SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2020 – Page 54

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 7:7

Section 7:7–12

It is sin that is bad, not the laws

In the last section Paul said that believers died to the law of Moses (7:4), that it is obsolete (7:6), and that it arouses sinful passions (7:5). In this section Paul answered a possible wrong conclusion that someone might make from what he just said. Someone might think that Paul meant that the law is sinful. But Paul clearly indicated that he did not think that. The laws of Moses point out what is sin, and sin causes people to want to do the things that the law says are sin. Sinning leads to death. The laws of Moses are holy and good. But the commandments make it clear what sin is and at the same time arouse sinful passions. Those passions lead to death.

Here are other possible headings for this section:

What about the Laws ⌊of Moses⌋ and sin?
-or-
God’s Law Reveals Our Sin (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
Sin deceives us but the law is holy

General Comment on 7:7–25

Paul used the word “I” in this section and 7:13–25 too. There are at least seven different ways that scholars think what Paul meant by “I” here. Here are the five main ones:

(1) Paul was referring to himself as a Christian, implying all believers think the same way and have the same struggles.

(2) Paul, as a believer, spoke of his experience before he believed. He spoke generally enough so that other people can see that they had similar struggles. Paul then spoke about where we stand as believers regarding these struggles in chapter 8.

(3) It refers generally to anyone who is not a believer but wants to be a good person by following the law. Paul used “I” to make the struggles in these verses more personal. Chapter 8 then explains the victory that believers have in contrast to the person of 7:7–25.

(4) Paul was referring to Adam and from that all people.

(5) Paul was referring to the history of Israel.

It is recommended that you use “I” in these verses.

Paragraph 7:7–10

7:7a

What then shall 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?

This is a rhetorical question. It draws attention to what Paul said next. See how you translated this clause in 6:1.

7:7b

Is the law sin? Certainly not!: This is a rhetorical question and its answer. It emphasizes that the law is not sin. Translate these words with that meaning. Here are some ways:

• As a rhetorical question and its answer. See the examples in the notes below.

• As a statement. For example:

Surely ⌊we should not say⌋ that the law is sin.
-or-

⌊We should not say⌋ that the law is sin. No way!

Is the law sin?: At the beginning of this question the words “Shall we say” are implied from 7:7a. In some languages it is natural to leave those words off, since they were just said in 7:7a. In other languages these words must be added here for a natural question. For example:

⌊Shall we say⌋ that the law is sin?

In 7:5 Paul said that the law aroused our sinful passions. Someone might misunderstand Paul’s words and then think that the law is bad. Here Paul referred to that thinking with this question. He showed that this thinking was clearly wrong with the words “By no means” after this question. Here are other ways to translate this question:

Is the law itself sinful?
-or-
do you think that I say that God’s law is bad?
-or-
is it right ⌊to say/think⌋ that the law is evil?

the law: This probably refers to the Law of Moses here. For example:

the Law (Good News Translation)
-or-
Moses’ laws (God’s Word)

Certainly not!: The Greek is literally “May it not be.” It indicates a very strong “no.” The law is not sin. 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!

See how you translated this phrase in 3:4 or 6:2. Note that “Surely” and “No way” in the As a statement examples in the first note of 7:7b translate the words Certainly not! here. If you used “Surely” or “No way” there, do not translate these words here.

7:7c

Indeed: This word indicates that in Greek “I would not have been mindful of sin if not for the law” is connected with Paul saying that the law is not sin (7:7b). In some languages this connection can be implied. For example:

If there were no law,…

I would not have been mindful of sin if not for the law: The Greek is literally “I did not know sin except through law.” It indicates that only through law did Paul know what sin was. But after he heard the law he knew what things were wrong to do. In some languages it is easier to understand the meaning without using the word not twice. For example:

I only knew ⌊what⌋ sin ⌊was⌋ through ⌊hearing⌋ the law

I: Paul used himself as an example of anyone in this connection of law to sin.

7:7d–e

For I would not have been aware of coveting if the law had not said, “Do not covet.”: These words refer to a situation that did not happen, but which Paul spoke of to make his point about the law and sin clear. Some languages have a word, phrase, or special grammar to indicate that. For example:

Had-it-been-that the law had not said, “Do not covet,” it would-have-been-that I would not have been aware of coveting
-or-
if, contrary-to-fact, the law had not said, “Do not covet,” then, contrary-to-fact, I would not have been aware of coveting

7:7d

For: Here this word introduces an example. For example:

For example, (God’s Word)

The Greek here is actually two words: “and for.” The word “and” here indicates emphasis. For example:

Indeed, for example

coveting: This word refers to desiring to possess for oneself something that belongs to someone else.

