1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham.
2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.
3 Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram.
4 Ram was the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon.
5 Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse.
6 Jesse was the father of David the king.
David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah.
7 Solomon was the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asa.
8 Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram an ancestor of Uzziah.
9 Uzziah was the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.
10 Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, and Amon the father of Josiah.
11 Josiah was an ancestor of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the deportation to Babylon.
12 After the deportation to Babylon, Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel was an ancestor of Zerubbabel.
13 Zerubbabel was the father of Abiud, Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor.
14 Azor was the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud.
15 Eliud was the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob.
16 Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.
17 All the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.
18 The birth of Jesus Christ happened in the following way. His mother, Mary, was engaged to marry Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 19 But Joseph, her husband, was a righteous man and did not want to publicly disgrace her, so he intended to divorce her quietly. 20 As he thought about these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, because the one who is conceived in her is conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you will call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 22 Now all this happened to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, 23 "Behold, the virgin will become pregnant and will bear a son, and they will call his name Immanuel"—which being translated is, "God with us." 24 Joseph got up from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and he took her as his wife. 25 But he did not know her until she gave birth to a son. Then he called his name Jesus.
Some translations set a quotation from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULB does this for the quoted material in 1:23.
A genealogy is a list that records a person's ancestors or descendants. Jews used genealogies to choose the right man to become king. They did this because only a son of a king could become king. Most important people had records of their genealogies.
Matthew uses the passive voice very purposefully in this chapter to indicate that Mary did not have a sexual relationship with anyone. She became pregnant with Jesus because the Holy Spirit performed a miracle. Many languages do not have a passive voice, so translators in those languages must find other ways to present the same truths.
The author begins with Jesus's genealogy in order to show that he is a descendant of King David and of Abraham. The genealogy continues through Matthew 1:16.
You could translate this as a complete sentence. Alternate translation: "This is the list of the ancestors of Jesus Christ"
There were many generations between Jesus, David, and Abraham. Here "son" means "descendant." Alternate translation: "Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, who was a descendant of Abraham"
Sometimes the phrase "son of David" is used as a title, but here it seems to be used only to identify Jesus's ancestry.
"Abraham became the father of Isaac" or "Abraham had a son Isaac" or "Abraham had a son named Isaac." There are different ways you could translate this. Whichever way you translate it here, it would be best to translate it the same way throughout the list of Jesus's ancestors.
Here the word "was" is understood. Alternate translation: "Isaac was the father ... Jacob was the father"
These are names of men.
Here the word "was" is understood. Alternate translation: "Perez was the father ... Hezron was the father"
This continues the genealogy of Jesus.
Here the word "was" is understood. Alternate translation: "Amminadab was the father ... Nahshon was the father"
"Salmon was the father of Boaz, and Boaz's mother was Rahab" or "Salmon and Rahab were the parents of Boaz"
Here the word "was" is understood. Alternate translation: "Boaz was the father ... Obed was the father"
"Boaz was the father of Obed, and Obed's mother was Ruth" or "Boaz and Ruth were the parents of Obed"
"David was the father of Solomon, and Solomon's mother was Uriah's wife" or "David and the wife of Uriah were the parents of Solomon"
"the widow of Uriah." Solomon was born after Uriah died.
This continues the genealogy of Jesus.
The word "was" is understood in both of these phrases. Alternate translation: "Rehoboam was the father of Abijah, and Abijah was the father of Asa"
This man was called both Joram and Jehoram in the Old Testament.
This continues the genealogy of Jesus.
Sometimes this is translated "Amos."
A more specific term for "ancestor" can also be used, particularly if the word "ancestor" would only be used for someone who lived before one's grandparents. Alternate translation: "Josiah was a grandfather of Jechoniah"
"when they were forced to move to Babylon" or "when the Babylonians conquered them and made them go live in Babylon." If your language needs to specify who went to Babylon, you could say "the Israelites" or "the Israelites who lived in Judah."
Here this means the country of Babylon, not just the city of Babylon.
This continues the genealogy of Jesus.
Use the same wording you used in Matthew 1:11.
Shealtiel was Zerubbabel's grandfather.
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This continues the genealogy of Jesus.
The author concludes Jesus's genealogy, which began in Matthew 1:1.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Mary, who gave birth to Jesus"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom people call Christ"
"14"
Use the same wording you used in Matthew 1:11.
This begins a new part of the story in which the author describes the events leading up to the birth of Jesus.
"His mother, Mary, was going to marry Joseph." Parents normally arranged the marriages of their children. Alternate translation: "The parents of Mary, the mother of Jesus, had promised her in marriage to Joseph"
Translate in a way that makes it clear that Jesus was not already born when Mary was engaged to Joseph. Alternate translation: "Mary, who would be the mother of Jesus, was engaged"
"before they got married." This may refer to Mary and Joseph sleeping together. Alternate translation: "before they had slept together"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they realized that she was pregnant" or "it happened that she was pregnant"
"to be carrying a child"
The power of the Holy Spirit had enabled Mary to have a baby before she had slept with a man.
Joseph had not married Mary yet, but when a man and woman promised to marry each other, Jews considered them husband and wife though they did not live together. Alternate translation: "Joseph, who was supposed to marry Mary"
"to quietly cancel their plans to get married"
"As Joseph thought"
"came to him while Joseph was dreaming"
Here "son" means "descendant."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Holy Spirit caused Mary to become pregnant with this child"
Because God sent the angel, the angel knew the baby was a boy.
"you must name him" or "you must give him the name." This is a command.
Translator may add a footnote that says "The name 'Jesus' means 'the Lord saves.'"
This refers to the Jews.
The author quotes the prophet Isaiah to show that Jesus's birth was according to scripture.
The angel is no longer speaking. Matthew is now explaining the importance of what the angel said.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "what the Lord told the prophet to write long ago"
There were many prophets. Matthew was speaking of Isaiah. Alternate translation: "the prophet Isaiah"
Here Matthew quotes the prophet Isaiah.
"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: the virgin"
This is a male name.
This is not in the book of Isaiah. Matthew is explaining the meaning of the name "Immanuel." You could translate it as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: "Immanuel." This name means 'God with us.'"
The author concludes his description of the events leading up to the birth of Jesus.
The angel had told Joseph to take Mary as his wife and to name the child Jesus.
"he married Mary"
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "he did not have sexual relations with her"
"to a male baby" or "to her son." Make sure it is clear that Joseph is not portrayed as the actual father.
"Joseph named the child Jesus"
1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, learned men from the east arrived in Jerusalem saying, 2 "Where is he who was born King of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Herod brought together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, and he asked them, "Where is the Christ to be born?" 5 They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is what was written by the prophet,
6 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are not the least among the rulers of Judah,
for from you will come one who rules,
who will shepherd my people Israel.'"
7 Then Herod secretly called the learned men to ask them exactly what time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search carefully for the young child. When you have found him, bring me a report so that I also may come and worship him." 9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star that they had seen in the east went before them until it came and stood still over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with very great joy. 11 They went into the house and saw the young child with Mary his mother. They fell down and worshiped him. They opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 God warned them in a dream not to return to Herod, so they departed to their own country by another way.
13 After they had departed, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up, take the young child and his mother, and flee to Egypt. Remain there until I tell you, for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him." 14 That night Joseph rose and took the young child and his mother and departed into Egypt. 15 He remained there until the death of Herod. This fulfilled what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, "Out of Egypt I have called my Son."
16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been mocked by the learned men, was very angry. He sent and killed all the male children that were in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old and under, according to the time that he had determined exactly from the learned men. 17 Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through Jeremiah the prophet, saying,
18 "A voice was heard in Ramah,
weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children,
and she refused to be comforted,
because they were no more."
19 When Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, 20 "Get up and take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead." 21 Joseph rose, took the child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in the place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. After God warned him in a dream, he left for the region of Galilee 23 and went and lived in a city called Nazareth. This fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verses 6 and 18, which is from the Old Testament.
These words probably refer to a star that the learned men believed to be the sign of a new king of Israel. (See: sign)
English translations use many different words to translate this phrase. These words include "magi" and "wise men." These men could have been scientists or astrologers. If you can, you should translate this with the general words "learned men."
A new part of the story begins here and continues through the end of the chapter. Matthew tells about Herod's attempt to kill the new King of the Jews.
"the town of Bethlehem in the province of Judea"
"when Herod was king there"
This refers to Herod the Great.
"men from the east who studied the stars"
"from a country far east of Judea"
The men knew from studying the stars that the one who would become king had been born. They were trying to learn where he was. Alternate translation: "A baby who will become the king of the Jews has been born. Where is he?"
They were not saying that the baby was the rightful owner of the star. Alternate translation: "the star that tells about him" or "the star that is associated with his birth"
"as it came up in the east" or "while we were in our country"
Possible meanings are 1) they intended to worship the baby as divine, or 2) they wanted to honor him as a human king. If your language has a word that includes both meanings, you should consider using it here.
"he was worried." Herod was worried that this baby would replace him as king.
Here "Jerusalem" refers to the people. Also, "all" means "many." Matthew is exaggerating to emphasize how many people were worried. Alternate translation: "many of the people in Jerusalem"
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"In the town of Bethlehem in the province of Judea"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "this is what the prophet wrote long ago"
The chief priests and scribes of the people quote the prophet Micah to show that the Christ would be born in Bethlehem.
Micah was speaking to the people of Bethlehem as if they were with him but they were not. Also, "are not the least" can be translated with a positive phrase. Alternate translation: "you, people of Bethlehem, ... your town is among the most important towns in Judah"
Micah speaks of this ruler as a shepherd. This means he will lead and care for the people. Alternate translation: "who will lead my people Israel as a shepherd leads his sheep"
This means that Herod talked to the learned men without other people knowing.
This can be translated as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: "men, and he asked them, 'When exactly did this star appear?'"
It is implied that the learned men told him when the star appeared. Alternate translation: "what time the star had appeared. The learned men told Herod when the star first appeared"
This refers to Jesus.
"report back to me" or "let me know"
See how you translated this in Matthew 2:2.
"After the learned men"
"they had seen come up in the east" or "they had seen in their country"
"guided them" or "led them"
"stopped over"
"the place where the young child was staying"
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Here the scene shifts to the house where Mary, Joseph, and the young Jesus were living.
"The learned men went"
"They knelt down and put their faces close to the ground." They did this to honor Jesus.
Here "treasures" refers to the boxes or bags they used to carry their treasures. Alternate translation: "the containers that held their treasures"
"Afterwards, God warned the learned men." God knew that Herod wanted to harm the child.
This can be translated as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: "dream, saying, 'Do not go back to King Herod,' so"
"the learned men had departed"
"came to Joseph while he was dreaming"
God is speaking to Joseph, so these should all be singular forms.
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "until I tell you it is safe to come back"
Here "I" refers to God. The angel is speaking for God.
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Matthew quotes the prophet Hosea to show that the Christ would spend time in Egypt.
It is implied that Joseph, Mary, and Jesus remained in Egypt. Alternate translation: "They remained"
Herod does not die until Matthew 2:19. This statement describes the length of their stay in Egypt, and it does not say that Herod died at this time.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "what the Lord had said through the prophet; he had said" or "what the Lord had told the prophet to tell the people; he had said"
"I have called my Son out of Egypt"
In Hosea this refers to the people of Israel. Matthew quoted it to say that this was true of God's Son, Jesus. Translate it using a word for son that could refer to the only son or the first son.
These events happen before Herod's death, which Matthew mentioned in [Matthew 2:15]
Here the scene shifts back to Herod and tells what he did when he learned that the learned men had deceived him.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the learned men had embarrassed him by tricking him"
Herod did not kill the children himself. Alternate translation: "He gave orders for his soldiers to kill all the boys" or "He sent soldiers there to kill all the boy babies"
"2 years old and younger"
"based on the time"
Matthew quotes the prophet Jeremiah to show that the death of all of the male children in the region of Bethlehem was according to scripture.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "This fulfilled" or "Herod's actions fulfilled"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "what the Lord spoke long ago through the prophet Jeremiah"
Matthew is quoting the prophet Jeremiah.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People heard a voice" or "There was a loud sound"
Rachel lived many years before this time. This prophecy shows Rachel, who has died, weeping for her descendants.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one could comfort her"
"because the children were gone and would never return." Here "were no more" is a mild way of saying they are dead. Alternate translation: "because they were dead"
Here the scene shifts to Egypt, where Joseph, Mary, and the young Jesus are living.
This marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. It may involve different people than the previous events. Your language may have a way of doing this.
Here "sought the child's life" is a way of saying they wanted to kill the child. "Alternate translation: "those who were looking for the child in order to kill him"
This refers to King Herod and his advisors.
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This is the end of the part of the story that began in Matthew 2:1 about Herod's attempt to kill the new King of the Jews.
"But when Joseph heard"
This is the name of Herod's son.
"Joseph was afraid"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "what the Lord spoke long ago through the prophets"
Here "he" refers to Jesus. The prophets before the time of Jesus would have referred to him as the Messiah or the Christ. Alternate translation: "people would say that the Christ is a Nazarene"
1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea saying, 2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." 3 For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying,
"The voice of one calling out in the wilderness,
'Make ready the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.'"
4 Now John wore clothing of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan River went out to him. 6 They were baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to him for baptism, he said to them, "You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath that is coming? 8 Bear fruit worthy of repentance. 9 Do not think of saying among yourselves, 'We have Abraham for our father.' For I say to you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham even out of these stones. 10 Already the ax has been placed against the root of the trees. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. 11 I baptize you with water for repentance. But he who comes after me is mightier than I, and I am not worthy even to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand to thoroughly clear off his threshing floor and to gather his wheat into the storehouse. But he will burn up the chaff with fire that can never be put out."
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. 14 But John kept trying to stop him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" 15 Jesus responded and said to him, "Permit it now, for it is right for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then John permitted him. 16 After he was baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him. He saw the Spirit of God coming down like a dove and resting upon him. 17 Behold, a voice came out of the heavens saying, "This is my beloved Son. I am very pleased with him."
Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULB does this with the quoted material in verse 3.
Fruit is a common picture word in the scriptures. Writers use it to describe the results of either good or bad behavior. In this chapter, good fruit is the result of living as God commands. (See: fruit)
No one knows for sure whether the "kingdom of heaven" was present or still coming when John spoke these words. English translations often use the phrase "at hand," but these words can be difficult to translate. Other versions use the phrases "is coming near" and "has come near."
This is the beginning of a new part of the story where Matthew tells of the ministry of John the Baptist.
This is many years after Joseph and his family left Egypt and went to Nazareth. This is probably near the time that Jesus begins his ministry. Alternate translation: "Some time later" or "Some years later"
This is plural in form. John is speaking to the crowds.
The phrase "kingdom of heaven" refers to God ruling as king. This phrase is only in the book of Matthew. If possible, use the word "heaven" in your translation. Alternate translation: "our God in heaven will soon show himself to be king"
Matthew quotes the prophet Isaiah to show that John the Baptist was God's appointed messenger to prepare for Jesus's ministry.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For Isaiah the prophet was speaking of John the Baptist when he said"
This can be expressed as a sentence. Alternate translation: "The voice of one calling out in the wilderness is heard" or "They hear the sound of someone calling out in the wilderness"
These two phrases mean the same thing.
"Get the road ready for the Lord." Doing this represents being prepared to hear the Lord's message when he comes. People do this by repenting of their sins. Alternate translation: "Prepare to hear the Lord's message when he comes" or "Repent and be ready for the Lord to come"
The word "Now" is used here to mark a pause in the story. Here Matthew tells background information about John the Baptist.
This clothing symbolizes that John is a prophet like the prophets from long ago, especially the prophet Elijah.
The words "Jerusalem," "Judea," and "the region" are metonyms for the people from those areas. The word "all" is an exaggeration to emphasize that very many people went out. Alternate translation: Then very may people from Jerusalem, Judea, and that region"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "John baptized them ... River after they confessed their sins"
This refers to the people coming from Jerusalem, Judea, and the region around the Jordan River.
John the Baptist begins to rebuke the Pharisees and Sadducees.
This is a metaphor. Here "offspring" means "having the characteristic of." Vipers are a kind of dangerous snakes and represent evil. This can be stated as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: "You evil poisonous snakes! Who" or "You are evil like poisonous snakes! Who"
John uses a question to rebuke the Pharisees and Sadducees because they were asking him to baptize them so that God would not punish them, but they did not want to stop sinning. Alternate translation: "you cannot flee from God's wrath like this." or "do not think that you can flee from God's wrath just because I baptize you."
The word "wrath" is being used to refer to God's punishment because his wrath precedes it. Alternate translation: "run away from the punishment that is coming" or "escape because God is about to punish you"
The phrase "bear fruit" is a metaphor referring to a person's actions. Alternate translation: "Let your actions show that you have truly repented"
"Abraham is our ancestor" or "We are descendants of Abraham." The Jewish leaders thought that God would not punish them since they were descendants of Abraham.
This adds emphasis to what John is about to say.
"God is able to make physical descendants out of even these stones and give them to Abraham"
John the Baptist continues to rebuke the Pharisees and Sadducees.
This metaphor means God is ready to punish sinners. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has his axe and he is ready to cut down and burn any tree that grows bad fruit" or "As a person gets his axe ready to cut down and burn a tree that grows bad fruit, God is ready to punish you for your sins"
"to show that you have repented"
Jesus is the person who comes after John.
"is more important than I am"
This metaphor compares John's baptism with water to the future baptism with fire. This means John's baptism only symbolically cleanses people of their sins. The baptism by Holy Spirit and fire will truly cleanse people of their sins. If possible, use the word "baptize" in your translation to keep the comparison to John's baptism.
This metaphor compares the way Christ will separate the righteous people from the unrighteous people to the way a man separates wheat grain from chaff. Alternate translation: "Christ is like a man whose winnowing fork is in his hand"
Here "in his hand" means the person is ready to act. Alternate translation: "Christ is holding a winnowing fork because he is ready"
This is a tool for tossing wheat up into the air to separate the wheat grain from the chaff. The heavier grain falls back down and the unwanted chaff is blown away by the wind. It is similar in shape to a pitchfork but with wide tines made of wood.
"his ground" or "the ground where he separates the grain from the chaff"
This is a metaphor showing how God will separate righteous people from evil people. The righteous will go to heaven like wheat into a farmer's storehouse, and God will burn the people who are like chaff with a fire that will never be put out.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "will never burn out"
Here the scene shifts to a later time when John the Baptist baptizes Jesus.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so John could baptize him"
John uses a question to show his surprise at Jesus's request. Alternate translation: "You are more important than I am. I should not baptize you. You should baptize me."
Here "us" refers to Jesus and John.
You may need to make explicit that John permitted Jesus to be baptized by John. Alternate translation: "John allowed Jesus to be baptized" or "John agreed to baptize Jesus"
This is the end of the part of the story about John the Baptist. It describes what happened after he baptized Jesus.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "After John baptized Jesus"
The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Jesus saw the sky open" or "God opened the heavens to Jesus"
Possible meanings are 1) this is simply a statement that the Spirit was in the form of a dove or 2) this is a simile that compares the Spirit coming down upon Jesus gently, the way a dove would.
"Jesus heard a voice from heaven." Here "voice" refers to God speaking. Alternate translation: "God spoke from heaven"
This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God.
1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 When he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become bread."
4 But Jesus answered and said to him, "It is written, 'Man does not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.'"
5 Then the devil took him into the holy city and set him on the highest point of the temple building, 6 and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written,
'He will command his angels to take care of you,'
and
'They will carry you in their hands,
so that you will not hit your foot against a stone.'"
7 Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You must not test the Lord your God.'"
8 Again, the devil took him up to a very high hill and showed him all the kingdoms of the world along with all their glory. 9 He said to him, "All these things I will give you, if you fall down and worship me."
10 Then Jesus said to him, "Go away from here, Satan! For it is written, 'You will worship the Lord your God, and you will serve only him.'"
11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and served him.
12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been handed over, he withdrew into Galilee. 13 He left Nazareth and went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the Sea of Galilee in the territories of Zebulun and Naphtali. 14 This happened to fulfill what was said by Isaiah the prophet,
15 "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
toward the sea, beyond the Jordan,
Galilee of the Gentiles!
16 The people who sat in darkness
have seen a great light,
and to those who sat in the region and shadow of death,
upon them has a light arisen."
17 From that time Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." 18 As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 Jesus said to them, "Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." 20 Immediately they left the nets and followed him. 21 As Jesus was going on from there he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and John his brother. They were in the boat with Zebedee their father mending their nets. He called them, 22 and they immediately left the boat and their father and followed him.
23 Jesus went about in all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing every kind of disease and sickness among the people. 24 The news about him went out into all of Syria, and the people brought to him all those who suffered from various diseases and pains, those who were possessed by demons, the epileptics, and the paralytics. Jesus healed them. 25 Large crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verses 6, 15 and 16, which is from the Old Testament.
No one knows for use whether the "kingdom of heaven" was present or still coming when Jesus spoke these words. English translations often use the phrase "at hand," but these words can be difficult to translate. Other versions use the phase "is coming near" and "has come near."
The reader should not understand these words in verses 3 and 6 to mean that Satan did not know whether Jesus was the Son of God. God had already said that Jesus was his Son (Matthew 3:17), so Satan knew who Jesus was. He also knew that Jesus could make stones become bread and could throw himself off of high places and not be hurt. He was trying to make Jesus do these things and so disobey God and obey Satan. These words can be translated as "Show me your power if you are the Son of God" (See: satan and sonofgod)
Here Matthew begins a new part of the story in which Satan tempts Jesus in the wilderness after Jesus has been there for 40 days.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Spirit led Jesus"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so the devil could tempt Jesus"
These refer to Jesus.
"40 days and 40 nights." This refers to 24-hour periods. Alternate translation: "40 days"
These words refer to the same being as "the devil" (verse 1). You may have to use the same word to translate both.
It is best to assume that Satan knew that Jesus is the Son of God. Possible meanings are 1) this is a temptation to do miracles for Jesus's own benefit. Alternate translation: "You are the Son of God, so you can command" or 2) this is a challenge or accusation. Alternate translation: "Prove that you are the Son of God by commanding"
This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God.
You could translate this with a direct quotation. Alternate translation: "say to these stones, 'Become bread.'"
Here "bread" refers to food in general. Alternate translation: "food"
Jesus rebukes Satan with a quotation from Deuteronomy.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses wrote this in the scriptures long ago"
This implies that there is something more important to life than food.
Here "word" and "mouth" refer to what God says. Alternate translation: "but by listening to everything that God says"
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Satan quotes from the Psalms in order to tempt Jesus.
It is best to assume that Satan knew that Jesus is the Son of God. Possible meanings are 1) this is a temptation to do a miracle for Jesus's own benefit. Alternate translation: "Since you are truly the Son of God, you can throw yourself down" or 2) this is a challenge or accusation. Alternate translation: "Prove that you are truly the Son of God by throwing yourself down"
This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God.
"let yourself fall to the ground" or "jump down"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for the writer wrote in the scriptures" or "for it says in the scriptures"
This can be translated with a direct quotation, and you can specify that it is God who will command. Alternate translation: "'God will say to his angels, "Take care of him,"' and" or "'God will command his angels to take care of you,' and"
"The angels will hold you"
Jesus rebukes Satan with another quotation from Deuteronomy.
It is understood that Jesus is quoting scripture again. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Again, I will tell you what Moses wrote in the scriptures"
Here "you" refers to anyone. Alternate translation: "One should not test" or "No person should test"
"Next, the devil"
"The devil said to Jesus"
"I will give you all these things." The tempter is emphasizing here that he will give "all these things," not just some of them.
"put your face near the ground." This was a common action to show that a person was worshiping.
Jesus rebukes Satan with another quotation from Deuteronomy.
This is the end of the part of the story about how Satan tempted Jesus.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For Moses also wrote in the scriptures"
Both instances of "you" are singular, a command to everyone who hears it.
The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the important new information that follows.
This is the beginning of a new part of the story in which Matthew describes the beginning of Jesus's ministry in Galilee. These verses explain how Jesus came to be in Galilee.
This word is used here to mark a change in the main story. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story.
This can be stated in active form and the information omitted from the euphemism can be stated. Alternate translation: "the king had handed John over to the prison" or "the king had arrested John"
"Zebulun" and "Naphtali" are the names of the tribes that lived in these territories many years earlier before foreigners took control of the land of Israel.
This refers to Jesus's going to live in Capernaum.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "what God said"
Matthew quotes the prophet Isaiah to show that Jesus's ministry in Galilee was a fulfillment of prophecy.
These are two descriptions of the same territory.
This is the Sea of Galilee.
Matthew quotes the prophet Isaiah to show that Jesus's ministry in Galilee was a fulfillment of prophecy.
Here "darkness" is a metaphor for not knowing the truth about God. And "light" is a metaphor for God's true message that saves people from their sin.
These words can be combined with the sentence beginning with "The land of Zebulun" (verse 15). Alternate translation: "In the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali ... where many Gentiles live, the people who sat"
"who were living ... who were living." The word "sat" is an idiom for having lived for a long time in one place, not to sitting on the ground or a piece of furniture.
This basically has the same meaning as the first part of the sentence. Here "those who sat in the region and shadow of death" is a metaphor. It represents those who did not know God. These people were in danger of dying and being separated from God forever.
The phrase "the kingdom of heaven" refers to God ruling as king. This phrase is only in the book of Matthew. If possible, include a word that means "heaven" in your translation. See how you translated this in [Matthew 3:2]
This begins a new scene within the part of the story about Jesus's ministry in Galilee. Here he begins to gather men to be his disciples.
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "throwing a net into the water to catch fish"
Jesus invites Simon and Andrew to follow him, live with him, and become his disciples. Alternate translation: "Be my disciples"
This metaphor means Simon and Andrew will teach people God's true message, so others will also follow Jesus. Alternate translation: "I will teach you to gather men to me like you used to gather fish"
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Jesus calls more men to be his disciples.
"Jesus called John and James." This phrase also means that Jesus invited them to follow him, live with him, and become his disciples.
"at that moment they left"
It should be clear that they immediately put their nets down and left that place with Jesus. If your language requires you to tell whether they were leaving for the rest of the day or for a long time or for the rest of their lives, you should probably translate as they were leaving for the rest of their lives. It would be good to have a note saying that the Greek does not specify how long they would be gone.
This is the end of the part of the story about the beginning of Jesus's ministry in Galilee. The rest of this chapter summarizes what he did and how the people responded.
"teaching in the synagogues of the Galileans" or "teaching in the synagogues of those people"
Here "kingdom" refers to God's reign as king. Alternate translation: "preaching the good news that God will show himself as king"
The words "disease" and "sickness" are closely related but should be translated as two different words if possible. "Disease" is what causes a person to be sick. "Sickness" is the physical weakness or affliction that results from having a disease.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those whom demons controlled"
The word "epileptic" refers to people who have epilepsy and so sometimes become unconscious and move uncontrollably.
This name means "the Ten Towns." This is the name of a region to the southeast of the Sea of Galilee.
1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on the mountain. When he had sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 He opened his mouth and taught them, saying,
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness' sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely for my sake. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For in this way people persecuted the prophets who lived before you.
13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt has lost its taste, how can it be made salty again? It is never again good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. 14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but rather on the lampstand, and it shines for everyone in the house. 16 Let your light shine before people in such a way that they see your good deeds and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
17 "Do not think that I have come to destroy the law or the prophets. I have come not to destroy them, but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I say to you that until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will in any way pass away from the law, until all things have been accomplished. 19 Therefore whoever breaks the least one of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever keeps them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will in no way enter the kingdom of heaven.
21 "You have heard that it was said to them in ancient times, 'Do not murder,' and, 'Whoever murders will be subject to judgment.' 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment; and whoever says to his brother, 'You worthless person!' will be subject to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be subject to the fire of hell. 23 Therefore if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has anything against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar, and go on your way. First be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly while you are with him on the way to court, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I say to you, you will never come out from there until you have paid the last penny you owe.
27 "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks on a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is better for you that one of your members should perish than that your whole body should be thrown into hell. 30 If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away from you. For it is better for you that one of your members should perish than that your whole body should go into hell. 31 It was also said, 'Whoever sends his wife away, let him give her a certificate of divorce.' 32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on account of sexual immorality, makes her an adulteress. Whoever marries her after she has been divorced commits adultery.
33 "Again, you have heard that it was said to those in ancient times, 'Do not swear a false oath, but carry out your oaths to the Lord.' 34 But I say to you, swear not at all, neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God; 35 nor by the earth, for it is the footstool for his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 Neither swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 But let your speech be 'Yes, yes,' or 'No, no.' Anything that is more than this is from the evil one.
38 "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' 39 But I say to you, do not resist one who is evil. Instead, whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 If anyone wishes to bring a lawsuit against you and takes away your tunic, let that person also have your cloak. 41 Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to anyone who asks you, and do not turn away from anyone who wishes to borrow from you.
43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [1]45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you get? Do not even the tax collectors do the same thing? 47 If you greet only your brothers, what do you do more than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same thing? 48 Therefore you must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Many people call the words in Matthew 5-7 the Sermon on the Mount. This is one long lesson that Jesus taught. Bibles divide this lesson into three chapters, but this can sometimes confuse the reader. If your translation divides the text into sections, be sure that the reader understands that the whole sermon is one large section.
Matthew 5:3-10, known as The Beatitudes or as The Blessings, has been set apart by being set farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text, with each line beginning with the word "blessed." This way of placing the words on the page highlights the poetic form of this teaching.
Jesus spoke about many different subjects in this sermon, so you may wish to help the reader by putting an empty line into the text whenever Jesus changed the subject.
It is possible to refer to anyone who followed Jesus as a follower or disciple. Jesus selected twelve of his followers to become his closest disciples, "the twelve disciples." They would later become known as the apostles.
This is the beginning of a new part of the story in which Jesus begins to teach his disciples. This part continues through the end of chapter 7 and is frequently called the Sermon on the Mount.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "Jesus began to speak"
The word "them" refers to his disciples.
Here, Jesus begins to describe the characteristics of people who are blessed.
This means people who are humble. Alternate translation: "those who know they need God"
Here "kingdom of heaven" refers to God's rule as king. This phrase is only in the book of Matthew. If possible, keep "heaven" in your translation. Alternate translation: "for God in heaven will be their king"
Possible reasons they are sad are 1) the sinfulness of the world or 2) their own sins or 3) the death of someone. Do not specify the reason for mourning unless your language requires it.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will comfort them"
"the gentle" or "those who do not rely on their own power"
"God will give them the entire earth"
This metaphor describes people who strongly desire to do what is right. Alternate translation: "those who desire to live right as much as they desire food and drink"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will fill them" or "God will satisfy them"
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"people whose hearts are pure." Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's inner being or intentions. Alternate translation: "those who only want to serve God"
This means they will be able to live in God's presence. Alternate translation: "God will allow them to live with him"
These are the people who help others to have peace with one another.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for God will call them his children" or "they will be children of God"
It is best to translate "sons" with the same word your language would naturally use to refer to a human son or child.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those people whom others treat unfairly"
"because they do what God wants them to do"
Here "kingdom of heaven" refers to God's rule as king. This phrase is only in the book of Matthew. If possible, keep "heaven" in your translation. See how you translated this in [Matthew 5:3]
Jesus finishes describing the characteristics of people who are blessed.
The word "you" is plural.
"say all kinds of evil lies about you" or "say bad things about you that are not true"
"because you follow me" or because you believe in me"
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Jesus begins to teach about how his disciples are like salt and light.
Possible meanings are 1) just as salt makes food good, disciples of Jesus influence the people of the world so that they will be good. Alternate translation: "You are like salt for the people of the world" or 2) just as salt preserves food, disciples of Jesus keep people from becoming totally corrupt. Alternate translation: "As salt is for food, you are for the world"
Possible meanings are 1) "if the salt has lost its power to do things that salt does" or 2) "if the salt has lost its flavor."
"how can it be made useful again?" Jesus uses a question to teach the disciples. Alternate translation: "there is no way for it to become useful again."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "except for people to throw it out into the road and walk on it"
This means Jesus's followers bring the message of God's truth to all the people who do not know God. Alternate translation: "You are like a light for the people of the world"
At night when it is dark, people can see the city lights shining. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "During the night, no one can hide the lights that shine from a city on a hill" or "Everyone sees the lights of a city on a hill"
"People do not light a lamp"
"place the lamp under a basket." This is saying it is foolish to create light only to hide it so people do not see the light of the lamp.
This means a disciple of Jesus should live in such a way that others can learn about God's truth. Alternate translation: "Let your lives be like a light that shines before people"
It is best to translate "Father" with the same word your language would naturally use to refer to a human father.
Jesus begins to teach about how he has come to fulfill the Old Testament law.
This refers to what the prophets wrote in the scriptures.
"I tell you the truth." This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
Here "heaven" and "earth" refer to the entire universe. Alternate translation: "as long as the universe lasts"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all things have happened" or "God causes all things to happen"
The phrase "all things" refers to everything in the law. Alternate translation: "everything in the law" or "all that is written in the law"
Possible meanings are 1) "whoever disobeys" or 2) "whoever ignores."
"any of these commandments, even the least important one, and teaches"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if anyone ... teaches others to do so, God will call that person"
The phrase "kingdom of heaven" refers to God's rule as king. This phrase is found only in Matthew. If possible use "heaven" in your translation. Alternate translation: "the least important in his heavenly kingdom" or "the least important under the rule of our God in heaven"
"obeys all these commandments and teaches others to do the same"
most important
This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
These are plural.
This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: "that your righteousness must exceed ... Pharisees in order to enter"
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. The "you" is plural in "you have heard." The understood "you" is singular in "Do not murder," but in some languages it may need to be translated as plural.
Jesus continues to teach about how he has come to fulfill the Old Testament law. Here he begins to speak about murder and anger.
This can be expressed with an active verb. Alternate translation: "God said to those who lived long ago" or "Moses said to your ancestors long ago"
Possible meanings are 1) "will have to go to the judge" or 2) "will be in danger of punishment."
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. The "you" is plural in "I say to you."
Jesus agrees with God and his word, but he does not agree with the way the religious leaders have applied God's word. The "I" is emphatic. This indicates that what Jesus says is just as important as the original commands. Try to translate this phrase in a way that shows that emphasis.
This refers to a fellow believer, not to a literal brother or a neighbor.
Both of these insults represent a person who cannot think correctly. "Worthless person" is close to "brainless," where "fool" adds the idea of disobedience to God.
This was likely a local council, not the main Sanhedrin in Jerusalem.
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. All occurrences of "you" and "your" are singular, but in some languages they may need to be plural.
"giving your gift" or "bringing your gift"
It is implied that this is God's altar at the temple in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "to God at the altar in the temple"
"while you are standing at the altar you remember"
"another person is angry with you because of something you did"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "First make peace with the person"
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. All occurrences of "you" and "your" are singular, but in some languages they may need to be plural.
This is a person who takes someone to court for doing something wrong to accuse him before a judge.
Here "hand you over" means to give someone into the control of someone else. Alternate translation: "will let the judge deal with you"
Here "hand you over" means to give someone into the control of someone else. Alternate translation: "the judge will give you over to the officer"
a person who has authority to carry out the decisions of a judge
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the officer might put you in prison"
"I tell you the truth." This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
"from prison"
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. The "you" is plural in "you have heard." The understood "you" is singular in "Do not commit adultery," but in some languages it may need to be translated as plural.
Jesus continues to teach about how he has come to fulfill the Old Testament law. Here he begins to speak about adultery and lust.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that God said" or "that Moses said"
This word means to act out or do something.
Jesus agrees with God and his word, but he does not agree with the way the religious leaders have applied God's word. The "I" is emphatic. This indicates that what Jesus says is just as important as the original commands. Try to translate this phrase in a way that shows that emphasis. See how you translated this in Matthew 5:22.
This metaphor indicates that a man who lusts after a woman is as guilty of adultery as a man who actually commits the act of adultery.
"and lusts after her" or "and desires to sleep with her"
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's thoughts. Alternate translation: "in his mind" or "in his thoughts"
The irony here is that people use their eyes in part to keep from stumbling. Here "eye" is a metonym for what a person chooses to look at or learn about, "stumble" is a metaphor for "sin," and "pluck it out and throw it away from you" is a hyperbolic metaphor for doing everything possible to avoid sinning. Alternate translation: "if what you are interested in causes you to want to sin, do everything you can to stay away from it"
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. All instances of "you" and "your" are singular, but in some languages they may need to be translated as plural.
This refers to the eye on the right-hand side of the face. The Jews thought of the right hand as more important than the left, so the phrase "right eye" was a metaphor for the most important eye. You may need to translate "right" as "better" or "stronger."
This is an exaggerated command for a person to do whatever he needs to do to stop sinning. It means "forcefully remove it" or "destroy it." If the right eye is not specifically mentioned, you may need to translate this "destroy your eyes." If eyes have been mentioned, you may need to translate this "destroy them."
"get rid of it"
"you should lose one part of your body"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "than for God to throw your whole body into hell"
In this metonymy, the hand stands for the actions of the whole person.
This means the most important hand, as opposed to the left hand. You may need to translate "right" as "better" or "stronger."
This is an exaggerated command for a person to do whatever he needs to do to stop sinning.
Jesus continues to teach about how he has come to fulfill the Old Testament law. Here he begins to speak about divorce.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God also said" or "Moses also said"
This is a euphemism for "divorces his wife."
"he must give"
Jesus agrees with God and his word, but he does not agree with the way the religious leaders have applied God's word. The "I" is emphatic. This indicates that what Jesus says is just as important as the original commands. Try to translate this phrase in a way that shows that emphasis. See how you translated this in Matthew 5:22.
It is the man who divorces the woman improperly who "causes her to commit adultery." In many cultures it would be normal for her to remarry, but if the divorce is improper, such a remarriage is adultery.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "her after her husband has divorced her" or "the divorced woman"
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. The "you" is plural in "you have heard." The "you" and "your" are singular in "Do not swear" and "carry out your oaths," but in some languages they may need to be translated as plural.
Jesus continues to teach about how he has come to fulfill the Old Testament law. Here he begins to speak about swearing oaths.
"Also, you" or "Here is another example. You"
This can be expressed with an active verb. Alternate translation: "God said to those who lived long ago" or "Moses said to your ancestors long ago"
"Do not swear that you will do something and then not do it. Instead do whatever you have sworn to the Lord that you will do"
Jesus agrees with God and his word, but he does not agree with the way the religious leaders have applied God's word. The "I" is emphatic. This indicates that what Jesus says is equally important to the original commands from God. Try to translate this phrase in a way that shows that emphasis. See how you translated this in Matthew 5:22.
"do not swear at all" or "do not swear by anything"
Because God reigns from heaven, Jesus speaks of heaven as if it were a throne. Alternate translation: "it is from here that God rules"
Jesus finishes his words from verse 34, telling the people not to swear.
Here Jesus means that when people make a promise or when they say that something is true, they must not swear by anything. Some people were teaching that if a person swears by God that he will do something, then he must do it, but if he swears by something else, such as by heaven or earth, then it is less offensive if he does not do what he swore to do. Jesus says that swearing by heaven or earth or Jerusalem is just as serious as swearing by God because those things all belong to God.
This metaphor means the earth also belongs to God. Alternate translation: "it is like a footstool where a king rests his feet"
"for it is the city that belongs to God, the great King"
Previously Jesus told his hearers that God's throne, footstool, and earthly home are not theirs to swear by. Here he says that they may not swear even by their own heads.
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. All occurrences of these words are singular, but you may have to translate them as plural.
This refers to taking an oath. See how you translated this in Matthew 5:34.
"if you mean 'yes,' say 'yes,' and if you mean 'no,' say 'no.'"
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. The "you" in "you have heard" is plural.
Jesus continues to teach about how he has come to fulfill the Old Testament law. Here he begins to speak about retaliating against an enemy.
This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Matthew 5:27]
The law of Moses allowed a person to harm a person in the same way he had harmed him, but he could not harm him worse.
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. The "you" in "I say to you" is plural. The "you" in "whoever strikes you" and the understood "you" in "turn to him" are both singular, but in some languages they may need to be translated as plural.
Jesus agrees with God and his word, but he does not agree with the way the religious leaders have applied God's word. The "I" is emphatic. This indicates that what Jesus says is just as important as the original commands. Try to translate this phrase in a way that shows that emphasis.
"an evil person" or "someone who harms you"
To strike the side of a man's face was an insult in Jesus's culture. As with the eye and the hand, the right cheek is the more important one, and striking that cheek was a terrible insult.
hits with the back of an open hand
"let him hit your other cheek also"
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. All occurrences of "you" and "your" are singular. In some languages they may need to be translated as plural.
The "tunic" was worn close to the body, like a heavy shirt or a sweater. The "cloak," the more valuable of the two, was worn over the "tunic" for warmth and also used as a blanket for warmth at night.
"give also to that person"
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. The word "you" is singular, as is the understood "you" in the command "go." In some languages these may need to be translated as plural.
"Anyone who." The context implies that he is speaking about a Roman soldier.
This is one thousand paces, which is the distance a Roman soldier could legally force someone to carry something for him. If "mile" is confusing, it can be translated as "one kilometer" or "a distance."
This refers to the one who compels you to go.
"go the mile he forces you to go, and then go another mile." If "mile" is confusing, you can translate it as "two kilometers" or "twice as far."
"do not refuse to lend to." This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: "lend to"
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. The "you" in "you have heard" is plural. The "you" and "your" are singular in "You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy," but in some languages they may need to be translated as plural.
Jesus continues to teach about how he has come to fulfill the Old Testament law. Here he begins to speak about loving enemies.
This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Matthew 5:27]
Here the word "neighbor" does not refer to a specific neighbor, but to any members of one's community or people group. These are people whom one usually desires to treat kindly or at least believes he ought to treat kindly. Alternate translation: "your countrymen" or "those who belong to your people group"
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. All instances of "you" and "your" are plural.
Jesus agrees with God and his word, but he does not agree with the way the religious leaders have applied God's word. The "I" is emphatic. This indicates that what Jesus says is just as important as the original commands. Try to translate this phrase in a way that shows that emphasis. See how you translated this in Matthew 5:22.
All instances of "you" and "your," as well as the command to pray, are plural.
It is best to translate "sons" with the same word your language would naturally use to refer to human sons or children.
This is an important title for God.
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. All instances of "you" and "your" are plural.
Jesus finishes teaching about how he has come to fulfill the Old Testament law. This section began in Matthew 5:17.
Jesus uses this question to teach the people that loving those who love them is not something special that God will reward them for. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "you will get no reward."
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Even the tax collectors do the same thing."
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "you do nothing more than others."
This is a general term for showing a desire for the well-being of the hearer.
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Even the Gentiles do the same thing."
This is an important title for God.
1 "Watch out that you do not do your acts of righteousness before people to be seen by them, or else you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 2 So when you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before yourself as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be glorified by people. Truly I say to you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing 4 so that your alms may be given in secret. Then your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
5 "When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by people. Truly I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, enter your inner chamber. Shut the door and pray to your Father, who is in secret. Then your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 7 When you pray, do not make useless repetitions as the pagans do, for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Therefore, do not be like them, for your Father knows what things you need before you ask him.
9 Therefore pray like this:
'Our Father in heaven,
may your name be honored as holy.
10 May your kingdom come.
May your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 Do not bring us into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.' [1]
14 For if you forgive people their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
16 "When you fast, do not have a sad face as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces so that they may appear to people to be fasting. Truly I say to you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face 18 so that you may not appear to people to be fasting, but only to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on the earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Instead, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 22 The eye is the lamp of the body. Therefore, if your eye is good, the whole body is filled with light. 23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body is full of darkness. Therefore, if the light that is in you is actually darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. 25 Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. For is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds in the sky. They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more valuable than they are? 27 Which one of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his lifespan? 28 Why are you anxious about clothing? Think about the lilies in the fields, how they grow. They do not labor, and they do not spin cloth. 29 Yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. 30 If God so clothes the grass in the fields, which exists today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious and say, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What clothes will we wear?' 32 For the Gentiles search for these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you. 34 Therefore, do not be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day has enough evil of its own.
Matthew 6 continues Jesus's extended teaching known as "The Sermon on the Mount."
You may wish to set apart the prayer in 6:9-11 by placing it farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text.
Jesus spoke about many different subjects in this sermon, so you may wish to help the reader by putting an empty line into the text whenever Jesus changed the subject.
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. All occurrences of "you" and "your" are plural.
Jesus continues to teach his disciples in his Sermon on the Mount, which began in Matthew 5:3. In this section, Jesus addresses the "acts of righteousness" of alms, prayer, and fasting.
This is a way to warn people to be careful. Alternate translation: "Be careful" or "Beware"
It is implied that those who see the person will honor him. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "in front of people just so that they can see you and give you honor for what you have done"
This is an important title for God.
This metaphor means to do something that purposefully gets people's attention. Alternate translation: "do not draw attention to yourself like someone who plays a loud trumpet in a crowd"
"I tell you the truth." This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. All occurrences of "you" and "your" are plural.
Jesus continues to teach his disciples about alms.
This is a metaphor for total secrecy. Just as hands usually work together and each can be said to "know" what the other is doing at all times, you should not let even those closest to you know when you are giving to the poor.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you can give to the poor without other people knowing"
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. All occurrences of "you" and "your" in verses 5 and 7 are plural; in verse 6 they are singular, but in some languages they may need to be plural.
Jesus begins to teach about prayer.
It is implied that those who see them will give them honor. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that people will see them and give them honor"
"I tell you the truth." This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. All occurrences of "you" and "your" in verses 5 and 7 are plural; in verse 6 they are singular, but in some languages they may need to be plural.
"go to a private place" or "go where you can be alone"
Possible meanings are 1) no one can see God. Alternate translation: "Father, who is invisible" or 2) God is in that private place with the praying person. Alternate translation: "Father, who is with you in private"
This is an important title for God.
"your Father will see what you do in private and"
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. All occurrences of "you" and "your" in verses 5 and 7 are plural; in verse 6 they are singular, but in some languages they may need to be plural.
Possible meanings are 1) the repetitions are useless. Alternate translation: "do not keep uselessly saying things over and over again" or 2) the words or sentences are meaningless. Alternate translation: "do not keeping repeating meaningless words"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "their false gods will hear them"
Jesus is talking to a group of people about how they as individuals should pray. The words "you" and "your" are plural in the first sentence. Within the prayer, the words "you" and "your" are singular and refer to God, "Our Father in heaven."
This is an important title for God.
See how you translated "ask" in Matthew 5:42.
This is the beginning of the prayer and how Jesus teaches the people to address God.
Here "your name" refers to God himself. This can also be expressed with an active verb. Alternate translation: "may people honor you as holy" or "may people honor you because you are holy"
By saying this, people show that they want to honor God as holy. Alternate translation: "help us to honor your name as holy" or "we want to honor you as holy"
Here "kingdom" refers to God's rule as king. Alternate translation: "May you rule over everyone and everything completely"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May everything on earth happen in accordance with your will, just as everything in heaven does"
This is part of a prayer that Jesus was teaching the people. All instances of "we," "us," and "our" refer only to those who would pray this prayer. Those words do not also refer to God, to whom they would be praying.
Here "bread" refers to food in general.
A debt is what one person owes another. This is a metaphor for sins.
A debtor is a person who owes a debt to another person. This is a metaphor for those who have sinned against us.
The word "temptation," an abstract noun, can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "Do not let anything tempt us" or "Do not let anything cause us to desire to sin"
All instances of "you" and "your" are plural. However, Jesus is telling his hearers what will happen to them as individuals if each person does not forgive others.
The abstract noun "trespasses" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "when they trespass against you"
This is an important title for God.
The abstract noun "trespasses" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "them when they trespass against you ... you when you trespass against God" or "them when they do things that harm you ... you when you do things that make your Father angry"
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. All occurences of "you" are plural.
Jesus begins to teach about fasting.
The hypocrites would not wash their faces and would not comb their hair. They did this purposely to draw attention to themselves so that people would see them and give them honor for fasting.
"I tell you the truth." This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. All occurrences of "you" and "your" are singular, though in some languages they may also need to be translated as plural.
"put oil in your hair" or "groom your hair." To "anoint" the head here is to take normal care of one's hair. It has nothing to do with "Christ" meaning "anointed one." Jesus means that people should look the same whether they are fasting or not.
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. All occurrences of "you" and "your" are singular, though in some languages they may also need to be translated as plural.
Possible meanings are 1) no one can see God. Alternate translation: "Father, who is invisible" or 2) God is with that person who fasts secretly. Alternate translation: "Father, who is with you in private" See how you translated this in Matthew 6:6.
This is an important title for God.
"who sees what you do in private." See how you translated this in Matthew 6:6.
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. All occurrences of "you" and "your" are plural.
Jesus begins to teach about money and possessions.
riches, the things to which a person gives the most value
"where moth and rust ruin treasures"
a small, flying insect that destroys cloth
a brown substance that forms on metals
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do.
This is a metaphor that means do good things on earth so God will reward you in heaven.
All occurrences of "your" are singular, though in some languages they may also need to be translated in plural.
Here "heart" means a person's thoughts and interests.
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. The instances of "you" and "your" are all singular, but in some languages they may need to be plural.
This is a metaphor. Possible meanings are 1) the eye is like a lamp because it enables a person to see things, or 2) the eye is like a lamp shining on a person's body because it shows what the person is really like. Alternate translation: "A person's eyes are like a lamp for his body"
Possible meanings are 1) "if your eye is good, it fills your body with light" or 2) "if your eye is good, it shows that your body is filled with light."
Possible meanings are "if your eye is noble" or "if your eye sees clearly." Jesus speaks of the eye to talk about what a person thinks about and wants. Possible meanings of the metaphor are 1) "if you are generous" or 2) "if you look at and want at what is good"
Possible meanings are 1) "you are full of righteousness" or 2) "you understand what is truly good"
You may have to translate this as plural, "eyes are."
Possible meanings are 1) "if your eye is bad, it fills your body with darkness" or 2) "if your eye is bad, it shows that your body is full of darkness."
Possible meanings are "if your eye is evil" or "if your eye does not see clearly." Jesus speaks of the eye to talk about what a person thinks about and wants. Possible meanings of the metaphor are 1) "if you are greedy," or 2) "if you do not look at and want what is right."
This does not refer to magic. Jewish people often used this as a metaphor for someone who is greedy.
Possible meanings are "you are full of evil" or 2) "you will understand nothing about what is right."
"if that which is supposed to cause light in your body causes darkness, then your body is in complete darkness"
Both of these phrases mean basically the same thing. They emphasize that a person cannot love and be devoted both to God and money at the same time.
"You cannot love God and money at the same time"
Here the instances of "you" and "your" are all plural.
This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do.
Jesus uses a question to teach the people. Alternate translation: "obviously life is more than what you eat, and your body is more than what you wear." or "clearly there are things in life that are more imortant than food, and there are things concerning the body that are more important than clothes."
places to store crops
This is an important title for God.
Jesus uses a question to teach the people. Alternate translation: "Obviously you are more valuable than birds."
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. All instances of "you" and "your" are plural.
Jesus uses a question to teach the people. Here to "add one cubit to his lifespan" is a metaphor for adding time to how long a person will live. Alternate translation: "None of you can, just by worrying, add years to your life. You cannot add even one minute to your life! So you should not worry about things you need."
A cubit, a measure of a little less than half a meter, is used here as a metaphor for a short period of time.
Jesus uses a question to teach the people. Alternate translation: "You should not be worried about what you will wear."
"Consider"
Jesus speaks about the lilies as if they were people who wore clothes. The lilies being clothed is a metaphor for the plants having beautiful and colorful flowers.
A lily is a kind of wild flower.
Jesus speaks about the lilies as if they were people who wore clothes. The lilies being clothed is a metaphor for the plants having beautiful and colorful flowers.
This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "did not wear clothes that are as beautiful as these lilies"
Jesus continues to speak about the lilies as if they were people who wore clothes. The lilies being clothed is a metaphor for the plants having beautiful and colorful flowers.
If your language has a general word that can refer both to "grass" and to the word you used for "lilies" in the previous verse, you can use it here.
The Jews at that time used grass in their fires to cook their food. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone throws it into a fire" or "someone burns it"
Jesus uses this question to teach the people that God will provide what they need. Alternate translation: "he will certainly clothe you ... faith."
"you who have such little faith." Jesus addresses the people this way because their anxiety about clothing shows they have little faith in God.
"Because of all of this,"
In this sentence, "clothes" is a synecdoche for material possessions. Alternate translation: "What possessions will we have"
"For the Gentiles are concerned about what they will eat, drink, and wear"
Jesus is implying that God will make sure their basic needs are met.
This is an important title for God.
Here "kingdom" refers to God's rule as king. Alternate translation: "concern yourselves first with serving God, who is your king, and doing what is right"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will provide all these things for you"
"Because of all this"
Jesus speaks of "tomorrow" as if it were a person who could worry. Jesus means that a person will have enough to worry about when the next day comes.
1 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. 2 For with the judgment you judge, you will be judged, and with the measure that you measure, it will be measured out to you. 3 Why do you look at the tiny piece of straw that is in your brother's eye, but you do not take notice of the log that is in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take out the piece of straw that is in your eye,' while the log is in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite! First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the piece of straw that is in your brother's eye. 6 Do not give what is holy to the dogs, and do not throw your pearls in front of the pigs. Otherwise they may trample them underfoot, and then turn and tear you to pieces.
7 "Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives; everyone who seeks, finds; and to the person who knocks, it will be opened. 9 Or which one of you, if his son asks for a loaf of bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 Therefore, if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him? 12 Therefore, whatever things you want people to do to you, you should also do to them, for this is the law and the prophets.
13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many people who go through it. 14 But the gate is narrow and the way is difficult that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but are truly ravenous wolves. 16 By their fruits you will know them. Do people gather grapes from a thornbush or figs from thistles? 17 In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but the bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. 20 So then, you will recognize them by their fruits. 21 Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many people will say to me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, in your name drive out demons, and in your name do many miracles?' 23 Then will I openly declare to them, 'I never knew you! Get away from me, you who practice lawlessness!'
24 "Therefore, everyone who hears my words and obeys them will be like a wise man who built his house upon a rock. 25 The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall down, for it was founded on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears my words and does not obey them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand. 27 The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew and struck that house, and it fell, and its destruction was complete."
28 It came about that when Jesus finished speaking these words, the crowds were astonished by his teaching, 29 for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.
Jesus spoke about many different subjects in this sermon, so you may wish to help the reader by putting an empty line into the text whenever Jesus changed the subject.
Many people call the words in Matthew 5-7 the Sermon on the Mount. This is one long lesson that Jesus taught. Bibles divide this lesson into three chapters, but this can sometimes confuse the reader. If your translation divides the text into sections, be sure that the reader understands that the whole sermon is one large section.
Fruit is a common image in the scriptures. It is used to describe the results of either good or bad actions. In this chapter, good fruit is the result of living as God commands. (See: fruit)
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. The instances of "you" and the commands are plural.
Jesus continues to teach his disciples in his Sermon on the Mount, which began in Matthew 5:3.
It is implied here that "judge" has the strong meaning of "condemn harshly" or "declare guilty." Alternate translation: "Do not condemn people harshly"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will not condemn you harshly"
Be sure the reader understands the statement in 7:2 is based on what Jesus said in 7:1.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will condemn you in the same way you condemn others"
Possible meanings are 1) this is the amount of punishment given or 2) this is the standard used for judgment.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will measure it out to you"
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. The instances of "you" and "your" are all singular, but in some languages they may need to be plural.
Jesus uses this question to rebuke the people for paying attention to other people's sins and ignoring their own. Alternate translation: "You look ... brother's eye, but you do not notice the log that is in your own eye." or "Do not look ... brother's eye and ignore the log that is in your own eye."
This is a metaphor that refers to the less important faults of a fellow believer.
"speck" or "splinter" or "bit of dust." Use a word for the smallest thing that commonly falls into a person's eyes.
All occurrences of "brother" in 7:3-5 refer to a fellow believer, not to a literal brother or a neighbor.
This is a metaphor for a person's most important faults. A log could not literally go into a person's eye. Jesus is exaggerating to emphasize that a person should pay attention to his own more important faults before he deals with another person's less important faults.
the largest part of a tree that someone has cut down
Jesus asks this question to challenge the people to pay attention to their own sins before they pay attention to another person's sins. Alternate translation: "You should not say ... your own eye."
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Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. The instances of "you" and "your" are all plural.
Jews considered these animals dirty, and God told the Jews not to eat them. They are metaphors for wicked people who do not value holy things. It would be best to translate these words literally.
These are similar to round, valuable stones or beads. They are a metaphor for the knowledge of God or precious things in general.
"the pigs may trample"
"the dogs will then turn and tear"
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. The instances of "you" and "your" are all plural.
These are metaphors for praying to God. The verb form shows that we are to keep praying until he answers. If your language has a form for continuing to do something over and over, use it here.
request things from someone, in this case God. See how you translated this word in Matthew 5:42.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will give you what you need"
look for someone, in this case God
To knock on a door was a polite way to request that the person inside the house or room open the door. If knocking on a door is impolite or not done in your culture, use the word that describes how people politely ask for doors to be opened. Alternate translation: "Tell God you want him to open the door"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will open it for you"
See how you translated "ask" in Matthew 5:42.
Jesus uses a question to teach the people. Alternate translation: "There is not one person among you ... a stone."
See how you translated "asks" in Matthew 5:42.
This refers to food in general. Alternate translation: "some food"
This noun should be translated literally.
Jesus asks another question to teach the people. It is understood that Jesus is still referring to a man and his son. Alternate translation: "And there is not one person among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake."
See how you translated "asks" in Matthew 5:42.
These nouns should be translated literally.
Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. The instances of "you" and "your" are plural.
Jesus uses a question to teach the people. Alternate translation: "then your Father in heaven will most certainly give ... him."
This is an important title for God.
See how you translated "asks" in Matthew 5:42.
"whatever way you want others to act toward you"
Here "law" and "prophets" refer to what Moses and the prophets wrote. Alternate translation: "for this is what Moses and the prophets teach in the scriptures"
This image of walking through a wide gate to destruction or a narrow gate to life represents how people live and the results of how they live. When you translate, use appropriate words for "wide" and "broad" that are as different as possible from "narrow" in order to emphasize the differences between the two sets of gates and ways.
This is an image of people traveling on a road and going through a gate into a kingdom. One kingdom is easy to enter; the other is hard to enter.
You may need to move this to the end of verse 14: "Therefore, enter through the narrow gate."
Possible meanings are 1) "the way" refers to the road that leads to the gate of a kingdom, or 2) the "the gate" and "the way" both refer to the entrance to the kingdom.
This abstract noun can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: "to the place where people die"
Jesus continues to speak of people choosing how they are going to live as if they are choosing whether to go on one path or another.
The abstract noun "life" can be translated using the verb "live." Alternate translation: "to the place where people live"
"Be on guard against"
This metaphor means that false prophets will pretend they they are good and want to help people, but they are really evil and will do people harm.
wolves that are extremely hungry and that consume or destroy everything they touch
This metaphor refers to a person's actions. Alternate translation: "Just as you know a tree by the fruit that grows on it, you will know false prophets by how they act"
Jesus uses a question to teach the people. The people would have known that the answer is no. Alternate translation: "People do not gather ... thistles."
Jesus continues to use the metaphor of fruit to refer to good prophets who produce good works or words.
Jesus continues to use the metaphor of fruit to refer to bad prophets who produce evil works.
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Jesus continues to use fruit trees as a metaphor to refer to false prophets. Here, he only states what will happen to the bad trees. It is implied that the same thing will happen to the false prophets.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people chop down and burn"
See how you translated this in Matthew 3:10
The word "their" can refer to either the prophets or the trees. This metaphor implies that the fruit of trees and the deeds of prophets both reveal whether they are good or bad. If possible, translate this in a way so that it can refer to both trees and prophets.
Here "kingdom of heaven" refers to God's rule as king. The phrase "kingdom of heaven" is used only in the book of Matthew. If possible, keep "heaven" in your translation. Alternate translation: "will live with God in heaven when he shows himself to be king"
"whoever does what my Father in heaven desires"
This is an important title for God.
Jesus said "that day" knowing his hearers would understand he was referring to the day of judgment. You should include "the day of judgment" only if your readers would not understand otherwise.
The people use a question to emphasize that they did these things. Alternate translation: "we prophesied ... we drove out demons ... we did many miracles."
This "we" does not include Jesus.
Possible meanings are 1) "by your authority" or "by your power" or 2) "because we were doing what you wanted us to do" or 3) "because we asked you for the power to do it"
This means the person does not belong to Jesus. Alternate translation: "You are not my follower" or "I have nothing to do with you"
"For that reason"
Here "words" refers to what Jesus says.
Jesus compares those who obey his words to a person who builds his house where nothing can harm it.
This is the bedrock below the topsoil and clay, not a large stone or boulder above the ground.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he put its foundation"
Jesus continues the simile from the previous verse. He compares those who do not obey his words to foolish house-builders. Only a fool would build a house on a sandy place where rain, floods, and wind can sweep the sand away.
This is the end of Jesus's Sermon on the Mount, which began in Matthew 5:3.
Use the general word in your language that describes what happens when a house falls down.
The rain, floods, and wind completely destroyed the house.
These verses describe how the people in the crowds reacted to Jesus's teaching in the Sermon on the Mount.
This phrase shifts the story from Jesus's teachings to what happened next. Alternate translation: "When" or "After"
It is clear in 7:29 that they were amazed not just at what Jesus taught but also the way he taught it. Alternate translation: "were amazed by the way he taught"
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1 When Jesus had come down from the hill, large crowds followed him. 2 Behold, a leper came to him and bowed before him, saying, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."
3 Jesus reached out his hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing. Be clean." Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. 4 Jesus said to him, "See that you say nothing to any man. Go on your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them."
5 When he was coming into Capernaum, a centurion came to him, begging him 6 and saying, "Lord, my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible agony."
7 Then Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him."
8 The centurion answered and said, "Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof. Only say the word and my servant will be healed. 9 For I also am a man under authority, and I have soldiers under me. I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another one, 'Come,' and he comes, and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those who were following him, "Truly I say to you, I have not found anyone with such faith in Israel. 11 I tell you, many will come from the east and the west, and they will recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth." 13 Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! As you have believed, so may it be done for you." And the servant was healed at that very hour.
14 When Jesus had come into Peter's house, he saw Peter's mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. 15 Jesus touched her hand, and the fever left her. Then she got up and started serving him. 16 When evening had come, the people brought to Jesus many who were possessed by demons. He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,
"He took our illnesses
and bore our diseases."
18 Now when Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave instructions to leave for the other side of the Sea of Galilee. 19 Then a scribe came to him and said, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go."
20 Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head."
21 Another of the disciples said to him, "Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father."
22 But Jesus said to him, "Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead."
23 When Jesus had entered a boat, his disciples followed him into it. 24 Behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But Jesus was asleep. 25 The disciples came to him and woke him up, saying, "Save us, Lord; we are perishing!"
26 Jesus said to them, "Why are you afraid, you of little faith?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea. Then there was a great calm.
27 The men marveled and said, "What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?"
28 When Jesus had come to the other side and to the country of the Gadarenes, two men who were possessed by demons met him. They were coming out of the tombs and were very violent, so that no traveler could pass that way. 29 Behold, they cried out and said, "What do we have to do with you, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the set time?"
30 Now a herd of many pigs was there feeding, not too far away from them. 31 The demons kept pleading with Jesus and saying, "If you cast us out, send us away into that herd of pigs."
32 Jesus said to them, "Go!" The demons came out and went into the pigs; and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep hill into the sea and they died in the water. 33 Those who had been tending the pigs ran away and they went into the city and reported everything, especially what had happened to the men who had been possessed by demons. 34 Behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus. When they saw him, they begged him to leave their region.
This chapter begins a new section.
Jesus performed miracles to show that he could control things that no other people could control. He also showed that it is proper to worship him because he performed miracles. (See: authority)
This is the beginning of a new part of the story that contains several accounts of Jesus healing people. This theme continues through Matthew 9:35.
"After Jesus came down from the hill, a large crowd followed him." The crowd may have included both people who had been with him on the mountain and people who had not been with him.
The word "behold" alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this.
"a man who had leprosy" or "a man who had a skin disease"
This is a sign of humble respect before Jesus.
"if you want to" or "if you desire." The leper knew that Jesus had the power to heal him, but he did not know if Jesus would want to touch him.
Here "clean" means to be healed and to be able to live in the community again. Alternate translation: "you can heal me" or "please heal me"
By saying this, Jesus healed the man.
"At that moment he was cleansed"
The result of Jesus saying "Be clean" was that the man was healed. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he was well" or "the leprosy left him" or "the leprosy ended"
This refers to the man that Jesus just healed.
"do not say anything to anyone" or "do not tell anyone I healed you"
Jewish law required that the person show his healed skin to the priest, who would then allow him or her to return to the community, to be with other people.
The law of Moses required that someone healed of leprosy give a thanksgiving offering to the priest. When the priest accepted the gift, people would know that the man had been healed. Lepers were ostracized, banned from the community, until they had proof of their healing.
This can possibly refer to 1) the priests or 2) all the people or 3) the critics of Jesus. If possible, use a pronoun that could refer to any of these groups.
Here the scene shifts to a different time and place and tells about Jesus healing another person.
"When Jesus was coming into Capernaum"
unable to move because of disease or stroke
"Jesus said to the centurion"
"I will come to your house and make your servant well"
This is an idiom that refers to inside the house. Alternate translation: "into my house"
Here "word" represents a command. Alternate translation: "give the command"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "will become well"
To be "under" someone means to be less important and to obey the commands of someone more important.
"I tell you the truth." This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
Jesus's hearers would have thought that the Jews in Israel, who claim to be children of God, would have greater faith than anyone. Jesus is saying they are wrong and that the centurion's faith was greater.
Here "you" is plural and refers to "those who were following him" in [Matthew 8:10]
Using the opposites "east" and "west" is a way of saying "everywhere." Alternate translation: "from everywhere" or "from far away in every direction"
People in that culture would lie down beside the table while eating. This phrase indicates that all those at the table are family and close friends. The joy in the kingdom of God is frequently spoken of as if the people there were feasting. Alternate translation: "live as family and friends"
Here "kingdom of heaven" refers to God's rule as king. The phrase "kingdom of heaven" is used only in the book of Matthew. If possible, keep "heaven" in your translation. Alternate translation: "when our God in heaven shows that he is king"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will cast the sons of the kingdom out"
The phrase "the sons of the kingdom" is a metonym, referring to the unbelieving Jews of the kingdom of Judea. There is also irony here because the "sons" will be thrown out while the strangers will be welcomed. Alternate translation: "those who should have allowed God to rule over them"
Here "outer darkness" is a metonym for the place where God sends those who reject them. This is a place that is completely separated from God forever. Alternate translation: "the dark place away from God"
"Grinding of teeth" here is a symbolic act, representing extreme sadness and suffering. Alternate translation: "weeping and showing their extreme suffering"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so I will do it for you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Jesus healed the servant"
"at the exact time Jesus said he would heal the servant"
Here the scene shifts to a different time and place and tells of Jesus healing another person.
The disciples were probably with Jesus, but the focus of the story is on what Jesus said and did, so introduce the disciples only if needed to avoid wrong meaning.
"the mother of Peter's wife"
If your language would understand this personification to mean that the fever could think and act on its own, this can be translated as "she became better" or "Jesus healed her."
"got out of bed"
Here the scene shifts to later that evening and tells of Jesus healing more people and casting out demons.
Because Jews did not work or travel on the Sabbath, "evening" may imply after the Sabbath. They waited until evening to bring people to Jesus. You do not need to mention the Sabbath unless you need to avoid wrong meaning.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "many people whom demons possessed" or "many people whom demons controlled"
Here "word" stands for a command. Alternate translation: "He commanded the spirits to leave"
"Jesus did this to fulfill"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "what Isaiah the prophet had spoken"
Matthew is quoting the prophet Isaiah to show that when Jesus healed people, he fulfilled what Isaiah had said would happen. These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Jesus truly did this. Alternate translation: "Truly he took our illnesses"
Here the scene shifts and tells about Jesus's response to some people who wanted to follow him.
This word is used here to mark a change in the main story. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story.
"he told his disciples"
This means after Jesus "gave instructions" but before he could get into the boat.
to any place
Jesus answers with this proverb. This means even wild animals have somewhere to rest.
Foxes are animals like dogs. They eat nesting birds and other small animals. If foxes are unknown in your area, use a general term for dog-like creatures or other furry animals.
Foxes make holes in the ground to live in. Use the appropriate word for the place where the animal you use for "foxes" lives.
Jesus is speaking about himself.
This refers to a place to sleep. Alternate translation: "no place of his own to sleep"
It is unclear whether the man's father has died and he will bury him immediately, or if the man wants to stay for a longer amount of time until his father dies so he can bury him then. The main point is that the man wants to do something else first before he follows Jesus.
Jesus does not mean literally that dead people will bury other dead people. Possible meanings of "the dead": 1) it is a metaphor for those who will soon die, or 2) it is a metaphor for those who do not follow Jesus and are spiritually dead. The main point is that a disciple must not let anything delay him from following Jesus.
Here the scene shifts to the account of Jesus calming a storm as he and his disciples cross the Sea of Galilee.
"got onto a boat"
Try to use the same words for "disciple" and "follow" that you used in (Matthew 8:21-22).
This marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. Your language may have a way of showing this. Alternate translation: "Suddenly" or "Without warning"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "a powerful storm arose on the sea"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that the waves covered the boat"
Matthew quotes the prophet Isaiah to show that Jesus's healing ministry was a fulfillment of prophecy.
Possible meanings are 1) they first woke Jesus and then they said, "Save us" or 2) as they were waking Jesus up, they were saying "Save us."
If you need to translate these words as inclusive or exclusive, then inclusive is best. The disciples probably meant they wanted Jesus to save the disciples and himself from drowning.
"we are going to die very soon." The word "perishing" is a strong word for "dying."
"to the disciples"
Jesus was rebuking the disciples with this rhetorical question. Alternate translation: "You should not be afraid ... faith!" or "There is nothing for you to be afraid of ... faith!"
"you who have such little faith." Jesus addresses his disciples this way because their anxiety about the storm shows they have little faith in him to control it. See how you translated this in Matthew 6:30.
"Even the winds and the sea obey him! What sort of man is this?" This rhetorical question shows that the disciples were surprised. Alternate translation: "This man is unlike any man we have ever seen! Even the wind and the waves obey him!"
For people or animals to obey or disobey is not surprising, but for wind and water to obey is very surprising. This personification describes the natural elements as being able to hear and respond like people.
Here the author returns to the theme of Jesus healing people. This begins an account of Jesus healing two demon-possessed men.
"to the other side of the Sea of Galilee"
This name refers to theo people who lived in the town of Gadara.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "two men whom demons possessed" or "two men whom demons were controlling"
The demons that were controlling these two men were so dangerous that no one could go through that area.
This marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. Your language may have a way of showing this.
The demons use a question but they are being hostile toward Jesus. Alternate translation: "Do not bother us, Son of God!"
This is an important title for Jesus, which describes his relationship to God.
Again, the demons use a question in a hostile way. Alternate translation: "You should not disobey God by punishing us before the specific time God has set when he will punish us!"
This word is used here to mark a pause in the story. Here Matthew tells background information about a herd of pigs that had been there before Jesus arrived.
