SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2020 – Page 39

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 7:6

7:6a

But now: There is contrast to the old life where the law stirred our thinking to sin to now God having set us free from that way of life.

having died to what bound us: The phrase died to is a figure of speech that indicates that the law no longer has any power over us. When we began believing in Jesus, we were no longer under the laws of Moses. Some languages must change this metaphor into a simile. For example:

having become as a dead person to what bound us
-or-
became as if dead to what bound us by ⌊telling us what to do⌋
-or-
became as if dead ⌊to the commands⌋ that bound us

See how you translated the words died to in 6:2.

having died: This clause tells the reason or means for being released from the law. For example:

because we died (Good News Translation)
-or-
by dying (New International Version)

to what bound us: This phrase further describes the laws of Moses. It does not separate these laws of Moses from other laws of Moses. For the correct meaning in some languages, translators must avoid the word what. For example:

now we are released from the law, having died to it. It bound us. We are released so that…

what bound us: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as bound refers to holding something so that it cannot leave. Being in prison is one example of the meaning here, but the meaning is more general than that. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

to that which held us captive (English Standard Version)
-or-
the law held us like prisoners (New Century Version)

7:6b

we have been released from the law: In contrast to what was true before (7:5), we have been released from the law is true in the present. Translate this word with that meaning.

released from the law: Here the word released indicates that the laws of Moses no longer rule over us. We are free to follow the Holy Spirit. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

untied from the law
-or-
no longer required to submit ourselves to the law

The clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

⌊God⌋ has released us from the law

See how you translated released from in 7:2.

the law: Here the law refers to the laws of Moses.

General Comment on 7:6a–b

In some languages it is more natural to have the main clause (7:6b) before the reason clause (7:6a). For example:

But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive (English Standard Version)
-or-
But the Law no longer rules over us. We are like dead people, and it cannot have any power over us (Contemporary English Version)

7:6c

so that we serve: The phrase so that introduces the purpose of being released from the laws of Moses (7:6b). It does not connect to being bound (7:6a). In some languages that connection will need to be made clear. For example:

⌊we were released⌋ so that we serve

This purpose has already begun. In some languages a result clause must be used for that meaning. For example:

and so we serve
-or-

⌊we were released⌋ therefore we serve

we serve: Paul implied here that we serve God. Some languages must add who is served. For example:

we can serve God (New Living Translation (2004))

serve: Here this word refers to doing things that God wants people to do. This includes worship, praying, giving tithes, helping others, and doing whatever work that God has given to that person. Here are other ways to translate this word:

do his will
-or-
do the things that he commands us to do

See how you translated this word in 1:9.

in the new way: As believers, we serve God in a new way. That new way comes from the Holy Spirit. He leads us so we can serve God in that new way. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

in the new way of living in the Spirit (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
based on the new way-of-life that comes from the Holy Spirit

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

(1) It refers to the Holy Spirit. The Berean Standard Bible and other English versions indicate that meaning by capitalizing the word.

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New International Version, Good News Translation, New American Standard Bible, English Standard Version, New Living Translation (2004), Contemporary English Version, NET Bible, New Century Version)

(2) It refers to the believer’s spirit. For example:

the spirit (New Jerusalem Bible)

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

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), but it is difficult to choose, as scholars on both sides make good points about why they choose their interpretation.

7:6d

and not in the old way of the written code: The phrase “we serve (God)” is implied here. In some languages it is more natural to repeat it here. For example:

⌊we do⌋ not ⌊serve God⌋ in the old way of the written code

the old way of the written code: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as old way refers to something that is old and no longer useful. The laws of Moses belong to the old covenant, but Jesus has given us a new covenant. The word of indicates that the written code described that old way to serve God. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

the old way of obeying the letter of the law (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
an old way dictated by written words (God’s Word)
-or-
the obsolete way described in the written Law

the written code: The Greek word is literally “letter.” It can refer to a single letter of the alphabet or a long written document like the book of Romans. Here it refers to the Old Testament. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

the letter (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
a written law (Good News Translation)
-or-
the letter of the law (New Living Translation (2004))

© 2020 by SIL International®
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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 8:13

8:13a

For: Here this word introduces a sentence in support of believers having no obligation to live according to the flesh (8:12).

if you live according to the flesh: Here Paul spoke about the possibility that the believers in Rome might be living according to the flesh. He did not expect it to be true. But if it was true, 8:13b tells the result of such a life.

