauses are always unfulfilled. If that is true in your language, indicate that Jesus fulfilled this purpose. For example:

and confirmed…

confirm: There are several ways to interpret the Greek word here. Here are the two main ones:

(1) It means to cause something to be known as certain (L&N). The English word confirm indicates that meaning here.

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

(2) It means to cause something that was promised to happen. For example:

make…come true (Good News Translation)

(Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, God’s Word, Revised English Bible)

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

the promises made: This is a passive clause. In some languages an active clause must be used. For example:

the promises ⌊that God⌋ made

patriarchs: Here this word refers to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Here are other ways to translate this word:

forefathers
-or-
Jewish ancestors (New Century Version)

See how you translated this word in 9:5 or 11:28 (“patriarchs”).

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 16:7

16:7a

Andronicus: This name refers to a man.

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

(1) It is the Roman woman’s name Junia, as in the Berean Standard Bible.

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version (2011), Good News Translation, New Revised Standard Version, King James Version, English Standard Version, New American Bible, Revised Edition, New Living Translation (2004), NET Bible, Revised English Bible, New Century Version)

(2) It is the Roman man’s name Junias, as in the Revised Standard Version.

(Revised Standard Version, New International Version (1984), New Jerusalem Bible, New American Standard Bible, God’s Word, Contemporary English Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because the UBS5 supports it.

fellow countrymen: Here this word refers to people (men and women) who are Jews, like Paul. Here are other ways to translate this word:

fellow Jews (New International Version (2011))
-or-
compatriots (NET Bible)

fellow prisoners: This phrase indicates either that:

(1) Andronicus and Junia were in prison together with Paul.

(2) They were in prison for the same reason as Paul (that is, preaching the gospel), but not at the same time.

There is no record or tradition about this. If possible, translate in a way that allows both meanings, as fellow prisoners does in English. Otherwise translate following one or the other meanings. For example:

they were prisoners as I was
-or-
who were in prison with me (Good News Translation)

16:7b

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

(1) It indicates that Andronicus and Junia were really good apostles. For example:

they are prominent (New Revised Standard Version)

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

(2) It indicates that other believers respected them as much or more than the other apostles. For example:

They are highly respected (New Living Translation (2004))

(New Living Translation (2004), Contemporary English Version)

(3) It indicates that other believers knew of them as much as the other apostles. For example:

they are well known (Good News Translation)

(Good News Translation, English Standard Version, NET Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because the BDAG supports the Greek word meaning “very good” in comparison to others.

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

(1) It indicates that Andronicus and Junia were apostles. For example:

among the apostles (New Revised Standard Version)

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

(2) It indicates that Andronicus and Junia were not apostles. For example:

by the apostles (Contemporary English Version)

(Contemporary English Version, English Standard Version, NET Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because Moo and other scholars say that the Greek word that is often translated “in” means among here.

apostles: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as apostles means “representatives” or “messengers.” It refers to people whom someone sends with his authority. They are sent to give a message or accomplish a particular task. Here, the word apostles refers to the original eleven plus others, like Paul, Andronicus, and Junia, to whom Jesus gave the work of apostle. See how you translated the word “apostle” in 1:1.

16:7c

they were in Christ before I was: This indicates that Andronicus and Junia believed in Jesus before Paul believed in Jesus. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

became followers of Christ before I did (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
They were in Christ before me (English Standard Version)

Christ: This is a title for God’s chosen one. See how you translated it in 1:1 or 16:5.

This refers to Jesus. In some languages, including the name Jesus is more natural or more clear. For example:

⌊Jesus⌋ Christ

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 1:8

Section 1:8–17

Paul wanted to visit the believers at/in Rome

In this section, Paul thanked God that, in many places, people had heard about the faith of the believers in Rome. He also told them that he was asking God to make a way for him to go and visit them. He expected that he and they together would strengthen each other in their faith in Jesus Christ. He told them that he had been wanting to visit them for a long time and was eager to preach the gospel to the people there.

Then Paul wrote down the main things he wanted to talk about in the rest of the letter. He spoke of the gospel and who it is for.

