22:2a

the kingdom of heaven: When you translate the phrase the kingdom of heaven, there are two issues to consider:

Issue 1: The meaning of heaven

In the phrase the kingdom of heaven, the word heaven is a figure of speech called metonymy. In this figure of speech, heaven refers to God, but it refers to him indirectly by naming the place where he lives and rules. The Jews considered God’s name to be so holy that they hesitated to say it. So instead of pronouncing God’s name directly, they often used the name of the place where he lives and rules. Because Matthew was writing primarily to Jews, he often used the word heaven to refer to God.

Therefore, the kingdom of heaven means the same thing as “the kingdom of God.” The phrase the kingdom of heaven only occurs in the book of Matthew. The expression “the kingdom of God” is found in all other places in the New Testament, and it even occurs five times in Matthew.

Here are some ways to translate heaven in this context:

• Make some information explicit. For example:

⌊the one/Lord who lives in⌋ heaven

• Translate the meaning without using a figure of speech. For example:

God

Issue 2: The meaning of the kingdom of heaven

Both “the kingdom of heaven” and “the kingdom of God” refer to God’s activity of ruling over his people. God’s rule is not simply giving orders or commands to people. It also includes his protection, care, and blessing for them. God leads, protects, and cares for his people. They obey, trust, and submit to him as their king. The phrase “the kingdom of heaven” does not refer to a land or country that God rules over.

Here are some ways to translate the kingdom of heaven:

• As a noun. For example:

the kingdom/rule of ⌊the one who lives in⌋ heaven
-or-
the kingdom of God
-or-
God’s kingship
-or-
God’s rule over people

• As a verbal expression. For example:

God rules his people
-or-
God cares for his people as king

Translate in the same way as at 20:1. See kingdom of heaven in the Glossary for more information.

may be compared to: This expression refers to the ways that two things may be alike or different. Here it is a passive form. Some ways to translate it are:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

can be compared to (NET Bible)

• Use another type of verb. For example:

is like (New International Version)
-or-
is like what happened when (Contemporary English Version)

22:2b

a king who gave a wedding feast for his son: The Greek word that the English Standard Version translates as wedding feast is more literally “wedding.” A Jewish wedding could last for days. An important part of a Jewish wedding was eating and feasting. But the Greek term does not specifically refer to the food or meals at a wedding. The food is described by words like “dinner” in 22:4c.

Here are some ways to translate this term:

• Refer generally to the whole event of a marriage ceremony. For example:

a wedding (God’s Word)
-or-
a wedding reception/celebration

• Refer specifically to the feasting involved during a wedding. For example:

a wedding feast

-or-

a wedding banquet (New International Version)

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