SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2020 – Page 53

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 9:30

Section 9:30–10:4

Many Gentiles believe but many Jews do not

In this section Paul compared the Gentiles to the Jews. Some Gentiles believed in Jesus and God made them righteous, but the Jews tried to obey the law of Moses to become righteous. They stumbled over who Jesus was as the Messiah, because he did not fit their ideas of what the Messiah should be.

Paul explained that he wanted the Jews to believe in Jesus as the Messiah. The Jews were enthusiastic to follow God, but they did not understand the right way to become righteous.

Here are other possible headings for this section:

The Jews followed the wrong way to become righteous
-or-
The Jews followed the Laws of Moses but did not believe in Jesus as the Christ/Messiah

Paragraph 9:30–33

9:30a

What then will we say?: The word then indicates a connection to previous verses. Here it introduces the question “What shall we say?” In some languages it is more natural to have the word then first. For example:

Then/Therefore, what shall we say?

What…will we say?: This is a rhetorical question. It draws attention to what Paul said next. Paul did not expect the readers to answer this question. But he did expect the readers to agree with what he said next. Here are other ways to translate this question:

What…are we to say? (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
what does all this mean? (New Century Version)

In some languages the correct meaning is indicated by using a statement instead of a question. For example:

We should say this:
-or-
Our conclusion is this:

9:30b

That: This word implies that Paul suggested that he and the others would or should say what follows. In some languages the implicit information must be added to make the sentence a proper one. For example:

⌊We will/should say⌋ that

the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it: There is no the before the word Gentiles in the Greek. Here it indicates that Paul spoke of Gentiles in general not pursuing righteousness. If possible, translate with that meaning. For example:

Gentiles, in general, do not pursue righteousness, but some attained it
-or-
the Gentiles do not generally/usually pursue righteousness, but some of them attained it

Gentiles: This word refers to people who are not Jews. See how you translated this word in 1:5 or 9:24.

did not pursue: The Greek here is present tense, indicating something that happens generally, past, present and future. For example:

do not pursue

pursue righteousness: Here this refers to trying hard to become righteous. For example:

trying to put themselves right with God (Good News Translation)

righteousness: Here this word refers to a person’s relationship with God being right. Here are other ways to translate this word:

God’s approval (God’s Word)
-or-
being right ⌊with God⌋

See how you translated this word in 4:3.

have obtained it: This indicates that righteousness is now available to Gentiles. Here are other ways to translate these words:

have attained it (English Standard Version)
-or-
have achieved it (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
-or-
have been given it
-or-
Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness, ⌊God⌋ has given it to them

9:30c

The Greek of 9:30c begins with a word that is often translated as “and” or “but.” Here it introduces an explanation of how these Gentiles became right before God. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

namely, a righteousness that is by faith
-or-

That righteousness is the kind that comes from faith

faith: Here this word refers to believing in Jesus. In some languages a literal translation would not be clear as to which kind of faith Paul meant. If that is true in your language, you may want to explain in your translation. For example:

faith/believing ⌊in Jesus⌋

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 11:8

11:8a–b

God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see, and ears that could not hear: There are several ways to interpret the connection of eyes that could not see, and ears that could not hear (11:8b) to God gave them a spirit of stupor (11:8a):

(1) It is an additional description of the Jews, as with the comma in the Berean Standard Bible.

(Berean Standard Bible, REV, New International Version, English Standard Version, New American Bible, Revised Edition, King James Version, New American Standard Bible, NET Bible, New Living Translation (2004), God’s Word)

(2) Both parts describe the same thing. The semi-colon implies this in English. For example:

God has infused them with a spirit of lethargy; until today they have not eyes to see or ears to hear (New Jerusalem Bible)

(Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, Revised English Bible)

(3) The stupor is the cause for the eyes not seeing and ears not hearing. For example:

God made them so stupid that their eyes are blind, and their ears are still deaf (Contemporary English Version)

(Contemporary English Version, New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because many scholars also use a comma here.

In some languages adding an “and” would be more natural. For example:

God gave them a spirit of stupor, ⌊and⌋ eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear

11:8a

11:8a–c is a quote from parts of Isaiah 29:10 and Deuteronomy 29:4. If you indicate the location of quotes from the Old Testament with cross-references, you may want to do so here.

as it is written: This phrase introduces a quote from the Old Testament. Paul quoted what God said to the nation of Israel. See how you translated this phrase in 1:17 or 10:15.