The if caused the believers in Rome to examine their lives to see how they are living.

if you live: The verb is present tense. Previous verses imply that Paul did not expect this to be true. Translate in a way that makes it clear that Paul did not expect that the believers in Rome were living this way. For example:

should you live
-or-
if you might be living

you: This is a letter to the believers in Rome, so the you here primarily applies to them. But the you here also allows a general application to anyone.

8:13b

you will die: The Greek expresses certainty here. For example:

you will certainly die
-or-
you are destined/doomed to die

8:13c

but if: Here Paul spoke about the possibility that the believers in Rome might be living by the Spirit. He expected this to be true. 8:13d tells the result of such a life. The if caused the believers in Rome, and causes all believers since this is Scripture, to examine their lives to see how they are living.

by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body: Here the word by indicates that the Holy Spirit enables believers to put to death the deeds of the body. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

by/through ⌊the power of⌋ the ⌊Holy⌋ Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body
-or-
with ⌊the help of⌋ the ⌊Holy⌋ Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body

The phrase by the Spirit is emphasized by being first in the clause. In some languages it must be in its normal place. It may be possible to emphasize the phrase in some other way. For example:

you put to death the deeds of the body by ⌊the power of⌋ the ⌊Holy⌋ Spirit
-or-
you put to death the deeds of the body in this way alone: with ⌊the help of⌋ the ⌊Holy⌋ Spirit

you put to death the deeds of the body: This is a metaphor. The metaphor indicates that believers are to work at ending the deeds of the body. The verb is present tense, which here indicates an ongoing effort. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

you are killing the deeds of the body
-or-
you are causing the deeds of the body to die

Some languages must translate without this metaphor for the correct meaning. For example:

you are ending/abandoning the deeds of the body
-or-
you are turning your backs to the deeds of the body

the deeds of the body: The word body refers to our physical being and implies its desires. In some languages a literal translation would be too general. If that is true in your language, indicate the correct meaning. For example:

the deeds of ⌊the desires of⌋ the body

8:13d

you will live: Here the word live is in contrast to “die” in 8:13b. Just as the body “dies” (8:10), we live by the Holy Spirit when we believe (8:11). For example:

you will have true life (New Century Version)
-or-
you will definitely obtain life which has no ending

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 9:6

Section 9:6–13

The choices of God follow his purposes

In this section, Paul told the Romans that God’s word has not failed. In the history of the Jews God had chosen some of them and not others. Paul gave some examples of this.

Here are other possible headings for this section:

God’s promises do not fail
-or-
No one can change what God has chosen to do

Paragraph 9:6–13

9:6a

It is not as though God’s word has failed: This connects to the Jews (9:3b). In some languages a literal translation would not connect to the Jews. If that is true in your language, you may want to add implied information to your translation. For example:

It is not as though God’s word has failed ⌊regarding my kinsmen⌋

It is not as though: The Greek phrase here is a mixture of two phrases that mean “by no means” and “not as if.” Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

It is certainly not that
-or-
It cannot be that (Revised English Bible)
-or-
Don’t think that

God’s word has failed: This clause refers to the promises in God’s word not being fulfilled when people thought they should have been. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

God’s word was not fulfilled
-or-
God’s word failed to be fulfilled
-or-
God’s word was not able to become true

God’s word: Here this phrase refers to God’s promises to the Jews in the Old Testament. Do not translate it so that it means “the gospel.” In many languages a literal translation would have the correct meaning. But in some languages the meaning will need to be explained. For example:

the talks/things that God told ⌊the Jews⌋

9:6b

For: Here this word introduces an explanation of what Paul said in 9:6a.

not all who are descended from Israel are Israel: Paul used the name Israel in two different ways here. The first way that Paul used it refers to the people who descended from the man who God named Israel. The second way refers to those who have faith like Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. Paul expected the reader to figure out what he meant.

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

• Translate literally and explain the meaning in a footnote. Here are example footnotes:

The second name Israel refers to those who have faith like Abraham did.
-or-
This means that not all the descendants of Israel had faith in God like Abraham did.