It is implied that the demons knew that Jesus was going to cast them out. Alternate translation: "Because you are going to cast us out"
This is exclusive, meaning the demons only.
This refers to the demons inside the men.
"The demons left the men and entered the pigs"
This alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
"ran quickly down the steep slope"
"they fell into the water and drowned"
This concludes the account of Jesus healing two demon-possessed men.
"taking care of the pigs"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "what Jesus did to help the men whom demons had controlled"
This marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. It may involve different people than the previous events. Your language may have a way of showing this.
The word "city" is a metonym for the people of the city. The word "all" is probably an exaggeration to emphasize how very many people came out. Not necessarily every person came out.
"their area"
1 Jesus entered a boat, crossed over, and came into his own city. 2 Behold, they brought to him a paralyzed man lying on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "Son, be encouraged. Your sins have been forgiven."
3 Behold, some of the scribes said among themselves, "This man is blaspheming." 4 Jesus knew their thoughts and said, "Why are you thinking evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins, ... " he said to the paralytic, "Get up, pick up your mat, and go to your house." 7 Then the man got up and went away to his house. 8 When the crowds saw this, they were afraid and glorified God, who had given such authority to people. 9 As Jesus passed by from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's tent. He said to him, "Follow me." He got up and followed him.
10 As Jesus sat down to eat in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and dined with Jesus and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw it, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"
12 When Jesus heard this, he said, "People who are strong in body do not need a physician, only those who are sick. 13 You should go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous to repent, but sinners."
14 Then the disciples of John came to him and said, "Why do we and the Pharisees often fast, but your disciples do not fast?"
15 Jesus said to them, "Can the sons of the wedding hall mourn while the bridegroom is still with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. 16 No man puts a piece of new cloth on an old garment, for the patch will tear away from the garment, and a worse tear will be made. 17 Neither do people put new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will be spilled, and the wineskins will be destroyed. Instead, they put new wine into fresh wineskins, and both will be preserved."
18 While Jesus was saying these things to them, behold, an official came and bowed down to him. He said, "My daughter has just now died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live." 19 Then Jesus got up and followed him, and so did his disciples.
20 Behold, a woman who suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind Jesus and touched the edge of his garment. 21 For she had said to herself, "If only I touch his clothes, I will be made well."
22 But Jesus turned and saw her, and said, "Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well." And the woman was healed from that hour. 23 When Jesus came into the official's house, he saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion. 24 He said, "Go away, for the girl is not dead, but she is asleep." But they laughed at him in mockery. 25 When the crowd had been put outside, he entered the room and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. 26 The news about this spread into all that region.
27 As Jesus passed by from there, two blind men followed him. They kept shouting and saying, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!"
28 When Jesus had come into the house, the blind men came to him. Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I can do this?"
They said to him, "Yes, Lord."
29 Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, "Let it be done to you according to your faith," 30 and their eyes were opened. Then Jesus strictly commanded them and said, "See that no one knows about this." 31 But the two men went out and spread the news about this throughout that region.
32 As those two men were going away, behold, a mute man possessed by a demon was brought to Jesus. 33 When the demon had been driven out, the mute man spoke. The crowds were astonished and said, "This has never been seen before in Israel!"
34 But the Pharisees were saying, "By the ruler of the demons, he drives out demons."
35 Jesus went about all the cities and the villages. He continued teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing all kinds of disease and all kinds of sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were troubled and discouraged. They were like sheep without a shepherd. 37 He said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore urgently pray to the Lord of the harvest, so that he may send out laborers into his harvest."
When the people of Jesus's time spoke of "sinners," they were talking about people who did not obey the law of Moses and instead committed sins like stealing or sexual sins. When Jesus said that he came to call "sinners," he meant that only people who believe that they are sinners can be his followers. This is true even if they are not what most people think of as "sinners." (See: sin)
Many sentences in this chapter tell that a person had something happen to him without saying who caused that something to happen. You may have to translate the sentence so that it tells the reader who performed the action.
Speakers in this chapter asked questions to which they already knew the answer. They asked the questions to show that they were not happy with the hearers or to teach them or to get them to think. Your language may have another way of doing this.
Proverbs are very short sentences that use words that are easy to remember. They teach about something that is generally true. People who understand proverbs usually have to know much about the language and culture of the speaker. When you translate the proverbs in this chapter, you may have to use many more words than the speakers used so that your readers can understand things that the original audiences understood.
Matthew returns to the theme, which he began in Matthew 8:1, of Jesus healing people. This begins an account of Jesus healing a paralyzed man.
It is implied that the disciples were with Jesus.
This is probably the same boat as in Matthew 8:23. You only need to specify this if needed to avoid confusion.
"to the town where he lived." This refers to Capernaum.
This marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. It may involve different people than the previous events. Your language may have a way of showing this.
"some men from the city brought"
This refers to the faith of the men and may also include the faith of the paralyzed man.
The man was not Jesus's real son. Jesus was speaking to him politely. If this is confusing, it can also be translated "My friend" or "Young man" or even omitted.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I have forgiven your sins"
This marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. It may involve different people than the previous events. Your language may have a way of doing this.
Possible meanings are 1) each one was thinking to himself, or 2) they were speaking among themselves.
Jesus was claiming to be able to do things the scribes thought only God can do.
Jesus knew what they were thinking either supernaturally or because he could see them talking to each other.
Jesus used this question to rebuke the scribes. Here "hearts" refers to their minds or their thoughts. Alternate translation: "Do not think evil thoughts."
This is moral evil or wickedness, not simply error in fact.
Jesus uses this question to make the scribes think about what might prove whether or not he could really forgive sins. Alternate translation: "I just said 'Your sins are forgiven.' You may think that it is harder to say 'Get up and walk,' because the proof of whether or not I can heal the man will be shown by whether or not he gets up and walks." or "You may think that it is easier to say 'Your sins are forgiven' than it is to say 'Get up and walk.'"
The quotes can be translated as indirect quotes. Alternate translation: "which is easier, to tell someone that his sins are forgiven, or to tell him to get up and walk?" or "you may think that it is easier to tell someone that his sins are forgiven than to tell him to get up and walk."
Here "your" is singular. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I have forgiven your sins"
"I will prove to you." The "you" is plural.
Here "you" is singular.
Jesus is not forbidding the man to go elsewhere. He is giving the man the opportunity to go home.
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Possible meanings are 1) they were afraid, or 2) they were in awe. "Awe" is a feeling of wonder a person has when they see or experience something great or powerful.
"because he had given"
This refers to the authority to declare sins forgiven.
This concludes the account of Jesus healing a paralyzed man. Jesus then calls a tax collector to be one of his disciples.
This phrase marks the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
"was leaving" or "was going"
Church tradition says that this Matthew is the author of this Gospel, but the text gives no reason to change the pronouns from "him" and "He" to "me" and "I."
"Jesus said to Matthew"
"Matthew got up and followed Jesus." This means Matthew became Jesus's disciple.
This is probably Matthew's house, but it could also be Jesus's house. Specify only if needed to avoid confusion.
This marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. It may involve different people than the previous events. Your language may have a way of doing this.
people who did not obey the law of Moses but committed what others thought were very bad sins
"When the Pharisees saw that Jesus was eating with the tax collectors and sinful people"
The Pharisees use this question to criticize what Jesus is doing. Alternate translation: "Your teacher should not eat with tax collectors and sinner."
Here "this" refers to the question the Pharisees asked about Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners.
Jesus answers with a proverb. He means that he eats with these kinds of people because he has come to help sinners.
"People who are healthy"
doctor
The phrase "need a physician" is understood. Alternate translation: "people who are sick need a physician"
Jesus is about to quote the scriptures. Alternate translation: "You should learn the meaning of what God said in the scriptures"
Here "you" is plural and refers to the Pharisees.
Jesus is quoting what the prophet Hosea wrote in the scriptures. Here, "I" refers to God.
Here "I" refers to Jesus.
Jesus is using irony. He does not think there are any people who are righteous and do not need to repent. Alternate translation: "those who think they are righteous"
The disciples of John the Baptist question the fact that Jesus's disciples do not fast.
"continue to eat regularly"
Jesus uses a question to answer John's disciples. They all knew that people do not mourn and fast at a wedding celebration. Jesus uses this proverb to show that his disciples do not mourn because he is still there with them. Alternate translation: "The sons of the wedding hall never mourn while the bridegroom is still with them."
This is an idiom that refers to the men who serve a bridegroom during a wedding. Alternate translation: "bridegroom's attendants"
This is a way of referring to some time in the future. Alternate translation: "the time will come when" or "someday"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the bridegroom will not be able to be with them any longer" or "someone will take the bridegroom away from them"
Jesus is probably referring to his own death, but this should not be made explicit here in the translation. To maintain the imagery of a wedding, it is best to just state that the bridegroom will not be there any longer.
Jesus continues to answer the question that the disciples of John had asked. He did this by giving two examples of old things and new things that people do not put together.
"No one sews a piece of new cloth on an old garment" or "People do not sew a piece of new cloth as a patch an old garment"
"old clothing ... the clothing"
If someone were to wash the garment, the patch of new cloth would shrink, but the old garment would not shrink. This would tear the patch off the garment and leave a bigger hole.
"the piece of new cloth." This is the piece of cloth used to cover a hole in the old garment.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "this will make the tear worse"
Jesus continues to answer the question that disciples of John had asked.
Jesus uses another proverb to answer John's disciples. This means the same as the proverb in Matthew 9:16.
"Neither does anyone pour" or "People never put"
This refers to wine that has not fermented yet. If grapes are unknown in your area, use the general term for fruit. Alternate translation: "grape juice"
This refers to wineskins that have stretched and dried out because they were already used for fermenting wine.
"wine bags" or "skin bags." These were bags made out of animal skins.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "and this will ruin the wineskins and spill the wine"
When the new wine ferments and expands, the skins tear open because they can no longer stretch out.
"new wineskins" or "new wine bags." This refers to wineskins that no one has used.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "this will keep safe both the wineskins and the wine"
This begins an account of Jesus bringing to life the daughter of a Jewish official after she had died.
This refers to the answer Jesus gave John's disciples about fasting.
The word "behold" alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this.
This is a way someone would show respect in Jewish culture.
This shows that the Jewish official believed Jesus had the power to bring his daughter back to life.
"Jesus's disciples"
This describes how Jesus healed another woman while he was on the way to the Jewish official's house.
The word "Behold" alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this.
"who had been bleeding" or "who frequently had a flow of blood." She was probably bleeding from her womb even when it was not the normal time for it. Some cultures may have a polite way of referring to this condition.
"12 years"
"his robe" or "what he was wearing"
She said this to herself before she touched Jesus's garment. This tells why she touched Jesus's garment.
According to Jewish law, because she was bleeding she was not supposed to touch anyone. She touches his clothes so that Jesus's power would heal her and yet
"The woman was hoping she could touch him secretly, but Jesus"
The woman was not Jesus's real daughter. Jesus was speaking to her politely. If this is confusing, it can also be translated "Young woman" or even omitted.
"because you believed in me, I will heal you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Jesus healed her at that moment"
This returns to the account of Jesus bringing the daughter of the Jewish official back to life.
This was a common way to mourn for someone who has died.
"people who play flutes"
The phrase "making a commotion" applies only to "the crowd" and does not include the flute players. Alternation translation: "and the crowd making a lot of noise" or "and the noisy crowd"
Jesus was speaking to many people, so use the plural command form if your language has one.
Jesus is using a play on words. It was common in Jesus's day to refer to a dead person as one who "sleeps." But here the dead girl will get up, as though she had only been sleeping.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "After Jesus had sent the crowd outside" or "After the family had sent the people outside"
"got out of bed." This is the same meaning as in Matthew 8:15.
This is a summary statement that describes the result of Jesus raising this girl from the dead.
This completes the account of Jesus bringing the daughter of the Jewish official back to life.
"The people of that whole region heard about it" or "The people who saw that the girl was alive started telling everyone in the whole area about it"
This begins the account of Jesus healing two blind men.
As Jesus was leaving the region
"was leaving" or "was going"
This means they were walking behind Jesus, not necessarily that they had become his disciples.
It is implied that they wanted Jesus to heal them.
Jesus was not David's literal son, so this may be translated as "Descendant of David." However, "Son of David" is also a title for the Messiah, and the men were probably calling Jesus by this title.
This could be either Jesus's own house or the house in Matthew 9:10.
The full content of their answer is not stated, but it is understood. Alternate translation: "Yes, Lord, we believe you can heal us"
It is not clear whether he touched both men's eyes at the same time or used only his right hand to touch one then the other. As the left hand was customarily used for unclean purposes, it is most likely that he used only his right hand. It is also not clear whether he spoke as he was touching them or touched them first and then spoke to them.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will do as you have believed" or "Because you believe, I will heal you"
This means they were able to see. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God healed their eyes" or "the two blind men were able to see"
Here "See" means "be sure." Alternate translation: "Be sure no one finds out about this" or "Do not tell anyone that I healed you"
"The two men did not do what Jesus told them to do. They"
"told many people what had happened to them"
This is the account of Jesus healing a demon-possessed man who could not speak, and how people responded.
The word "behold" alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone brought a mute man ... to Jesus"
not able to talk
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom a demon had possessed" or "whom a demon was controlling"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "After Jesus had forced the demon out" or "After Jesus had commanded the demon to leave"
"the mute man began to speak" or "the man who had been mute spoke" or "the man, who was no longer mute, spoke"
"The people were amazed"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "This has never happened before" or "No one has ever done anything like this before"
"he forces demons to leave"
The pronoun "he" refers to Jesus.
This is the end of the part of the story that began in [Matthew 8:1]
The word "all" is an exaggeration to emphasize how very many cities Jesus went to. He did not necessarily go to every one of them. Alternate translation: "many of the cities"
"large villages ... small villages" or "large towns ... small towns"
Here "kingdom" refers to God's rule as king. See how you translated this in [Matthew 4:23]
"every disease and every sickness." The words "disease" and "sickness" are closely related but should be translated as two different words if possible. "Disease" is what causes a person to be sick. "Sickness" is the physical weakness or affliction that results from having a disease.
This begins a new part of the story where Jesus teaches his disciples and sends them to preach and heal as he has done.
This simile means they did not have a leader to take care of them. Alternate translation: "The people did not have a leader"
Jesus uses a proverb about harvesting to tell his disciples how they should respond to the needs of the crowds mentioned in the previous section.
Jesus uses a proverb to respond to what he is seeing. Jesus means there are a lot of people who are ready to believe God but only few people to teach them God's truth.
"There is plenty of ripe food for someone to collect"
"workers"
"pray to God, because he is in charge of the harvest"
1 Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out, and to heal all kinds of disease and all kinds of sickness. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles were these. The first, Simon (whom he also called Peter), and Andrew his brother; James son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who would betray him.
5 These twelve Jesus sent out. He instructed them and said, "Do not go to any place where Gentiles live, and do not enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go instead to the lost sheep of the house of Israel; 7 and as you go, preach and say, 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9 Do not carry any gold, silver, or copper in your belts. 10 Do not take a traveling bag for your journey, or an extra tunic, or sandals, or a staff, for a laborer deserves his food. 11 Whatever city or village you enter, find who is worthy in it, and stay there until you leave. 12 As you enter into the house, greet it. 13 If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 As for those who do not receive you or listen to your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. 15 Truly I say to you, it will be more bearable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.
16 "See, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be as wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Watch out for people! They will deliver you up to councils, and they will whip you in their synagogues. 18 Then you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you up, do not be anxious about how or what you will speak, for what to say will be given to you at that time. 20 For it is not you who will speak, but the Spirit of your Father who will speak in you. 21 Brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rise up against their parents and cause them to be put to death. 22 You will be hated by everyone because of my name. But whoever endures to the end, that person will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in this city, flee to the next, for truly I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man has come.
24 "A disciple is not greater than his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he should be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much worse would be the names they call the members of his household! 26 Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, and nothing hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the darkness, say in the daylight, and what you hear softly in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul. Instead, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's knowledge. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear. You are more valuable than many sparrows. 32 Therefore everyone who confesses me before men, I will also confess before my Father who is in heaven. 33 But he who denies me before men, I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven.
34 "Do not think that I came to bring peace upon the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to set
a man against his father,
and a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
36 A man's enemies will be those of his own household. 37 He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 He who does not pick up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it. But he who loses his life for my sake will find it.
40 "He who welcomes you welcomes me, and he who welcomes me also welcomes him who sent me. 41 He who welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and he who welcomes a righteous man in the name of a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward. 42 Whoever gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, truly I say to you, he will in no way lose his reward."
Many verses in this chapter describe how Jesus sent the twelve disciples out. He sent them to tell his message about the kingdom of heaven. They were to tell his message only in Israel and not to share it with the Gentiles.
The following are the lists of the twelve disciples:
In Matthew:
Simon (Peter), Andrew, James son of Zebedee, John son of Zebedee, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot.
In Mark:
Simon (Peter), Andrew, James the son of Zebedee and John the son of Zebedee (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder), Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot.
In Luke:
Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon (who was called the Zealot), Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot.
Thaddaeus is probably the same person as Jude, the son of James.
No one knows for sure whether the "kingdom of heaven" was present or still coming when Jesus spoke these words. English translations often use the phrase "at hand," but these words can be difficult to translate. Other versions use the phrases "is coming near" and "has come near."
This begins an account of Jesus sending out his twelve disciples to do his work.
"summoned his 12 disciples"
Be sure that the text clearly communicates that this authority was 1) to drive out unclean spirits and 2) to heal disease and sickness.
"to make the unclean spirits leave"
"every disease and every sickness." The words "disease" and "sickness" are closely related but should be translated as two different words if possible. "Disease" is what causes a person to be sick. "Sickness" is the physical weakness or affliction that results from having a disease.
Here the author provides the names of the twelve apostles as background information.
This word is used here to mark a pause in the story. Here Matthew tells the names of the twelve apostles.
This is the same group as the "twelve disciples" in Matthew 10:1.
This is first in order, not in rank.
"Matthew, who was a tax collector"
Possible meanings are 1) "the Zealot" is a title that shows that he was part of the group of people who wanted to free the Jewish people from Roman rule. Alternate translation: "the patriot" or "the nationalist" or 2) "the Zealot" is a description that shows that he was zealous for God to be honored. Alternate translation: "the zealous one" or "the passionate one"
"who would betray Jesus"
Although verse 5 begins by saying that he sent out the twelve, Jesus gave these instructions before he sent them out.
Here Jesus begins to give instructions to his disciples about what they should do and expect when they go to preach.
"Jesus sent out these twelve men" or "It was these twelve men whom Jesus sent out"
Jesus sent them out for a particular purpose.
"He told them what they needed to do" or "He commanded them"
This is a metaphor comparing the entire nation of Israel to sheep who have strayed from their shepherd.
This refers to the nation of Israel. Alternate translation: "people of Israel" or "descendants of Israel"
Here "you" is plural and refers to the twelve apostles.
The phrase "kingdom of heaven" refers to God ruling as king. This phrase is only in the book of Matthew. If possible, use the word "heaven" in your translation. See how you translated this in [Matthew 3:2]
Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about what they should do when they go to preach.
These verbs and pronouns are plural and refer to the twelve apostles.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "cause the dead to live again"
Jesus did not state what the disciples had received or were to give. Some languages may require this information in the sentence. Here "freely" means that there was no payment. Alternate translation: "Freely you have received these things, freely give them to others" or "You received these things without paying, so give them to others without making them pay"
Here "received" is a metaphor that represents being made able to do things, and "give" is a metaphor that represents doing things for others. Alternate translation: "Freely you have received the ability to do these things, freely do them for others" or "Freely I have made you able to do these things, freely do them for others"
This refers to the twelve apostles and so is plural.
These are metals out of which coins were made. This list is a metonym for money, so if the metals are unknown in your area, translate the list as "money."
"money belts." A belt is a long strip of cloth or leather worn around the waist. It was often wide enough that it could be folded and used to carry money. Alternate translation: "purses" or "pouches"
This could either be any bag used to carry things on a journey, or a bag used by someone to collect food or money.
Use the same word you used for "tunic" in Matthew 5:40.
worker
Here "food" refers to anything a person needs. Alternate translation: "what he needs"
Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about what they should do when they go out to preach.
"Whenever you enter a city or village" or "When you go into any city or village"
"large village ... small village" or "large town ... small town." See how you translated this in Matthew 9:35.
This is plural and refers to the twelve apostles.
A "worthy" person is a person who is willing to welcome the disciples.
The full meaning of the statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "stay in that person's house until you leave the town or village"
The phrase "greet it" means greet the house. A common greeting in those days was "Peace be to this house!" Here "house" represents the people who live in the house. Alternate translation: "As you enter the house, greet the people who live in it"
This is plural and refers to the twelve apostles.
These are plural and refer to the twelve apostles.
Here "the house" represents those who live in the house. A "worthy" person is a person who is willing to welcome the disciples. Jesus compares this person to one who is "not worthy," a person who does not welcome the disciples. Alternate translation: "the people who live in that house receive you well" or "the people who live in that house treat you well"
The word "it" refers to the house, which represents the people who live in the house. Alternate translation: "let them receive your peace" or "let them receive the peace that you greeted them with"
The word "it" means the house. Here "house" refers to the people who live in the house. Alternate translation: "if they do not receive you well" or "if they do not treat you well"
Possible meanings are 1) if the household was not worthy, then God would hold back peace or blessings from that household or 2) if the household was not worthy, then the apostles were supposed to do something, such as asking God not to honor their greeting of peace. If your language has a similar meaning of taking back a greeting or its effects, that should be used here.
Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about what they should do when they go to preach.
"If no people in that house or city will receive you or listen"
This is plural and refers to the twelve apostles.
Here "words" refers to what the disciples say. Alternate translation: "listen to your message" or "listen to what you have to say"
You should translate this the same way you did in Matthew 10:11.
"shake the dust off your feet as you leave." This is a sign that God has rejected the people of that house or city.
"I tell you the truth." This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
"the suffering will be less"
This refers to the people who lived in Sodom and Gomorrah. Alternate translation: "the people who lived in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah"
This refers to the people in the city that does not receive the apostles or listen to their message. Alternate translation: "the people of the city that does not receive you"
Jesus continues to instruct his disciples. Here he begins to tell them about the persecution they will endure when they go out to preach.
The word "See" here adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: "Look, I send" or "Listen, I send" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you. I send"
Jesus is sending them out for a particular purpose.
Sheep are defenseless animals that wolves often attack. Jesus is stating that people may harm the disciples. Alternate translation: "as sheep among people who are like dangerous wolves" or "as sheep among people who act the way dangerous animals act"
Jesus is telling the disciples they must be cautious and harmless among the people. If comparing the disciples to serpents or doves is confusing, it might be better not to state the similes. Alternate translation: "act with understanding and caution, as well as with innocence and virtue"
You can translate with "because" to show how these two statements relate. Alternate translation: "Watch out for people because they will"
"will put you under the control of"
local religious leaders or elders who together keep peace in the community
"beat you with a whip"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they will bring you" or "they will drag you"
"because you belong to me" or "because you follow me"
The pronoun "them" refers either to the "governors and kings" or to the Jewish accusers.
Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about the persecution they will endure when they go out to preach.
"When people take you to the councils." The "people" here are the same "people" as in Matthew 10:17.
These are plural and refer to the twelve apostles.
"do not worry"
"how you are to speak or what you are to say." The two ideas may be combined: "what you are to say"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for the Holy Spirit will tell you what to say"
"right then" or "at that time"
These are plural and refer to the twelve apostles.
If necessary, this can be translated as "the Spirit of God your heavenly Father" or a footnote can be added to make it clear that this refers to God the Holy Spirit and not to the spirit of an earthly father.
This is an important title for God.
"through you"
Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about the persecution they will endure when they go out to preach.
"One brother will deliver up his brother to death" or "Brothers will deliver up their brothers to death." Jesus speaks of something that will happen many times.
The abstract noun "death" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "hand brother over to authorties who will execute him"
These words can be translated as a complete sentence. Alternate translation: "fathers will deliver up their children to death"
"rebel against" or "turn against"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "have them put to death" or "have the authorities execute them"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Everyone will hate you" or "All people will hate you"
This is plural and refers to the twelve disciples.
Here "name" refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: "because of me" or "because you trust in me"
"whoever stays faithful"
It is not clear whether the "end" means when a person dies, when the persecution ends, or the end of the age when God shows himself to be king. The main point is that they endure as long as necessary.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will deliver that person"
Here "this" does not refer to a specific city. Alternate translation: "in one city"
"flee to the next city"
"I tell you the truth." This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
Jesus is speaking about himself. Alternate translation: "before I, the Son of Man, have"
"arrives"
Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about the persecution they will endure when they go out to preach.
Jesus is using a proverb to teach his disciples a general truth. Jesus is emphasizing that the disciples should not expect people to treat them any better than the people treat Jesus.
"A disciple is always less important than his teacher" or "A teacher is always more important than his disciple"
"and a servant is always less important than his master" or "and a master is always more important than his servant"
"The disciple should be satisfied to become like his teacher"
If necessary, you can make explicit how the disciple becomes like the teacher. Alternate translation: "know as much as his teacher knows"
If necessary, you can make explicit how the servant becomes like the master. Alternate translation: "the servant should be satisfied to become only as important as his master"
Again Jesus is emphasizing that since people have mistreated him, his disciples should expect people to treat them the same or worse.
"the names that they call the members of his household will certainly be much worse" or "they will certainly call the members of his household much worse names"
"Since people have called"
Jesus is using this as a metaphor for himself.
This name can either be 1) transcribed directly as "Beelzebul" or 2) translated with its original, intended meaning of "Satan."
This is a metaphor for Jesus's disciples.
Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about the persecution they will endure when they go out to preach.
Here "them" refers to the people who mistreat followers of Jesus.
Both of these statements mean the same thing. Being concealed or hidden represents being kept secret, and being revealed represents being made known. Jesus is emphasizing that God will make all things known. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will reveal the things that people hide"
Both of these statements mean the same thing. Jesus is emphasizing that the disciples should tell everyone what he tells the disciples in private. Alternate translation: "Tell people in the daylight what I tell you in the darkness, and proclaim upon the housetops what you hear softly in your ear"
Here "darkness" is a metonym for "night" which is a metonym for "private." Here "daylight" is a metonym for "public." Alternate translation: "What I tell you privately at night, say in public in the daylight"
This is a way of referring to whispering. Alternate translation: "what I whisper to you"
Housetops where Jesus lived were flat, and people far away could hear anyone speaking with a loud voice from one. Here "housetops" refers to any place where all people can hear. Alternate translation: "speak loudly in a public place for all to hear"
Here Jesus also begins to give reasons why his disciples should not be afraid of the persecution they might experience.
Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about the persecution they will endure when they go to preach.
This is not distinguishing between people who cannot kill the soul and people who can kill the soul. No person can kill the soul. Alternate translation: "Do not be afraid of people. They can kill the body, but they cannot kill the soul"
This means to cause physical death. If these words are awkward, they can be translated as "kill you" or "kill other people."
the part of a person that can be touched, as opposed to the soul or spirit
This means to harm people after they have physically died.
the part of a person that cannot be touched and that lives on after the physical body dies
You can add "because" to clarify why people should fear God. Alternate translation: "fear God because he is able"
Jesus states this proverb as a question to teach his disciples. Alternate translation: "Think about the sparrows. They have so little value that you can buy two of them for only one small coin."
These are very small, seed-eating birds. Alternate translation: "small birds"
This is often translated as the least valuable coin available in your country. It refers to a copper coin worth about one-sixteenth of a day's wage for a laborer. Alternate translation: "very little money"
This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: "your Father knows when every one of them falls to the ground"
This is an important title for God.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God knows even how many hairs are on your head"
"counted"
"God values you more than many sparrows"
Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about the reasons why they should not be afraid of the persecution that they might experience.
"whoever confesses me ... I will also confess before my Father" or "if anyone confesses me ... I will also confess him before my Father"
"tells others that he is my disciple" or "acknowledges before other people that he is loyal to me"
You can make explicit the information that is understood. Alternate translation: "I will also acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven that that person belongs to me"
"my heavenly Father"
This is an important title for God.
"whoever denies me ... I will also deny before my Father" or "if anyone denies me ... I will also deny him before my Father"
"denies to other people that he is loyal to me" or "refuses to acknowledge to others that he is my disciple"
You can make explicit the information that is understood. Alternate translation: "I will deny before my Father who is in heaven that this person belongs to me"
Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about the reasons why they should not be afraid of the persecution that they might experience.
"Do not suppose" or "You must not think"
This refers to the people who live on the earth. Alternate translation: "to the people of the earth" or "to people"
This refers to division, fighting, and killing among people.
"to cause ... to fight against"
"a son against his father"
"A person's enemies" or "A person's worst enemies"
"members of his own family"
Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about the reasons why they should not be afraid of the persecution that they might experience.
Here "he" means any person in general. Alternate translation: "Those who love ... are not worthy" or "If you love ... you are not worthy"
The word for "love" here refers to "brotherly love" or "love from a friend." Alternate translation: "cares for" or "is devoted to" or "is fond of"
"deserve to belong to me" or "worthy to be my disciple"
"carry his cross and follow me." The cross represents suffering and death. Taking up the cross represents being willing to suffer and die. Alternate translation: "obey me even to the point of suffering and dying"
"take up" or "pick up and carry"
Jesus uses a proverb to teach his disciples. This should be translated with as few words as possible. Alternate translation: "Those who find their lives will lose them. But those who lose their lives ... will find them" or "If you find your life you will lose it. But if you lose your life ... you will find it"
This is a metaphor for "keeps" or "saves." Alternate translation: "tries to keep" or "tries to save"
This does not mean the person will die. It is a metaphor that means the person will not experience spiritual life with God. Alternate translation: "will not have true life"
This does not mean to die. It is a metaphor that means a person considers obeying Jesus more important than his own life. Alternate translation: "who denies himself"
"because he trusts me" or "on my account" or "because of me." This is the same idea as "for my sake" in Matthew 10:18.
This metaphor means the person will experience spiritual life with God. Alternate translation: "will find true life"
Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about the reasons why they should not be afraid of the persecution that they might experience.
This means he receives someone as a guest.
The word "He" refers to anyone in general. Alternate translation: "Whoever" or "Anyone who" or "The one who"
This is plural and refers to the twelve apostles to whom Jesus is speaking.
Jesus means that when someone welcomes you, it is like welcoming him. Alternate translation: "When someone welcomes you, it is like he is welcoming me" or "If someone welcomes you, it is as if he were welcoming me"
This means that when someone welcomes Jesus, it is like welcoming God. Alternate translation: "When someone welcomes me, it is like he is welcoming God the Father who sent me" or "If someone welcomes me, it is as if he were welcoming God the Father who sent me"
"because that prophet is a prophet" or "because he knows that that person is a prophet." That is, the one who welcomes will receive the reward because he knew that the person he was welcoming was a prophet.
This refers to the reward that God gives the prophet, not to the reward that a prophet gives to another person.
"because that righteous man is a righteous man" or "because he knows that that person is righteous." That is, the one who welcomes will receive the reward because he knew that the person he was welcoming was a righteous man.
This refers to the reward God gives to a righteous person, not a reward that a righteous person gives to another person.
Jesus finishes instructing his disciples about what they should do and expect when they go to preach.
"Anyone who gives"
"one of these lowly ones" or "the least important of these." The phrase "one of these" here refers to one of Jesus's disciples.
"because that disciple" or "because he knows that that person is a disciple." That is, the one who welcomes will receive the reward because he knew that the person he was welcoming was a disciple.
"I tell you the truth." This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
Here "he" and "his" refer to the one who is giving.
"God will not deny him." This has nothing to do with having a possession taken away. It can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "God will certainly give him"
1 It came about that when Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he departed from there to teach and preach in their cities. 2 Now when John heard in the prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent a message by his disciples 3 and said to him, "Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for another?"
4 Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and report to John what you see and hear. 5 The blind are receiving sight, the lame are walking, lepers are being cleansed, the deaf are hearing again, the dead are being raised back to life, and the gospel is being preached to the poor. 6 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble because of me."
7 As these men went on their way, Jesus began to say to the crowds about John, "What did you go out in the desert to see—a reed being shaken by the wind? 8 But what did you go out to see—a man dressed in soft clothing? Really, those who wear soft clothing live in kings' houses. 9 But what did you go out to see—a prophet? Yes, I say to you, and much more than a prophet. 10 This is he of whom it was written,
'See, I am sending my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way before you.'
11 Truly I say to you that among those born of women, there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist. Yet the least important person in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and men of violence take it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the law have been prophesying until John; 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who was to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear. 16 To what should I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces calling out to the others, 17 saying:
'We played a flute for you,
and you did not dance.
We mourned,
and you did not weep.'
18 For John came not eating bread or drinking wine, and they say, 'He has a demon.' 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they say, 'Look, he is a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' But wisdom is justified by her deeds."
20 Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles were done, because they had not repented. 21 "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But, I tell you it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment than for you. 23 You, Capernaum, do you think you will be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades. For if in Sodom there had been done the miracles that were done in you, it would still have remained until today. 24 But I say to you that it will be easier for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you."
25 At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you concealed these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this was pleasing in your sight. 27 All things have been entrusted to me from my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke on you and learn from me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULB does this with the quoted material in 11:10.
Some scholars believe that Matthew 11:20 begins a new stage in the ministry of Christ because of Israel's rejection of him.
After Matthew 11:20 Jesus begins to reveal information about himself and about the plans of God the Father, while hiding this information from those who reject him (Matthew 11:25).
No one knows for sure whether the "kingdom of heaven" was present or still coming when John spoke these words. English translations often use the phrase "at hand," but these words can be difficult to translate. Other versions use the phrases "is coming near" and "has come near."
This is the beginning of a new part of the story where Matthew tells of how Jesus responded to disciples of John the Baptist.
This phrase shifts the story from Jesus's teachings to what happened next. Alternate translation: "Then when" or "After"
"had finished teaching" or "had finished commanding."
This refers to the twelve chosen apostles of Jesus.
Here "their" refers to all the Jews in general.
This word is used here to mark a new part of the story.
This is the first mention of John being in prison. Some languages may need to state that he had been put in prison or that he was in prison. Alternate translation: "Now John had been put in prison. When he heard about" or "When John, who was in prison, heard about"
John the Baptist sent his own disciples with a message to Jesus.
The pronoun "him" refers to Jesus.
"Are you the one whom we are expecting to come." This is another way to refer to the Messiah or Christ.
"should we be expecting someone else." The pronoun "we" refers to all Jews, not only John's disciples.
"tell John"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I am healing lepers"
Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people who have died are being caused to live again" or "I am causing those who have died to become alive again" and
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I am preaching good news to the poor"
This nominal adjective can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: "poor people"
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Jesus begins to talk to the crowds about John the Baptist.
Jesus uses a question to cause the people to think about what kind of person John the Baptist is. Alternate translation: "Surely you did not go out to the desert to see a reed ... wind!"
Possible meanings are 1) Jesus mean the literal plants by the Jordan River or 2) Jesus is using a metaphor to mean a kind of person. Alternate translation: "a man who easily changes his mind and is like a reed blowing back and forth in the wind"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "swaying in the wind" or "blowing in the wind"
Jesus uses a question to cause the people to think about what kind of person John the Baptist is. Alternate translation: "And surely you did not go out to the desert to see a man ... clothing!"
"wearing expensive clothing." Rich people wore this kind of clothing.
This word adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: "Indeed"
"kings' palaces"
Jesus continues to talk to the crowds about John the Baptist.
Jesus uses a question to make the people think about what kind of man John the Baptist is. Alternate translation: "But surely you went out to the desert to see a prophet!"
"I say to you yes,"
This can be translated as a complete sentence. Alternate translation: "the person you saw was much more than a prophet"
much more important than
Here, Jesus quotes the prophet Malachi to show that the life and ministry of John the Baptist fulfilled prophecy.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "This is what the prophet Malachi wrote long ago about John the Baptist"
The pronouns "I" and "my" refer to God. Malachi is quoting what God said.
Here "your" is singular, because God was speaking to the Messiah in the quotation. Also, "face" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "in front of you" or "to go ahead of you"
This is a metaphor that means the messenger will prepare the people to receive the Messiah's message.
Jesus continues to talk to the crowds about John the Baptist.
"I tell you the truth." This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
The word "arisen" is a metaphor for being active, referring here to John's activity as a prophet. Alternate translation: "no one born of women has been a greater prophet than John the Baptist"
Even though Adam and Eve were not born of a woman, this is a way of referring to all humans. Alternate translation: "out of all people who have ever lived"
Here "kingdom of heaven" refers to God's rule as king. The phrase "kingdom of heaven" is used only in Matthew. If possible, try to keep "heaven" in your translation. Alternate translation: "the least important person under the rule of our God in heaven"
"is more important than John is"
"From the time John began preaching his message." The word "days" probably refers here to a period of months or even years.
There are various possible interpretations of this verse. The UDB assumes that it means that some people want to use God's kingdom for their own selfish purposes and that they are willing to use force against other people to accomplish this. Other versions assume a positive interpretation, that the call to enter the kingdom of God has become so urgent that people must act in an extreme manner in order to answer that call and to resist the temptation to sin further. A third interpretation is that violent people are harming God's people and trying to stop God from ruling.
Jesus continues to talk to the crowds about John the Baptist.
Here "prophets and the law" refer to the things that the prophets and Moses wrote in scripture. Alternate translation: "these are the things that the prophets and Moses have prophesied through the scriptures until the time of John the Baptist"
Here "you" is plural and refers to the crowd.
The word "he" refers to John the Baptist. This does not mean John the Baptist is literally Elijah. Jesus means John the Baptist fulfills the prophecy about "Elijah, who is to come" or the next Elijah. Alternate translation: "when the prophet Malachi said that Elijah would return, he was speaking about John the Baptist"
Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase "ears to hear" here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. Alternate translation: "Let the one who is willing to listen, listen" or "The one who is willing to understand, let him understand and obey"
Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. Alternate translation: "You who have ... listen"
Jesus continues to talk to the crowds about John the Baptist.
Jesus uses a question to introduce a comparison between the people of that day and what children might say in the marketplace. Alternate translation: "This is what this generation is like"
"the people living now" or "these people" or "you people of this generation"
large, open-air areas where people buy and sell items
Jesus continues the parable that begins with the words "It is like" in verse 16.
Jesus uses a parable to describe the people who were alive at that time. He compares them to a group of children who are trying to get the other children to play with them. However, no matter what they do, the other children will not join them. Jesus means that it does not matter if God sends someone like John the Baptist, who lives in the desert and fasts, or someone like Jesus, who celebrates with sinners and does not fast. The people, most specifically the Pharisees and religious leaders, still remain stubborn and refuse to accept God's truth.
"We" refers to the children sitting in the marketplace. Here "you" is plural and refers to the other group of children.
"but you did not dance to the happy music"
This means they sang sad songs like women did at funerals.
"but you did not cry with us"
Jesus concludes talking to the crowds about John the Baptist.
Here "bread" refers to food. It does not mean that John never ate food. It means he fasted often, and when he ate, he did not eat good, expensive food. Alternate translation: "frequently fasting and not drinking alcohol" or "not eating fancy food and not drinking wine"
This can be translated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "they say that he has a demon." or "they accuse him of having a demon."
All occurrences of "they" refer to the people of that generation, and most specifically to the Pharisees and religious leaders.
Jesus is referring to himself. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man, came"
This is the opposite of John's behavior. This means more than just consuming the normal amount of food and drink. It means Jesus celebrated and enjoyed good food and drink like other people did.
This can be translated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "they say that he is a gluttonous man and a drunkard ... sinners." or "they accuse him of eating and drinking too much and of being ... sinners." If you translated "The Son of Man" as "I, the Son of man," you can state this as an indirect statement and use the first person. Alternate translation: "they say that I am a gluttonous man and a drunkard ... sinners."
"he is a greedy eater and a drunk" or "he continually eats too much food and drinks too much alcohol"
This is a proverb that Jesus applies to this situation, because the people who rejected both him and John were not being wise. Jesus and John the Baptist are the wise ones, and the results of their deeds prove it.
Here "wisdom" is described as a woman who is proven to be right by what she does. Jesus means that the results of a wise person's actions prove that he is truly wise. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the results of a wise person's deeds prove that he is wise"
Jesus begins to denounce the people of the cities where he previously did miracles.
Here "the cities" refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: "rebuked the people of the cities" or "accuse the people of the cities of doing wrong"
"towns"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "in which he did most of his miracles"
"mighty works" or "works of power"
Jesus speaks as if the people of the cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida were there listening to him, but they were not.
"How terrible it will be for you." Here "you" is singular and refers to the city. If it is more natural to refer to the people instead of a city, you could translate with a plural "you."
The names of these cities are used as metonyms for the people living in these cities.
Jesus is describing a situation that could have happened in the past, but it did not.
This can be translated with active forms. Alternate translation: "If I had done the miracles among the people of Tyre and Sidon that I have done among you"
Here the "you" is plural and refers to Chorazin and Bethsaida. If it is more natural for your language, you could use a dual "you" to refer to the two cities, or a plural "you" to refer to the people of the cities.
The pronoun "they" refers to the people of Tyre and Sidon.
"would have shown they were sorry for their sins"
Here "Tyre and Sidon" refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: "God will show more mercy to the people of Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than to you" or "God will punish you more severely at the day of judgment than the people of Tyre and Sidon"
Here the "you" is plural and refers to Chorazin and Bethsaida. If it is more natural for your language, you could use a dual "you" to refer to the two cities, or a plural "you" to refer to the people of the cities. The implied information can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "than for you, because you did not repent and believe in me, even though you saw me do miracles"
Jesus continues to rebuke the people of the cities where he previously did miracles.
Jesus now speaks to the people in the city of Capernaum as if they were listening to him, but they were not. The pronoun "you" is singular and refers to Capernaum throughout these two verses.
All occurrences of "you" are singular. If it is more natural to refer to the people of the city, you could translate with a plural "you."
The names of these cities refer to the people living in Capernaum and in Sodom.
"do you think you will be raised up to heaven?" Jesus uses a rhetorical question to rebuke the people of Capernaum for their pride. It can be stated in active form: Alternate translation: "you cannot raise yourself up to heaven!" or "the praise of other people will not raise you up to heaven!" or "God will not bring you up to heaven like you think he will!"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will send you down to Hades"
Jesus is describing a situation that could have happened in the past, but it did not.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if I had done the miracles among the people of Sodom that I have done among you"
"mighty works" or "works of power"
The pronoun "it" refers to the city of Sodom.
This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
Here "land of Sodom" refer to the people who lived there. Alternate translation: "God will show more mercy to the people of Sodom in the day of judgment than to you" or "God will punish you more severely in the day of judgment than the people of Sodom"
The implicit information can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "than for you, because you did not repent and believe in me, even though you saw me do miracles"
Here, Jesus prays to his heavenly Father while still in the presence of the crowd.
This is an important title for God.
"Lord who rules over heaven and earth." The phrase "heaven and earth" is a merism that refers to all people and things in the universe. Alternate translation: "Lord who rules over the whole universe"
It is not clear what is meant by "these things." If your language needs to specify what is meant, an alternative translation might be best. Alternate translation: "you concealed these truths ... and revealed them"
"you hid these things from" or "you have not made these things known to." This verb is the opposite of "revealed."
These nominal adjectives can be translated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "from people who are wise and understanding"
Jesus is using irony. He does not think these people are really wise. Alternate translation: "people who think they are wise and understanding"
"made them known." The pronoun "them" refers to "these things" earlier in this verse.
Jesus compares ignorant people to little children. Jesus is emphasizing that many of those who believe him either are not well educated or do not think of themselves as wise.
Here, Jesus continues praying to his heavenly Father while still in the presence of the crowd.
The phrase "in your sight" is a metonym that stands for how a person considers something. Alternate translation: "for you considered it good to do this"
Here, Jesus begins to address the people again.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "My Father has entrusted all things to me" or "My Father has given everything over to me"
Possible meanings are 1) God the Father has revealed everything about himself and his kingdom to Jesus or 2) God has given all authority to Jesus.
This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus.
This double negative emphasizes that the Father is the only one who knows the Son. Alternate translation: "the only one who knows the Son is the Father"
The word "knows" here means more than just being acquainted with someone. It means knowing someone intimately because of having a special relationship with him.
Jesus was referring to himself in the third person.
This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
"only the Son knows the Father"
All occurrences of "you" are plural.
Jesus speaks of people being discouraged in their attempts to obey all the laws as if those laws were heavy burdens and the people were laboring to carry them. Alternate translation: "who are discouraged from trying so hard" or "Who are discouraged from trying so hard to obey the laws perfectly"
"I will allow you to rest from your labor and burden"
Jesus continues the metaphor. Jesus is inviting the people to become his disciples and follow him.
Here "meek" and "lowly in heart" mean basically the same thing. Jesus combines them to emphasize that he will be much kinder than the religious leaders. Alternate translation: "I am gentle and humble" or "I am very gentle"
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's inner being. The phrase "lowly in heart" is an idiom that means "humble." Alternate translation: "humble"
Here "soul" refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: "you will find rest for yourselves" or "you will be able to rest"
Jesus finishes speaking to the crowd.
Both of these phrases mean the same thing. Jesus is emphasizing that it is easier to obey him than it is the Jewish law. Alternate translation: "For what I place on you, you will be able to carry because it is light"
The word "light" here is the opposite of heavy, not the opposite of dark.
1 At that time Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the grainfields. His disciples were hungry and began to pluck heads of grain and eat them. 2 But when the Pharisees saw that, they said to Jesus, "See, your disciples do what is unlawful to do on the Sabbath."
3 But Jesus said to them, "Have you never read what David did when he was hungry, and the men who were with him? 4 He went into the house of God and ate the bread of the presence, which was unlawful for him to eat and unlawful for those who were with him, but lawful only for the priests. 5 Have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath but are guiltless? 6 But I say to you that one greater than the temple is here. 7 If you had known what this meant, 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."
9 Then Jesus left from there and went into their synagogue. 10 Behold, there was a man who had a withered hand. The Pharisees asked Jesus, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" so that they might accuse him of sinning.
11 Jesus said to them, "What man would there be among you, who, if he had just one sheep, and if this sheep fell into a pit on the Sabbath, would not take hold of it and raise it out? 12 How much more valuable, then, is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath." 13 Then Jesus said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and it was restored to health, just like the other hand. 14 But the Pharisees went out and plotted against him. They were seeking how they might destroy him.
15 Jesus, knowing this, withdrew from there. Many people followed him, and he healed them all. 16 He commanded them not to make him known to others, 17 that it might be fulfilled, what had been said through Isaiah the prophet, saying,
18 "See, my servant whom I have chosen;
my beloved one, in whom my soul is well pleased.
I will put my Spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
19 He will not strive nor cry aloud;
neither will anyone hear his voice in the streets.
20 He will not break any bruised reed;
he will not quench any smoking flax,
until he leads justice to victory,
21 and in his name the Gentiles will have hope."
22 Then someone blind and mute, possessed by a demon, was brought to Jesus. He healed him, with the result that the mute man spoke and saw. 23 All the crowds were amazed and said, "Can this man be the Son of David?"
24 But when the Pharisees heard of this miracle, they said, "This man does not cast out demons except by Beelzebul, the prince of the demons."
25 But Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is made desolate, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27 And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons drive them out? For this reason they will be your judges. 28 But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 How can anyone enter the house of the strong man and take away his belongings without tying up the strong man first? Then he will steal his belongings from his house. 30 The one who is not with me is against me, and the one who does not gather with me scatters. 31 Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Whoever speaks any word against the Son of Man, that will be forgiven him. But whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, that will not be forgiven him, neither in this world, nor in that which is to come. 33 Make a tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34 You offspring of vipers, since you are evil, how can you say good things? For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. 35 The good man from the good treasure of his heart produces what is good, and the evil man from the evil treasure of his heart produces what is evil. 36 I say to you that in the day of judgment people will give an account for every idle word they will have said. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
38 Then certain scribes and Pharisees answered Jesus and said, "Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you."
39 But Jesus answered and said to them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign. But no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. 40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the stomach of the big fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation of people and will condemn it. For they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and see, someone greater than Jonah is here. 42 The Queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them. She came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and see, someone greater than Solomon is here. 43 When an unclean spirit has gone away from a man, it passes through waterless places and looks for rest, but does not find it. 44 Then it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' Having returned, it finds the house empty—it had been swept clean and put in order. 45 Then it goes and takes along with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all come in to live there. Then the final condition of that man becomes worse than the first. It will be just like that with this evil generation."
46 While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, seeking to speak to him. 47 Someone said to him, "Look, your mother and your brothers stand outside, seeking to speak to you."
48 But Jesus answered and said to him who told him, "Who is my mother and who are my brothers?" 49 Then he stretched out his hand toward his disciples and said, "See, here are my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven, that person is my brother, and sister, and mother."
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 12:18-21, which is from the Old Testament.
This chapter has much to say about how God's people are to obey the Sabbath. Jesus said that the rules that the Pharisees made up did not help people obey the Sabbath the way God wanted them to. (See: sabbath)
No one knows for sure what actions people perform or what words they say when they commit this sin. However, they probably insult the Holy Spirit and his work. Part of the Holy Spirit's work is to make people understand that they are sinners and that they need to have God forgive them. Therefore, anyone who does not try to stop sinning is probably committing blasphemy against the Spirit. (See: blasphemy and holyspirit)
This is the beginning of a new part of the story where Matthew tells of growing opposition to Jesus's ministry. Here, the Pharisees criticize his disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath.
This marks a new part of the story. Alternate translation: "A little later"
This is a place to plant grain. If wheat is unknown and "grain" is too general, then you can use "fields of the plant they made bread from."
Picking grain in others' fields and eating it was not considered stealing. The question was whether one could do this otherwise lawful activity on the Sabbath.
"to pick some of the wheat and eat it" or "to pick some of the grain and eat it"
The heads of grain are the topmost part of the wheat plant. It holds the mature grain or seeds of the plant.
Picking grain in others' fields and eating it was not considered stealing. The question was whether one could do this otherwise lawful activity on the Sabbath.
This does not mean all of the Pharisees. Alternate translation: "some Pharisees"
"Look, your disciples." The Pharisees use this word to draw attention to what the disciples are doing.
Jesus responds to the Pharisees' criticism.
"to the Pharisees"
Jesus uses a question to respond to the criticism of the Pharisees. Jesus is challenging them to think about the meaning of the scriptures they have read. Alternate translation: "I know you have read about ... with him"
The phrase "were hungry" is understood from the phrase "was hungry." Alternate translation: "when he was hungry and the men who were with him were hungry" or "when he and those with him were hungry"
During the time of David there was no temple yet. Alternate translation: "the tabernacle" or "the place for worshiping God"
This is sacred bread that priests placed before God in the tabernacle. Alternate translation: "bread that the priest placed before God" or "sacred bread"
"the men who were with David"
"but, according to the law, only the priests could eat it"
Jesus continues to respond to the Pharisees.
Jesus uses a question to respond to the criticism of the Pharisees. Jesus is challenging them to think about the meaning of what they have read in the scriptures. Alternate translation: "Surely you have read in the law of Moses that ... but are guiltless." or "You should know that the law teaches that ... but are guiltless."
"do on the Sabbath what the law forbids them to do on that day"
"God will not punish them" or "God does not consider them guilty"
This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
"someone who is more important than the temple." Jesus was referring to himself as the one greater.
Here Jesus quotes the prophet Hosea to rebuke the Pharisees.
Jesus continues to respond to the Pharisees.
Here Jesus quotes scripture. Alternate translation: "The prophet Hosea wrote this long ago: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' If you had understood what this meant, you would not have condemned the guiltless"
In the law of Moses, God did command the Israelites to offer sacrifices. This means God considers mercy more important than the sacrifices.
The pronoun "I" refers to God.
This can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "those who are not guilty"
Jesus was referring to himself. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man, am"
"rules over the Sabbath" or "makes the laws about what people can do on the Sabbath"
Here the scene shifts to a later time when the Pharisees criticize Jesus for healing a man on the Sabbath.
"Jesus left the grainfields" or "Then Jesus left"
Possible meanings are 1) the word "their" refers to the Jews of that town. Alternate translation: "the synogogue" or 2) the word "their" refers to the Pharisees that Jesus had just spoken to, and this was the synagogue that they and other Jews in that town attended. The word "their" does not mean that the Pharisees owned the synagogue. Alternate translation: "the synagogue that they attended"
The word "Behold" alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this.
"a man who had a paralyzed hand" or "a man with a crippled hand"
"The Pharisees wanted to accuse Jesus of sinning, so they asked him, 'Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?'"
"According to the law of Moses, may a person heal another person on the Sabbath"
They did not just want to accuse Jesus in front of the people. The Pharisees wanted Jesus to give an answer that contradicted the law of Moses so they could take him before a judge and legally charge him with breaking the law.
Jesus responds to the Pharisees' criticism.
Jesus uses a question to respond to the Pharisees. He is challenging them to think about what kind of work they do on the Sabbath. Alternate translation: "Every one of you, if you only had one sheep ... would grab the sheep and raise it out."
lift
The phrase "how much more" adds emphasis to the statement. Alternate translation: "Obviously, a man is much more valuable than a sheep!" or "Just think about how much more important a man is than a sheep"
"those who do good on the Sabbath are obeying the law"
This can be translated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "Then Jesus commanded the man to stretch out his hand."
"to the man with the paralyzed hand" or "to the man with the crippled hand"
"Hold out your hand" or "Extend your hand"
"The man stretched"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "it was healthy again" or "it became well again"
"planned to harm Jesus"
"were discussing how they might kill Jesus"
This account explains how the actions of Jesus fulfilled one of the prophecies of Isaiah.
"Jesus was aware of what the Pharisees were planning, so he withdrew"
"departed from" or "left"
"not to tell anyone else about him"
The phrase "that it might be fulfilled" can be translated as the beginning of a new sentence. If so, the previous verse should end with a period. Alternate translation: "This was to fulfill what"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "what God had said long ago through the prophet Isaiah:"
Here Matthew quotes the prophet Isaiah to show that Jesus's ministry fulfilled scripture.
"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
All occurrences of these words refer to God. Isaiah is quoting what God said to him.
"he is my beloved one, and I am very pleased with him"
Here "soul" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "with whom I am very pleased"
The means that God's servant will tell the Gentiles that there will be justice. It can be stated clearly that God is the one who will bring about justice, and the abstract noun "justice" can be expressed as "what is right." Alternate translation: "he will announce to the nations that God will do for them what is right"
Matthew continues to quote the prophet Isaiah.
Here people not hearing his voice represents him not speaking loudly. And, "in the street" is an idiom that means "publicly." Alternate translation: "he will not he shout in the cities and towns"
All occurrences of these words refer to God's chosen servant.
All occurrences of "he" refer to God's chosen servant.
Both of these statements mean the same thing. They are metaphors emphasizing that God's servant will be gentle and kind. Both "bruised reed" and "smoking flax" represent weak and hurting people. If the metaphor is confusing, you could translate the literal meaning. Alternate translation: "He will be kind to weak people, and he will be gentle to those who are hurting"
"damaged plant"
"he will not put out any smoking flax" or "he will not stop any smoking flax from burning"
This refers to a lamp wick after the flame has gone out and when it is only smoking.
This can be translated with a new sentence: "flax. This is what he will do until"
Leading someone to victory represents causing him to be victorious. Causing justice to be victorious represents making things right that had been wrong. Alternate translation: "he makes everything right"
The Gentiles will trust him to fulfill his promises. The abstract noun "hope" can be translated here with the verbs "trust" or "confidently wait" or "confidently expect." Alternate translation: "the Gentiles will trust in his name" or "the Gentiles will confidently wait for him to fulfill his promises"
The word "his" refers to God's servant who was spoken of in [Matthew 12:18]
Here the scene shifts to a later time when the Pharisees accuse Jesus of healing a man by the power of Satan.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then someone brought to Jesus a man who was blind and mute because a demon was controlling him"
"someone who could not see and could not talk"
"All the people who had seen Jesus heal the man were greatly surprised"
This is a title for the Christ or Messiah.
Here this means "descendant of."
This refers to the miracle of the healing of a blind, deaf, and demon-possessed man.
This double negative emphasizes that they think that the power of Beelzebul is the only thing that makes it possible for Jesus casts out demons. Alternate translation: "This man is only able to cast out demons because he is a servant of Beelzebul"
The Pharisees avoid calling Jesus by name to show they reject him.
"the chief of the demons"
Here Jesus begins to respond to the Pharisees' accusation that he healed the man by the power of Satan.
Jesus uses a proverb to respond to the Pharisees. Both of these statements mean the same thing. They emphasize that it would not make sense for Beelzebul to use his power to fight other demons.
Here "kingdom" refers to those who live in the kingdom. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "A kingdom will not last when its people fight among themselves"
Here "city" refers to the people who live there, and "house" refers to a family. Being "divided against itself" represents its people fighting each other. Alternate translation: "it ruins a city or a family when the people fight each other"
Jesus continues to respond to the Pharisees' accusation that he healed the man by the power of Satan.
The second use of Satan refers to the demons that serve Satan. Alternate translation: "If Satan works against his own demons"
Jesus uses this question to show the Pharisees that what they were saying was illogical. Alternate translation: "His kingdom would not be able to stand!" or "His kingdom would not last!"
This name refers to the same person as "Satan" (verse 26).
Jesus uses another question to challenge the Pharisees. Alternate translation: "then you must say your followers also drive out demons by the power of Beelzebul. But you know this is not true."
Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees. The phrase "your sons" refers to their followers. This was a common way of referring to those who follow teachers or leaders. Alternate translation: "your followers"
"Because your followers cast out demons by the power of God, they prove that you are wrong about me."
Jesus continues to respond to the Pharisees.
Here "if" does not mean Jesus is questioning how he drives out demons. Here Jesus uses the word to introduce a true statement. Alternate translation: "But because I"
"then the kingdom of God has arrived among you." Here "kingdom" refers to God's rule as king. Alternate translation: "this means God is establishing his rule among you"
Here "you" is plural and refers to the people of Israel.
Jesus uses a parable to continue his response to the Pharisees. Jesus means he can drive out demons because he is more powerful than Satan.
Jesus uses a question to teach the Pharisees and the crowd. Alternate translation: "No one can enter ... without tying up the strong man first." or "If a person wants to enter ... he must first tie up the strong man."
"without taking control of the strong man first"
"The he can steal" or "Then he will be able to steal"
"who does not support me" or "who does not work with me"
"opposes me" or "works against me"
Jesus is using a metaphor that refers to a person either gathering the flock of sheep to a shepherd or making them scatter away from the shepherd. Jesus means that a person is either helping to make people become disciples of Jesus or he is making people reject Jesus.
Jesus continues to respond to the Pharisees.
This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
Here "you" is plural. Jesus is speaking directly to the Pharisees, but he is also teaching the crowd.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will forgive every sin that people commit and every evil thing they say" or "God will forgive every person who sins or says evil things"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will not forgive the person who speaks evil things about the Holy Spirit"
Here "word" refers to what someone says. Alternate translation: "If a person says anything bad about the Son of Man"
Jesus is speaking about himself.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will forgive a person for that"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will not forgive that person"
Here "this world" and "that which is to come" refer to the present life and the next life. Alternate translation: "in this life or in the next life" or "now or ever"
Jesus continues to respond to the Pharisees.
Possible meanings are 1) "If you make a tree good, its fruit will be good, and if you make the tree bad, its fruit will be bad" or 2) "If a tree is good, it will have good fruit, and if a tree is bad, it will have bad fruit." This was a proverb. People were to apply its truth to how they can know whether a person is good or bad.
"healthy ... diseased"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "people recognize a tree by its fruit" or "people know whether a tree is good or bad by looking at its fruit"
Here "offspring" means "having the characteristic of." Vipers are poisonous snakes that are dangerous and represent evil. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Matthew 3:7]
These are plural and refer to the Pharisees.
Jesus uses a question to rebuke the Pharisees. Alternate translation: "you cannot say good things." or "you can only say evil things."
Here "heart" is a metonym for the thoughts in a person's mind. Here "mouth" is a synecdoche that represents a person as a whole. Alternate translation: "what a person says with his mouth reveals what is in his mind"
Jesus speaks about the "heart" as if it were a container that a person fills with good or evil things. This is a metaphor that means what a person says reveals what the person is truly like. If you want to keep this imagery, see the UDB. You can also translate the literal meaning. Alternate translation: "A man who is truly good will speak good things, and the man who is truly evil will speak evil things"
Jesus concludes his response to the Pharisees' accusation that he healed the man by the power of Satan.
This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
"God will ask people about" or "people will have to explain to God"
Here "word" refers to something that someone says. This refers to statements that do no good. This is a metonym for statements made by people who are lazy or otherwise not doing anything good. Alternate translation: "every idle thing they will said"
empty, useless, careless
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will justify you ... God will condemn you"
The dialogue in these verses happens immediately after Jesus responded to the Pharisees' accusation that he healed a man by the power of Satan.
"we want"
You can make explicit why they want to see a sign. Alternate translation: "to see a sign from you that proves what you say is true"
Here Jesus begins to rebuke the scribes and Pharisees.
Jesus is speaking to the Jews of his generation. Alternate translation: "You are an evil and adulterous generation who demands signs from me ... given to you"
Here "adulterous" is a metaphor for people who are not faithful to God. Alternate translation: "unfaithful generation" or "godless generation"
This double negative emphasizes that the sign of Jonah is the only sign that will be given. Alternate translation: "The only sign that will be given to it is the sign of Jonah"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will not give it a sign"
"what happened to Jonah" or "the miracle that God did for Jonah"
This means complete 24-hour periods. Alternate translation: "three complete days"
Jesus is speaking about himself.
This means inside a physical grave.
Jesus continues to rebuke the scribes and Pharisees.
"The citizens of Nineveh"
"on judgment day" or "when God judges people"
This refers to the Jews living during the time Jesus was preaching.
Possible meanings are 1) "condemn" here represents accusing. Alternate translation: "and will accuse this generation of people" or 2) God will condemn this generation of people because they did not repent as the people of Nineveh had. Alternate translation: "and God will condemn this generation"
"and look." This emphasizes what Jesus says next.
"someone more important"
Jesus is speaking about himself.
You can make explicit the implicit meaning of Jesus's statement. Alternate translation: "than Jonah is here, yet you still have not repented, which is why God will condemn you"
Jesus continues to rebuke the scribes and Pharisees.
This refers to the Queen of Sheba. Sheba was a land south of Israel.
"will stand up at the judgment"
"on judgment day" or "when God judges people." See how you translated this in Matthew 12:41.
This refers to the Jews living during the time Jesus was preaching.
See how you translated a similar statement in [Matthew 12:41]
Here "ends of the earth" is an idiom that means "far away." Alternate translation: "She came from very far away"
This statement explains why the Queen of the South will condemn the people of Jesus's generation. Alternate translation: "For she came"
"and look." This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
"someone more important"
Jesus is speaking about himself.
You can make explicit the implicit meaning of Jesus's statement. Alternate translation: "than Solomon is here, yet you do not listen. That is why God will condemn you"
Jesus continues to rebuke the scribes and Pharisees. He begins to tell a parable.
"dry places" or "places where no people live"
Here "it" refers to rest.
This can be translated as a statement rather than a quotation. Alternate translation: "So, the unclean spirit decides to return to the house from which it came."
This is a metaphor for the person in whom the unclean spirit was living. Alternate translation: "to the place I left"
Again, "house" is a metaphor for the person in whom the unclean spirit was living. Here, "empty" suggests that no one is living in the house. There is no other spirit living in the person.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone had swept the house clean and has put everything in the house where it belongs"
Jesus finishes the parable that he began with the words "When an unclean spirit" in verse 43.
This means that if the people of Jesus's generation do not believe him and become his disciples, they will be in a worse situation than they were before he came.
The arrival of Jesus's mother and brothers becomes an opportunity for him to describe his spiritual family.
The word "behold" alerts us to a new people in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this.
This is Mary, Jesus's human mother.
These are probably other children born to Mary, but it is is possible that the word "brothers" here refers to Jesus's cousins.
"wanting to speak"
This can be translated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "Someone told Jesus that his mother and brothers were outside and wanted to speak to him."
This is the end of the part of the story that began in Matthew 12:1, where Matthew tells of growing opposition to Jesus's ministry.
The details of the message the person told Jesus are understood and not repeated here. Alternate translation: "who told him that his mother and brothers wanted to speak to him"
Jesus uses these questions to teach the people. Alternate translation: "I will tell you who are really my mother and brothers"
"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
This is a metaphor that means Jesus's disciples belong to Jesus's spiritual family. This is more important than belonging to his physical family.
"anyone who does"
This is an important title for God.
This is a metaphor meaning that those who obey God belong to Jesus's spiritual family. This is more important than belonging to his physical family.
1 On that day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 A very large crowd gathered around him, so he got into a boat and sat in it while the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 Then Jesus said many things to them in parables. He said, "Behold, a farmer went out to sow seed. 4 As he sowed, some seeds fell beside the road, and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil. Immediately they sprang up because the soil had no depth. 6 But when the sun had risen, they were scorched because they had no root, and they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell among the thorn plants. The thorn plants grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and produced a crop, some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty. 9 He who has ears, let him hear."
10 The disciples came and said to Jesus, "Why do you talk to the crowd in parables?"
11 Jesus answered and said to them, "You have been given the privilege of understanding mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12 For whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. But whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 13 This is why I talk to them in parables:
Though they are seeing,
they do not see;
and though they are hearing,
they do not hear, or understand.
14 To them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, that which says,
'Listening, you will hear, but you will never understand;
seeing, you will see, but you will never know.
15 For the heart of this people has become dull,
and with their ears they hardly hear,
and they have shut their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
and hear with their ears,
and understand with their heart and turn again,
and I would heal them."' 16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear. 17 Truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things that you see and did not see them. They desired to hear the things that you hear and did not hear them. 18 Listen then to the parable of the farmer who sowed his seed. 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom but does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the seed that was sown beside the road. 20 What was sown on rocky ground is the person who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself and he endures for a while. When tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, he quickly falls away. 22 What was sown among the thorn plants, this is the person who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. 23 The seed that was sown on the good soil, this is the person who hears the word and understands it. He bears fruit and produces a crop, yielding in one case a hundred, in another sixty, and in another thirty times as much as was planted."
24 Jesus presented another parable to them. He said, "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while people slept, his enemy came and also sowed weeds among the wheat and then went away. 26 When the blades sprouted and then produced their crop, then the weeds appeared also. 27 The servants of the landowner came and said to him, 'Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How does it now have weeds?'
28 "He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.'
"The servants said to him, 'So do you want us to go and pull them out?'
29 "The landowner said, 'No. Because while you are pulling out the weeds, you might uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, "First pull out the weeds and tie them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn."'"
31 Then Jesus presented another parable to them. He said, "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his field. 32 This seed is indeed the smallest of all seeds. But when it has grown, it is greater than the garden plants. It becomes a tree, so that the birds of the sky come and nest in its branches." 33 Jesus then told them another parable. "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of flour until all the dough had risen."
34 All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables; and he said nothing to them without a parable. 35 This was in order that what had been said through the prophet might be fulfilled, when he said,
"I will open my mouth in parables.
I will say things that were hidden from the foundation of the world."
36 Then Jesus left the crowds and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field."
37 Jesus answered and said, "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world; and the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40 Therefore, as the weeds are gathered up and consumed by fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all stumbling blocks and those who commit lawlessness. 42 They will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth. 43 Then will the righteous people shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.
44 "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. A man found it and hid it. In his joy he goes, sells everything he possesses, and buys that field. 45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a man who is a merchant looking for valuable pearls. 46 When he found one very valuable pearl, he went and sold everything that he possessed and bought it.
47 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was cast into the sea, and that gathered all kinds of fish. 48 When it was filled, the fishermen drew it up on the beach. Then they sat down and gathered the good ones into containers, but the bad ones they threw away. 49 It will be this way at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from among the righteous. 50 They will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.
51 "Have you understood all these things?"
The disciples said to him, "Yes."
52 Then Jesus said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple to the kingdom of heaven is like a man who is the owner of a house, who draws out old and new things from his treasure." 53 Then it came about that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed from that place.
54 Then Jesus entered his own region and taught the people in their synagogue. The result was that they were astonished and said, "Where does this man get his wisdom and these miraculous powers from? 55 Is not this man the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? Are not his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? 56 Are not all his sisters with us? Where did he get all these things?" 57 They were offended by him.
But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own family." 58 He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 13:14-15, which is from the Old Testament.
This chapter begins a new section. It contains some of Jesus's parables about the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus often says the word "heaven" when he wants his hearers to think of God, who lives in heaven (Matthew 13:11).
Speakers usually do not say things that they think their hearers already understand. When Matthew wrote that Jesus "sat beside the sea"
Speakers often use words for things that can be touched to speak of things that cannot be touched. Jesus spoke of a bird eating a seed to describe how Satan kept people from understanding Jesus's message (Matthew 13:19).
Many sentences in this chapter tell that a person had something happen to him without saying who caused that something to happen. For example, "they were scorched"
The parables were short stories that Jesus told so that people would easily understand the lesson he was trying to teach them. He also told the stories so that those who did not want to believe in him would not understand the truth (Matthew 13:11-13).
This is the beginning of a new part of the story where Jesus begins to teach the crowds, using parables, about the kingdom of heaven.
These events happened on the same day as those in the previous chapter.
It is not mentioned at whose house Jesus was staying.
It is implied that he sat down to teach the people.
It is implied that Jesus got into a boat because it would make it easier to teach the people.
This was probably an open, wooden fishing boat with a sail.
Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling a parable about a person who sows seeds.
"Jesus told them many things in parables"
"to the people in the crowd"
"Look" or "Listen." This word calls attention to what is to be said next. Alternate translation: "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
"a farmer went out to scatter seeds in a field"
"As the farmer scattered the seed"
This refers to a "path" next to the field. The ground there would have been hard from people walking on it.
"ate all the seeds"
This is ground full of rocks with just a thin layer of soil on top of the rocks.
"The seeds quickly sprouted and grew"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the sun scorched the plants, and they became too hot"
"the plants became dry and died"
"fell where plants with thorns grew"
"choked the new sprouts." Use your word for the way weeds prevent other plants from growing well.
"grew more seeds" or "gave fruit"
The words "seeds," "produced," and "crop" are understood from the previous phrase. These can be expressed clearly. Alternate translation: "some seeds produced one hundred times as much crop, some seeds produced sixty times as much crop, and some seeds produced thirty times as much crop"
"100 ... 60 ... 30"
Jesus finishes telling a parable about a person who sows seeds.
Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase "has ears" here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Matthew 11:15]
Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Matthew 11:15]
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Jesus explains to his disciples why he teaches with parables.
This can be translated with the active form and with implied information expressed clearly. Alternate translation: "God has given you the privilege of understanding mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but God has not given it to these people" or "God has made you able to understand mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but he has not enabled these people to understand"
The word "You" is plural here and refers to the disciples.
Here "kingdom of heaven" refers to God's rule. The phrase "kingdom of heaven" occurs only in the book of Matthew. If possible, try to keep it in your translation. Alternate translation: "the secrets about our God in heaven and his rule"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "has understanding, God will give him more understanding"
"whoever does not have understanding" or "whoever does not receive what I teach"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will take away even what he has"
Jesus continues to explain to his disciples why he teaches in parables.
