Translation commentary on Romans 16:27

To the only God, who alone is all-wise is more natural in English than the Greek expression “to the only, the wise, God.” To the only God may be best expressed in some languages as “to the one God,” “to God who alone is God,” or “to the only one who is God.” The expression all-wise should not be confused with “comprehensive knowledge.” It does not mean here that God knows everything, but “God who in everything is wise,” or, as in some languages, “… understands completely.”

The third person imperative expressed by be the glory must be expressed as first person plural in some languages: “we should praise the only God who alone is all-wise.”

Forever, of course, must qualify the manner in which men should praise God.

Through Jesus Christ does not specify the agency for praising, but rather the one who causes such praise to be given to God. In some languages this may be expressed as “this should happen because of what Jesus Christ did.” In such an expression “this” must refer to the giving of praise to God.

Amen may either be transliterated or translated—for example, “surely this is true” or “this is indeed so.”

SIL Translator’s Notes on Romans 16:27

16:27

to the only wise God be glory forever: This resumes what Paul was about to say concerning God at 16:25 (“to Him…”). See the examples at the General Comment below for ways to translate with that meaning in mind.

to the only wise God be glory: This phrase indicates that Paul declared that God should get glory. With this saying Paul praised God. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

may there be glory to the only wise God
-or-
glory should go to the only wise God
-or-
may glory belong to the only wise God

See how you translated be glory in 11:36.

the only wise God: The word only indicates that the God of the Jews and Christians is the only god who is wise. It also does not claim that there are other gods.

wise: The word wise refers to skillful application of knowledge to a situation or deed. See how you translated this word in 1:14 or 16:19.

glory: The word glory refers literally to a very bright light. In this context it implies power, majesty, and greatness. Here are other ways to translate this word:

splendor
-or-
radiance
-or-
greatness

See how you translated this word in 1:23 or 11:36.

through Jesus Christ: The word through here indicates that God has glory because of what Jesus Christ did on earth.

Amen: The word Amen is a Hebrew word that means “even so” or “it is true.” The Greek borrowed the Hebrew word. English borrowed this word as well. It is used to agree with what was said. Paul wrote this expecting his readers to agree as well. See how you translated this word in 1:25 or 15:33.

General Comment on 16:25a–27

16:25b–26d is a description of how God is able to strengthen believers and also says things about the gospel, its revelation and purpose. It interrupts Paul declaring that God should get glory (“to him…to the only wise God be glory”).

This is one sentence of 52 words in the Greek (and one sentence of 73 words in the Berean Standard Bible). In some languages it is not natural to interrupt the main point with a long description. In some languages a sentence over 50 words long will be hard to understand. If either is true in your language, you may want to translate 16:25a–27 as a number of sentences. You may also want to avoid interrupting the main point. For example:

25-27 Now, he is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ. ⌊That gospel and proclamation⌋ are according to the revelation of the mystery that was concealed for ages past but now is revealed. ⌊That gospel and proclamation⌋ have been made known through the writings of the prophets, by the command of the eternal God. The purpose is to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith. To him, the only wise God, be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
-or-

25-27 Now, to ⌊God be glory⌋ ! He is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ. ⌊Those two things⌋ are according to the revelation of the mystery that was concealed for ages past but now is revealed. ⌊They⌋ have been made known through the writings of the prophets, by the command of the eternal God. The purpose is to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith. To him, the only wise God, be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

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Commentaire sur la traduction de la lettre aux Romains 16.27

En grec, le texte de Rom 16.26 continue en qualifiant encore une fois Dieu. Plusieurs versions (Bible en français courant, Parole de Vie, La Bible du Semeur) commencent une nouvelle phrase ici, formulant ainsi une conclusion très forte.

à Dieu, seul sage : le mot Dieu est répété, le Dieu éternel ( Rom 16.26) est ici appelé litt. « seul sage Dieu ». Paul exprime un souhait à Dieu… La majorité des versions françaises gardent cette tournure en début de phrase, mais la Parole de Vie anticipe le mot gloire en disant « Rendons gloire à Dieu, le seul qui possède la sagesse ! » Cela servira de modèle dans plusieurs langues. L’expression seul sage ne se renvoie pas aux connaissances scientifiques mais à toute la grande sagesse de Dieu, manifestée non seulement dans la création mais dans ses projets de salut pour l’humanité. Si certaines langues demandent un complément, on pourrait dire « À Dieu, seul sage en tout ce qu’il fait ».

gloire : en grec, ce mot est précédé d’un pronom relatif, « à qui la gloire ». Dans certaines versions françaises on dit « À Dieu… soit la gloire » (Bible en français courant), mais ce souhait devrait être exprimé d’une manière naturelle dans la langue cible. La Parole de Vie propose « Rendons gloire à Dieu, le seul qui possède la sagesse ! » et on pourrait aussi dire « Nous devons louer Dieu, seul sage en tout ce qu’il fait ».

par Jésus Christ, litt. « à travers (διά dia) Jésus Christ » rend explicite celui qui inspire la louange adressée à Dieu. Presque toutes les versions gardent par, mais dans certaines langues, on pourrait peut-être dire « à cause de ce que Jésus-Christ a fait ». Mais dans une bénédiction de cette sorte, la brièveté et puissance des mots est de rigueur.

aux siècles des siècles : la racine à la base de l’adjectif qui a été introduit en Rom 16.26 (Dieu éternel) figure ici sous une forme nominale. Les traducteurs utiliseront l’expression qu’ils utilisent ailleurs dans le NT : « de siècle en siècle » (La Bible du Semeur), « pour toujours ». La gloire appartient à Dieu « pour toujours » (Bible en français courant, Parole de Vie) et les humains doivent louer Dieu en tout temps.

Pour Amen, voir Rom 1.25. Le mot peut être translittéré ou traduit « ainsi soit-il ».