SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2020 – Page 47

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2:18

2:18a

if: The if from 2:17a affects this verse as well. So the Berean Standard Bible repeats the word here. Consider how to make that connection clear in your language. See the note on if at 2:17a.

know His will: This clause indicates that the Jews know what God wants to do and what he wants them and other people to do. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

know what he wants (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
know what he wants you to do (New Century Version)
-or-
know the Lord’s desire

2:18b

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

(1) It means approve here. Here the Greek word means “judge as good or genuine based on examination or testing.”

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

(2) It means evaluate. Here the Greek word means “examine” or “test.” For example:

determine (New Revised Standard Version)

(New Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition, New Living Translation (2004), God’s Word)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because that fits the context best.

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

(1) It means something better. For example:

excellent (New International Version)

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

(2) It means right (versus wrong). For example:

what is right (Good News Translation)

(Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, New Living Translation (2004), Contemporary English Version, God’s Word)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because that fits the context best.

General Comment on 2:18b

Following both first interpretations above, the clause indicates that the Jews call as good those deeds that God calls good. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

approve of what is excellent (English Standard Version)
-or-
call important deeds good

2:18c

because: This word introduces the reason for the previous statement. Some languages need to put the reason first. If that is true in your language, reorder 2:18b–c to use “therefore.” For example:

18c you are instructed from the law, therefore 18b you approve what is excellent

you are instructed by the law: There are several ways to translate the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as by. Here are the two main ones:

(1) It means from here. The law is the source of the instruction.

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

(2) It means by here. This word indicates that the law itself is doing the instructing. For example:

you are instructed by the law (New International Version)

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, New Jerusalem Bible, Revised English Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because it seems likely that Paul would have used a different Greek word if he wanted to clearly indicate by.

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

⌊others⌋ have instructed you from the law
-or-

⌊someone⌋ has instructed you from the law

the law: This refers to the first five books of the Bible, but implies the rest of the Old Testament.

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 3:21

Division 3:21–5:21

People believe in Jesus and God declares them righteous

In this division Paul showed that God has made a way to rescue people from being punished for wrongdoing and put them in a right relationship with himself.

Here are other possible headings for this division:

God makes his people right with him
-or-
Our relationship with God because of Jesus

Section 3:21–31

God makes people righteous when they believe in Jesus

In this section Paul explained God’s plan for rescuing wrongdoers and making them right with himself. God did this by sending Jesus Christ to stand in the place of every wrongdoer and take the punishment that every wrongdoer deserves. So then, when a person believes in Jesus as the one who has taken the punishment on his behalf, God makes that person right with himself. In this way God remains true to his righteous character, for wrongdoing has been punished.

Since God did that, believers cannot boast in themselves. Paul also said that this faith in Jesus supports the law of Moses.

Here are other possible headings for this section:

Righteousness Through Faith (New International Version)
-or-
How We Are Put Right with God (Good News Translation)
-or-
God Gives Us His Approval as a Gift (God’s Word)
-or-
God’s Way of Accepting People (Contemporary English Version)

Paragraph 3:21–26

3:21a

But now: This phrase introduces a new topic that contrasts with obeying the law of Moses. It may also indicate a new period of time. It introduces Jesus dying on the cross and God resurrecting him, which occurred about twenty-five years before Paul wrote this letter. Consider how to translate that meaning in your language. For example:

But at this time

apart from the law: This phrase indicates that the law of Moses does not help people get this righteousness of God that he has revealed through Jesus. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

It has nothing to do with law (Good News Translation)
-or-
without keeping the requirements of the law (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
not on the basis of obeying the laws ⌊of Moses⌋
-or-
But we do not become straight in his sight from our following the Lord’s Law.

the righteousness of God has been revealed: The word revealed means that, by what Jesus did, God showed people how they can be righteous before God without following the law of Moses.