All occurrences of "them" and "they" refer to the people in the crowd.
Jesus uses this parallelism to tell and emphasize to the disciples that the crowd refuses to understand God's truth.
These words could refer to 1) them seeing what Jesus does. Alternate translation: "Though they see what I do" or 2) their ability to see with their eyes. Alternate translation: "Though they are able to see"
Here "see" represents understanding. Alternate translation: "they do not understand"
These words could refer to 1) them hearing what Jesus teaches. Alternate translation: "Though they hear what I say" or 2) their ability to hear with their ears. Alternate translation: "Though they are able to hear"
Here "hear" represents listening well. Alternate translation: "they do not listen well" or "they do not pay attention"
Here Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah to show that the people's failure to understand Jesus's teaching is a fulfillment of prophecy.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They are fulfilling what God said long ago through the prophet Isaiah"
This begins a quote from the prophet Isaiah about the unbelieving people of Isaiah's day. Jesus uses this quote to describe the very crowd that was listening to him. These statements are again parallel and emphasize that the people refused to understand God's truth.
"You will hear things, but you will not understand them." You can make explicit what the people will hear. Alternate translation: "You will hear what God says through the prophets, but you will not understand its true meaning"
You can make explicit what the people will see. Alternate translation: "you will see what God does through the prophets, but you will not understand it"
Jesus finishes quoting the prophet Isaiah.
God describes the people of Israel as if they had physical diseases that cause them to be unable to learn, to see, and to hear. God wants them to come to him so he will heal them. This is all a metaphor describing the people's spiritual condition. It means the people are stubborn and refuse to receive and understand God's truth. If they would, then they would repent and God would forgive them and welcome them back as his people. If the meaning is clear, keep the metaphor in your translation.
Here "heart" refers to the mind. Alternate translation: "these people's minds are slow to learn" or "these people can no longer learn"
They are not physically deaf. Here "hardly hear" means they refuse to listen and learn God's truth. Alternate translation: "they refuse to use their ears to listen"
This means they refuse to understand, not that they have literally closed their eyes. Alternate translation: "they refuse to use their eyes to see"
The word "heart" here is a metonym for people's innermost being. You may need to use the word in your language for the source of people's thinking and feelings. Alternate translation: "understand with their minds"
"turn back to me" or "repent"
"have me heal them." This means God would heal them spiritually by forgiving their sins and receiving them again as his people. Alternate translation: "have me receive them again"
Jesus finishes explaining to his disciples why he teaches with parables.
Both of these statements mean the same thing. Jesus is emphasizing that they have pleased God because they have believed what Jesus has said and done.
Here "eyes" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "You are blessed because your eyes are able to see"
All occurrences of these words are plural and refer to the disciples.
Here "ears" refer to the whole person. You can also make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "blessed are your ears, for they hear" "you are blessed because your ears are able to hear"
"I tell you the truth." This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
All occurrences of this word are plural and refer to the disciples.
You can make explicit what they have seen. Alternate translation: "the things you have seen me do"
You can make explicit what they have heard. Alternate translation: "the things you have heard me say"
Here Jesus begins to explain to his disciples the parable about a person who sows seeds, which he began in Matthew 13:3.
"the message about God's rule as king"
Jesus speaks of Satan causing the person to forget what he has heard as if Satan were a bird snatching the seed from the ground. Alternate translation: "The evil one causes him to forget the message that he has heard just as a bird snatches away seed from the ground"
This refers to Satan.
Try to use a word that means to grab something away from someone who is the rightful owner.
This can be translated in active form: Alternate translation: "the message that God sowed in his heart" or "the message that he heard"
Here "heart" refers to the mind of the hearer.
"This is the meaning of the seed that was sown beside the road" or "The road where seed was sown represents this person"
See how you translated this in Matthew 13:4.
Jesus continues to explain to his disciples the parable about a person who sows seeds.
The phrase "what was sown" refers to seed that fell. Alternate translation: "The seed that fell on rocky ground"
"The rocky ground where seed was sown represents" or "The rocky ground where seed fell represents"
In the parable, the seed represents the word.
This represents God's message. Alternate translation: "the message" or "God's teaching"
Believing the word is spoken of as receiving it. Alternate translation: "joyfully believes it"
"yet he has shallow roots and only lasts for a little while." The root represents what makes a person continue to believe God's message. Alternate translation: "But like a plant that does not grow deep roots, he only endures for a little while"
Here "falls away" means stops believing. Alternate translation: "immediately he falls away" or "he quickly stops believing the message"
Jesus continues to explain to his disciples the parable about a person who sows seeds.
This refers to seed that was sown or that fell. Alternate translation: "The seed that was sown" or "The seed that fell"
"The ground with the thorn plants where seed was sown"
"this represents the person"
"the message" or "God's teaching"
Jesus speaks about the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches distracting a person from obeying God's word as if they were weeds that could wind around a plant and keep it from growing. Alternate translation: "as weeds prevent good plants from growing, the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches keep this person from listening to God's word"
"the things in this world that people worry about"
Jesus describes "riches" as if it were a person who could deceive someone. This means people think having more money will make them happy, but it will not. Alternate translation: "the love of money"
The person is spoken of as if he were a plant. Being unfruitful represents being unproductive. Alternate translation: "he becomes unproductive" or "he does not do what God wants"
You may have to consider "the seed" as a metonym for the soil on which the seed was sown. Alternate translation: "The good soil where seeds were sown"
The person is spoken of as if he were a plant. Alternate translation: "Like a healthy plant that bears a crop of fruit, he is productive"
See how you translated similar phrases in [Matthew 13:8]
100 ... 60 ... 30
Here Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling a parable about a field with both wheat and weeds growing in it.
This metaphor speaks of Jesus telling the people the parable as if he were putting a tangible object in front of them so they could examine it. Alternate translation: "Jesus told them another parable"
The translation should not equate the kingdom of heaven to a man, but rather the kingdom of heaven is like the situation described in the parable.
Here "kingdom of heaven" refers to God's rule as king. The phrase "kingdom of heaven" is used only in Matthew. If possible, use "heaven" in your translation. Alternate translation: "When our God in heaven shows himself to be king, it will be like"
"good food seeds" or "good grain seeds." The audience probably thought that Jesus was talking about wheat.
"his enemy came to the field"
These weeds look like food plants when they are young, but their grain is poison. Alternate translation: "bad seed" or "weed seeds"
"When the wheat seeds sprouted" or "When the plants came up"
"produced grain" or "produced the wheat crop"
"then people could see there were weeds in the field also"
Jesus continues to tell a parable about a field with both wheat and weeds growing in it.
This is the same person who sowed good seed in his field.
The servants used a question to emphasize their surprise. Alternate translation: "you sowed good seed in your field!"
The landowner probably had his servants plant the seeds. Alternate translation: "did we not sow"
"The landowner said to the servants"
The word "us" refers to the servants.
Jesus concludes the parable about a field with both wheat and weeds growing in it.
"The landowner said to his servants"
You can translate this as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "I will tell the reapers to first gather up the weeds and tie them in bundles to burn them, and then gather the wheat into my barn."
a farm building that can be used for storing grain
Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling a parable about a very small seed that grows into a very big plant.
Here "kingdom of heaven" refers to God's rule as king. The phrase "kingdom of heaven" is used only in Matthew. If possible, use "heaven" in your translation. See how you translated this in [Matthew 13:24]
a very small seed that grows into a large plant
Mustard seeds were the smallest seeds known to the original hearers.
"But when the plant has grown"
"it is larger than"
A mustard plant can grow about 2 to 4 meters tall.
"birds"
Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling a parable about the effect that yeast has on flour.
The kingdom is not like the yeast, but the spread of the kingdom is like the spreading of the yeast.
Here "kingdom of heaven" refers to God's rule as king. The phrase "kingdom of heaven" is used only in Matthew. If possible, use "heaven" in your translation. See how you translated this in [Matthew 13:24]
Say "a large amount of flour" or use a term that your culture uses for measuring large amounts of flour.
The implied information is that the yeast and the three measures of flour were made into dough for baking.
Both sentences mean the same thing. They are combined to emphasize that Jesus taught the crowds only with parables.
This refers to what Jesus taught beginning at Matthew 13:1.
"he taught them nothing except by parables." The double negative can be expressed in a positive way. Alternate translation: "everything he taught them he said in parables"
Here the author quotes from the Psalms to show that Jesus's teaching in parables fulfilled prophecy.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "what God told one of the prophets to write long ago might come true"
"when the prophet said"
This is an idiom that means to speak. Alternate translation: "I will speak"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "things that God has kept hidden"
The author speaks of the world as if it were a building set on a foundation. Alternate translation: "since the beginning of the world" or "since God created the world"
Here the scene shifts to the house where Jesus and his disciples were staying. Jesus begins to explain to them the parable of the field that had both wheat and weeds, which he told beginning in Matthew 13:24.
"went indoors" or "went into the house where he was staying"
"The one who sows the good seed" or "The sower of the good seed"
Jesus is referring to himself.
The idiom "sons of" refers to those who belong to or to have the same character as someone or something. Alternate translation: "the people who belong to the kingdom"
Here "kingdom" refers to God the king. Alternate translation: "of God"
The idiom "sons of" refers those who belong to or to have the same character as someone or something. Alternate translation: "the people who belong to the evil one"
"the enemy who sowed the weeds"
Jesus finishes explaining to his disciples the parable of the field with both wheat and weeds.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Therefore, as people gather up weeds and burn them in the fire"
Here Jesus is speaking of himself. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man, will send out my angels"
everything that causes people to sin
"those who are lawless" or "evil people"
This is a metaphor for the fires of hell. If the term "furnace" is not known, "oven" can be used. Alternate translation: "fiery furnace"
"Grinding of teeth" here is a symbolic act, representing extreme sadness and suffering. See how you translated this in [Matthew 8:12]
If this simile is not understandable in your language, you can use: "be as easy to see as the sun."
This is an important title for God.
Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase "has ears" here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Matthew 11:15]
Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. See how you translated this in [Matthew 11:15]
In this parable, Jesus uses a simile to teach his disciples what the kingdom of heaven is like.
Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling a parable about a person who sold his possessions to purchase something of great value.
Here "kingdom of heaven" refers to God's rule as king. The phrase "kingdom of heaven" is used only in Matthew. If possible, use "heaven" in your translation. See how you translated this in [Matthew 13:24]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "a treasure that someone had hidden in a field"
a very valuable and precious thing or collection of things
"covered it up"
The implied information is that the person buys the field to take possession of the hidden treasure.
In this parable, Jesus uses a simile to teach his disciples what the kingdom of heaven is like.
Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling a parable about a person who sold his possessions to purchase something of great value.
The implied information is that the man was looking for valuable pearls that he could buy.
a trader or wholesale dealer who often obtains merchandise from distant places
A "pearl" is a smooth, hard, shiny, white or light-colored bead formed inside mollusks in the sea and highly prized as a gem or to make into valuable jewelry. Alternate translation: "fine pearls" or "beautiful pearls"
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Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling a parable about fishermen who use a large net to catch fish.
The kingdom is not like the net, but the kingdom draws all kinds of people like a net catches all kinds of fish.
Here "kingdom of heaven" refers to God's rule as king. The phrase "kingdom of heaven" is used only in Matthew. If possible, use "heaven" in your translation. See how you translated this in [Matthew 13:24]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "like a net that some fishermen cast into the sea"
"was thrown into the sea"
"pulled the net up onto the beach" or "pulled the net ashore"
Sometimes other creatures go into nets, but fishermen usually cast nets to catch fish, so most modern translations read, "the good fish."
Sometimes other creatures go into nets, but fishermen usually cast nets to catch fish, so most modern translations read, "the bad fish."
"did not keep"
Jesus explains the parable about fishermen who use a large net to catch fish.
"will come out" or "will go out" or "will come from heaven"
These nominal adjectives can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "the wicked people from the righteous people"
"The angels will throw the wicked people"
This is a metaphor for the fires of hell. If the term "furnace" is not known, "oven" can be used. See how you translated this in [Matthew 13:42]
"Grinding of teeth" here is a symbolic act, representing extreme sadness and suffering. See how you translated this in [Matthew 8:12]
Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling a parable about a person who manages a household. This is the end of the part of the story about Jesus teaching the crowds about the kingdom of heaven through using parables.
If necessary, both direct quotations can be translated as indirect quotations. Alternate translation: "Jesus asked them if they had understood all this, and they said that they did understand."
Here "kingdom of heaven" refers to God's rule as king. The phrase "kingdom of heaven" is used only in the book of Matthew. If possible, keep "heaven" in your translation. Alternate translation: "has learned the truth about our God in heaven, who is king" or "has submitted himself to God's rule"
Jesus speaks another parable. He compares scribes, who know very well the scriptures that Moses and the prophets wrote, and who also now accept Jesus's teachings, to a house owner who uses both old and new treasures.
A treasure is a very valuable and precious thing or a collection of things. Here it may refer to the place where these things are stored, the "treasury" or "storeroom."
This phrase shifts the story from Jesus's teachings to what happened next. Alternate translation: "Then when" or "After"
This is the beginning of a new part of the story that runs through Matthew 17:27, where Matthew tells of continued opposition to Jesus's ministry and teaching about the kingdom of heaven. Here, the people of Jesus's home town reject him.
"his hometown." This refers to the town of Nazareth, where Jesus grew up.
The pronoun "their" is referring to the people of the region.
"they were amazed"
The people believed that Jesus was just an ordinary man. They use this question to express their amazement that he was so wise and was able to do miracles. Alternate translation: "How can an ordinary man like this be so wise and do such great miracles?" or "It is strange that he is able to speak with such wisdom and do these miracles!"
The crowd uses these questions to express their belief that they know who Jesus is and that he is just an ordinary man. Alternate translation: "He is just the son of a carpenter. We know his mother Mary, and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas."
A carpenter is someone who makes things with wood or stone. If "carpenter" is not known, "builder" can be used.
The crowd uses these questions to express their belief that they know who Jesus is and that he is just an ordinary man. Alternate translation: "And all his sisters are with us, too."
The crowd uses this question to show their understanding that Jesus must have gotten his abilities from somewhere. They were probably expressing their doubt that he got his abilities from God. Alternate translation: "He must have gotten his ability to do these things from somewhere!" or "We do not know where he got these abilities!"
This refers to Jesus's wisdom and ability to do miracles.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The people of Jesus's hometown took offense at him" or "The people rejected Jesus"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "A prophet receives honor everywhere" or "People everywhere honor a prophet"
"his own region" or "his own hometown"
"in his own home"
"Jesus did not do many miracles in his own hometown"
1 About that time, Herod the tetrarch heard the news about Jesus. 2 He said to his servants, "This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead. Therefore these powers are at work in him."
3 For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. 4 For John had said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her as your wife." 5 Herod would have killed him, but he feared the people, because they regarded him as a prophet.
6 But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced in the midst and pleased Herod. 7 In response, he promised with an oath to give her whatever she should ask. 8 After being instructed by her mother, she said, "Give me here, on a platter, the head of John the Baptist." 9 The king was grieved by her request, but because of his oath and because of all those at dinner with him, he ordered that it should be done. 10 He sent and beheaded John in the prison. 11 Then his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl and she took it to her mother. 12 Then his disciples came, took up the corpse, and buried it. After this, they went and told Jesus.
13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place. When the crowds heard of it, they followed him on foot from the cities. 14 Then Jesus came before them and saw the large crowd. He had compassion on them and healed their sick. 15 When the evening had come, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a deserted place, and the hour has already passed. Dismiss the crowds, so that they can go into the villages and buy food for themselves."
16 But Jesus said to them, "They have no need to go away. You give them something to eat."
17 They said to him, "We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish."
18 Jesus said, "Bring them to me." 19 Then Jesus ordered the crowd to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves and the two fish. Looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowd. 20 They all ate and were filled. Then they took up what remained of the broken pieces of food—twelve baskets full. 21 Those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he sent away the crowds. 23 After he had sent away the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. 24 But the boat was now a long way from land, being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was blowing against them. 25 In the fourth watch of the night Jesus approached them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled and said, "It is a ghost," and they cried out in fear.
27 But Jesus spoke to them right away and said, "Be brave! It is I! Do not be afraid."
28 Peter answered him and said, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water."
29 Jesus said, "Come."
So Peter got out from the boat and walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when Peter saw the strong wind, he became afraid. As he began to sink, he cried out and said, "Lord, save me!"
31 Jesus immediately stretched out his hand, took hold of Peter, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"
32 Then when Jesus and Peter went into the boat, the wind ceased blowing. 33 Then the disciples in the boat worshiped Jesus and said, "Truly you are the Son of God."
34 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. 35 When the men in that place recognized Jesus, they sent messages everywhere into the surrounding area, and they brought to him everyone who was sick. 36 They begged him that they might just touch the edge of his garment, and as many as touched it were healed.
Verses 1 and 2 continue the account from chapter 13. Verses 3-12 stop the account and speak of things that happened earlier, possibly soon after Satan tempted Jesus
Many sentences in this chapter tell that a person had something happen to him without saying who caused that something to happen. For example, the writer does not tell who brought John's head to Herodias's daughter
These verses explain Herod's reaction when he heard about Jesus. This event happens some time after the events that follow in the narrative.
"In those days" or "While Jesus was ministering in Galilee"
"heard reports about Jesus" or "heard about the fame of Jesus"
"Herod said"
The words "the dead" speak of all dead people together in the underworld. To rise from the dead speaks of coming alive again.
Some Jews at that time believed if a person came back from the dead he would have powers to do mighty things.
Matthew recounts the story of John the Baptist's death in order to show why Herod reacted the way he did when he heard about Jesus.
Here the author begins to tell about how Herod had executed John the Baptist. These events occur some time before the event in the previous verses.
It says that Herod did these things although he actually ordered others to do them for him. Alternate translation: "Herod ordered his soldiers to arrest and bind John the Baptist and put him in prison"
Philip was Herod's brother. Herod had taken Philip's wife to be his own wife.
If needed, you can present the events of 14:3-4 in the order that they happened, as in the UDB.
This can be expressed as an indirect quote, if needed. Alternate translation: "For John had said to Herod that it was not lawful for Herod to have Herodias as his wife."
"For John had kept saying to Herod"
Philip was still alive when Herod married Herodias.
"wanted to kill John"
"Herod feared"
"they regarded John"
You can make explicit the implicit information. Alternate translation: "in the midst of the guests attending the birthday celebration"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "After her mother instructed her"
"coached" or "told"
"the daughter of Herodias said to Herod"
a very large plate
The abstract noun "request" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "The king was grieved because she had asked him to kill John"
"King Herod"
sad and upset, as when a friend or family member dies
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he ordered his men to do what she said"
This concludes the account of how Herod executed John the Baptist.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl"
a very large plate
Use the word for a young, unmarried girl.
"the disciples of John"
"the dead body"
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "the disciples of John went and told Jesus what had happened to John the Baptist"
This word is used here to mark a change in the main story. Here Matthew returns to telling about Jesus.
"heard what happened to John" or "heard the news about John"
"he left" or "he went away"
"from that place"
"When the crowds heard where Jesus had gone" or "When the crowds heard that he had left"
"the crowds of people" or "the huge group of people" or "the people"
This means that the people in the crowd were walking.
"When Jesus came ashore, he saw a large crowd"
This begins the account of Jesus feeding five thousand people with only five small loaves of bread and two small fish.
"Jesus's disciples came to him"
Possible meanings of the words "the hour" are 1) they refer to the time for teaching. Alternate translation: "there is no more time for you to teach" Or 2) they refer to the day. Alternate translation: "the day is already over."
"The people in the crowd have no need"
The word "You" is plural, referring to the disciples.
"The disciples said to Jesus"
Loaves of bread are lumps of dough that have been shaped and baked.
"Bring the loaves and fish to me"
This concludes the account of Jesus feeding five thousand people.
"lie down." Use the verb for the position people in your culture usually are in when they eat.
"He held in his hands." He did not steal them.
"tore the loaves"
"loaves of bread" or "whole breads"
Possible meanings are 1) "While looking up" or 2) "After looking up"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "until they were full" or "until they were no longer hungry"
"the disciples gathered up" or "some people gathered up"
"12 baskets full"
"Those who ate the bread and the fish"
"5,000 men"
The following verses describe events that happened right after Jesus fed the five thousand people.
"As soon as Jesus had finished feeding all the people, he"
"Late in the evening" or "When it became dark"
"and the disciples could not control the boat because of the large waves"
The fourth watch is between 3 a.m. and sunrise. Alternate translation: "Just before dawn"
"walking on top of the water"
"they were very afraid"
a spirit that has left the body of a person who has died
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"Peter answered Jesus"
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Here "saw the strong wind" means he became aware of the wind. Alternate translation: "when Peter saw that the wind was tossing the waves back and forth" or "when he realized how strong the wind was"
"You who have such little faith, why." Jesus addressed Peter this way because Peter became afraid. It can also be translated as an exclamation. Alternate translation: "You have so little faith! Why"
Jesus uses a question to tell Peter than he should not have doubted. You can make explicit what Peter should not have doubted. Alternate translation: "you should not have doubted that I could keep you from sinking."
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This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God.
Matthew describes in 14:34-36 what happened after Jesus walked on the water. He summarizes how the people were responding to Jesus's ministry.
"When Jesus and his disciples had crossed over the lake"
This is a small town on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee.
"the men of that area sent messages"
"The sick people begged him"
"his robe" or "what he was wearing"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "became well"
1 Then some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem. They said, 2 "Why do your disciples violate the traditions of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread."
3 He answered and said to them, "Then why do you violate the commandment of God for the sake of your traditions? 4 For God said, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and 'He who speaks evil of his father or mother will surely die.' 5 But you say, 'Whoever says to his father or mother, "Whatever help you would have received from me is now a gift given to God," 6 that person does not need to honor his father.' In this way you have made void the word of God [1] for the sake of your traditions. 7 You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you when he said,
8 'This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me.
9 They worship me in vain
because they teach as their doctrines the commandments of people.'"
10 Then he called the crowd to himself and said to them, "Listen and understand— 11 Nothing that enters into the mouth defiles a person. Instead, what comes out of the mouth, this is what defiles a person."
12 Then the disciples came and said to Jesus, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this statement?"
13 Jesus answered and said, "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up. 14 Let them alone, they are blind guides. If a blind person guides another blind person, both will fall into a pit."
15 Peter responded and said to Jesus, "Explain this parable to us."
16 Jesus said, "Are you also still without understanding? 17 Do you not understand that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and then goes out into the latrine? 18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart. They are the things that defile a person. 19 For from the heart proceed evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, and slander. 20 These are the things that defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a person."
21 Then Jesus went away from there and withdrew toward the regions of the cities of Tyre and Sidon. 22 Behold, a Canaanite woman came out from that region. She shouted out and said, "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed."
23 But Jesus answered her not a word. His disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her away, for she is shouting after us."
24 But Jesus answered and said, "I was not sent to anyone except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."
25 But she came and bowed down before him, saying, "Lord, help me."
26 He answered and said, "It is not proper to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs."
27 She said, "Yes, Lord, but even the little dogs eat some of the crumbs that fall from their masters' tables."
28 Then Jesus answered and said to her, "Woman, great is your faith; let it be done for you just as you wish." Her daughter was healed from that hour.
29 Jesus left that place and went near to the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up a hill and sat there. 30 Large crowds came to him. They brought with them lame, blind, mute, and crippled people, and many others who were sick. They presented them at Jesus' feet, and he healed them. 31 So the crowd marveled when they saw the mute persons speak, the crippled made well, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. They glorified the God of Israel.
32 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I have compassion on the crowd because they have stayed with me for three days already and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away without eating, or they may faint on the way."
33 The disciples said to him, "Where can we get enough loaves of bread in such a deserted place to satisfy so large a crowd?"
34 Jesus said to them, "How many loaves do you have?"
They said, "Seven, and a few small fish." 35 Then Jesus commanded the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36 He took the seven loaves and the fish, and after giving thanks, he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples. The disciples gave them to the crowd. 37 The people all ate and were satisfied. Then they gathered up seven baskets full of the broken pieces that were left over. 38 Those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. 39 Then Jesus sent the crowds away and got into the boat and went into the region of Magadan.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 15:8-9, which is from the Old Testament.
The "traditions of the elders" were oral laws that the Jewish religious leaders developed because they wanted to make sure that everyone obeyed the law of Moses. However, they often worked harder to obey these rules than to obey the law of Moses itself. Jesus rebuked the religious leaders for this, and they became angry as a result. (See: lawofmoses)
The Jews of Jesus's time thought that only Jews could please God by the way they lived. Jesus healed a Canaanite Gentile woman's daughter to show his followers that he would accept both Jews and Gentiles as his people.
The Bible often speaks of people as if they were sheep because sheep need someone to take care of them. This is because they do not see well and they often go to where other animals can kill them easily.
The scene shifts to events that occur some time after events of the previous chapter. Here Jesus responds to the criticisms of the Pharisees.
The Pharisees and scribes use this question to criticize Jesus and his disciples. Alternate translation: "Your disciples do not respect the rules that our ancestors have given us."
This is not the same as the law of Moses. This refers to later teachings and interpretations of the law given by religious leaders after Moses.
This washing is not only to clean hands. This refers to a ceremonial washing according to the tradition of the elders. Alternate translation: "they do not wash their hands properly"
The word "bread" here is a synecdoche for any kind of food, and the word "when" refers to what people generally do before eating meals. Alternate translation: "before they eat"
Jesus answers with a question to criticize what the religious leaders do. Alternate translation: "And I see that you refuse to obey God's commands just so that you can follow what your ancestors taught you!"
Jesus quotes twice from Exodus to show how God expects people to treat their parents.
Jesus continues to respond to the Pharisees.
"The people should execute anyone who speaks evil of his father or mother"
Here "you" is plural and refers to the Pharisees and scribes.
Jesus continues to rebuke the Pharisees.
The words beginning with "But you say"
It is implied that "his father" means "his parents." This means the religious leaders taught that a person does not need to show respect to his parents by taking care of them.
Here "the word of God" refers specifically to God's commands. Alternate translation: "you have treated the word of God as if it were invalid" or "you have ignored God's commands"
"because you want to follow your traditions"
Here Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah to rebuke the Pharisees and scribes.
Jesus concludes his response to the Pharisees and scribes.
"Isaiah told the truth in this prophecy about you"
It is implied that Isaiah is speaking what God told him. Alternate translation: "when he told what God said"
Jesus continues to quote the prophet Isaiah to rebuke the Pharisees and scribes.
Here "lips" refers to speaking. Alternate translation: "These people say all the right things to me"
All occurrences of this word refer to God.
Here "heart" refers to a person's thoughts or emotions. This phrase is a way of saying the people are not truly devoted to God. Alternate translation: "but they do not really love me"
"Their worship means nothing to me" or "They only pretend to worship me"
"the rules that people make up"
Jesus begins to teach the crowd and his disciples about what defiles a person and why the Pharisees and scribes were wrong to criticize him.
Jesus is contrasting what a person eats to what a person says. Jesus means that God is concerned with what a person says rather than what a person eats.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "this statement made the Pharisees angry" or "this statement offended the Pharisees"
This is a metaphor. Jesus means that the Pharisees do not actually belong to God, so God will remove them.
This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "my Father will uproot" or "he will take out of the ground" or "he will remove"
The word "them" refers to the Pharisees.
Jesus uses another metaphor to describe the Pharisees. Jesus means that the Pharisees do not understand God's commands or how to please him. Therefore, they cannot teach others how to please God.
Peter wants Jesus to explain the parable that Jesus told in Matthew 15:13-14.
"to us disciples"
Jesus explains the parable that he told in Matthew 15:13-14.
Jesus uses a question to rebuke the disciples for not understanding the parable. Also, the word "you" is emphasized. Jesus cannot believe his own disciples do not understand. Alternate translation: "I am disappointed that you, my disciples, still do not understand what I teach!"
Jesus uses a question to rebuke the disciples for not understanding the parable. Alternate translation: "Surely you understand ... into the latrine."
"goes into the stomach"
This a polite term for the place where people bury body waste.
Jesus continues to explain the parable that he told in Matthew 15:13-14.
This refers to what a person says. Alternate translation: "words that a person says"
Here "heart" refers to a person's mind or innermost being. Alternate translation: "from inside the person" or "from a person's mind"
the act of killing innocent people
This refers to eating without first ceremonially washing one's hands according to the traditions of the elders. Alternate translation: "eating without first washing one's hands"
This begins an account of Jesus healing the daughter of a Canaanite woman.
It is implied that the disciples went with Jesus. Alternate translation: "Jesus and his disciples went away"
The word "behold" alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this. Alternate translation: "There was a Canaanite woman who came"
"a woman who was from that region and who belonged to the group of people called Canaanites came." The country of Canaan no longer existed by this time. She was a part of a people group that lived near the cities of Tyre and Sidon.
This phrase implies that she is requesting that Jesus heal her daughter. Alternate translation: "Have mercy and heal my daughter"
Jesus was not David's literal son, so this may be translated as "Descendant of David." However, "Son of David" is also a title for the Messiah, and the woman may have been calling Jesus by this title.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "A demon is controlling my daughter terribly" or "A demon is tormenting my daughter severely"
Here "word" refers to what a person says. Alternate translation: "said nothing to her"
This double negative emphasizes that the lost sheep are the only ones to whom Jesus was sent. Alternate translation: "I was sent only to the lost sheep ... Israel"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God did not send me to anyone"
This is a metaphor comparing the entire nation of Israel to sheep who have gone away from their shepherd. See how you translated this in [Matthew 10:6]
"the Canaanite woman came"
This shows that the woman humbled herself before Jesus.
Jesus responds to the woman with a proverb. The basic meaning is that it is not right to take what is supposed to belong to Jews and give it to non-Jews.
Here "bread" refers to food in general. Alternate translation: "the children's food"
The Jews considered dogs to be unclean animals. Here they are used as an image for non-Jews.
The woman responds by using the same imagery as Jesus used in the proverb he just spoke. She means non-Jews should be able to have a small amount of the good things Jews are throwing away.
Use words here for dogs of any size that people keep as pets. See how you translated this in Matthew 15:26.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will do"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Jesus healed her daughter" or "Her daughter became well"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "at exactly the same time" or "immediately"
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"those who could not walk, those who could not see, those who could not talk, and those whose arms or legs did not function"
Apparently some of these sick or crippled people were unable to stand up, so when their friends brought them to Jesus, they placed them on the ground in front of him. Alternate translation: "The crowds placed the sick people on the ground in front of Jesus"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the crippled become well"
These nominal adjectives can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "the crippled persons ... the lame persons ... the blind persons"
This begins the account of Jesus feeding four thousand people with seven loaves of bread and a few small fish.
"without eating because they might faint on the way"
The disciples use a question to state that there is nowhere to get food for the crowd. Alternate translation: "There is nowhere nearby that we can get enough bread for such a large crowd."
The understood information can be made clear. Alternate translation: "We have seven loaves of bread, and we also have a few small fish"
Use your language's word for how people customarily eat when there is no table, whether sitting or lying down.
"Jesus held the seven loaves and the fish in his hands"
"he tore the loaves"
"gave the bread and the fish"
"the disciples gathered" or "some people gathered"
"The people who ate"
"4,000 men"
"the area"
This region is sometimes called "Magdala."
1 The Pharisees and Sadducees came and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from the sky. 2 But he answered and said to them, "When it is evening, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.' 3 When it is morning, you say, 'It will be foul weather, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. 4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah." Then Jesus left them and went away.
5 When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. 6 Jesus said to them, "Watch out and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
7 The disciples reasoned among themselves and said, "It is because we took no bread."
8 Jesus was aware of this and said, "You of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves and say that it is because you have taken no bread? 9 Do you not understand? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered up? 10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you took up? 11 How is it that you do not understand that I was not speaking to you about bread? Watch out and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." 12 Then they understood that he was not telling them to beware of yeast in bread, but to beware of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
13 Now when Jesus came to the regions near Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"
14 They said, "Some say John the Baptist; some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets."
15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
16 Answering, Simon Peter said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
17 Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for flesh and blood have not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church. The gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19 I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." 20 Then Jesus commanded the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.
21 From that time Jesus started to tell his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, suffer many things at the hand of the elders and chief priests and scribes, be killed, and be raised back to life on the third day.
22 Then Peter took him aside and rebuked him, saying, "May this be far from you, Lord! May this never happen to you!"
23 But Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, for you do not think about the things of God, but about the things of people." 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone wants to follow me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what does it profit a person if he gains the whole world but forfeits his life? What can a person give in exchange for his life? 27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels. Then he will reward every person according to his deeds. 28 Truly I say to you, there are some of you standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."
Jesus spoke of the way people thought about God as if it were bread, and he spoke of what people taught about God as if it were the yeast that makes bread dough become larger and the baked bread taste good. He did not want his followers to listen to what the Pharisees and Sadducees taught. This was because if they did listen, they would not understand who God is and how he wants his people to live.
Jesus told his people to obey his commands. He did this by telling them to "follow" him. It is as if he were walking on a path and they were walking after him.
Matthew continues his account from chapter 15 in verses 1-20. The account stops in verse 21 so Matthew can tell the reader that Jesus told his disciples again and again that people would kill him after he arrived in Jerusalem. Then the account continues in verses 22-27 with what happened the first time Jesus told the disciples that he would die.
A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. Jesus uses a paradox when he says, "Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Matthew 16:25).
This begins an encounter between Jesus and the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Here "tested" is used in a negative sense. Alternate translation: "challenged him" or "wanted to trap him"
The situation can be stated more clearly. Alternate translation: "If the sky is red in the evening" or "If the sky is red when the sun is setting"
"When the sun is setting"
This means clear, calm, and pleasant weather.
As the sun is setting, Jews knew that if the color of the sky changes to red, it is a sign the next day will be clear and calm.
Jesus continues his response to the Pharisees and Sadducees.
The situation can be stated more clearly. Alternate translation: "If the sky is red in the morning" or "If the sky is red when the sun is rising"
"cloudy, stormy weather"
"red and cloudy"
"You know how to look at the sky and understand what kind of weather you will have"
"but you do not know how to look at what is happening right now and understand what it means"
Jesus is speaking to his present generation. Alternate translation: "You are an evil and adulterous generation who demands signs from me ... given to you" See how you translated this in [Matthew 12:39]
Here "adulterous" is a metaphor for people who are not faithful to God. See how you translated this in [Matthew 12:39]
This double negative emphasizes that the sign of Jonah is the only sign that will be given. Alternate translation: "The only sign that will be given to it is the sign of Jonah"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will not give it a sign"
"what happened to Jonah" or "the miracle that God did for Jonah." See how you translated this in Matthew 12:39.
Here the scene shifts to a later time. Jesus uses an opportunity to warn his disciples about the Pharisees and Sadducees.
You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "the other side of the lake" or "the other side of the Sea of Galilee"
Here "yeast" is a metaphor that refers to evil ideas and wrong teaching. Translate as "yeast" here and do not explain its meaning in your translation. This meaning will be made clear in 16:12.
"discussed this with each other" or "thought about this"
"You who have such little faith." Jesus addresses his disciples this way because their concern about not bringing bread shows they have little faith in Jesus to provide for them. See how you translated this in Matthew 6:30.
Jesus uses a question to rebuke his disciples for not understanding what he just said. Alternate translation: "I am disappointed that you think it was because you forgot to bring bread that I talked about the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
Jesus continues to warn his disciples about the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Jesus use questions to rebuke the disciples. Alternate translation: "Surely you understand and remember ... you gathered up!" or "You should understand. You should remember ... you gathered up."
"5,000"
"4,000"
"Do you also not remember the seven loaves ... you took up?" Jesus uses a question to rebuke his disciples. Alternate translation: "Surely you also remember the seven loaves ... you took up!"
Jesus continues to warn his disciples about the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Jesus uses this question to rebuke the disciples. Alternate translation: "You should have understood that I was not really speaking about bread."
Here "yeast" represents evil ideas and wrong teaching. Translate as "yeast" and do not explain the meaning in your translation. In 16:12 the disciples will understand the meaning.
These refer to the disciples.
Here the scene shifts to a later time. Jesus asks his disciples if they understand who he is.
This word is used here to mark a new part of the story.
Jesus is referring to himself.
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This is an important title for Jesus that shows his relationship to God.
Here "living" contrasts the God of Israel to all the false gods and idols that people worshiped. Only the God of Israel is alive and has power to act.
Here "flesh and blood" refers to a human being. Alternate translation: "a human did not reveal"
Here "this" refers to Peter's statement that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of the Living God.
The understood information can be made clear. Alternate translation: "but it was my Father in heaven who revealed this to you"
This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus.
This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
The name Peter means "rock."
Here "build my church" is a metaphor for uniting the people who believe in Jesus into a community. Possible meanings are 1) "this rock" represents Peter, or 2) "this rock" represents the truth that Peter had just said in [Matthew 16:16]
Here "Hades" is spoken of as if it were a city surrounded by walls with gates that keep dead people in and other people out. Here "Hades" represents death, and its "gates" represent its power. Possible meanings are 1) "the powers of death will not overcome my church" or 2) "my church will break down the power of death the way an army breaks into a city."
Here "you" is singular and refers to Peter.
Keys are objects that are used to lock or unlock doors. Here they represent authority.
This refers to God's rule as king. The phrase "kingdom of heaven" is used only in the book of Matthew. If possible, use "heaven" in your translation.
Here "bind" is a metaphor meaning to forbid something, and "loose" is a metaphor meaning to allow something. Also, "in heaven" is a metonym that represents God himself. Alternate translation: "God in heaven will approve whenever you forbid or allow something on earth"
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Jesus tells his disciples for the first time that he will die soon.
Here "hand" represents power. Alternate translation: "suffer many things because of the elders ... scribes"
Here to raise back to life is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. This can be stated in active form. The elders and chief priests would accuse Jesus so that others would kill him. Alternate translation: "scribes. People will then kill him, and on the third day God will make him become alive again"
"Third" is the ordinal form of "three."
Jesus tells them for the first time that he will die soon
"Peter spoke to Jesus when no one else could hear them"
This is an idiom that means "may this never happen." Alternate translation: "No" or "Never" or "May God forbid this"
Jesus means that Peter is acting like Satan because Peter is trying to prevent Jesus from accomplishing what God sent him to do. Alternate translation: "Get behind me, because you are acting like Satan! You are a stumbling block to me" or "Get behind me, Satan! I call you Satan because you are a stumbling block to me"
"Get away from me"
"you do not think about what God thinks is important; instead, you only thing about the things that people think are important"
Following Jesus here represents being one of his disciples. Alternate translation: "to be my disciple" or "to be one of my disciples"
"must not give in to his own desires" or "must forsake his own desires"
"carry his cross, and follow me." The cross represents suffering and death. Taking up the cross represents being willing to suffer and die. Alternate translation: "and obey me even to the point of suffering and dying" or "and he must obey me even to the point of suffering and dying"
Following Jesus here represents obeying him. Alternate translation: "and obey me"
"For anyone who wants"
This does not mean the person must necessarily die. It is a metaphor that means the person will consider obeying Jesus as being more important than his own life.
"because he trusts me" or "on my account" or "because of me"
This metaphor means the person will experience spiritual life with God. Alternate translation: "will find true life"
Jesus uses a question to teach his disciples. Alternate translation: "It does not profit a person ... his life."
The words "the whole world" are an exaggeration for great riches. Alternate translation: "if he gains everything he desires"
"but he loses his life"
Jesus uses a question to teach his disciples. Alternate translation: "There is nothing that a person can give to regain his life."
Here Jesus refers to himself in the third person. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of man ... my Father ... Then I"
"will come, having the same glory as his Father." This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: "will come, having the same glory as my Father"
Possible meanings are 1) Alternate translation: "with his Father's angels" or "with my Father's angels" or 2) Alternate translation: "with the Son of Man's angels" or "with my angels." You do not have to specify in your translations to whom the angels belong. Alternate translation: "and the angels will be with him" or "and the angels will be with me"
This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and the Son of Man, Jesus.
"according to what that person has done"
"I tell you the truth." This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
All occurrences of this word are plural and refer to the disciples.
Here "taste" means to experience. Alternate translation: "will not experience death" or" will not die"
Here "his kingdom" represents him being King. Alternate translation: "until they see the Son of Man coming as King" or "until they see the evidence that the Son of Man is King"
1 Six days later Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as brilliant as the light. 3 Behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah talking with him. 4 Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you desire, I will make here three shelters—one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, there was a voice out of the cloud, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him."
6 When the disciples heard it, they fell facedown and were very afraid. 7 Then Jesus came and touched them and said, "Get up and do not be afraid." 8 Then they looked up but saw no one except Jesus only.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, "Report this vision to no one until the Son of Man has risen from the dead."
10 His disciples asked him, saying, "Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"
11 Jesus answered and said, "Elijah will indeed come and restore all things. 12 But I tell you, Elijah has already come, but they did not recognize him. Instead, they did whatever they wanted to him. In the same way, the Son of Man will also suffer at their hands." 13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them about John the Baptist.
14 When they had come to the crowd, a man came to him, knelt before him, and said, 15 "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is epileptic and suffers severely. For he often falls into the fire or the water. 16 I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him."
17 Jesus answered and said, "Unbelieving and perverse generation, how long will I have to stay with you? How long must I bear with you? Bring him here to me." 18 Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed from that hour.
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?"
20 Jesus said to them, "Because of your small faith. For I truly say to you, if you have faith even as small as a grain of mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you." 21[1]
22 While they stayed in Galilee, Jesus said to his disciples, "The Son of Man will be given over into the hands of people, 23 and they will kill him, and the third day he will be raised up." The disciples were deeply grieved.
24 When they had come to Capernaum, the men who collected the two-drachma tax came to Peter and said, "Does not your teacher pay the two-drachma tax?"
25 He said, "Yes."
When Peter came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first and said, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect tolls or taxes? From their sons or from others?"
26 "From others," Peter answered.
"Then the sons are free," Jesus said. 27 But so that we do not cause the tax collectors to stumble, go to the sea, throw in a hook, and draw in the fish that comes up first. When you have opened its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take it and give it to the tax collectors for me and you."
The Old Testament prophet Malachi lived many years before Jesus was born. Malachi had said that before the Messiah came a prophet named Elijah would return. Jesus explained that Malachi had been talking about John the Baptist. Jesus said this because John the Baptist had done what Malachi had said that Elijah would do. (See: prophet and christ)
Scripture often speaks of God's glory as a great, brilliant light. When people see this light, they are afraid. Matthew says in this chapter that Jesus's body shone with this glorious light so that his followers could see that Jesus truly was God's Son. At the same time, God told them that Jesus was his Son. (See: glory and fear)
This begins the account of Jesus's transfiguration.
"Peter, James, and James's brother John"
When they looked at him, his appearance was different from what it had been.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "His appearance had changed" or "He appeared very different"
"in front of them" or "so they could clearly him"
These are similes that emphasize how bright Jesus's appearance became.
"what he was wearing"
This word alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
This refers to Peter, James, and John.
"with Jesus"
"said." Peter is not responding to a question.
It is not clear whether "us" refers only to Peter, James, and John, or if it refers to everyone there, including Jesus, Elijah, and Moses. If you can translate so that both options are possible, do so.
This alerts the reader to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
"came over them"
Here "voice" refers to God speaking. Alternate translation: "God spoke to them from out of the cloud"
"the disciples heard God speak"
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This double negative emphasizes that Jesus was the only thing that they saw. Alternate translation: "they ... saw only Jesus"
The following events happen immediately after the three disciples witness Jesus's transfiguration.
"As Jesus and the disciples"
Jesus is speaking about himself.
The disciples are referring to the belief that Elijah will come back to life and return to the people of Israel before the Messiah comes.
"put things in order" or "get the people ready to receive the Messiah"
This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
All occurrences of these words may mean either 1) the Jewish leaders or 2) all the Jewish people.
Here "hands" refers to power. Alternate translation: "they will make the Son of Man suffer"
Jesus is referring to himself. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man, will"
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This begins an account of Jesus healing a boy who had an evil spirit. These events happen immediately after Jesus and his disciples descend from the mountain.
It is implied that the man wants Jesus to heal his son. Alternate translation: "have mercy on my son and heal him"
This means that he sometimes had seizures. He would become unconscious and move uncontrollably. Alternate translation: "has seizures"
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"This generation does not believe in God and loves to do evil rather than good. How"
These questions show Jesus is unhappy with the people. Alternate translation: "I am tired of being with you! I am tired of your unbelief and corruption!"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the boy became well"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "immediately" or "at that moment"
Here "we" refers to the disciples and does not include Jesus.
"Why could we not make the demon come out of the boy?"
"I tell you the truth." This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
Jesus compares the size of a mustard seed to the amount of faith needed to do a miracle. A mustard seed is very small, but it grows into a large plant. Jesus means it only takes a small amount of faith to do a great miracle.
This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: "you will be able to do anything"
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Here the scene shifts momentarily, and Jesus foretells his death and resurrection a second time.
"Jesus and his disciples stayed"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone will deliver the Son of Man"
The word "hands" here is a metonym for the power that people use hands to exercise. Alternate translation: "taken and put under the power of people" or "taken and given to people who will control him"
Jesus is referring to himself in the third person.
Here "hands" refers to power or control. Alternate translation: "to the control of the people" or "to the people"
Jesus is referring to himself in the third person.
"Third" is the ordinal form of "three."
Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will raise him up" or "God will cause him to become alive again"
very sad and upset, as when a friend or family member dies. See how you translated "grieved" in Matthew 14:9.
Here the scene shifts again to a later time when Jesus teaches Peter about paying the temple tax.
"When Jesus and his disciples"
This was a tax that Jewish men paid to support the temple in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "the temple tax"
"the place where Jesus was staying"
Jesus asks these questions to teach Simon, not to gain information for himself. Alternate translation: ""Listen, Simon. When kings collect taxes, they collect it from people who are not members of their own family. Do you agree that this is true?"
Possible meanings are that this word 1) is a synecdoche that refers to any members of the kings' family or 2) is a metaphor for the people of the kings' own country. Alternate translation: "their own family" or "the people of their own country"
This is the end of the part of the story that began in Matthew 13:54, where Matthew tells of continued opposition to Jesus's ministry and teaching about the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus continues to teach Peter about paying the temple tax.
If you translated Jesus's questions as statements in [Matthew 17:25]
"From people who are not members of their own family." See how you translated these words in Matthew 17:25.
Possible meanings are that this word 1) is a synecdoche that refers to any members of the kings' family or 2) is a metaphor for the people of the kings' own country. See how you translated these words in [Matthew 17:25]
Causing people to stumble is a metaphor for offending them. Possible meanings are 1) Jesus was concerned that the tax collectors would think he had done something very wrong. Alternate translation: "so that we do not cause the tax collectors to think that we do something that is very bad" or 2) Jesus was concerned that the tax collectors might think that he was a sinner and so could not be the Messiah. Alternate translation: "so that we do not cause the tax collectors to reject me"
Fishermen tied hooks to the end of a line, then threw it in the water to catch fish.
"the fish's mouth"
a silver coin worth four days' wages
"Take the shekel"
Here "you" is singular and refers to Peter. Each man had to pay a half shekel tax. So one shekel would be enough for Jesus and Peter to pay their taxes.
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, "Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
2 Jesus called to himself a little child, set him among them, 3 and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you turn and become like little children, you will in no way enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name receives me. 6 But whoever causes one of these little ones who believes in me to stumble, it would be better for him that a large millstone should be hung about his neck, and that he should be sunk into the depths of the sea.
7 "Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks! For it is necessary that those stumbling blocks come, but woe to the person through whom those stumbling blocks come! 8 If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away from you. It is better for you to enter into life maimed or lame than to be thrown into the eternal fire having two hands or two feet. 9 If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye than to be thrown into the fiery hell having both eyes. 10 See that you do not despise any of these little ones. For I say to you that in heaven their angels always look on the face of my Father who is in heaven. 11[1]12 What do you think? If anyone has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go off seeking the one that went astray? 13 If he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. 14 In the same way, it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
15 "If your brother sins against you, go and rebuke him, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you will have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen to you, take one or two others along with you so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word might be confirmed. 17 And if he refuses to listen to them, tell the matter to the church. If he also refuses to listen to the church, let him be to you as a pagan and a tax collector. 18 I tell you truly, whatever things you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I tell you truly, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father who is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst."
21 Then Peter came and said to Jesus, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Until seven times?"
22 Jesus said to him, "I do not tell you seven times, but until seventy times seven. 23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is similar to a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settling, one servant was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But since he did not have the means to repay, his master commanded him to be sold, together with his wife and children and everything that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant fell down, bowed down before him, and said, 'Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' 27 So the master of that servant, since he was moved with compassion, released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants, who owed him one hundred denarii. He took hold of him, began to choke him, and said, 'Pay me what you owe.'
29 "But his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will repay you.' 30 But the first servant refused. Instead, he went and threw him into prison until he should pay him what he owed. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved. They came and told their master everything that had happened.
32 "Then that servant's master called him and said to him, 'You wicked servant, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 Should you not have had mercy on your fellow servant, even as I had mercy on you?' 34 His master was angry and handed him over to the torturers until he would pay all that was owed. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to you if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."
Jesus taught that his followers must treat each other well and not be angry with each other. They should forgive anyone who is sorry for his sin, even if he has committed the same sin before. If he is not sorry for his sin, Jesus's followers should speak with him alone or in a small group. If he is still not sorry after that, then Jesus's followers can treat him as guilty. (See: repent and sin)
This is the beginning of a new part of the story that runs through Matthew 18:35, where Jesus teaches about life in the kingdom of heaven. Here, Jesus uses a little child to teach the disciples.
Very soon after the events described in the previous verse.
"Who is the most important" or "Who among us will be the most important"
The phrase "kingdom of heaven" refers to God's rule as king. This phrase is used only in the book of Matthew. If possible, keep "heaven" in your translation. Alternate translation: "in God's kingdom" or "when our God in heaven establishes his rule on earth"
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"I tell you the truth." This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "you will enter the kingdom of heaven only if you turn ... children"
Jesus uses a simile to teach the disciples that they should not be concerned with who is most important. They should be concerned with becoming humble like a child.
The phrase "kingdom of heaven" refers to God's rule as king. This phrase is used only in the book of Matthew. If possible, keep "heaven" in your translation. Alternate translation: "enter God's kingdom" or "belong to our God in heaven when he establishes his rule on earth"
Jesus continues teaching the disciples that they need to be humble like a child if they want to be important in God's kingdom.
"is the most important" or "will be the most important"
The phrase "kingdom of heaven" refers to God's rule as king. This phrase is used only in the book of Matthew. If possible, keep "heaven" in your translation. Alternate translation: "in God's kingdom" or "when our God in heaven establishes his rule on earth"
Here "my name" refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: "because of me" or "because he is my disciple"
Jesus means that it is the same as welcoming him. Alternate translation: "When someone ... in my name, it is like he is welcoming me" or "When someone ... in my name, it is as if he were welcoming me"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if someone put a large millstone around his neck and threw him into the deep sea"
This is a large, heavy, circular stone used for grinding wheat grain into flour. Alternate translation: "a heavy stone"
Jesus continues to use a little child to teach the disciples and warns against the terrible consequences of causing children to sin.
Here "world" refers to people. Alternate translation: "to the people of the world"
Here "stumbling" is a metaphor for sin. Alternate translation: "things that cause people to sin ... things come that cause people to sin ... any person who causes others to sin"
Jesus exaggerates here to emphasize that people must do anything necessary to remove from their lives what causes them to sin.
All occurrences of these words are singular. Jesus is speaking to all people in general. It may be more natural for your language to translate with a plural "you."
"into eternal life"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "than to have both hands and feet when God throws you into the eternal fire"
The command to destroy the eye, perhaps the most important part of the body, is probably an exaggeration for his hearers to do anything necessary to remove from their lives anything that causes them to sin.
Here "stumble" is a metaphor for sin. Alternate translation: "causes you to sin"
All occurrences of these words are singular. Jesus is speaking to all people in general. It may be more natural for your language to translate with a plural "you."
"into eternal life"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "than to have both eyes when God throws you into the fiery hell"
"hell, which is full of fire" or "the fire of hell"
"Be careful that" or "Be sure that"
"you do not think of these little ones as being unimportant." This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "you show respect to these little ones"
This add emphasis to what Jesus says next.
Jewish teachers taught that only the most important angels could be in God's presence. Jesus means that the most important angels speak to God about these little ones.
This is an idiom that means they are in God's presence. Alternate translation: "are always close to my Father" or "are always in the presence of my Father"
This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus.
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Jesus continues to use a little child to teach the disciples and tells a parable to explain God's care for people.
Jesus uses this question to get people's attention. Alternate translation: "Think about how people act." or "Think about this."
This word is plural.
"100 ... 99"
Jesus uses a question to teach his disciples. Alternate translation: "he will always leave ... astray."
This is the end of the parable that begins with the words "If anyone" in verse 12.
"I tell you the truth." This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. The word "you" is plural.
"your Father in heaven does not want any of these little ones to die" or "your Father in heaven does not want even one of these little ones to die"
This word is plural.
This is an important title for God.
Jesus begins to teach his disciples about forgiveness and reconciliation.
This refers to a fellow believer in God, not a physical brother. Alternate translation: "your fellow believer"
"you will have made your relationship with your brother good again"
Here "mouth" and "word" refer to what a person says. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that two or three witnesses may say that what you say about your brother is true"
"if your fellow believer refuses to listen to the witnesses who came with you"
"to the whole community of believers"
"treat him as you would treat a pagan or tax collector." This implies that they should remove him from the community of believers.
"I tell you the truth." This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
All occurrences of this word are plural.
Here "bind" is a metaphor meaning to forbid something, and "loose" is a metaphor meaning to allow something. Also, "in heaven" is a metonym that represents God himself. See how you translated similar phrases in [Matthew 16:19]
It is implied that Jesus means "if at least two of you" or "if two or more of you."
These refer to the "two of you." Alternate translation: "you ... you"
This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus.
It is implied that Jesus means "two or more" or "at least two."
"meet"
Here "name" refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: "because of me" or "because they are my disciples"
"7 times"
Possible meanings are 1) "70 times 7" or 2) "77 times." If using a number would be confusing, you can translate it as "more times than you can count" or "you must always forgive him."
Jesus uses a parable to teach about forgiveness and reconciliation.
This introduces a parable. See how you translated a similar parable introduction in [Matthew 13:24]
"his servants to pay him what they owed him" or "to have his servants tell him what they had done with the goods he had entrusted to them"
This abstract noun can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "to settle accounts"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone brought one of the king's servants"
"10,000 talents" or "more money than the servant could ever repay"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the king commanded his servants to sell the man ... and to pay the debt with the money from the sale"
This shows that the servant approached the king in the most humble way possible.
"before the king"
"he felt compassion for the servant"
"let him go"
Jesus continues telling a parable to his disciples.
"100 denarii" or "one hundred days' wages"
"The first servant took hold of his fellow servant"
This shows that the fellow servant approached the first servant in the most humble way possible. See how you translated this in [Matthew 18:26]
"and begged him"
Jesus continues telling a parable to his disciples.
"the first servant went and threw his fellow servant into prison"
"other servants"
"told the king"
very sad and upset, as when a friend or family member dies. See how you translated this phrase in Matthew 17:23.
Jesus continues telling a parable to his disciple.
"Then the king called the first servant"
"you begged me"
The king uses a question to scold the first servant. Alternate translation: "You should have ... you!"
This is the end of the part of the story that began in Matthew 18:1, where Jesus teaches about life in the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus concludes his parable about forgiveness and reconciliation.
"The king"
"gave him over." Most likely the king himself did not take the first servant to the torturers. Alternate translation: "he ordered his servants to give him over"
"to those who would torture him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the first servant owed the king"
This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus.
All occurrences of these words are plural. Jesus is speaking to his disciples, but this parable teaches a general truth that applies to all believers.
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's inner being. The phrase "from your heart" is an idiom that means "sincerely." Alternate translation: "sincerely" or "completely"
1 It came about that when Jesus had finished these words, he departed from Galilee and came to the region of Judea that is beyond the Jordan River. 2 Great crowds followed him, and he healed them there.
3 Pharisees came to him, testing him, saying to him, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause?"
4 Jesus answered and said, "Have you not read that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female? 5 He who made them also said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and join to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one tear apart."
7 They said to him, "Why then did Moses command us to give a certificate of divorce and then to send her away?"
8 He said to them, "For your hardness of heart, Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not that way. 9 I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery." [1]
10 The disciples said to Jesus, "If that is the case of a man with his wife, it is not good to marry."
11 But Jesus said to them, "Not everyone can accept this saying, but only those to whom it is given. 12 For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother's womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to accept this teaching, let him accept it."
13 Then some little children were brought to him so that he would lay his hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, "Permit the little children, and do not forbid them to come to me, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such ones." 15 He placed his hands on the children, and then he went away from there.
16 Behold, a man came to Jesus and said, "Teacher, what good thing must I do that I may have eternal life?"
17 Jesus said to him, "Why do you ask me about what is good? Only one is good, but if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments."
18 The man said to him, "Which commandments?"
Jesus said, "Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, 19 honor your father and your mother, and love your neighbor as yourself."
20 The young man said to him, "All these things I have obeyed. What do I still need?"
21 Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." 22 But when the young man heard what Jesus said, he went away sorrowful, for he had many possessions.
23 Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."
25 When the disciples heard it, they were very astonished and said, "Who then can be saved?"
26 Jesus looked at them and said, "With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
27 Then Peter answered and said to him, "See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?"
28 Jesus said to them, "Truly I say to you, in the new age when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 Every one who has left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children, or land for my name's sake will receive one hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.
Jesus taught about divorce because the Pharisees wanted people to think Jesus's teachings about divorce were wrong (Matthew 19:3-12). Jesus talked about what God had first said about marriage when he created it.
Jesus often says the word "heaven" when he wants his hearers to think of God, who lives in heaven (Matthew 19:12).
This is the beginning of a new part of the story that runs through [Matthew 22:46]
This phrase shifts the story from Jesus's teachings to what happened next. Alternate translation: "When" or "After"
Here "words" refers to what Jesus taught starting in [Matthew 18:1]
"walked away from" or "left"
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Jesus begins to teach about marriage and divorce.
"came to Jesus"
Here "tested" is used in a negative sense. Alternate translation: "and challenged him by asking him" or "and wanted to trap him by asking him"
Jesus uses this question to remind the Pharisees of what the scripture says about men, women, and marriage. Alternate translation: "Surely you have read that in the beginning when God created people he made them male and female."
Jesus quotes from Genesis to show that a husband and wife should not divorce.
This is part of what Jesus expected the Pharisees to have understood from the scripture. The direct quotation can be expressed as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "And surely you know that God also said that for this reason ... flesh."
This is a part of the quotation from Genesis story about Adam and Eve. In that context the reason a man will leave his father and mother is because God created a woman to be the man's companion.
"stay close to his wife" or "live with his wife"
This is a metaphor that emphasizes the unity of a husband and a wife. Alternate translation: "they will become like one person"
This is a metaphor that emphasizes the unity of a husband and a wife. Alternate translation: "So a husband and wife are no longer like two persons, but they are like one person"
"The Pharisees said to Jesus"
"command us Jews"
This is a document that legally ends the marriage.
The phrase "hardness of heart" is a metaphor that means "stubbornness." Alternate translation: "Because of your stubbornness" or "Because you are stubborn"
Here "you" and "your" are plural. Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees, but Moses gave this command many years earlier to their ancestors. Moses's command applied to all Jewish men in general.
Here "beginning" refers to when God first created man and woman.
This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "marries another woman"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to whom God gives it" or "whom God enables to follow it"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "there are men whom other men have made eunuchs"
Possible meanings are 1) "men who have made themselves eunuchs by removing their private parts" or 2) "men who choose to remain unmarried and sexually pure."
Here "kingdom of heaven" refers to God's rule as king. This phrase is found only in the book of Matthew. If possible, keep "heaven" in your translation. Alternate translation: "so they can better serve our God in heaven"
Jesus receives and blesses little children.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "some people brought little children to Jesus"
allow
"do not stop them from coming to me"
Here "kingdom of heaven" refers to God's rule as king. This phrase is found only in the book of Matthew. If possible, keep "heaven" in your translation. Alternate translation: "for when our God in heaven establishes his rule on earth, he will be king over such as these" or "for God will allow such as these into his kingdom"
"belongs to those who are like children." This is a simile that means those who are humble like children will enter God's kingdom.
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Here the scene shifts to a different time when Jesus explains to a rich man what it will cost to follow him.
The word "behold" alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this.
This means a thing that pleases God.
Jesus uses this rhetorical question to encourage the man to think about his reason for asking Jesus about what is good. Alternate translation: "You ask me about what is good" or "Think about why you ask me about what is good."
"God alone is completely good"
"to receive eternal life"
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The Jewish people believed that their neighbors were only other Jews. Jesus is extending that definition to include all people. Alternate translation: "love every other person as much as you love yourself"
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"If you want"
This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "to those who are poor"
The phrase "treasure in heaven" is a metaphor that refers to a reward from God. Alternate translation: "God will reward you in heaven"
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Jesus explains to his disciples the rewards of giving up material possessions and relationships to follow him.
"I tell you the truth." This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
Here "kingdom of heaven" refers to God's rule as king. This phrase is found only in the book of Matthew. If possible, keep "heaven" in your translation. Alternate translation: "to accept our God in heaven as their king" or "to enter God's kingdom"
Jesus uses an exaggeration to illustrate how very difficult it is for rich people to enter the kingdom of God.
the hole near one end of a needle, through which thread is passed
"the disciples were amazed." It is implied that they were astonished because they believed having riches was proof that God approved of someone.
The disciples use a question to emphasize their surprise. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then there is no one whom God will save!" or "Then there is no one who will receive eternal life!"
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"we have left all our wealth" or "we have given up all our possessions"
"What good thing will God give us?"
"I tell you the truth." This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
"in the new time." This refers to when God restores all things. Alternate translation: "at the time when God makes all things new"
Jesus is speaking about himself.
Sitting on his throne represents ruling as a king. His throne being glorious represents his rule being glorious. Alternate translation: "sits as king on his glorious throne" or "rules gloriously as king"
Here sitting on thrones refers to ruling as kings. The disciples will not be equal to Jesus who is also on a throne. They will receive authority from him. Alternate translation: "sit as kings on 12 thrones"
Here "tribes" refers to people from those tribes. Alternate translation: "the people of the 12 tribes of Israel"
Here "name" refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: "because of me" or "because he believes in me"
"receive from God 100 times as many good things as they gave up"
This is an idiom that means "God will bless them with eternal life" or "God will cause them to live forever."
Here "first" and "last" refer to people's status or importance. Jesus is contrasting people's status now with their status in the kingdom of heaven. Alternate translation: "But many who seem to be important now will be the least important, and many who seem to be unimportant now will be very important"
1 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After he had agreed with the laborers for one denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 He went out again about the third hour and saw other laborers standing idle in the marketplace. 4 To them he said, 'You also, go into the vineyard, and I will give you what is right.' So they went to work. 5 Again he went out about the sixth hour and again the ninth hour, and did the same. 6 Once more about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle. He said to them, 'Why do you stand here idle all the day long?'
7 "They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.'
"He said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard.' 8 When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, 'Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning from the last to the first.'
9 "When the laborers who had been hired at the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. 10 When the first laborers came, they thought that they would receive more, but they also received one denarius each. 11 When they received their wages, they complained about the landowner. 12 They said, 'These last laborers have spent only one hour in work, but you have made them equal to us, we who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.'
13 "But the owner answered and said to one of them, 'Friend, I do you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for one denarius? 14 Take what belongs to you and go your way. I choose to give to these last hired laborers just the same as to you. 15 Is it not lawful for me to do as I want with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am good?' 16 So the last will be first, and the first last." [1]
17 As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, 18 "See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be given over to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn him to death 19 and will deliver him to the Gentiles for them to mock, to flog, and to crucify him. But on the third day he will be raised up."
20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons. She bowed down before him and asked for something from him.
21 Jesus said to her, "What do you wish?"
She said to him, "Command that these my two sons may sit, one at your right hand and one at your left hand, in your kingdom."
22 But Jesus answered and said, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?"
They said to him, "We are able."
23 He said to them, "My cup you will indeed drink. But to sit at my right hand and at my left hand is not mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father." 24 When the other ten disciples heard this, they were very angry with the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles dominate them, and their important men exercise authority over them. 26 But it must not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your servant, 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
29 As they went out from Jericho, a great crowd followed him. 30 There were two blind men sitting by the road. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us." 31 The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be quiet, but they cried out even more loudly, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us."
32 Then Jesus stood still and called to them and said, "What do you wish me to do for you?"
33 They said to him, "Lord, that our eyes may be opened." 34 Then Jesus, being moved with compassion, touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.
Jesus tells this parable (Matthew 20:1-16) to teach his disciples that what God says is right is different from what people say is right.
Jesus tells a parable about a landowner who hires workers, to illustrate how God will reward those who belong to the kingdom of heaven.
This is the beginning of a parable. See how you translated the introduction to the parable in [Matthew 13:24]
"After the landowner had agreed"
This was the daily wage at that time. Alternate translation: "one day's wages"
"he sent them to work in his vineyard"
Jesus continues telling a parable.
"The landowner went out again"
The third hour is around nine in the morning.
"standing in the marketplace not doing anything" or "standing in the marketplace with no work to do"
a large, open-air area where people buy and sell food and other items
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Jesus continues telling a parable.
"Again the landowner went out"
The sixth hour is around noon. The ninth hour is around three in the afternoon.
This means the landowner went to the marketplace and hired workers.
This is about five in the afternoon.
"not doing anything" or "not having any work"
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Jesus continues telling a parable.
You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "beginning with the workers who started working last, then the workers who started working earlier, and finally the workers who started working first" or "first paying the workers I hired last, then paying the workers I hired earlier in the day, and finally paying the workers I hired first"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom the landowner hired"
This was the daily wage at that time. Alternate translation: "one day's wages"
Jesus continues telling a parable.
"When the workers who had worked the longest received"
"the vineyard owner"
"you have paid them the same amount of money as you paid us"
The phrase "borne the burden of the day" is an idiom that means "worked the entire day." Alternate translation: "we who have worked the entire day, even during the hottest part"
Jesus continues telling a parable.
"one of the workers who had worked the longest"
Use a word that one man would use to address another man whom he is politely rebuking.
The landowner uses a question to rebuke the workers who were complaining. Alternate translation: "We already agreed that I would give you one denarius."
This was the daily wage at that time. Alternate translation: "one day's wages"
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Jesus concludes his parable about a landowner who hires workers.
The landowner uses a question to correct the workers who were complaining. Alternate translation: "It is lawful for me do what I want with my own possessions."
"Do I not have the right" or "Is it not proper." The landowner is reminding the laborers that everyone allows people to do what they wish with their own property. He is not asking if there is a law against what he is doing.
The landowner uses a question to rebuke the workers who were complaining. Alternate translation: "You should not be envious because I am good."
In the context here, the reader should understand the landowner being "good" as "generous," the opposite of the laborers being "evil," which is "envious."
Here "first" and "last" refer to people's status or importance. Jesus is contrasting people's status now with their status in the kingdom of heaven. See how you translated a similar statement in Matthew 19:30. Alternate translation: "So those who seem to be unimportant now will be the most important, and those who seem to be the most important now will be the least important"
Here the parable has ended and Jesus is speaking. Alternate translation: "Then Jesus said, 'So the last will be first'"
Jesus foretells his death and resurrection a third time as he and his disciples travel to Jerusalem.
Jerusalem was on top of a hill, so people had to travel up to get there.
Jesus uses the word "See" to tell the disciples the must pay attention to what he is about to tell them.
Here "we" refers to Jesus and the disciples.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone will give the Son of Man over"
Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. If necessary, you can translate these in the first person.
The chief priests and scribes will condemn Jesus.
The chief priests and scribes will deliver Jesus to the Gentiles, and the Gentiles will mock him.
"to whip him" or "to beat him with whips"
"Third" is the ordinal form of "three."
Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. If necessary, you can translate these in the first person.
The words "be raised up" are an idiom for "be made alive again." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will raise him up" or "God will make him alive again"
In response to the question that the mother of two of the disciples asks, Jesus teaches his disciples about authority and serving others in the kingdom of heaven.
This refers to James and John.
These refer to having positions of power, authority, and honor.
Here "kingdom" refers to Jesus ruling as king. Alternate translation: "when you are king"
Here "you" is plural and refers to the mother and the sons.
Here "you" is plural, but Jesus is only talking to the two sons.
To "drink the cup" or "drink from the cup" is an idiom that means to experience suffering. Alternate translation: "suffer what I am about to suffer"
"The sons of Zebedee said" or "James and John said"
To "drink a cup" or "drink from a cup" is an idiom that means to experience suffering. Alternate translation: "You will indeed suffer as I will suffer"
These refer to having positions of power, authority, and honor. See how you translated this in [Matthew 20:21]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for my Father has prepared those places, and he will give them to whom he chooses"
This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus.
"heard what James and John had asked Jesus"
If necessary, you can make explicit why the ten disciples were angry. Alternate translation: "they were very angry with the two brothers because each of them also wanted to sit in a place of honor next to Jesus"
Jesus finishes teaching his disciples about authority and serving others.
"called the twelve disciples"
"the Gentile kings forcefully rule over their people"
"the important men among the Gentiles"
"have control over the people"
"whoever wants" or "whoever desires"
"to be important"
Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. If necessary, you can translate this in the first person.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "did not come so that other people would serve him" or "did not come so that other people would serve me"
You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "but to serve other people"
Jesus's life being a "ransom" is a metaphor for his being punished in order to set people free from being punished for their own sins. Alternate translation: "to give his life as a substitute for many" or "to give his life as a substitute to set many free"
To give one's live is an idiom meaning to die voluntarily, usually in order to help others. Alternate translation: "to die"
You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "for many people"
This begins an account of Jesus healing two blind men.
This refers to the disciples and Jesus.
"followed Jesus"
This is sometimes translated as "Behold, there were two blind men sitting." Matthew is alerting us to a new people in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this.
"When the two blind men heard"
"was walking by them"
Jesus was not David's literal son, so this may be translated as "Descendant of King David." However, "Son of David" is also a title for the Messiah, and the men were probably calling Jesus by this title.
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"called to the blind men"
"do you want"
The men speak of becoming able to see as if there eyes were to be opened. Because of Jesus's previous question, we understand that they were expressing their desire. Alternate translation: "we want you to open our eyes" or "we want to be able to see"
"having compassion" or "feeling compassion for them"
1 As Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, "Go into the next village, and you will immediately find a donkey tied up there, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you about that, you will say, 'The Lord has need of them,' and that person will immediately send them with you."
4 Now all this happened to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet, saying,
5 "Tell the daughter of Zion,
'See, your King is coming to you,
Humble and riding on a donkey—
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'"
6 Then the disciples went and did just as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat upon the cloaks. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches off the trees and spread them in the road. 9 Then the crowds that went before Jesus and those that followed him were shouting,
"Hosanna to the son of David!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest!"
10 When Jesus had come into Jerusalem, all the city was stirred and said, "Who is this?"
11 The crowds answered, "This is Jesus the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."
12 Then Jesus entered the temple. He cast out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and turned over the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 13 He said to them, "It is written, 'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you make it a den of robbers."
