SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2020 – Page 50

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 1:12

1:12a

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1:12b

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

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

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2:12

Paragraph 2:12–16

2:12a

The Greek begins with a conjunction that is usually translated as “for.” The Berean Standard Bible does not translate this conjunction. It introduces a reason or an explanation of what Paul said in 2:11. If it would be more natural in your language to translate this word, here are other ways to translate it:

Because
-or-
Here’s the reason: (God’s Word)
-or-
Indeed
-or-
The fact is

All who sin: The word sin means “do wrong against someone,” either by breaking a law or going against what is expected to be done. Here it includes doing wrong against God.

apart from the law: This phrase describes people who do not use the Jewish law to rule their lives. This Jewish law is in the first five books of the Old Testament. It is sometimes called “the Law of Moses” (for example, Luke 2:22), because God gave these laws to Moses.

In some languages a literal translation would not refer to the Jewish law. If that is true in your language, indicate clearly which law this is. For example:

do not have the Law of Moses (Good News Translation)
-or-
don’t know about God’s Law (God’s Word)

You may want a footnote to explain where these laws are. Here is an example footnote:

This refers to the laws God gave Moses. They are in the first five books of the Old Testament.

2:12b

will also perish apart from the law: This indicates that God will judge the non-Jews by what they know about God but not by the Jewish law. He will see that they are guilty of sinning against him, so they will experience death and destruction as punishment for their sins. Here are other ways to translate these words:

will also perish without the law (English Standard Version)
-or-
will die without reference to the Law (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
will perish outside the law (Revised English Bible)

In some languages a literal translation would not have the correct meaning. If that is true in your language, you may want to include some implied information to explain the text. For example:

will also perish ⌊because they were guilty before God even if he judges them⌋ without using the law ⌊of Moses⌋
-or-
will also perish ⌊because they sinned against God even⌋ without ⌊God judging⌋ them by the law ⌊of the Jews⌋

perish: Here this word refers to dying but also implies destruction or ruin. Here are other ways to translate this word:

be destroyed (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
die in ruin/destruction

2:12c

under the law: This phrase describes people who use the Jewish law to rule their lives. Translate the word law so that it refers to the Jewish law here. You may want to:

• Allow 2:12a–b to explain that it is the Jewish law and do not explain it again here. For example:

under that law

• Translate it here as you did in 2:12a. For example:

have the law of Moses
-or-
know about God’s Law

2:12d

will be judged by the law: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

⌊God⌋ will judge them according to the law ⌊of Moses⌋

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 3:15

3:15

Their feet are swift to shed blood: This is a figure of speech. It indicates that these people are always ready to hurt or kill others. The words Their feet are swift indicate that they are ready to run toward any opportunity to hurt or kill others. In some languages a literal translation would not have that meaning. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Explain in your translation the part that is unclear. For example:

Their feet are swift ⌊to find someone⌋ to hurt or kill
-or-
They are swift to shed blood
-or-
They are quick to hurt or kill someone

You may then want to tell the literal saying in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:

Literally: “Their feet are swift to shed blood.”

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

This saying indicates that these people are always ready to hurt or kill others. They are ready to run to any opportunity to do so.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 4:16

Paragraph 4:16–17

4:16a

Therefore: This word introduces a conclusion about what Paul wrote in 4:13–15. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

And so (Good News Translation)
-or-
For this reason (NET Bible)

the promise comes by faith: The Greek is more literally “of faith.” There is an implied subject and verb. In English the implied subject is translated the promise and refers to God’s promise, as in 4:13a. The promise was given to Abraham because of his faith. Here are some other ways to translate this:

people receive God’s promise by having faith (New Century Version)
-or-
the promise is received by faith (New Living Translation (2004))

the promise: The word promise refers back to the same promise of 4:13–14. In some languages it is more clear to refer back to it. For example:

that promise

4:16b

so that it may rest on grace: Faith was the basis for God making the promise to Abraham. The purpose was so that he might give it according to grace. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

so that the promise may rest on grace (English Standard Version)
-or-
and the purpose is that the promise may rest on grace