7:7e

the law had not said: Paul made law the subject of “speak.” In some languages it is more natural to refer to God speaking here. For example:

⌊God in his⌋ laws had not said

Do not covet: This is one of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:17). It is a command to not covet. In some languages it may be helpful to explain that it is from the Old Testament. For example:

the law ⌊in the Scriptures⌋ had not said: “Do not covet.”

These words are a quote of Exodus 20:17. If you indicate the location of quotes from the Old Testament with cross-references, you may want to do so here.

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 8:14

8:14

Some English versions and some scholars have a new section heading here. 8:14–17 talk about believers being God’s children, but the topic in these verses is also connected to the topic in 8:1–13. If the major language version in your area has a section heading here, consider whether to have one here or not. For example:

Children of God (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
Children of God Through Adoption (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
-or-
God Has Adopted Us ⌊As His Children⌋

For: This word introduces a basis, explanation, or reason for being able to put to death the deeds of the body (8:13c).

all who are led by the Spirit of God: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

all whom the Spirit of God leads

sons of God: The word sons refers to men and women, as well as boys and girls here. For example:

the children of God (New International Version (2011))

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 9:7

9:7a

(NET Bible🙂 nor are all the children Abraham’s true descendants: The Greek is literally “neither that (they) are seed of Abraham all children.” There are two issues of interpretation.

Issue 1: Interpretation of the Greek word hoti

There are several ways to interpret the Greek word that is often translated as “that.” Here are the main ones:

(1) The Greek word introduces an explanation. But 9:6b is already an explanation, so some versions translate this connection with “and.” For example:

and not all the descendants of Abraham count as his children (New Jerusalem Bible)

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

(2) The Greek word means “because” and connects “seed” to children, rather than back to 9:6b. For example:

Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children (New International Version)

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

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because the Greek word probably has the same meaning as in 9:6 (where the Berean Standard Bible leaves it implicit).

Issue 2: Interpretation of what the subject of the Greek verb translated are is

The Greek verb has the ending that indicates third person plural (“they” or a group mentioned in the clause). It is not clear whether to take “they” as referring to “seed” or children. (In Greek, the singular “seed” can refer to either a singular seed or plural seeds, so it is grammatical for “seed” here to take the plural verb ending.) There are a number of interpretations. Here are the three main ones:

(1) The subject is children. For example:

nor are all the children Abraham’s true descendants (New Revised Standard Version)

(New Revised Standard Version, NET Bible)

(2) The subject is seed/descendants. For example:

and not all the descendants of Abraham count as his children (New Jerusalem Bible)

(Good News Translation, New International Version, New Jerusalem Bible, King James Version, New American Standard Bible, New Living Translation (2004), Revised English Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition)

(3) The subject is all. For example:

and not all are children of Abraham because they are his descendants (Revised Standard Version)

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, English Standard Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because it fits better with 9:7b and 9:8. But you may want to follow what the major language version does here.

9:7b

On the contrary: This indicates contrast to “all of the descendants of Abraham,” only part of 9:7a. Some languages would not consider “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named” to contrast to “not all the descendants of Abraham count as his children” (9:7a). For example:

because
-or-
God told him
-or-
Just like what God said to Abraham

“Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned”: This quote is from Genesis 21:12. In some languages a quote from the Old Testament must be clearly introduced as such. For example:

but ⌊as the Scriptures say,⌋ “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.”

If you indicate the location of quotes from the Old Testament with cross-references, you may want to do so here.

Of Abraham’s children, God only chose Isaac to inherit the promises of God to Abraham. Isaac and then Jacob became the founders of the people of Israel, and God named them his people. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

It is through Isaac that descendants shall bear your name (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
-or-
Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
It is only the descendants of Isaac who will be counted as your grandchildren/descendants

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

⌊God said,⌋ “Through Isaac shall ⌊I⌋ reckon your offspring.”