14 Then the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the marvelous things that he did, and when they heard the children shouting in the temple and saying, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they became very angry.
16 They said to him, "Do you hear what they are saying?"
Jesus said to them, "Yes! But have you never read,
'Out of the mouths of little children and nursing infants
you have prepared praise'?"
17 Then Jesus left them and went out of the city to Bethany and spent the night there.
18 Now in the morning as he returned to the city, he was hungry. 19 Seeing a fig tree along the roadside, he went to it and found nothing on it except leaves. He said to it, "May there be no fruit from you ever again," and immediately the fig tree withered.
20 When the disciples saw it, they marveled and said, "How did the fig tree immediately wither away?"
21 Jesus answered and said to them, "Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to this fig tree, but you will even say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' and it will be done. 22 Whatever you ask for in prayer, believing, you will receive."
23 When Jesus had come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching and said, "By what authority do you do these things, and who gave you this authority?"
24 Jesus answered and said to them, "I also will ask you one question. If you tell me, I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 25 The baptism of John—from where did it come? From heaven or from men?"
They discussed among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe him?' 26 But if we say, 'From men,' we fear the crowd, because they all view John as a prophet." 27 Then they answered Jesus and said, "We do not know."
He also said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things. 28 But what do you think? A man had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go labor today in the vineyard.'
29 "The son answered and said, 'I will not,' but afterward he changed his mind and went.
30 "Then the man went to the second son and said the same thing. He answered and said, 'I will go, sir,' but he did not go. 31 Which of the two sons did his father's will?"
They said, "The first one."
Jesus said to them, "Truly I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes will enter the kingdom of God before you do. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, but you did not believe him. But the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. But you, even when you saw this, you did not repent afterward and believe him.
33 "Listen to another parable. There was a man, a landowner. He planted a vineyard, set a hedge about it, dug a winepress in it, built a watchtower, and rented it out to vine growers. Then he went into another country. 34 When the time of the fruit harvest approached, he sent some servants to the vine growers to collect his fruit. 35 But the vine growers took his servants, beat one, killed another, and stoned still another. 36 Again, the owner sent other servants, more than the first, but the vine growers treated them in the same way. 37 After that, the owner sent his own son to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.'
38 "But when the vine growers saw the son, they said among themselves, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and take over the inheritance.' 39 So they took him, threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. 40 Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vine growers?"
41 They said to him, "He will violently destroy those wicked people, and he will then rent out the vineyard to other vine growers, men who will give him his share of crops at the harvest time."
42 Jesus said to them, "Did you never read in the scriptures,
'The stone which the builders rejected
has been made the cornerstone.
This was from the Lord,
and it is marvelous in our eyes'?
43 Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and will be given to a nation that produces its fruits. 44 Whoever falls on this stone will be broken to pieces. But anyone on whom it falls will be crushed." 45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they understood he was speaking about them. 46 Seeking to arrest him, they were afraid of the crowd, because the people regarded him as a prophet.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 21:5,16 and 42, which is from the Old Testament.
Jesus rode into Jerusalem on an animal. In this way he was like a king who came into a city after he had won an important battle. Also, the kings of Israel in the Old Testament rode on donkeys. Other kings rode on horses. So Jesus was showing that he was the king of Israel and that he was not like other kings.
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all wrote about this event. Matthew and Mark wrote that the disciples brought Jesus a donkey. John wrote that Jesus found a donkey. Luke wrote that they brought him a colt. Only Matthew wrote that there were both a donkey had a colt. No one knows for sure whether Jesus rode the donkey or the colt. It is best to translate each of these accounts as it appears in the ULB without trying to make them all say exactly the same thing. (See: Matthew 21:1-7 and Mark 11:1-7 and Luke 19:29-36 and John 12:14-15)
This is what the people shouted to welcome Jesus into Jerusalem. This word means "save us," but people used it to praise God.
No one knows for sure what this phrase means. No one knows if Jesus meant that God would someday give the kingdom back or not.
This begins the account of Jesus's entry into Jerusalem. Here he gives his disciples instructions about what they are to do.
This is a village near Jerusalem.
You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: "a donkey that someone has tied up"
You can make explicit how the donkey is tied. Alternate translation: "tied up there to a post" or "tied up there to a tree"
young male donkey
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Here the author quotes the prophet Zechariah to show that Jesus fulfilled prophecy by riding a donkey into Jerusalem.
This word is used here to mark a pause in the story. Here Matthew explains that Jesus's actions fulfilled scripture.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "this happened so that Jesus would fulfill what God spoke through the prophet long ago"
There were many prophets. Matthew was speaking of Zechariah. Alternate translation: "the prophet Zechariah"
The "daughter" of a city means the people of the city. Alternate translation: "the people of Zion" or "the people who live in Zion"
This is another name for Jerusalem.
The phrase "on a colt, the foal of a donkey" is explaining that the donkey is a young animal. Alternate translation: "on a young, male donkey"
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These were outer clothing or long coats.
These are ways to show honor to Jesus as he was entering Jerusalem.
This word means "save us," but it can also mean "praise God!"
Jesus was not David's literal son, so this may be translated as "descendant of king David." However, "Son of David" is also a title for the Messiah, and the crowd was probably calling Jesus by this title.
Here "in the name" means "in the power" or "as a representative." Alternate translation: "in the power of the Lord" or "as the representative of the Lord"
Here "highest" refers to God who rules from the highest heaven. Alternate translation: "Praise God, who is in the highest heaven" or "Praise be to God"
Here "city" refers to the people living there. Alternate translation: "many people from all over the city were stirred"
"excited"
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This begins the account of Jesus entering into the temple.
Jesus did not enter the actual temple. He entered the courtyard around the temple.
Merchants were selling animals and other items that travelers bought to offer the proper sacrifices at the temple.
Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah to rebuke the vendors and money changers.
"Jesus said to those who were changing money and buying and selling things"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The prophets wrote long ago" or "God said long ago"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "My house will be"
Here "My" refers to God and "house" refers to the temple.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "a place where people pray"
Jesus uses a metaphor to scold the people for buying and selling items in the temple. Alternate translation: "like a place where robbers hide"
These nominal adjectives can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "those who were blind and those who were lame"
those who have an injured foot or leg that makes walking difficult
"the wonderful things" or "the miracles." This refers to Jesus healing the blind and lame people in Matthew 21:14.
This word means "save us" but can also mean "praise God!" See how you translated this in Matthew 21:9.
Jesus was not David's literal son, so this may be translated as "descendant of king David." However, "Son of David" is also a title for the Messiah, and the children were probably calling Jesus by this title. See how you translated this in Matthew 21:9.
It is implied that they were angry because they did not believe Jesus was the Christ and they did not want other people praising him. Alternate translation: "they became very angry because people were praising him"
Jesus quotes from the Psalms to justify how the people had responded to him.
The chief priests and scribes ask this question to rebuke Jesus because they are angry with him. Alternate translation: "You should not allow them to say these things about you!"
Jesus asks this question to remind the chief priests and scribes of what they have studied in the scriptures. Alternate translation: "Yes, I hear them, but you should remember what you read in the scriptures ... praise.'"
The phrase "out of the mouths" refers to speaking, and "prepared praise" is a metonym for preparing the children and infants to praise. Alternate translation: "You prepared little children and nursing infants to give praise to God"
"Jesus left the chief priests and scribes"
In verses 18 through 22, Jesus uses a fig tree to teach his disciples about faith and prayer.
This word is used here to mark a pause in the story. Here Matthew explains that Jesus is hungry and that is why he stops at the fig tree.
This double negative emphasizes that leaves were the only things that he found. Alternate translation: "he ... found only leaves on it"
died and dried up
The disciples use a question to emphasize how surprised they are. Alternate translation: "We are astonished that the fig tree has dried up so quickly!"
"dry up and die"
"I tell you the truth." This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
Jesus expresses the same idea both positively and negatively to emphasize that this faith must be genuine. Alternate translation: "if you truly believe"
You can translate this direct quotation as an indirect quotation. This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will even be able to tell this mountain to get up and throw itself into the sea,"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "it will happen"
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This begins the account of the religious leaders questioning Jesus's authority.
It is implied that Jesus did not enter the actual temple. He entered the courtyard around the temple.
This refers to Jesus teaching and healing in the temple. It probably also refers to Jesus driving out the buyers and sellers the previous day.
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Jesus continues to respond to the religious leaders.
"where did he get the authority to do that?"
This has quotes within a quote. You could translate the direct quotations as an indirect quotations. Alternate translation: "If we say that we believe John received his authority from heaven, then Jesus will ask us why we did not believe John."
Here "heaven" refers to God. Alternate translation: "from God in heaven"
The religious leaders know that Jesus could scold them with this rhetorical question. Alternate translation: "Then you should have believed John the Baptist"
This is a quote within a quote. You could translate the direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "But if we say that we believe John received his authority from men,"
"we fear what the crowd would think or even do to us"
"they believe John is a prophet"
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Jesus tells a parable about two sons to rebuke the religious leaders and to illustrate their unbelief.
Jesus uses a question to challenge the religious leaders to think deeply about the parable he will tell them. Alternate translation: "Tell me what you think about what I am about to tell you."
This refers to the son reconsidering his thoughts and deciding to act differently from how he had said he would act.
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"The chief priests and elders said"
"Jesus said to the chief priests and elders"
"I tell you the truth." This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
Here "kingdom of God" refers to God's rule as king. Alternate translation: "when God establishes his rule on earth, he will agree to bless the tax collectors and prostitutes by ruling over them before he agrees to do that for you"
Possible meanings are 1) God will accept the tax collectors and prostitutes sooner than he will accept the Jewish religious leaders, or 2) God will accept the tax collectors and prostitutes instead of the Jewish religious leaders.
Here "you" is plural and refers to all the people of Israel, not just the religious leaders. Alternate translation: "John came to the people of Israel"
This is an idiom that means John showed the people the right way to live. Alternate translation: "and told you the way God wants you to live"
Here "you" is plural and refers to the religious leaders.
To rebuke the religious leaders and illustrate their unbelief, Jesus tells a parable about rebellious servants.
"a person who owned a piece of property"
"a wall" or "a fence"
"dug a hole in the vineyard in which to press the grapes"
The owner still owned the vineyard, but he allowed the vine growers to take care of it. When the grapes became ripe, they were to give some of them to the owner and keep the rest.
These were people who knew how to take care of vines and grapes.
The landowner expected the vine growers pay him for allowing them to use the vineyard by giving him some of the fruit they had grown.
Jesus continues telling a parable.
"the landowner's servants"
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Jesus continues telling a parable.
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The word "now" does not mean "at this moment," but it is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
Matthew does not make clear who answered Jesus. If you need to specify an audience you can translate as "The people said to Jesus."
"He will bring those wicked people to a miserable end" or "He will make those evil people die in misery"
Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah to show that God will honor the one whom the religious leaders reject.
Here Jesus begins to explain the parable of the rebellious servants.
It is unclear to whom Jesus asks the following question. If you need to make "them" specific, use the same audience as you did in Matthew 21:41.
Jesus uses a question to make his audience think deeply about what this scripture means. Alternate translation: "Think about what you have read ... eyes.'"
Jesus is quoting from the Psalms. This is a metaphor that means the religious leaders, like builders, will reject Jesus, but God will make him the most important in his kingdom, like the cornerstone in a building.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "has become the cornerstone"
"The Lord has caused this great change"
Here "in our eyes" refers to seeing. Alternate translation: "it is wonderful to see"
This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
Here "you" is plural. Jesus was speaking to the religious leaders who had rejected him.
Here "kingdom of God" refers to God's rule as king. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will take his kingdom away from you and will give it to a nation that produces the kingdom's fruits" or "God will reject you, and he will be king over people from other nations that produce the kingdom's fruits"
"Fruits" here is a metaphor for "results" or outcome." Alternate translation: "that produces good results"
Here, "this stone" is the same stone as in [Matthew 21:42]
This means basically the same thing as the previous sentence. It is a metaphor that means the Christ will have the final judgment and will destroy everyone who rebels against him.
The religious leaders react to the parable that Jesus told.
"Jesus's parables"
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1 Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying, 2 "The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who prepared a marriage feast for his son. 3 He sent out his servants to call those who had been invited to come to the marriage feast, but they would not come. 4 Again the king sent other servants, saying, 'Tell them who are invited, "See, I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fattened cattle have been killed, and all things are ready. Come to the marriage feast."' 5 But they paid no attention and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. 6 The others seized the king's servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. 7 The king was angry, and he sent his soldiers and they destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. 9 Therefore go to the highway crossings and invite as many people to the marriage feast as you can find.' 10 The servants went out to the highways and gathered together all the people they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests. 11 But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 12 The king said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without wedding clothes?' But the man was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind this man hand and foot, and throw him out into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and the grinding of teeth.' 14 For many people are called, but few are chosen."
15 Then the Pharisees went and planned how they might entrap Jesus in his own talk. 16 Then they sent to him their disciples, together with the Herodians. They said to Jesus, "Teacher, we know that you are truthful, and that you teach God's way in truth. You care for no one's opinion, and you do not show partiality between people. 17 So tell us, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"
18 But Jesus understood their wickedness and said, "Why are you testing me, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin for the tax." Then they brought a denarius to him. 20 Jesus said to them, "Whose image and name are these?"
21 They said to him, "Caesar's."
Then Jesus said to them, "Then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." 22 When they heard it, they marveled. Then they left him and went away.
23 On that day some Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him. They asked him, 24 saying, "Teacher, Moses said, 'If a man dies, having no children, his brother must marry his wife and raise children for his brother.' 25 There were seven brothers. The first married and then died. Having left no children, he left his wife to his brother. 26 Then the second brother did the same thing, then the third, all the way to the seventh brother. 27 After them all, the woman died. 28 Now in the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven brothers? For they all had married her."
29 But Jesus answered and said to them, "You are mistaken because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage. Instead, they are like angels in heaven. 31 But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying, 32 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living." 33 When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at his teaching.
34 But when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered themselves together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, asked him a question, testing him— 36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?"
37 Jesus said to him, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second commandment is like it—'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 On these two commandments depend the whole law and the prophets."
41 Now while the Pharisees were still gathered together, Jesus asked them a question. 42 He said, "What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?"
They said to him, "The son of David."
43 Jesus said to them, "How then does David in the Spirit call him Lord, saying,
44 'The Lord said to my Lord,
"Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool"'?
45 If David then calls the Christ 'Lord,' how is he David's son?" 46 No one was able to answer him a word, and no man dared ask him any more questions from that day on.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verse 44, which is from the Old Testament.
In the parable of the wedding feast (Matthew 22:1-14), Jesus taught that when God offers to save a person, that person needs to accept the offer. Jesus spoke of life with God as a feast that a king prepares for his son, who has just gotten married. In addition, Jesus emphasized that not everyone whom God invites will properly prepare themselves to come to the feast. God will throw these people out from the feast.
Speakers usually do not say things that they think their hearers already understand. When the king in the parable said, "My oxen and fattened calves have been killed" (Matthew 22:4), he assumed that the hearers would understand that those who had killed the animals had also cooked them.
A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. To the Jews, the ancestors were the masters of the descendants, but in one psalm David calls one of his descendants "Lord." Jesus tells the Jewish leaders that this is a paradox, saying, "If David then calls the Christ 'Lord,' how is he David's son?" (Matthew 22:45).
To rebuke the religious leaders and to illustrate their unbelief, Jesus tells a parable about a marriage feast.
"to the people"
This is the beginning of a parable. See how you translated this in Matthew 13:24.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people the king had invited"
Jesus continues telling a parable.
This direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Also, this can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "servants, ordering them to tell those whom he invited, 'See ... feast.'"
"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
It is implied that the animals are cooked and ready to eat. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "My servants have killed and cooked my oxen and my fattened cattle"
"My best oxen and calves for eating"
Jesus continues telling a parable.
"But the guests the king invited ignored the invitation"
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"they killed those murderers." If your language has a strong word for "killed," you might want to use it here.
Jesus continues telling a parable.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those whom I invited"
"where the main roads of the city cross." The king is sending the servants to the place where they are most likely to find people.
"both the good people and the bad people"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "So the guests filled the wedding hall"
a large room
Jesus continues telling a parable.
The king uses a question to scold the guest. Alternate translation: "you are not wearing proper clothes for a wedding. You should not be here."
"the man was silent"
Jesus concludes his parable about a marriage feast.
"Tie him up so that he cannot move his hands or feet"
Here "outer darkness" is a metonym for the place where God sends those who reject them. This is a place that is completely separated from God forever. See how you translated this in [Matthew 8:12]
"Grinding of teeth" is symbolic action, representing extreme sadness and suffering. See how you translated this in [Matthew 8:12]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For God invites many people, but he only chooses a few"
This marks a transition. Jesus has ended the parable and now explains the point of the parable.
This begins an account of the religious leaders trying to trap Jesus with several difficult questions. Here the Pharisees ask him about paying taxes to Caesar.
"how they could cause Jesus to say something wrong so they could arrest him"
The disciples of the Pharisees supported paying taxes only to Jewish authorities. The Herodians supported paying taxes to the Roman authorities. It is implied that the Pharisees believed that no matter what Jesus said, he would offend one of these groups.
These were officials and followers of the Jewish king Herod. He was friends with Roman authorities.
"you do not show special honor to anyone" or "you do not consider anyone more important than anyone else"
People did not pay taxes directly to Caesar but to one of his tax collectors. Alternate translation: "to pay the taxes that Caesar requires"
Jesus uses a question to scold those who were trying to trap him. Alternate translation: "Do not test me, you hypocrites!" or "I know that you hypocrites are only trying to test me!"
This was a Roman coin worth one day's wages.
Here "them" refers to the Herodians and the disciples of the Pharisees.
Jesus uses a question to get the people to think deeply about what he is saying. Alternate translation: "Tell me whose image and name you see on this coin."
You can make clear the understood information in their response. Alternate translation: "The coin has Caesar's image and name on it"
"things that belong to Caesar"
"things that belong to God"
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The Sadducees try to trap Jesus by asking him a difficult question about marriage and the resurrection of the dead.
The religious leaders were asking Jesus about what Moses had written in the scriptures. If your language does not allow quotes within quotes, this could be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "Teacher, Moses said that if a man dies ...brother."
Here "his" refers to the dead man.
The Sadducees continue asking Jesus a question.
"The oldest"
"the next oldest ... the next oldest ... the youngest" or "his oldest younger brother ... that brother's oldest younger brother ... the youngest"
"After every brother had died"
Here the Sadducees shift from the story about the seven brothers to their actual question.
"when dead people come back to life"
It is implied that Jesus means that they are mistaken about what they think about the resurrection. Alternate translation: "You are mistaken about the resurrection"
"what God is able to do"
"when dead people rise back to life"
"people will not marry"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "nor will people give their children in marriage"
Jesus begins asking a question to show that people who have died will live again. He is scolding the Sadducees by asking this question. He is not looking for an answer.
This is the beginning of a question that end with the words "the God of Jacob" in verse 32. Jesus asks this question to remind the religious leaders of what they know from scripture. If this rhetorical question is translated as a statement, the question mark in verse 32 would be changed to a period. Alternate translation: "you have read"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "what God spoke to you"
Jesus finishes asking the question he began in verse 31.
This question begins in verse 31 and ends in verse 32. Jesus uses this question to remind the Sadducees of what is in the scripture and to rebuke them for not understanding it. If you translated the rhetorical question as a statement in verse 31, then the question mark here would be changed to a period. Alternate translation: "the God of Jacob.'"
You can translate the direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "that he is the God of ... Jacob"
These nominal adjectives can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "of dead people, but he is the God of living people"
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A Pharisee who was an expert in the law tries to trap Jesus by asking him a difficult question about the greatest commandment.
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Jesus quotes a verse from Deuteronomy as the greatest commandment.
These three phrases are used together to mean "completely" or "earnestly." Here "heart" and "soul" are metonyms for a person's inner being.
Here "great" and "first" mean the same thing. They emphasize that this is the most important commandment.
Jesus quotes a verse from Leviticus as the second greatest commandment.
Here "neighbor" means more than just those who live nearby. Jesus means a person must love all people.
Here the phrase "the whole law and the prophets" refers to all of scripture. Alternate translation: "Everything that Moses and the prophets wrote in the scriptures is based on these two commandments"
Jesus asks the Pharisees a difficult question in order to stop their attempts to trap him.
This word is used here to mark a new part of the story in which Jesus asks the religious leaders a question.
In both of these "son" means "descendant."
Jesus quotes from the Psalms to show that the Christ is more than just "the son of David."
Jesus uses a question to make the religious leaders think deeply about the Psalm he is about to quote. Alternate translation: "Then, tell me why David in the Spirit calls him Lord"
"David, whom the Holy Spirit is inspiring." This means the Holy Spirit is influencing what David says.
Here "him" refers to the Christ, who is also the descendant of David.
Here "Lord" refers to God the Father.
Here "Lord" refers to the Christ. Also, "my" refers to David. This means the Christ is superior to David.
To sit at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "Sit in the place of honor beside me"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "until I conquer your enemies" or "until I make your enemies bow down before you"
This is the end of the part of the story that began in Matthew 19:1, that tells of Jesus ministering in Judea.
This is the end of the account of the religious leaders trying to trap Jesus with several difficult questions.
Jesus uses a question to make the religious leaders think deeply about what he is saying. Alternate translation: "David calls him 'Lord,' so the Christ has to be more than just a descendant of David."
David referred to Jesus as "Lord" because Jesus was not only a descendant of David, but he was also superior to him.
Here "word" refers to what people say. Alternate translation: "to answer him anything" or "to answer him"
It is implied that no one asked him the kind of questions that were intended to make him say something wrong so the religious leaders could arrest him.
1 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples. 2 He said, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. 3 Therefore whatever they command you to do, do these things and observe them. But do not imitate their deeds, for they say things but then do not do them. 4 Yes, they bind heavy burdens that are difficult to carry, and then they put them on people's shoulders. But they themselves will not move a finger to carry them. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by people. For they make their phylacteries wide, and they enlarge the edges of their garments. 6 They love the places of honor at feasts and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7 and special greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called 'Rabbi' by people. 8 But you must not be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one teacher, and all of you are brothers. 9 And call no man on earth your father, for you have only one Father, and he is in heaven. 10 Neither must you be called 'teacher,' for you have only one teacher, the Christ. 11 But he who is greatest among you will be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
13 But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven against people. For you do not enter it yourselves, and neither do you allow those about to enter to do so. 14[1]15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you go over sea and land to make one convert, and when he has become one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you.
16 "Woe to you, you blind guides, you who say, 'Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing. But whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound to his oath.' 17 You blind fools! Which is greater, the gold or the temple that makes the gold holy? 18 And, 'Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing. But whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is bound to his oath.' 19 You blind people! Which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift holy? 20 Therefore, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. 21 The one who swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who lives in it. 22 And the one who swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who sits on it.
23 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, but you have left undone the weightier matters of the law—justice and mercy and faithfulness. But these you ought to have done and not to have left the other undone. 24 You blind guides, you who strain out a gnat but swallow a camel!
25 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence. 26 You blind Pharisee! Clean first the inside of the cup and of the plate, so that the outside may become clean also.
27 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside look beautiful, but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. 28 In the same way, you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
29 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the tombs of the righteous. 30 You say, 'If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partners with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' 31 Therefore you testify against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. 32 You also fill up the measure of your fathers. 33 You serpents, you offspring of vipers, how will you escape the judgment of hell? 34 Therefore, see, I am sending you prophets and wise men and scribes. Some of them you will kill and crucify, and some you will whip in your synagogues and chase from city to city. 35 The result is that upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel, to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. 36 Truly I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.
37 "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those who are sent to you! How often did I long to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! 38 See, your house is left to you desolate. 39 For I say to you, You will not see me from now on until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'"
Jesus calls the Pharisees hypocrites many times (Matthew 23:13, 15, 23, 25, 27, 29) and carefully tells what he means by doing that. The Pharisees made rules that no one could actually obey, and then they persuaded the ordinary people that they were guilty because they could not obey the rules. Also, the Pharisees obeyed their own rules instead of obeying God's original commands in the law of Moses.
In most cultures, it is wrong to insult people. The Pharisees took many of the words in this chapter as insults. Jesus called them "hypocrites," "blind guides," "fools," and "serpents" (Matthew 23:16-17). Jesus uses these words to say that God would surely punish them because they were doing wrong.
A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. Jesus uses a paradox when he says, "He who is greatest among you will be your servant" (Matthew 23:11-12).
This is the beginning of a new part of the story, in which Jesus teaches about salvation and the final judgment. Here he begins to warn the people about the scribes and Pharisees.
Here "seat" represents the authority to rule and make judgments. Alternate translation: "have authority as Moses had" or "have authority to say what the law of Moses means"
"all the things ... do them and observe them" or "everything ... do it and observe it"
Here "bind heavy burdens ... put them on people's shoulders" is a metaphor for the religious leaders making many difficult rules and making the people obey them. And "will not move a finger" is an idiom that means the religious leaders will not help the people. Alternate translation: "they make you obey many rules that are difficult to follow. But they do nothing at all to help you follow the rules"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They do all their deeds so that people can see what they do"
Both of these are things the Pharisees do to appear as if they honor God more than other people.
small leather boxes containing paper with scripture written on it
The Pharisees made the tassels on the bottom of their robes especially long to show their devotion to God.
Jesus continues speaking to the crowds and disciples about the Pharisees.
Both of these are the places where the most important people sit.
large, open-air areas where people buy and sell items
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for people to call them 'Rabbi.'"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But you must not let anyone call you"
All occurrences of "you" are plural and refer to all of Jesus's followers.
Here "brothers" means "fellow believers."
Jesus is using hyperbole to tell his hearers that they must not allow even the most important people to be more important to them than God is. Alternate translation: "do not call any man on earth your father" or "do not say that any man on earth is your father"
"Father" here is an important title for God.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Also, do not let anyone call you"
When Jesus said "the Christ," he was speaking about himself in the third person. Alternate translation: "I, the Christ, am your only teacher"
"the person who is most important among you"
Here "you" is plural and refers to Jesus's followers.
"makes himself important"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will humble"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will make important" or "God will honor"
Jesus speaks of the kingdom of heaven as if it were a house, the door into which the Pharisees have shut from the outside so that neither they nor anyone else can enter the house. If you do not keep the metaphor of the house, be sure to change all instances of "shut" and "enter." Also, since the words "kingdom of heaven," which refer to God, who lives in heaven, occur only in Matthew, try to use your language's word for "heaven" in your translation.
Jesus begins to rebuke the religious leaders because of their hypocrisy.
"How terrible it will be for you!" See how you translated this in Matthew 11:21.
Jesus is speaking of the kingdom of heaven, which is God ruling over his people, as if it were a house, the door into which the Pharisees have shut from the outside so that neither they nor anyone else can enter the house. The phrase "kingdom of heaven" is found only in the book of Matthew. If possible, use your language's word for "heaven" in your translation. Alternate translation: "You make it impossible for people to enter the kingdom of heaven ... you do not enter it ... neither do you allow those about to enter to do so" or "You prevent people from accepting God, who lives in heaven, as king ... you do not accept him as king ... and you make it impossible for those about to accept him as king to do so"
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This is an idiom that means they go to distant places. Alternate translation: "you travel great distances"
"to make one person accept your religion"
Here "son of" is an idiom that means "one belonging to." Alternate translation: "person who belongs in hell" or "person who should go to hell"
The Jewish leaders were spiritually blind. Although they thought of themselves as teachers, they were unable to understand God's truth. See how you translated "blind guides" in [Matthew 15:14]
"by the temple does not have to keep his oath"
"is tied to his oath." The phrase "bound to his oath" is a metaphor for being required to do what one has said he would do in an oath. Alternate translation: "must do what he promised to do"
The Jewish leaders were spiritually blind. Although they thought of themselves as teachers, they were unable to understand God's truth.
Jesus uses this question to rebuke the Pharisees because they treated the gold as if it were more important than the temple. Alternate translation: "The temple that has dedicated the gold to God is more important than the gold!"
"the temple that makes the gold belong to God alone"
The understood information can be made clear. Alternate translation: "And you also say"
"he does not have to do what he has sworn to do" or "he does not have to keep his oath"
This is an animal or grain that a person would bring to God by putting it on God's altar.
"is tied to his oath." Being required to do what one has said he would do in an oath is spoken of as if he is tied to the oath. Alternate translation: "must do what he promised to do"
The Jewish leaders were spiritually blind. Although they thought of themselves as teachers, they were unable to understand God's truth.
Jesus uses this question to rebuke the Pharisees for treating the gift as if it were more important than the altar. Alternate translation: "The altar that makes the gift holy is greater than the gift!"
"the altar that makes the gift special to God"
"by all the gifts that people have placed on it"
God the Father
God the Father
"How terrible it will be for you ... hypocrites!" See how you translated this in Matthew 11:21.
These are various leaves and seeds people used to make food taste good.
"you have not obeyed"
"the more important matters"
"You ought to have obeyed these more important laws"
This can be stated in positive and active form. Alternate translation: "and to make sure the other is done" or "and to make sure to do the other"
Jesus uses this metaphor to describe the Pharisees. Jesus means that the Pharisees do not understand God's commands or how to please him. Therefore, they cannot teach others how to please God. See how you translated this metaphor in [Matthew 15:14]
Being careful to follow the less important laws and ignoring the more important laws is as foolish as being careful not to swallow the smallest unclean animal but eating the meat of the largest unclean animal. Alternate translation: "you are as foolish as a person who strains out a gnat that falls into his drink but swallows a camel"
This means to pour a liquid through a cloth to remove a gnat from a drink.
a small flying insect
"How terrible it will be for you ... hypocrites!" See how you translated this in Matthew 11:21.
This is a metaphor that means the scribes and Pharisees appear pure on the outside to others, but on the inside they are wicked.
"they take what belongs to others, and they do almost everything to benefit themselves"
The Pharisees were spiritually blind. Although they thought of themselves as teachers, they were unable to understand God's truth.
This is a metaphor that means that if they would become pure in their inner being, then the result is that they would be pure on the outside as well.
This is a simile that means the scribes and Pharisees may appear to be pure on the outside, but they are wicked on the inside.
"tombs that someone has painted white." The Jews would paint tombs white so that people would easily see them and avoid touching them. Touching a tomb would make a person ceremonially unclean.
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This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "of the righteous people"
"during the time of our forefathers"
"we would not have joined with them"
Here "blood" refers to life. To shed blood means to kill. Alternate translation: "killing" or "murdering"
Possible meanings are 1) the word "sons" is a metonym for "descendants." Alternate translation: "descendants of those who murdered the prophets" or 2) the word "sons" is a metaphor for people who are like others. Alternate translation: "just like those who murdered the prophets."
Jesus uses this as a metaphor meaning the Pharisees will complete the wicked behavior that their forefathers started when they killed the prophets. Alternate translation: "You also finish the sins your ancestors began"
Serpents are snakes, and vipers are poisonous snakes. They are dangerous and often symbols of evil. Alternate translation: "You who are as evil and dangerous as poisonous snakes"
Here "offspring" means "having the characteristic of." See how you translated a similar phrase in Matthew 3:7.
Jesus uses this question as a rebuke. Alternate translation: "there is no way for you to escape the judgment of hell!"
Jesus continues to rebuke the religious leaders because of their hypocrisy.
Sometimes the present tense is used to show that someone will do something very soon. Alternate translation: "I will send prophets, wise men, and scribes to you"
You may need to make explicit that the purpose of chasing is to persecute. Alternate translation: "chase from city to city and persecute them" or "persecute them in city after city"
The phrase "upon you will come" is an idiom that means to receive punishment. To shed blood is a metonym meaning to kill people, so "righteous blood that has been shed on the earth" represents righteous people who have been killed. Alternate translation: "God will punish you for the murders of all the righteous people ... murder .. murder"
Abel was the first righteous victim of murder, and Zechariah, who was murdered by Jews in the temple, was probably thought to be the last. These two men represent all the righteous people who have been murdered.
This Zechariah is unknown. He was not the father of John the Baptist.
Jesus does not mean the people to whom he is speaking actually murdered Zechariah. He means their ancestors did.
"I tell you the truth." This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
Jesus mourns over the people of Jerusalem because they reject every messenger that God sends to them.
Jesus speaks to the people of Jerusalem as though they were the city itself.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those whom God sends to you"
Jesus is speaking to Jerusalem as if it is a woman and the people are her children. Alternate translation: "your people" or "your inhabitants"
This is a simile that emphasizes Jesus's love for the people and how he wanted to take care of them.
a female chicken. You can translate with any bird that protects her children under her wing.
"God will leave your house, and it will be empty"
Possible meanings are 1) "the city of Jerusalem" or 2) "the temple."
This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
Here "in the name" means "in the power" or "as a representative." See how you translated this in [Matthew 21:9]
1 Jesus went out from the temple and was going on his way. His disciples came to him to point out to him the buildings of the temple. 2 But he answered and said to them, "Do you not see all these things? Truly I say to you, not one stone will be left on another that will not be torn down."
3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately and said, "Tell us, when will these things happen? What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?"
4 Jesus answered and said to them, "Be careful that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name. They will say, 'I am the Christ,' and will lead many astray. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled, for these things must happen; but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 But all these things are only the beginning of birth pains. 9 Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you. You will be hated by all the nations for my name's sake. 10 Then many will stumble, and betray one another and hate one another. 11 Many false prophets will rise up and lead many astray. 12 Because lawlessness will increase, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 This good news of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations. Then the end will come.
15 "Therefore, when you see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place" (let the reader understand), 16 "let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, 17 let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house, 18 and let him who is in the field not return to take his cloak. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! 20 Pray that your flight will not occur in the winter or on a Sabbath. 21 For there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever will be again. 22 Unless those days had been shortened, no flesh would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. 23 Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There is the Christ!' do not believe it. 24 For false Christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you ahead of time. 26 Therefore, if they say to you, 'Look, he is in the wilderness,' do not go out to the wilderness. Or, 'See, he is in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning shines out from the east and flashes all the way to the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 28 Wherever a dead animal is, there the vultures will gather.
29 "But immediately after the tribulation of those days
the sun will be darkened,
the moon will not give its light,
the stars will fall from the sky,
and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. 31 He will send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.
32 "Learn a lesson from the fig tree. As soon as the branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So also, when you see all these things, you should know that he is near, at the very gates. 34 Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all of these things will have happened. 35 Heaven and the earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 36 But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 As the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and they knew nothing until the flood came and took them all away—so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two men will be in a field—one will be taken, and one will be left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a mill—one will be taken, and one will be left. 42 Therefore be on your guard, for you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what time of night the thief was coming, he would have been on guard and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. 44 Therefore you must also be ready, for the Son of Man will come at an hour that you do not expect.
45 "So who is the faithful and wise servant whom his master has set over his household in order to give them their food at the right time? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find doing that when he comes. 47 Truly I say to you that the master will set him over all his possessions. 48 But if an evil servant says in his heart, 'My master has been delayed,' 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eats and drinks with drunkards, 50 then the master of that servant will come on a day that the servant does not expect and at an hour that he does not know. 51 His master will cut him in pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.
In this chapter, Jesus begins to prophesy about the future from that time until he returns as king of everything. (See: prophet)
In this chapter, Jesus gives an answer to his disciples when they ask how they will know when he will come again.
In the time of Noah, God sent a great flood to punish people for their sins. He warned them many times about this coming flood, but it actually began suddenly. In this chapter, Jesus draws a comparison between that flood and the last days. (See: sin)
The ULB uses this word to begin several commands of Jesus, such as "let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains" (24:16), "let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house" (24:17), and "let him who is in the field not return to take his cloak" (24:18). There are many different ways to form a command. Translators must select the most natural ways in their own languages. Note that this word does not mean "permit."
Jesus begins to describe events that will happen before he comes again during the end times.
It is implied that Jesus was not in the temple itself. He was in the courtyard around the temple.
Jesus uses a question to make the disciples think deeply about what he will tell them. Alternate translation: "Let me tell you something about all these buildings."
"I tell you the truth." This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
It is implied that enemy soldiers will tear down the stones. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when the enemy soldiers come, they will tear down every stone in these buildings"
Here "your coming" refers to when Jesus will come in power, establishing God's reign on earth and bringing this age to an end. Alternate translation: "What will be the sign that you are about to come and that the world is about to end"
Here "leads you astray" is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate translation: "Be careful that no one deceives you"
The name here is the name of Messiah or Christ, not of Jesus and seems to be a metonym for the authority of the Christ. Alternate translation: "many will claim to have my authority as Christ"
Here "leads you astray" is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate translation: "will deceive many people"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Do not let these things trouble you"
Both of these mean the same thing. Jesus is emphasizing that people everywhere will fight each other.
This refers to the pains a woman feels before giving birth to a child. This metaphor means these wars, famines, and earthquakes are just the beginning of the events that will lead to the end of the age.
"people will give you over to the authorities, who will make you suffer and will kill you."
Here "nations" is a metonym, referring to the people of nations. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People from every nation will hate you"
Here "name" refers to the complete person. Alternate translation: "because you believe in me"
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"Rise" here is an idiom for "become established." Alternate translation: "will come"
Here "lead ... astray" is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate translation: "and deceive many people"
The abstract noun "lawlessness" can be translated with the phrase "disobeying the law." Alternate translation: "disobeying the law will increase" or "people will disobey God's law more and more"
Possible meanings are 1) "many people will no longer love other people" or 2) "many people will no longer love God."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will save the person who endures to the end"
"the person who stays faithful"
It is not clear whether the word "end" refers to when a person dies or when the persecution ends or the end of the age when God shows himself to be king. The main point is that they endure as long as necessary.
"the end of the world" or "the end of the age"
Here "kingdom" refers to God's rule as king. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People will tell the good news that God will rule"
Here, "nations" stands for people. Alternate translation: "all people in all places"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the shameful one who defiles the things of God, about whom Daniel the prophet wrote"
This is not Jesus speaking. Matthew added this to alert the reader that Jesus was using words that they would need to think about and interpret.
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Housetops where Jesus lived were flat, and people could stand on them.
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"at that time"
"that you will not have to flee" or "that you will not have to run away"
"the cold season"
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This can be stated in positive and active form. Alternate translation: "If God had not shortened the time of suffering, everyone would have died" or "Because God shortened those days, some people lived"
"nobody" or "no one." Here, "flesh" is poetic way of referring to people.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will shorten the time of suffering"
Jesus continues speaking to his disciples.
"do not believe the false thing they have said to you"
Here "lead astray" is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. This can be translated as two sentences. Alternate translation: "so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect" or "so as to deceive people. If possible, they would even deceive the elect"
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This can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "if someone tells you that the Christ is in the wilderness, do"
This can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "Or, if someone tells you that the Christ is in the inner room,"
"in a secret room" or "in secret places"
This means that the Son of Man will come very quickly and will be easy to see.
Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person.
This is probably a proverb that the people of Jesus's time understood. Possible meanings are 1) when the Son of Man comes, everyone will see him and know that he has come, or 2) wherever spiritually dead people are, false prophets will be there to tell them lies.
birds that eat the bodies of dead or dying creatures
"as soon as the tribulation of those days has finished, the sun"
"that time of suffering"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will make the sun dark"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will shake things in the sky and above the sky"
Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person.
Here "tribes" refers to people. Alternate translation: "all the people of the tribes" or "all the people"
"He will have a trumpet sounded and send his angels" or "He will have an angel blow a trumpet, and he will send his angels"
Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person.
"his angels will gather"
These are the people whom the Son of Man has chosen.
Both of these mean the same thing. They are idioms that mean "from everywhere." Alternate translation: "from all over the world"
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Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person and using the imagery of a king or important official getting close to the gates of a walled city. This metaphor means the time for Jesus to come is soon. Alternate translation: "I am near and will soon appear"
"I tell you the truth." This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
Here "pass away" is a polite way of saying "die." Alternate translation: "the people of this generation will not all die"
Possible interpretations are 1) "all people alive today," referring to the people alive when Jesus was speaking, or 2) "all people alive when these things I have just told you about happen." Try to translate so that both interpretations are possible.
"until God causes all these things to happen"
The words "heaven" and "earth" are a synecdoche that includes everything that God has created, especially those things that seem permanent. Jesus is saying that his word, unlike these things, is permanent. Alternate translation: "Even heaven and the earth will pass away"
Here "words" refers to what Jesus has said. Alternate translation: "what I say will always be true"
Here "day" and "hour" refer to the exact time that the Son of Man will return.
"not even the Son"
This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
This is an important title for God.
"At the time when the Son of Man comes, it will be like the time of Noah."
Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. Alternate translation: "so will it be when I, the Son of Man, come"
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This can be translated as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: "away. This is how it will be when the Son of Man comes"
Jesus begins to tell his disciples to be ready for his return.
This is when the Son of Man comes.
Possible meanings are 1) the Son of Man will take one away to heaven and will leave the other on earth for punishment or 2) the angels will take one away for punishment and leave the other for blessing.
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"Because what I have just said is true"
"pay attention"
Jesus uses a parable of a master and servants to illustrate that his disciples should be prepared for his return.
Jesus is saying he will come when people are not expecting him, not that he will come to steal.
"he would have guarded his house"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "would not have allowed anyone to get into his house to steal things"
Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person.
Jesus continues his proverb of a master and servants to illustrate that his disciples should be prepared for his return.
Jesus uses this question to make his disciples think. Alternate translation: "So who is the faithful and wise servant? He is the one whom his master ... time." or "Be like the faithful and wise servant, whom his master ... time."
"give the people in the master's home their food"
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"I tell you the truth." This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
Jesus concludes his proverb of a master and servants to illustrate that his disciples should be prepared for his return.
Here "heart" refers to the mind. Alternate translation: "thinks in his mind"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "My master is slow to return" or "My master will not return for a long time"
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Both of these statements mean the same thing. They emphasize that the master will come when the servant is not expecting him.
This is an idiom that means to make the person suffer terribly.
"put him with the hypocrites" or "send him to the place where hypocrites are sent"
"Grinding of teeth" here is a symbolic act, representing extreme suffering. See how you translated this in [Matthew 8:12]
1 "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish virgins took their lamps, they did not take any oil with them. 4 But the wise virgins took containers of oil along with their lamps. 5 Now while the bridegroom was delayed, they all got sleepy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, 'Look, the bridegroom! Go out and meet him.'
7 Then all those virgins rose up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.'
9 "But the wise answered and said, 'Since there will not be enough for us and you, go instead to those who sell and buy some for yourselves.' 10 While they went away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut.
11 "Afterward the other virgins also came and said, 'Master, master, open for us.'
12 "But he answered and said, 'Truly I say to you, I do not know you.' 13 Watch therefore, for you do not know the day or the hour.
14 "For it is like when a man was about to go into another country. He called his own servants and entrusted his possessions to them. 15 To one of them he gave five talents, to another he gave two, and to yet another he gave one talent. Each one received an amount according to his own ability, and that man went on his journey. 16 The one who received the five talents went at once and worked with them and gained another five talents. 17 In the same way, the one who had received two talents gained another two. 18 But the servant who had received one talent went away, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master's money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them. 20 The servant who had received the five talents came and brought another five talents. He said, 'Master, you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five talents more.'
21 "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a few things. I will put you in charge over many things. Enter into the joy of your master.'
22 "The servant who had received two talents came and said, 'Master, you gave me two talents. See, I have gained two more talents.'
23 "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a few things. I will put you in charge over many things. Enter into the joy of your master.'
24 "Then the servant who had received one talent came and said, 'Master, I know that you are a hard man. You reap where you did not sow, and you harvest where you did not scatter. 25 I was afraid, so I went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have here what belongs to you.'
26 "But his master answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sowed and harvest where I have not scattered. 27 Therefore you should have given my money to the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 28 Therefore take away the talent from him and give it to the servant who has ten talents. 29 For to everyone who possesses more will be given, and he will have an abundance. But from anyone who does not possess anything, even what he does have will be taken away. 30 Throw the worthless servant out into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.'
31 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate the people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will place the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on his left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right hand, 'Come, you who have been blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you cared for me; I was in prison and you came to me.'
37 "Then the righteous will answer and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you a drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and take you in? Or naked and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and come to you?'
40 "Then the King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, what you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it for me.' 41 Then he will say to those on his left hand, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire that has been prepared for the devil and his angels, 42 because I was hungry, but you did not give me food; I was thirsty, but you did not give me a drink; 43 I was a stranger, but you did not take me in; naked, but you did not clothe me; sick and in prison, but you did not care for me.'
44 "Then they will also answer and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not serve you?'
45 "Then he will answer them and say, 'Truly I say to you, what you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' 46 These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
This chapter continues the teaching of the previous chapter.
Jesus told the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) to tell his followers to be ready for him to return. His hearers could understand the parable because they knew Jewish wedding customs.
When the Jews arranged marriages, they would plan for the wedding to take place weeks or months later. At the proper time, the young man would go to his bride's house, where she would be waiting for him. The wedding ceremony would take place, and then the man and his bride would travel to his home, where there would be a feast.
Jesus tells a parable about wise and foolish virgins to illustrate that his disciples should be prepared for his return.
Here "kingdom of heaven" refers to God's rule as king. The phrase "kingdom of heaven" is used only in Matthew. If possible, use "heaven" in your translation. See how you translated this in [Matthew 13:24]
These could have been 1) lamps or 2) torches made by putting cloth around the end of a stick and wetting the cloth with oil.
"Five of the virgins"
"had with them only the oil in their lamps"
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This word is used here to mark a new part of the story.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "while the bridegroom was taking a long time to arrive"
"all ten virgins got sleepy"
"someone shouted"
Jesus continues telling a parable.
"adjusted their lamps so they would burn brightly"
These nominal adjectives can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "The foolish virgins said to the wise virgins"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "the fire in our lamps is about to burn out"
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"the five foolish virgins went away"
The understood information can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "to buy more oil"
These are the virgins who had extra oil.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the servants shut the door"
This implicit information can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "open the door for us so we can come inside"
Jesus concludes the parable about the ten virgins.
"I tell you the truth." This adds emphasis to what the master says next.
"I do not know who you are." This is the end of the parable.
Here "day" and "hour" refer to an exact time. The implied information can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "you do not know the exact time when the Son of Man will return"
Jesus tells a parable about faithful and unfaithful servants to illustrate that his disciples should remain faithful during his absence and be prepared for his return.
The word "it" here refers to the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 13:24).
"was ready to go" or "was to go soon"
"put them in charge of his possessions"
"what he owned"
"five talents of gold." Avoid translating this into modern money. A "talent" of gold was worth twenty years' wages. The parable is contrasting the relative amounts of five, two, and one, as well as the large amount of wealth involved. Alternate translation: "five bags of gold" or "five bags of gold, each worth 20 years' wages"
The word "talents" is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "to another he gave two talents of gold ... gave one talent of gold" or "to another he gave two bags of gold ... gave one bag of gold"
The implicit information can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "according to each servant's skill in managing wealth"
"invested the talents" or "used them in business" or "traded with them"
"out of his investments he earned another five talents"
Jesus continues telling a parable about the servants and the talents.
"earned another two talents"
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Jesus continues telling the parable about the servants and the talents.
This word is used here to mark a new part of the story.
"I have earned five more talents"
A "talent" was worth twenty years' wages. Avoid translating this into modern money. See how you translated this in [Matthew 25:15]
"You have done well" or "You have done right." Your culture might have an expression that a master (or someone in authority) would use to show that he approves of what his servant (or someone under him) has done.
The phrase "Enter into the joy" is an idiom. Also, the master is speaking about himself in the third person. Alternate translation: "Come and be happy with me"
Jesus continues telling the parable about the servants and the talents.
"I have earned two more talents"
"You have done well" or "You have done right." Your culture might have an expression that a master (or someone in authority) would use to show that he approves of what his servant (or someone under him) has done. See how you translated this in Matthew 25:21.
The phrase "Enter into the joy" is an idiom. Also, the master is speaking about himself in the third person. Alternate translation: "Come and be happy with me" See how you translated this in [Matthew 25:21]
Jesus continues telling the parable about the servants and the talents.
Possible meanings are 1) a man who demands much from other people or 2) a man who does not treat others well.
The words "reap where you did not sow" and "harvest where you did not scatter" mean the same thing. They refer to a farmer who gathers crops that other people have planted. The servant uses this metaphor to accuse the master of taking what rightfully belongs to others.
"scatter seed." This refers to sowing seed by gently throwing handfuls of it onto the soil.
"Look, here is what is yours"
Jesus continues telling a parable about the servants and the talents.
"You are a wicked servant who does not want to work. You knew"
The words "reap where I have not sowed" and "harvest where I have not scattered" mean the same thing. They refer to a farmer who gathers crops that people who work for him have planted. See how you translated this in [Matthew 25:24]
The understood information can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "received back my own money"
payment from the banker for the temporary use of the master's money
Jesus concludes the parable about the servants and the talents.
The master is speaking to other servants.
A "talent" was worth twenty years' wages. Avoid translating this into modern money. See how you translated this in [Matthew 25:15]
It is implied that the person who possesses something also uses it wisely. Alternate translation: "who uses well what he has"
"he will have much more"
It is implied that the person does possess something but he does not use it wisely. Alternate translation: "from anyone does not use well what he has"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will take away" or "I will take away"
Here "outer darkness" is a metonym for the place where God sends those who reject them. This is a place that is completely separated from God forever. See how you translated this in [Matthew 8:12]
"Grinding of teeth" is symbolic action, representing extreme sadness and suffering. See how you translated this in [Matthew 8:12]
Jesus begins to tell his disciples how he will judge people when he returns at the end time.
Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He will gather all the nations before him"
"In front of him"
Here "nations" refers to people. Alternate translation: "all people from every country"
Jesus uses a simile to describe how he will separate the people.
This is a metaphor that means the Son of Man will separate all people. He will put the righteous people at his right side, and he will put the sinners at his left side.
Here, "the King" is another title for the Son of Man. Jesus was referring to himself in the third person. Alternate translation: "I, the King, ... my right hand"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Come, you whom my Father has blessed"
This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "inherit the kingdom that God has made ready for you"
Here "kingdom" refers to God's rule as king. Alternate translation: "receive the blessings of God's rule that he has planned to give you"
The author speaks of the world as if it were a building set on a foundation. Alternate translation: "since he first created the world"
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This can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "the righteous people"
The understood information can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Or when did we see you thirsty"
This is the end of a series of questions that begins in verse 37. The understood information can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Or when did we see you naked"
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This is another title for the Son of Man. Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person.
"say to those at his right hand"
"I tell you the truth." This emphasizes what the King says next.
"one of the least important"
Here "brothers" refers to anyone, male or female, who obeys the King. Alternate translation: "my brothers and sisters here" or "these who are like my brothers and sisters"
"I consider that you did it for me"
"Then the King will." Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person.
"you people whom God has cursed"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the eternal fire that God has prepared"
the devil's helpers
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The words "I was" preceding "naked" are understood. Alternate translation: "I was naked, but you did not give me clothes"
The words "I was" preceding "sick" are understood. Alternate translation: "I was sick and in prison"
Jesus finishes telling his disciples how he will judge people when he returns at the end time.
"those on his left will also answer"
"for any of the least important ones of my people"
"I consider that you did not do it for me" or "I was really the one whom you did not help"
This is the end of the part of the story that began in Matthew 23:1, where Jesus teaches about salvation and the final judgment.
"The King will send these to a place where they will receive punishment that never ends"
The understood information can be made clear. Alternate translation: "but the King will send the righteous to the place where they will live forever with God"
This nominative adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "the righteous people"
1 It came about that when Jesus had finished all these words, he said to his disciples, 2 "You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be given over to be crucified."
3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people were gathered together in the palace of the high priest, who was named Caiaphas. 4 They plotted together to arrest Jesus stealthily and kill him. 5 For they were saying, "Not during the festival, so that a riot does not arise among the people."
6 Now while Jesus was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, 7 as he was reclining at table, a woman came to him having an alabaster jar of very expensive ointment, and she poured it upon his head. 8 But when his disciples saw it, they became angry and said, "What is the reason for this waste? 9 This could have been sold for a large amount and given to the poor."
10 But Jesus, knowing this, said to them, "Why are you causing trouble for this woman? For she has done a beautiful thing for me. 11 You always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. 12 For when she poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. 13 Truly I say to you, wherever this good news is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her."
14 Then one of the twelve, who was named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, "What are you willing to give me to turn him over to you?" They weighed out thirty pieces of silver for him. 16 From that moment he sought an opportunity to turn him over to them.
17 Now on the first day of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus and said, "Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover meal?"
18 He said, "Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, 'The Teacher says, "My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples."'" 19 The disciples did as Jesus directed them, and they prepared the Passover meal.
20 When evening came, he sat down to eat with the twelve disciples. 21 As they were eating, he said, "Truly I say to you that one of you will betray me."
22 They were very sorrowful, and each one began to ask him, "Surely not I, Lord?"
23 He answered, "The one who dips his hand with me in the dish is the one who will betray me. 24 The Son of Man will go, just as it is written about him. But woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for that man if he had not been born."
25 Judas, who would betray him said, "Is it I, Rabbi?"
He said to him, "You have said it yourself."
26 As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it, and broke it. He gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat. This is my body." 27 He took a cup and gave thanks, and gave it to them and said, "Drink it, all of you. 28 For this is my blood of the covenant that is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."
30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 31 Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will fall away tonight because of me, for it is written,
'I will strike the shepherd
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'
32 But after I am raised up, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."
33 But Peter said to him, "Even if all fall away because of you, I will never fall away."
34 Jesus said to him, "Truly I say to you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times."
35 Peter said to him, "Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you." All the other disciples said the same thing.
36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane and said to his disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee with him and began to become sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, "My soul is deeply sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch with me." 39 He went a little farther, fell on his face, and prayed. He said, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet, not as I will, but as you will." 40 He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, "What, could you not watch with me for one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you do not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." 42 He went away a second time and prayed. He said, "My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, your will be done." 43 He came again and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So leaving them again, he went away and prayed a third time, saying the same words. 45 Then Jesus came to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Look, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Arise, let us go. Look, the one who is betraying me is near."
47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, came. A large crowd came with him from the chief priests and elders of the people. They came with swords and clubs. 48 Now the man who was going to betray Jesus had given them a signal, saying, "The one I kiss is the man. Seize him." 49 Immediately he came up to Jesus and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and he kissed him.
50 Jesus said to him, "Friend, do what you have come to do." Then they came, laid hands on Jesus, and seized him. 51 Behold, one of those who was with Jesus stretched out his hand, drew his sword, and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back in its place, for all those who take up the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Do you think that I could not call upon my Father, and he would send me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, that this must happen?" 55 At that time Jesus said to the crowd, "Have you come out with swords and clubs to seize me like a robber? Every day I sat teaching in the temple, and you did not arrest me. 56 But all this has happened so that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples abandoned him and fled.
57 Those who had seized Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered together. 58 But Peter followed him from a distance to the courtyard of the high priest. He went inside and sat down with the officers to see the outcome. 59 Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for false testimony against Jesus so that they might put him to death. 60 They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. But later two came forward 61 and said, "This man said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.'"
62 The high priest stood up and said to him, "Do you have no answer? What is it that they are testifying against you?" 63 But Jesus was silent. The high priest said to him, "I command you by the living God, tell us whether you are the Christ, the Son of God."
64 Jesus replied to him, "You have said it yourself. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven."
65 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we still need witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. 66 What do you think?"
They answered and said, "He is deserving of death." 67 Then they spit in his face and beat him with their fists, while some slapped him 68 and said, "Prophesy to us, you Christ. Who is it that struck you?"
69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him and said, "You were also with Jesus of Galilee."
70 But he denied it in front of them all, saying, "I do not know what you are talking about."
71 When he went out to the gateway, another servant girl saw him and said to those there, "This man was also with Jesus of Nazareth."
72 He again denied it with an oath, "I do not know the man!"
73 After a little while those who were standing by came and said to Peter, "Surely you are also one of them, for the way you speak gives you away."
74 Then he began to curse and swear, "I do not know the man," and immediately a rooster crowed.
75 Peter remembered the words that Jesus had said, "Before the rooster crows you will deny me three times." Then he went outside and wept bitterly.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 26:31, which is from the Old Testament.
Sheep are a common image used in Scripture to refer to the people of Israel. In Matthew 26:31, however, Jesus used the words "the sheep" to refer to his disciples and to say that they would run away when he was arrested.
The Passover festival was when the Jews would celebrate the day God killed the firstborn sons of the Egyptians but "passed over" the Israelites and let them live.
Matthew 26:26-28 describes Jesus's last meal with his followers. At this time, Jesus told them that what they were eating and drinking were his body and his blood. Nearly all Christian churches celebrate "the Lord's Supper," the "Eucharist", or "Holy Communion" to remember this meal.
Matthew 26:49 describes how Judas kissed Jesus so the soldiers would know whom to arrest. The Jews would kiss each other when they greeted each other.
Two men accused Jesus of saying that he could destroy the temple in Jerusalem and then rebuild it "in three days" (Matthew 26:61). They were accusing him of insulting God by claiming that God had given him the authority to destroy the temple and the power to rebuild it. What Jesus actually said was that if the Jewish authorities were to destroy this temple, he would certainly raise it up in three days (John 2:19).
This is the beginning of a new part of the story that tells of Jesus's crucifixion, death, and resurrection. Here he tells his disciples how he will suffer and die.
"After" or "Then, after." This phrase shifts the story from Jesus's teachings to what happened next.
This refers to all that Jesus taught starting in Matthew 24:3.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "some men will give the Son of Man to other people who will crucify him"
Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person.
These verses give background information about the Jewish leaders' plot to arrest and kill Jesus.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "came together" or "met together"
"Jesus secretly"
What the leaders did not want to do during the festival can be made clearer. Alternate translation: "We should not kill Jesus during the festival"
This is the yearly Passover festival.
This begins the account of a woman pouring expensive oil on Jesus before his death.
This word is used here to mark a new part of the story.
It is implied that this is a man whom Jesus had healed from leprosy.
"Jesus was lying on his side." You can use your language's word for the position people usually are in when they eat.
"a woman came to Jesus"
This is a costly container made of soft stone.
oil that has a pleasing smell
The woman did this to honor Jesus.
The disciples ask this question out of their anger over the woman's actions. Alternate translation: "This woman has done a bad thing by wasting this ointment!"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "She could have sold this for a large amount of money and given the money"
Here "the poor" can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "to poor people"
Jesus asks this question as a rebuke of his disciples. Alternate translation: "You should not be causing trouble for this woman!"
All occurrences of "you" are plural and refer to the disciples.
This can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "poor people"
This is oil that has a pleasing smell. See how you translated this in Matthew 26:7.
"I tell you the truth." This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "wherever people preach this good news"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they will remember what this woman has done and will tell others about her" or "people will remember what this woman has done and will tell others about her"
Judas Iscariot agrees to help the Jewish leaders arrest and kill Jesus.
"to bring Jesus to you"
Since these words are the same as those in an Old Testament prophecy, keep this form instead of changing it to modern money.
"30 pieces"
"to enable them to seize him"
This begins the account of Jesus celebrating the Passover with his disciples.
This word is used here to mark a new part of the story.
This has quotations within quotations. You can state some of the direct quotations as indirect quotations. Alternate translation: "He told his disciples to go into the city to a certain man and tell him that the Teacher says to him, 'My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.'" or "He told his disciples to go into the city to a certain man and say to him that the Teacher's time is at hand and he will keep the Passover with his disciples at that man's house."
Possible meanings are 1) "The time that I told you about" or 2) "The time God has set for me."
Possible meanings are 1) "is near" or 2) "has come."
"eat the Passover meal" or "celebrate the Passover by eating the special meal"
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Use the word for the position people in your culture usually are in when they eat.
"I tell you the truth." This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
"I am surely not the one, am I, Lord?" Possible meanings are 1) this is a rhetorical question since the apostles were sure they would not betray Jesus. Alternate translation: "Lord, I would never betray you!" or 2) this was a sincere question since Jesus's statement probably troubled and confused them.
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Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person.
Here "go" is a polite way to refer to dying. Alternate translation: "will go to his death" or "will die"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "just as the prophets wrote about him in the scriptures"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the man who betrays the Son of Man"
"Rabbi, am I the one who will betray you?" Judas may be using a rhetorical question to deny that he is the one who will betray Jesus. Alternate translation: "Rabbi, surely I am not the one who will betray you."
This is an idiom that Jesus uses to mean "yes" without being completely clear about what he means. Alternate translation: "You are saying it" or "You are admitting it"
Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper as he celebrates the Passover with his disciples.
See how you translated these words in Matthew 14:19.
Translate "took" as you did in Matthew 14:19.
Here "cup" refers to the cup and the wine in it.
"gave it to the disciples"
"Drink the wine from this cup"
"For this wine is my blood"
"blood that shows that the covenant is in effect" or "blood that makes the covenant possible"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "will soon flow out of my body" or "will flow out of my wounds when I die"
This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "wine"
Here "kingdom" refers to God's rule as king. Alternate translation: "when my Father establishes his rule on earth"
Father is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus.
Jesus continues to teach his disciples as they walk to the Mount of Olives.
a song of praise to God
Jesus quotes the prophet Zechariah to show that in order to fulfill prophecy, all of his disciples will leave him.
"leave me"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for the prophet Zechariah wrote long ago in the scriptures"
Here "I" refers to God. It is implied that God will cause or allow people to harm and kill Jesus.
These are metaphors that refer to Jesus and the disciples.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they will scatter all the sheep of the flock" or "the sheep of the flock will run off in all directions"
Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "after God raises me up" or "after God brings me back to life"
See how you translated this in Matthew 26:31.
"I tell you the truth." This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
Roosters often crow about the time the sun comes up, so the hearers might have understood these words as a metonym for the sun coming up. However, the actual crowing of a rooster is an important part of the story later on, so keep the word "rooster" in the translation.
a male chicken, a bird that calls out loudly around the time the sun comes up
This is the common English word for what a rooster does to make his loud call.
"you will say three times that you are not my follower"
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This begins the account of Jesus praying in Gethsemane.
"he became very sad"
Here "soul" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "I am very sad"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "and I feel as if I could even die"
He purposely lay face down on the ground to pray.
This is an important title for God that shows the relationship between God and Jesus.
Jesus speaks of the work that he must do, including dying on the cross, as if it were a bitter liquid that God has commanded him to drink from a cup. The word "cup" is an important word in the New Testament, so try to use an equivalent for that in your translation.
Here "cup" is a metonym that stands for the cup and the contents within it. The contents in the cup are a metaphor for the suffering that Jesus will have to endure. Jesus is asking the Father if it is possible for him not to have to experience the death and suffering that Jesus knows will soon happen.
This can be expressed as a full sentence. Alternate translation: "But do not do what I want; instead, do what you want"
Jesus is speaking to Peter, but the "you" is plural, referring to Peter, James, and John.
Jesus uses a question to scold Peter, James, and John. Alternate translation: "I am disappointed that you could not stay awake with me for one hour!"
Here the abstract noun "temptation" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "no one tempts you to sin"
Here "spirit" is a metonym that stands for a person's desires to do good. "Flesh" stands for the needs and desires of a person's body. Jesus means that the disciples may have the desire to do what God wants, but as humans they are weak and often fail.
"Jesus went away"
The first time is described in [Matthew 26:39]
This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus.
"if the only way this can pass away is if I drink it." Jesus speaks of the work that he must do as if it were a bitter liquid that God has commanded him to drink.
Here "this" refers to the cup and the contents within it, a metaphor for suffering, as in Matthew 26:39).
"unless I drink from it" or "unless I drink from this cup of suffering." Here "it" refers to the cup and the contents within it, a metaphor for suffering, as in Matthew 26:39).
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "may what you want happen" or "do what you want to do"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "they were very sleepy"
The first time is described in [Matthew 26:39]
Jesus uses a question to scold the disciples for going to sleep. Alternate translation: "I am disappointed that you are still sleeping and resting!"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "the time has come"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone is betraying the Son of Man"
Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person.
Here "hands" refers to power or control. Alternate translation: "betrayed into the power of sinners" or "betrayed so that sinners will have power over him"
"Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
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This begins the account of when Judas betrayed Jesus and the religious leaders arrested him.
"While Jesus was still speaking"
large pieces of hard wood for hitting people
Here "Now" is used to mark a pause in the main story. Here Matthew tells background information about Judas and the signal he planned to use to betray Jesus.
This direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "saying that the one he kissed was the one they should seize."
This was a respectful way to greet one's teacher.
"Judas came up to Jesus"
"met him with a kiss." Good friends would kiss each other on the cheek, but a disciple would probably kiss his master on the hand to show respect. No one knows for sure how Judas kissed Jesus.
Here "they" refers to the people with clubs and swords that came with Judas and the religious leaders.
"grabbed Jesus, and arrested him"
The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
The word "sword" is a metonym for the act of killing someone with a sword. The implied information can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "who pick up a sword to kill others" or "who want to kill other people"
"sword will die by means of the sword" or "sword—it is with the sword that someone will kill them"
Jesus uses a question to remind the person with the sword that Jesus could stop those who are arresting him. Alternate translation: "Surely you know that I could call ... angels."
Here "you" is singular and refers to the person with the sword.
This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus.
The word "legion" is a military term that refers to a group of about 6,000 soldiers. Jesus means God would send enough angels to easily stop those who are arresting Jesus. The exact number of angels is not important. Alternate translation: "more than 12 really large groups of angels"
Jesus uses a question to explain why he is letting these people arrest him. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But if I did that, I would not be able to fulfill what God said in the scriptures must happen"
Jesus is using this question to point out the wrong actions of those arresting him. Alternate translation: "You know that I am not a robber, so it is wrong for you to come out to me bringing swords and clubs"
large pieces of hard wood for hitting people
It is implied that Jesus was not in the actual temple. He was in the courtyard around the temple.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I would fulfill all that the prophets wrote in the scriptures"
"left him." If your language has a word that means they left him when they should have stayed with him, use it here.
This begins the account of Jesus's trial before the council of Jewish religious leaders.
"Peter followed Jesus"
an open area near the high priest's house
"Peter went inside"
These were probably the servants of the "scribes and elders" (Matthew 26:57).
This word is used here to mark a new part of the story.
Here "they" refers to the chief priests and the members of the council.
"might have a reason to execute him"
"two men came forward" or "two witnesses came forward"
If your language does not allow quotes within quotes you can rewrite it as a single quote. Alternate translation: "This man said that he is able to destroy ... days."
"This man Jesus said"
"within three days," before the sun goes down three times, not "after three days," after the sun has gone down the third time
The chief priest is not asking Jesus for information about what the witnesses said. He is asking Jesus to prove what the witnesses said is wrong. Alternate translation: "What is your response to what the witnesses are testifying against you?"
This is an important title that describes the relationship between the Christ and God.
Here "living" contrasts the God of Israel to all the false gods and idols that people worshiped. Only the God of Israel is alive and has power to act. See how you translated this in Matthew 16:16.
This is an idiom that Jesus uses to mean "yes" without being completely clear about what he means. Alternate translation: "You are saying it" or "You are admitting it"
Here "you" is plural. Jesus is speaking to the high priest and to the other persons there.
Possible meanings are 1) the phrase "from now on" is an idiom that means they will see the Son of Man in his power at some time in the future or 2) the phrase "from now on" means that from the time of Jesus's trial and onward, Jesus is showing himself to be the Messiah who is powerful and victorious.
Jesus is speaking about himself in third person.
Here "Power" is metonym that represents God. To sit at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "sitting in the place of honor beside the all-powerful God"
"riding to earth on the clouds of heaven"
Tearing clothing was a sign of anger and sadness.
The reason the high priest called Jesus's statement blasphemy is probably that he understood Jesus's words in [Matthew 26:64]
The high priest uses this question to emphasize that he and the members of the council do not need to hear from any more witnesses. Alternate translation: "We do not need to hear from any more witnesses!"
Here "you" is plural and refers to the members of the council.
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Possible meanings are 1) "Then some of the men" or 2) "Then the soldiers."
This was done as an insult.
hit him in the face with the palms of their hands
Here "Prophesy to us" means to tell by means of God's power. It does not mean to tell what will happen in the future.
Those hitting Jesus do not really think he is the Christ. They call him this to mock him.
These events happen at the same time as Jesus's trial before the religious leaders.
This begins the account of how Peter denies three times that he knows Jesus, as Jesus said he would do.
This word is used here to mark a new part of the story.
Peter was able to understand what the servant girl was saying. He used these words to deny that he had been with Jesus.
"When Peter went out"
opening in the wall around a courtyard
"said to the people who were sitting there"
"He denied it again by swearing"
"one of those who were with Jesus"
This can be translated with a new sentence. "one of them. We can tell you are from Galilee because you speak like a Galilean"
"to call down a curse on himself"
A rooster is a bird that calls out loudly around the time the sun comes up. A rooster that has called out is said to have "crowed." See how you translated this in Matthew 26:34.
This direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "Peter remembered that Jesus told him that before the rooster crowed, he would deny Jesus three times."
1 Now when morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put him to death. 2 They bound him, led him away, and delivered him to Pilate the governor.
3 Then when Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus had been condemned, he repented and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 and said, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood."
But they said, "What is that to us? See to that yourself." 5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went out and hanged himself. 6 The chief priests took the pieces of silver and said, "It is not lawful to put this into the treasury because it is the price of blood." 7 They discussed the matter together, and they bought with the money the potter's field in which to bury strangers. 8 For this reason that field has been called, "The Field of Blood" to this day. 9 Then that which had been spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled, saying, "They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price set on him by the sons of Israel, 10 and they gave it for the potter's field, as the Lord had directed me."
11 Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"
Jesus answered him, "You say so."
12 But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. 13 Then Pilate said to him, "Do you not hear how many things they accuse you of?" 14 But he did not answer even one word, so that the governor was greatly amazed. 15 Now at the festival it was the custom of the governor to set free one prisoner chosen by the crowd. 16 At that time they had a notorious prisoner named Jesus Barabbas. [1]17 So when they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, "Who do you want me to set free for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" 18 He knew that they had handed Jesus over to him because of envy.
19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him and said, "Have nothing to do with that innocent man. For I have suffered much today because of a dream I had about him."
20 Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor asked them, "Which of the two do you want me to set free for you?"
They said, "Barabbas."
22 Pilate said to them, "What should I do with Jesus who is called Christ?"
They all answered, "Crucify him."
23 Then he said, "Why, what evil has he done?"
But they cried out even louder, "Crucify him."
24 So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but instead a riot was starting, he took water, washed his hands in front of the crowd, and said, "I am innocent of the blood of this man. You see to it."
25 All the people said, "May his blood be on us and our children." 26 Then he set Barabbas free for them, but he scourged Jesus and handed him over to be crucified.
27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the government headquarters and they gathered the whole company of soldiers. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. 29 They made a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and placed a staff in his right hand. They knelt down before him and mocked him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" 30 They spat on him, and they took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. 31 When they had mocked him, they took the robe off him and put his own garments on him, and led him away to crucify him.
32 As they came out, they found a man from Cyrene named Simon, whom they forced to go with them so that he might carry his cross. 33 They came to a place called Golgotha, which means "The Place of a Skull." 34 They gave him wine to drink mixed with gall. But when he tasted it, he would not drink. 35 When they had crucified him, they divided up his garments by casting lots, 36 and they sat and kept guard over him. 37 Above his head they put the charge against him, which read, "This is Jesus, the king of the Jews." 38 Two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right of him and one on the left. 39 Those who passed by insulted him, shaking their heads 40 and saying, "You who were going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross!"
