18:19a

Again, I tell you truly: There is a textual issue here. In some Greek manuscripts, there is a word that means “truly.”

Some important Greek manuscripts do not have this Greek word. Most English versions follow these manuscripts. For example:

Again I say to you (Revised Standard Version)

(Revised Standard Version, English Standard Version, New International Version, New American Standard Bible, Revised English Bible, King James Version, New Living Translation (2004), Good News Translation, New Century Version, Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

Other Greek manuscripts have this Greek word. A few English versions follow these manuscripts. For example:

Again, truly I tell you (New Revised Standard Version)

(Berean Standard Bible, New Revised Standard Version, NET Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, Contemporary English Version, God’s Word)

It is recommended that you follow option (1) and the majority of English versions. Do not include a translation of the word “truly.”

Again: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Again indicates that Jesus wanted to say some more things to his disciples. It does not mean that he wanted to repeat something he had already said.

Here are some other ways to translate this word and its context:

And I tell you more: (Good News Translation)
-or-
I also tell you this (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
Also, I tell you that (New Century Version)

18:19b

if two of you on the earth agree about anything you ask for: This clause refers to two of Jesus’ disciples agreeing to ask God for something. It refers to agreeing about something and praying for it.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

if two of you on earth agree about anything and ask ⌊God⌋ for it
-or-
if two of you on earth agree about something and pray for it (New Century Version)
-or-
when any two of you on earth agree about something you are praying for (Contemporary English Version)

In this context, this clause may refer to asking for wisdom to handle the issue of the brother who has sinned (in 18:15a). But it may include other issues as well. You should translate it in a general way so that it can refer to any issue.

two of you…you: The second you translates a form that is more literally “they.” However, both pronouns refer to Jesus’ disciples, so the Berean Standard Bible and some English versions change the pronoun “they” to you to make this clearer. In some languages, it would be natural to follow the Greek and use both you and “they” here. For example:

if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask (English Standard Version)

In some languages, it may also be more natural to use the same pronoun here.

on the earth: This phrase on the earth contrasts with the phrase “in heaven” at the end of 18:19c. It refers to where people are, as opposed to where God is.

In some languages, it will be natural to put this phrase at a different place in the clause. For example:

if two of you agree on anything here on earth (God’s Word)

about anything you ask for: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as anything you ask for refers to any matter or thing of concern.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

about whatever (NET Bible)
-or-
concerning any matter

18:19c

it will be done for you by My Father in heaven: This clause is passive. Here are some other ways to translate it:

• Use a passive verb, as in the Berean Standard Bible.

• Use an active verb. For example:

my Father in heaven will do it for you (NET Bible)
-or-
you will receive it from my Father in heaven

it will be done for you: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as will be done means “will do” what they asked for or “will answer” their prayer. You should use a verb in your language that refers to answering a prayer. For example:

my Father in heaven will answer their/your prayer
-or-
my Father in heaven will give it to them/you
-or-
my Father in heaven will fulfill what they/you asked

you: The pronoun you here, as in 18:19b, is more literally “them.” However, this pronoun refers to “you” in the phrase “two of you.” Therefore, the Berean Standard Bible and some other English versions change the “them” to you. In some languages, it would be natural to follow the Greek and use “they” here. For example:

it will be done for them (English Standard Version)

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