The phrase Through Isaac is put in the front of the clause to emphasize it. In some languages, the phrase must be in its usual place. If possible emphasize it in another way. For example:

Of your (sg) children, only just the descendants of Isahak will I regard/consider your (sg) descendants
-or-
The descendants I promised you will be from Isaac (New Century Version)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 10:6

10:6a

the righteousness that is by faith says: In this clause righteousness speaks as if it is a person. It indicates that people who have a righteousness that is by faith have the attitude described in 10:6b–7b. That is, they would never think they have the power to bring Christ down to earth or to take him up to heaven. In some languages an abstract concept like righteousness cannot “speak.” If that is true in your language, refer to people who are righteous in this way. For example:

⌊people who are⌋ righteous that is by faith have ⌊this⌋ attitude:
-or-

⌊people whom⌋ ⌊God⌋ has made right ⌊with him⌋ because they believe ⌊in Jesus⌋ have thinking ⌊like this⌋ :

the righteousness that is by faith: Here the word by indicates that the people who have status as righteous people, God has given that status because they believe in Jesus. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

the righteousness based on faith (English Standard Version)
-or-
the righteousness that comes from faith (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
-or-
being made right with God through faith

righteousness: This word refers to being right with God. It is the same meaning as in 10:3 and 10:5.

faith: This word refers to believing in Jesus, that he is the Christ, the one whom God sent to save people from his anger. In some languages a literal translation would refer to believing generally in anyone. If that is true in your language, indicate clearly that it refers to faith in Jesus. For example:

believing ⌊in Jesus⌋

says: Here the present tense indicates what is said in 10:6–7 is something a person right with God would say at any time. It is not a habitual repeating of the words over and over.

This word introduces sayings from the Old Testament. In some languages the people prefer that the translation make that clear. For example:

says ⌊as the Scriptures say:⌋
-or-
if God judges someone as being righteous by his faith, well, the thinking of that person is in accord with the word of God which says,

10:6b

This is a quote from the first part of Deuteronomy 9:4.

Do not say in your heart: Paul used this clause to introduce what he said in 10:6c. Many English versions do not put in a cross-reference to that verse, probably because it only introduces the next words. Only the NET Bible has a cross-reference for this quote.

Do not say: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as say is singular, but refers generally to anyone. In some languages the plural is used to refer generally. For example:

Don’t you(pl) think

10:6c is a question. In some languages “ask” would be better here. For example:

You(pl) must not ask

in your heart: This phrase refers to the inner person. Many languages use a different organ or a more general word. For example:

in your insides/liver/stomach

10:6c–d

‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down): Only the question is from Deuteronomy 30:12. If you indicate the location of quotes from the Old Testament with cross-references, you may want to do so here.

The words that is, to bring Christ down explain the purpose of ascending into heaven. They are also not a new sentence in the Greek. That is why the Berean Standard Bible has the parenthesis. Here are other ways to translate this connection:

But the saving justice of faith says this: Do not think in your heart, ‘Who will go up to heaven?’—that is to bring Christ down; (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
‘Who will ascend into heaven?,’” that is, to bring Christ down.

10:6c

‘Who will ascend into heaven?’: This question is a quote from part of Deuteronomy 30:12. Paul used this part for his own purpose here.

This is a rhetorical question that the speaker is asking himself. It emphasizes that no one should ascend to heaven (to bring Christ down to the earth). Translate with that meaning. For example:

Who will go up into heaven? (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
-or-
Who can go up to heaven? (Revised English Bible)

heaven: Here the word heaven refers to the place where God lives. See how you translated it in 1:18.

10:6d

(that is, to bring Christ down): Here the phrase that is introduces what is to be brought down, from the question “Who will ascend into heaven.” It is not a part of the quote from Deuteronomy but how Paul wanted people to think of those words here. Here are other ways to translate these words:

and here I mean that it is to bring Christ down
-or-
in this case, to bring Christ down to earth

Christ: Here this word refers to Jesus as the Messiah, the one God sent to save people. It is not used as another name for Jesus. For example:

the Christ/Messiah
-or-
the person whom God chose to save ⌊people⌋

See how you translated this word in 1:1 or 9:5.

down: Here this refers to bringing Jesus back to earth.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 11:17

11:17a

Now: Beginning with this verse, Paul made a new point using the metaphor of a tree. In some languages an “and,” another connecting word or phrase, or no conjunction would better indicate that meaning. For example:

And
-or-
It is as if… (New Century Version)
-or-
If… (New International Version)

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 this word in 11:16a.

some branches have been broken off: This clause is passive. 11:20–21 indicate that God broke them off. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

⌊someone⌋ broke off some of the branches
-or-

⌊God⌋ broke off some of the branches

some branches: In the figure of speech here, these branches represent Jews who did not believe in Jesus. If a literal translation would refer only to actual branches, you may want to:

• Translate this phrase literally and explain it in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:

In this verse, these branches represent Jews who did not believe in Jesus.