41 In the same way the chief priests were mocking him, along with the scribes and elders, and said, 42 "He saved others, but he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel. Let him come down off the cross, and then we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God, let God rescue him now, if God consents to release him. For he even said, 'I am the Son of God.'" 44 In the same way the robbers who were crucified with him also insulted him.
45 Now from the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 46 About the ninth hour, Jesus cried with a loud voice and said, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?"
47 When some of those who were standing there heard it, they said, "He is calling for Elijah."
48 Immediately one of them ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, put it on a reed staff, and gave it to him to drink. 49 The rest of them said, "Leave him alone. Let us see whether Elijah comes to save him." 50 Then Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and gave up his spirit.
51 Behold, the curtain of the temple was split in two from the top to the bottom, and the earth shook, and the rocks split apart. 52 The tombs were opened, and the bodies of the holy people who had fallen asleep were raised. 53 They came out of the tombs after his resurrection, entered the holy city, and appeared to many. 54 Now when the centurion and those who were watching Jesus saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they became very afraid and said, "Truly this was the Son of God." 55 Many women who had followed Jesus from Galilee to attend to his needs were there watching from a distance. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
57 When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. 58 He approached Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and laid it in his own new tomb that he had cut into the rock. Then he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.
62 The next day, which was the day after the Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees were gathered together with Pilate. 63 They said, "Sir, we remember that when that deceiver was alive, he said, 'After three days will I rise again.' 64 Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, otherwise his disciples may come and steal him and say to the people, 'He has risen from the dead,' and the last deception will be worse than the first."
65 Pilate said to them, "Take a guard. Go and make it as secure as you know how." 66 So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and placing the guard.
The Jewish leaders needed to get permission from Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, before they could kill Jesus. This was because Roman law did not allow them to kill Jesus themselves. Pilate was going to set one prisoner free, and he wanted to set Jesus free, but they wanted him to free a very bad prisoner named Barabbas instead.
The tomb in which Jesus was buried (Matthew 27:60) was the kind of tomb in which wealthy Jewish families buried their dead. It was an actual room cut into a rock. It had a flat place on one side where they could place the body after they had put oil and spices on it and wrapped it in cloth. Then they would roll a large rock in front of the tomb so no one could see inside or enter.
The soldiers said, "Hail, King of the Jews!"
This begins the account of Jesus's trial before Pilate.
This word is used here to mark a new part of the story.
The Jewish leaders were planning how they could convince the Roman leaders to kill Jesus.
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This event happened after Jesus's trial in front of the council of Jewish religious leaders, but we do not know if it happened before or during Jesus's trial before Pilate.
The author has stopped telling the story of Jesus's trial so he can tell the story of how Judas killed himself.
If your language has a way of showing that a new story is starting, you may want to use that here.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the Jewish leaders had condemned Jesus"
This was the money that the chief priests had given Judas to betray Jesus. See how you translated it in Matthew 26:15.
This is an idiom that refers to the death of an innocent person. Alternate translation: "a person who does not deserve to die"
The Jewish leaders use this question to emphasize that they do not care about what Judas said. Alternate translation: "That is not our problem!" or "That is your problem!"
Possible meanings are 1) he threw the pieces of silver while in the temple courtyard, or 2) he was standing in the temple courtyard, and he threw the pieces of silver into the temple.
"Our laws do not allow us to put this"
"put this silver"
This is the place they kept the money they used to provide for things needed for the temple and the priests.
This is an idiom that means money paid to a person who helped kill someone. Alternate translation: "money paid for a man to die"
This was a field that was bought to bury strangers who died in Jerusalem.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people call that field"
This means to the time that Matthew is writing this book.
The author quotes Old Testament scripture to show that Judas's suicide was a fulfillment of prophecy.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "This fulfilled what the prophet Jeremiah spoke"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the price the sons of Israel set on him"
This refers to those among the people of Israel who paid to kill Jesus and speaks of them as though they were doing what all the people of Israel wanted them to do. Alternate translation: "some of the descendants of Israel" or "the leaders of Israel"
Here "me" refers to Jeremiah.
This continues the story of Jesus's trial before Pilate, which began in Matthew 27:2.
The word "Now" is used here to mark a return to the main events of the story.
"Pilate"
Possible meanings are 1) by saying this, Jesus implied that he is the King of the Jews. Alternate translation: "Yes, as you said, I am" or "Yes. It is as you said" or 2) by saying this, Jesus was saying that Pilate, not Jesus, was the one calling him the King of the Jews. Alternate translation: "You yourself have said so"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But when the chief priests and elders accused him"
Pilate asks this question because he is surprised that Jesus remains silent. Alternate translation: "I am surprised that you do not answer these people who accuse you of doing so many bad things!"
"how many things they testify against you about"
"did not say even one word; this greatly amazed the governor." This is an emphatic way of saying that Jesus was completely silent.
This word is used here to mark a pause in the story so Matthew can give information to help the reader understand what happens beginning in [Matthew 27:17]
This is the Passover celebration.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "prisoner whom the crowd would choose"
"there was a notorious prisoner"
well known for doing something bad
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the crowd gathered"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom some people call the Christ"
"the Jewish leaders had brought Jesus to him." They had done this so that Pilate would judge Jesus.
"While Pilate was sitting"
"sitting on the judge's seat." This is where a judge would sit while making a decision.
"sent a message"
"I have been very upset today"
Here "Now" is used to mark a pause in the story. Matthew tells background information about why the crowd chose Barabbas.
The phrase "ask for Barabbas" is an ellipsis for "ask Pilate to release Barabbas." The phrase "destroy Jesus" here is a euphemism for "kill Jesus," and because the people in the crowd would not kill Jesus themselves, it is a metonym or ellipsis for the crowd telling Pilate to have his soldiers kill Jesus. Alternate translation: "they should ask Pilate to release Jesus and tell him to have his soldiers kill Jesus"
"asked the crowd"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom some people call the Christ"
"has Jesus done"
"the crowd cried out"
"he was doing no good" or "he was unable to convince the people"
Pilate does this as a sign that he is not responsible for Jesus's death.
Here "blood" refers to a person's death. Alternate translation: "the death"
This is an idiom that means "This is your responsibility."
Here "blood" is a metonym that stands for a person's death. The phrase "be on us and our children" is an idiom that means they accept the responsibility of what is happening. Alternate translation: "Yes! We and our descendants will be responsible for executing him"
Possible meanings are 1) Pilate set Barabbas free because the crowd had asked him to or 2) Pilate released Barabbas and put him under the control of the crowd.
It is implied that Pilate ordered his soldiers to scourge Jesus. Handing Jesus over to be crucified is a metaphor for ordering his soldiers to crucify Jesus. Alternate translation: "he ordered his soldiers to scourge Jesus and to crucify him" (See: and )
"beat Jesus with a whip" or "whipped Jesus"
This begins the account of Jesus's crucifixion and death.
"group of soldiers"
"pulled off his clothes"
bright red
"a crown from thorny branches" or "a crown from branches with thorns on them"
They gave Jesus a stick to hold to represent a scepter that a king holds. They did this to mock Jesus.
They were saying this to mock Jesus. They were calling Jesus "King of the Jews," but they did not really believe he was a king. And yet what they were saying was true.
"We honor you" or "May you live a long time"
The past tense of the verb "spit" can be either "spit" or "spat."
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This means Jesus and the soldiers came out of the city. Alternate translation: "As they came out of Jerusalem"
"the soldiers saw a man"
"whom the soldiers forced to go with them so that he could carry Jesus's cross"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "place that people called Golgotha"
Wine alone might have reduced the pain of crucifixion. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "him wine, which they had mixed with gall"
Gall is the bitter yellow liquid that bodies use in digestion. The people were mocking Jesus by mixing it with the wine and so making the wine undrinkable.
These were the clothes Jesus had been wearing.
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"a written explanation of why he was being crucified"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The soldiers crucified two robbers with Jesus"
They did this to make fun of Jesus.
They did not believe that Jesus is the Son of God, so they wanted him to prove it if it was true. Alternate translation: "If you are the Son of God, prove it by coming down from the cross"
This is an important title for the Christ that describes his relationship to God.
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Possible meanings are 1) the Jewish leaders do not believe that Jesus saved others or that he can save himself, or 2) they believe he did save others but are laughing at him because now he cannot save himself.
The leaders are mocking Jesus. They call him "King of Israel," but they do not really believe he is king. Alternate translation: "He says that he is the King of Israel"
The Jewish leaders continue mocking Jesus.
This is a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "For Jesus even said that he is the Son of God."
This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the robbers that the soldiers crucified with Jesus"
This word is used here to mark a new part of the story.
"from about noon ... for three hours" or "from about twelve o'clock midday ... until about three o'clock in the afternoon"
The word "darkness" is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: "it became dark over the whole land"
"Jesus called out" or "Jesus shouted"
These words are what Jesus cried out in his own language. Translators usually leave these words as they are.
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Possible meanings are 1) one of the soldiers or 2) one of those who stood by and watched.
This is a sea animal that is harvested and used to take up and hold liquids. These liquids can later be pushed out.
"gave it to Jesus"
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Here "spirit" refers to that which gives life to a person. This phrase is a way of saying that Jesus died. Alternate translation: "he died, giving his spirit over to God" or "he breathed his last breath"
This begins the account of the events that happened when Jesus died.
The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the curtain of the temple tore in two" or "God caused the curtain of the temple to tear in two"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God opened the tombs and made many godly people who had died become alive again"
Here to raise is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "God put life back into to the dead bodies of many godly people who had fallen asleep"
This is a polite way of referring to dying. Alternate translation: "died"
The order of the events that Matthew describes (beginning with the words "The tombs were opened" in verse 52) is unclear. After the earthquake when Jesus died and the tombs were opened 1) the holy people came back to life, and then, after Jesus came back to life, the holy people entered Jerusalem, where many people saw them, or 2) Jesus came back to life, and then the holy ones came back to life and entered the city, where many people saw them.
This word is used here to mark a new part of the story.
"those who were guarding Jesus." This refers to the other soldiers who were guarding Jesus with the centurion. Alternate translation: "the other soldiers with him who were guarding Jesus"
This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God.
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"the mother of James and John" or "the wife of Zebedee"
This begins the account of Jesus's burial.
This is the name of a city in Israel.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then Pilate ordered the soldiers to give the body of Jesus to Joseph"
a fine, costly cloth
It is implied that Joseph had workers who cut the tomb into the rock.
Most likely Joseph had other people there to help him roll the stone.
"across from the tomb"
This is the day that people got everything ready for the Sabbath.
"met with Pilate"
"when Jesus, the deceiver, was alive"
This has a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "he said that after three days he will rise again." or "he said that after three day he would rise again."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "command your soldiers to guard the tomb"
"day number three." This refers to the day after two nights have passed.
"his disciples may come and steal his body"
This has a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "his disciples may ... tell the people that he has risen from the dead, and"
From among all those who have died. The expression "the dead" describes all dead people together in the underworld. To rise from among them speaks of becoming alive again.
The understood information can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "and if they deceive people by saying that, it will be worse than the way he deceived people before when he said that he was the Christ"
This consisted of four to sixteen Roman soldiers.
Possible meanings are 1) they put a cord around the stone and attached it with seals to the rock wall on either side of the entrance to the tomb or 2) they put seals between the stone and the wall.
"telling the soldiers to stand where they could keep people from tampering with the tomb"
1 Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2 Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, came and rolled away the stone, and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 The guards shook with fear and became like dead men. 5 The angel addressed the women and said to them, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified. 6 He is not here, but is risen, just as he said. Come see the place where the Lord was lying. 7 Go quickly and tell his disciples, 'He has risen from the dead. See, he is going ahead of you to Galilee. There you will see him.' See, I have told you."
8 The women quickly left the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Behold, Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!" The women came, took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee. There they will see me."
11 Now while the women were going, behold, some of the guards went into the city and told the chief priests all the things that had happened. 12 When the priests had met with the elders and discussed the matter with them, they gave a large amount of money to the soldiers 13 and told them, "Say to others, 'The disciples of Jesus came by night and stole his body while we were sleeping.' 14 If this report reaches the governor, we will persuade him and take any worries away from you." 15 So the soldiers took the money and did as they had been instructed. This report spread widely among the Jews and continues even today.
16 But the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 Jesus came to them and spoke to them and said, "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations. Baptize them into the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach them to obey all the things that I have commanded you. See, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
The tomb in which Jesus was buried (Matthew 28:1) was the kind of tomb in which wealthy Jewish families buried their dead. It was an actual room cut into a rock. It had a flat place on one side where they could place the body after they had put oil and spices on it and wrapped it in cloth. Then they would roll a large rock in front of the tomb so no one could see inside or enter.
The last two verses (Matthew 28:19-20) are commonly known as "The Great Commission" because they contain a very important command given to all Christians. Christians are to "make disciples" by going to people, sharing the gospel with them and training them to live as Christians.
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all wrote about angels in white clothing with the women at Jesus's tomb. Two of the authors called them men, but that is only because the angels looked human. Two of the authors wrote about two angels, but the other two authors wrote about only one of them. It is best to translate each of these passages as it appears in the ULB without trying to make the passages all say exactly the same thing. (See: Matthew 28:1-2 and Mark 16:5 and Luke 24:4 and John 20:12)
This begins the account of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
"After the Sabbath, as the sun began to come up Sunday morning"
This word is used here to mark a new part of the story.
"the other woman named Mary." This is Mary the mother of James and Joseph (Matthew 27:56).
The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows. Your language may have a way of doing this.
Possible meanings are 1) the earthquake happened because the angel came down and rolled away the stone or 2) all these events happened at the same time .
a sudden and violent shaking of the ground
"The angel's appearance"
This is a simile that emphasizes how bright in appearance the angel was. Alternate translation: "was bright like lightning"
This is a simile that emphasizes how bright and white the angel's clothes were. The verb "was" from the previous phrase can be repeated. Alternate translation: "his clothing was very white, like snow"
This is a simile that means the soldiers fell down and did not move. Alternate translation: "fell to the ground and lay there like dead men"
"Mary Magdalene and the other woman named Mary"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom the people and the soldiers crucified" or "whom they crucified"
This means that Jesus's body was lying on the flat surface inside the tomb, not that Jesus was saying things that were not true.
This is a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead and that Jesus has gone ahead of you to Galilee, where you will see him."
"He has come back to life"
From among all those who have died. The expression "the dead" describes all dead people together in the underworld. To rise from among them speaks of becoming alive again.
Here "you" is plural. It refers to the women and the disciples.
Here "you" is plural and refers to the women.
"Mary Magdalene and the other woman named Mary"
The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows. Your language may have a way of doing this.
This is an ordinary greeting, much like "Hello" in English.
"got down on their knees and held onto his feet"
This refers to Jesus's disciples.
This begins the account of the reaction of the Jewish religious leaders when they heard of Jesus's resurrection.
This word is used here to mark a new part of the story.
Here this refers to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary.
This marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. It may involve different people than the previous events. Your language may have a way of doing this.
"decided on a plan among themselves." The priests and elders decided to give the money to the soldiers.
If your language does not allow quotations within quotations you may translate this as a single quote. Alternate translation: "Tell others that Jesus' disciples came ... while you were sleeping."
"If the governor hears that you were asleep when Jesus's disciples took his body"
"Pilate" (Matthew 27:2)
"do not worry. We will talk to him so that he does not punish you."
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "did what the priests had told them to do"
"Many Jews heard this report and continue to tell others about it even today"
This refers to the time Matthew wrote the book.
This begins the account of Jesus meeting with his disciples after his resurrection.
Possible meanings are 1) they all worshiped Jesus even though some of them doubted, or 2) some of them worshiped Jesus, but others did not worship him because they doubted.
It can be stated explicitly what the disciples doubted. Alternate translation: "some doubted that he was really Jesus and that he had become alive again"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "My Father has given me all authority"
Here "heaven" and "earth" are used together to mean everyone and everything in heaven and earth. The words "in heaven and on earth" can be translated as "over everyone and everything in heaven and on earth."
Here "nations" refers to the people, and the saying is probably a hyperbole. Alternate translation: "of the people in every nation"
Here "name" refers to authority. Alternate translation: "by the authority"
These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus.
"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
"until the end of this age" or "until the end of the world"
1 This is the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,
"Look, I am sending my messenger before your face,
the one who will prepare your way.
3 The voice of one crying out in the wilderness,
'Make ready the way of the Lord;
make his paths straight.'"
4 John came, baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole country of Judea and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. They were baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. 6 John wore a coat of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.
7 He was preaching, saying, "One will come after me who is more powerful than I; the strap of his sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
9 It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and he was baptized by John in the Jordan River. 10 As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens split open and the Spirit coming down on him like a dove. 11 A voice came out of the heavens, "You are my beloved Son. I am very pleased with you."
12 Then the Spirit compelled him to go out into the wilderness. 13 He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels served him.
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God. 15 He said, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the gospel."
16 When he was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 Jesus said to them, "Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." 18 Then immediately they left the nets and followed him. 19 As Jesus was walking on a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and John his brother; they were in the boat mending the nets. 20 He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and they followed him.
21 Then they came into Capernaum, and on the Sabbath, Jesus went into the synagogue and taught. 22 They were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as someone who has authority and not as the scribes. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who had an unclean spirit cried out, 24 saying, "What do we have to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are. You are the Holy One of God!"
25 Jesus rebuked the demon and said, "Be quiet and come out of him!" 26 The unclean spirit threw him down and went out from him while crying out with a loud voice. 27 All the people were amazed, so they asked each other, "What is this? A new teaching with authority! He even commands the unclean spirits and they obey him!" 28 The news about him went out everywhere into the whole region of Galilee.
29 After coming out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, along with James and John. 30 Now Simon's mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. 31 So he came, took her by the hand, and raised her up; the fever left her, and she started serving them.
32 That evening after the sun had set, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed by demons. 33 The whole city gathered together at the door. 34 He healed many who were sick with various diseases and cast out many demons, but he did not allow the demons to speak because they knew him.
35 He got up very early, while it was still dark; he left and went out into a solitary place and there he prayed. 36 Simon and those who were with him searched for him. 37 They found him and they said to him, "Everyone is looking for you."
38 He said, "Let us go elsewhere, out into the surrounding towns, so that I may preach there also. That is why I came out here." 39 He went throughout all of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.
40 A leper came to him. He was begging him; he knelt down and said to him, "If you are willing, you can make me clean."
41 Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched him, saying to him, "I am willing. Be clean." 42 Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43 Jesus strictly warned him and sent him away. 44 He said to him, "Be sure to say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them." 45 But he went out and began to declare it freely and spread the word, so much so that Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but he stayed out in remote places. Yet people were still coming to him from everywhere.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 1:2-3, which is a quotation from the Old Testament.
Leprosy was a disease of the skin that made a person unclean and unable to properly worship God. Jesus is capable of making people physically "clean" or healthy as well as spiritually "clean" or right with God. (See: clean)
Mark begins this book about Jesus Christ with the words that the prophet Isaiah wrote long before that time. Then he tells how John the Baptist and Jesus Christ fulfilled that prophecy.
Repent means stop sinning. John the Baptist taught people to repent so that God would forgive their sins. Jesus taught people to repent and to believe the good news about the kingdom of God.
Jesus went around preaching the good news of God, casting demons out of people, and healing people who were sick.
The author of this book is Mark, also called John Mark. He was the son of one of the women named Mary mentioned in the four Gospels. He was also the nephew of Barnabas. This whole book is about Jesus Christ.
This is an important title for Jesus.
Mark begins this book with the words that the prophet Isaiah wrote long ago about a messenger who would come and tell the people to get ready for the Lord's coming. Verses 4-15 show how this prophecy was fulfilled by John the Baptist and Jesus Christ.
This is an idiom that means "ahead of you."
Here the word "your" refers to the Lord and is singular.
This refers to the messenger.
Doing this represents preparing the people for the Lord's arrival. Alternate translation: "will prepare the people for your arrival"
This verse tells how the messenger in verse 2 would prepare the Lord's way.
This phrase can be expressed as a sentence. Alternate translation: "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness is heard" or "They hear the sound of someone crying out in the wilderness"
These two phrases mean the same thing.
"Get the road ready for the Lord." Doing this represents being prepared to hear the Lord's message when he comes. Alternate translation: "Prepare yourselves for the Lord to come" or "Be ready for the Lord when he comes"
The events in Mark 1:4-15 are a fulfillment of what Isaiah had prophesied. John was the "messenger" of verse 2 and "the one calling out in the wilderness" of verse 3.
Translators can make it explicit that John's coming was a fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. Alternate translation: "So John came" or "In fulfillment of that prophecy, John came"
The words "The whole country" are a metonym for the people who live in the country and a generalization that refers to a great number of people, not to every single person. Alternate translation: "Many people from Judea and Jerusalem"
They did these things at the same time. The people were baptized because they repented of their sins. Alternate translation: "When they repented of their sins, John baptized them in the Jordan River"
Locusts and wild honey were foods that John could find in the wilderness. Wild honey is honey that wild bees make.
"John was preaching"
John was comparing himself to a servant to show how great the one to come would be. Alternate translation: "I am not even worthy to do the lowly task of removing his shoes"
People often wore sandals that were made of leather and were tied to their feet with leather straps.
"bend down"
John was contrasting how he was purifying people with water with how the one to come would purify people with the Holy Spirit. To baptize with the Holy Spirit is a metaphor meaning that that person would send the Holy Spirit to purify people. The Holy Spirit would then live in them and empower them to stop sinning and to obey God. If possible, use the same word for "baptize" here as you used for John's baptism.
This marks the beginning of a new event in the story.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "John baptized him"
Possible meanings are 1) this is a simile, and the Spirit descended upon Jesus as a bird descends from the sky toward the ground or 2) the Spirit literally looked like a dove as he descended upon Jesus.
This represents God speaking. Sometimes people avoid referring directly to God because they respect him. Alternate translation: "God spoke from the heavens"
This is an important title for Jesus. The Father calls Jesus his "beloved Son" because of his eternal love for him.
After Jesus's baptism, he is in the wilderness for 40 days and then goes to Galilee to teach and call his disciples.
"forced Jesus to go out"
"He stayed in the wilderness"
"40 days"
"He was among"
"after John was placed in prison." Mark is referring to when King Herod had John arrested. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "after King Herod had John arrested" or "after soldiers arrested John"
"telling many people about the good news"
"It is now time"
Possible meanings are 1) God was beginning to rule. Alternate translation: "God is beginning to rule over all" or 2) God would soon rule over all. Alternate translation: "God is about to rule over all"
"Jesus saw Simon and Andrew"
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "throwing a net into the water to catch fish"
"Follow me" or "Come with me"
This metaphor means Simon and Andrew will teach people God's true message, so others will also follow Jesus. Alternate translation: "I will teach you to gather men to me like you gather fish"
human beings, persons, people, not specifically males
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This was probably James and John's boat.
"repairing the nets"
It may be helpful to state clearly why Jesus called to James and John. Alternate translation: "called them to come with him"
"servants who worked for them"
James and John went with Jesus.
Jesus teaches in the synagogue of the town of Capernaum on the Sabbath. By sending a demon out of a man he amazes the people in all the nearby area around Galilee.
"arrived at Capernaum"
The idea of "teach" can be stated clearly when talking about "someone who has authority" and "the scribes." Alternate translation: "for he was teaching them as someone who has authority teaches and not as the scribes teach"
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The demon asked this rhetorical question meaning that there was no reason for Jesus to interfere with him or any other demon. Alternate translation: "Jesus of Nazareth, leave us alone! There is no reason for you to interfere with us."
These pronouns are exclusive. They refer to the demon inside the man and all other demons, but do not include the listener.
The demon asked this rhetorical question to urge Jesus not to harm him or any other demon. Alternate translation: "Do not destroy us!"
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Here the word "him" refers to the demon-possessed man.
"and cried out with a loud voice as it went out from him"
The people used a question to show how amazed they were. It can be expressed as an exclamation. Alternate translation: "so they said to each other, 'This is amazing! ... they obey him!'"
The people used this exclamation to express their amazement at Jesus' teaching. It can also be expressed as a full sentence. Alternate translation: "He gives a new teaching, and he speaks with authority!" or "He teaches something new, and he has authority!"
This was evidence of Jesus' authority.
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The word "Now" marks a pause in the story. In this sentence, Mark introduces Simon's mother-in-law to the story and gives background information about her.
"caused her to stand" or "made her able to get out of bed"
You may want to make explicit who healed her. Alternate translation: "Jesus healed her of the fever"
You may want to make explicit that she served food. Alternate translation: "she provided them with food and drinks"
"the people brought to Jesus"
The word "all" is an exaggeration to emphasize the great number of people who came. Alternate translation: "many who were sick or possessed by demons"
The word "city" is a metonym for the people who lived in the city. Here the word "whole" is probably a generalization to emphasize that most people from the city gathered. Alternate translation: "Many people from that city gathered outside the door"
"Jesus healed"
Jesus takes time to pray in the midst of his time of healing people. He then goes to towns throughout Galilee to preach, heal, and cast out demons.
"Jesus got up"
"a place where he could be alone"
Here "him" refers to Simon. Also, those with him include Andrew, James, John, and possibly other people.
The word "Everyone" is an exaggeration to emphasize that many people were looking for Jesus. Alternate translation: "Many people are looking for you"
Here the words "he" and "I" refer to Jesus.
"We need to go to some other place." Here Jesus uses the word "us" to refer to himself, along with Simon, Andrew, James, and John.
The words "throughout all" are an exaggeration used to emphasize that Jesus went to many locations during his ministry. Alternate translation: "He went to many places in Galilee"
"A leper came to Jesus. He knelt down and was begging Jesus and said"
In the first phrase, the words "to make me clean" are understood because of the second phrase. Alternate translation: "If you are willing to make me clean, then you can make me clean"
"want" or "desire"
In biblical times, a person who had any of certain skin diseases was considered unclean until his skin had healed enough that he was no longer contagious. Alternate translation: "you can heal me"
Here the word "moved" is an idiom meaning to feel emotion about another's need. Alternate translation: "Having compassion for him, Jesus" or "Jesus felt compassion for the man, so he"
It may be helpful to state what Jesus is willing to do. Alternate translation: "I am willing to make you clean"
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The word "him" used here refers to the leper whom Jesus healed.
"Be sure to not say anything to anyone"
Jesus told the man to show himself to the priest so that the priest could look at his skin to see if his leprosy was really gone. The law of Moses required people to present themselves to the priest if they had been unclean but were no longer unclean.
The word "yourself" here represents the skin of the leper. Alternate translation: "show your skin"
It is best to use the pronoun "them," if possible, in your language. Possible meanings are 1) "a testimony to the priests" or 2) "a testimony to the people."
The word "he" refers to the man Jesus healed.
Here "declare it freely" is a metaphor for telling people in many places about what had happened. Alternate translation: "began to tell people in many places about what Jesus had done"
The man spread the news so much that
This was the result of the man spreading the news so much. Here "openly" is a metaphor for "publicly." Jesus could not enter the towns because many people would crowd around him. Alternate translation: "that Jesus could no longer enter a town publicly" or "that Jesus could no longer enter the towns in a way that many people would see him"
"lonely places" or "places where no one lived"
The word "everywhere" is a hyperbole used to emphasize how very many places the people came from. Alternate translation: "from all over the region"
1 When Jesus came back to Capernaum after a few days, it was heard that he was at home. 2 So many gathered there that there was no more space, not even at the door, and he spoke the word to them. 3 Then some men came to him who were bringing a paralyzed man; four people were carrying him. 4 When they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof that was above Jesus, and after they made an opening, they lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. 5 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "Son, your sins are forgiven."
6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, and they reasoned in their hearts, 7 "How can this man speak this way? He blasphemes! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit what they were thinking within themselves. He said to them, "Why are you thinking this in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralyzed man, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take up your mat and walk'? 10 But in order that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins," he said to the paralytic, 11 "I say to you, get up, take up your mat, and go to your house."
12 He got up and immediately took up the mat, and went out of the house in front of everyone, so that they were all amazed and they gave glory to God, and they said, "We never saw anything like this."
13 He went out again by the lake, and all the crowd came to him, and he taught them. 14 As he passed by, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector's tent and he said to him, "Follow me." He got up and followed him.
15 Jesus was having a meal in Levi's house and many tax collectors and sinners were dining with him and his disciples, for there were many and they followed him. 16 When the scribes, who were Pharisees, saw that Jesus was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they said to his disciples, "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?"
17 When Jesus heard this he said to them, "People who are strong in body do not need a physician; only people who are sick need one. I did not come to call righteous people, but sinners."
18 Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and said to him, "Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?"
19 Jesus said to them, "Can the wedding attendants fast while the bridegroom is still with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. 20 But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and in those days, they will fast. 21 No one sews a piece of new cloth on an old garment. Otherwise the patch tears away from it, the new from the old, and there is a worse tear. 22 No one puts new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise the wine will burst the skins and both the wine and the wineskins are lost. Instead, new wine is put into fresh wineskins."
23 On the Sabbath day Jesus went through some grainfields, and his disciples began picking heads of grain as they made their way. 24 The Pharisees said to him, "Look, why are they doing something that is not lawful on the Sabbath day?"
25 He said to them, "Have you never read what David did when he was in need and hungry—he and the men who were with him— 26 how he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the bread of the presence, which is unlawful for anyone to eat except the priests, and he even gave some to those who were with him?" 27 Jesus said, "The Sabbath was made for mankind, not mankind for the Sabbath. 28 Therefore, the Son of Man is Lord, even of the Sabbath."
When the people of Jesus's time spoke of "sinners," they were talking about people who did not obey the law of Moses and instead committed sins like stealing or sexual sins. When Jesus said that he came to call "sinners," he meant that only people who believe that they are sinners can be his followers. This is true even if they are not what most people think of as "sinners." (See: sin)
People would fast, or not eat food for a long time, when they were sad or were showing God that they were sorry for their sins. When they were happy, like during weddings, they would have feasts, or meals where they would eat much food. (See: fast)
The Jewish leaders used rhetorical questions to show that they were angry because of what Jesus said and did and that they did not believe that he was God's Son
After preaching and healing people throughout Galilee, Jesus returns to Capernaum, where he heals and forgives the sin of a paralyzed man.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people there heard that he was staying at his home"
The word "there" refers to the house that Jesus stayed at in Capernaum. Alternate translation: "So many people gathered there" or "So many people came to the house"
This refers to there being no space inside the house. Alternate translation: "there was no more room for them inside"
"Jesus spoke his message to them"
"four of them were carrying him." It is likely that there were more than four people within the group that brought the man to Jesus.
"were bringing a man who was unable to walk or use his arms"
"could not get close to where Jesus was"
Houses where Jesus lived had flat roofs made of clay and covered with tiles. Alternate translation: "they removed the tiles from the part of the roof above where Jesus was. And when they had dug through the clay roof, they lowered the mat the paralzyed man was lying on" or "they made a hole in the roof above Jesus, and then they lowered the paralyzed man on the mat"
"Seeing the men's faith." Possible meanings are 1) that only the men who carried the paralyzed man had faith or 2) that the paralyzed man and the men who brought him to Jesus all had faith.
The word "Son" here shows Jesus cared for the man as a father cares for a son. Alternate translation: "My son"
Jesus did not clearly say who was forgiving the man's sins. Alternate translation: "your sins are gone" or "you do not have to pay for your sins" or "your sins do not count against you"
Here "their hearts" is a metonym for the people's thoughts. Alternate translation: "were thinking to themselves"
The scribes used this question to show their anger that Jesus said "Your sins are forgiven." Alternate translation: "This man should not speak this way!"
The scribes used this question to say that since only God can forgive sins, then Jesus should not say "Your sins are forgiven." Alternate translation: "Only God can forgive sins!"
"in his inner being" or "in himself"
Each of the scribes was thinking to himself; they were not talking to each other.
Jesus uses this question to tell the scribes that what they are thinking is wrong. Alternate translation: "What you are thinking is wrong." or "Do not think that I am blaspheming."
The word "hearts" is a metonym for their inner thoughts and desires. Alternate translation: "this inside yourselves" or "these things"
Jesus uses this question to make the scribes think about what might prove whether or not he could really forgive sins. Alternate translation: "I just said to the paralyzed man, 'Your sins are forgiven.' You may think that it is harder to say 'Get up, take up your mat and walk,' because the proof of whether or not I can heal him will be shown by whether or not he gets up and walks." or "You may think that it is easier to say to the paralyzed man 'Your sins are forgiven' than it is to say 'Get up, take up your mat and walk.'"
"But so that you may know." The word "you" refers to the scribes and the crowd.
Jesus refers to himself as the "Son of Man." Alternate translation: "that I am the Son of Man and I have authority"
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"while all the people there were watching"
Jesus is teaching the crowd beside the Sea of Galilee, and he calls Levi to follow him.
This is the Sea of Galilee, which is also known as the Lake of Gennesaret.
"the people went where he was"
Alpheus was Levi's father.
We do not know what kind of a structure this was or what it was made of. It may have been a tent or booth. It probably included a table and some kind of protection from sun and rain.
It is now later in the day, and Jesus is at Levi's house for a meal.
"the home of Levi"
In this verse, the word "sinners" refers to people who did not obey the law of Moses but committed what others thought were very bad sins
Possible meanings are 1) "for there were many tax collectors and sinful people who followed Jesus" or 2) "for Jesus had many disciples and they followed him."
The scribes and Pharisees asked this question to show they disapproved of Jesus's hospitality. This can be worded as a statement. Alternate translation: "He should not eat with tax collectors and sinners!"
Jesus responds to what the scribes had said to his disciples about his eating with tax collectors and sinful people.
"he said to the scribes"
Jesus used this proverb about sick people and doctors to teach them that only people who know that they are sinful realize that they need Jesus.
"healthy"
Jesus expects his hearers to understand he came for those who want help. Alternate translation: "I came for people who understand they are sinful, not for people who believe they are righteous"
The words "I came to call" are understood from the phrase before this. Alternate translation: "but I came to call sinners"
Jesus tells parables to show why his disciples should not fast while he is with them.
These two phrases refer to the same group of people, but the second is more specific. Both refer to the followers of the Pharisee sect, but they do not focus on the leaders of the Pharisees. Alternate translation: "the disciples of the Pharisees were fasting ... the disciples of the Pharisees"
"Some men." It is best to translate this phrase without specifying exactly who these men are. If in your language you have to be more specific, the possible meanings are 1) these men were not among John's disciples or the disciples of the Pharisees or 2) these men were among John's disciples.
"came and said to Jesus"
Jesus uses this question to remind the people of something they already know and to encourage them to apply it to him and his disciples. Alternate translation: "Wedding attendants do not fast while the bridegroom is with them. Rather they celebrate and feast."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the bridegroom will go away"
The words "them" and "they" refer to the wedding attendants.
Sewing a piece of new cloth on an old garment will make the hole on an old garment worse if the piece of new cloth has not yet shrunk. Both the new cloth and old garment will be ruined.
Jesus begins to tell another parable. This one is about putting new wine into old wineskins rather than into new wineskins.
"grape juice." This refers to wine that has not fermented yet. If grapes are unknown in your area, use the general term for fruit juice.
This refers to wineskins that have been used many times.
These were bags made out of animal skins. They could also be called "wine bags" or "skin bags."
New wine expands as it ferments. If it is put in new wineskins, the wineskins will stretch. But old wineskins are brittle and cannot stretch. If new wine is poured into old wineskins, the wineskins will tear open.
"will be ruined"
"new wineskins" or "new wine bags." This refers to wineskins that have never been used.
Jesus gives the Pharisees an example from scripture to show why the disciples were not wrong to pick grain on the Sabbath.
The disciples were picking heads of grain to eat the kernels, or seeds, in them while they were walking. They were not harvesting the grain to take it home. Plucking grain in others' fields and eating it was not considered stealing. The question was whether it was lawful to do this on the Sabbath.
The "heads" are the topmost part of the wheat plant, which is a kind of tall grass. The heads hold the mature grain or seeds of the plant.
"as they walked along"
The Pharisees ask a question about what the disciples were doing (verse 23).
Plucking grain in others' fields and eating it (verse 23) was not considered stealing. The question was whether it was lawful to do this on the Sabbath.
The Pharisees ask Jesus a question to condemn him. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Look! They are breaking the Jewish law concerning the Sabbath."
"Look at this" or "Listen." This is a word used to get the attention of someone to show them something. If there is a word in your language that is used to draw a person's attention to something, you could use that here.
Jesus begins to scold the Pharisees by asking them a question.
"Jesus said to the Pharisees"
This question ends in 2:26. Jesus is reminding the scribes and Pharisees of something David did on the Sabbath. If this rhetorical question is translated as a statement or a command, then the question mark in 2:26 should become a period. Alternate translation: "You have read what David did" or "Remember what you read about what David did"
Jesus refers to reading about David in the Old Testament. This can be translated showing the implicit information. Alternate translation: "read in the scriptures what David did"
Jesus finishes asking the question he began in verse 25.
This question began in 2:25. If you translated the rhetorical question as a statement or command in verse 25, then the question mark here should become a period. Alternate translation: "how he went into the house of God ... to those who were with him."
This can be expressed as a statement separate from verse 25. If so, verse 25 should end with a period instead of a dash. Alternate translation: "He went into the house of God ... to those who were with him"
The word "he" refers to David.
This refers to the twelve loaves of bread that were placed on a golden table in the tabernacle or temple building as a sacrifice to God.
Jesus makes clear why God established the Sabbath. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God made the Sabbath for mankind"
"man" or "people" or "the needs of people." This word refers to both men and women.
The words "was made" are understood from the previous phrase. They can be repeated here. Alternate translation: "mankind was not made for the Sabbath" or "God did not make mankind for the Sabbath"
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1 Again Jesus walked into the synagogue, and there was a man with a withered hand. 2 Some people watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath so that they could accuse him. 3 Jesus said to the man with the withered hand, "Get up and stand here in the middle of everyone." 4 Then he said to the people, "Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath day or to do harm; to save a life or to kill?" But they were silent. 5 He looked around at them with anger, and he was grieved by their hardness of heart, and he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. 6 The Pharisees went out and immediately began to plot with the Herodians as to how they might put him to death.
7 Then Jesus, with his disciples, went to the sea, and a great crowd of people followed from Galilee and from Judea 8 and from Jerusalem and from Idumea and beyond the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. When they heard about the things he was doing, a great crowd came to him. 9 He told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not press against him. 10 For he healed many, so that everyone who had afflictions eagerly approached him in order to touch him. 11 Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, and they said, "You are the Son of God." 12 He strictly ordered them not to make him known.
13 He went up on the mountain, and he called for those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed the twelve (whom he named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them to proclaim the message, 15 and to have authority to cast out demons. 16 He appointed the twelve: Simon, to whom he gave the name Peter; 17 James son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; 18 and Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, 19 and Judas Iscariot, who would betray him.
20 Then he went home, and the crowd came together again, so that they could not even eat bread. 21 When his family heard about it, they went out to seize him, for they said, "He is out of his mind."
22 The scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, "He is possessed by Beelzebul" and "By the ruler of the demons he drives out demons."
23 Jesus called them to himself and said to them in parables, "How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. 26 If Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he is not able to stand, but has come to an end. 27 But no one can enter into the house of a strong man and steal his belongings without tying up the strong man first, and then he will plunder his house. 28 Truly I say to you, all sins of the sons of men will be forgiven, even all the blasphemies which they utter, 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin."
30 Jesus said this because they were saying, "He has an unclean spirit."
31 Then his mother and his brothers came and stood outside. They sent for him, summoning him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him and they said to him, "Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside, and they are looking for you."
33 He answered them, "Who are my mother and my brothers?" 34 He looked around at those who were sitting in a circle around him and said, "See, here are my mother and my brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God, that person is my brother, and sister, and mother."
It was against the law of Moses to do work on the Sabbath. The Pharisees believed healing a sick person on the Sabbath was "work," so they said that Jesus did wrong when he healed a person on the Sabbath. (See: lawofmoses)
No one knows for sure what actions people perform or what words they say when they commit this sin. However, they probably insult the Holy Spirit and his work. Part of the Holy Spirit's work is to make people understand that they are sinners and that they need to have God forgive them. Therefore, anyone who does not try to stop sinning is probably committing blasphemy against the Spirit. (See: blasphemy and holyspirit)
The following are the lists of the twelve disciples:
In Matthew:
Simon (Peter), Andrew, James son of Zebedee, John son of Zebedee, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot.
In Mark:
Simon (Peter), Andrew, James the son of Zebedee and John the son of Zebedee (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder), Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot.
In Luke:
Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon (who was called the Zealot), Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot.
Thaddaeus is probably the same person as Jude, the son of James.
Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath in the synagogue and shows how he feels about what the Pharisees had done with the Sabbath rules. The Pharisees and Herodians begin planning to put Jesus to death.
"a man with a crippled hand"
"Some people watched Jesus closely to see if he would heal the man with the withered hand"
"Some of the Pharisees." Later, in Mark 3:6, these people are identified as Pharisees.
If Jesus were to heal the man that day, the Pharisees would accuse him of breaking the law by working on the Sabbath. Alternate translation: "so that they could accuse him of wrongdoing" or "so that they could accuse him of breaking the law"
"in the middle of this crowd"
Jesus said this to challenge them. He wanted them to acknowledge that it is lawful to heal people on the Sabbath.
These two phrases are similar in meaning, except that the second is more extreme.
It may be helpful to repeat "is it lawful," as that is the question Jesus is asking again in another way. Alternate translation: "is it lawful to save a life or to kill"
"to save someone's life" or "to save someone from dying"
"But they refused to answer him"
"Jesus looked around"
"was deeply saddened"
This metaphor describes how the Pharisees were unwilling to have compassion on the man with the withered hand. Alternate translation: "because they were unwilling to have compassion on the man"
"Reach out with your hand"
This can be stated with an active form. Alternate translation: "Jesus restored his hand" or "Jesus made his hand the way it was before"
"began to make a plan"
This is the name of an informal political party that supported Herod Antipas.
"how they might kill Jesus"
A great crowd of people follows Jesus, and he heals many people.
This refers to the Sea of Galilee.
This is the region, previously known as Edom, which covered the southern half of the province of Judea.
This refers to the miracles Jesus was performing. Alternate translation: "the great miracles that Jesus was performing"
"came to where Jesus was"
Verse 9 tells what Jesus asked his disciples to do because of the large crowd of people around him. Verse 10 tells why such a large crowd was around Jesus. The information in these verses can be reordered to present the events in the order they happened, as in the UDB.
As the large crowd was pushing forward toward Jesus, he was in danger of being crushed by them. They would not crush him intentionally. It was just that there were so many people.
This tells why so many people were crowding around Jesus that he thought they might crush him. Alternate translation: "For, because Jesus had healed many people, everyone ... to touch him"
The word "many" refers to the large number of people Jesus had already healed. Alternate translation: "For he healed many people"
They did this because they believed that touching Jesus would make them well. This can be expressed clearly. Alternate translation: "all the sick people pushed forward eagerly trying to touch him so that they might be healed"
"saw Jesus"
Here "they" refers to the unclean spirits. It is they who are causing the people they possess to do things. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "they caused the people they were possessing to fall down before him and to cry out to him"
The unclean spirits did not fall down before Jesus because they loved him or wanted to worship him. They fell down before him because they were afraid of him.
Jesus has power over unclean spirits because he is the "Son of God."
This is an important title for Jesus.
"Jesus strictly ordered the unclean spirits"
"not to reveal who he was"
Jesus chooses the men he wants to be his apostles.
"so that they would be with him and he could send them to proclaim the message"
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The author begins to list the names of the twelve apostles. Simon is the first man listed.
The phrase "to whom" refers to both James son of Zebedee and his brother John.
Jesus called them this because they were like thunder. Alternate translation: "the name Boanerges, which means men who are like thunder" or "the name Boanerges, which means thunder men"
This is the name of a man.
"who would betray Jesus" The word "who" refers to Judas Iscariot.
"Then Jesus went to the house where he was staying."
The word "bread" represents food. Alternate translation: "Jesus and his disciples could not eat at all" or "they could not eat anything"
Members of his family went to the house so that they could take hold of him and force him to go home with them.
Possible meanings for the word "they" are 1) his relatives or 2) some people in the crowd.
This idiom describes how they thought he was acting. Alternate translation: "crazy" or "insane"
"By the power of Beelzebul, who is the ruler of the demons, Jesus drives out demons"
Jesus explains with a parable why it is foolish for people to think that Jesus is controlled by Satan.
"Jesus called the people to come to him"
Jesus asked this rhetorical question in response to the scribes saying that he cast out demons by Beelzebul. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Satan cannot cast out himself!" or "Satan does not go against his own evil spirits!"
The word "kingdom" is a metonym for the people who live in the kingdom. Alternate translation: "If the people who live in a kingdom are divided against each other"
Here "stand" is a metaphor that means endure, or continue to exist. Alternate translation: "cannot endure" or "will end"
This is a metonym for the people who live in a house. Alternate translation: "family" or "household"
The word "himself" is a reflexive pronoun that refers back to Satan, and it is also a metonym for his evil spirits. Alternate translation: "If Satan and his evil spirits were fighting one another" or "If Satan and his evil spirits have risen up against each other and are divided"
Here "stand" is a metaphor that means endure, or stay strong. Alternate translation: "cannot endure" or "cannot stay strong"
to steal a person's valuables and possessions
This indicates that the statement that follows is especially true and important.
"those who have been born of man." This expression is used to emphasize peoples' humanity. Alternate translation: "people"
speak
The idea in the noun forgiveness can be expressed with a phrase. Alternate translation: "will never be forgiven"
"Eternal sin" is a metonym for "a sin that will be eternally punished." Alternate translation: "is guilty of a sin that will be punished eternally"
"the people were saying"
This is an idiom that means to be possessed by an unclean spirit. Alternate translation: "is possessed by an unclean spirit"
"Then Jesus's mother and brothers came"
"They sent someone inside to tell him that they were outside and to have him come out to them"
"are asking for you"
Jesus uses this question to teach the people. Alternate translation: "I will tell you who are really my mother and brothers."
This is a metaphor that means Jesus's disciples belong to Jesus's spiritual family. This is more important than belonging to his physical family.
"those who do ... they are"
This is a metaphor that means Jesus's disciples belong to Jesus's spiritual family. This is more important than belonging to his physical family. Alternate translation: "that person is like a brother, sister, or mother to me"
1 Again he began to teach beside the sea, and a large crowd gathered around him. He stepped into a boat that was on the sea, and he sat down in it. The whole crowd was on the shore beside the sea. 2 He taught them many things in parables, and in his teaching, this is what he said to them. 3 "Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he sowed, some seed fell beside the road, and the birds came and devoured it. 5 Other seed fell on the rocky ground, where it did not have much soil. Immediately it sprang up, because it did not have deep soil. 6 But when the sun rose, the plants were scorched, and because they had no root, they dried up. 7 Other seed fell among the thorn plants. The thorn plants grew up and choked it, and it did not produce a crop. 8 Other seed fell into good soil and it produced a crop growing up and increasing and yielding thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times." 9 Then he said, "Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear!"
10 When Jesus was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. 11 He said to them, "To you is given the mystery of the kingdom of God. But to those outside everything is in parables,
12 so that when they look,
yes they look,
but do not see,
and so that when they hear,
yes they hear,
but do not understand,
or else they would turn
and God would forgive them."
13 He said to them, "Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?" 14 The sower sows the word. 15 These are the ones beside the road, where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. 16 And these are the seed sown on the rocky ground; who, when they hear the word immediately receive it with joy. 17 But they do not have root in themselves, but they endure for a while. Afterward when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, they immediately fall away. 18 Still others are the ones sown among the thorns. They are those who hear the word, 19 but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, and it is unproductive. 20 Those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word, accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much.
21 Jesus said to them, "Do you bring a lamp inside the house to put it under a basket or under the bed? You bring it in and you put it on a lampstand. 22 For nothing is hidden that will not be known, and nothing is secret that will not come out into the open. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!" 24 He said to them, "Pay attention to what you hear, for the measure you use will be measured to you, and more will be added to you. 25 Because whoever has, to him will be given more, and whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken."
26 He also said, "The kingdom of God is like a man who sows his seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 The earth bears grain by itself: First the blade, then the ear, then the mature grain in the ear. 29 When the crop is ripe, he immediately sends in the sickle because the harvest has come."
30 Again he said, "To what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use to explain it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which, when it is sown, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth. 32 Yet, when it is sown, it grows and becomes greater than all the garden plants, and it forms large branches, so that the birds of heaven can make their nests in its shade."
33 With many parables like this he spoke the word to them, as much as they were able to understand, 34 and he did not speak to them without a parable. But when he was alone, he explained everything to his own disciples.
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go over to the other side." 36 So they left the crowd, taking Jesus with them, just as he was, in the boat. There were other boats going along with him. 37 Just then a violent windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat so that the boat was almost full of water. 38 But Jesus himself was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him up, saying, "Teacher, do you not care that we are about to die?"
39 He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" Then the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he said to them, "Why are you afraid? Do you still not have faith?"
41 They were filled with great fear and said to one another, "Who then is this, because even the wind and the sea obey him?"
Mark 4:3-10 forms one parable. The parable is explained in 4:14-23.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 4:12, which is a quotation from the Old Testament.
The parables were short stories that Jesus told so that people would easily understand the lesson he was trying to teach them. He also told the stories so that those who did not want to believe in him would not understand the truth.
As Jesus teaches from a boat at the seaside, he tells them the parable of the soils.
This is the Sea of Galilee.
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"Pay attention!
This means that he tossed seeds onto the ground so they could grow.
"some seeds ... devoured them"
"Other seeds ... they did not have ... they sprang ... they did not have"
"the seed that landed on the rocky ground began to grow quickly"
This refers to the loose dirt on the ground in which you can plant seeds.
This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "it scorched the young plants"
"because the young plants had no roots, they dried up"
"Other seeds ... choked them ... they did not produce"
The amount of grain produced by each plant is being compared to the single seed from which it grew. Ellipsis is used here to shorten the phrases but they can be written out. Alternate translation: "Some plants bore thirty times as much as the seed that the man had planted, some produced sixty times as much grain, and some produced a hundred times as much grain"
"30 ... 60 ... 100." These may be written as numerals.
Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase "has ears" is a metonym for being willing to understand and obey. Alternate translation: "Whoever is willing to listen, listen" or "Whoever is willing to understand, let him understand and obey"
Since Jesus wanted his audience to pay attention, this can also be expressed with the word "you." Alternate translation: "If you have ears to hear, then hear" or "If you are willing to understand, then understand and obey"
This does not mean that Jesus was completely alone; rather, it means that the crowds were gone and Jesus was only with the twelve and some of his other close followers.
This can be stated in active form. "God has given you" or "I have given you"
"to those outside our group" or "to those who are not among us." This refers to all the other people who were not among the twelve or Jesus's other close followers.
It can be stated that Jesus gives the parables to the people. Alternate translation: "I have spoken everything in parables"
It is assumed that Jesus is speaking about the people looking at what he shows them and hearing what he tells them. Alternate translation: "when they look at what I am doing ... when they hear what I am saying"
Possible meanings are 1) the word "look" here refers to making an effort to see and "see" refers to actually being able to see what they have looked for and is a metaphor for "understand." Alternate translation: "they look, but they do not understand" Or 2) here the word translated "look" refers to seeing what one is looking at and the word translated "see" refers to understanding what they are seeing.
"they would turn to God." Here "turn" is a metaphor for "repent." Alternate translation: "they would repent"
"Then Jesus said to his disciples"
Jesus used these questions to show how sad he was that his disciples could not understand his parable. Alternate translation: "If you cannot understand this parable, think about how hard it will be for you to understand all the other parables."
Jesus begins to explain the parable he told in [Mark 4:3-8]
"The farmer who sows his seed"
Sowing God's word represents teaching it. Alternate translation: "teaches people God's word" or "represents one who teaches God's word"
The phrase "the word" represents God's message. Alternate translation: "God's message"
Here Jesus speaks about people. Alternate translation: "These people are the seeds that fall beside the road" or "These people are like seeds that fall beside a road"
"When they hear the word"
"These people are the seeds that fall on the rocky ground" or "These people are like seeds that fall on the rocky ground"
Having no root represents not fully understanding or believing God's word. Alternate translation: "they are like young plants that have no roots"
In this parable, "endure" means "continue to believe." Alternate translation: "continue in their belief"
The phrase "on account of the word" means "because they believe God's message. Alternate translation: "tribulation or persecution comes because they believe God's message"
In this parable, "fall away" means "stop believing God's message"
"Still other people are the seeds that fall among the thorns" or "And other people are like seeds that fall among the thorns"
The words "cares," "deceitfulness," and "desires" are spoken of as if they were weeds that wrap around plants and keep them from growing. Alternate translation: "the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke God's message in their lives like thorns that choke young plants"
"the worries in this life" or "the concerns about this present life"
"the lie that wealth will make them happy" or "the lie that having many possessions will make them happy"
"the word does not produce a crop in them." The word being unproductive means that it does not have an effect on the person's life.
"The seeds that fall on the good soil represent people who hear the word, accept it and bear fruit"
Fruit represents the results or effect of God's word in a person's life. The numbers tell how much fruit there might be, or how great the results might be. Alternate translation: "and produce good results, like plants that bear thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much fruit as what was sown"
"Jesus said to the crowd"
This question may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You certainly do not bring a lamp inside the house to put it under a basket, or under a bed!"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "For everything that is hidden will be made known, and everything that is secret will come out into to open"
"there is nothing that is hidden ... there is nothing that is secret" Both of the phrases have the same meaning. Jesus is emphasizing that everything that is secret will be made known.
Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase "ears to hear" here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Mark 4:9]
Since Jesus wanted his audience to pay attention, this can also be expressed with the word "you." See how you translated a similar phrase in [Mark 4:9]
"Jesus said to the crowd"
Possible meanings are 1) Jesus is talking about a literal measure and giving generously to others or 2) this is a metaphor in which Jesus speaks of "understanding" as if it were "measuring."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will measure that amount for you, and he will add it to you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to him God will give more ... from him God will take away" or "God will give more to him ... God will take away from him"
Jesus tells the people parables to teach them about the kingdom of God. Later he explains the parables to his disciples.
When someone sows seed, he plants the seed by scattering it on the ground. Alternate translation: "like a farmer who plants his seed" or "like a farmer who scatters his seed"
This is something that the man habitually does. Alternate translation: "He sleeps each night and gets up each day" or "He sleeps each night and gets up the next day"
"is up during the day" or "is active during the day"
"though the man does not know how the seed sprouts and grows"
the stalk or sprout
the head on the stalk or the part of the plant that holds the fruit
Here "the sickle" is a metonym that stands for the farmer or the people whom the farmer sends out to harvest the grain. Alternate translation: "he immediately goes into the field with a sickle to harvest the grain" or "he immediately sends people with sickles into the field to harvest the grain"
a curved blade or a sharp hook used to cut grain
Here the words "has come" are part of an idiom that means it is time for something. Alternative translation: "because it is time for harvesting the grain" or "because the grain is ready to be gathered"
Jesus asked this question to cause his hearers to think about what the kingdom of God is like. Alternate translation: "With this parable I can explain what the kingdom of God is like."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when someone sows it" or "when someone plants it"
The mustard tree is described as causing its branches to grow large. Alternate translation: "it has large branches"
"Word" here is a synecdoche for "the message of God." The word "them" refers to the crowds. Alternate translation: "he taught them the message of God"
"and if they were able to understand some, he kept telling them more"
This means that he was away from the crowds, but his disciples were still with him.
Here "everything" refers to all his parables. Alternate translation: "he explained all his parables"
As Jesus and his disciples take a boat to escape the crowds of people, a great storm arises. His disciples are afraid when they see that even the wind and the sea obey Jesus.
"Jesus said to his disciples"
"the other side of the Sea of Galilee" or "the other side of the sea"
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Here "arose" is an idiom for "began." Alternate translation: "a violent windstorm began"
It may be helpful to state that the boat was filling up with water. Alternate translation: "the boat was in danger of being filled with water"
The stern is the back part of the boat.
The word "they" refers to the disciples.
The disciples asked this question to show that they were in great danger and that they were upset that Jesus was not helping them. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "you need to pay attention to what is happening; we are all about to die!"
The word "we" includes the disciples and Jesus.
These two phrases are similar and used to emphasize what Jesus wanted the wind and the sea to do.
"a great stillness over the sea" or "a great calm over the sea"
"And Jesus said to his disciples"
Jesus asks these questions to make his disciples consider why they are afraid when he is with them. These questions can be written as statements. Alternate translation: "You should not be afraid. You need to have more faith."
The disciples ask this question in amazement at what Jesus did. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "This man is not like ordinary men; even the wind and the sea obey him!"
1 They came to the other side of the sea, to the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus was getting out of the boat, a man with an unclean spirit came up to him out of the tombs. 3 The man lived in the tombs. No one could restrain him anymore, not even with a chain. 4 He had been bound many times with shackles and with chains. He tore the chains apart and his shackles were shattered. No one had the strength to subdue him. 5 Every night and day in the tombs and in the mountains, he cried out and cut himself with sharp stones. 6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran to him and bowed down before him. 7 He cried out with a loud voice, "What do I have to do with you, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you by God himself, do not torment me." 8 For he had been saying to him, "Come out of the man, you unclean spirit."
9 He asked him, "What is your name?"
He answered him, "My name is Legion, for we are many." 10 He begged him again and again not to send them out of the region. 11 Now a great herd of pigs was there feeding on the hill, 12 and they begged him, saying, "Send us into the pigs; let us enter into them." 13 So he allowed them; the unclean spirits came out and entered into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep hill into the sea, and about two thousand pigs drowned in the sea. 14 Then those who were feeding the pigs ran away and reported what had happened in the city and in the countryside, and so people went out to see what had happened. 15 Then they came to Jesus and they saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had been possessed by Legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16 Those who had seen what happened to the demon-possessed man told them about it in detail, and they also told them about the pigs. 17 Then they started to beg him to leave their region.
18 When he was getting into the boat, the demon-possessed man begged him that he might be with him. 19 But Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, "Go to your house and to your people and tell them what the Lord has done for you, and how he has shown you mercy." 20 So he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis the great things that Jesus had done for him, and everyone was amazed.
21 Now when Jesus had crossed over again to the other side in the boat, a great crowd gathered around him, as he was beside the sea. 22 Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came, and when he saw him, fell at his feet. 23 He begged again and again, saying, "My little daughter is near death. I beg you, come and lay your hands on her that she may be made well and live." 24 So he went with him, and a great crowd followed him and pressed close around him.
25 Now a woman was there who had a flow of blood for twelve years. 26 She had suffered much from many doctors and had spent everything that she had, but instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she had heard the reports about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. 28 For she said, "If I touch just his clothes, I will be healed." 29 When she touched him, the bleeding stopped, and she felt in her body that she was healed from her affliction.
30 Jesus immediately realized in himself that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and said, "Who touched my clothes?"
31 His disciples said to him, "You see this crowd pressed around you, and you say, 'Who touched me?'"
32 But Jesus looked around to see who had done it. 33 The woman, knowing what had happened to her, feared and trembled. She came and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed from your affliction."
35 While he was speaking, some people came from the leader of the synagogue, saying, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any longer?"
36 But when Jesus overheard the message that was spoken, he said to the leader of the synagogue, "Do not be afraid. Just believe." 37 He did not permit anyone to accompany him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. 38 They came to the house of the leader of the synagogue and he saw there people making a lot of noise; they were weeping and wailing loudly. 39 When he entered the house, he said to them, "Why are you upset and why do you weep? The child is not dead but sleeps." 40 They began to mock him. But he put them all outside and took the father of the child and the mother and those who were with him, and he went in where the child was. 41 He took the hand of the child and said to her, "Talitha, koum!" which is translated, "Little girl, I say to you, get up." 42 Immediately the child got up and walked (for she was twelve years of age). They were immediately astonished with overwhelming amazement. 43 He strictly ordered them that no one should know about this. Then he told them to give her something to eat.
The words "Talitha, koum"
After Jesus calms the great storm, he heals a man who has many demons, but the local people in Gerasa are not glad about his healing, and they beg Jesus to leave.
The word "They" refers to Jesus and his disciples.
This refers to the Sea of Galilee.
This name refers to the people who live in Gerasa.
This is an idiom meaning that the man is "controlled" or "possessed" by the unclean spirit. Alternate translation: "controlled by an unclean spirit" or "that an unclean spirit possessed"
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This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: "People had bound him many times"
This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: "he shattered his shackles"
pieces of metal that people wrap around the arms and legs of prisoners and attach with chains to objects that do not move so the prisoners cannot move
The man was so strong that no one could subdue him. Alternate translation: "He was so strong that no one was strong enough to subdue him"
"control him"
Often when a person is possessed by a demon, the demon will cause the person to do self-destructive things, such as cutting himself.
When the man first saw Jesus, Jesus would have been getting out of the boat.
This means that he knelt down before Jesus out of reverence and respect, not out of worship.
The information in verses 7 and 8 may be reordered to present the events in the order that they happened, as in the UDB.
"The unclean spirit cried out"
The unclean spirit asks this question out of fear. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Leave me alone, Jesus, Son of the Most High God! There is no reason for you to interfere with me."
Jesus has the power to torment unclean spirits.
This is an important title for Jesus.
Here the unclean spirit is swearing by God as he makes a request of Jesus. Consider how this type of request is made in your language. Alternate translation: "I beg you before God" or "I swear by God himself and beg you"
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"And Jesus asked the unclean spirit"
One spirit was speaking for many here. He spoke of them as if they were a legion, a Roman army unit of about 6,000 soldiers. Alternate translation: "And the spirit said to him, 'Call us an army, for many of us are inside the man.'"
"The unclean spirit begged Jesus"
"not to send him and the other unclean spirits"
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"the unclean spirits begged Jesus"
It may be helpful to state clearly what Jesus allowed them to do. Alternate translation: "Jesus allowed the unclean spirits to do what they asked permission to do"
You can make the words after the comma a separate sentence: "into the sea. There were about two thousand pigs, and they drowned in the sea"
"about 2,000 pigs"
"told people in the city and in the countryside what had happened"
This was the name of the many demons that had been in the man. See how you translated this in Mark 5:9.
This is an idiom meaning that he is thinking clearly. Alternate translation: "of a normal mind" or "thinking clearly"
The word "they" refers to the group of people who went out to see what had happened.
"The people who had witnessed what had happened"
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Though the man is no longer demon-possessed, he is still described in this way. Alternate translation: "the man who had been demon-possessed"
What Jesus did not allow the man to do can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "But he did not allow the man to come with them"
This is the name of a region that means Ten Cities. It is located to the southeast of the Sea of Galilee.
It may be helpful to state why the people were amazed. Alternate translation: "all the people who heard what the man said were amazed"
After healing the demon-possessed man in region of the Gerasenes, Jesus and his disciples return across the lake to Capernaum where one of the leaders of the synagogue asks Jesus to heal his daughter.
This refers to the other side of the sea
"on the seashore" or "on the shore"
This is the Sea of Galilee.
This is the name of a man.
"Laying on hands" refers to a prophet or teacher placing his hand on someone and imparting either healing or a blessing. In this case, Jarius is asking Jesus to heal his daughter.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "and heal her and make her live"
"So Jesus went with Jairus." Jesus's disciples also went with him. Alternate translation: "So Jesus and the disciples went with Jairus"
This means they crowded around Jesus and pressed themselves together to be closer to Jesus.
While Jesus is on his way to heal the man's little 12-year-old girl, a woman who has been sick for 12 years interrupts by touching Jesus for her healing.
The word "Now" is used here to mark a pause in the story. Here the author starts to tell a new part of the story with a new person. Consider how new people are introduced into a story in your language.
The woman did not have an open wound; rather, her monthly flow of blood would not stop. Your language may have a polite way to refer to this condition.
"for 12 years"
"her sickness got worse" or "her bleeding increased"
She had heard reports about Jesus of how he healed people. Alternate translation: "that Jesus healed people"
outer garment or coat
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "it will heal me" or "his power will heal me"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the sickness left her" or "she was no longer sick"
When the woman touched Jesus, Jesus felt his power healing her. Jesus himself did not lose any of his power to heal people when he healed her. Alternate translation: "that his healing power had healed someone"
This means they crowded around Jesus and pressed themselves together to be closer to Jesus. See how you translated this in Mark 5:24.
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"knelt down before him." She knelt down before Jesus as an act of honor and submission.
The phrase "the whole truth" refers to how she had touched him and had became well. Alternate translation: "told him the whole truth about how she had touched him"
Jesus called the woman "Daughter." This was a kind way for a teacher to speak to a woman. Jesus showed that he cared about her.
"your faith in me"
"While Jesus was speaking"
"The leader of the synagogue" is a metonym for the synagogue leader's house or household. It is most likely that these were family members or servants and not some other people who happened to be in the house. Alternate translation: "some people came from the house of the leader of the synagogue" or "some people from the synagogue leader's household came"
This refers to Jairus (Mark 5:22).
"synagogue, saying to Jairus"
This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "It is useless to bother the teacher any longer" or "There is no need to bother the teacher any longer."
This refers to Jesus.
This can be stated as in active form. Alternate translation: "the message that they told Jairus"
If necessary, you can state what Jesus is commanding Jairus to believe. Alternate translation: "Just believe I can make you daughter live"
In verses 37 and 38, the author gives background information about the Pharisees' washing traditions in order to show why the Pharisees were bothered that Jesus's disciples did not wash their hands before eating. If you need to reorder the events in these verses, it may be helpful to use a verse bridge, as in the UDB.
This double negative emphasizes that Peter and the others were the only ones whom he permitted to accompany him. Alternate translation: "He only permitted Peter ... James to accompany him"
Jesus did not permit
"to come with him." It may be helpful to state where they were going. Alternate translation: "to accompany him to Jairus' house"
In verses 37 and 38, the author gives background information about the Pharisees' washing traditions in order to show why the Pharisees were bothered that Jesus's disciples did not wash their hands before eating. If you need to reorder the events in these verses, it may be helpful to use a verse bridge, as in the UDB.
Jesus saw
"Jesus said to the people who were weeping"
Jesus asked this question to help them see their lack of faith. This may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "This is not a time to be upset and crying."
Jesus uses the common word for sleep, and so should the translation.
Jesus used the common word for sleep (verse 39). The reader should understand that the people who hear Jesus speak are laughing at him because they truly do know the difference between a dead person and a sleeping person and they think he does not.
"sent all the other people outside the house"
This refers to Peter, James, and John.
It may be helpful to state where the child is. Alternate translation: "went into the room where the child was lying"
This is an Aramaic sentence that Jesus spoke to the little girl in her language. Write these words as they sound, using your alphabet.
"she was 12 years old"
This can be stated as a direct quote. Alternate translation: "He ordered them strictly, 'No one should know about this!' Then" or "He ordered them strictly, 'Do not tell anyone about what I have done!' Then"
"He strongly commanded them"
This can be stated as a direct quote. Alternate translation: "And he told them, 'Give her something to eat.'"
1 He went out from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2 When the Sabbath came, he taught in the synagogue. Many people heard him and they were amazed. They said, "Where did he get these teachings?" "What is this wisdom that has been given to him?" "What are these miracles that he does with his hands?" 3 "Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are his sisters not here with us?" They were offended by Jesus. [1]
4 Then Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his own relatives and in his own household." 5 He could not do any mighty work, except to lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 He was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went around the villages teaching.
7 Then he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits, 8 and instructed them to take nothing for their journey, except a staff—no bread, no bag, and no money in their belts— 9 but to wear sandals, and not to wear two tunics. 10 He said to them, "Whenever you enter a house, remain until you go away from there. 11 If any town will not receive you or listen to you, when you leave that place, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony to them." 12 They went out and proclaimed that people should repent. 13 They cast out many demons, and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.
14 King Herod heard this, for Jesus' name had become well known. Some were saying, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why these miraculous powers are at work in him." 15 Some others said, "He is Elijah." Still others said, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets in ancient times."
16 But when Herod heard this he said, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised."
17 For Herod sent to have John arrested and he had him bound in prison on account of Herodias (his brother Philip's wife), because he had married her. 18 For John told Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." 19 But Herodias held on to anger against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not, 20 for Herod feared John; he knew that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. Listening to him made him greatly perplexed, yet he heard him gladly.
21 Then an opportunity came when Herod had his birthday and he made a dinner for his officials and for the commanders and leaders of Galilee. 22 The daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced for them, and she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, "Ask me for anything you want and I will give it to you." 23 He swore to her saying, "Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom."
24 She went out and said to her mother, "What should I ask him for?"
She said, "The head of John the Baptist."
25 She immediately hurried back to the king, and she asked, saying, "I want you to give me, right now, the head of John the Baptist on a wooden platter." 26 Though this deeply grieved the king, he could not refuse her request because of the oath he had made and because of his dinner guests. 27 So the king sent a soldier from his guard and commanded him to bring him John's head. The guard went and beheaded him in the prison. 28 He brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of this, they came and took his body and placed it in a tomb.
30 The apostles came together with Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 Then he said to them, "Come away by yourselves into a deserted place and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. 32 So they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. 33 But they saw them leaving and many recognized them, and they ran there together on foot from all the towns, and they arrived there before them. 34 When they came ashore, he saw a great crowd and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began to teach them many things.
35 When the hour was late, his disciples came to him and said, "This is a deserted place and the hour is already late. 36 Send them away so that they may go into the nearby countryside and villages to buy something to eat for themselves."
37 But he answered and said to them, "You give them something to eat."
They said to him, "Can we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?"
38 He said to them, "How many loaves do you have? Go and see."
When they found out, they said, "Five loaves and two fish." 39 He commanded all the people to sit down in groups upon the green grass. 40 They sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41 He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven he blessed and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42 They all ate until they were satisfied. 43 They took up broken pieces of bread, twelve baskets full, and also pieces of the fish. 44 There were five thousand men who ate the loaves.
45 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he sent the crowd away. 46 After taking leave of them, he went up the mountain to pray. 47 Evening came, and the boat was now in the middle of the sea, and he was alone on land. 48 He saw that they were straining against the oars, for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, and he wanted to pass by them. 49 But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought he was a ghost and cried out, 50 because they saw him and were troubled. Immediately he spoke to them and said to them, "Be courageous! It is I! Do not be afraid!" 51 He got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased blowing. They were completely amazed. 52 For they had not understood what the loaves meant. Instead, their hearts were hardened.
53 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and anchored the boat. 54 When they came out of the boat, the people recognized him immediately, 55 and they ran throughout the whole region and began to bring the sick on their mats to wherever they heard he was. 56 Wherever he entered into villages, or cities, or into the country, they would put the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch the edge of his garment, and as many as touched him were healed.
In the ancient Near East, people would try to heal sick people by putting olive oil on them.
Jesus returns to his hometown, where he is not accepted.
This refers to the town of Nazareth, where Jesus grew up and where his family lived. This does not mean that he owned land there.
This question can be asked in active form. Alternate translation: "What is this wisdom that he has gained?"