• Explain the meaning in your translation. For example:

not all who are descended from ⌊the man⌋ Israel belong to ⌊the⌋ Israel ⌊of faith⌋
-or-
not all the people of Israel are the people of God (Good News Translation)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 10:5

Section 10:5–15

Salvation for everyone is by faith not works

In this section Paul spoke about righteousness based on the Law of Moses and righteousness based on faith. The righteousness which comes from the Law is based on doing what the Law says. The righteousness which comes from faith is not based on what a person does but is instead a matter of the heart.

God rescues the person who believes in Jesus and announces that Jesus is his Lord. Paul said that this is true for both Jews and people who are not Jews. Jesus is Lord of all of them. and blesses them very much.

Paul then asked several questions for the believers in Rome to think about. He implied that someone must be sent and preach, and people must hear, believe, and call on Jesus. Paul ended the section with a quote from the Old Testament about how it is good to preach the good news.

Here are other possible headings for this section:

God saves anyone, ⌊Jew or Gentile,⌋ who believes in Jesus
-or-
Salvation by faith and the need for preaching near and far

Paragraph 10:5–7

10:5a

For: Here this word introduces an explanation or an elaboration on what Paul said about righteousness, works, and faith earlier.

the righteousness that is by the law: This phrase refers to being right with God based upon the Law of Moses. The life of the Jews was governed by the Law which God had given them through Moses. Their obedience to it provided their understanding of being in right standing with God. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

the righteousness that comes from the law (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
the righteousness that is from the Laws ⌊of Moses⌋

Moses writes: The verb is present tense, but Moses wrote the words of 10:5b over 1,500 years before Paul lived. Greek scholars call it the historical present. In many languages the normal way of referring to a past event must be used. For example:

Moses wrote (Good News Translation)

In some languages a quote from the Old Testament is always clearly introduced as one. For example:

Moses wrote ⌊in Scripture⌋

10:5b

These words are from Leviticus 18:5.

“The man who does these things will live by them”: The Greek of 10:5b begins with a word that is often translated as “that” (English Standard Version). There are two ways to interpret this Greek word:

(1) It introduces a direct quote here. For example:

“The man who does these things will live by them.” (Berean Standard Bible)

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

(2) It introduces an indirect quote here. For example:

that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on the law shall live by it (Revised Standard Version)

(Revised Standard Version, New Jerusalem Bible, English Standard Version, New Living Translation (2004))

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because the words of 10:5a are very similar to that part of Leviticus 18:5.

The man who does these things: The Greek is literally “the man doing those things.” It refers to anyone, man or woman, who does as the commands in the laws of Moses say. It implies Jews who want to obey God. The words these things do not refer only to the Ten Commandments. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

Whoever obeys the commands of the Law (Good News Translation)
-or-
the one who does all the Laws ⌊of Moses⌋

will live by them: This phrase probably refers to having their whole life governed by the Laws of Moses. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

requires obedience to all of its commands (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
must do all that the Law commands (Contemporary English Version)

by them: The word them refers to all of the commandments in the Law, as above.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 11:16

Paragraph 11:16–21

11:16a–b

If the first part of the dough is holy, so is the whole batch: This is a figure of speech. It indicates that if part of something is holy, then the whole thing is holy. The whole batch refers to the people of Israel. Scholars have various ideas about the part of the whole lump of dough that is offered:

(1) It refers to Jewish Christians.

(2) It refers to the patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

(3) It refers to Jesus.

(4) It refers to Adam.

Many English versions translate literally and so do not interpret this figure of speech in their translation. But part of the lump probably refers to Jewish Christians because Paul had been talking about saving his fellow Jews.

In many languages the meaning of the figure of speech will not be understood here. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

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

In this figure of speech, the “whole batch” refers to the people of Israel. The “dough” refers to either (1) the Jewish Christians of that time, or (2) Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

• Explain the meaning in your translation. It says:

⌊The people of Israel are like⌋ a lump of dough, of which part of it has been offered to God as firstfruits and so all of it is holy
-or-
And since Abraham and the other patriarchs were holy, their descendants will also be holy—just as the entire batch of dough is holy because the portion given as an offering is holy. (New Living Translation (2004))

Note that the New Living Translation (2004) adds a complete explanation following interpretation (2), in addition to a literal translation.