• Explain the meaning in your translation. For example:

some of the branches, ⌊namely,⌋ ⌊the unbelieving Jews⌋

have been broken off: This phrase refers to breaking the branch at or near the trunk of the tree so that it is no longer attached to the tree. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

were broken away
-or-
were broken ⌊at the trunk⌋ and removed

11:17b

you, a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

⌊someone/God⌋ grafted you in, even though ⌊you were⌋ a wild olive shoot

you: This pronoun is singular. Paul used it to speak to each believer, and he implied believers who are not Jews. In some languages a singular you would only be used in a letter addressed to one person. If that is true in your language, use the plural you.

The meaning of this word is emphasized in the Greek. For example:

you yourself/yourselves
-or-
You now who are Gentiles
-or-
as for you who are not Jews

a wild olive shoot: This phrase describes the word “you,” referring here to Gentile believers. It also indicates a contrast to the other branches of this olive tree. In this figure of speech, the olive tree is God’s chosen people. Before Jesus came to earth as the Christ/Messiah, God’s chosen people were the Jews and they believed in God because of their culture, history, prophecies, stories, and instruction written in their holy book, what we now call the Old Testament. Jews who do not believe in Jesus are like the branches broken off. The Gentiles who believe in Jesus are like wild olive tree branches, in that in the past they were not nurtured by God and his Word. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

being a wild olive (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
even though you are from a wild olive tree

wild olive shoot: Here the word wild refers to something that people do not usually plant and take care of. Here it is in contrast to the same kind of plant that people plant and take care of. A wild olive tree grows well but produces few olives. A cultivated olive produces many olives but is easily damaged. But the word wild indicates that the Gentiles did not have the same relationship with God as the Jews did, where he taught, encouraged, and corrected them. Here are other ways to translate this word:

untamed olive tree
-or-
olive tree from the wilderness

olive: The olive tree produces a small oval fruit. The fruit contains oil, which was used in cooking and burned in lamps for light.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 12:13

12:13a

Share with: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Share is more literally “share in.” Here it refers to sharing one’s possessions (including money) with poor believers. Here are other ways to translate this Greek word:

Contribute to (English Standard Version)
-or-
Share your belongings with (Good News Translation)

the saints: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as saints is literally “holy (ones).” It can mean “holy people,” “people dedicated/consecrated to God,” or “people whom God has made holy.” Here it probably implies all of these meanings. In the New Testament, this word refers to all Christians, not to any special group of Christians. Here are other ways to translate this word:

God’s holy people
-or-
his very own people (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
those whom God has made holy

Translate this word in a way that will refer to all Christians, and that people will use to refer to themselves as Christians. See how you translated this word in 1:7 or 8:27.

who are in need: Here this word refers to lacking something that a person requires. For example, someone may lack food or clothing.

12:13b

Practice hospitality: Here the word Practice refers to looking for opportunities to show hospitality to others and then show hospitality when there is opportunity. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

pursue hospitality (NET Bible)
-or-
look for opportunities to be hospitable (New Jerusalem Bible)

hospitality: The Greek word here means “to love a stranger.” It usually refers to welcoming a stranger or someone arriving from another town and giving them food and a place to stay for the night or more than one night. Here are other ways to translate this Greek word:

invite to your houses whoever has no certain place to stay
-or-
be befriending whomever comes

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 14:10

Paragraph 14:10–12

14:10a

Why, then, do you judge your brother?: This is a rhetorical question. It emphasizes that believers should not judge another believer. It is a rebuke to anyone who does that. Here are some ways to translate that meaning:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

why do you judge your brother or sister? (New International Version (2011))
-or-
Why do you think it is right to consider a fellow believer to be a bad person?

• As a statement. For example:

You have no reason to judge your brother or sister as a bad person!
-or-
You have no reason to consider a fellow believer to be a bad person.