This phrase emphasizes that Jesus himself does the miracles. Alternate translation: "that he himself works"
These questions can be written as statements. Alternate translation: "He is just an ordinary carpenter! We know him and his family. We know Mary his mother. We know his younger brothers James, Joses, Judas and Simon. And his younger sisters also live here with us."
"to the crowd"
This sentence uses a double negative to emphasize the positive. Alternate translation: "A prophet is always honored, except" or "People always honor prophets, except those"
Prophets and teachers would put their hands on people in order to heal them or bless them. In this case, Jesus was healing people.
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Jesus sends his disciples out in sets of two to preach and to heal.
Here the word "called" means that he summoned the twelve to come to him.
"2 by 2" or "in pairs"
Jesus's instructions in verses 8 and 9 can be reordered to separate what he told the disciples to do from what he told them not to do, as in the UDB.
This double negative emphasizes that a staff is the only thing that they were to take. Alternate translation: "to take only a staff for their journey"
Here "bread" is a synecdoche for food in general. Alternate translation: "no food"
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"Jesus said to the twelve"
Here "remain" represents daily going back to that house to eat and sleep there. Alternate translation: "eat and sleep in that house until you leave that area"
"as a testimony against them." The testimony can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "as a testimony that they did not welcome you" or "to show them that they did wrong when they did not welcome you"
The word "They" refers to the twelve and does not include Jesus. Also, it may be helpful to state that they went out to various towns. Alternate translation: "They went out to various towns"
"stop sinning"
It may be helpful to state that they cast the demons out of people. Alternate translation: "They cast many demons out of people"
Before this time, Herod commanded that John the Baptist be killed. When Herod hears about Jesus's miracles, he worries, thinking that someone has raised John the Baptist from the dead.
The word "this" refers to everything that Jesus and his disciples had been doing in various towns, including casting out demons and healing people.
Some people thought that Jesus was John the Baptist. This can be stated more clearly. Alternate translation: "Some people were saying, 'He is John the Baptist, who has been raised"
"Raised from the dead" is an idiom that means "caused to live again." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has raised John the Baptist from the dead" or "John the Baptist has become alive again"
It may be helpful to state why some people thought he was Elijah. Alternate translation: "Some others said, 'He is Elijah, whom God promised to send back again.'"
Herod said "I beheaded" because he had commanded his soldier to behead John. Alternate translation: "whom I commanded my soldier to behead"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "has risen" or "has become alive again"
Here the author begins to give background information about Herod and why he beheaded John the Baptist.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Herod sent his soldiers to arrest John and to bind him in prison"
"because of Herodias"
"the wife of his brother Philip." Herod's brother Philip is not the same Philip who was an evangelist in the book of Acts or the Philip who was one of Jesus's twelve disciples.
"because Herod had married her"
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"Herodias continued to be angry at John"
Herodias wanted someone to kill John. Alternate translation: "and she wanted someone to kill him"
What she could not do can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "but she could not kill him" or "but she could not have him killed"
These two clauses can be linked differently to show more clearly why Herod feared John. Alternate translation: "for Herod feared John because he knew"
"Herod knew that John was a righteous"
"Listening to John"
The author continues to give background information about Herod and the beheading of John the Baptist.
"a convenient day" or "there was an opportune time." This was a time when Herodias could finally do something so that John the Baptist would be killed.
This means that he invited those people to a special dinner to celebrate his birthday with him. Alternate translation: "he had a banquet for his officials ... of Galilee" or "he invited his officials ... of Galilee to eat and celebrate with him"
a formal meal or banquet
The word "herself" is a reflexive pronoun used to emphasize that it was significant that it was Herodias's own daughter who danced at the dinner.
"came into the room"
"I will give you whatever you ask me to give to you, even half of what I own and rule, if you ask for that"
"went out of the room"
"on a board" or "on a large wooden dish"
The oath was what Herod swore to the girl in verse 23. Alternate translation: "because of what he had sworn to the girl" or "because he had sworn to give the girl whatever she asked for"
This can be stated more clearly. Alternate translation: "and because his dinner guests had heard his oath"
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"on a tray"
"When John's disciples"
After the disciples return from preaching and healing, they go somewhere to be alone, but there are many people who come to hear Jesus teach. When it becomes late, he feeds the people and then sends everyone away while he prays alone.
a place where there are no people
This means that people were continually coming to the apostles and then going away from them.
The word "they" refers to the apostles.
Here the word "they" includes both the apostles and Jesus.
The people saw Jesus and the apostles leaving, and many of the people recognized Jesus and the apostles, and the people ran there together on foot from all the towns, and the people arrived there before Jesus and the apostles did.
The people are going on foot by land, which contrasts with how the disciples went by boat.
When Jesus and the disciples came ... on the people in the crowd because the people in the crowd were like ... to teach the people in the crowd
Jesus compares the people to sheep who are confused when they do not have their shepherd to lead them.
This means it was late in the day. Alternate translation: "When it was getting late" or "Late in the afternoon"
This refers to a place where there are no people. See how you translated this in Mark 6:31.
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"But Jesus answered and said to his disciples"
The disciples ask this question to say that there is no way they could afford to buy enough food for this crowd. Alternate translation: "We could not buy enough bread to feed this crowd, even if we had two hundred denarii!"
"200 denarii." The singular form of the word "denarii" is "denarius." A denarius was a Roman silver coin worth one day's wages.
lumps of bread dough that have been shaped and baked
Describe the grass with the color word used in your language for healthy grass, which may or may not be the color green.
This refers to the number of people in each of the groups. Alternate translation: "with about fifty people in some groups and about a hundred people in other groups"
This means that he looked up toward the sky, which is associated with the place where God lives.
"he spoke a blessing" or "he gave thanks"
"he divided the two fish so that everyone could have some"
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Possible meaning are 1) "The disciples took up" or 2) "The people took up."
"twelve baskets full of broken pieces of bread"
"12 baskets"
Telling the number of men in the crowd hints at how large the crowd was. The women and children also ate. Alternate translation: "So many people ate the loaves of bread; the number of just the men was five thousand"
"5,000 men"
This refers to the Sea of Galilee. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "to the other side of the Sea of Galilee"
This is a town on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee.
"After saying goodbye to them" or "After they had left." Use the common words your language uses for a time when friends leave each other and expect to see each other after a few hours or days.
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A storm arises while the disciples are trying to cross the lake. Seeing Jesus walking on the water terrifies them. They do not understand how Jesus can calm the storm.
This is the time between 3 a.m. and sunrise.
the spirit of a dead person or some other kind of spirit
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If you need to be more specific, it can stated what they were amazed by. Alternate translation: "They were completely amazed at what he had done"
Here the phrase "the loaves" refers to when Jesus multiplied the loaves of bread. Alternate translation: "what it meant when Jesus multiplied the loaves of bread" or "what it meant when Jesus caused the few loaves to become many"
Having a hard heart represents being too stubborn to understand. Alternate translation: "they were too stubborn to understand"
When Jesus and his disciples arrive at Gennesaret in their boat, people see him and bring people for him to heal. This happens wherever they go.
This is the name of the region to the northwest of the Sea of Galilee.
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It may be helpful to state why they ran through the region. Alternate translation: "they ran throughout the whole district in order to tell others that Jesus was there"
The word "they" refers to the people who recognized Jesus, not to the disciples.
This phrase refers to people. Alternate translation: "the sick people"
"Wherever Jesus entered"
Here "they" refers to the people. It does not refer to Jesus's disciples.
This phrase refers to people. Alternate translation: "the sick people"
Possible meanings are 1) "The sick begged him" or 2) "The people begged him."
The word "them" refers to the sick.
"the hem of his robe" or "the edge of his clothes"
"all those who"
1 The Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him. 2 They saw that some of his disciples ate bread with hands that were unclean, that is, unwashed. 3 (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands carefully, because they hold to the tradition of the elders. 4 When the Pharisees come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they bathe themselves, and they hold to many other things they have received, such as the washing of cups, pots, copper vessels, and the couches upon which they eat.) 5 The Pharisees and the scribes asked Jesus, "Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with unclean hands?"
6 But he said to them, "Isaiah prophesied well about you hypocrites. As it is written,
'This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me.
7 In vain they worship me,
teaching the commands of men as their doctrines.'
8 You abandon the commandment of God and hold on to the tradition of men." 9 He also said to them, "How well you reject the commandment of God so you may keep your tradition! 10 For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'He who speaks evil of his father or mother will surely be put to death.' 11 But you say, 'If a man says to his father or mother, "Whatever help you would have received from me is Corban"' (that is to say, 'a Gift'), 12 then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or his mother. 13 You are making the word of God void by your tradition which you have handed down. And many similar things you do." 14 He called the crowd again and said to them, "Listen to me, all of you, and understand. 15 There is nothing from outside of a person that can defile him when it enters into him. It is what comes out of the person that defiles him." 16[1]17 Now when Jesus left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about the parable. 18 Jesus said, "Are you also still without understanding? Do you not know that whatever enters into a person from outside cannot defile him, 19 because it cannot go into his heart, but it goes into his stomach and then passes out into the latrine?" With this statement Jesus declared all foods clean. 20 He said, "It is that which comes out of the person that defiles him. 21 For from within a person, out of the heart, proceed evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, folly. 23 All these evils come from within, and they are what defile a person."
24 He got up from there and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. There he went into a house, and he wanted no one to know where he was, yet he could not be hidden. 25 But immediately [2] a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard about him and came and fell down at his feet. 26 Now the woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by descent. She begged him to cast out the demon from her daughter. 27 He said to her, "Let the children first be fed. For it is not proper to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs."
28 But she answered and said to him, "Yes, Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs."
29 He said to her, "Because of what you have said, you are free to go. The demon has gone out of your daughter." 30 She went back to her house and found the child lying on the bed, and the demon was gone.
31 Then he went out again from the region of Tyre, and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee up into the region of the Decapolis. 32 They brought to him someone who was deaf and had difficulty speaking, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. 33 Then taking him aside away from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and then he spit and touched his tongue. 34 Then he looked up to heaven, sighed, and said to him, "Ephphatha," that is to say, "Open!" 35 At once his ears were opened, the bond of his tongue was released, and he began to speak plainly.
36 Jesus ordered them to tell no one. But the more he ordered them, the more abundantly they proclaimed it. 37 They were extremely astonished, saying, "He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak."
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 7:6-7, which is from the Old Testament.
The Pharisees washed many things that were not dirty because they were trying to make God think that they were good. They washed their hands before they ate, even when their hands were not dirty, though the law of Moses did not say that they had to do it. Jesus told them that they were wrong and that people make God happy by thinking and doing the right things. (See: lawofmoses and clean)
This is an Aramaic word. Mark wrote it the way it sounds using Greek letters and then explained what it means.
Jesus rebukes the Pharisees and scribes.
"gathered around Jesus"
"The Pharisees and the scribes saw"
The word "unwashed" explains why the disciples' hands were defiled. It can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "that is, with hands that they had not washed" or "that is, they had not washed their hands"
In verses 3 and 4, the author gives background information about the Pharisees' washing traditions in order to show why the Pharisees were bothered that Jesus's disciples did not wash their hands before eating. If you need to reorder the events in these verses, it may be helpful to use a verse bridge, as in the UDB.
The words "do not" and "unless" are a double negative. This can be stated in a positive way. Alternate translation: "For the Pharisees and all the Jews eat only after they wash their hands carefully"
This kind of hand washing was an important ceremonial or religious act, not just an act of making ones hands clean physically. The Jews washed their hands carefully to obey all religious traditions and rules about cleanness. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "unless they make their hands ceremonially clean"
Jewish elders were leaders in their communities and were also judges for the people.
The words "things they have received" refers to traditions that they learned from their elders. Alternate translation: "they follow many other traditions" or "they do many other things that they were taught to do"
"copper kettles" or "metal containers"
"benches" or "beds." At that time, the Jews would recline when eating.
Here "walk according to" is a metaphor for "obey." The Pharisees and scribes asked this question to challenge Jesus's authority. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Your disciples should not disobey the traditions of our elders by eating their bread with unclean hands."
The hands were ritually unclean because the disciples had not performed the ceremonial washing. The Pharisees were not accusing them of eating with physical dirt on their hands.
This is a synecdoche, representing food in general. Alternate translation: "food"
Here Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah, who had written scripture many years earlier.
Here "lips" is a metonym for speaking. Alternate translation: "by what they say"
Here "heart" refers to a person's thoughts or emotions. This is a way of saying the people are not truly devoted to God. Alternate translation: "but they do not really love me"
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Jesus continues to rebuke the scribes and Pharisees.
"You refuse to obey the commandment of God"
This phrase is a metaphor for strictly obeying. Alternate translation: "strictly obey"
Jesus uses this ironic statement to rebuke his listeners for forsaking God's commandment. Alternate translation: "You think you have done well in how you have rejected the commandment of God so you may keep your own traditions, but what you have done is not good at all"
"How skillfully you reject"
This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The authorities must execute a person who speaks evil about his father or mother"
"who curses"
In verses 11 and 12, Jesus shows how the Pharisees teach people that they do not have to obey God's commandment to honor their parents. In verse 11 Jesus tells what the Pharisees allow people to say about their possessions, and in verse 12 he tells how that affects what people do for their parents.
"Corban" is a Hebrew word that refers to things that people promise to give to God. Translators normally transliterate it using the target language alphabet. Some translators translate its meaning, and then leave out Mark's explanation of the meaning that follows. Alternate translation: "is a gift to God" or "belongs to God"
A person might say this so that he would not have to give anything to help his parents. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "I will not help you, because whatever help you would have received from me is Corban"
This phrase explains the meaning of the Hebrew word "Corban." Mark explained the meaning so that his non-Jewish readers could understand what Jesus said. This seems to have been the proper name of a sacrifice. You may need to make explicit who the gift was given to. Alternate translation: "a Gift to God"
Possible meanings are that by telling people that they could say that their possessions are Corban, 1) the Pharisees did not allow people to help their parents, or 2) the Pharisees allowed people to refuse to help their parents. Alternate translation: "then you permit him to do nothing for his father or his mother"
Here "do anything" refers to helping his parents by giving to them. This can be translated as "then you no longer permit him to give anything to his father or his mother" or "then you permit him to give nothing to his father or his mother"
Jesus is speaking specifically of the command to love father and mother. Alternate translation: "God's command"
canceled or done away with
"you are doing many other things similar to this"
Jesus tells a parable to the crowd to help them understand what he has been saying to the scribes and Pharisees.
"Jesus called"
The words "Listen" and "understand" are related. Jesus uses them together to emphasize that his hearers should pay close attention to what he is saying.
It may be helpful to state what Jesus is telling them to understand. Alternate translation: "try to understand what I am about to tell you"
Jesus is speaking about what a person eats. This is in contrast to "what comes out of the person." Alternate translation: "nothing from outside a person that he can eat"
This refers to the things a person does or says. This is in contrast to what is "outside a person that ... enters into him." Alternate translation: "It is what comes out of a person that he says or does"
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The disciples still do not understand what Jesus has just said to the scribes, Pharisees, and crowds. Jesus explains his meaning more thoroughly to them.
This word is used here to mark a new part of the story. Jesus is now away from the crowd, in a house with his disciples.
Jesus begins to teach his disciples by asking a question.
Jesus uses this question to express his disappointment that they do not understand. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "After all I have said and done, I would expect you to understand."
Jesus finishes asking the question he is using to teach his disciples.
This is the end of the question that begins with the words "Do you not see" in verse 18. Jesus uses this question to teach his disciples something they should already know. It can be expressed as a statement. "You should already understand that whatever enters into a person from outside cannot defile him, because it cannot go into his heart, but it goes into his stomach and then passes out into the latrine."
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's inner being or mind. Here Jesus means that food does not affect a person's character. Alternate translation: "it cannot go into his inner being" or "it cannot go into his mind"
Here "it" refers to what goes into a person; that is, what a person eats.
It may be helpful to explain clearly what this phrase means. Alternate translation: "all foods clean, meaning that people can eat any food without God considering the eater defiled"
"Jesus said"
"What defiles a person is what comes out of him"
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's inner being or mind. Alternate translation: "out of the inner being, come evil thoughts" or "out of the mind, come evil thoughts"
not controlling one's lustful desires
or blasphemy
Here the word "within" describes a person's heart. Alternate translation: "come from within a person's heart" or "come from within a person's thoughts"
When Jesus goes away to Tyre, he heals the daughter of a Gentile woman who has extraordinary faith.
This is an idiom meaning that she was possessed by the unclean spirit. Alternate translation: "was possessed by an unclean spirit"
"knelt." This is an act of honor and submission.
The word "Now" is used here to mark a pause in the story, as the author gives us background information about the woman.
This is the name of the woman's nationality. She was born in the Phoenician region in Syria.
Here Jesus speaks about the Jews as if they are children and the Gentiles as if they are dogs. Alternate translation: "Let the children of Israel first be fed. For it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the Gentiles, who are like dogs"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "We must first feed the children of Israel"
morally right
This refers to food in general. Alternate translation: "food"
This refers to small dogs kept as pets.
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Jesus was implying that she no longer needed to stay to ask him to help her daughter. He would do it. Alternate translation: "you may go now" or "you may go home in peace"
Jesus has caused the unclean spirit to leave the woman's daughter. This can be expressed clearly. Alternate translation: "I have caused the evil spirit to leave your daughter"
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After healing people in Tyre, Jesus goes to the Sea of Galilee. There he heals a deaf man, which amazes the people.
"left the region of Tyre"
Possible meanings are 1) "in the region" as Jesus is at the sea in the region of the Decapolis or 2) "through the region" as Jesus went through the region of the Decapolis to get to the sea.
This is the name of a region that means Ten Cities. It is located to the southeast of the Sea of Galilee. See how you translated this in [Mark 5:20]
"And people brought"
"who was not able to hear"
Prophets and teachers would put their hands on people in order to heal them or bless them. In this case, people are begging Jesus to heal a man. Alternate translation: "they begged Jesus to put his hand on the man to heal him"
"Then Jesus took the man ... privately, and he"
Jesus is putting his own fingers in the man's ears.
It may be helpful to state that Jesus spit on his fingers. Alternate translation: "then he spit on his fingers and touched the man's tongue with them"
This means that he looked up toward the sky, which is associated with the place where God lives.
This means that Jesus groaned or that he let out a long deep breath that could be heard.
"said to the man"
This is an Aramaic word. It should be copied into your language using your alphabet.
This means he was able to hear. Alternate translation: "his ears were opened and he was able to hear" or "he was able to hear"
This metaphor speaks of the man's tongue as if it were bound by a rope or chain that kept the man from speaking and that Jesus broke or loosened so the man could speak. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Jesus released the bond of his tongue" or "Jesus set his tongue free" or "Jesus enabled the man to speak"
The refers to him ordering them not to tell anyone about what he had done. Alternate translation: "But though he continually ordered them not to tell anyone, they continually proclaimed it"
"the more widely" or "the more"
"were utterly amazed" or "were exceedingly astonished" or "were astonished beyond all measure"
These refer to people. Alternate translation: "the deaf people hear and the mute people speak" or "people who cannot hear, hear, and people who cannot speak, speak"
1 In those days, there was again a great crowd, and they had nothing to eat. Jesus called his disciples and said to them, 2 "I have compassion on the crowd because they continue to be with me already for three days and have nothing to eat. 3 If I send them away to their home without eating, they may faint on the way. Some of them have come a long way."
4 His disciples answered him, "Where can we get enough loaves of bread in such a deserted place to satisfy these people?"
5 He asked them, "How many loaves do you have?"
They said, "Seven." 6 He commanded the crowd to sit down on the ground. He took the seven loaves, gave thanks, and broke them. He gave them to his disciples to set before them, and they set them before the crowd. 7 They also had a few small fish, and after he gave thanks for them, he commanded the disciples to serve these as well. 8 They ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the remaining broken pieces, seven large baskets. 9 There were about four thousand people. Then he sent them away. 10 Immediately he got into the boat with his disciples, and they went into the region of Dalmanutha.
11 Then the Pharisees came out and began to argue with him. They sought from him a sign from heaven, to test him. 12 He sighed deeply in his spirit and said, "Why does this generation seek for a sign? Truly I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation." 13 Then he left them, got into a boat again, and went away to the other side.
14 Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread with them. They had no more than one loaf of bread in the boat. 15 He instructed them, saying, "Keep watch and be on guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod."
16 The disciples were arguing with one another about having no bread.
17 When he understood this, he asked them, "Why are you arguing about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Do you have hardened hearts? 18 You have eyes, do you not see? You have ears, do you not hear? Do you not remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves among the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces of bread did you take up?"
They said to him, "Twelve."
20 "When I broke the seven loaves among the four thousand, how many basketfuls of broken pieces of bread did you take up?"
They said to him, "Seven."
21 He said, "Do you not yet understand?"
22 They came to Bethsaida. The people there brought to him a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. 23 Jesus took hold of the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. When he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, "Do you see anything?"
24 He looked up, and said, "I see men who look like walking trees."
25 Then he again laid his hands upon his eyes, and the man opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw all things clearly. 26 Jesus sent him away to his home and said, "Do not enter the village."
27 Jesus went out with his disciples into the villages of Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked his disciples, "Who do the people say that I am?"
28 They answered him and said, "John the Baptist. Others say, 'Elijah,' and others, 'One of the prophets.'"
29 He asked them, "But who do you say that I am?"
Peter said to him, "You are the Christ." 30 Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.
31 He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and would be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and would be killed, and after three days rise up. 32 He spoke that message openly. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But Jesus turned and looked at his disciples and then he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! You are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of people." 34 Then he called the crowd and his disciples together, and he said to them, "If anyone wants to follow me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake and for the gospel will save it. 36 What does it profit a person to gain the whole world and then forfeit his life? 37 What can a person give in exchange for his life? 38 Whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."
When Jesus worked a miracle and provided bread for a large crowd of people, they probably thought about when God miraculously provided food for the people of Israel when they were in the wilderness.
Yeast is the ingredient that causes bread to become larger before it is baked. In this chapter, Jesus uses yeast as a metaphor for things that change the way people think, speak, and act.
When Jesus called the people an "adulterous generation," he was telling them that they were not faithful to God. (See: faithful and peopleofgod)
Jesus used many rhetorical questions as a way of both teaching the disciples
A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. Jesus uses a paradox when he says, "Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Mark 8:35-37).
A great, hungry crowd is with Jesus. He feeds them using only seven loaves and a few fish before Jesus and his disciples get in a boat to go to another place.
This phrase is used to introduce a new event in the story.
"this is this third day these people have been with me, and they have nothing to eat"
Possible meanings are 1) literal, "they may lose consciousness temporarily" or 2) hyperbolic exaggeration, "they may become weak."
The disciples are expressing surprise that Jesus would expect them to be able to find enough food. Alternate translation: "This place is so deserted that there is no place here for us to get enough loaves of bread to satisfy these people!"
Loaves of bread are lumps of dough that have been shaped and baked.
"Jesus asked his disciples"
This can be written as a direct quote. "Jesus commanded the crowd, 'Sit down on the ground.'"
Use your language's word for how people customarily eat when there is no table, whether sitting or lying down.
Here the word "they" is used to refer to Jesus and his disciples.
"Jesus gave thanks for the fish"
"The people ate"
"the disciples picked up"
This refers to the broken pieces of fish and bread that were left over after the people ate. Alternate translation: "the remaining broken pieces of bread and fish, which filled seven large baskets"
It may be helpful to clarify when he sent them away. Alternate translation: "After they ate, Jesus sent them away"
It may be helpful to clarify how they got to Dalmanutha. Alternate translation: "they sailed around the Sea of Galilee to the region of Dalmanutha"
This is the name of a place on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee.
In Dalmanutha, Jesus refuses to give the Pharisees a sign before he and his disciples get in a boat and leave.
"They asked him for"
They wanted a sign that would prove that Jesus's power and authority were from God. Possible meanings are 1) The word "heaven" is a metonym for God. Alternate translation: "a sign from God" or 2) the word "heaven" refers to the sky. Alternate translation: "a sign from the sky"
The Pharisees tried to test Jesus to make him prove that he was from God. Some information can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "to prove that God had sent him"
This means that he groaned or that he let out a long deep breath that could be heard. It probably shows Jesus's deep sadness that the Pharisees refused to believe him. See how you translated this in Mark 7:34.
"in himself"
Jesus is scolding them. This question may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "This generation should not seek a sign."
When Jesus speaks of "this generation," he is referring to the people who lived at that time. The Pharisees are included in this group. Alternate translation: "you and the people of this generation"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will not give a sign"
Jesus's disciples went with him. Some information can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "he left them, got into a boat again with his disciples"
This describes the Sea of Galilee, which can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "to the other side of the sea"
While Jesus and his disciples are in a boat, they have a discussion about the lack of understanding among the Pharisees and Herod, though they had seen many signs.
This word is used here to mark a pause in the story. Here the author tells background information about the disciples forgetting to bring bread.
The negative phrase "no more" is used to emphasize how small an amount of bread they had. Alternate translation: "only one loaf"
These two terms have a common meaning and are repeated here for emphasis. They can be combined. Alternate translation: "Keep watch"
Here Jesus is speaking to his disciples in a metaphor they do not understand. Jesus is comparing the Pharisees' and Herod's teachings to yeast, but you should not explain this when you translate it because the disciples themselves did not understand it.
The word "no" is an exaggeration. The disciples did have one loaf of bread
Here Jesus is mildly rebuking his disciples because they should have understood what he had been talking about. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not be thinking that I am talking about actual bread."
These questions have the same meaning and are used together to emphasize that they do not understand. This can be written as one question or as a statement. Alternate translation: "Do you not yet understand?" or "You should perceive and understand by now the things I say and do."
Here "hearts" is a metonym for a person's mind and "hardened" is a metaphor for not being able or willing to understand something. Jesus uses a question to scold the disciples. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You are so slow to understand what I mean!" or "You are unwilling to understand what I mean!"
Jesus continues to mildly rebuke his disciples. These questions can be written as statements. Alternate translation: "You have eyes, but you do not understand what you see. You have ears, but you do not understand what you hear. You should remember."
This refers to the 5,000 people Jesus fed. Alternate translation: "the 5,000 people"
It may be helpful to state when they collected the baskets of pieces. Alternate translation: "how many baskets full of broken pieces of bread did you collect after everyone finished eating"
This refers to the 4,000 people Jesus fed. Alternate translation: "the 4,000 people"
It may be helpful to state when they collected these. Alternate translation: "how many baskets full of broken pieces of bread did you collect after everyone finished eating"
Jesus is mildly rebuking his disciples for not understanding. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should understand by now the things I say and do."
When Jesus and his disciples get out of their boat at Bethsaida, Jesus heals a blind man.
This is a town on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. See how you translated the name of this town in [Mark 6:45]
It may be helpful to state why they wanted Jesus to touch the man. Alternate translation: "to touch him in order to heal him"
"When Jesus had spit on the man's eyes ... Jesus asked the man"
"The man looked up"
The man sees men walking around, yet they are not clear to him, so he compares them to trees. Alternate translation: "Yes, I see people! They are walking around, but I cannot see them clearly. They look like trees"
"Then Jesus again"
The phrase "his sight was restored" can be written in active form. Alternate translation: "restoring the man's sight, and then the man opened his eyes"
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Jesus and his disciples talk on their way to the villages of Caesarea Philippi about who Jesus is and what will happen to him.
"They answered him, saying,"
The disciples answer that this was who some people said Jesus was. This can be shown more clearly. Alternate translation: "Some people say that you are John the Baptist"
The word "others" refers to other people. This refers to their responses to Jesus's question. Alternate translation: "Other people say you are ... other people say you are"
"Jesus asked his disciples"
Jesus did not want them to tell anyone that he was the Christ. This can be made more explicit. This can also be written as a direct quote. Alternate translation: "Jesus warned them not to tell anyone that he is the Christ." or "Jesus warned them, 'Do not tell anyone that I am the Christ.'"
This is an important title for Jesus.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the elders and the chief priests and the scribes would reject him, and that men would kill him, and that after three days he would rise up"
Possible meanings are 1) "He said this so that people could hear him" or 2) "He said this in a way that was easy to understand."
Peter rebuked Jesus for saying the things he said would happen to the Son of Man. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "began to rebuke him for saying these things"
After rebuking Peter for his not wanting Jesus to die and rise, Jesus tells both his disciples and the crowd how to follow him.
Jesus means that Peter is acting like Satan because Peter is trying to prevent Jesus from accomplishing what God sent him to do. Alternate translation: "Get behind me, because you are acting like Satan"
"Get away from me"
Following Jesus here represents being one of his disciples. Alternate translation: "be my disciple" or "be one of my disciples"
"must not give in to his own desires" or "must forsake his own desires"
"carry his cross and follow me." The cross represents suffering and death. Taking up the cross represents being willing to suffer and die. Alternate translation: "must obey me even to the point of suffering and dying"
Following Jesus here represents obeying him. Alternate translation: "obey me"
"For anyone who wants"
This refers to both physical life and spiritual life.
"because of me and because of the gospel." Jesus is talking about people who lose their lives because they follow Jesus and the gospel. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "because he follows me and tells others the gospel"
This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Even if a person gains the whole world, it will not benefit him if he forfeits his life."
This can also be expressed as a condition starting with the word "if." Alternate translation: "if he gains the whole world and then forfeits his life"
The words "the whole world" are an exaggeration for great riches. Alternate translation: "to gain everything he ever wanted"
To forfeit something is to lose it or to have another person take it away.
This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "There is nothing a person can give in exchange for his life." or "No one can give anything in exchange for his life."
If in your language "giving" requires someone to receive what is given, "God" can be stated as the receiver. Alternate translation: "What can a person give to God"
"ashamed of me and my message"
Jesus speaks of this generation as "adulterous," meaning that they are unfaithful in their relationship with God. Alternate translation: "in this generation of people who have committed adultery against God and are very sinful" or "in this generation of people who are unfaithful to God and are very sinful"
Jesus speaks of himself in the third person. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man, will be ashamed"
"when he comes back"
When Jesus returns he will have the same glory as his Father.
"accompanied by the holy angels"
1 He said to them, "Truly I say to you, there are some of you who are standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."
2 Six days later, Jesus took Peter and James and John with him up a high mountain, alone by themselves. Then he was transfigured before them. 3 His garments became radiantly brilliant, extremely white, whiter than any bleacher on earth could bleach them. 4 Then Elijah with Moses appeared to them, and they were talking with Jesus. 5 Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here, and so let us make three shelters, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." 6 (For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified.)
7 A cloud came and overshadowed them. Then a voice came out of the cloud, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him." 8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them, but only Jesus.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, he commanded them to tell no one what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 So they kept the matter to themselves, but they discussed among themselves what "rising from the dead" could mean. 11 They asked him, "Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"
12 He said to them, "Elijah does come first to restore all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be despised? 13 But I say to you that Elijah has come, and they did whatever they wanted to him, just as it is written about him."
14 When they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes were arguing with them. 15 As soon as they saw Jesus, the whole crowd was amazed and as they ran up to him they greeted him. 16 He asked his disciples, "What are you arguing with them about?"
17 Someone in the crowd answered him, "Teacher, I brought my son to you. He has a spirit that makes him unable to speak. 18 It seizes him and it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out of him, but they could not."
19 He answered them, "Unbelieving generation, how long will I have to stay with you? How long will I bear with you? Bring him to me." 20 They brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw him into a convulsion. The boy fell on the ground and foamed at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked his father, "For how much time has he been like this?"
The father said, "Since childhood. 22 It has often thrown him into the fire or into the waters and tried to destroy him. If you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us."
23 Jesus said to him, "'If you are able'? All things are possible for the one who believes."
24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe! Help my unbelief!"
25 When Jesus saw the crowd running to them, he rebuked the unclean spirit and said, "You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter into him again."
26 It cried out and convulsed the boy greatly and then came out. The boy looked like one who was dead, so that many said, "He is dead." 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and the boy stood up.
28 When Jesus came into the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?"
29 He said to them, "This kind cannot be cast out except by prayer."
30 They went out from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know where they were, 31 for he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, "The Son of Man will be given over into the hands of men, and they will put him to death. When he has been put to death, after three days he will rise again." 32 But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask him.
33 Then they came to Capernaum. After he entered the house he asked them, "What were you discussing on the way?" 34 But they were silent. For they had been arguing with one with another on the way about who was the greatest. 35 Sitting down, he called the twelve together and he said to them, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all." 36 He took a little child and placed him in their midst. He took him in his arms and said to them, 37 "Whoever receives such a child in my name receives me; whoever receives me does not receive me but the one who sent me."
38 John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we stopped him, because he does not follow us."
39 But Jesus said, "Do not stop him, for there is no one who will do a mighty work in my name and can soon afterwards say anything bad about me. 40 Whoever is not against us is for us. 41 Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in my name because you belong to Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward. 42 Whoever causes one of these little ones who believes in me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone tied around his neck and be thrown into the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than to have two hands and to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire. 44[1]45 If your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life lame than to have your two feet and be thrown into hell. 46[2]47 If your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out. It is better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, 48 where their worm does not die, and the fire is not put out. 49 For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another."
Scripture often speaks of God's glory as a great, brilliant light. When people see this light, they are afraid. Mark says in this chapter that Jesus's clothing shone with this glorious light so that his followers could see that Jesus truly was God's Son. At the same time, God told them that Jesus was his Son. (See: glory and fear)
Jesus said things that he did not expect his followers to understand literally. When he said, "If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off" (Mark 9:43), he was exaggerating so they would know that they should stay away from anything that caused them to sin, even if it was something they loved or thought they needed.
Elijah and Moses suddenly appeared to Jesus, James, John, and Peter, and then they disappeared. All four of them saw Elijah and Moses, and because Elijah and Moses spoke with Jesus, the reader should understand that Elijah and Moses appeared physically.
Jesus referred to himself as the "Son of Man" in this chapter
A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. Jesus used a paradox when he said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all" (Mark 9:35).
"Jesus said to his disciples"
The kingdom of God coming represents God showing himself as king. Alternate translation: "God show himself with great power as king"
The author uses the reflexive pronoun "themselves" here to emphasize that they were alone and that only Jesus, Peter, James, and John went up the mountain.
"Transfigure" means for a person's outward appearance to change. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "his appearance had changed" or "he appeared very different"
"in front of them"
"shining" or "glowing." Jesus's garments were so white they were emitting or giving off light.
"very"
Bleaching describes the process of making natural white wool even whiter by using chemicals like bleach or ammonia. Alternate translation: "whiter than any person on earth could whiten them"
It may be helpful to state who these men are. Alternate translation: "two prophets who had lived long ago, Elijah and Moses, appeared"
The word "they" refers to Elijah and Moses.
"Peter said to Jesus." Here the word "answered" is used to introduce Peter into the conversation. Peter was not answering a question.
It is not clear whether "us" refers only to Peter, James, and John, or if it refers to everyone there, including Jesus, Elijah, and Moses. If you can translate so that both options are possible, do so.
simple, temporary places in which to sit or sleep
This parenthetical sentence tells background information about Peter, James, and John.
"they were very frightened" or "they were very afraid"
"appeared and covered"
Here "a voice came out" is a metonym for someone speaking. It can also be stated clearly who spoke. Alternate translation: "Then someone spoke from the cloud" or "Then God spoke from the cloud"
God the Father expresses his love for his "beloved Son," the Son of God.
This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
Here "they" refers to Peter, James, and John.
This implies that he was permitting them to tell people about what they had seen after he rose from being dead.
"risen from among the dead." This speaks of becoming alive again. The phrase "the dead" refers to "dead people" and is a metonym for death. Alternate translation: "risen from death"
"to rise from among the dead." This speaks of becoming alive again. The phrase "the dead" refers to "dead people" and is a metonym for death. Alternate translation: "rising from death"
Here "kept the matter to themselves" is an idiom that means they did not tell anyone about what they had seen. Alternate translation: "So they did not tell anyone about what they had seen"
Though Peter, James, and John wondered what Jesus might mean by "rising from the dead," they asked him instead about Elijah's coming.
The word "they" refers to Peter, James, and John.
Prophecy foretold that Elijah would come again from heaven. Then the Messiah, who is the Son of Man, would come to rule and reign. The disciples are confused about how the Son of Man could die and rise again. Alternate translation: "Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come before the Messiah comes?"
By saying this, Jesus affirms that Elijah would come first.
Jesus uses this question to remind his disciples that the scriptures also teach that the Son of Man must suffer and be despised. This may be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "But I also want you to consider what is written about the Son of Man. The scriptures say that he must suffer many things and be hated."
This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people would hate him"
It may be helpful to state what people did to Elijah. Alternate translation: "our leaders treated him very badly, just as they wanted to do"
When Peter, James, John, and Jesus came down from the mountain, they found the scribes arguing with the other disciples.
Jesus, Peter, James, and John returned to the other disciples who had not gone with them up the mountain.
"Jesus and those three disciples saw a great crowd around the other disciples"
The scribes were arguing with the disciples who had not gone with Jesus.
It may be helpful to state why they were amazed. Alternate translation: "was amazed that Jesus had come"
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This means the boy is possessed by an unclean spirit. "He has an unclean spirit" or "He is possessed by an unclean spirit"
A convulsion, or seizure, can cause a person to have trouble breathing or swallowing. This causes white foam to come out of the mouth. If your language has a way to describe that, you could use it. Alternate translation: "down, and bubbles come out of his mouth, and he grinds his teeth and becomes"
"becomes stiff" or "his body becomes rigid"
This refers to the disciples not being about to drive the spirit out of the boy. Alternate translation: "they could not drive it out of him"
Though it was the boy's father who made a request of Jesus, Jesus responds to the whole crowd. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "Jesus responded to the crowd"
"You unbelieving generation." Jesus calls the crowd this as he begins to respond to them.
Jesus uses these questions to express his frustration. Both questions have the same meaning. They can be written as statements. Alternate translation: "Your unbelief tires me! I wonder how long I must bear with you."
"endure you" or "put up with you"
"Bring the boy to me"
This refers to the unclean spirit. See how you translated this in Mark 9:17.
This is the violent shaking of a person's body that can occur when that person has no control over his body.
"How long"
"Since he was a small child." It may be helpful to state this as a full sentence. Alternate translation: "He has been like this since he was a small child"
"have compassion"
Jesus repeated what the man had said to him. Alternate translation: "Do you say to me 'If you are able'?" or "Why do you say 'If you are able'?"
Jesus used this question to rebuke the man's doubt. It can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not say to me, 'If you are able.'" or "You ask me if I am able. Of course I am able."
"God can do anything for people who believe in him"
"for the person" or "for anyone"
This refers to belief in God. Alternate translation: "believes in God"
The man is asking Jesus to help him overcome his unbelief and increase his faith. Alternate translation: "Help me when I do not believe" or "Help me have more faith"
This means that more people were running toward where Jesus was and that the crowd there was growing larger.
The words "mute" and "deaf" can be explained. Alternate translation: "You unclean spirit, you who are causing the boy to be unable to speak and unable to hear"
"The unclean spirit cried out"
"shook the boy violently"
It is implied that the spirit came out of the boy. Alternate translation: "came out of the boy"
The boy's appearance is compared to that of a dead person. Alternate translation: "The boy appeared dead" or "The boy looked like a dead person"
"so that many people"
This means that Jesus grasped the boy's hand with his own hand. Alternate translation: "grasped the boy by the hand"
"helped him get up"
This means they were alone.
"cast the unclean spirit out." This refers to casting the spirit out of the boy. Alternate translation: "cast the unclean spirit out of the boy"
The words "cannot" and "except" are both negative words. In some languages it is more natural to use a positive statement. Alternate translation: "This kind can be cast out only by prayer"
This describes unclean spirits. Alternate translation: "This kind of unclean spirit"
After he heals the demon-possessed boy, Jesus and his disciples leave the house where they are staying. He takes time to teach his disciples alone.
"Jesus and his disciples left that region"
"traveled through" or "passed by"
Jesus was teaching his disciples privately, away from the crowd. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "for he was teaching his disciples privately"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone will give the Son of Man over"
Here Jesus refers to himself as the Son of Man. This is an important title for Jesus. "I, the Son of Man,"
Here "hands" is a metonym for control. Alternate translation: "into the control of men" or "so that men will be able to control him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "After they have put him to death and three days have passed, he"
They were afraid to ask Jesus what his statement meant. Alternate translation: "they were afraid to ask him what it meant"
When they come to Capernaum, Jesus teaches his disciples about being humble servants.
"they arrived at." The word "they" refers to Jesus and his disciples.
"were you discussing with one another"
They were silent because they were ashamed to tell Jesus what they had been discussing. Alternate translation: "they were silent because they were ashamed"
Here "the greatest" refers to "the greatest" among the disciples. Alternate translation: "who was the greatest among them"
Here the words "first" and "last" are opposites of one another. Jesus speaks of being the "most important" as being "first" and of being the "least important" as being "last." Alternate translation: "If anyone wants God to consider him to be the most important person of all, he must consider himself to be the least important of all"
"of all people ... of all people"
"among them." The word "their" refers to the crowd.
This means that he hugged the child or picked him up and placed him on his lap.
"a child like this"
This means to do something because of love for Jesus. Alternate translation: "because he loves me" or "for my sake"
This refers to God, who has sent him to earth. Alternate translation: "God, who has sent me"
"John said to Jesus"
"sending away demons." This refers to casting demons out of people. Alternate translation: "driving demons out of people"
Here "name" is associated with Jesus's authority and power. Alternate translation: "by the authority of your name" or "by the power of your name"
This means that he is not among their group of disciples. Alternate translation: "he is not one of us" or "he does not walk with us"
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"is not opposing us"
It can be explained clearly what this means. Alternate translation: "is trying to achieve the same goals that we are"
Jesus speaks about giving someone a cup of water as an example of how one person may help another. This is a metaphor for helping someone in any way.
This negative sentence emphasizes the positive meaning. In some languages, it is more natural to use a positive statement. Alternate translation: "definitely receive"
a large, round stone used for grinding grain into flour
Here "hand" is a metonym for desiring to do something sinful that you would do with your hand. Alternate translation: "If you want to do something sinful with one of your hands"
"to be maimed and then to enter into life" or "to be maimed before entering into life"
Dying and then beginning to live eternally is spoken of as entering into life. Alternate translation: "to enter into eternal life" or "to die and begin to live forever"
missing a body part as a result of having it removed or being injured. Here it refers to missing a hand. Alternate translation: "without a hand" or "missing a hand"
"where the fire cannot be put out"
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Here the word "foot" is a metonym for desiring to do something sinful that you would do with your feet, such as going to a place you should not go to. Alternate translation: "If you want to do something sinful with one of your feet"
"to be lame and then to enter into life" or "to be lame before entering into life"
Dying and then beginning to live eternally is spoken of as entering into life. Alternate translation: "to enter into eternal life" or "to die and begin to live forever"
"unable to walk easily." Here it refers not being able to walk well because of missing a foot. Alternate translation: "without a foot" or "missing a foot"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for God to throw you into hell"
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Here the word "eye" is a metonym for either 1) desiring to sin by looking at something. Alternate translation: "If you want to do something sinful by looking at something, tear your eye out" or 2) Desiring to sin because of what you have looked at. Alternate translation: "If you want to do something sinful because of what you look at, tear your eye out"
This refers to the state of a person's physical body when he dies. A person does not take his physical body with him into eternity. Alternate translation: "to enter into the kingdom of God after having lived on earth with only one eye than to have lived on earth with two eyes"
This can be stated in the active form. Alternate translation: "for God to throw you into hell"
The meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "where worms that eat people there do not die"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will salt everyone with fire" or "Just as salt purifies a sacrifice, God will purify everyone by allowing them to suffer"
Here "fire" is a metaphor for suffering, and putting salt on people is a metaphor for purifying them. So "will be salted with fire" is a metaphor for being purified through suffering. Alternate translation: "will be made pure in the fire of suffering" or "will suffer in order to be purified as a sacrifice is purified with salt"
"its salty taste"
This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "you cannot make it salty again."
"taste salty again"
Jesus speaks of doing good things for one another as if good things were salt that people possess. Alternate translation: "Do good to each other, like salt adds flavor to food"
1 Jesus left that place and went to the region of Judea and to the area beyond the Jordan River, and the crowds came to him again. He was teaching them again, as he was accustomed to do. 2 Then Pharisees came to him to test him and asked, "Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?"
3 He answered, "What did Moses command you?"
4 They said, "Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and then to send her away."
5 "It was because of your hard hearts that he wrote you this law," Jesus said to them. 6 "But from the beginning of creation, 'God made them male and female.'
7 'For this reason
a man will leave his father and mother
and be united to his wife,
8 and the two will become one flesh.'
So they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no man tear apart."
10 When they were in the house, the disciples asked him again about this. 11 He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. 12 If she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery."
13 Then they brought their little children to him so that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus noticed it, he was angry and said to them, "Permit the little children to come to me, and do not forbid them, for the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like them. 15 Truly I say to you, whoever will not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will definitely not enter it." 16 Then he took the children into his arms and blessed them as he placed his hands on them.
17 When he began his journey, a man ran up to him and knelt before him and asked, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
18 Jesus said, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not testify falsely, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'"
20 The man said, "Teacher, all these things I have obeyed from the time I was a youth."
21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. He said to him, "One thing you lack. You must sell all that you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 22 But because of this statement he looked very sad and he went away sorrowful, because he had many possessions.
23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How difficult it is for those who are rich to enter the kingdom of God!" 24 The disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus said to them again, "Children, how hard it is to enter into the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."
26 They were greatly astonished and said to each other, "Then who can be saved?"
27 Jesus looked at them and said, "With people it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God."
28 Peter began to speak to him, "Look, we have left everything and have followed you."
29 Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the gospel 30 who will not receive a hundred times as much now in this age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the world to come, eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first."
32 They were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going ahead of them. The disciples were amazed, and those who were following behind were afraid. Then Jesus took the twelve aside again and began to tell them what would soon happen to him. 33 "See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be given over to the chief priests and the scribes. They will condemn him to death and give him over to the Gentiles. 34 They will mock him, spit on him, whip him, and put him to death. But after three days he will rise."
35 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask you."
36 He said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?"
37 They said, "Allow us to sit with you in your glory, one at your right hand and the other at your left."
38 But Jesus replied to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup which I will drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I will be baptized?"
39 They said to him, "We are able."
Jesus said to them, "The cup that I will drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you also will be baptized. 40 But who is to sit at my right hand or at my left hand is not mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." 41 When the other ten disciples heard about this, they began to be very angry with James and John. 42 Jesus called them to himself and said, "You know those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles dominate them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 But it is not this way among you. Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wishes to be first among you must be the slave of all. 45 For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
46 They came to Jericho. As he left Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, the son of Timaeus, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, sat by the road. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to shout and to say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
48 Many rebuked the blind man, telling him to be quiet. But he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"
49 Jesus stopped and commanded him to be called. They called the blind man, saying, "Be brave! Get up! He is calling for you." 50 He threw aside his coat, sprang up, and came to Jesus.
51 Jesus answered him and said, "What do you want me to do for you?"
The blind man said, "Rabboni, I want to receive my sight."
52 Then Jesus said to him, "Go. Your faith has healed you." Immediately he could see again, and he followed him on the road.
Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULB does this with the quoted material in 10:7-8.
The Pharisees wanted to find a way to make Jesus say that it is good to break the law of Moses, so they asked him about divorce. Jesus tells how God originally designed marriage to show that the Pharisees taught wrongly about divorce.
Metaphors are pictures of visible objects that speakers use to explain invisible truths. When Jesus spoke of "the cup which I will drink," he was speaking of the pain he would suffer on the cross as if it were a bitter, poisonous liquid in a cup.
A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. Jesus used a paradox when he said, "Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant" (Mark 10:43).
After Jesus and his disciples leave Capernaum, Jesus reminds the Pharisees, as well as his disciples, what God really expects in marriage and divorce.
Jesus's disciples were traveling with him. They were leaving Capernaum. Alternate translation: "Jesus and his disciples left Capernaum"
"and to the land on the other side of the Jordan River" or "and to the area east of the Jordan River"
The word "them" refers to the crowds.
"was his custom" or "he usually did"
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Moses gave the law to their ancestors, which they now were also supposed to follow. Alternate translation: "What did Moses command your ancestors about this"
This was a paper saying that the woman was no longer his wife.
In some languages speakers do not interrupt a quote to say who is speaking. Rather they say who is speaking at the beginning or end of the complete quote. Alternate translation: "Jesus said to them, 'It was because ... this law."
Long before this time, Moses wrote this law for the Jews and their descendants because they had hard hearts. The Jews of Jesus's time also had hard hearts, so Jesus included them by using the words "your" and "you." Alternate translation: "because your ancestors had hard hearts like yours that he wrote this law"
Here "hearts" is a metonym for a person's inner being or mind. The phrase "hard hearts" is a metaphor for "stubbornness." Alternate translation: "your stubbornness"
"God made people"
Jesus continues to quote what God said in the book of Genesis.
"Therefore" or "Because of this"
"join with his wife"
Jesus finishes quoting what God said in the book of Genesis.
This is a metaphor to illustrate their close union as husband and wife. Alternate translation: "the two people are like one person" or "they are no longer two, but together they are one body"
The phrase "what God has joined together" refers to any married couple. Alternate translation: "Therefore since God has joined together husband and wife, let no one tear them apart"
"When Jesus and his disciples were"
Jesus's disciples were speaking to him privately. Alternate translation: were alone in the house"
The word "this" refers to the conversation that Jesus had just had with the Pharisees about divorce.
"Anyone who"
Here "her" refers to the first woman he was married to.
In this situation she commits adultery again her previous husband. Alternate translation: "she commits adultery against him" or "she commits adultery against the first man"
When the disciples rebuke the people for bringing their little children to Jesus, he blesses the children and reminds the disciples that people must be as humble as a child to enter the kingdom of God.
"Now people were bringing." This is the next event in the story.
This means that Jesus would touch them with his hands and bless them. Alternate translation: "he might touch them with his hands and bless them" or "he might lay his hands on them and bless them"
"rebuked the people"
The word "it" refers to the disciples rebuking the people who were bringing the children to Jesus.
Jesus was angry with the disciples.
These two clauses have similar meanings, repeated for emphasis. In some languages it is more natural to emphasize this in another way. Alternate translation: "Be sure to allow the little children to come to me"
"allow"
The kingdom belonging to people represents the kingdom including them. Alternate translation: "the kingdom of God includes people who are like them" or "because only people like them are members of the kingdom of God"
"if anyone will not recieve ... child, he will definitely not enter it"
Jesus is comparing how people must receive the kingdom of God to how little children would receive it. Alternate translation: "in the same manner as a little child would"
"will not accept God as their king"
The word "it" refers to the kingdom of God.
"he hugged the children"
Here the man speaks of "receiving" as if it were "inheriting." This metaphor is used to emphasize the importance of receiving. Also, "inherit" here does not mean that someone has to die first. Alternate translation: to receive eternal life"
Jesus asks this question to remind the man that no man is good the way God is good. Alternate translation: "You do not understand what you are saying when you call me good."
This double negative emphasizes that God is the only one who is good. Alternate translation: "The only one who is good is God"
"do not testify falsely against anyone" or "do not lie about someone in court"
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"There is one thing you are missing." Here "lack" is a metaphor for needing to do something. Alternate translation: "One thing you need to do" or "There is one thing you have not yet done" or
Here the word "it" refers to the things he sells and is a metonym for the money he receives when he sells them. Alternate translation: "give the money to the poor"
This refers to poor people. Alternate translation: "poor people"
wealth, valuable things
"owned many things"
"It is very difficult"
"Jesus said to his disciples again"
"My children, how." Jesus is teaching them as a father would teach his children. Alternate translation: "My friends, how"
"it is very hard"
It is impossible for a camel to go through the eye of a needle. Jesus uses an exaggeration to emphasize how very difficult it is for rich people to get into the kingdom of God.
This speaks of an impossible situation. If you cannot state this in this way in your language, you can use the word "would." Alternate translation: "It would be easier for a camel"
Here "the eye" refers to the small hole in one end of a sewing needle. The thread goes through this hole and ties to the needle. Alternate translation: "the hole of a needle"
"The disciples were"
This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "If that is so, then no one will be saved!"
The understood information may be supplied. Alternate translation: "It is impossible for people to save themselves, but God can save them"
Here the word "Look" is used to draw attention to the words that come next. Similar emphasis can be expressed in other ways. Alternate translation: "We have left everything and have followed you"
"have left everything behind"
This sentence ends in verse 30. It can be stated in positive form. If so, in verse 30, "who will not receive" would become "will receive." Alternate translation: "Truly I say to you, everyone"
"or plots of ground" or "or the land that he owns"
"for my cause" or "for me"
"to proclaim the gospel"
This sentence began in verse 29. If you the sentence was stated in positive form in verse 29, verse 30 would be changed to positive form also. Alternate translation: "will receive"
"the world as you know it" or "this present age"
Like the list in verse 29, this describes the family in general. The word "fathers" is missing in verse 30, but it does not significantly change the meaning.
This can be reworded so that the ideas in the abstract noun "persecution" are expressed with the verb "persecute." Because the sentence is so long and complicated, "will receive" can be repeated. Alternate translation: "and even though people persecute them, in the world to come, they will receive eternal life"
"in the future world" or "in the future
Here the words "first" and "last" are opposites of one another. Jesus speaks of being the "important" as being "first" and of being the "unimportant" as being "last." Alternate translation: "are important will be unimportant, and those who are unimportant will be important"
The phrase "the last" refers to people who are "last." Also, the understood verb in this clause may be supplied. Alternate translation: "those who are last will be first"
"Jesus and his disciples were walking on the road ... and Jesus was in front of his disciples"
"those who were following behind them." Some people were walking behind Jesus and his disciples.
"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
Jesus is speaking about himself. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man, will"
The words "given over" mean "betrayed" or "put into the power of." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone will hand the Son of Man to" or "they will hand the Son of Man over to"
The word "They" refers to the chief priests and the scribes.
"betray him to the Gentiles" or "put him under the control of the Gentiles"
"People will mock"
"kill him"
This refers to rising from the dead. Alternate translation: "he will rise from being dead"
These words refer only to James and John.
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"when you are glorified." The phrase "in your glory" refers to when Jesus is glorified and rules over his kingdom. Alternate translation: "when you rule in your kingdom"
"You do not understand"
Here "cup" refers to what Jesus must suffer. Suffering is often referred to as drinking from a cup. Alternate translation: "drink the cup of suffering that I will drink" or "drink from the cup of suffering that I will drink from"
Here "baptism" and being baptized represent suffering. Just as water covers a person during baptism, suffering will overwhelm Jesus. Alternate translation: "endure the baptism of suffering which I will suffer"
They respond this way, meaning that they are able to drink the same cup and endure the same baptism.
"you will drink as well"
"But I am not the one who allows people to sit at my right hand or my left hand"
"but those places are for those for whom they have been prepared." The word "it" refers to the places to his right hand and to his left hand.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has prepared it" or "God has prepared them"
The word "this" refers to James and John asking to sit at Jesus's right and left hands.
"Jesus called his disciples"
This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) people in general consider these people the rulers of the Gentiles. Alternate translation: "those whom people consider to be the rulers of the Gentiles" or 2) the Gentiles consider these people their rulers. Alternate translation: "those whom the Gentiles think of as their rulers"
have control or power over
"flaunt their authority." This means that they show or use their authority in an overbearing way.
This refers back to the previous verse about the Gentile rulers. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "But do not be like them"
"be highly respected"
This is a metaphor for being the most important. Alternate translation: "to be the most important"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "For the Son of Man did not come to have people serve him"
"to be served by people, but to serve people"
"for many people"
As Jesus and his disciples continue walking toward Jerusalem, Jesus heals blind Bartimaeus, who then walks with them.
"a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus." Bartimaeus is the name of a man. Timaeus is his father's name.
Bartimaeus heard people saying that it was Jesus. Alternate translation: "When he heard people saying that it was Jesus"
Jesus is called the Son of David because he is a descendant of King David. Alternate translation: "You who are the Messiah descended from King David"
"Many people rebuked"
"even more"
This can be translated in active form or as as a direct quote. Alternate translation: "commanded others to call him." or "commanded them, 'Call him to come over here.'"
The word "They" refers to the crowd.
"Have courage" or "Do not be afraid"
"Jesus is calling for you"
"jumped up"
"answered the blind man"
"to be able to see"
This phrase is written this way to place emphasis on the man's faith. Jesus heals the man because he believes that Jesus can heal him. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "I am healing you because you have believed in me"
"he followed Jesus"
1 Now as they came to Jerusalem, they were close to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, and Jesus sent out two of his disciples 2 and said to them, "Go into the village opposite us. As soon as you enter it, you will find a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it to me. 3 If anyone says to you, 'Why are you doing this?' you should say, 'The Lord has need of it and will immediately send it back here.'"
4 They went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it. 5 Some people were standing there and said to them, "What are you doing, untying that colt?" 6 They spoke to them as Jesus told them, and the people let them go their way. 7 They brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their garments on the road, and others spread branches they had cut from the fields. 9 Those who went before him and those who followed shouted,
"Hosanna! Blessed is the one
who comes in the name of the Lord.
10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!
Hosanna in the highest!"
11 Then Jesus entered into Jerusalem and went into the temple and looked around at everything. Now the time being late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. 12 The next day while they were going out from Bethany, he was hungry. 13 Seeing from far away a fig tree that had leaves, he went to see if he could find any fruit on it, and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 He spoke to it, "No one will ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard it.
15 They came to Jerusalem, and he entered the temple and began to cast out the sellers and the buyers in the temple. He turned over the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 16 He did not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple that could be sold. 17 He taught them and said, "Is it not written,
'My house will be called
a house of prayer for all the nations'?
But you have made it a den of robbers."
18 The chief priests and the scribes heard what he had said, and they looked for a way to destroy him. For they feared him because the entire crowd was amazed at his teaching. 19 When evening came, they left the city.
20 As they walked by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. 21 Peter remembered and said, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered away."
22 Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God. 23 Truly I say to you that if anyone says to this mountain, 'Get up and cast yourself into the sea,' and if he does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he said will happen, that is what God will do. 24 Therefore I say to you: Everything you pray and ask for, believe that you received it, and it will be yours. 25 When you stand and pray, you must forgive whatever you have against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your trespasses." 26[1]
27 They came to Jerusalem again. As Jesus was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him. 28 They said to him, "By what authority do you do these things, and who gave you the authority to do them?"
29 Jesus said to them, "I will ask you one question. Tell me and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30 The baptism of John, was it from heaven or from men? Answer me." 31 They discussed between themselves and argued and said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?' 32 But if we say, 'From men,' ... ." They were afraid of the people, for everyone was convinced that John was a prophet. 33 Then they answered Jesus and said, "We do not know."
Then Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 11:9-10, 17, which is from the Old Testament.
Jesus rode into Jerusalem on an animal. In this way he was like a king who came into a city after he had won an important battle. Also, the kings of Israel in the Old Testament rode on a donkeys. Other kings rode on horses. So Jesus was showing that he was the king of Israel and that he was not like other kings.
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all wrote about this event. Matthew and Mark wrote that the disciples brought Jesus a donkey. John wrote that Jesus found a donkey. Luke wrote that they brought him a colt. Only Matthew wrote that there were both a donkey had a colt. No one knows for sure whether Jesus rode the donkey or the colt. It is best to translate each of these accounts as it appears in the ULB without trying to make them all say exactly the same thing. (See: Matthew 21:1-7 and Mark 11:1-7 and Luke 19:29-36 and John 12:14-15)
"When Jesus and his disciples came near to Jerusalem, they came to Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives" They have come to Bethphage and Bethany in the vicinity of Jerusalem.
This is the name of a village.
"ahead of us"
This refers to a young donkey that is large enough to carry a man.
This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: "that no one has ever ridden"
It can be written clearly what the word "this" refers to. Alternate translation: "Why are you untying and taking the colt"
"needs it"
Jesus will send it back promptly when he is finished using it. Alternate translation: "will immediately send it back when he no longer needs it"
"The two disciples went"
This refers to a young donkey that is large enough to carry a man. See how you translated this in Mark 11:2.
The people wanted to know why the two men were untying the colt. They may have been concerned that the two men were doing something they should not have been doing. Alternate translation: "Why are you untying that colt?"
"They responded"
"as Jesus had told them to respond." This refers to how Jesus had told them to respond to people's questions about taking the colt.
This means that they allowed them to continue doing what they were doing. Alternate translation: "let them take the donkey with them"
The word "They" refers to the two disciples.
"laid their cloaks on its back and Jesus sat on it." It is easier to ride a colt or a horse when there is a blanket or something similar on its back. In this case, the disciples put their cloaks on it.
"coats" or "robes"
It was a tradition to lay garments on the road in front of important people to honor them. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "Many people spread their garments on the road to honor him"
It was a tradition to lay palm branches on the road in front of important people to honor them. Alternate translation: "others spread on the road branches that they had cut from the fields to honor him"
"who followed him"
This word means "save us," but people also shouted it joyfully when they wanted to praise God. You can translate it according to how it was used, or you can write "Hosanna" using your language's way of spelling that word. Alternate translation: "Praise God"
This is referring to Jesus. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Blessed are you, the one"
This is a metonym for the Lord's authority. Alternate translation: "with the authority of the Lord"
"May God bless"
"Blessed is our father David's coming kingdom." This refers to Jesus coming and ruling as king. The word "blessed" can be translated as an active verb. Alternate translation: "Blessed be the coming of your kingdom" or "May God bless you as you rule your coming kingdom"
Here David's descendant who will rule is referred to as David himself. Alternate translation: "of the greatest descendant of our father David" or "that David's greatest descendant will rule"
Possible meanings are 1) "Praise God who is in heaven" or 2) "Let those who are in heaven shout 'Hosanna'."
Here heaven is spoken of as "the highest." Alternate translation: "the highest heaven" or "heaven"
"because it was late in the day"
"he and his twelve disciples left Jerusalem and went to Bethany"
"Jesus was hungry"
This happens while Jesus and his disciples are walking to Jerusalem.
"if there was any fruit on it"
This means that he did not find any figs. Alternate translation: "he found only leaves and no figs on the tree"
"the time of year"
Jesus speaks to the fig tree and curses it. He speaks to it so that his disciples hear him.
"He spoke to the tree"
The word "it" refers to Jesus speaking to the fig tree.
"Jesus and his disciples came"
Jesus is driving these people out of the temple. This can be written clearly. Alternate translation: "began to drive the sellers and buyers out of the temple"
"the people who were buying and selling"
"to carry anything that could be sold through the temple"
God had said earlier in his word, through the prophet Isaiah, that his temple would be a house of prayer for all the nations.
Jesus is rebuking the Jewish leaders for their misuse of the temple. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "It is written in the scriptures that God said, 'I want my house to be called a house where people from all nations may pray.'"
Jesus compares the people to robbers and the temple to a robbers' den. Alternate translation: "But you are like robbers who have made my house into a robbers' den"
"a cave where robbers hide"
"they sought a way" or "they tried to find a way"
"to kill him"
"In the evening"
"Jesus and his disciples left the city"
Jesus uses the example of the fig tree to remind the disciples to have faith in God.
"were walking along the road"
Translate this statement to clarify that the tree died. Alternate translation: "they saw that the fig tree had withered away down to its roots and died"
"dried up"
It may be helpful to state what Peter remembered. Alternate translation: "Peter remembered what Jesus had said to the fig tree"
"Jesus replied to his disciples"
"I tell you the truth." This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's mind or inner being. Alternate translation: "if he truly believes in his heart" or "if he does not doubt but believes"
"God will make happen"
"So I tell you"
It is understood that this will happen because God will provide what you ask for. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "God will give it to you"
It is common in Hebrew culture to stand when praying to God. Alternate translation: "When you pray"
"whatever grudge you have against anyone." Here the word "whatever" refers to any grudge you hold against someone for sinning against you or any anger you have against someone.
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The next day when Jesus returns to temple, he gives the chief priests, scribes, and elders an answer to their question about his casting the money changers out of the temple area, by asking them a question that they were not willing to answer.
"Jesus and his disciples came to"
This means that Jesus was walking around inside of the temple; he was not walking into the temple.
The word "They" refers to the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders.
Possible meanings: 1) Both of these questions have the same meaning and are asked together to strongly question Jesus's authority and so can be combined. Alternate translation: "Who gave you authority to do these things?" 2) They are two separate questions, the first asking about the nature of the authority and the second about who gave it to him.
The words "these things" refer to Jesus turning over the sellers' tables in the temple and speaking against what the chief priests and scribes taught. Alternate translation: "things like those you did here yesterday"
"Answer me"
"The baptism that John performed"
"was it authorized by heaven or by men"
Here "heaven" refers to God. Alternate translation: "from God"
"from people"
This refers to the source of the baptism of John. Alternate translation: "If we say, 'It was from heaven,'"
Here "heaven" refers to God. See how you translated this in [Mark 11:30]
The word "him" refers to John the Baptist.
The religious leaders imply that they will suffer from the people if they give this answer. This refers to the source of the baptism of John. Alternate translation: "But if we say, 'The baptism of John was from men,'" or "But if we say, 'From men,' that would not be good." or "But we do not want to say that it was from men."
"It came from a person"
The author, Mark, explains why the religious leaders did not want to say that John's baptism was from men. This can be stated clearly. "They said this to each other because they were afraid of the people" or "They did not want to say that John's baptism was from men because they were afraid of the people"
This refers to the baptism of John. This understood information may be supplied. Alternate translation: "We do not know where the baptism of John came from"
1 Then Jesus began to teach them in parables. He said, "A man planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, and dug a pit for a winepress. He built a watchtower and then leased the vineyard to vine growers. Then he went away on a journey. 2 At the right time, he sent a servant to the vine growers to receive from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. 3 But they took him, beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. 4 Again he sent to them another servant, and they wounded him in the head and treated him shamefully. 5 He sent yet another, and this one they killed. They treated many others in the same way, beating some and killing others. 6 He had still one more person to send, a beloved son. He was the last one he sent to them. He said, 'They will respect my son.'
7 "But the vine growers said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' 8 They seized him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. 9 Therefore, what will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the vine growers and will give the vineyard to others. 10 Have you not read this scripture?
'The stone which the builders rejected
has been made the cornerstone.
11 This was from the Lord,
and it is marvelous in our eyes.'"
12 After this the Jewish leaders sought a way to arrest Jesus because they understood that he spoke the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd. So they left him and went away.
13 Then they sent some of the Pharisees and the Herodians to him to trap him with words. 14 When they came, they said to him, "Teacher, what people think is not a concern to you because you do not show partiality to anyone. You truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay or not?"
15 But Jesus knew their hypocrisy and said to them, "Why do you test me? Bring me a denarius so I can look at it." 16 They brought one to Jesus. He said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?"
They said, "Caesar's."
17 Jesus said, "Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." They marveled at him.
18 Then Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him. They asked him, saying, 19 "Teacher, Moses wrote for us, 'If a man's brother dies and leaves a wife behind him, but had no child, the man should take the brother's wife, and raise up children for his brother.' 20 There were seven brothers; the first took a wife and then died, having no children. 21 Then the second took her and died, leaving no child, and the third in the same way. 22 The seven left no children. Last of all, the woman also died. 23 In the resurrection, when they rise again, whose wife will she be? For all seven brothers had her as their wife."
24 Jesus said, "Is this not the reason you are mistaken, because you do not know the scriptures nor the power of God? 25 For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but they are like angels in heaven. 26 But concerning the dead that are raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the account about the bush, how God spoke to him and said, 'I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob'? 27 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are quite mistaken."
28 One of the scribes came and heard their discussion; he saw that Jesus answered them well. He asked him, "What commandment is the most important of all?"
29 Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Hear, Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' 31 The second commandment is this, 'You must love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other greater commandment than these."
32 The scribe said, "Good, Teacher! You have truly said that God is one, and that there is no other besides him. 33 To love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself is even more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."
34 When Jesus saw that he had given a wise answer, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." After that, no one dared to ask Jesus any more questions.
35 While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he said, "How is it that the scribes say the Christ is the son of David? 36 David himself, in the Holy Spirit, said,
'The Lord said to my Lord,
"Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies under your feet."'
37 David himself calls him 'Lord,' so how can the Christ be David's son?" The large crowd gladly listened to him.
38 In his teaching Jesus said, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk in long robes and be greeted in the marketplaces, 39 and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts. 40 They also devour widows' houses, and they pray long prayers for people to see. These men will receive greater condemnation."
41 Then Jesus sat down across from an offering box in the temple area; he was watching people as they dropped their money into the box. Many rich people put in large amounts of money. 42 Then a poor widow came and put in two mites, worth about a penny. 43 He called his disciples and said to them, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them who contributed to the offering box. 44 For all of them gave out of their abundance. But this widow, out of her poverty, put in all of the money which she had to live on."
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 12:10-11, 36, which is from the Old Testament.
Jesus speaks this parable against the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders.
The word "them" here refers to the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders to whom Jesus had been talking in the previous chapter.
He put a barrier around the vineyard. It could have been a row of shrubs, a fence, or a stone wall.
This means that he carved a pit on the rock, which would be the bottom part of the winepress used for collecting the squeezed grape juice. Alternate translation: "carved a pit into rock for the winepress" or "he made a vat to collect the juice from the winepress"
The owner still owned the vineyard, but he allowed the vine growers to take care of it. When the grapes became ripe, they were to give some of them to the owner and keep the rest.
This refers to the time of harvest. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "When the time came to harvest the grapes"
"But the vine growers took the servant"
This means that they did not give him any of the fruit. Alternate translation: "without any grapes"
"the owner of the vineyard sent to the vine growers"
This can be written more clearly. Alternate translation: "they beat that one on the head, and they hurt him terribly"
These phrases refer to other servants. Alternate translation: "yet another servant ... many other servants"
This refers to servants that the owner sent. The phrase "in the same way" refers to them being mistreated. This can be written clearly. Alternate translation: "They also mistreated many other servants whom he sent"
It is implied that this is the owner's son. Alternate translation: "his beloved son"
This is the owner's heir, who would inherit the vineyard after his father died. Alternate translation: "the owner's heir"
The tenants are referring to the vineyard as "the inheritance." Alternate translation: "this vineyard"
"The vine growers seized the son"
Jesus asks a question and then gives the answer to teach the people. The question may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "So I will tell you what the owner of the vineyard will do."
Jesus has finished telling the parable and is now asking the people what they think will happen next.
kill
The word "others" refers to other vine growers who will care for the vineyard. Alternate translation: "he will give the vineyard to vine growers to care for it"
This scripture was written long before in God's word.
Jesus reminds the people of a scripture passage. He uses a rhetorical question here to rebuke them. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Surely you have read this scripture." or "You should remember this scripture."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Lord made into the cornerstone"
"The Lord has done this"
Here "in our eyes" stands for seeing, which is a metaphor for the people's opinion. Alternate translation: "we have seen it and think that it is marvelous" or "we think that it is wonderful"
"wanted to find a way"
They were afraid of what the crowd would do to them if they arrested Jesus. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "but they feared what the crowd would do if they arrested him"
"to accuse them"
In an effort to trap Jesus, some of the Pharisees and Herodians, and then the Sadducees, come to Jesus with questions.
"Then the Jewish leaders sent"
This was the name of an informal political party that supported Herod Antipas.
Here the author describes tricking Jesus as trying to "trap him." Alternate translation: "to trick him"
Here "they" refers to those sent from among the Pharisees and the Herodians.