This purpose has become true already. In some languages it must be translated as result for the correct meaning. For example:

so that the promise rests on grace

may rest on grace: The Greek is literally “(it may be) according to grace.” God promised to give Abraham and his descendants the world because he wanted to, not because he needed to. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

it will be based on his grace
-or-
it would be clear that his grace…is the origin, not their own deeds
-or-
this might be possible by means of his kindness
-or-
It is given as a free gift (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
it can be a gift (God’s Word)

grace: Here the word grace indicates that God did something kind. He wants to help people. People do not deserve this help. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

as a free gift (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
his great kindness (Contemporary English Version)

4:16c

and: Here the word and indicates that 4:16c expresses a second purpose (after the first one in 4:16b). In some languages it is more clear to introduce the clause again. For example:

and ⌊in order that it⌋

guaranteed: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as guaranteed means “valid, sure, legally secure.” God will certainly give the world to Abraham and those who have faith like his. Here are other ways to translate this word:

secure (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
certain (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
assured (Contemporary English Version)

4:16d–e

not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham: Paul had two groups of Abraham’s spiritual children in mind, those who are of the law (Jewish believers) and those who are of the faith of Abraham (non-Jewish believers).

The phrases not only and but also emphasizes the second group. Some Jews thought that a person had to become a Jew first (by following the Law of Moses) for God to accept him or her. But Paul emphasized here that God accepts everyone who has the same faith as Abraham, even if they do not follow the law of Moses. Consider how to translate that emphasis.

4:16d

those who are of the law: The Greek is literally “the (one) of the law.” It is similar to “those who live by the law” in 4:14a. The word of indicates that this person is connected to the law of Moses. It refers to the Jews. Translate it in a similar way to the phrase in 4:14a.

This phrase refers generally to Jews. The singular emphasizes that this statement is true for each person. In some languages it is more natural to use the plural in a general reference. For example:

to the adherent of the law (English Standard Version)
-or-
people who have/possess the laws ⌊of Moses⌋

The context implies that these people also believe in God. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly imply they do not believe. If that is true in your language, add the implied information. For example:

the adherent of the law ⌊who believes⌋
-or-
someone who has the law ⌊of Moses⌋ ⌊and believes in God⌋

4:16e

those who are of the faith of Abraham: This phrase refers to those who believe in God as Abraham did. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

anyone who lives with faith like that of Abraham (New Century Version)
-or-
all who are Abraham’s descendants because they have faith, just as he did (Contemporary English Version)

4:16f

He is the father of us all: This clause tells the reader more about Abraham. In some languages a literal translation would not have the correct meaning. If that is true in your language, consider how to translate the correct meaning. One way to do that is to start a new sentence here, as the Berean Standard Bible does.

the father of us all: The word father is a figure of speech here, similar to its use in 4:11–12. God chose to bless the world through Abraham. That choice was based upon Abraham’s faith in God. In that way he became the father (or ancestor) for all those who later believe, because he was the first one to do so. So the meaning of father here is broader than just in terms of a father to child kind of descent.

In some languages translating father literally would imply a literal ancestor. If that is true in your language, indicate that it has a figurative meaning. For example:

⌊like⌋ the father of us all
-or-
whom ⌊God made to be thought of as⌋ the father of us all
-or-
as-if the ancestor of us all
-or-
whom we consider as father of us all ⌊in faith⌋
-or-
the spiritual father of us all (Good News Translation)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 6:2

6:2a

Certainly not!: The Greek is literally “May it not be.” It indicates a very strong “no.” Believers are not to continue sinning so that God will be more gracious to them. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

Not at all!
-or-
By no means! (English Standard Version)
-or-
Of course not! (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
No, indeed!