• As a command. For example:

Do not think that you have a good reason to judge your brother or sister as a bad person!
-or-
Do not think that you have a good reason to consider a fellow believer to be a bad person.

then: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as then is often translated as “but” or “and.” However, this verse uses some of the wording from 14:3 and exhorts believers to not pass judgment on a fellow believer or despise him or her. So, the Berean Standard Bible uses then to indicate that Paul is returning to those thoughts. Here is another way to express the idea:

You, then, why… (New International Version)

do you judge: Here this phrase refers to considering someone to be a bad person. It does not refer here to what a judge does in a courtroom. See how you translated this phrase in 14:3b.

you: This word is emphasized in the Greek by being first in the clause. If possible, emphasize this word. For example:

As for you, why do you…
-or-
Hey you, why do you…

brother: Here this word refers to any believer living in Rome, either man or woman. See how you translated this word in 1:13 or 12:1.

By using the singular brother, Paul referred generally to any believer, where the plural might imply all the believers in Rome. In some languages a simple singular might indicate that Paul was thinking of one specific person. If that is true in your language, translate in a way that can refer generally to one or a few. For example:

some of you, brothers,

14:10b

Or why do you: The Greek is more literally “Or and/indeed why do you.” The word “and/indeed” emphasizes the following question.

you: This word is emphasized in the Greek, as it is in 14:10a.

why do you belittle your brother?: This is a rhetorical question with the same emphasis as the rhetorical question in 14:10a, except that the word belittle is used here instead of “pass judgment.” Translate this rhetorical question in the same way you did in 14:10, except for the word belittle here.

belittle: This word refers to considering someone to be worthless. See how you translated this word in 14:3a.

14:10c

For: Here this word introduces the reason for not despising or passing judgment on a brother.

we will all stand before God’s judgment seat:
This refers to standing before God when he will judge us on the final judgment day. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

All of us will stand before God to be judged by him. (Good News Translation)
-or-
The day is coming when God will judge all of us. (Contemporary English Version)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 15:19

15:19a

by the power of signs and wonders: This indicates that Paul’s work as an apostle was supported by signs and wonders. God enabled Paul to do signs and wonders, which showed that God had made him an apostle and these signs and wonders were also a part of this work. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

in the power of signs and wonders (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
and also by using amazing signs and miracles

signs and wonders: Both signs and wonders refer to miracles. See the definitions of both below. Both terms tell us something that Paul wanted us to know about these miracles. These miracles both had a symbolic meaning and amazed people.

In some languages a literal translation would wrongly refer to two different kinds of things. If that is true in your language, indicate that both terms describe miracles. For example:

miracles that were signs and that amazed people
-or-
the signs which were amazing things done by God

signs: This refers to miracles that have a symbolic meaning. They suggest or point to something other than themselves. These miracles showed that the God about whom Paul preached was powerful and empowered Paul, and the message about Jesus that Paul preached was true. Here are other ways to translate this word:

great signs
-or-
omens/portents
-or-
miracles that showed ⌊that my message was from God⌋

wonders: This word refers to miracles that amaze people. Here are other ways to translate this word:

marvels
-or-
amazing miracles

by the power of the Spirit of God: This phrase indicates that the power of the Spirit of God enabled Paul to say and do the things he did, his “word and deed” of 15:18c. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

in the power of the Spirit of God
-or-
through the power of the Spirit of God

the Spirit of God: There is a textual issue here.

(1) The words are spirit of-god, as the Berean Standard Bible translates.

(Berean Standard Bible, Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, English Standard Version, New International Version (2011), New Revised Standard Version, King James Version, New Living Translation (2004), God’s Word, NET Bible)

(2) The word is spirit. For example:

the Spirit (New American Standard Bible)

(New International Version (1984), New American Standard Bible)

(3) The words are spirit of-holy. For example:

the Holy Spirit (Revised Standard Version)

(Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because the UBS5 supports it, although they indicate that they had difficulty deciding which option was most likely correct.

Either way, this phrase refers to the Holy Spirit. Some languages may need to make that clear. For example:

God’s Holy Spirit
-or-
the Holy Spirit (Revised Standard Version)

15:19b

So: This introduces a result of Paul’s work as an apostle (15:18b–19a).

from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum: This refers in general to the regions between Jerusalem and Illyricum that Paul and other apostles had visited at that time. The words all the way around indicate that the area is not a straight figure. Below is the author’s general idea of the included regions.

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 2020