The abstract noun "concern" may be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "you are not concerned about what people think of you" or "you do not try to win people's favor"
"you do not judge people by how they look" or "you judge people by what is in their hearts"
They were acting hypocritically. This can be explained more clearly. Alternate translation: "Jesus knew that they did not really want to know what God wanted them to do"
Jesus rebukes the Jewish leaders because they were trying to trick him. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "I know you are trying to make me say something wrong so you can accuse me."
This coin was worth a day's wages.
"The Pharisees and the Herodians brought a denarius"
"picture and name"
Here "Caesar's" refers to his likeness and inscription. Alternate translation: "They said, 'They are Caesar's likeness and inscription"
Jesus is teaching that his people must respect the government by paying taxes. This figure of speech can be clarified by changing Caesar to Roman government. Alternate translation: "Give to the Roman government the things that belong to the Roman government"
The understood verb may be supplied. Alternate translation: "and give to God"
They were amazed at what Jesus had said. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "They marveled at him and at what he had said"
This phrase explains who the Sadducees were. This can be written more clearly. Alternate translation: "who say there is no resurrection from the dead"
The Sadducees are quoting what Moses had written in the law. Moses's quote can be expressed as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies ... brother."
"wrote for us Jews." The Sadducees were a group of Jews. Here they use the word "us" to refer to themselves and all Jews.
"the man should marry his brother's wife"
"have a son for his brother." The man's first son would be considered to be the dead brother's son, and the son's descendants would be considered to be the dead brother's descendants. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "have a son who will be considered to be the dead brother's son"
The Sadducees tell Jesus a story because they want to ask him a question about it to test him. The story is not about things that really happened. Alternate translation: "Suppose there were seven brothers"
the first brother
"the first brother married a woman." Here marrying a woman is spoken of as "taking" her.
These numbers refer to each of the brothers and can be expressed as such. Alternate translation: "the second brother ... the third brother"
"the second married her." Here marrying a woman is spoken of as "taking" her.
"the third brother married her as his other bothers had done, and he also died leaving no children"
This refers to all the brothers. Alternate translation: "The seven brothers"
Each of the brothers married the woman and then died before he had any children with her. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Eventually all seven brothers married that woman one by one, but none of them had any children with her, and one by one they died"
The Sadducees are testing Jesus by asking this question. If your readers can only understand this as a request for information, this can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Now tell us whose wife she will be in the resurrection, when they all rise again."
Jesus rebukes the Sadducees because they are mistaken about God's law. This may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You are mistaken because ... power of God."
This means that they do not understand what is written in the Old Testament scriptures.
"how powerful God is"
Here the word "they" refers to the brothers and the woman from the example.
Waking and getting up from sleep is a metaphor for becoming alive after having been dead.
The expression "the dead" describes all dead people together in the underworld. To rise from among them speaks of becoming alive again. Alternate translation: "from among all those who have died"
"they do not marry, and they are not given in marriage"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "and no one gives them in marriage"
This refers to the place where God lives.
This can be expressed with an active verb. Alternate translation: "who rise" or "who rise to live again"
"the book that Moses wrote"
This refers to the part of the book of Moses that tells about when God spoke to Moses out of a bush that was burning but that did not burn up. Alternate translation: "the passage about the burning bush" or "the words about the fiery bush"
This refers to a shrub, a woody plant that is smaller than a tree.
"about when God spoke to Moses"
This means that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob worship God. These men have died physically, but they are still alive spiritually and still worship God.
Here "the dead" refers to people who are dead, and "the living" refers to people who are alive. Also, the words "the God" can be stated clearly in the second phrase. Alternate translation: "not the God of dead people, but the God of living people"
This includes people who are alive physically and spiritually.
It may be helpful to state what they are mistaken about. Alternate translation: "When you say that dead people do not rise again, you are quite mistaken"
"completely mistaken" or "very wrong"
"The scribe asked Jesus"
"The most important" refers to the most important commandment. Alternate translation: "The most important commandment is"
"Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord"
Here "heart" and "soul" are metonyms for a person's inner being. These four phrases are used together to mean "completely" or "earnestly."
Jesus uses this simile to compare how people are to love each other with the same love as they love themselves. Alternate translation: "love your neighbor as much as you love yourself"
Here the word "these" refers to the two commandments that Jesus had just told the people.
"Good answer, Teacher" or "Well said, Teacher"
This means that there is only one God. Alternate translation: "there is only one God"
The word "God" is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "that there is no other God"
Here "heart" is a metonym for person's thoughts, feelings, or inner being. These three phrases are used together to mean "completely" or "earnestly."
This simile compares how people are to love each other with the same love that they love themselves. Alternate translation: "to love your neighbor as much as you love yourself"
This idiom means that something is more important than something else. In this case, these two commandments are more pleasing to God that burnt offering and sacrifices. This may be written clearly. Alternate translation: "is even more important than" or "is even more pleasing to God than"
This can be stated in positive form. Here Jesus speaks of the man being ready to submit to God as king as being physically close to the kingdom of God, as if it where a physical place. Alternate translation: "You are close to submitting to God as king"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "everyone was afraid"
Some time has passed and Jesus is now in the temple. This is not part of the previous conversation. Alternate translation: "Later, while Jesus was teaching in the temple area, he said to the people"
Jesus uses this question to get the people to think deeply about the Psalm he is about to quote. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Consider why the scribes say the Christ is the son of David."
"a descendant of David"
This word "himself" refers to David and is used to place emphasis on him and what he said. Alternate translation: "It was David who"
This means that he was inspired by the Holy Spirit. That is, the Holy Spirit directed David in what he said. Alternate translation: "inspired by the Holy Spirit"
Here David calls God "The Lord" and calls the Christ "my Lord." This can be written more clearly. Alternate translation: "said about the Christ, 'The Lord God said to my Lord"
Jesus is quoting a psalm. Here God is speaking to the Christ. To sit at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "Sit in the place of honor beside me"
In this quote, God speaks of defeating enemies as putting them under the feet of the victor. Alternate translation: "until I completely defeat your enemies"
Here the word "him" refers to the Christ.
This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "so consider how the Christ can be a descendant of David"
This can be expressed with an active form. These greetings showed that the people respected the scribes. Alternate translation: "to have people greet them respectfully in the marketplaces"
You may want to make explicit that the scribes liked to sit in these places. Alternate translation: "to sit in the most important seats ... to have people seat them in the places of honor"
Here Jesus describes the scribes' cheating of widows and stealing of their houses as "devouring" their houses. Alternate translation: "They also cheat widows in order to steal their houses from them"
The words "widows" and "houses" are synecdoches for helpless people and all of a person's important possessions, respectively. Alternate translation: "everything from helpless people"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will certainly punish them with greater condemnation" or "God will certainly punish them severely"
The word "greater" implies a comparison. Here the comparison is to other men who are punished. Alternate translation: "will receive greater condemnation than other people"
Still in the temple area, Jesus comments on the value of the widow's offering.
This box, which everyone could use, held temple offerings.
"two small copper coins." These were the least valuable coins available.
"worth very little." A penny is worth very little. Translate "penny" with the name of the smallest coin in your language if you have one that is worth very little.
In verse 43 Jesus says that the widow put more money in the offering than the rich people put in, and in verse 44 he tells his reason for saying that. The information can be reordered so that Jesus tells his reason first and then says that the widow put in more, as in the UDB.
"Jesus called"
This indicates that the statement that follows is especially true and important. See how you translated this in Mark 3:28.
"all the other people who put money into"
much wealth, many valuable things
"lack" or "the little she had"
"to survive on"
1 As Jesus was walking away from the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Teacher, look at the wonderful stones and wonderful buildings!"
2 Jesus said to him, "Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left on another which will not be torn down."
3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, 4 "Tell us, when will these things happen? What will be the sign when all these things are about to happen?"
5 Jesus began to say to them, "Be careful that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name and say, 'I am he,' and they will lead many astray. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be frightened; these things must happen, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in many places, and famines. These are the beginnings of birth pains.
9 "Be on your guard. They will give you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues. You will stand before both governors and kings for my sake, as a testimony to them. 10 But the gospel must first be proclaimed to all the nations. 11 When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry about what you should say. For in that hour, what you should say will be given to you; it will not be you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 Brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rise up against their parents and cause them to be put to death. 13 You will be hated by everyone because of my name. But whoever endures to the end, that person will be saved.
14 "When you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be standing," (let the reader understand) "let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, 15 let him who is on the housetop not go down into the house or take anything out of it, 16 and let him who is in the field not return to take his cloak. 17 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! 18 Pray that it might not occur in the winter. 19 For those will be days of great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of creation, which God created, until now, no, nor ever will be again. 20 Unless the Lord had shortened the days, no flesh would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those whom he chose, he cut short the days. 21 Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'Look, there he is!' do not believe it. 22 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and will give signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 23 Be on guard! I have told you all these things ahead of time.
24 "But after the tribulation of those days,
'the sun will be darkened,
the moon will not give its light,
25 the stars will fall from the sky,
and the powers that are in the heavens
will be shaken.'
26 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. 27 Then he will send his angels and he will gather together his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the sky.
28 Learn a lesson from the fig tree. As soon as the branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things happening, recognize that he is near, close to the gates. 30 Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all of these things occur. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 32 But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father.
33 "Be alert! Watch, because you do not know what time it is. [1]34 It is like a man who goes on a journey—he leaves his house and puts his servants in charge of the house, each one with his work, and he commands the doorkeeper to stay alert. 35 Therefore stay alert because you do not know when the master of the house will come home; it could be in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or in the morning. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you I say to everyone: Watch!"
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 13:24-25, which is from the Old Testament.
Jesus said much about what would happen before he returned (Mark 13:6-37). He told his followers that bad things would happen to the world and bad things would happen to them before he returned, but they needed to be ready for him to return at any time.
As they leave the temple area, Jesus tells his disciples what will happen to the wonderful temple that Herod the Great has built.
The "stones" refer to the stones that the buildings were built with. Alternate translation: "the wonderful buildings and the wonderful stones that they are made of"
This question is used to draw attention to the buildings. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Look at these great buildings! Not one stone" or "You see these great buildings now, but not one stone"
It is implied that enemy soldiers will tear down the stones. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Not one stone will remain on top of another, for enemy soldiers will come and destroy these buildings"
In answer to the disciples' questions about the temple's destruction and what is going to happen, Jesus tells them what was going to take place in the future.
It can be expressed clearly that Jesus and his disciples had walked to the Mount of Olives. Alternate translation: "After arriving at the Mount of Olives, which is opposite the temple, Jesus sat down. Then Peter"
when they were alone
This refers to what Jesus had just said will happen to the stones of the temple. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "these things happen to the buildings of the temple ... are about to happen to the temple buildings"
"that all these things"
"to his disciples"
Here "leads you astray" is a metaphor for "persuades you to believe what is not true." Alternate translation: "deceives you"
Here "lead many astray" is a metaphor "persuades many to believe what is not true." Alternate translation: "deceive many people"
This is metonym. Possible meanings are 1) Alternate translation: "claiming my authority" or 2) Alternate translation: "claiming that God sent them."
"I am the Christ"
"hear of wars and reports about wars." Possible meanings are 1) "hear the sounds of wars close by and news of wars far away" or 2) "hear of wars that have started and reports about wars that are about to start"
"but it is not yet the end" or "but the end will not happen until later" or "but the end will be later"
This probably refers to the end of the world.
This idiom means to fight against one another. Alternate translation: "will fight against"
The words "will rise" are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "kingdom will rise against kingdom" or "the people of one kingdom will fight against the people of another kingdom"
Jesus speaks of these disasters as the beginnings of birth pains because more severe things will happen after them. Alternate translation: "These events will be like the first pains a woman suffers when she is about to bear a child"
"Be ready for what people will do to you"
"take you and put you under the control of councils"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will beat you"
This means to be put on trial and judged. Alternate translation: "You will be put on trial before" or "You will be brought to trial and judged by"
"because of me" or "on account of me"
This means they will testify about Jesus. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "and testify to them about me" or "and you will tell them about me"
Jesus is still speaking about things that must happen before the end comes. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "But the gospel must first be proclaimed to all the nations before the end will come"
Here this means to put people under the control of the authorities. Alternate translation: "give you over to the authorities"
The words "who will speak" are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "but the Holy Spirit, who will speak through you"
"One brother will put another brother under the control of people who will kill him" or "Brothers will put their brothers under the control of people who will kill them." This will happen many times to many different people. Jesus is not speaking of just one person and his brother.
This refers to both brothers and sisters. Alternate translation: "People ... their siblings"
The words "will deliver up to death" are understood from the previous phrase. This means that some fathers will betray their children, and this betrayal will cause their children to be killed. Alternate translation: "fathers will deliver up their children to death" or "fathers will betray their children, handing them over to be killed"
This means that children will oppose their parents and betray them. Alternate translation: "Children will oppose their parents"
This means that the authorities will sentence the parents to be put to death. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "cause the authorities to sentence the parents to die" or "the authorities will kill the parents"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Everyone will hate you"
Jesus uses the metonym "my name" to refer to himself. Alternate translation: "because of me" or "because you believe in me"
This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whoever endures to the end, God will save that person" or "God will save whoever endures to the end"
Here "endures" represents continuing to be faithful to God even while suffering. Alternate translation: "whoever suffers and stays faithful to God to the end"
Possible meanings are 1) "to the end of his life" or 2) "to the end of that time of trouble"
This phrase is from the book of Daniel. Jesus's audience would have been familiar with this passage and the prophecy about the abomination entering the temple and defiling it. Alternate translation: "the shameful thing that defiles the things of God"
Jesus's audience would have known that this refers to the temple. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "standing in the temple, where it should not be standing"
Mark added this to get the readers' attention, so that they would think about what Jesus meant when he spoke about the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be standing. Alternate translation: "may everyone who reads this understand what it means"
Housetops where Jesus lived were flat, and people could stand on them.
This refers to returning to his house. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "not return to his house"
"to get his cloak"
women who give babies breast milk
"Pray that these times" or "Pray that these things"
"the cold season" or "the cold, rainy season." This refers to the time of year when it is cold and unpleasant and difficult to travel.
"greater than there has ever been since the beginning of the world." This describes how great and terrible the tribulation will be. There has never been a tribulation as terrible as this one will be.
the beginning of creation, when God created the world
"and greater than there will ever be again" or "and after that tribulation, there will never again be a tribulation like it"
The writer uses past tense to describe a future event. Alternate translation: "If the Lord had not decided that he would shorten those days"
"had shortened the time." It may be helpful to specify which "days" are referred to. Alternate translation: "had reduced the days of suffering" or "had shortened the time of suffering"
The word "flesh" refers to people, and "saved" refers to physical salvation. Alternate translation: "no one would be saved" or "everyone would die"
"in order to help the elect"
The phrase "those whom he chose" means the same thing as "the elect." Together, they emphasize that God chose these people.
In verse 21 Jesus gives a command, and in 22 he tells the reason for the command. This can be reordered with the reason first, and the command second, as in the UDB.
"people who claim they are Christ"
"in order to deceive" or "hoping to deceive" or "trying to deceive"
The phrase "even the elect" implies that the false Christs and false prophets will expect to deceive some people, but they will not know if they will be able to deceive the elect. Alternate translation: "in order to deceive people, and even deceive the elect, if that is possible"
"the people whom God has chosen"
"Be watchful" or "Be alert"
Jesus told them these things to warn them. Alternate translation: "I have told you all these things ahead of time to warn you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the sun will become dark"
Here the moon is spoken of as if it were alive and able to give something to someone else. Alternate translation: "the moon will not shine" or "the moon will be dark"
This does not mean that they will fall to earth but that they will fall from where the are now. Alternate translation: "the stars will fall from their places in the sky"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the powers in the heavens will shake" or "God will shake the powers that are in the heavens"
"the powerful things in the heavens." These words could refer to 1) the sun, moon, and stars or 2) powerful spiritual beings
"in the sky"
"Then people will see"
"powerfully and gloriously"
The word "he" refers to God and is a metonym for his angels, as they are the ones who will gather the elect. Alternate translation: "they will gather" or "his angels will gather"
The whole earth is spoken of as "the four winds," which refer to the four directions: north, south, east, and west. Alternate translation: "the north, south, east, and west" or "all parts of the earth"
These two extremes are given to emphasize that the elect will be gathered from the entire earth. Alternate translation: "from every place on earth"
Jesus gives two short parables here to remind people to be aware when the things that he has been explaining happen.
The phrase "the branch" refers to the branches of the fig tree. Alternate translation: "its branches become tender and put out their leaves"
"green and soft"
Here the fig tree is spoken of as if it were alive and able to willingly cause its leaves to grow. Alternate translation: "its leaves begin to sprout"
the warm part of the year or the growing season
This refers to the days of tribulation. Alternate translation: "these things I have just described"
Many modern translations read, "you recognize" or "you know." It is not clear whether Jesus is stating a fact or issuing a command.
"the Son of Man is near"
This idiom means that he is very near and has almost arrived, referring to a traveler being close to arriving at the city gates. Alternate translation: "and is almost here"
This indicates that the statement that follows is especially important. See how you translated this in Mark 3:28.
"Pass away" is a polite way of saying "die." Alternate translation: "will not die" or "will not end"
The phrase "these things" refers to the days of tribulation.
The two extremes are given to refer to all of the sky, including the sun, moon, stars, and planets, and all of the earth. Alternate translation: "The sky, the earth, and everything in them"
"will cease to exist." Here this phrase refers to the world ending.
Jesus speaks of words not losing their power as if they were something that will never physically die. Alternate translation: "my words will never lose their power"
This refers to the time that the Son of Man will return. Alternate translation: "that day or that hour that the Son of Man will return" or "the day or the hour that I will return"
These words specify some of those who do not know when the Son of Man will return, different from the Father, who does know. Alternate translation: "no one knows—neither the angels in heaven nor the Son know—but the Father" or "neither the angels in heaven nor the Son know; no one knows but the Father"
Here "heaven" refers to the place where God lives.
It is best to translate "Father" with the same word that your language naturally uses to refer to a human father. Also, this is an ellipsis, stating that the Father knows when the Son will return. Alternate translation: "but only the Father knows"
It can be stated clearly what "time" refers to here. Alternate translation: "when all these events will happen"
"telling each one what work he should do"
"he could return in the evening"
The rooster is a bird that "crows" very early in the morning by making a loud call.
Here Jesus speaks of not being ready as "sleeping." Alternate translation: "find you not ready for his return"
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1 It was now two days before the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the scribes were seeking ways to stealthily arrest Jesus and then kill him. 2 For they were saying, "Not during the festival, so that a riot does not arise among the people."
3 While Jesus was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at the table, a woman came to him having an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which was pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the nard on his head. 4 But there were some who were angry. They spoke among themselves and said, "What is the reason for the waste of this perfume? 5 This perfume could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and given to the poor." Then they scolded her.
6 But Jesus said, "Leave her alone. Why are you troubling her? She has done a beautiful thing for me. 7 You always have the poor with you, and whenever you desire you can do good to them, but you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could. She has anointed my body for burial. 9 Truly I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will be spoken of, in memory of her."
10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went away to the chief priests so that he might give him over to them. 11 When the chief priests heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. He began looking for an opportunity to give him over to them.
12 On the first day of unleavened bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him, "Where do you want us to go to prepare, so you may eat the Passover meal?"
13 He sent two of his disciples and said to them, "Go into the city, and a man bearing a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him. 14 Where he enters a house, follow him in and say to the owner of that house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is my guest room where I will eat the Passover with my disciples?"' 15 He will show you a large furnished upper room that is ready. Make the preparations for us there." 16 The disciples left and went to the city. They found everything as he had said to them, and they prepared the Passover meal.
17 When it was evening, he came with the twelve. 18 As they were lying down at the table and eating, Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, one of you eating with me will betray me."
19 They were all very sorrowful, and one by one they said to him, "Surely not I?"
20 Jesus answered and said to them, "It is one of the twelve, the one now dipping bread with me in the bowl. 21 For the Son of Man will go as it is written about him. But woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for him if he had not been born."
22 As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it, and broke it. He gave it to them and said, "Take this. This is my body." 23 He took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 He said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, the blood that is poured out for many. 25 Truly I say to you, I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God."
26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27 Jesus said to them, "All of you will fall away, for it is written,
'I will strike the shepherd
and the sheep will be scattered.'
28 But after I am raised up, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."
29 Peter said to him, "Even if all fall away, I will not."
30 Jesus said to him, "Truly I say to you, today—yes, this very night—before the rooster crows twice you will deny me three times."
31 But Peter said emphatically, "If I must die with you, I will not deny you." They all made the same promise.
32 They came to the place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." 33 He took Peter, James, and John with him and began to be distressed and deeply troubled. 34 He said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved, even to the point of death. Remain here and watch." 35 Going a little farther, Jesus fell to the ground and prayed that if it were possible the hour might pass from him. 36 He said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible with you. Remove this cup from me. But not my will, but yours." 37 He came back and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch for one hour? 38 Watch and pray that you do not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." 39 Again he went away and prayed, and he used the same words. 40 When he came back again, he found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him. 41 He came the third time and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come. Look! The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Get up; let us go. Look, the one who is betraying me is near."
43 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived, and a large crowd was with him with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. 44 Now his betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard." 45 When Judas arrived, immediately he came up to Jesus and said, "Rabbi," and he kissed him. 46 Then they laid hands on him and seized him. 47 But one of them who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.
48 Jesus said to them, "Do you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs, to arrest me? 49 When I was daily with you and I was teaching in the temple, you did not arrest me. But this was done that the scriptures might be fulfilled." 50 All those with Jesus left him and ran away.
51 A young man, wearing only a linen garment that was wrapped around him, was following Jesus. When the men seized him, 52 he left the linen garment and ran away naked.
53 They led Jesus to the high priest. There were gathered with him all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes. 54 Now Peter followed him from a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest. He sat among the officers, warming himself near the fire. 55 Now the chief priests and the entire Jewish council were seeking testimony against Jesus so they might put him to death. But they did not find any. 56 For many brought false testimony against him, but even their testimony did not agree. 57 Some stood up and brought false testimony against him; they said, 58 "We heard him say, 'I will destroy this temple made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands.'" 59 Yet even their testimony did not agree.
60 The high priest stood up among them and asked Jesus, "Have you no answer? What is it these men testify against you?" 61 But he was silent and answered nothing. Again the high priest questioned him and said, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?"
62 Jesus said, "I am;
and you will see the Son of Man
when he sits at the right hand of power
and comes with the clouds of heaven."
63 The high priest tore his garments and said, "Do we still need witnesses? 64 You have heard the blasphemy. What is your decision?" They all condemned him as one who deserved death.
65 Some began to spit on him and to cover his face and strike him with their fists and say to him, "Prophesy!" The officers took him and beat him.
66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came to him. 67 She saw Peter warming himself, and she looked closely at him and said, "You were also with the Nazarene, Jesus."
68 But he denied it, saying, "I neither know nor understand what you are talking about." Then he went out into the gateway. And the rooster crowed. [1]
69 But the servant girl saw him and began to say again to those who stood there, "This man is one of them!"
70 But he denied it again. After a little while those who stood there were saying to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you also are a Galilean."
71 But he began to put himself under curses and to swear, "I do not know this man you are talking about."
72 The rooster immediately crowed a second time. Then Peter remembered the words that Jesus had said to him: "Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times," and he broke down and wept.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 14:27, 62, which is from the Old Testament.
Mark 14:22-25 describes Jesus's last meal with his followers. At this time, Jesus told them that what they were eating and drinking were his body and his blood. Nearly all Christian churches celebrate "the Lord's Supper," the "Eucharist," or "Holy Communion" to remember this meal.
"Abba" is an Aramaic word that the Jews used to speak to their fathers. Mark writes it as it sounds and then translates it.
Jesus refers to himself as the "Son of Man" in this chapter
Just two days before the Passover, the chief priests and scribes are secretly plotting to kill Jesus.
without people noticing
The word "they" refers to the chief priests and the scribes.
This refers to them not arresting Jesus during the festival. Alternate translation: "We must not do it during the festival"
Though some were angry that the oil was used to anoint Jesus, Jesus says that the woman has anointed his body for burial before he will die.
This man previously had leprosy but was no longer ill. This is a different man than Simon Peter and Simon the Zealot.
In Jesus's culture, when people gathered to eat, they reclined on their sides, propping themselves up on pillows beside a low table.
This is a jar made from alabaster. Alabaster is a very expensive yellow-white stone. Alternate translation: "beautiful white stone jar"
"that contained expensive, fragrant perfume called nard." Nard is a very expensive, sweet-smelling oil used to make perfume.
"on Jesus's head"
They asked this question to show that they disapproved of the woman pouring the perfume on Jesus. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "It is terrible that she wasted that perfume!"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "We could have sold this perfume" or "She could have sold this perfume"
"300 denarii." Denarius is the singular form of denarii. A denarius is a roman silver coin and it is worth one day's wage.
The phrase "the poor" refers to poor people. This refers to giving the money from the sale of the perfume to the poor. Alternate translation: "the money given to poor people"
Jesus rebukes the guests for questioning this woman's action. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not trouble her!"
This refers to poor people. Alternate translation: "poor people"
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This indicates that the statement that follows is especially true and important. See how you translated this in Mark 3:28.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "wherever my followers preach the gospel"
"what this woman has done will also be spoken of"
After the woman anoints Jesus with perfume, Judas promises to deliver Jesus to the chief priests.
Judas did not deliver Jesus over to them yet, rather he went to make arrangements with them. Alternate translation: "in order to arrange with them that he would give Jesus over to them"
"bring him to them so they could capture him" or "put him in their power" or "betray him"
It may be helpful to state clearly what the chief priests heard. Alternate translation: "When the chief priests heard what he was willing to do for them"
"to give him silver coins"
"put them in their power" or "betray him to them"
Jesus sends two of the disciples to prepare the Passover meal.
At the beginning of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, it was customary to sacrifice a lamb. Alternate translation: "when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb"
Here the "Passover" refers to the Passover meal. Alternate translation: "eat the Passover meal"
"carrying a large jar full of water"
This can be written as an indirect quote. Translate this so that it is a polite request. Alternate translation: "Our Teacher would like to know where the guest room is where he may eat the Passover with his disciples."
a room for visitors
They were to prepare the meal for Jesus and his disciples to eat. Alternate translation: "Prepare the meal for us there"
"The two disciples left"
"as Jesus had said"
That evening as Jesus and the disciples eat the Passover meal, Jesus tells them that one of them will betray him.
It may be helpful to state where they came to. Alternate translation: "he came with the twelve to the house"
In Jesus's culture, when people gathered to eat, they lay down on their sides, propping themselves up on pillows beside a low table.
This indicates that the statement that follows is especially true and important. See how you translated this in Mark 3:28.
This means that "one at a time" each disciple asked him.
Possible meanings are 1) this was a question for which the disciples expected the answer to be no or 2) this was a rhetorical question that did not require a response. Alternate translation: "Surely I am not the one who will betray you!"
"He is one of the twelve of you, the one now"
In Jesus's culture, people would often eat bread, dipping it in a shared bowl of sauce or of oil mixed with herbs.
Here Jesus refers to the scriptures prophesying about his death. If you have a polite way to talk about death in your language, use it here. Alternate translation: "For the Son of Man will die in the way that the scriptures say"
"the scripture says" or "as they wrote in the scripture"
This can be stated more directly. Alternate translation: "who betrays the Son of Man"
This was a flat loaf of unleavened bread, which was eaten as part of the Passover meal.
This means that he broke the bread into pieces for the people to eat. Alternate translation: "broke it into pieces"
"Take this bread. It is my body." Though most understand this to mean that the bread is a symbol of Jesus's body and that it is not actual flesh, it is best to translate this statement literally.
Here "cup" is a metonym for wine. Alternate translation: "He took the cup of wine"
The covenant is for the forgiveness of sins. This can be written more explicitly. Alternate translation: "This is my blood that confirms the covenant, the blood that is poured out so that many may receive the forgiveness of sins"
"This wine is my blood." Though most understand this to mean that the wine is a symbol of Jesus's blood and that it is not actual blood, it is best to translate this statement literally.
This indicates that the statement that follows is especially true and important. See how you translated this in Mark 3:28.
"wine." This is a descriptive way to refer to wine.
Possible meanings are 1) "again" or 2) "in a new way"
A hymn is a type of song. It was traditional for them to sing an Old Testament psalm.
"Jesus said to his disciples"
This is an idiom that means leave. Alternate translation: "will leave me"
"kill." Here "I" refers to God.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will scatter the sheep"
This idiom means that God will cause Jesus to become alive again after he has died. This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: "God raises me from the dead" or "God makes me alive again"
"I will go before you"
"everyone else falls away" or "everyone else leaves you"
This indicates that the statement that follows is especially true and important. See how you translated this in Mark 3:28.
The rooster is a male bird that calls out loudly very early in the morning. When he makes that sound he "crows."
two times
"you will say that you do not know me"
"said insistently" or "said strongly"
"Even if I must die"
This means that all of the disciples said the same thing that Peter said.
When they go to Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives, Jesus encourages three of his disciples to stay awake while he prays. Twice he awakens them, and the third time he tells them to wake up because it is time for the betrayal.
The word "they" refers to Jesus and his disciples.
overwhelmed with sorrow
The word "deeply" refers to Jesus being greatly troubled in his soul. Alternate translation: "extremely troubled"
Jesus speaks of himself as his "soul." Alternate translation: "I am"
Jesus is exaggerating because he feels so much distress and sorrow that he feels like he is about to die, though he knows he will not die until after the sun rises.
The disciples were to stay alert while Jesus prayed. This does not mean that they were supposed to watch Jesus pray.
This means that if God would allow it to happen. Alternate translation: "if God would allow it"
Here "this hour" refers to Jesus's time of suffering, both now in the garden and later. Alternate translation: "that he would not have to go through this time of suffering"
a term used by Jewish children to address their father. Since it is followed by "Father," it is best to transliterate this word.
This is an important title for God.
Jesus speaks of the suffering that he must endure as if it were a cup.
Jesus is asking God to do what he wants to be done and not what Jesus wants. Alternate translation: "But do not do what I want, do what you want"
The word "them" refers to Peter, James, and John.
Jesus rebukes Simon Peter for sleeping. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Simon, you are asleep when I told you to stay awake. You could not even stay awake for one hour."
Jesus speaks of being tempted as if it were entering into a physical place. Alternate translation: "that you are not tempted"
Jesus warns Simon Peter that he is not strong enough to do what he wants to do in his own strength. Alternate translation: "You are willing in your spirit, but you are too weak to do what you want to do" or "You want to do what I say, but you are weak"
These refer to two different aspects of Peter. "The spirit" is his inmost desires. "The flesh" is his human ability and strength.
"prayed again what he prayed before"
The word "them" refers to Peter, James, and John.
Here the author speaks of a sleepy person having a hard time keeping his eyes open as having "heavy eyes." Alternate translation: "for they were so sleepy they were having a hard time keeping their eyes open"
Jesus had gone and prayed again. Then he returned to them a third time. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "Then he went and prayed again. He returned the third time"
Jesus rebukes his disciples for not staying awake and praying. You can translate this rhetorical question as a statement if needed. Alternate translation: "You are still sleeping and resting!"
The time of Jesus's suffering and betrayal is about to begin.
"Listen!"
Jesus warns his disciples that his betrayer is approaching them. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man, am being betrayed"
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"one of the twelve disciples"
Here Mark gives background information about how Judas had arranged with the Jewish leaders to betray Jesus.
This refers to Judas.
Here "the man" refers to the man that Judas was going to identify. Alternate translation: "The man I kiss is the one you want"
"Judas kissed him"
These two phrases have the same meaning to emphasize that they seized Jesus. Alternate translation: "grabbed Jesus and seized him" or "seized him"
"who was standing nearby"
"Jesus said to the crowd"
Jesus is rebuking the crowd. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "It is ridiculous that you come here to seize me with swords and clubs, as if I were a robber!"
"But this has happened so that"
This refers to the disciples.
cloth made from the fibers of a flax plant
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that he had wrapped around himself"
"When the men seized that man"
Because the man was trying to run away, the others would have grabbed at his clothing, trying to stop him.
After the crowd of the chief priests, scribes, and elders lead Jesus to the high priest, Peter watches nearby while some stand to give false testimony against Jesus.
This can be reordered so that it is easier to understand. "All of the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes had gathered there together"
This word is used here to mark a change in the story as the author tells us about Peter.
As Peter followed Jesus, he stopped at the high priest's courtyard. This can be written clearly. Alternate translation: "and he went as far as the courtyard of the high priest"
Peter sat with the officers who were working at the courtyard. Alternate translation: "He sat in the courtyard among the officers"
These were probably the servants of the "the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes" (Mark 14:54).
This word is used here to mark a change in the story as the author returns to telling us about Jesus being put on trial.
They were not the ones who would execute Jesus; rather, they would order someone else to do it. Alternate translation: "they might have Jesus executed" or "they might have someone execute Jesus"
They did not find testimony against Jesus with which they could convict him and have him put to death. Alternate translation: "But they did not find any testimony with which to convict him"
Here speaking false testimony is described as if it were a physical object that someone can carry. Alternate translation: "accused him by speaking false testimony against him"
"they contradicted each other"
Here speaking false testimony is described as if it were a physical object that someone can carry. Alternate translation: "accused him by speaking false testimony against him"
"We heard Jesus say." The word "we" refers to the people who brought false testimony against Jesus and does not include the people to whom they are speaking.
Here "hands" refers to men. Alternate translation: "made by men ... without man's help" or "built by men ... without man's help"
"within three days." This means that the temple would be built within a three-day period.
The word "temple" is understood from the previous phrase. It may be repeated. Alternate translation: "will build another temple"
"these witnesses contradicted each other"
When Jesus answers that he is the Christ, the high priest and all of the leaders there condemn him as one who deserves to die.
Jesus stands up in the middle of the angry crowd to speak to them. Translate this to show who was present when Jesus stood up to speak. Alternate translation: "stood up among the chief priests, scribes, and elders"
The chief priest is not asking Jesus for information about what the witnesses said. He is asking Jesus to prove what the witnesses said is wrong. Alternate translation: "Are you not going to reply? What do you say in response to the testimony these men are speaking against you?"
Here God is called "the Blessed One." It is best to translate "Son" with the same word your language would naturally use to refer to a "son" of a human father. Alternate translation: "the Son of God"
This likely has a double meaning: 1) to respond to the high priest's question and 2) to call himself "I Am," which is what God called himself in the Old Testament.
Here "power" is a metonym that represents God. To sit at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "he sits in the place of honor beside the all-powerful God"
Here the clouds are described as accompanying Jesus when he returns. Alternate translation: "when he comes down through the clouds in the sky"
The high priest tore his clothes purposefully to show his outrage and horror at what Jesus has said. Alternate translation: "tore his garments in outrage"
This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "We certainly do not need any more people who will testify against this man!"
This refers to what Jesus said, which the high priest called blasphemy. Alternate translation: "You have heard the blasphemy he has spoken"
all the people in the room
some of the people in the room
They covered his face with a cloth or blindfold, so he could not see. Alternate translation: "to cover his face with a blindfold"
They mocked him, asking him to prophesy who was hitting him. Alternate translation: "Prophesy who hit you"
men who guarded the governor's house
As Jesus had predicted, Peter denies Jesus three times before the rooster crows.
"outside in the courtyard"
The servant girls worked for the high priest. Alternate translation: "one of the servant girls who worked for the high priest"
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This means to claim that something is not true. In this case, Peter was saying that what the servant girl said about him was not true.
Both "know" and "understand" have the same meaning here. The meaning is repeated to add emphasis to what Peter is saying. Alternate translation: "I really do not understand what you are talking about"
This is the same servant girl who identified Peter previously.
The people were identifying Peter as one of Jesus's disciples. This can be made clearer. Alternate translation: "one of Jesus's disciples" or "one of those who have been with that man they arrested"
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If in your language you have to name the person who curses someone, state God. Alternate translation: "to say for God to curse him"
The rooster is a male bird that calls out loudly very early in the morning. If he has made that sound he has "crowed."
"Second" here is an ordinal number.
This idiom means that he was overwhelmed with grief and lost control of his emotions. Alternate translation: "he was overwhelmed with grief" or "he lost control of his emotions"
1 Early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders and scribes and the entire Jewish council consulted together. Then they bound Jesus and led him away. They handed him over to Pilate. 2 Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"
He answered him, "You say so." 3 The chief priests were accusing him of many things.
4 Pilate again asked him, "Do you give no answer? See how many things they are accusing you of!" 5 But Jesus no longer answered Pilate, and that amazed him.
6 Now at the time of the festival, Pilate usually released to them one prisoner, a prisoner they requested. 7 There was a man called Barabbas in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the rebellion. 8 The crowd came to Pilate and began to ask him to do for them as he had done in the past. 9 Pilate answered them and said, "Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?" 10 For he knew that it was because of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to cry out that Barabbas should be released instead. 12 Pilate answered them again and said, "What then should I do with the King of the Jews?"
13 They shouted again, "Crucify him!"
14 Pilate said to them, "What evil has he done?"
But they shouted more and more, "Crucify him." 15 Pilate wanted to satisfy the crowd, so he released Barabbas to them. He scourged Jesus and then handed him over to be crucified.
16 The soldiers led him inside the courtyard (which is the government headquarters), and they called together the whole company of soldiers. 17 They put a purple robe on Jesus, and they twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on him. 18 They began to salute him and say, "Hail, King of the Jews!" 19 They were striking his head with a reed staff and spitting on him. They went to their knees and they bowed down before him. 20 When they had mocked him, they took off of him the purple robe and put his own garments on him, and then led him out to crucify him. 21 A certain man, Simon of Cyrene, was coming in from the country (he was the father of Alexander and Rufus), and they forced him to carry his cross.
22 The soldiers brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which is translated "Place of a Skull"). 23 They offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not drink it. 24 They crucified him and divided up his garments by casting lots to determine what piece each soldier would take. 25 It was the third hour when they crucified him. 26 On a sign they wrote the charge against him, "The king of the Jews." 27 With him they crucified two robbers, one on the right of him and one on his left. 28[1]29 Those who passed by insulted him, shaking their heads and saying, "Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save yourself and come down from the cross!"
31 In the same way the chief priests were mocking him with each other, along with the scribes, and said, "He saved others, but he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Those who were crucified with him also insulted him.
33 At the sixth hour, darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is interpreted, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" 35 Some of those standing by heard his words and said, "Look, he is calling for Elijah."
36 Someone ran, put sour wine on a sponge, put it on a reed staff, and gave it to him to drink. The man said, "Let us see if Elijah comes to take him down." 37 Then Jesus cried out with a loud voice and died.
38 The curtain of the temple was split in two from the top to the bottom. 39 When the centurion who stood and faced Jesus saw that he had died in this way, he said, "Truly this man was the Son of God." 40 There were also women who looked on from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James the younger and of Joses), [2] and Salome. 41 When he was in Galilee they followed him and served him. Many other women also came up with him to Jerusalem.
42 When evening had come, because it was the Day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 43 Joseph of Arimathea came there. He was a respected member of the council who was waiting for the kingdom of God. He boldly went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 44 Pilate was amazed that Jesus was already dead; he called the centurion and asked him if Jesus was dead. 45 When Pilate learned from the centurion that Jesus was dead, he gave the body to Joseph. 46 Joseph had bought a linen cloth. He took him down from the cross, wrapped him in the linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of a rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw the place where Jesus was buried.
The curtain in the temple was an important symbol that showed that people needed to have someone speak to God for them. They could not speak to God directly because all people are sinful and God hates sin. God split the curtain to show that Jesus's people can now speak to God directly because Jesus has paid for their sins.
The tomb in which Jesus was buried (Mark 15:46) was the kind of tomb in which wealthy Jewish families buried their dead. It was an actual room cut into a rock. It had a flat place on one side where they could place the body after they had put oil and spices on it and wrapped it in cloth. Then they would roll a large rock in front of the tomb so no one could see inside or enter.
Both by pretending to worship Jesus (Mark 15:19) and by pretending to speak to a king (Mark 15:18), the soldiers and the Jews showed that they hated Jesus and did not believe that he was the Son of God. (See: and mock)
This is a phrase in Aramaic. Mark transliterates its sounds by writing them using Greek letters. He then explains its meaning.
When the chief priests, the elders, the scribes, and the council give Jesus over to Pilate, they accuse Jesus of doing many bad things. When Pilate asks if what they had said is true, Jesus does not answer him.
They commanded for Jesus to be bound, but it would have been the guards who actually bound him and led him away. Alternate translation: "they commanded for Jesus to be bound and then he was led away" or "they commanded the guards to bind Jesus and then they led him away"
They had Jesus led to Pilate and transferred control of Jesus over to him.
Possible meanings are 1) by saying this, Jesus was saying that Pilate, not Jesus, was the one calling him the King of the Jews. Alternate translation: "You yourself have said so" or 2) by saying this, Jesus implied that he is the King of the Jews. Alternate translation: "Yes, as you said, I am" or "Yes. It is as you said"
"were saying that Jesus had done many bad things"
"Pilate asked Jesus again"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Do you have an answer"
"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
It surprised Pilate that Jesus did not reply and defend himself.
Pilate, hoping the crowd will choose Jesus, offers to release a prisoner, but the crowd asks for Barabbas instead.
This word is used here to mark a pause in the story as the author tells background information about Pilate's tradition of releasing a prisoner at feasts and about Barabbas.
The writer continues giving background information that will enable the reader to understand the part of the story that follows.
The writer writes as though he believes that the readers know which rebels and which rebellion he is talking about, not as though he is introducing new participants to the story.
This refers to Pilate releasing a prisoner at feasts. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "to release a prisoner to them as he had done in the past"
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This is background information about why Jesus was handed over to Pilate.
They envied Jesus, probably because so many people were following him and becoming his disciples. Alternate translation: "the chief priests were envious of Jesus. This is why they" or "the chief priests were envious of Jesus's popularity among the people. This is why they"
The author speaks of the chief priests rousing or urging the crowd as if the crowd were a bowl of something that they were stirring. Alternate translation: "roused the crowd" or "urged the crowd"
They requested Barabbas to be released instead of Jesus. Alternate translation: "released instead of Jesus"
The crowd asks for Jesus's death, so Pilate turns him over to the soldiers, who mock him, crown him with thorns, strike him, and lead him out to crucify him.
Pilate asks what he should do with Jesus if he releases Barabbas to them. This can be written clearly. Alternate translation: "If I release Barabbas, what then should I do with the King of the Jews"
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"Pilate said to the crowd"
"make the crowd happy by doing what they wanted him to do"
Pilate did not actually scourge Jesus but rather his soldiers did.
"flogged." To "scourge" is to beat with an especially painful whip.
Pilate told his soliders to take Jesus away to crucify him. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "told his soldiers to take him away and crucify him"
This was where the Roman soldiers in Jerusalem lived, and where the governor stayed when he was in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "the courtyard of the soldiers' barracks" or "the courtyard of the governor's residence"
"the whole unit of soldiers" "the whole cohort of soldiers"
Purple was a color worn by royalty. The soldiers did not believe that Jesus was king. They clothed him this way to mock him because others said that he was the King of the Jews.
"a crown made of thorny branches"
The reader should understsnd that they were mocking Jesus by pretending to salute him.
The greeting "Hail" with a raised hand was only used to greet the Roman emperor. The soldiers did not believe that Jesus was the king of the Jews. Rather they said this to mock him.
"a stick" or "a staff"
"kneeled" or "knelt" or "got on their knees"
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These are names of men.
This is the name of a place.
"from outside the city"
This is background information about the man whom the soldiers forced to carry Jesus's cross.
According to Roman law, a solider could force a man he came upon along the road to carry a load. In this case, they forced Simon to carry Jesus's cross.
The soldiers bring Jesus to Golgotha, where they crucify him with two others. Many people mock him.
"Skull Place" or "Place of the Skull." This the name of a place. It does not mean that there are lots of skulls there.
A skull is the head bones, or a head without any flesh on it.
It may be helpful to explain that myrrh is a pain-relieving medicine. Alternate translation: "wine mixed with a medicine called myrrh" or "wine mixed with a pain-relieving medicine called myrrh"
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"Third" here is a ordinal number. This refers to nine o'clock in the morning. Alternate translation: "nine o'clock in the morning"
The soldiers attached this sign to the cross above Jesus. Alternate translation: "They attached to the cross above Jesus's head a sign on which"
"the crime they were accusing him of doing"
This can be written more clearly. Alternate translation: "one on a cross on the right side of him and one on a cross on the left side of him"
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This action showed that the people disapproved of Jesus.
This is a exclamation of mockery. Use the appropriate exclamation in your language.
The people refer to Jesus by what he earlier prophesied that he would do. Alternate translation: "You who said you would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days"
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This refers to the way that the people who were walking by Jesus were mocking him.
"were saying mocking things about Jesus among themselves"
The leaders did not believe that Jesus is the Christ, the King of Israel. Alternate translation: "He calls himself the Christ and the King of Israel. So let him come down" or "If he is really the Christ and the King of Israel, he should come down"
The means to believe in Jesus. Alternate translation: "believe in him"
mocked, slandered
This refers to noon or 12 p.m.
Here the author describes it becoming dark outside as if the darkness were a wave that moved over the land. Alternate translation: "the whole land became dark"
This refers to three o'clock in the afternoon. Alternate translation: "At three o'clock in the afternoon" or "In the middle of the afternoon"
These are Aramaic words that should be copied as is into your language with similar sounds.
"means"
It can be stated clearly that they misunderstood what Jesus said. Alternate translation: "When some of those standing there heard his words, they misunderstood and said"
"vinegar"
"stick." This was a staff made from a reed.
"gave it to Jesus." The man held up the staff so that Jesus could drink wine from the sponge. Alternate translation: "held it up to Jesus"
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Mark is showing that God himself split the temple curtain. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "God split the curtain of the temple in two"
This is the centurion who supervised the soldiers who crucified Jesus.
Here "faced" is an idiom that means to look towards someone. Alternate translation: "who stood in front of Jesus"
"how Jesus had died" or "the way Jesus had died"
This is an important title for Jesus.
"watched from far away"
"who was the mother of James ... and of Joses." This can be written without the parentheses.
"the younger James." This man was referred to as "the younger" probably to distinguish him from another man named James.
This Joses was not that same person as the younger brother of Jesus. See how you translated the same name in [Mark 6:3]
Salome is the name of a woman.
"When Jesus was in Galilee these women followed him ... with him to Jerusalem." This is background information about the women who watched the crucifixion from a distance.
Jerusalem was higher than almost any other place in Israel, so it was normal for people to speak of going up to Jerusalem and going down from it.
Joseph of Arimathea asks Pilate for the body of Jesus, which he wraps in linen and puts in a tomb.
Here evening is spoken of as if it were something that is able to "come" from one place to another. Alternate translation: "it had become evening" or "it was evening"
The phrase "came there" refers to Joseph coming to Pilate, which is also described after the background information is given, but his coming is referenced before for emphasis and to help introduce him to the story. There may be a different way to do this in your language. Alternate translation: "Joseph of Arimathea was a respected"
"Joseph from Arimathea." Joseph is the name of a man, and Arimathea is the name of the place his is from.
This is background information about Joseph.
"went to Pilate" or "went in to where Pilate was"
It can be stated clearly that he wanted to get the body so that he could bury it. Alternate translation: "asked for permission to get the body of Jesus in order to bury it"
When Pilate heard that Jesus was dead, he was surprised, so he asked the centurion if it was true. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "Pilate was amazed when he heard that Jesus was already dead, so he called the centurion"
"he permitted Joseph to take Jesus's body"
Linen is cloth made from the fibers of a flax plant. See how you translated this in Mark 14:51.
You may need to make explicit that Joseph probably had help from other people when he took Jesus's body down from the cross, prepared it for the tomb, and closed the tomb. Alternate translation: "He and others took him down ... Then they rolled a stone"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "a tomb that someone had previously cut out of solid rock"
"a huge flat stone in front of"
This Joses was not that same person as the younger brother of Jesus. See how you translated the same name in [Mark 6:3]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the place where Joseph and the others buried Jesus's body"
1 When the Sabbath day was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices that they might come and anoint Jesus' body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, they went to the tomb when the sun had come up. 3 They were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?" 4 When they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away, for it was very large. 5 They entered the tomb and saw a young man dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
6 He said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus, the Nazarene, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. Look at the place where they had laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'"
8 They went out and ran from the tomb; they were trembling and amazed. They said nothing to anyone because they were so afraid. 9[1] [Early on the first day of the week, after he arose, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and told those who were with him, while they were mourning and weeping. 11 They heard that he was alive and that he had been seen by her, but they did not believe.
12 After these things he appeared in a different form to two of them as they were walking out into the country. 13 They went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.
14 Jesus later appeared to the eleven as they were reclining at the table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who saw him after he rose from the dead. 15 He said to them, "Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to the entire creation. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved, and he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 These signs will go with those who believe: In my name they will cast out demons. They will speak in new languages. 18 They will pick up snakes with their hands, and if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will get well."
19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 The disciples left and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word by the signs that went with them.] [2]
The tomb in which Jesus was buried (Mark 15:46) was the kind of tomb in which wealthy Jewish families buried their dead. It was an actual room cut into a rock. It had a flat place on one side where they could place the body after they had put oil and spices on it and wrapped it in cloth. Then they would roll a large rock in front of the tomb so no one could see inside or enter.
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all wrote about angels in white clothing with the women at Jesus's tomb. Two of the authors called them men, but that is only because the angels were in human form. Two of the authors wrote about two angels, but the other two authors wrote about only one of them. It is best to translate each of these passages as it appears in the ULB without trying to make the passages all say exactly the same thing. (See: Matthew 28:1-2 and Mark 16:5 and Luke 24:4 and John 20:12)
On the first day of the week, women come early because they expect to use spices to anoint Jesus's body. They are surprised to see a young man who tells them Jesus is alive, but they are afraid and do not tell anyone.
That is, after the Sabbath, the seventh day of the week, had ended and the first day of the week had begun.
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone had rolled away the stone"
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The angel is emphatically stating that Jesus has risen from the dead. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "He arose!" or "God raised him from the dead!" or "He raised himself from the dead!"
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Jesus appears first to Mary Magdalene, who tells the disciples, then he appears to two others as they walk in the country, and later he appears to the eleven disciples.
"on Sunday"
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"They heard Mary Magdalene say"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Mary Magdalene had seen him" or "she had seen him"
The "two of them" saw Jesus, but he looked different from how he had looked previously.
"two of his disciples"
The rest of the disciples did not believe what the two who had been walking in the country said.
When Jesus meets with the eleven, he rebukes them for their unbelief and tells them to go out into all the world to preach the gospel.
These are the eleven apostles who remain after Judas has left them.
This is a metonym for eating, which was the usual way people in that day ate meals. Alternate translation: "they were eating a meal"
In Jesus's culture, when people gathered to eat, they lay down on their sides, propping themselves up on pillows beside a low table.
Jesus is rebuking his disciples because they would not believe in him. Translate this idiom so it is understood that the disciples were not believing Jesus. Alternate translation: "refusal to believe"
Here "the world" is a metonym for the people in the world. Alternate translation: "Go everywhere there are people"
This is an exaggeration and a metonym for people everywhere. Alternate translation: "absolutely everybody"
The word "He" refers to anyone. This sentence can be made active. Alternate translation: "God will save all people who believe and allow you to baptize them"
The word "he" refers to anyone. This clause can be made active. Alternate translation: "God will condemn all people who do not believe"
Mark speaks of miracles as though they were people going along with the believers. Alternate translation: "People watching those who believe will see these things happen and know that I am with the believers"
Possible meanings are 1) Jesus is giving a general list: "In my name they will do things like these: They" or 2) Jesus is giving an exact list: "These are the things they will do in my name: They."
Here "name" is associated with Jesus's authority and power. See how "in your name" is translated in [Mark 9:38]
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God took him up into heaven, and he sat"
To sit at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "sat in the place of honor beside God"
worked together with them, helped them as they worked
This idiom means they proved that their message was true. Alternate translation: "showed that his message, which they were speaking, was true"
"by enabling them wherever they went to do miracles that showed that they truly were his disciples"
1 Many have taken on the work of putting together an account of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as they were passed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 So it seemed good to me also, because I have accurately investigated everything from the beginning, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you might know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
5 In the days of Herod king of Judea there was a certain priest named Zechariah from the division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. 7 But they had no child because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both advanced in their days.
8 Now it came about that Zechariah was in God's presence, carrying out the priestly duties in the order of his division. 9 According to the customary way of choosing which priest would serve, he had been chosen by lot to enter into the temple of the Lord to burn incense. 10 The whole crowd of people was praying outside at the hour when the incense was burned. 11 Now an angel of the Lord appeared to him and stood at the right side of the incense altar. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell on him. 13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son. You will call his name John. 14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb. 16 Many of the descendants of Israel will be turned to the Lord their God. 17 He will go before the face of the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready for the Lord a people prepared for him."
18 Zechariah said to the angel, "How can I know this? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in her days." 19 The angel answered and said to him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you, to bring you this good news. 20 Behold! You will be silent, unable to speak, until the day these things take place. This is because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at the right time." 21 Now the people were waiting for Zechariah. They were surprised that he was spending so much time in the temple. 22 But when he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized that he had seen a vision while he was in the temple. He kept on making signs to them and remained silent. 23 It came about that when the days of his service were over, he went to his house.
24 After these days, his wife Elizabeth conceived and for five months she kept herself hidden. She said, 25 "This is what the Lord has done for me when he looked at me with favor in order to take away my shame before people."
26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, who was a descendant of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. 28 He came to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." 29 But she was very confused by his words and she wondered what kind of greeting this could be. 30 The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 See, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son. You will call his name 'Jesus.' 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and there will be no end to his kingdom."
34 Mary said to the angel, "How will this happen, since I have not known any man?"
35 The angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will overshadow you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 See, your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age. This is the sixth month for her, she who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible for God."
38 Mary said, "See, I am the female servant of the Lord. Let it be for me according to your message." Then the angel left her.
39 Then Mary arose in those days and quickly went into the hill country, to a city in Judea. 40 She went into the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 Now it happened that when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby in her womb jumped, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 She cried out with a loud shout and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 Why has it happened to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For see, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of the things that were told her from the Lord."
46 Mary said,
"My soul praises the Lord,
47 and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
48 For he has looked
at the low condition of his female servant.
For see, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
49 For the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and his name is holy.
50 His mercy lasts from generation to generation
for those who fear him.
51 He has displayed strength with his arm;
he has scattered those who were proud
about the thoughts of their hearts.
52 He has thrown down princes from their thrones
and he has raised up those of low condition.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things,
but the rich he has sent away empty-handed.
54 He has given help to Israel his servant,
so as to remember to show mercy
55 (as he said to our fathers)
to Abraham and his descendants forever."
56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her house.
57 Now the time had come for Elizabeth to deliver her baby and she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.
59 Now it happened on the eighth day that they came to circumcise the child. They would have called him "Zechariah," after the name of his father. 60 But his mother answered and said, "No. He will be called John." 61 They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name." 62 They made signs to his father as to how he wanted him to be named. 63 His father asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John." They all were astonished at this. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was freed. He spoke and praised God. 65 Fear came on all who lived around them. All these matters were spread throughout all the hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard them stored them in their hearts, saying, "What then will this child become?" For the hand of the Lord was with him.
67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying,
68 "Praised be the Lord, the God of Israel,
for he has come to help
and he has accomplished redemption for his people.
69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David
70 (as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from long ago),
71 salvation from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us.
72 He will do this to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant,
73 the oath that he swore
to Abraham our father.
74 He swore to grant to us that we,
having been delivered out of the hand of our enemies,
would serve him without fear
75 in holiness and righteousness
before him all our days.
76 Yes, and you, child,
will be called a prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the face of the Lord
to prepare his paths,
to prepare people for his coming,
77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people
by the forgiveness of their sins.
78 This will happen because
of the tender mercy of our God,
because of which the sunrise
from on high will come to help us,
79 to shine on those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death.
He will do this to guide our feet
into the path of peace."
80 Now the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 1:46-55, 68-79.
Most people in the ancient Near East would give a child the same name as someone in their family. People were surprised that Elizabeth and Zechariah named their son John, because there was no one else in their family with that name.
Luke's language is simple and straightforward. He does not use many figures of speech.
Luke explains why he writes to Theophilus.
"about those things that have happened among us" or "about those events that have happened among us"
No one knows for sure who Theophilus was. If he was a Christian, the word "us" here would include him and so be inclusive, and if not, it would be exclusive.
An "eyewitness" is a person who saw something happen, and a servant of the word is a person who serves God by telling people God's message. You may need to make it clear how they were servants of the word. Alternate translation: "saw what had happened and served God by telling people his message"
The word "word" is a synecdoche for a message made up of many words. Alternate translation: "servants of the message" or "servants of God's message"
"carefully researched." Luke was careful to find out exactly what happened. He probably talked to the different people who saw what happened to make sure that what he wrote down about these events was correct.
Luke said this to show honor and respect for Theophilus. This may mean that Theophilus was an important government official. This section should use the style that your culture uses to address people of high status. Some people may prefer to also put this greeting at the beginning and say, "To most excellent Theophilus" or "Dear most excellent Theophilus."
"honorable" or "noble"
This name means "friend of God." It may describe this man's character or it may have been his actual name. Most translations have it as a name.
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Zechariah and Elizabeth are introduced. Verses 5-7 give background information about them.
The angel prophesies the birth of John.
The phrase "In the days of" is used to indicate a new event. Alternate translation: "During the time that King Herod ruled over Judea"
"there was a particular" or "there was a." This is a way of introducing a new character in a story. Consider how your language does this.
It is understood that this refers to the priests. Alternate translation: "division of priests" or "group of priests"
"who descended from Abijah." Abijah was an ancestor of this group of priests and all of them were descended from Aaron, who was the first Israelite priest.
"in God's sight" or "in God's opinion"
"all that the Lord had commanded and required"
This contrast word shows that what follows here is the opposite of what is expected. People expected that if they did what was right, God would allow them to have children. Although this couple did what was right, they did not have any children.
This is a euphemism that says that they were very old. Alternate translation: "they had both lived many days" or "they had both lived many years" or "they were both very old"
This phrase is used to mark a shift in the story from the background information to the participants.
It is implied that Zechariah was in God's temple and that these priestly duties were part of worshiping God.
"when it was his group's turn" or "when the time came for his group to serve"
This sentence gives us information about priestly duties.
"the traditional method" or "the usual way"
A lot was a marked stone that was thrown or rolled on the ground in order to decide something. The priests believed that God guided the lot to show them which priest he wanted them to choose.
The priests were to burn sweet-smelling incense as an offering to God each morning and evening on a special altar inside the temple.
"A large number of people" or "Many people"
The courtyard was the enclosed area surrounding the temple. Alternate translation: "outside the temple building" or "in the courtyard outside the temple"
"at the set time." It is unclear if this was the morning or evening time for the incense offering.
While Zechariah does his duty in the temple, an angel comes from God to give him a message.
This word marks the beginning of the action in the story.
"suddenly came to him" or "was suddenly there with Zechariah." This expresses that the angel was present with Zechariah, and not simply a vision.
These two phrases mean the same thing, and emphasize how afraid Zechariah was.
"When Zechariah saw the angel." Zechariah was afraid because the appearance of the angel was frightening. He had not done anything wrong, so he was not afraid that the angel would punish him.
Fear is described as if it was something that attacked or overpowered Zechariah.
"Stop being afraid of me" or "You do not need to be afraid of me"
This can be stated in active form. It is implied that God will give Zechariah what he has asked for. Alternate translation: "God has heard your prayer and will give you what you have asked for"
"have a son for you" or "give birth to your son"
The words "joy" and "gladness" mean the same thing and are used to emphasize how great the joy will be. Alternate translation: "you will have great joy" or "you will be very glad"
"because of his birth"
"This is because he will be great." Zechariah and the "many" will rejoice because John will be "great in the sight of the Lord." The rest of verse 15 tells how God wants John to live.
"he will be a very important person for the Lord" or "God will consider him to be very important"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Holy Spirit will empower him" or "the Holy Spirit will guide him" Make sure it does not sound similar to what an evil spirit might do to a person.
"even while he is in his mother's womb" or "even before he is born"
Here "be turned" is a metaphor for a person repenting and worshiping the Lord. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He will cause many of the people of Israel to repent and worship the Lord their God"
Before the Lord comes, he will go and announce to the people that the Lord will come to them.
Here "the face of" someone can be an idiom that refers to the that person's presence. It is sometimes omitted in translation. Alternate translation: "the Lord"
"with the same spirit and power that Elijah had." The word "spirit" either refers to God's Holy Spirit or to Elijah's attitude or way of thinking. Make sure that the word "spirit" does not mean ghost or evil spirit.
"persuade fathers to care about their children again" or "cause fathers to restore their relationships with their children"
The heart is spoken of as if it were something that could be turned to go in a different direction. This refers to changing someone's attitude toward something.
Here this refers to people who do not obey the Lord.
What the people will be prepared to do can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "make ready for the Lord a people who are prepared to believe his message"
"How can I know for sure that what you said will happen?" Here, "know" means to learn by experience, suggesting Zechariah was asking for a sign as proof. Alternate translation: "What can you do to prove to me that this will happen?"
This is a euphemism that says that she was very old. See how you translated similar words in [Luke 1:7]
This is stated as a rebuke to Zechariah. The presence of Gabriel, coming directly from God, should be enough proof for Zechariah.
"who serves"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God sent me to speak to you"
"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important"
These mean the same thing, and are repeated to emphasize the completeness of his silence. Alternate translation: "completely unable to speak" or "not able to speak at all"
"not believe what I said"
"at the appointed time"
This marks a shift in the story from what happened inside the temple to what happened outside. Alternate translation: "While that was happening" or "While the angel and Zechariah were talking"
These things probably happened at the same time, and Zechariah's signs helped the people understand that he had had a vision. It might be helpful to your audience to change the order to show that. Alternate translation: "He kept on making signs to them and remained silent. So they realized that he had seen a vision while he was in the temple"
The earlier description indicated that Gabriel actually came to Zechariah in the temple. The people, not knowing that, assumed Zechariah saw a vision.
This phrase moves the story ahead to when Zechariah's service was ended.
Zechariah did not live in Jerusalem, where the temple was located. He traveled to his home town.
The phrase "these days" refers to the time Zechariah was serving in the temple. It is possible to state more clearly what this refers to. Alternate translation: "After Zechariah's time of serving at the temple"
"Zechariah's wife"
"did not leave her house"
This phrase refers to the fact that the Lord allowed her to become pregnant.
This is a positive exclamation. She is very happy with what the Lord has done for her.
"to look at" here is an idiom that means "to treat" or "to deal with." Alternate translation: "regarded me kindly" or "had pity on me"
This refers to the shame she felt when she was not able to have children.
"in the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy." It may be necessary to state this clearly if it would be confused with the sixth month of the year.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God told the angel Gabriel to go"
Mary's parents had agreed that Mary would marry Joseph. Though they had not had sexual relations, Joseph would have thought and spoken of her as his wife.
"he belonged to the same tribe as King David"
This introduces Mary as a new character in the story.
"The angel came to Mary"
This was a common greeting. It means: "Rejoice" or "Be glad."
"you who have received great grace!" or "you who have received special kindness!"
"with you" here is an idiom that implies support and acceptance. Alternate translation: "The Lord is pleased with you"
Mary understood the meaning of the individual words, but she did not understand why the angel said this amazing greeting to her.
The angel does not want Mary to be afraid of his appearance, because God sent him with a positive message.
The idiom "to find favor" means to be positively received by someone. The sentence can be altered to show God as the actor. Alternate translation: "God has decided to give you his grace" or "God is showing you his kindness"
Mary will bear "a son" who will be called "the Son of the Most High." Jesus is therefore a human son born of a human mother, and he is also the Son of God. These terms should be translated very carefully.
Mary will bear "a son" who will be called "the Son of the Most High." Jesus is therefore a human son born of a human mother, and he is also the Son of God. These terms should be translated very carefully.
Possible meanings are 1) "people will call him" or 2) "God will call him"
This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
The throne represents the king's authority to rule. Alternate translation: "give him authority to rule as king as his ancestor David did"
The negative phrase "no end" emphasizes that it continues forever. It could also be stated with a positive phrase. Alternate translation: "his kingdom will never end"
Though Mary did not understand how it could happen, she did not doubt that it would happen.
Mary used this polite expression to say that she had not engaged in sexual activity. Alternate translation: "I am a virgin"
The process of Mary's conception would begin with the Holy Spirit coming to her.
It was God's "power" that would supernaturally cause Mary to become pregnant even while she still remained a virgin. Make sure this does not imply any physical or sexual union—this was a miracle.
"will cover you like a shadow"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "So the holy one who will be born they will call the Son of God" or "So the baby that will be born will be holy, and people will call him the Son of God"
"the holy child" or "the holy baby"
This is an important title for Jesus.
"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: your relative"
If you need to state a specific relationship, Elizabeth was probably Mary's aunt or great-aunt.
"Elizabeth has also become pregnant with a son even though she is already very old" or "Elizabeth, even though she is old, has also become pregnant and will bear a son." Make sure it does not sound as though both Mary and Elizabeth were old when they conceived.
"the sixth month of her pregnancy"
"Because nothing" or "This shows that nothing"
Elizabeth's pregnancy was proof that God was able to do anything—even enable Mary to become pregnant without her sleeping with a man. The double negatives in this statement can be stated with positive terms. Alternate translation: "everything will be possible for God" or "God can do anything"
"Here I am, the female servant" or "I am glad to be the female servant." She is responding humbly and willingly.
Choose an expression that shows her humility and obedience to the Lord. She was not boasting about being the Lord's servant.
"Let this happen to me." Mary was expressing her willingness for the things to happen that the angel had told her were about to happen.
Mary goes to visit her relative Elizabeth, who is going to give birth to John.
This idiom means she not only stood up, but also "got ready." Alternate translation: "started out" or "got ready"
"the hilly area" or "the mountainous part of Israel"
It is implied that Mary finished her journey before she went in to Zechariah's house. This could be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "When she arrived, she went"
The phrase is used to mark a new event in this part of the story.
"in Elizabeth's womb"
moved suddenly
The phrases "cried out" and "loud shout" mean the same thing and are used to emphasize how excited Elizabeth was. You may want to combine them into one phrase. Alternate translation: "exclaimed loudly"
The idiom "among women" means "more than any other woman"
Mary's baby is spoken of as if it is the fruit that a plant produces. Alternate translation: "the baby in your womb" or "the baby you will bear"
Elizabeth is not asking for information. She was showing how surprised and happy she was that the mother of the Lord had come to her. Alternate translation: "How wonderful it is that the mother of my Lord has come to me!"
It can be made clear that Elizabeth was calling Mary "the mother of my Lord" by adding the word "you." Alternate translation: "you, the mother of my Lord"
This phrase alerts Mary to pay attention to Elizabeth's surprising statement that follows.
Hearing a sound is spoken of as if the sound came to the ears. Alternate translation: "when I heard the sound of your greeting"
"moved suddenly with joy" or "turned forcefully because he was so happy"
Elizabeth is talking about Mary to Mary. Alternate translation: "Blessed are you who believed ... that were told you from the Lord"
The passive verb can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will bless her because she believed"
"the things would actually happen" or "the things would come true"
The word "from" is used here instead of "by" because it was the angel Gabriel whom Mary actually heard speak
Mary begins a song of praise to the Lord her Savior.
The word "soul" refers to the spiritual part of a person. Mary is saying that her worship comes from deep inside her. Alternate translation: "My inner being praises" or "I praise"
Both "soul" and "spirit" refer to the spiritual part of a person. Mary is saying that her worship comes from deep inside her. Alternate translation: "my heart has rejoiced" or "I rejoice"
"has felt very joyful about" or "was very happy about"
"God, the One who saves me" or "God, who saves me"
"This is because he"
"looked at with concern" or "cared about"
"poverty." Mary's family was not rich.
This phrase calls attention to the statement that follows.
"now and in the future"
"the people in all generations"
"God, the Powerful One, has"
Here "name" refers to the entire person of God. Alternate translation: "he"
"God's mercy"
"from one generation to the next generation" or "throughout every generation" or "to people in every time period"
Here "his arm" is a metonym that stands for God's power. Alternate translation: "shown that he is very powerful"
"has caused those ... hearts to run away in different directions"
Here "hearts" is a metonym for people's inner beings. Alternate translation: "who were proud in their thoughts" or "who were proud"
A throne is a chair that a ruler sits on, and it is a symbol of his authority. If a prince is brought down from his throne, it means he no longer has the authority to reign. Alternate translation: "He has taken away the authority of princes" or "He has made rulers stop ruling"
In this word picture, people who are important are higher than people who are less important. Alternate translation: "has has made humble people important" or "has given honor to people whom others have not honored"
"in poverty." See how you translated this in Luke 1:48.
The contrast between these two opposite actions should be made clear in the translation if possible.
Possible meanings are 1) "given the hungry good food to eat" or 2) "given the needy good things."
The information in verses 54 and 55 can be rearranged, as in the UDB, to make the meaning clearer.
"The Lord has helped"
If readers confuse this with the man named Israel, it could be translated as "his servant, the nation of Israel" or "Israel, his servants."
"in order to"
God cannot forget. When God "remembers," it is an idiom that means God acts upon his earlier promise.
The information in verses 54 and 55 can be rearranged, as in the UDB, to make the meaning clearer.
"just as he promised our ancestors he would do." This phrase supplies background information about God's promise to Abraham. Alternate translation: "because he promised our ancestors he would be merciful"
"Abraham's descendants"
"Mary returned to her (Mary's) house" or "Mary returned to her own house"
This word marks the beginning of the next event in the story.
"give birth to her baby"
"Elizabeth's neighbors and relatives"
"been very kind to her"
This phrase is used here to mark a change in the main story. Here Luke starts to tell a new part of the story.
Here "eighth day" refers to the time after the birth of the baby, counted from the first day, which was the day he was born. Alternate translation: "on the eighth day of the baby's life"
This was often a ceremony where one person circumcised the baby and friends were there to celebrate with the family. Alternate translation: "they came for the baby's circumcision ceremony"
"They were going to name him" or "They wanted to give him the name"
"his father's name"
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"by that name" or "by the same name"
This refers to the people who were there for the circumcision ceremony.
"motioned." Either Zechariah was unable to hear, as well as unable to speak, or the people assumed that he could not hear.
"to the baby's father"
"what name Zechariah wanted to give the baby"
Since he could not speak, it may be helpful to state this differently. Alternate translation: "His father indicated that he wanted them to give him a writing tablet" or "His father showed that he wanted a writing tablets"
"something on which to write"
greatly surprised or amazed
These two phrases are word pictures that together emphasize that Zechariah was suddenly able to speak.
These phrases can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God opened his mouth and freed his tongue"
"All who lived around Zechariah and Elizabeth were afraid." It may be helpful to state clearly why they were afraid. Alternate translation: "All who lived around them were in awe of God because he had done this to Zechariah"
The word "all" here is a generalization. Alternate translation: "those who lived around them" or "many who lived in that area"
The phrase "these matters were spread" is a metaphor for people talking about them. The passive verb here can also be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "All these matters were talked about by people throughout all the hill country of Judea" or "People throughout the hill country of Judea talked about all these matters"
"All who heard about these matters"
People carefully remembering things so that they can think about them later is spoken of as if they were putting those things safely in their hearts. Alternate translation: "kept them in mind" or "thought carefully about these matters" or "thought a lot about these events"
"hearts. They asked"
"What kind of great person will this baby grow up to be?" It is also possible that this question was meant to be a statement of their surprise at what they had heard about the baby. Alternate translation: "What a great man this child will be!"