The words you use here should support that believers are not to continue sinning so that God will be more gracious to them. See how you translated this phrase in 3:4 or 3:31.

6:2b

How can we who died to sin live in it any longer?: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as can is literally the future tense. There are two ways to interpret it:

(1) It indicates that believers must not still live in sin. For example:

We have died to sin; how could we go on living in it? (New Jerusalem Bible)

(New Jerusalem Bible, King James Version)

(2) It indicates that believers are unable to still live in sin. For example:

How is it possible that we who died to sin still live in it?

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

It is difficult to decide which interpretation is best. It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because 6:3–4 seems to be an exhortation to live in the new way of life as a Christian, which allows that living in sin might be possible for Christians.

How can we…live in it any longer?: This is a rhetorical question. It emphasizes that believers cannot or should not still live in sin. Translate this clause with that meaning. Here are some ways:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

how could we go on living in it? (New Jerusalem Bible)

• As a statement. For example:

It is wrong to suppose/expect that we should still live in it/sin.

• As a command. For example:

Do not suppose/expect that we should still live in it/sin.

live in it any longer: This figure of speech speaks of sin as if it were a place to live. By living in this place, it indicates that we are controlled by sin.

Some languages can translate this figure of speech literally and the meaning of the translation is correct. But in some languages the correct meaning must be translated in another way. For example:

still live under sin’s influence (God’s Word)
-or-
still obey/follow it
-or-
go on sinning (Contemporary English Version)

we who died to sin: The clause we who died to sin refers to all believers. In some languages the word who would wrongly indicate that only some believers have died to sin. If that is true in your language, translate in a way that refers to all believers. For example:

We have died to sin, ⌊so⌋ how can we still live in it?

Also, the words “we have died to sin” is a true statement. Those words are not being questioned. In some languages they must be separated from the question. For example:

We have died to sin. ⌊So⌋ how can we still live in it?

died to sin: This figure of speech indicates that sin no longer has power over us. Some languages must change this metaphor into a simile. For example:

became ⌊as⌋ a dead person to sin
-or-
became ⌊as if⌋ dead to sin ⌊telling us what to do⌋
-or-
became ⌊as if⌋ dead ⌊to the commands⌋ to 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

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 7:11

Paragraph 7:11–12

7:11a–b

sin, seizing its opportunity through the commandment, deceived me: There are three ways to interpret what the phrase through the commandment connects to:

(1) It connects to the phrase seizing an opportunity, 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 Living Translation (2004), God’s Word, Contemporary English Version, NET Bible)

(2) It connects to the phrase deceived me. For example:

Sin found its chance, and by means of the commandment it deceived me (Good News Translation)

(Good News Translation)

(3) It connects to sin or the whole clause. For example:

in the commandment sin found its opportunity to seduce me (Revised English Bible)

(Revised English Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because it is unlikely that Paul would imply that the commandment had a part in deceiving him, as interpretation (2) implies.

7:11a

For: This word introduces an explanation of how the commandment now leads to death for Paul. Some languages, for a natural connection, will omit this word.

seizing its opportunity through the commandment: See how you translated these words in 7:8.

7:11b

deceived me: Here Paul continued to speak of sin as a person. 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:

⌊like someone who⌋ deceived me

• Translate without the figure of speech. For example:

caused me to sin

7:11c

through the commandment put me to death: Here the word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the commandment is literally “it.” For example:

through it killed me (English Standard Version)

put me to death: Here Paul continued to speak of sin as a person. 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:

⌊like someone who⌋ killed me

• Translate without the figure of speech. For example:

caused me to die

put…to death: Here this phrase refers to being marked for death.

In some languages a literal translation would wrongly refer only to physical death. If that is true in your language, you may want to explain it in your translation. For example:

⌊marked/destined⌋ me for death
-or-
caused me ⌊to have God’s verdict⌋ of death

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 8:18

Section 8:18–30

God promises to us help today and glory later

In this section Paul said that the things that cause us suffering are only small compared to the glory that God will give us in the future, renewed world. The created world waits for God to reveal us, his adopted children, in our new bodies, because he will also renew the created world at that time. We and the created world groan waiting for that renewal. Paul then described what hope is.