11:16a

If the first part of the dough is holy: Here the word If introduces a situation that is true. If this first part is true, that supports the second part (the whole lump of dough (11:16b) is holy) 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:

if ⌊it is true that⌋ the first part of the dough is holy
-or-
the first part of the dough is holy, so

See how you translated this kind of If in 3:5 or 11:15.

the first part of the dough: This phrase refers to a part of the whole lump of dough mentioned in 11:16b. It also refers to the Jewish practice of giving part of a lump of dough to God as a gift offering (Numbers 15:17–21). Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

first piece of dough (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
the part of the dough offered as first fruits (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-

part of a batch of dough is made holy by being offered to God (Contemporary English Version)

the dough: This refers to the mixture of flour, water, and other things for making bread. It is called dough before people cook it. When it is cooked, it becomes bread. Here are other ways to translate this word:

water and flour mixture
-or-
uncooked bread

Here this word refers to a part of the larger lump of dough (11:16b). In some languages that information needs to be added here to make the sentence clear. For example:

portion of the dough

holy: Here this word means “dedicated to God” or “set apart to serve God.” Priests and people will eat the cooked dough and thank God for it. As a figure of speech, the Jews are set apart as God’s special people, because he made promises to them and some of those promises are in effect for the whole future of this earth. Here are other ways to translate this word:

offered to God (New Century Version)
-or-
belongs to God
-or-
made holy by being offered to God (Contemporary English Version)

11:16b

so is the whole batch: This phrase indicates that the whole batch is holy like the first part of it is. In some languages the implied words must be explicit. For example:

then the whole batch is holy (New International Version)

General Comment on 11:16a–b

There are several interpretations of this metaphor. See the first note at 11:16a–b above, if you have not already.

It is recommended that you do not put these interpretations in your translation. If you want to make the meaning of the metaphor more clear, you may want to explain it in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:

This metaphor indicates that the Jews are God’s special people. He has not abandoned them even if only a few Jews believe in him and his Messiah, Jesus, at this time.

11:16c–d

if the root is holy, so are the branches: This is a figure of speech. It indicates that if the source or beginning of something is holy, then the other parts are holy. The branches refer to the people of Israel. Many scholars believe the root refers to Abraham or perhaps Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Only a few scholars believe it refers to Jewish Christians.

Many English versions translate literally and so do not interpret this figure of speech in their translation. Many scholars also translate literally.

In many languages the meaning of the figure of speech will not be understood here. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

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

In this figure of speech, the “branches” refers to the people of Israel. The “root” probably refers to either (1) Abraham or (2) Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

• Explain the meaning in your translation. It says:

⌊The people of Israel are like⌋ the branches of a tree and ⌊Abraham is like its⌋ root. The root is holy, therefore the branches are holy.
-or-
And since Abraham was holy, his descendants, the people of Israel, will also be holy—just as the branches are holy because the root is holy.
-or-
or, just as, ⌊for example,⌋ the branches are holy because the root is holy

11:16c

The Greek of 11:16c begins with a word that is usually translated as “and.” The Berean Standard Bible does not translate this word but instead places a semicolon between 11:16c and 11:16a and b to indicate the connection. This word introduces a second metaphor. In some languages a new sentence would be more natural. For example:

And
-or-
If the root is holy… (God’s Word)

if: Here the word if introduces a situation that is true. If this first part is true, that supports the second part. See how you translated it in 11:16a.

the root is holy: 11:16d refers to branches, so here the word root refers to the main root of a tree.

11:16d

so are the branches: This phrase indicates that the branches are holy like the main root is. In some languages the implied words must be explicit. For example:

then the branches are holy

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 12:12

12:12a

Be joyful in hope: There are several ways to interpret the Greek grammar that the Berean Standard Bible translates as in :

(1) It indicates what we are to feel joy about, as in the Berean Standard Bible.