Here are other possible headings for this section:

Paul wanted to visit Rome
-or-
Paul hoped to visit them

Paragraph 1:8–12

1:8a

First: The word First here has a general meaning of “the first thing I want to say.” It implies that what Paul was about to say something that was important to him. Here are other ways to translate this word:

Let me say first that (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
First of all, (NET Bible)
-or-
So first and foremost

I thank: The Greek word probably indicates that, during that time, Paul thanked God for the believers in Rome. For example:

I am thanking
-or-
I am thankful

my God: The word my here indicates that Paul had a relationship with God. But he did not mean “he is my God but not yours.” In some languages, my here would mean “mine and not yours.” If that is true in your language, use “our (incl.) ” here. For example:

our God

Some languages do not use possessive pronouns with God. If that is true in your language, indicate the relationship in another way. For example:

God, whom I believe in,
-or-
God, whom I follow,

through Jesus Christ: This phrase indicates that his relationship with Jesus Christ was the basis for his thanking God for the believers in Rome. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

because of Jesu Cristo
-or-
because of what Jesus Christ did for me

1:8b

your faith is being proclaimed: This clause is passive. Some languages must use a non-passive clause here. For example:

• Use an active clause. Some languages can use “they” in a general way, as long as it does not refer to any group in previous verses. Other languages must say who proclaimed. If that is true in your language, you should add a general word, such as “people.” For example:

⌊they/people⌋ proclaim your faith

• Use an intransitive clause. For example:

⌊people⌋ are talking about your faith
-or-
the whole world is hearing about your faith (Good News Translation)

your faith: This phrase refers to people in Rome believing in Jesus Christ. Some languages must say who people believe in. For example:

your faith in him (New Living Translation (2004))

In some languages must use a verb for the meaning of faith. For example:

you believe in him

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.

is being proclaimed: This word means “tell something in public for many people to hear.” Here it probably indicates that the news of many people of Rome becoming Christians spread far. People probably did not stand in public and announce this news. Here are other ways to translate this word:

talked about publicly
-or-
is well-known
-or-

the news of your faith is spreading (God’s Word)

all over the world: This phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as all over the world is literally “in all the world.” It is a figure of speech that exaggerates something for emphasis. The news of their faith in Jesus had spread probably to many parts of the Roman Empire. The Roman Empire was only one part of the world.

In some languages people would understand this in a literal way. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Moderate the exaggeration in your translation. For example:

in all the ⌊known⌋ world
-or-
everywhere in the ⌊Roman⌋ world

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

This phrase exaggerates how far the news of their faith in Jesus had spread probably to indicate that the news was important or worth spreading. It had probably spread to many parts of the Roman Empire.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2:8

2:8a

But: Paul now wrote about the second group. They are very different from the first group, so many English versions translate the Greek conjunction as But.

are self-seeking: The meaning of the Greek word is not entirely certain, but most scholars think it means “ambitious in a selfish way.” This kind of person does everything for his own personal benefit, not to benefit God or other people. Here are other ways to translate this word:

selfishly ambitious (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
selfish (New Century Version)
-or-
just think of themselves
-or-
the only thing they think about is what they want

who reject the truth: These people do not do what they know God would want them to do. In some languages the word truth must be translated with a phrase. For example:

who do not obey the true words ⌊of God⌋

follow wickedness: This is the opposite of obeying the truth. These people do what they know God would want them not to do. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

follow what is wrong (God’s Word)
-or-
live lives of wickedness (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
obey unrighteousness (English Standard Version)

2:8b

there will be wrath and anger: The Berean Standard Bible supplies the words there will be. The context implies “he will give” from 2:7c. It indicates that God will have wrath and anger toward this second group of people. For example:

on them God will pour out his anger and fury (Good News Translation)
-or-

⌊God will be⌋ angry and furious

wrath and anger: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as wrath can mean both “anger” and “punishment.” The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as anger can mean both “passion” and anger. They probably have similar meanings here. Together they would indicate a great amount of anger.

Some languages have only one word for the meaning of “anger.” If that is true in your language, indicate a great amount of anger. For example:

great anger

Some scholars think this phrase is a figure of speech where one term describes the other even though they are connected with and. For example:

the fury of retribution (New Jerusalem Bible)

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2020