The Holy Spirit helps us where we are weak. He also helps us to pray and intercedes for us. God causes all things to work for our good. He chose us to become like Jesus in word and deed, and become like him like a brother is like his brother. He chose us before the creation of the world, called us, made us righteous, and has glorified us.

Here are other possible headings for this section:

We wait for God to give glory to us
-or-
Later we will be together with God in his glory
-or-
The Holy Spirit helps us today and God will glorify us in the future

Paragraph 8:18–23

8:18a

The Greek of 8:18a begins with a word that is usually translated as “For.” Here this word introduces a sentence that says more about suffering and glory. It is not clearly introducing an explanation or a result, so many English versions omit this word here, as the Berean Standard Bible does.

I consider: The Greek word here indicates that Paul thought about the sufferings of this present time and decided that what he said in 8:18b–c is true. Here are other ways to translate this word:

In my estimation (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
I think
-or-
I know
-or-
I am assured

8:18b

our…sufferings: Here this word refers to things that cause us trouble or pain (physical or emotional). Some scholars think it refers here to all troubles of this life, including those that come to us because we are believers in Jesus. Other scholars think it refers only to the troubles that come to us because we are believers in Jesus. Translate in a way that allows for either interpretation.

present: This phrase refers to life here on earth before Jesus returns. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

during this time here ⌊on earth⌋
-or-
that we experience on this earth

are not comparable to: Here this phrase indicates that our suffering might be very bad, but the benefits of the glory to come will greatly exceed the difficulty of that suffering. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

are as nothing compared to (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
-or-
be as if it were just nothing when we (incl.) think of
-or-
are extremely small if we should compare them to
-or-
is a small thing, it cannot be measured against

8:18c

the glory that will be revealed in us: The glory referred to here is the same as in 8:17, where God will give glory to us. Here Paul spoke of God revealing to us exactly what that glory is. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly refer to a glory different than that of 8:17. If that is true in your language, clearly refer to the glory of 8:17. For example:

that glory, which is to be revealed to us
-or-
that glory, and it will be revealed to us ⌊at that time⌋

that will be revealed: The words will be revealed is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

that ⌊God⌋ will reveal

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 9:11

9:11a

Yet before the twins were born: The Greek is literally “for though having not yet been born.” The word “for” introduces an explanation, but it is an explanation of something that is only implied. That is, in 9:10a Paul implied that what follows is another illustration of how God’s word had not failed (9:6). The “for” connects to that implied statement and introduces an explanation. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

for, before they were born
-or-
for though the twins were not yet born (New American Standard Bible)

In some languages it may be clearer to omit the conjunction and imply the connection. For example:

Even before they had been born (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
When Ribka was about to give birth

the twins: This refers to the two sons of Rebekah, Esau and Jacob.

9:11b

bad: The Greek word here often refers to something being worthless. It is different from the Greek word that is often translated “bad.” It refers to something not morally right.

9:11c

in order that God’s plan of election might stand: This is a purpose clause. God called Jacob before he and his brother were born so that it would be clear the choosing was not based on the deeds of either of them.

God’s plan of election: The Greek is more literally “the according-to-election purpose of God.” It indicates that God’s purpose was worked out through his own choice rather than for any other reason. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

God’s purpose according to His choice (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
God’s purpose in election (New International Version)
-or-
so that God’s plan would remain a matter of his choice (God’s Word)

election: This word refers to God choosing the younger brother Jacob over the older brother. He chose him to be the founder of the nation of Israel. Here are other ways to translate this word:

choice (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
God chooses (New Living Translation (2004))

might stand: Here the word might refers to something that should or will happen. The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as stand refers to something that stays and does not end. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

would stand (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
would remain (God’s Word)

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2020