15:7a

You hypocrites: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as hypocrites literally refers to actors (in the theater). Figuratively it refers to people who pretend to be people that they are not. They say that they believe one thing, but they do something different from what they say. Or they appear religious or spiritual on the outside, but they do not have hearts that desire to please God.

In this context, Jesus was referring to Pharisees who said that they carefully followed the word of God. But in reality, they broke certain commandments.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

You who act like you obey God!
-or-
You pretend to be good.

This word first occurs in 6:2. It also occurs in 7:5.

15:7b

Isaiah prophesied correctly about you: In Greek, this clause is more literally: “Isaiah prophesied correctly concerning you saying…” Isaiah’s prophecy was God’s words to the religious hypocrites of that time. But the prophecy was also fitting for the religious hypocrites of Jesus’ time.

God gave the words in 15:8–9 to Isaiah, and Isaiah spoke them to the people. You may want to make it clear that God is speaking in 15:8–9. For example:

Isaiah’s prophecy really applies to you ⌊in which God⌋ said
-or-
Isaiah prophesied correctly about you. ⌊God’s words were:⌋

Isaiah: Isaiah is the name of a prophet. He lived many years before the time of Jesus.

prophesied: This verb means “spoke a message from God.” God told Isaiah something that only God knew, and Isaiah then told the people.

Here are some other ways to translate this verb:

spoke God’s message

-or-

proclaimed God’s words

In some languages, it may be more natural to change this verb to the noun “prophet” and a verb such as “spoke.” For example:

the prophet Isaiah spoke/said

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