(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, New Living Translation (2004), God’s Word, NET Bible)

(2) It indicates what makes our rejoicing possible. Hope helps us to rejoice. For example:

Let your hope keep you joyful (Good News Translation)

(Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version, Revised English Bible)

(3) It indicates what the source of our rejoicing is. For example:

Be joyful because you have hope (New Century Version)

(New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because many English versions and the BDAG support it.

Be joyful: The Greek word here refers to being happy and feeling well.

hope: The word hope means “the looking forward to something happening with some reason for confidence that it will indeed happen.” Here this hope is probably the general hope of a believer, that God will fulfill his promises in Scriptures to him. See how you translated this word in 5:4 or 8:24.

In some languages hope must include the thing hoped in. For interpretations (2) and (3) above, something must be added for these languages. For example:

hope ⌊in God⌋
-or-
hope ⌊in the fulfillment of God’s promises⌋

12:12b

patient: The Greek word here refers to continuing to believe (or hope) or to do as planned in the midst of opposition or difficulty. Here are other ways to translate this Greek word:

persevere (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
endure (New American Bible, Revised Edition)

in: Here this word means “during” or “while experiencing.”

affliction: The Greek word here refers to any kind of trouble, oppression, suffering, or persecution.

trouble
-or-
hardship (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
difficulty

See how you translated this word in 2:9 or 8:35 (Berean Standard Bible: “distress”).

12:12c

persistent: The Greek word refers to making the effort to continue doing something. Here are other ways to translate this Greek word:

persevere (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
-or-
keep praying regularly (New Jerusalem Bible)

in prayer: Here the word in indicates that praying is what the believer is supposed to constantly do.

prayer: This word refers to talking to God, praising him, thanking him, and asking him to do something. See how you translated this word in 1:10.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 14:9

14:9a

This verse begins with a Greek conjunction that is often translated as “for.” Here this word introduces the basis for what Paul said in 14:8. Some translations, such as the Berean Standard Bible, leave this word implicit and allow the context to imply the connection.

For this reason Christ died and returned to life:
The Greek is more literally “to/for this Christ died and lived.” The phrase “to/for this” indicates that the purpose of Jesus dying and living again was so that he would be lord of all believers, both those living and those who die. The purpose of Jesus dying and living again was accomplished at that time. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

Christ died and then lived so that
-or-
Christ died and then lived, and so

14:9b

that He might be the Lord of both the dead and the living: This is a purpose clause. This purpose was fulfilled when Jesus died and God resurrected him. In some languages a result clause must be used to indicate that the purpose was fulfilled. For example:

and so he became Lord both of the dead and of the living

be the Lord: This phrase refers to ruling over someone. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

establish his lordship over (Revised English Bible)
-or-
rule
-or-
is our Leader

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 15:18

15:18a

The Greek of 15:18a begins with a word that is often translated as “for.” Here it introduces an explanation of Paul being proud of his work for God. He was proud of what Jesus had done through him. The Berean Standard Bible does not translate this word, but some English versions include it. For example:

For (English Standard Version)

I will not presume to speak of anything except: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as presume refers to being bold enough to do something. Paul was bold enough to tell others what Jesus did through him. He was not bold enough to tell others what he did by his own power. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

I will not dare to speak of anything except (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
-or-
I will be bold and speak only about (Good News Translation)

See how you translated this Greek word in 5:7 (“dare”). This Greek word is also related to the one translated “bold” in 15:15.

to speak of anything except: This indicates that Paul would only be bold when he spoke about certain things. See the Good News Translation example above.

15:18b

what Christ has accomplished through me: This refers to all the things Paul did as an apostle, and perhaps other things as well. Jesus told him what to do and gave him the power and authority to do those things. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

the things Christ did using me to do them
-or-
the deeds that Christ caused to happen by my hand

accomplished: This word means “did” or “caused to happen.”

in leading the Gentiles to obedience: The Greek is more literally “to the obedience of the Gentiles.” The first word introduces the result of things that Christ did through Paul. The result is that some Gentiles obeyed God. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

to lead the Gentiles to obedience (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
-or-
with the result that the/some Gentiles obey ⌊him⌋

obedience: This word refers to doing what someone else tells you to do. See how you translated this word in 1:5.

15:18c

by word and deed: Here this phrase refers to the things that Paul said and did as an apostle.

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2020