This clause is passive. Some languages must translate it as an active clause. For example:

God has shown us a way to be made right with him (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
God has a way to make people right with him…and he has now shown us that way (New Century Version)

the righteousness of God: There are three ways to interpret the Greek word ending that the Berean Standard Bible translates as of :

(1) Here it indicates that God makes people right in their relationship with him. For example:

a way to be made right with him (New Living Translation (2004))

(Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, New Living Translation (2004), God’s Word, Contemporary English Version, New Century Version)

(2) Here it indicates that God enables believers to behave in right ways. For example:

a righteousness from God (New International Version (1984))

(New International Version (1984))

(3) Here it refers to the righteousness that God has. This is the natural way to interpret the meaning of the word of in English here. For example:

the righteousness of God (Revised English Bible)

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

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

Here are other ways to translate this phrase according to interpretation (1):

how God does make us acceptable to him (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
God has a way to make people right with him (New Century Version)

3:21b

as attested by the Law and the Prophets: The Greek is literally “being testified to by the law and the prophets.” The words in the Old Testament (the Law and the Prophets) do not help people get the righteousness of God. But some of those words speak about this righteousness.

There is an implied contrast in this phrase. For example:

even though the Law of Moses and the prophets gave their witness to it (Good News Translation)

In some languages it is more natural not to translate the contrast. For example:

to which the Law and the Prophets testify (New International Version)
-or-
as was promised in the Law and the Prophets
-or-
The Law and the Prophets tell of it.

attested: This word means “report what one saw.” The word is often used where the person is expected to be truthful and accurate. Here are other ways to translate this word:

testify (New International Version)
-or-
told us about (New Century Version)

the Law and the Prophets: Here this phrase refers to the whole Old Testament. In some languages the meaning of this phrase would not be clear. If that is true in your language, you may want to explain it in the text. For example:

⌊the books of⌋ the Laws ⌊of Moses⌋ and ⌊the books of⌋ the Prophets
-or-

⌊the books of⌋ the Laws ⌊of Moses⌋ and the Prophets

the Prophets: Prophets are people who speak on behalf of God. God’s message may be in words or visions. The prophets then tell the people God’s message. See how you translated this word in 1:2.

This phrase here implies the writings of the prophets in the Old Testament. In some languages it would be more natural or more clear to indicate that. For example:

the writings of…the prophets (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
the writings of the past that God caused…the prophets to write

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 4:22

4:22

This is why:
This phrase indicates that the description of Abraham’s faith (4:18–21) shows why God reckoned his faith as righteousness. For example:

Therefore (New Revised Standard Version)

“it was credited to him as righteousness”: The Greek is literally “(it) was counted to him as righteousness.” See how you translated this clause in 4:3c.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 6:8

Paragraph 6:8–11

6:8a–b

if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him: Here, the word if introduces a situation that is true. If this first part is true, that supports the second part (we believe that we will also live with Him).

Here the word if does not indicate that we died with Christ might not be true. In some languages a literal translation would indicate this incorrect meaning. If that is true in your language, translate the correct meaning without using if. For example:

consider this : we died with Christ, therefore we believe that we will also live with him
-or-

it is true that we have been united with him in a death like his, therefore we believe that we will also live with him
-or-
we have been united with him in a death like his, therefore we believe that we will also live with him

6:8a

Now: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Now indicates that Paul added something new to his discussion here. In English the word Now does something similar. It does not mean “at the present time” here. Some languages would use “And,” some languages would omit this word, and some languages would use another word or phrase for that meaning.

we died with Christ: This is a metaphor for part of what happens when we first believe in Jesus as the Christ. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly refer to our physical body dying. If that is true in your language, translate the correct meaning. For example:

we have become ⌊as if⌋ dead, sharing in the death of Christ
-or-
we were included/joined in dying in Cristo’s death
-or-
as for our former evil nature/ways, (they were) included along with Cristo in being killed

6:8b

we believe that: The word that indicates that “we will also live with him” is what believers believe to be true. The word believe does not refer to believing in Jesus here. In some languages believe is only used in the sense of “believing in someone.” If that is true in your language, translate the correct meaning. For example:

we say it is true that

we will also live with Him: Some scholars think this refers to living with Jesus in the future, renewed world. Others think it refers to our time on earth. And others think it is both. If possible, allow the future to refer to or imply both.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 7:17

7:17a

This verse begins with a Greek conjunction that is often translated as “and” or “but.” This conjunction introduces something more that Paul wanted to say. Some languages will see “it is not longer I who do it” contrasting with “I do what I do not want.” For example:

But (NET Bible)

Other languages will not see contrast with “I do what I do not want.” For example:

And

In that case: The phrase In that case here refers to generally “at this time.” It goes with the present tense of the verb “do.” It refers to the current time and situation in Paul’s life.

it is no longer I who do it: The word I is emphasized here. The words here indicate that the situation is different than it was before.

it: This word refers to “what I do not want to do” in 7:16. In some languages the plural word would be more natural here. For example:

them

7:17b

sin living in me that does it: The words “do it” are implied from 7:17a. In some languages these words must be explicit. For this reason, the Berean Standard Bible adds the words that does it.

