12:14

But Jesus replied: The phrase But Jesus replied introduces Jesus’ response to the man. In the response Jesus used a rhetorical question to refuse the man’s request. Jesus’ refusal contrasted with what the man wanted to hear. In some languages it may be natural to make this contrast explicit, as the Berean Standard Bible does by translating the Greek conjunction here as But. Another way to translate this is:

But Jesus said to him (New Century Version)

Use a natural way in your language to introduce this response.

Man: The Greek form of address that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Man was a way to address a stranger. It was not disrespectful. In this context it indicated that Jesus disapproved of the man’s request. In some languages it would not be natural for Jesus to address the man like that in this context. If that is true in your language, here are other options:

• Use a term in your language that a teacher such as Jesus would use in a context like this. For example:

Sir
-or-
My friend

• Omit the direct address. In some languages, it may not be natural to use any form of address here. For example:

Jesus answered, “Who…” (Contemporary English Version)

In 5:20b, the Berean Standard Bible translates the same Greek word as “Friend.” Notice, however, that the context is very different.

who appointed Me judge or executor between you?: This is a rhetorical question. People often went to rabbis to settle disputes. Jesus refused to accept this role. He used this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one had appointed him to decide earthly matters such as an inheritance.

Some ways to translate this question are:

• As a rhetorical question, with or without the implied answer “No one.” For example:

who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that? (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
Who gave me the authority to decide how you should divide ⌊your inheritance⌋? ⌊No one, of course.⌋

• As a statement. For example:

No one has appointed me to judge your affairs.
-or-
It is not my responsibility/work to decide your case and divide your property.

Translate this emphasis in a way that is natural in your language.

judge or executor: In this context, the Greek terms that the Berean Standard Bible translates as judge and executor probably refer to the same type of person. Both terms describe a person who has the authority to decide a property dispute (judge) and divide the property correctly (executor or more literally “arbitrator”). You may translate these terms as two expressions or use only one expression. You may also use nouns, verbal expressions, or a combination of both. See the examples in the preceding note.

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