The Greek that is translated as “Asia” or similar in English is translated in German with Provinz Asia (or: “Asien”) or “province of Asia.”
complete verse (Acts 24:19)
Following are a number of back-translations of Acts 24:19:
- Uma: “Actually, it is those Yahudi people from the province of Asia who should come here to accuse me to the Governor, if there is indeed some wrong of mine to them.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
- Yakan: “But there were Yahudi from the land of Asiya there. They should have been the ones to come before you accusing me if they really have something against me.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
- Western Bukidnon Manobo: “But there were some Jews from Asia who were there also. It would be better if they were the ones to come before you if they had anything to accuse me of.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
- Kankanaey: “Those-aforementioned ones-from-Asia should have been the ones to come here to go file-charges, if they have accusations against me.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
- Tagbanwa: “But even though it was like that, I was lied-about/framed by some Jews from Asia. I-wish they would be the ones to come here and bring up a case, supposing they have something against me.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
Translation commentary on Acts 24:19
Now Paul indicates that the real troublemakers were some Jews from the province of Asia. If they have anything against me is stated in such a fashion as to indicate that in fact they did not have anything against Paul.
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 24:19
24:19a
who ought to appear before you: This clause in Greek is literally “who it was necessary to be present before you.” These Jews from Asia started the disturbance in the temple courts. They should have been at this trial to explain Tertullus’ charges if they could. Paul knew they could not truthfully support the charges, but were in fact the cause of the disturbance. Other ways to translate this clause are:
these are the ones who should have appeared before you (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
It is necessary for them to stand/be before you here
bring charges: This phrase refers to accusing Paul in court before Felix. Other ways to translate this phrase are:
make their accusations (Good News Translation)
-or-
accuse (God’s Word)
24:19b
if they have anything against me: The Greek clause indicates that it is possible but not likely that the Jews from Asia have anything against Paul. He probably implies that even if they did accuse him before Felix, they could not prove what they say. Other ways to translate this clause are:
if they have anything provable against me
-or-
if they can prove anything against me ⌊which I doubt⌋
-or-
if there is indeed some wrong of mine that they can prove
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