Again, Paul spoke of sin as if it were a living thing that lived inside him. Some languages cannot speak of sin in that way. If that is true in your language, you may want to make it a simile. For example:

it was sin ⌊which is like someone who⌋ lives in me and does those things/deeds

living in me that does it: The word living indicates that sin is always present in Paul’s life. He is never free of sin’s influence. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

but sin that dwells in me (English Standard Version)
-or-
it is my sinfulness
-or-
sin that is residing in me, that’s the underlying-cause of the evil that I do

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 8:24

Paragraph 8:24–25

8:24a

For: Here this word introduces an explanation of 8:23.

in this hope: The word in indicates that the salvation we are waiting for includes the redemption of our bodies. We hope in that redemption and that hope is based on God’s promises that now belong to the new believer. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

with ⌊an accompanying⌋ hope
-or-
We were given this hope when we were saved (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
this is what we have been hoping for since the time we were saved

we were saved: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

⌊God⌋ saved us

saved: This word refers to being rescued from something harmful or dangerous. Here it refers to God rescuing people from going to hell for their sins. See how you translated this word in 5:10.

General Comment on 8:24a

In some languages putting “in this hope” first would make the hope the basis for being saved, or another possibly wrong meaning. If that is true in your language, put that phrase in its usual place. For example:

For we were saved in/with hope

8:24b

but: The Greek word here often introduces something that contrasts with 8:24a, as does the word but here. The word can also introduce something new. For example:

Now (English Standard Version)

Some languages can omit this word for the correct connection.

hope that is seen is no hope at all: This clause indicates that if we already have something we hoped for, then we are no longer hoping for it. In many languages a literal translation would not have the correct meaning. If that is true in your language, translate the correct meaning. For example:

if it had already happened then no longer would we be waiting for it then
-or-
if we say we are hoping, that means we have not yet received what we are hoping for
-or-
whoever, from his hoping has seen and received it, he holds it so it is not a thing for hope
-or-
If someone is waiting for anything, and has taken it already, he will not wait for it again/more/further

that is seen: Here this word indicates that the hope is fulfilled. Some languages must use a different word to clearly indicate that meaning here. See the above examples.

8:24c

The Greek of 8:24c begins with the Greek word that is usually translated as “for.” Here this word introduces something that supports what Paul said in 8:24b. Some languages can omit this word for the correct connection, as the Berean Standard Bible does.

Who hopes for what he can already see?: This is a rhetorical question. It emphasizes that no one hopes for what he already sees or has. Translate this clause with that meaning. Here are some ways:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

Who hopes for what they already have? (New International Version (2011))
-or-
Who hopes for something that he holds? No way!

• As a statement. For example:

Certainly no one hopes for something he already sees/has
-or-
People do not hope for something they already have (New Century Version)
-or-
no one hopes for something he has already received

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 9:17

9:17a

For: Here this word introduces a quote from the Old Testament that supports what Paul said in 9:16.

the Scripture says to Pharaoh: The Greek and the Berean Standard Bible use the present tense here, as in 9:15. In many languages the normal way of referring to a past event must be used. For example:

the Scripture said to Pharaoh

the Scripture says: In some languages it is not natural for a book to “say” anything. If that is true in your language, refer to God speaking and his words are found in Scripture. For example:

⌊in⌋ the Scripture ⌊God⌋ says/said

Pharaoh: This title refers to the rulers over Egypt. Here it refers to the Pharaoh who ruled during the time of Exodus 9.

9:17b–d

“I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”: This is a quote from Exodus 9:16, with small differences. The English versions put quote marks on these words. If you indicate the location of quotes from the Old Testament with cross-references, you may want to do so here.

9:17b

I raised you up for this very purpose: In the Greek, the phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as for this very purpose is in front of the main clause to emphasize it. In some language, this might be normal. For example:

For this very purpose I have raised you up (English Standard Version)

However, other languages may need to place the words for this very purpose after up, as the Berean Standard Bible does.

