18:29a

So: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as So indicates that 18:29 is the result of what the first servant did and said 18:28.

Here are some other ways to begin this verse:

When this happened
-or-
As a result

Some English versions do not translate this word. They allow the context to suggest the connection. In some languages, a conjunction will not be necessary here either.

This same conjunction occurs in 18:26a

his fellow servant: These words refer to the servant that owed a hundred denarii. Make sure that your translation refers to this second servant.

fell down: There is a textual issue here:

(1) Some Greek manuscripts have only the word that is translated as fell down. For example:

fell down before him (New Living Translation (2004))

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Good News Translation, English Standard Version, NET Bible, Revised Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, Contemporary English Version, New Living Translation (2004), New Century Version)

(2) Other Greek manuscripts have the word that is translated as fell down plus the phrase at his feet. For example:

fell at his fellow-servant’s feet (Revised English Bible)

(Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, King James Version, Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English, God’s Word)

The majority of English versions follow the Greek texts that have only “fell down.” However, here you should do what is most natural in your language. In some languages, it may be more natural to include a phrase like “at his feet.” See the paragraphs below for more advice.

The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as fell down is parallel to the phrase “fell on his knees” in 18:26a. It is not exactly the same in Greek, but it is close enough to be translated in a similar way.

This word indicates that the second man humbled himself before the first servant as he pleaded for mercy.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

knelt
-or-
fell to his knees (New International Version)
-or-
got down on his knees (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
threw himself down (NET Bible)

This word does not mean that the man tripped and fell.

begged him: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as begged means “pleaded” or “asked urgently.” It is parallel to the word “implored” or “begged” in 18:26b. You may use the same translation here as you did there. For example:

begged him (New International Version)

18:29b

Have patience with me, and I will pay you back: In Greek, this sentence is almost exactly the same as 18:26b–c. (Here, this sentence does not include the word “everything” as in 18:26c.) You should translate it in almost the same way.

Here are some other ways to translate this sentence:

Be patient with me, and I will pay you ⌊what I owe⌋.
-or-

⌊Please,⌋ wait a while. I will return your money.

-or-

⌊My friend,⌋ ⌊please⌋ give me some more time, and I will give you your money.

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