Translation commentary on Acts 1:14

Although the word translated as a group originally meant something like “with one mind” or “of one accord,” it seems quite likely that by New Testament times it had become weakened to mean simply “together.”

Frequently precedes the verb phrase to pray in order to bring out the meaning of the Greek verbal construction which emphasizes that the praying was done either continuously or frequently. A similar emphasis is also brought out by the Jerusalem Bible, “these joined in continuous prayer,” and by the New English Bible, “these were constantly at prayer together.” But it seems preferable to translate “frequent” rather than “constant” or “continuous.”

It is difficult to define precisely the relationship between Mary the mother of Jesus and the women spoken of, though it is very unlikely that the women should be understood as the wives of the men involved. Perhaps Mary was included within the group of the women, but because of her unique relationship to the Lord she was given specific mention; and in any case Luke elsewhere, as in the nativity narratives, lets his high regard for Mary be known.

The fact that the participants who joined together in prayer are syntactically divided between they and the postponed series the women, and with Mary … and his brothers makes for a very awkward statement in many languages. Accordingly, the arrangement is often recast, for example, “the apostles, together with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers, joined together in a group to pray frequently.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on The Acts of the Apostles. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1972. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 1:14

1:14a

With one accord…continued in prayer: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as continued in prayer is literally “devoting (themselves) with one mind.” The phrase “devoting (themselves)” indicates that the apostles put much time and effort in praying. The phrase “with one mind” indicates that they were united in purpose and agreed in many ways during their praying. The whole Greek phrase implies that they gathered together in order to pray. It indicates that the apostles and other believers prayed together often and regularly. It does not indicate that they prayed all the time and did nothing else. For example:

with one accord devoted themselves to prayer (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
were of one purpose and prayed often

prayer: This word refers to what people say to God. It can include both requests and praises.

they all: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as they all refers to the eleven apostles (1:13b–d).

1:14b

the women: These women were probably those who had believed in Jesus, accompanied him and the apostles, and had helped them in practical ways during Jesus’ ministry. For example:

the women who had followed Jesus (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

His brothers: Church groups differ in what they believe about Jesus’ brothers. Here are the three main views:

(1) They were the sons of Joseph and Mary, born after Jesus.

(2) They were Jesus’ cousins.

(3) They were children of Joseph from a previous marriage. That is, they were Jesus’ step-brothers.

The Hebrew and Aramaic words for “brother” do not distinguish between biological brothers and cousins. It is good to use a general word for “brother” that could apply to any of the views above. For example, you may have a word that could refer to:

(a) brothers with the same father and mother, and

(b) brothers with the same father but different mothers, and

(c) cousins who are children of one of the parents’ brothers or sisters.

If you must use a more specific word, it is recommended that you consult with all major church groups in your language area. You will want to choose a word that is acceptable to the churches.

If your language must distinguish between “older” and “younger” brothers, it is recommended that you use a term for “younger brothers” here. If your language does not use terms that distinguish male and female, such as brother or sister, it may be more natural to use general terms. For example:

siblings
-or-
younger-siblings

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