I raised you up: Here the words raised…up refer to God causing this man to be king (Pharaoh) over the Egyptians. God also chose him to be hardhearted against the Israelites. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

I made you king (Good News Translation)
-or-
I appointed you to rule

for this very purpose: The Greek is literally “to/for this (thing) itself.” Here it indicates that the purpose is stated in 9:17c–d. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

This is why (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
-or-
This is why I raised you up, ⌊namely,⌋ that…
-or-
That is the reason I raised you up. ⌊It is this:⌋ so that…

9:17c

that: Here this word introduces a purpose clause. Here are other ways to translate this word:

to (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
so that (Contemporary English Version)

I might display My power in you: Here the word in indicates that God would show his power by means of what Pharaoh did. Pharaoh refused to let the Israelites go, and so God did a number of miracles to show his great power. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

show my power through you (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
-or-
use you to show my power (Good News Translation)

9:17d

My name might be proclaimed: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

⌊people⌋ might proclaim my name

The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as proclaimed refers to telling many people publicly so that the news spreads far. Here are other ways to translate this word:

spread my fame (Good News Translation)
-or-
my name will become known in the many-towns/countries

My name: This refers to God but also implies the quality of person he is and what he has done. In some languages that must be made explicit for the correct meaning. For example:

my name ⌊and who I am⌋

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 10:16

Section 10:16–21

The Jews do not believe and are stubborn

In this section Paul spoke about the Jews. They heard the good news about Jesus as the Christ/Messiah, but many did not believe it. God made some of them jealous of God bringing many non-Jews into his kingdom, even though they were not seeking him before they heard the good news. Paul then quoted Isaiah about the Jews being disobedient and opposing God.

Here are other possible headings for this section:

Many Jews have rejected the gospel of Jesus
-or-
Gentiles accept Jesus but Jews reject him

Paragraph 10:16–18

10:16a

not all of them welcomed the good news: Here the words not all indicate that some welcomed the good news and some did not. It does not say or imply how many of the total welcomed, only that it was not all. In some languages it is more natural to use or explain with “only some.” For example:

they have not all welcomed, ⌊only some of them did⌋
-or-
only some of them welcomed

them: Many scholars say that Paul spoke of the Jews here. The New International Version makes that clear here:

the Israelites (New International Version)

good news: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as good news refers to the good news about God. Here are other ways to translate this word:

good/sweet news
-or-
good news ⌊about God⌋
-or-
message/report that causes joy

See how you translated this word in 1:1 or 2:16.

10:16b

For: Here this word introduces support for what Paul said in 10:16a.

Isaiah says: This introduces a quote from the Old Testament. Isaiah spoke or wrote these words more than seven hundred years before Paul wrote Romans. Some languages make it clear the following words are from the Old Testament. For example:

⌊In Scripture,⌋ Isaiah said ⌊long ago⌋

Isaiah: Isaiah was one of the prophets of God. He wrote the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament. In some languages it is more clear to indicate that he was a prophet. For example:

⌊the prophet⌋ Isaiah

says: The verb is present tense, but Isaiah wrote the words of 10:16c over seven hundred 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:

said (Good News Translation)

10:16c

This is a quote from Isaiah 53:1. If you indicate the location of quotes from the Old Testament with cross-references, you may want to do so here.

Lord: Here, this refers to God. Some languages must indicate who is lord. For example:

Lord ⌊God⌋

who has believed our message?: This is a rhetorical question. It emphasizes that few people have believed what Isaiah told them. Translate with that meaning. Here are some ways:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

who has believed what he has heard from us? (English Standard Version)
-or-
who believed what we told them? (New Century Version)
-or-
has anyone believed what we said? (Contemporary English Version)

• As a statement. For example:

Few have believed our message.
-or-
Few people have believed what we told them.
-or-
Only a few believed what we said.

our message: This phrase is just three Greek words, “the report of-us.” The BDAG defines the main word as “account, report, message.” Here God told Isaiah what to say. For example:

what he has heard from us (English Standard Version)

our: Here this word probably refers to Isaiah and God. God told him what to say to the Jews, and Isaiah told them that message.

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2020