God gave them a spirit of stupor: Here the word spirit refers to a condition or state of being. The Jews would always be in a stupor until the time God takes that stupor away. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

God made their minds and hearts dull (Good News Translation)

stupor: This word refers to being unable to respond, like when someone cannot think well or is deeply asleep. Here the Jews could not understand God’s truth, in particular about his Christ/Messiah, Jesus. Here are other ways to translate this word:

being unable to think
-or-
not able to sense/be-aware-of (anything)
-or-
God made their minds to become numb so that they might not understand

11:8b

eyes that could not see, and ears that could not hear: The Greek is literally “eyes of-the not seeing and ears of-the not hearing.” It is a figure of speech. It indicates that the Jews could not see or understand God’s truth, in particular about his Christ/Messiah, Jesus. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

eyes that could not see and ears that could not hear (New International Version (2011))
-or-
they have not eyes to see or ears to hear (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
he has shut their eyes so they do not see, and closed their ears so they do not hear (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
they could not understand (New Century Version)

11:8c

to this very day: The Greek is literally “until the today day.” In the passage Paul quoted from, it referred to the forty years that the Jews wandered in the desert before reaching the promised land, going to the day Moses spoke these words. Paul implied that it was still true over a thousand years later when he wrote this letter to the Roman believers. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

down to this very day (English Standard Version)
-or-
and so it is to this day (Revised English Bible)
-or-
This continues until today. (New Century Version)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 12:4

12:4a

Just as: Here these words introduce an explanation of the individual measures of faith (12:3e). Together with the word “so” in 12:5a, they indicate that 12:5 is being compared to 12:4. Another way to show a comparison in English is to just use a single phrase between the two verses. For example:

4 Each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function. 5 In the same way, we who are many are one body and each member belongs to another in Christ. (Good News Translation)

each of us has one body with many members: Paul used the phrase each of us to refer to believers in general. We all have the same kind of body. In some languages a literal translation would indicate or imply that we all share a single body in some way. If that is true in your language, indicate that Paul spoke in general of the human body. For example:

in our bodies we each have many members/parts

members: Here this word refers to the various parts of the body, like the head and arms and so forth.

12:4b

not all members have the same function: Here the word function refers to what each part of the body does. Each part does something different. The eyes see, the hand holds, and the legs walk and kick. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

the members/parts do not all have the same work
-or-
each part has a different duty/purpose

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 14:12

14:12

So then: This phrase introduces the logical conclusion of what Paul wrote in 14:10–11.

give an account of himself to God: This refers to explaining to God why you did what you did in this life. Here are other ways to translate these words:

each of us will have to give answers for our lives to God
-or-
every one of us must answer God’s questions about our behavior
-or-
each one of us will face God and tell him what we have done
-or-
He will check up on us and we will have to tell Him about everything that we did here on the earth

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 15:21

15:21a

Rather: The Greek word indicates strong contrast. But the quote (15:21b–c) contrasts to “building on someone else’s foundation.” The quote supports “I would not be building on someone else’s foundation” (15:20c) rather than contrasts with it.

In some languages indicating contrast would indicate the correct meaning of the connection. But in some languages omitting the contrast would indicate the correct connection. For example:

As the scripture says (Good News Translation)
-or-
in accordance with scripture: (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
It is just as the Scriptures say (Contemporary English Version)

as it is written: This clause introduces a quote from Scripture. See how you translated this clause in 15:9, except that here the prophet Isaiah wrote instead of King David.

15:21b

This quote is from Isaiah 52:15. If you indicate the location of quotes from the Old Testament with cross-references, you may want to do so here.

Those who were not told: This is a passive clause. It implies someone telling these people rather than just overhearing the message. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

Those whom someone has not told

Some languages can use “hear” and still imply that someone told them rather than just overhearing. For example:

Those who have not heard

about Him: Here the word about means “concerning.” For example:

of him (English Standard Version)

The word Him refers to the person whom God called “my servant” in Isaiah 52:13. Jews of Paul’s time understood this as a reference to the Messiah. This is a quote from the Old Testament. You should not explain to whom Him refers in your translation, or add the name Jesus. You may want to explain the meaning in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:

This refers to the Messiah, whom God called “my servant” just a few verses earlier, in Isaiah 52:13.

will see: Here the word see is a figure of speech that means “perceive/understand.” These people will understand the gospel of Jesus even though they had not heard it before. Some languages cannot use see in that way. If that is true in your language, translate the correct meaning. For example:

perceive/understand

15:21c

have not heard: The phrase “about Him” is implied from 15:21b. In some languages it is more natural or clear to repeat it here. For example:

have never heard ⌊of him⌋

will understand: The Greek word here refers to understanding something that challenges one’s thinking or way of life. Many languages would need to translate this meaning with more than one word. For example:

understand the new idea/ideas
-or-
understand this new news

General Comment on 15:21b–c

The meaning of 15:21c is very similar to 15:21b. This is a common feature of Hebrew poetry. If possible, use words of similar meaning when translating these two lines. For example:

Those who have never been told of him will see/understand, and those who have never heard will be clear about it.
-or-
Those who have never been told of him will see/understand, and those who have never heard will be grasp its meaning.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 16:20

16:20a

The God of peace: The word of indicates here that God gives peace. He causes others to have peace. The whole phrase describes the one true God. It does not imply that there are many gods and there is one that gives peace.

peace: This word refers to having no conflicts with other people or with God. The Greek word may also indicate wholeness or well-being.

See how you translated this word in 1:7 or 15:33.

crush Satan under your feet: The word crush is used figuratively to refer to completely defeating Satan. The words under your feet indicate that believers will also gain victory over Satan by this deed of God.

In some languages a literal translation will not have the correct meaning. If that is true in your language, translate the meaning. For example:

completely defeat Satan for you

Satan: The word Satan is the Hebrew name of the leader of all the evil spirits. In Hebrew his name means “enemy.” He is the enemy of God and God’s people. Here are some ways to translate Satan :

• Use a local name or idiom that refers to the chief of all demons.

• Use a descriptive phrase. For example:

the chief/leader of the evil spirits
-or-
the spirit enemy of God

• Borrow the common language word and spell it as someone in your area would say it. If this word is not already known in your area, you may also want to add a descriptive phrase. For example:

Satanas, ⌊the ruler of demons⌋
-or-
Saitan

If you have translated the gospels, see how you translated this word in Matthew 4:10, Mark 1:13, Luke 10:18, or John 13:27.

16:20b

(New International Version🙂 The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you: There is a textual issue here. Some Greek manuscripts add the word “Christ” after the name Jesus :

(1) Do not include this word here.

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

(2) Include this word here. For example:

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you (Revised Standard Version)

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New Jerusalem Bible, English Standard Version, King James Version)

It is recommended that you follow option (1), because the UBS Handbook Greek NT 5 says it is certain that option (1) is the correct reading.

This is an indirect request. Paul asked God to give this grace to the believers in Rome while speaking to them. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

I pray that the grace of our Lord Jesus will be with you all
-or-
I request that grace of our Lord Jesus be with you all
-or-
I desire that grace of our Lord Jesus will be with you all

See how you translated a similar clause in 15:13 or 15:33.

grace: This word refers to kindness that is given to people without requiring anything in return. This kindness is not given because they have done anything to deserve it. See how you translated this word in 1:5 or 12:6.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 1:10

1:10a

in my prayers at all times: In some languages it is better to use a verb for the meaning of prayers here. For example:

every time I pray (God’s Word)

prayers: This word refers to talking to God, praising him, thanking him, and asking him to do something.

1:10b

that: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as that is often translated “if.” Here, it occurs before a Greek word that is often translated as “somehow.” The Berean Standard Bible does not directly translate this word. Here the word “if” indicates that Paul was uncertain whether or not he would go to Rome. For example:

if somehow

These words also indicate that Paul was not sure how he would get to Rome. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

if by any means (King James Version)
-or-
if, in some way,

now at last: This phrase indicates that Paul had wanted to visit the believers in Rome for some time, and at this time might finally go. It is not clear how long he had wanted to go to Rome. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

finally (Good News Translation)
-or-
for a long time but now

by God’s will: This indicates that God would decide if Paul would go or not. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

that God will decide/choose that
-or-
that God will allow
-or-
if God wants it (New Century Version)

I may succeed: The Greek word here is more literally “I may be led on a good road.” Paul hoped that God would guide him so that he would have a good way to travel to Rome. Many languages can translate the more literal Greek for the correct meaning. For example:

He might make a way that
-or-
he will open give a/any way to me
-or-
I may be granted good passage

Note that the first two examples above change the Greek passive to an active clause.

Some English versions follow the more figurative meaning of this Greek word: “to succeed,” as the Berean Standard Bible does. But the more literal sense seems a better way to translate here.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2:10

2:10a

glory, honor: Translate these words as you did in 2:7.

peace: Here this word refers to well-being and being free from all kinds of troubles.

who does good: The word does indicates doing good often. For example:

who lives doing good
-or-
who practices good deeds

does good: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as good is literally “the good thing.” It refers to good behavior. It includes not only treating others in fair ways but living in morally good ways. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

do right (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
does good deeds
-or-
do good

2:10b

first for the Jew, then for the Greek: Translate this as you did in 2:9b.

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2020