Paragraph 8:21–22

8:21a

Another of His disciples: The phrase Another of His disciples refers to a man who was one of the larger group who was following Jesus. He was not one of the twelve disciples.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

Another ⌊man who was one⌋ of the ⌊many⌋ disciples ⌊of Jesus⌋
-or-
Another man, one of Jesus’ followers (New Century Version)
-or-
Another disciple (Contemporary English Version)

As is shown in 8:21b, this man was not yet a serious disciple of Jesus. So here a word like “follower” may be a good way to translate the word “disciple.”

disciples: The word disciples means “learners” who are in a relationship with a teacher. The learners commit themselves to their teacher in order to learn from him and live according to his teaching and example. In the New Testament, disciples refer specifically to people who were learning from a religious teacher. Disciples often lived with their teacher and followed him wherever he went.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

• Use a word or phrase that refers to people who learn from a teacher or expert. It is helpful if the word or phrase also implies that the learners are often with their teacher. For example:

students
-or-
apprentices

Be careful not to use a word that would refer only to students in a school or classroom.

• Use a word or phrase that refers to people who follow a teacher or leader by obeying his teaching. It is helpful if this word or phrase also implies learning from the teacher and actually following the teacher wherever he goes. For example:

followers
-or-
those who are committed/faithful (to a teacher/leader)

• Use a word or phrase that includes both the idea of learning from someone and also of having close association with him. For example:

companions whom Jesus taught

See how you translated disciples in 5:1c. Or see disciple in the Glossary for more information.

8:21b

Lord: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Lord means “master.” It was a polite title used when addressing a respected leader.

This word also occurs in 8:2b. You will probably want to translate it here as you did there.

first let me go and bury my father: This clause is an idiom. It means “let me go and help my father until he dies and I bury him.” The man implied that he wanted to seriously follow Jesus, but at a later time. That later time was possibly years in the future. He first wanted to go take care of his father.

In some languages a literal translation would not clearly indicate or imply that meaning. If that is true in your language, you may want to explain the meaning in the text. For example:

⌊I will follow you, but⌋ first let me go and bury my father.

-or-

⌊I want to really follow you, but⌋ first let me go ⌊home⌋ ⌊until⌋ my father ⌊dies so I can⌋ bury him.

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