The phrase "the hand of the Lord" refers to the Lord's power. Alternate translation: "the Lord's power was with him" or "the Lord was working in him powerfully"
Zechariah tells what will happen with his son John.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Holy Spirit filled his father Zechariah, and Zachariah prophesied"
John's father
Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotes in your language. Alternate translation: "prophesied and said" or "prophesied, and this is what he said"
"Israel" here refers to the nation of Israel. The relationship between God and Israel could be stated more directly. Alternate translation: "the God who reigns over Israel" or "the God whom Israel worships"
"God's people"
The horn of an animal is a symbol of its power to defend itself. To raise up here is to bring into existence or to enable to act. The Messiah is spoken of as if he were a horn with the power to save Israel. Alternate translation: "He has brought to us someone who is in the house of his servant David with the power to save us"
David's "house" here represents his family, specifically, his descendants. Alternate translation: "in the family of his servant David" or "who is a descendant of his servant David"
"just as God said"
God speaking by the prophets' mouths represents God causing his prophets to say what he wanted them to say. Alternate translation: "he caused his holy prophets who lived long ago to say"
The abstract noun "salvation" can be expressed with the verbs "save" or "rescue." Alternate translation: "who will save us from our enemies"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are repeated to emphasize how strongly their enemies are against them.
The hand is a metonym for the power that the person uses the hand to exercise. Alternate translation: "power" or "control"
"to be merciful to" or "to act according to his mercy toward"
Here the word "remember" means to keep a commitment or fulfill something.
These words refer to "his holy covenant" (Luke 1:72).
"to make it possible for us"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that after he rescued us from the hand of our enemies we would serve him without fear"
Here "hand" refers to the control or power a person. This could be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "from the control of our enemies"
This refers back to the fear of their enemies. Alternate translation: "without being afraid of our enemies"
This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns "holiness" and "righteousness." Possible meanings are 1) we would serve God in holy and righteous ways. Alternate translation: "doing what is holy and righteous" or 2) we would be holy and righteous. Alternate translation: "being holy and righteous"
This is an idiom which means "in his presence"
Zechariah uses this phrase to begin his direct address to his son. You may have a similar way to direct speech in your language.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as for you, child, people will know that you are a prophet"
These words are a euphemism for God. Alternate translation: "who serves the Most High" or "who speaks for God Most High"
Before the Lord comes, he will go and announce to the people that the Lord will come to them. See how you translated this in Luke 1:17.
"the face of" someone can be an idiom that refers to the that person's presence. It is sometimes omitted in translation. Alternate translation: "the Lord" See how you translated this in [Luke 1:17]
This is a metaphor that means that John will prepare the people to listen to and believe the Lord's message.
The phrase "give knowledge" is a metaphor for teaching. The abstract nouns "salvation" and "forgiveness" can be expressed with the verbs "save" and "forgive." Alternate translation: "to teach his people salvation through the forgiveness of their sins" or "to teach his people how God saves people by forgiving their sins"
It might be helpful to state that God's mercy helps people. Alternate translation: "because God is compassionate and merciful to us"
Light is often a metaphor for truth. Here, the Savior giving spiritual truth to people is spoken of as if he were a sunrise that shines light on the earth. Alternate translation: "the Savior, who is like a sunrise, will come from on high"
"from heaven"
Light is often a metaphor for truth. Here, the spiritual truth that the Savior will provide is spoken of as if it is a sunrise that lights up the earth
"give knowledge to" or "give spiritual light to"
Darkness is here a metaphor for the absence of spiritual truth. Here, people who lack spiritual truth are spoken of as if they are sitting in darkness. Also "shadow of death" represents the threat of death. Alternate translation: "those who do not know the truth and are in spiritual darkness and fear dying"
Here "guide" is a metaphor for teaching, and "path of peace" is a metaphor for living at peace with God. The phrase "our feet" is a synecdoche that represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "teach us how to live at peace with God"
This tells briefly about John's growing years.
This word is used here to mark a change in the main story. Luke quickly moves from the birth of John to the beginning of his ministry as an adult.
"became spiritually mature" or "strengthened his relationship with God"
"lived in the wilderness." Luke does not say at what age John began to live in the wilderness.
This does not necessarily mark a stopping point. John continued to live out in the desert even after he started preaching publicly.
"when he began to preach in public"
This is used here in the general sense of "the time" or "the occasion."
1 Now in those days, it came about that Caesar Augustus sent out a decree ordering that a census be taken of all the people living in the world. 2 This was the first census made while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 So everyone went to his own city to be registered for the census. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David. 5 He went there to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant. 6 Now it came about that while they were there, the time came for her to deliver her baby. 7 She gave birth to a son, her firstborn child, and she wrapped him in long strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 There were shepherds in that region who were staying in the fields, guarding their flock at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, because I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all the people. 11 Today a Savior was born for you in the city of David! He is Christ the Lord! 12 This is the sign that will be given to you: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger." 13 Suddenly there was together with the angel a great multitude from heaven, praising God and saying,
14 "Glory to God in the highest,
and may there be peace on earth
among people with whom he is pleased." [1]
15 It came about that when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." 16 They hurried there and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in a manger. 17 After they had seen him, they made known what had been said to them about this child. 18 All who heard it were amazed at what was spoken to them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept thinking about all the things she had heard, treasuring them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for everything that they had heard and seen, just as it had been spoken to them.
21 When it was the end of the eighth day, when he was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name he had been given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22 When the required number of days for their purification had passed, according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to the temple in Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. 23 As it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male who opens the womb will be set apart to the Lord." 24 So they offered a sacrifice according to what was said in the law of the Lord, "a pair of doves or two young pigeons." 25 Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 Led by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple. When the parents brought in the infant Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took him into his arms and praised God, and he said,
29 "Now let your servant depart in peace, Lord,
according to your word.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples:
32 A light for revelation to the Gentiles
and glory to your people Israel."
33 His father and mother [2] were amazed at what was said about him. 34 Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is appointed for the downfall and rising up of many people in Israel and for a sign that is rejected— 35 and a sword will pierce your own soul—so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." 36 A prophetess named Anna was there. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in her days. She had lived with her husband for seven years after her virginity, 37 and was a widow for eighty-four years. She never left the temple but was serving with fastings and prayers, night and day. 38 At that very hour she came near to them and began giving thanks to God, and she spoke about the child to everyone who had been waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 When they had finished everything they were required to do according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.
40 The child grew and became strong; he was full of wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
41 His parents went every year to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they again went up at the customary time for the festival. 43 After they had stayed the full number of days for the feast, they began to return home. But the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem and his parents did not know it. 44 They assumed that he was with the group that was traveling with them, so they traveled a day's journey. Then they started to search carefully for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem and started to search carefully for him there. 46 It came about that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the middle of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When they saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us this way? Look, your father and I have been anxiously searching for you." 49 He said to them, "Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I had to be about my Father's business? [3]50 But they did not understand what he meant by those words. 51 Then he went back home with them to Nazareth and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart.
52 But Jesus continued to grow in wisdom and stature, and increased in favor with God and people.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 2:14, 29-32.
This gives background to show why Mary and Joseph have to move at the time of Jesus's birth.
This word marks the beginning of a new part of the story.
This phrase is used to show that this is the beginning of an account. If your language has a way of showing the start of an account, you may use that. Some versions do not include this phrase.
"King Augustus" or "Emperor Augustus." Augustus was the first emperor of the Roman Empire.
This command was probably carried by messengers throughout the empire. Alternate translation: "sent messengers with a decree ordering"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that they register all the people living in the world" or "that they count all the people in the world and write down their names"
Here the word "world" represents only the part of the world that Caesar August ruled. Alternate translation: "the Empire" or "the Roman world"
Quirinius was appointed to be the governor of Syria.
"everyone started off" or "everyone was going"
This refers to the cities where people's ancestors lived. People may have lived in a different city. Alternate translation: "the city in which his ancestors lived"
"to have his name written in the register" or "to be included in the official count"
The UDB rearranges verses 4 and 5 into a verse bridge in order to make it easier to shorten the sentences.
This introduces Joseph as a new participant in the story.
The phrase "the city of David" was a name for Bethlehem that tells why Bethlehem was important. Although it was a small town, King David was born there, and there was a prophecy that the Messiah would be born there. Alternate translation: "to Bethlehem, the city of King David" or "to Bethlehem, the town where King David was born"
"because Joseph was a descendant of David"
This means to report to the officials there so they could include him in the count. Use a term for an official government count if possible.
Mary traveled with Joseph from Nazareth. It is likely that women were also taxed, so Mary would have needed to travel and be registered as well.
"his fiancee" or "who was promised to him." An engaged couple was considered legally married, but there would not have been physical intimacy between them.
The UDB rearranges verses 6 and 7 into a verse bridge in order to keep together the details about the place they stayed.
This phrase marks the beginning of the next event in the story.
"while Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem"
"it was time to give birth to her baby"
In some cultures mothers comfort their babies by wrapping them tightly in cloth or a blanket. Alternate translation: "wrapped cloths firmly around him" or "wrapped him tightly in a blanket"
This was some kind of box or frame that people put hay or other food in for animals to eat. It was most likely clean and may have had something soft and dry like hay in it as a cushion for the baby. Animals were often kept near the home to keep them secure and to feed them easily. Mary and Joseph stayed in a room that was used for animals.
"there was no space for them to stay in the guest room." This was probably because so many people went to Bethlehem to register. Luke adds this as background information.
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"An angel from the Lord" or "An angel who served the Lord"
"came to the shepherds"
The source of the bright light was the glory of the Lord, which appeared at the same time as the angel.
"Stop being afraid"
"that will make all the people very happy"
Some understand this to refer to the Jewish people. Others understand it to refer to all people.
This refers to Bethlehem.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will give you this sign" or "You will see this sign from God"
"the proof." This could either be a sign to prove that what the angel was saying was true, or it could be a sign that would help the shepherds recognize the baby.
This was the normal way that mothers protected and cared for their babies in that culture. See how you translated this in [Luke 2:7]
This was some kind of box or frame that people put hay or other food in for animals to eat. See how you translated this in Luke 2:7.
These words could refer to a literal army of angels, or it could be a metaphor for an organized group of angels. Alternate translation: "a large group of angels from heaven"
"giving praise to God"
Possible meanings are 1) "Give honor to God in the highest place" or 2) "Give the highest honor to God."
"may those people on earth with whom God is pleased have peace"
This phrase is used to mark a shift in the story to what the shepherds did after the angels left.
"from the shepherds"
"to one another"
Since the shepherds were speaking to one another, languages that have inclusive forms for "we" and "us" should use the inclusive form here.
"We should"
This refers to the birth of the baby, and not to the appearance of the angels.
A manger is a box or frame that people put hay or other food in for animals to eat. See how you translated this in Luke 2:7.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "what the angels had told the shepherds"
"the baby"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "what the shepherds told them"
A person who thinks is something is very valuable or precious is "treasuring" it. Mary considered the things she was told about her son to be very precious. Alternate translation: "carefully remembering them" or "joyfully remembering them"
"shepherds went back to the sheep"
These are very similar and emphasize how excited they were about what God had done. Alternate translation: "talking about and praising God's greatness"
The laws God gave the Jewish believers told them when to circumcise a boy baby and what sacrifice the parents had to bring.
This phrase shows the passing of time before this new event.
"the end of the eighth day of his life." The day he was born was counted as the first day.
Joseph and Mary gave him his name.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the name the angel had called him"
This shows the passing of time before this new event.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the number of days that God required"
"for them to become ceremonially clean." You can also state God's role. Alternate translation: "for God to consider them clean again"
"Mary and Joseph brought the baby up to the temple"
"to bring him to the Lord" or "to bring him into the Lord's presence." This was a ceremony acknowledging God's claim on the firstborn children who were male.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "As Moses wrote" or "They did this because Moses wrote"
This is an idiom meaning the first male born into a family. This referred to both animals and people. Alternate translation: "The first male that a mother gives birth to" or "Every firstborn male"
"that which the law of the Lord also says." This is a different place in the law. It refers to all males, whether firstborn or not.
The word "behold" alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this.
These abstract terms can be expressed as actions. Alternate translation: "did what was right and feared God" or "obeyed God's laws and feared God"
The word "Israel" is a metonym for the people of Israel. To "console" someone is to give them comfort, or "consolation." The words "consolation of Israel" are a metonym for the Christ or Messiah who would comfort or bring consolation to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "the one who would comfort the people of Israel"
"the Holy Spirit was with him." God was with him in a special way and gave him wisdom and direction in his life.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Holy Spirit had shown him" or "The Holy Spirit had told him"
"he would see the Lord's Messiah before he died"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "As the Holy Spirit directed him"
Some languages may say "went."
"into the temple courtyard." Only priests could enter the temple building.
"Jesus's parents"
"the custom of the law of God"
"Simeon took the infant Jesus into his arms" or "Simeon held Jesus in his arms"
"I am your servant; let me depart in peace." Simeon was referring to himself.
This is a euphemism meaning "die"
"Word" here is a metonym for "promise." Alternate translation: "as you have promised"
This expression means, "I have personally seen" or "I, myself, have seen"
This expression refers to the person who would bring salvation—the infant Jesus—whom Simeon was holding. Alternate translation: "the savior whom you sent" or "the one whom you sent to save"
Depending on how you translate the previous phrase, this may need to be changed to "whom you."
"have planned" or "caused to happen"
This metaphor means that the child will help people to understand God's will. The Gentiles understanding God's will is spoken of as if they were people using physical light to see a solid object. You may need to make explicit what it is that the Gentiles will see. Alternate translation: "This child will enable the Gentiles to understand God's will as light allows people to see clearly"
It may be necessary to state what is to be revealed. Alternate translation: "that will reveal God's truth"
"he will be the reason that glory will come to your people Israel"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the things that Simeon said about him"
"said to the child's mother, Mary." Make sure it does not sound like Mary is the mother of Simeon.
Simeon used this expression to tell Mary that what he is about to say is extremely important to her.
The words "downfall" and "rising up" express turning away from God and drawing closer to God. Alternate translation: "this child will cause many people in Israel to fall away from God or to rise closer to God"
This metaphor describes the deep sadness that Mary would feel. Alternate translation: "your sadness will be painful as though a sword pierced your soul"
Here "hearts" is a metonym for people's inner beings. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he may reveal the thoughts of many people" or "he may reveal what many people secretly think"
This introduces a new participant into the story.
This is a man's name.
This is a euphemism that says that she was very old. See how you translated similar words in [Luk 2:7]
"7 years"
"after she married him"
Possible meanings are 1) she had been a widow for 84 years or 2) she was a widow and was now 84 years old.
This is probably an exaggeration meaning that she spent so much time in the temple that it seemed as though she never left it. Alternate translation: "was always at the temple" or "was often at the temple"
"by abstaining from food on many occasions and by offering many prayers"
"approached them" or "went to Mary and Joseph"
Here the word "redemption" is used to refer to the person who would do it. Alternate translation: "the one who would redeem Jerusalem" or "the person who would bring God's blessings and favor back to Jerusalem"
Mary, Joseph, and Jesus leave the town of Bethlehem and return to the city of Nazareth for his childhood.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the law of the Lord required them to do"
This phrase means they lived in Nazareth. Make sure it does not sound like they owned the town. Alternate translation: "the town of Nazareth, where they lived"
"becoming wiser" or "learning what was wise"
"God blessed him" or "God was with him in a special way"
This is background information.
"Jesus's parents"
Jerusalem was higher than almost any other place in Israel, so it was normal for Israelites to speak of going up to Jerusalem.
"at the normal time" or "as they did every year"
The Festival of the Passover, which involved eating a ceremonial meal.
"When the entire time for celebrating the feast was over" or "After celebrating the feast for the required number of days"
"They thought"
"they traveled one day" or "they went as far as people walk in one day"
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This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
This refers to the courtyard around the temple. Only the priests were allowed in the temple. Alternate translation: "in the temple courtyard" or "at the temple"
This does not mean the exact center. Rather, it means "among" or "together with" or "surrounded by."
"the religious teachers" or "those who taught people about God"
They could not understand how a twelve-year-old boy with no religious education could answer so well.
"at how much he understood" or "that he understood so much about God"
"at how well he answered them" or "that he answered their questions so well"
"When Mary and Joseph found Jesus"
This was an indirect rebuke because he had not gone with them on the way back home. This caused them to worry about him. Alternate translation: "you should not have done this to us!"
This word is often used to show the beginning of a new or important event. It also can be used to show where the action begins. If your language has a phrase that is used in this way, consider whether it would be natural to use it here.
Jesus uses two questions to mildly rebuke his parents, and to begin to tell them that he had a purpose from his heavenly Father that they did not understand. Alternate translation: "You did not need to be concerned about me."
Jesus uses this second question to try to say that his parents should have known about the purpose for which his Father sent him. Alternate translation: "You should have known ... business."
Possible meanings are 1) Jesus meant these words literally, to indicate that he was doing the work that his Father had given him, or 2) these words are an idiom that indicate where Jesus was, "in my Father's house." Since the next verse says that his parents did not understand what he was telling them, it would be best not to explain it more.
At age 12, Jesus, the Son of God, understood that God was his real Father
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"Jesus went back home with Mary and Joseph"
"obeyed them" or "was always obeying them"
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's mind or inner being. Alternate translation: "carefully remembered all these things"
"become wiser and stronger." These refer to mental and physical growth.
This refers to spiritual and social growth. These could be stated separately. Alternate translation: "God blessed him more and more, and people liked him more and more"
1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—while Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip was tetrarch of the region of Iturea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas—the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 He went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,
"A voice of one crying out in the wilderness,
'Make ready the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.
5 Every valley will be filled,
and every mountain and hill will be made low,
and the crooked roads will be made straight,
and the uneven places will be built into roads,
6 and all flesh will see the salvation of God.'"
7 So John said to the crowds who were coming out to be baptized by him, "You offspring of vipers! Who warned you to run away from the wrath that is coming? 8 Therefore, produce fruits that are worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say within yourselves, 'We have Abraham for our father,' for I tell you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones. 9 Even now the ax is set against the root of the trees. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire."
10 Then the crowds kept asking him, saying, "What then are we to do?"
11 He answered and said to them, "If someone has two tunics, he should share it with a person who has none, and the one having food should do the same."
12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, "Teacher, what must we do?"
13 He said to them, "Do not collect more money than you have been ordered to collect."
14 Some soldiers also asked him, saying, "What about us? What must we do?"
He said to them, "Do not take money from anyone by force, and do not accuse anyone falsely. Be content with your wages."
15 Now as the people were eagerly expecting the Christ to come, everyone was wondering in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ. 16 John answered by saying to them all, "As for me, I baptize you with water, but someone is coming who is more powerful than I, and I am not worthy even to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand to thoroughly clear off his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his storehouse. But he will burn up the chaff with fire that can never be put out."
18 With many other exhortations also, John was announcing the good news to the people. 19 When Herod the tetrarch had been reproved for marrying his brother's wife Herodias, and for all the other evil things that Herod had done, 20 he added this to them all, that he locked John up in prison.
21 Now it came about, when all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized, and while he was praying, the heavens opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit in bodily form came down on him like a dove, and a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son. I am pleased with you."
23 When Jesus began his ministry, he was about thirty years of age. He was the son (as it was assumed) of Joseph, the son of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph.
25 Joseph was the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, 26 the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda.
27 Joda was the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Salathiel, the son of Neri, 28 the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er,
29 the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi. 30 Levi was the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim,
31 the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, 32 the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon.
33 Nahshon was the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, 34 the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor,
35 the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah. 36 Shelah was the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech,
37 the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Cainan, 38 the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 3:4-6, which is from the Old Testament.
John's instructions to the soldiers and tax collectors in this chapter are not complicated. They are things that should have been obvious to them. He instructed them to live justly. (See: justice and Luke 3:12-15)
A genealogy is a list which records a person's ancestors or descendants. Such lists were very important in determining who had the right be king, because the king's authority was usually passed down or inherited from his father. It was also common for other important people to have a recorded genealogy.
Prophecy often involves the use of metaphors to express its meaning. Spiritual discernment is needed for proper interpretation of the prophecy. The prophecy of Isaiah is an extended metaphor describing the ministry of John the Baptist
This event can cause confusion because the author says John was imprisoned and then says he was baptizing Jesus. The author probably uses this phrase in anticipation of Herod's imprisonment of John. This would mean that this statement is still in the future at the time of the narrative.
Verses 1-3 give background information to tell what is happening when Jesus's cousin John begins his ministry.
As the prophet Isaiah had foretold, John begins to preach good news to the people.
These are the names of men.
These are names of territories.
"while Annas and Caiaphas were serving together as the high priest." Annas was the high priest, and the Jews continued to recognize him as such even after the Romans appointed his son-in-law, Caiaphas, to replace him as high priest.
The writer speaks of God's message as though it were a person who moved toward those who heard it. Alternate translation: "God spoke his message"
The terms "baptism" and "repentance" could be stated as actions. Alternate translation: "and he preached that people should be baptized to show that they were repenting"
They would repent so that God would forgive their sins. The term "forgiveness" can be stated as an action. Alternate translation: "so that their sins would be forgiven" or "so that God would forgive their sins"
The author, Luke, quotes a passage from Isaiah the prophet concerning John the Baptist.
These words introduce a quotation from the prophet Isaiah. They can be stated in active form, and the missing words can be supplied. Alternate translation: "This happened as Isaiah the prophet had written in the book that contains his words:" or "John fulfilled the message that the prophet Isaiah had written in his book:"
This can be expressed as a sentence. Alternate translation: "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness is heard" or "They hear the sound of someone crying out in the wilderness"
The second command explains or adds more detail to the first.
"Get the road ready for the Lord." Doing this represents preparing to hear the Lord's message when he comes. Alternate translation: "Prepare yourselves for the Lord to come" or "Be ready for the Lord when he comes"
"the path" or "the road"
When people prepare the road for an important person who is coming, they cut down the high places and fill in the low places so that the road will be level. This is part of the metaphor started in the previous verse.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They will fill in every low place in the road"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they will level every mountain and hill" or "they will remove every high place in the road"
This can be stated as an action. Alternate translation: "learn how God saves people from sin"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for John to baptize them"
This is a metaphor. Here "offspring of" means "having the characteristic of." Vipers are poisonous snakes that are dangerous and represent evil. Alternate translation: "You evil poisonous snakes" or "You are evil, like poisonous snakes
He was not really expecting them to answer. John was rebuking the people because they were asking him to baptize them so that God would not punish them, but they did not want to stop sinning. Alternate translation: "You cannot flee from God's wrath like this!" or "You cannot escape from God's wrath just by being baptized!"
The word "wrath" is used here to refer to God's punishment because his wrath precedes it. Alternate translation: "from the punishment that God is sending" or "from God's wrath on which he is about to act"
In this metaphor, a person's behavior is compared to fruit. Just as a plant is expected to produce fruit that is appropriate for that kind of plant, a person who says that he has repented is expected to live righteously. Alternate translation: "produce the kind of fruit that shows that you have repented" or "do the good things that show that you have turned away from your sin"
"saying to yourselves" or "thinking"
"Abraham is our ancestor" or "We are Abraham's descendants." If it is unclear why they would say this, you may also add the implied information: "so God will not punish us."
"create children for Abraham"
John was probably referring to the actual stones along the Jordan River.
The ax that is in position so it can cut the roots of a tree is a metaphor for the punishment that is about to begin. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God is like the man who has placed his ax against the root of the trees"
"fire" here is a metaphor for punishment. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he chops down every tree ... and throws it into the fire"
"asking him and said" or "asking John"
John begins to respond to questions that people in the crowd ask him.
"answered them, saying" or "answered them" or "said"
This refers back to giving to someone what he needs. Alternate translation: "give food to someone who does not have any" or "share extra food just as you shared the extra tunic"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for John to baptize them"
"Do not ask for more money" or "Do not demand more money." Tax collectors had been collecting more money than they should have been collecting. John tells them to stop doing that.
This is passive to show that the tax collector's authority comes from Rome. Alternate translation: "than what the Romans have authorized you to take"
"How about us soldiers, what must we do?" John is not included in the words "us" and "we." The soldiers have implied that John had told the crowd and the tax collector what they must do and want to know what they as soldiers are to do.
It seems that the soldiers were making false charges against people in order to get money. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "in the same way, do not accuse anyone falsely in order to get money from them" or "do not say that an innocent person has done something illegal"
"Be satisfied with your pay"
"because the people." This refers to the same people who came to John.
"everyone was unsure what to think about John; they asked themselves, 'Could he be the Christ?'" or "no one was sure what to think about John because they were wondering whether he might be the Christ."
John's answer about a greater person coming clearly implies that John is not the Christ. It may be helpful to state this clearly for your audience. Alternate translation: "John clarified that he was not the Christ by saying to them all"
"I baptize using water" or "I baptize by means of water"
"not important enough even to loosen the straps of his sandals." Untying the straps of sandals was a duty of a slave. John was saying that the one who would come is so great that John was not even worthy enough to be his slave.
This metaphor compares literal baptism that brings a person into contact with water to a spiritual baptism that brings them into contact with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Here the word "fire" may refer to 1) judgment or 2) purification. It is preferred to leave it as "fire"
"He is holding a winnowing fork because he is ready." John speaks of the Christ coming to judge people as if he were a farmer who is ready to separate wheat grain from chaff. Alternate translation: "He is ready to judge people like a farmer who is ready"
This is a tool for tossing wheat into the air to separate the wheat grain from the chaff. The heavier grain falls back down and the unwanted chaff is blown away by the wind. It is similar to a pitchfork.
The threshing floor was the place where wheat was stacked in preparation for threshing. To "clear off" the floor is to finish threshing the grain. Alternate translation: "to finish threshing his grain"
The wheat is the acceptable harvest that is kept and stored.
The chaff is not useful for anything, so people burn it up.
"With many other strong urgings"
Verses 19 and 20 tell what is going to happen to John but has not happened at this time.
Herod was a tetrarch, not a king. He had only limited rule over the region of Galilee.
It is implied that John reproved Herod. This can also be translated with an active form. Alternate translation: "When Herod the tetrarch had been reproved by John" or "When John reproved Herod the tetrarch" )
"because Herod married Herodias, his own brother's wife." This was evil because Herod's brother was still alive. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "because he married his brother's wife, Herodias, while his brother was still alive"
Because Herod was tetrarch, he probably locked John up by ordering his soldiers to lock John up. Alternate translation: "he had his soldiers lock John up in prison" or "he told his soldiers to put John in prison"
The previous verse says that Herod put John in prison. It might be helpful to make it clear that the account starting in verse 21 happened before John was arrested. The UDB does this by starting verse 21 with "But before John was put in prison."
Jesus begins his ministry with his baptism.
This phrase marks the beginning of a new event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
"while John baptized all the people." The phrase "all the people" refers to the people present with John.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "John baptized Jesus also"
"the sky opened" or "the sky became open." This is more than a simple clearing of clouds, but it's not clear what it means. It possibly means that a hole appeared in the sky.
"in physical form the Holy Spirit came down like a dove onto Jesus"
Here "a voice came from heaven" represents people on earth hearing God in heaven speaking. It can be made clear that God spoke to Jesus. Alternate translation: "a voice from heaven said" or "God spoke to Jesus from heaven, saying"
This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
Luke lists the ancestors of Jesus through the line of his supposed father, Joseph.
This word is used here to mark a change from the story to background information about Jesus's age and ancestors.
"30 years old"
"It was thought that he was the son of Joseph" or "People assumed that he was the son of Joseph"
This continues the list that begins with the words "He was the son ... of Joseph, the son of Heli" in verse 24. Consider how people normally list ancestors in your language. You should use the same wording throughout the whole list. Possible formats are 1) "He was the son ... of Joseph, the son of Heli, who was the son of Matthat, who was the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph" or 2) "He was the son ... of Joseph. Joseph was the son of Heli. Heli was the son of Matthat. Matthat was the son of Levi. Levi was the son of Melchi. Melchi was the son of Jannai. Jannai was the son of Joseph" or 3) "His father ... was Joseph. Joseph's father was Heli. Heli's father was Matthat. Matthat's father was Levi. Levi's father was Melchi. Melchi's father was Jannai. Jannai's father was Joseph"
This is a continuation of the list of Jesus's ancestors that began in [Luke 3:23]
This is a continuation of the list of Jesus's ancestors that began in [Luke 3:23]
This is a continuation of the list of Jesus's ancestors that begins in [Luke 3:23]
The name Salathiel may be a different spelling of the name Shealtiel (as some versions have it), but identification is difficult.
This is a continuation of the list of Jesus's ancestors that began in [Luke 3:23]
This is a continuation of the list of Jesus's ancestors that began in [Luke 3:23]
This is a continuation of the list of Jesus's ancestors that began in [Luke 3:23]
This is a continuation of the list of Jesus's ancestors that began in [Luke 3:23]
This is a continuation of the list of Jesus's ancestors that began in [Luke 3:23]
This is a continuation of the list of Jesus's ancestors that began in [Luke 3:23]
This is a continuation of the list of Jesus's ancestors that began in [Luke 3:23]
This is a continuation of the list of Jesus's ancestors that began in [Luke 3:23]
This is a continuation of the list of Jesus's ancestors that began in [Luke 3:23]
This is a continuation of the list of Jesus's ancestors that began in [Luke 3:23]
This is a continuation of the list of Jesus's ancestors that began in [Luke 3:23]
"Adam, created by God" or "Adam, who was from God" or "Adam, the son, we could say, of God"
1 Then Jesus, being full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of that time he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread."
4 Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Man does not live on bread alone.'"
5 Then the devil led Jesus up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in an instant of time. 6 The devil said to him, "I will give to you all this authority and all their glory, for they have been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want. 7 So then, if you will bow down and worship me, it will be yours."
8 But Jesus answered and said to him, "It is written, 'You will worship the Lord your God, and you will serve only him.'"
9 Then the devil led Jesus to Jerusalem and put him on the very highest point of the temple building, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written,
'He will give orders to his angels regarding you,
to protect you,'
11 and, 'They will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"
12 Answering him, Jesus said, "It is said, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
13 When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he went away and left him until another time.
14 Then Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread throughout the entire surrounding region. 15 Then he began to teach in their synagogues and he was praised by all.
16 He came into Nazareth, where he had been raised, and, as was his custom, he entered the synagogue on the Sabbath day and he stood up to read aloud. 17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. He opened the scroll and found the place where it was written,
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he anointed me
to announce good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to set free those who are oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 He began to speak to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."
22 Everyone there spoke well of him and they were amazed at the gracious words which were coming out of his mouth, and they asked, "Is this not the son of Joseph?"
23 He said to them, "Surely you will say this proverb to me, 'Doctor, heal yourself. Whatever we heard that you did in Capernaum, do the same in your hometown.'" 24 But he said, "Truly I say to you, no prophet is received in his own hometown. 25 But in truth I tell you that there were many widows in Israel during the time of Elijah, when the sky was shut up for three years and six months and a great famine came upon all the land. 26 But Elijah was sent to none of them, but only to Zarephath in Sidon, to a widow living there. 27 There were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet, but none of them were cleansed except Naaman the Syrian." 28 All the people in the synagogue were filled with rage when they heard these things. 29 They got up, forced him out of the town, and led him to the cliff of the hill on which their town was built, so they might throw him off the cliff. 30 But he passed through the middle of them and he went to another place.
31 Then he went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and he began to teach them on the Sabbath. 32 They were astonished at his teaching, because he spoke with authority. 33 Now in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, 34 "Ah! What do we have to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!"
35 Jesus rebuked the demon, saying, "Do not speak! Come out of him!" When the demon had thrown the man down in the middle of them, he came out of him, and did not harm him in any way.
36 All the people were very amazed, and they kept talking about it with one another. They said, "What kind of words are these? He commands the unclean spirits with authority and power and they come out." 37 So news about him began to spread into every part of the surrounding region.
38 Then Jesus left the synagogue and entered into the house of Simon. Now Simon's mother-in-law was suffering with a high fever, and they pleaded with him on her behalf. 39 So he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and started serving them.
40 When the sun was setting, people brought to Jesus everyone who was sick with various kinds of diseases. He laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. 41 Demons also came out from many of them, crying out and saying, "You are the Son of God!" Jesus rebuked the demons and would not let them speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.
42 When daybreak came, he went out into a solitary place. Crowds of people were looking for him and came to the place where he was. They tried to keep him from going away from them. 43 But he said to them, "I must also preach the gospel about the kingdom of God to many other cities, because this is the reason I was sent here."
44 Then he continued to preach in the synagogues throughout Judea.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 4:10-11, 18-19, which is from the Old Testament.
While it is true that the devil sincerely believed that he could persuade Jesus to obey him, it is important not to imply that Jesus actually ever really wanted to obey him.
After John had baptized Jesus.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Spirit led him"
Jesus fasts for 40 days, and the devil meets him to try to persuade him to sin.
Most versions say that the temptation was throughout the forty days. The UDB states "While he was there, the devil kept tempting him" to make this clear.
"40 days"
This can be stated in active form, and you can make explicit what it was the devil tempted him to do. Alternate translation: "the devil tried to persuade him to disobey God"
The word "he" refers to Jesus.
The devil challenges Jesus to prove that he is the Son of God.
The devil either holds a stone in his hand or points to a nearby stone.
Jesus's rejection of the devil's challenge is clearly implied in his answer. It may be helpful to state this clearly for your audience, as the UDB does. Alternate translation: "Jesus replied, 'No, I will not do that because it is written ... alone."'"
The quotation is from Moses's writings in the Old Testament. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses has written in the scriptures"
The word "bread" refers to food in general. Food as compared to God, by itself, is not enough to sustain a person. Jesus quotes the scripture to say why he would not turn the stone into bread. Alternate translation: "People cannot live on just bread" or "It is not just food that makes a person live" or "God says there are more important things than food"
"Then the devil led Jesus up to a very high place ... world." It is uncertain where the devil led Jesus and how he showed all the kingdoms of the world to him.
"in an instant" or "instantly"
This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are that "them" refers to 1) the authority and splendor of the kingdoms or 2) the kingdoms. Alternate translation: "God has given them to me"
These two phrases are very similar. They can be combined. Alternate translation: "if you will bow down in worship to me"
"I will give you all these kingdoms, with their splendor"
Jesus refused to do what the devil asked. It may be helpful to state this clearly. Alternate translation: "No, I will not worship you, because it is written"
"responded to him" or "replied to him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses has written in the scriptures"
Jesus was quoting a command from the scriptures to say why he would not worship the devil.
This refers to the people in the Old Testament who received God's Law. You could use the singular form of 'you' because each person was to obey it, or you could use the plural form of 'you' because all of the people were to obey it.
The word "him" refers to the Lord God.
This was the corner of the temple roof. If someone fell from there, they would be seriously injured or die.
The devil is challenging Jesus to prove that he is the Son of God.
This is an important title for Jesus.
"jump down to the ground"
The devil implies that his quote from the Psalms means Jesus will not be hurt if he is the Son of God. This can be stated clearly, as the UDB does. Alternate translation: "You will not be hurt, because it is written"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the writer has written"
"He" refers to God. The devil partially quoted from the Psalms in an effort to persuade Jesus to jump off the building.
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Jesus tells the devil why he will not do what the devil told him to do. His refusal to do it can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "No, I will not do that, because it is said"
Jesus quotes from the writings of Moses in Deuteronomy. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses has said" or "Moses has said in the scriptures"
Possible meanings are 1) Jesus should not test God by jumping off the temple, or 2) the devil should not test Jesus to see if he is the Son of God. It is best to translate the verse as stated rather than to try to explain the meaning.
"until another occasion"
This does not imply that the devil was successful in his temptation—Jesus resisted every attempt. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "had finished trying to persuade Jesus to sin"
Jesus returns to Galilee, teaches in the synagogue (4:15), and tells the people there that he is fulfilling scripture of Isaiah the prophet (4:17-21).
This begins a new event in the story.
"and the Spirit was giving him power." God was with Jesus in a special way, enabling him to do things that humans usually could not.
"people spread the news about Jesus" or "people told other people about Jesus" or "knowledge about him was passed on from person to person." Those who heard Jesus told other people about him, and then those other people told even more people about him.
This refers to the areas or places around Galilee.
"everyone said great things about him" or "all the people spoke about him in a good way"
"where his parents had raised him" or "where he lived when he was a child" or "where he grew up"
"as he did each Sabbath." It was his usual practice to go to the synagogue on the Sabbath day.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone gave him the scroll of the prophet Isaiah"
This refers to the book of Isaiah written on a scroll. Isaiah had written the words many years before, and someone else had copied them onto a scroll.
"the place in the scroll with these words." This sentence continues on into the next verse.
"The Holy Spirit is with me in a special way." When someone says this, he is claiming to speak the words of God.
In the Old Testament, ceremonial oil was poured on a person when they were given power and authority to do a special task. Jesus uses this metaphor to refer to the Holy Spirit being on him to prepare him for this work. Alternate translation: "the Holy Spirit is upon me to empower me" or "the Holy Spirit gave me power and authority"
"the poor people"
"tell people who are being held captive that they can go free" or "set free the prisoners of war"
"give sight to the blind" or "make the blind be able to see again"
"set free those who are treated harshly"
"tell everyone that the Lord is ready to bless his people" or "announce that this is the year that the Lord will show his kindness"
A scroll was closed by rolling it like a tube to protect the writing inside it.
This refers to a synagogue worker who brought out and put away with proper care and reverence the scrolls containing the scriptures.
It was customary for teachers to be seated while teaching.
This idiom means "were focused on him" or "were looking intently at him"
Jesus was saying that he was fulfilling that prophecy by his actions and speech at that very time. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I am fulfilling what this scripture says right now as you are listening to me"
This idiom means "while you are listening to me"
"surprised about the gracious things that he was saying." Here "gracious" may refer to 1) how well or how persuasively Jesus spoke, or 2) that Jesus spoke words about God's grace.
People thought that Joseph was Jesus's father. Joseph was not a religious leader, so they were surprised that his son would preach what he did. Alternate translation: "This is just Joseph's son!" or "His father is only Joseph!"
"Certainly" or "There is no doubt that"
If someone claims to be able to heal diseases that he himself has, there is no reason to believe he is really a doctor. People will speak this proverb to Jesus to say that they will only believe he is a prophet if they see him do what they have heard that he did in other places.
The people of Nazareth do not believe Jesus is a prophet because of his low status as Joseph's son. They will not believe unless they personally see him do miracles.
"It is certainly true." This is an emphatic statement about what follows.
Jesus makes this general statement in order to rebuke the people. He means that they are refusing to believe the reports of his miracles in Capernaum. They think they already know all about him.
"homeland" or "native city" or "country where he grew up"
Jesus reminds the people who are listening to him in the synagogue about Elijah and Elisha
"I tell you truthfully." Jesus uses this phrase to emphasize the importance, truth, and accuracy of the statement that follows.
Widows are women whose husbands have died and who have not married again.
The people to whom Jesus was speaking would have known that Elijah was one of God's prophets. If your readers would not know that, you can make this implicit information explicit as in the UDB. Alternate translation: "when Elijah was prophesying in Israel"
This is a metaphor. The sky is pictured as a ceiling that was closed, and so no rain would fall from it. Alternate translation: "when no rain fell down from the sky" or "when there was no rain at all"
"a serious lack of food." A famine occurs when the crops do not produce enough food for the people for a long period of time.
The people living in the town of Zarephath were Gentiles, not Jews. The people listening to Jesus would have understood that the people of Zarephath were Gentiles. Alternate translation: "to a Gentile widow living in Zarephath in Sidon"
This double negative emphasizes that Naaman was the only one who was cleansed. This can also be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the only one of them who was cleansed was Naaman" or "the only one of them whom God cleansed was Naaman"
People who had leprosy were considered to be unclean. When they were healed from leprosy, they were clean. Alternate translation: "were healed"
A Syrian is a person from the country of Syria. The people of Syria were Gentiles, not Jews. Alternate translation: "the Gentile Naaman from Syria"
The people of Nazareth were deeply offended that Jesus had cited scriptures where God had helped Gentiles instead of Jews.
"forced him to leave the town" or "shoved him out of the city"
"edge of the cliff"
"through the middle of the crowd" or "between the people who were trying to kill him."
"he went away" or "he went on his way" Jesus went where he had planned to go instead of where the people were trying to force him to go.
Jesus then goes to Capernaum, teaches the people in the synagogue there, and commands a demon to leave a man (4:35).
"Then Jesus." This indicates a new event.
The phrase "went down" is used here because Capernaum is lower in elevation than Nazareth.
"Capernaum, another city in Galilee"
greatly surprised, greatly amazed
"he spoke as one with authority" or "his words had great power"
This phrase is used to mark the introduction of a new character into the story; in this case, a demon-possessed man.
"who was possessed by an unclean demon" or "who was controlled by an evil spirit"
"he shouted loudly"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "What do we have in common" or "What right do you have to bother us"
This question could be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "What do you, Jesus of Nazareth, have to do with us!" or We have nothing to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth!" or "You have no right to bother us, Jesus of Nazareth!"
"Jesus scolded the demon, saying" or "Jesus sternly said to the demon"
He commanded the demon to stop controlling the man. Alternate translation: "Leave him alone" or "Do not live in this man any longer"
The people were expressing how amazed they were that Jesus had the authority to command demons to leave a person. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "These are amazing words!" or "His words are amazing!"
"He has authority and power to command the unclean spirits"
This is a comment about what happened after the story. The spread of the news was caused by the events within the story itself.
"reports about Jesus began to spread" or "people began to spread the news about Jesus"
Jesus is still in Capernaum, but he is now at the house of Simon.
This introduces a new event.
"the mother of Simon's wife"
This is an idiom that means "was very sick with"
"very hot skin"
This means they asked Jesus to heal her from the fever. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "asked Jesus to heal her from the fever" or "asked Jesus to cure her fever"
The word "So" makes it clear that he did this because the people pleaded with him on behalf of Simon's mother-in-law.
"went to her and leaned over her"
"spoke sternly to the fever, and it left her" or "commanded the fever to leave her, and it did." It may be helpful to state clearly what he told the fever to do. Alternate translation: "commanded that her skin should become cool, and it did" or "commanded the sickness to leave her, and it did"
"rebuked the hotness"
Here this means she began to prepare food for Jesus and the other people in the house.
"placed his hands on" or "touched"
It is implied that Jesus made the demons leave the demon-possessed people. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Jesus also forced demons to come out"
These mean about the same thing, and probably refer to cries of fear or anger. Some translations use only one term. Alternate translation: "screaming" or "shouting"
This is an important title for Jesus.
"spoke sternly to the demons"
"did not allow them to"
Though the people want Jesus to stay in Capernaum, he goes to preach in other Judean synagogues.
"At sunrise" or "At dawn"
"a deserted place" or "a place where there were no people"
"to the people in many other cities"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "this is the reason God sent me here"
Since Jesus had been in Galilee, the term "Judea" here probably refers to the entire region where the Jews lived at that time. Alternate translation: "where the Jews lived"
1 Now it happened while the people were crowding around Jesus and listening to the word of God, that he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret. 2 He saw two boats pulled up by the edge of the lake. The fishermen had gotten out of them and were washing their nets. 3 Jesus got into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to put it out in the water a short distance from the land. Then he sat down and taught the people out of the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Take the boat out into the deeper water and let down your nets for a catch."
5 Simon answered and said, "Master, we have labored all night and caught nothing, but at your word, I will let down the nets." 6 When they had done this, they gathered a very large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. 7 So they motioned to their partners in the other boat that they should come and help them. They came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, Lord." 9 For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish which they had taken. 10 And so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon.
Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid, because from now on you will catch men." 11 When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.
12 It came about that while he was in one of the cities, a man full of leprosy was there. When he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, saying, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."
13 Then Jesus reached out his hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing. Be clean." Immediately the leprosy left him.
14 He instructed him to tell no one but told him, "Go on your way, and show yourself to the priest and offer a sacrifice for your cleansing, according to what Moses commanded, for a testimony to them." 15 But the report about him spread even farther, and large crowds of people came together to hear him teach and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16 But he often withdrew into the deserted places and prayed.
17 It came about on one of those days that he was teaching, and there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting there who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. The power of the Lord was with him to heal. 18 Now some men came carrying on a mat a man who was paralyzed, and they looked for a way to bring him inside in order to lay him down in front of Jesus. 19 They could not find a way to bring him in because of the crowd, so they went up to the housetop and let the man down through the tiles, on his mat, into the midst of the people, right in front of Jesus. 20 Seeing their faith, Jesus said, "Man, your sins are forgiven you."
21 The scribes and the Pharisees began to question this, saying, "Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
22 But Jesus, knowing what they were thinking, answered and said to them, "Why are you questioning this in your hearts? 23 Which is easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you' or to say 'Get up and walk'? 24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,"—he said to the paralyzed man—"I tell you, get up, pick up your mat and go to your house." 25 Immediately he got up in front of them and picked up the mat on which he was lying. Then he went away to his house, glorifying God.
26 Everyone was amazed and they glorified God. They were filled with fear, saying, "We have seen extraordinary things today."
27 After these things happened, Jesus went out from there and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax collector's tent. He said to him, "Follow me." 28 So Levi got up and followed him, leaving everything behind.
29 Then Levi gave a big banquet in his house for Jesus. There were many tax collectors there and other people who were reclining at the table and eating with them. 30 But the Pharisees and their scribes were complaining to his disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?"
31 Jesus answered them, "People who are well do not need a physician; only those who are sick. 32 I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
33 They said to him, "The disciples of John often fast and pray, and the disciples of the Pharisees do the same. But your disciples eat and drink."
34 Jesus said to them, "Can anyone make the wedding attendants of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is still with them? 35 But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, then in those days they will fast." 36 Then Jesus also spoke a parable to them. "No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and uses it to mend an old garment. If he does that, he will tear the new garment, and the piece of cloth from the new garment will not fit with the cloth of the old garment. 37 No one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does that, the new wine will burst the skins, and the wine will be spilled, and the wineskins will be destroyed. 38 But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. 39 No one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, 'The old is better.'"
Peter, James, and John were fishermen. When Jesus told them that they would catch men, he was using a metaphor to tell them he wanted them to help people believe the good news about him.
When the people of Jesus's time spoke of "sinners," they were talking about people who did not obey the law of Moses and instead committed sins like stealing or sexual sins. When Jesus said that he came to call "sinners," he meant that only people who believe that they are sinners can be his followers. This is true even if they are not what most people think of as "sinners." (See: sin)
People would fast, or not eat food for a long time, when they were sad or were showing God that they were sorry for their sins. When they were happy, like during weddings, they would have feasts, or meals where they would eat much food. (See: fast)
Jesus uses irony to condemn the Pharisees. This passage includes "people in good health" and "righteous people." This does not mean that there are people who do not need Jesus. There are no "righteous people." Everybody needs Jesus. (See: and Luke 5:31-32)
In several parts of this chapter the author left out some implicit information that his original readers would have understood and thought about. Modern readers might not know some of those things, so they might have trouble understanding all that the author was communicating. The UDB often shows how that information can be presented so that modern readers will be able to understand those passages.
Parts of this chapter are sequences of events that have already happened. In a given passage, Luke sometimes writes as if the events have already happened while other events are still in progress (even though they are complete at the time he writes). This can cause difficulty in translation by creating an illogical order of events. It may be necessary to make these consistent by writing as if all the events have already happened.
Jesus refers to himself as the "Son of Man" in this chapter
Jesus preaches from Simon Peter's boat at the lake of Gennesaret.
This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
Possible meanings are 1) "listening to the message God wanted them to hear" or 2) "listening to Jesus's message about God"
These words refer to the Sea of Galilee. Galilee was on the west side of the lake, and the land of Gennesaret was on the east side, so it was called by both names. Some English versions translate this as the proper name of the body of water, "the Lake of Gennesaret."
They were cleaning their fishing nets in order to use them again to catch fish.
"the boat belonging to Simon and"
"asked Simon to move the boat"
Sitting was the normal position for a teacher.
"taught the people while he sat in the boat." Jesus was in the boat a short distance from the shore and he was speaking to the people who were on the shore.
"When Jesus had finished teaching the people"
"because you have told me to do this"
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They were too far from shore to call, so they made gestures, probably by waving their arms.
"the boats began to sink." The reason could be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "the boats began to sink because the catch of fish was so heavy" or "the boats began to sink because there were so many fish"
Possible meanings are 1) "knelt down before Jesus" or 2) "bowed down at Jesus' feet" or 3) "lay down on the ground at Jesus' feet." Peter did not fall accidentally. He did this as a sign of humility and respect for Jesus.
The word here for "man" means "adult male" and not the more general "human being."
"the large number of fish"
"Simon's partners in his fishing business"
The image of catching fish is being used as a metaphor for gathering people to follow Christ. Alternate translation: "you will fish for people" or "you will gather people for me" or "you will bring people to be my disciples"
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Jesus heals a leper in a different city that is not named.
This phrase marks a new event in the story.
"a man who was covered with leprosy." This introduces a new character in the story.
Here "fell on his face" is an idiom that means to bow down. Alternate translation: "he knelt and touched the ground with his face" or "he bowed down to the ground"
"if you want to"
It is understood that he was asking Jesus to heal him. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "please make me clean, because you are able"
This refers to ceremonial cleanness, but it is understood that he is unclean because of the leprosy. He is really asking Jesus to heal him of his disease. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "heal me from leprosy so I will be clean"
This refers to ceremonial cleanness, but it is understood that he is unclean because of the leprosy. He is really asking Jesus to heal him of his disease. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Be healed"
"he no longer had leprosy"
Jesus's instruction can be stated as a direct quote. Alternate translation: "He said, 'Do not tell anyone, but go on your way"
The understood information can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "to not tell anyone that he had been healed"
The law required a person to make a specific sacrifice after they were healed. This allowed the person to be ceremonially clean, and able to again participate in religious rituals.
"as proof of your healing"
Possible meanings are 1) "to the priests" or 2) "to all the people."
"the news about Jesus." This could mean either "the report about Jesus's healing the man with leprosy" or "the report about Jesus's healing people."
"the report about him went out even farther." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people kept telling the news about him in other places"
"lonely places" or "places where there were no other people"
One day when Jesus was teaching in a building, some men brought a paralyzed man for Jesus to heal.
This phrase marks the beginning of a new part of the story.
These are new people in the story. Your language may have a way of showing that these are new people.
sleeping pad or bed or stretcher
"could not move himself"
In some languages it might be more natural to reorder this. Alternate translation: "But because of the crowd of people, they could not find a way to bring the man inside. So"
It is clear that the reason they could not enter was that the crowd was so large that there was no room for them.
Houses had flat roofs, and some houses had a ladder or staircase outside to make it easy to go up there. This can be stated. Alternate translation: "they went up to the flat roof of the house"
"directly in front of Jesus" or "immediately in front of Jesus"
It is understood that they believe Jesus can heal the paralyzed man. This can be stated. Alternate translation: "When Jesus perceived that they believed that he could heal the man, he said to him"
This is a general word that people used when speaking to a man whose name they did not know. It was not rude, but it also did not show special respect. Some languages might use a word like "friend" or "sir."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you are forgiven" or "I forgive your sins"
"discuss this" or "reason about this." What they questioned can be stated. Alternate translation: "discuss whether or not Jesus had authority to forgive sins"
This question shows how shocked and angry they were at what Jesus said. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "This man is blaspheming God!" or "He blasphemes God by saying that!"
The implied information is that if a person claims to forgive sins he says he is God. This can be written as a clear statement. Alternate translation: "No one can forgive sins but God alone!" or "God is the only one who can forgive sins!"
This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not argue about this in your hearts." or "You should not doubt that I have the authority to forgive sins."
Here "hearts" is a metonym for people's minds or inner beings.
Jesus uses this question to make the scribes think about what might prove whether or not he could really forgive sins. Alternate translation: "I just said 'Your sins are forgiven you.' You may think that it is harder to say 'Get up and walk,' because the proof of whether or not I can heal the man will be shown by whether or not he gets up and walks." or "You may think that it is easier to say 'Your sins are forgiven' than it is to say 'Get up and walk.'"
The unspoken implication is that one thing is "easier to say because no one will know what has happened," but the other thing is "harder to say because everyone will know what has happened." People could not see if the man's sins were forgiven, but they would all know he was healed if he got up and walked.
Jesus was speaking to the scribes and Pharisees. The word "you" is plural.
Jesus was referring to himself.
Jesus was saying this to the paralyzed man. The word "you" is singular.
"At once he got up" or "Right away he got up"
It may be helpful to clearly say that he was healed. Alternate translation: "the man was healed! He got up"
"very afraid" or "filled with awe"
"amazing things" or "strange things"
When Jesus leaves the house, he calls Levi, the Jewish tax collector, to follow him.
The phrase "these things" refers to what happened in the previous verses. This signals a new event.
"looked at a tax collector with attention" or "looked carefully at a tax collector"
To "follow" someone is to become that person's disciple. Alternate translation: "Be my disciple" or "Come, follow me as your teacher"
"followed him and left his work as a tax collector"
"in Levi's house"
It was customary to lie on a couch while eating at a feast and to prop oneself up with the left arm on some pillows. Alternate translation: "eating together" or "eating at the table"
"to Jesus's disciples"
The Pharisees and scribes ask this question to express their disapproval that Jesus's disciples are eating with sinners. Alternate translation: "You should not eat ... sinners!"
people who did not obey the law of Moses but committed what others thought were very bad sins
The Pharisees and scribes believed that religious people should separate themselves from people they consider to be sinners. The word "you" is plural.
At the meal, Jesus speaks with the Pharisees and scribes.
Jesus uses this proverb to begin to tell them that he calls sinners to repentance the way a physician calls sick people to be healed.
"doctor"
You may need to supply the words that have been omitted. Alternate translation: "only those who are sick need a physician"
Jesus uses irony to condemn the Phraisees because they think of themselves as righteous. Anyone who wants to follow Jesus has to think of himself as a sinner, not as righteous. Jesus does not mean that he thinks there are righteous people who do not need to repent.
This nominal adjective can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: "righteous people"
"The religious leaders said to Jesus"
Jesus uses this question to cause the people to think about a situation that they already know. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one tells the wedding attendants of the bridegroom to fast while he is still with them."
"guests" or "friends." These are friends who celebrate with a man who is getting married.
Fasting is a sign of sadness. The religious leaders understood that the wedding attendants would not fast while the bridegroom was with them.
"soon" or "some day"
Jesus is comparing himself to the bridegroom, and the disciples to the wedding attendants. He does not explain the metaphor, so the translation should explain it only if necessary.
Jesus tells a story to the scribes and pharisees who were at Levi's house.
"No one rips ... uses it ... he ... he" or "People never tear ... use it ... they ... they"
repair
"will not match" or "will not be the same as"
"grape juice." This refers to wine that has not yet fermented.
These were bags made out of animal skins. They could also be called "wine bags" or "bags made of skin."
When the new wine would ferment and expand, it would break the old skins because they could no longer stretch out. Jesus's audience would have understood how wine expands when it ferments.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the wine will spill out of the bags"
"new wineskins" or "new wine bags." This refers to new wineskins, unused.
This metaphor contrasts the old teaching of the religious leaders against the new teaching of Jesus. The point is that people who are used to the old teaching are not willing to listen to the new things that Jesus is teaching.
It may be helpful to add the implicit information. Alternate translation: "for he says, 'The old is better,' and he is therefore not willing to try the new wine."
1 Now it happened on a Sabbath that Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them between their hands, and eating the grain. 2 But some of the Pharisees said, "Why are you doing something that is not lawful to do on the Sabbath day?"
3 Answering them, Jesus said, "Have you not even read what David did when he was hungry, he and the men who were with him? 4 He went into the house of God and took the bread of the presence and ate some of it, and also gave some to the men who were with him to eat, even though it was only lawful for the priests to eat it." 5 Then he said to them, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."
6 It happened on another Sabbath that he went into the synagogue and taught the people there. A man was there whose right hand was withered. 7 The scribes and the Pharisees were watching him closely to see whether he would heal someone on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse him. 8 But he knew what they were thinking and he said to the man whose hand was withered, "Get up and stand here in the middle of everyone." So the man got up and stood there. 9 Jesus said to them, "I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save a life or to destroy it?" 10 Then he looked around at them all and said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He did so, and his hand was restored. 11 But they were filled with senseless rage, and they talked to each other about what they might do to Jesus.
12 It happened in those days that he went out to the mountain to pray. He continued all night in prayer to God. 13 When it was day, he called his disciples to him, and he chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles. 14 The names of the apostles were Simon (whom he also named Peter) and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. 17 Then Jesus came down the mountain with them and stood on a level place with a large crowd of his disciples and a large number of the people from Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon. 18 They had come to listen to him and to be healed of their diseases. People who were troubled with unclean spirits were also healed. 19 Everyone in the crowd kept trying to touch him because power to heal was coming out from him, and he healed them all.
20 Then he looked at his disciples and said,
"Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
21 Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be filled.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
22 Blessed are you when people hate you,
and when they exclude you and insult you
and reject your name as evil,
because of the Son of Man.
23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because you will surely have a great reward in heaven, for their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way.
24 But woe to you who are rich,
for you have already received your comfort.
25 Woe to you who are full now,
for you will be hungry later.
Woe to you who laugh now,
for you will mourn and weep later.
26 Woe to you when all men speak well of you,
for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.
27 "But I say to you who are listening, love your enemies and do good to those who hate you. 28 Bless those who curse you and pray for those who mistreat you. 29 To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer him also the other. If someone takes away your coat, do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who asks you. If someone takes away something that belongs to you, do not ask him to give it back to you. 31 As you want people to do to you, you should do the same to them. 32 If you only love people who love you, what reward is there for you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 If you do good only to people who do good to you, what reward is there for you? For even sinners do the same. 34 If you only lend to people from whom you hope to be repaid, what reward is there for you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back the same amount. 35 But love your enemies and do good to them. Lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he himself is kind toward unthankful and evil people. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 37 Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good amount—pressed down, shaken together and spilling over—will pour into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you."
39 Then he also told them a parable. "Can a blind person guide another blind person? If he did, they would both fall into a pit, would they not? 40 A disciple is not greater than his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. 41 Why do you look at the tiny piece of straw that is in your brother's eye, but you do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the piece of straw that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not even see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite! First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the piece of straw that is in your brother's eye. 43 For there is no good tree that produces rotten fruit, nor is there a rotten tree that produces good fruit. 44 For each tree is known by the kind of fruit it produces. For people do not gather figs from a thornbush, nor do they gather grapes from a briar bush. 45 The good man from the good treasure of his heart produces what is good, and the evil man from the evil treasure of his heart produces what is evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
46 "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and yet you do not obey the things that I say? 47 Every person who comes to me and hears my words and obeys them, I will tell you what he is like. 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep in the ground and built the house's foundation on solid rock. When a flood came, the torrent of water flowed against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built. 49 But the person who hears my words and does not obey them, he is like a man who built a house on top of the ground without a foundation. When the torrent of water flowed against that house, it immediately collapsed, and the ruin of that house was complete."
Luke 6:20-49 contains many blessings and woes that appear to correspond to Matthew 5-7. This part of Matthew has traditionally been called the "Sermon on the Mount." In Luke, they are not as connected to a teaching on the kingdom of God as they are in Matthew's gospel. (See: kingdomofgod)
When the disciples plucked and ate the grain in a field they were walking through on the Sabbath (Luke 6:1), the Pharisees said that they were breaking the law of Moses. The Pharisees said that the disciples were doing work by picking the grain and so disobeying God's command to rest and not work on the Sabbath.
The Pharisees did not think the disciples were stealing. That is because the law of Moses required farmers to allow travelers to pluck and eat small amounts of grain from plants in fields they traveled through or near. (See: lawofmoses and works and sabbath)
Metaphors are pictures of visible objects that speakers use to explain invisible truths. Jesus used a metaphor of a generous grain merchant to teach his people to be generous
Rhetorical questions are questions to which the speaker already knows the answer. The Pharisees scolded Jesus by asking him a rhetorical question when they thought he was breaking the Sabbath
Speakers usually do not say things that they think their hearers already understand. When Luke wrote that the disciples were rubbing the heads of grain between their hands, he expected his reader to know that they were separating the part they would eat from what they would throw away
The following are the lists of the twelve disciples:
In Matthew:
Simon (Peter), Andrew, James son of Zebedee, John son of Zebedee, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot.
In Mark:
Simon (Peter), Andrew, James the son of Zebedee and John the son of Zebedee (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder), Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot.
In Luke:
Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon (who was called the Zealot), Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot.
Thaddaeus is probably the same person as Jude, the son of James.
While Jesus and his disciples are walking through grainfields, some Pharisees begin to question the disciples about what they are doing on the Sabbath, which, in God's law, has been set aside for God.
This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you can consider using it here.
These are large sections of land where people had scattered wheat seed to grow wheat.
These are the topmost parts of the grain plant, which is a kind of large grass. It holds the mature, edible seeds of the plant.
They did this to separate the grain seeds. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "grain. They rubbed them in their hands to separate the grains from the husks and ate"
The word "you" here is plural, and refers to the disciples.
They asked this question to accuse the disciples of breaking the law. It can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Picking grain on the Sabbath is against God's law!"
The Pharisees considered even the small action of rubbing a handful of grain to be unlawful work. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "doing work"
Jesus is rebuking the Pharisees for not learning from the scriptures. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should learn from what you have read ... him!" or "Certainly you have read ... him!"
This is the sacred bread that priests placed before God in the tabernacle. It represented God's presence. Alternate translation: "the bread of Yahweh's presence" or "the bread that the priest placed before God" or "the sacred bread"
Jesus was referring to himself. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man, am"
The title "Lord" here emphasizes his authority over the Sabbath. Alternate translation: "has the authority to determine what is right for people to do on the Sabbath!"
It is now another Sabbath day and Jesus is in the synagogue.
The scribes and Pharisees watch as Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath.
This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new event in the story.
This introduces a new character in the story.
The man's hand was damaged in such a way that he could not stretch it. It was probably almost bent into a fist, making it look small and wrinkled.
"were watching Jesus carefully"
"because they wanted to find"
"in front of everyone." Jesus wanted the man to stand where everyone there could see him.
"to the Pharisees"
Jesus asks this question to force the Pharisees to admit that he was right to heal on the Sabbath. The intent of the question is thus rhetorical: to get them to admit what they all know is true rather than to obtain information. However, Jesus says, "I ask you," so this question is not like other rhetorical questions that might need to be translated as statements. This should be translated as a question.
"to help someone or to harm someone"
"Hold out your hand" or "Extend your hand"
healed
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Jesus chooses twelve apostles after he prays all night.
This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story.
"around that time" or "not long after" or "one day around then"
"Jesus went out"
"When it was morning" or "The next day"
"he chose twelve of the disciples"
"whom he also made apostles" or "and he appointed them to be apostles"
Luke wrote a list of the names of the apostles. The ULB uses these words to introduce the list.
"Simon's brother, Andrew"
Possible meanings are 1) "the Zealot" is a title that indicates he was part of the group of people who wanted to free the Jewish people from Roman rule. Alternate translation: "the patriot" or "the nationalist" or 2) "the Zealot" is a description that indicates he was zealous for God to be honored. Alternate translation: "the passionate one"
It may be necessary to explain what "traitor" means in this context. Alternate translation: "betrayed his friend" or "turned his friend over to enemies"
Though Jesus especially addresses his disciples, there are many people around who listen.
"with the twelve he had chosen" or "with his twelve apostles"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for Jesus to heal them"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Jesus also healed people who were troubled with unclean spirits"
"bothered by unclean spirits" or "controlled by evil spirits"
"he had power to heal people" or "he was using his power to heal people"
Jesus speaks this phrase three times. Each time, it indicates that God gives favor to certain people or that their situation is positive or good.
"You who are poor receive God's favor" or "You who are poor benefit"
Languages that do not have a word for kingdom might say, "for God is your king" or "because God is your ruler."
"the kingdom of God belongs to you." This could mean 1) "you belong to God's kingdom" or 2) "you will have authority in God's kingdom."
"you will laugh with joy" or "you will be joyful"
"You receive God's favor" or "You benefit" or "How good it is for you"
"reject you"
"because you associate with the Son of Man" or "because they reject the Son of Man"
"when they do those things" or "when that happens"
This idiom means "be extremely joyful"
"a large payment" or "good gifts"
"how terrible it is for you." Jesus speaks this phrase three times. It is the opposite of "blessed are you." Each time, it indicates that God's anger is directed at the people, or that something negative or bad awaits them.
"how terrible it is for you who are rich" or "trouble will come to you who are rich"
"what comforts you" or "what satisfies you" or "what makes you happy"
"whose stomachs are full now" or "who eat much now"
"who are happy now"
"How terrible it is for you" or "How sad you should be"
Here "men" is used in the generic sense the includes all people. Alternate translation: "when all people speak" or "when everyone speaks"
"their ancestors also spoke well of the false prophets"
Jesus continues to speak to his disciples and the crowd who is listening to him as well.
Jesus now begins to speak to the entire crowd, rather than just to his disciples.
Each of these commands is to be followed continually, not just a single time.
This does not mean those listening were to only love their enemies and not their friends. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "love your enemies, not only your friends, and"
Each of these commands is to be followed continually, not just a single time.
God is the one who blesses. This can made explicit. Alternate translation: "Ask God to bless those"
"those who habitually curse you"
"those who habitually mistreat you"
"If anyone hits you"
"on one side of your face"
It may be helpful to state what the attacker will do to the person. Alternate translation: "turn your face so that he can strike the other cheek also"
"do not prevent him from taking"
"If anyone asks you for something, give it to him"
"do not require him to give" or "do not demand that he give"
In some languages it may be more natural to reverse the order. Alternate translation: "You should do to people the same as what you want them to do to you" or "Treat people they way you want them to treat you"
"what reward will you receive?" or "what praise will you receive for doing that?" This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "you will not receive any reward for that." or "God will not reward you for that."
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Here the word "hope" means to confidently expect that what one desires will happen. The person who hopes in this way believes that what he desires will happen. The verb "to be repaid" can be expressed with an active form. Alternate translation: "people whom you expect will repay you" or "people whom you believe will repay you"
The law of Moses commanded the Jews not to receive interest on money they loaned to other Jews.
"not expecting the person to return what you have given him" or "not expecting the person to give you anything"
"you will receive a great reward" or "you will receive good payment" or "you will get good gifts because of it"
It is best to translate "sons" with the same word your language would naturally use to refer to a human son or child.
Make sure that the word "sons" is plural so it is not confused with Jesus's title "The Son of the Most High."
"people who do not thank him and who are evil"
This refers to God. It is best to translate "Father" with the same word your language would naturally use to refer to a human father.
"Do not judge people" or "Do not harshly criticize people"
"and as a result you"
Jesus does not say who will not judge. Possible meanings are 1) "God will not judge you" or 2) "no one will judge you"
"Do not condemn people"
Jesus does not say who will not condemn. Possible meanings are 1) "God will not condemn you" or 2) "no one will condemn you"
Jesus does not say who will forgive. Possible meanings are 1) "God will forgive you" or 2) "people will forgive you"
Jesus does not say exactly who will give. Possible meanings are 1) "someone will give it to you" or 2) "God will give it to you"
Jesus speaks either of God or of people giving generously as if he were speaking of a generous grain merchant. Alternate translation: "God will pour into your lap a generous amount—pressed down, shaken together and spilling over" or "Like a generous grain merchant who presses down the grain and shakes it together and pours in so much grain that it spills over, they will give generously to you"
"A generous amount" or "A large amount"
Jesus does not say exactly who will measure. Possible meanings are 1) "they will measure things back to you" or 2) "God will measure things back to you"
Jesus includes some examples to make his point.
Jesus used this question to get the people to think about something that they already know. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "We all know that a blind person cannot guide another blind person."
The person who is "blind" is a metaphor for a person who has not been taught as a disciple.
Some languages might prefer, "if one did."
This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "both of them would fall into a hole."
"A disciple does not surpass his teacher." Possible meanings are 1) "A disciple does not have more knowledge than his teacher" or 2) "A disciple does not have more authority than his teacher."
"every disciple who has been trained well" or "every disciple whose teacher has fully taught him"
Jesus uses this question to challenge the people to pay attention to their own sins before they pay attention to another person's sins. Alternate translation: "Do not look ... brothers eye while you ignore the log that is in your own eye."
This is a metaphor that refers to the less important faults of a fellow believer.
"speck" or "splinter" or "bit of dust." Use a word for the smallest thing that commonly falls into a person's eyes.
Here "brother" refers to a fellow Jew or a fellow believer in Jesus.
"do not notice that you have a log in your own eye"
This is a metaphor for a person's most important faults. A log could not literally go into a person's eye. Jesus exaggerates to emphasize that a person should pay attention to his own more important faults before he deals with another person's less important faults.
"beam" or "plank"
Jesus asks this question to challenge the people to pay attention to their own sins before they pay attention to another person's sins. Alternate translation: "You should not say ... eye."
People can tell if a tree is good or bad, and what type of tree it is, by the fruit it produces. Jesus uses this as an unexplained metaphor—we know what kind of person someone is when we see his actions.
"This is because there is." This indicates that what follows is the reason why we should not judge our brother.
"healthy tree"
fruit that is decaying or bad or worthless
People recognize the kind of tree by the fruit it bears. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people know the type of a tree" or "people recognize a tree"
a plant or shrub that has thorns
a vine or shrub that has thorns
Jesus compares the thoughts of a person to his good or evil treasure. When a good person has good thoughts, he engages in good actions. When an evil person thinks evil thoughts, he engages in evil actions.
The word "good" here means righteous or moral.
The word "man" here refers to a person, male or female. Alternate translation: "good person"
Here the good thoughts of a person are spoken of as if they were treasures stored in the heart of that person, and "his heart" is a metonym for the person's inner being. Alternate translation: "the good things he keeps deep inside himself" or "the good things he values very intensely"
Producing what is good is a metaphor for doing what is good. Alternate translation: "does what is good"
Here the evil thoughts of a person are spoken of as if they were evil things stored in the heart of that person, and "his heart" is a metonym the person's inner being. Alternate translation: "the evil things he keeps deep inside himself" or "the evil things he values very intensely"
Here "heart" represents the person's mind or inner being. The phrase "his mouth" represents the person as a whole. Alternate translation: "what he thinks in his heart affects what he says with his mouth" or "a person will speak aloud what truly values inside of himself"
Here the repetition of these words is used as an exclamation. People repeat a name or title in this way when trying to find someone or to get someone's attention.
In verse 47-48 Jesus compares the person who obeys his teaching to a man who builds a house on rock where it will be safe from floods.
It may be clearer to change the order of this sentence. Alternate translation: "I will tell you what every person is like who comes to me and hears my words and obeys them"
"dug down deep into the ground until he found a large, solid rock. Then he built his house on that rock so that it would be strong and stable." Some cultures may not be familiar with this process of building a house and may need to use another image for a stable foundation.
"fast-moving water" or "river"
"crashed against"
Possible meanings are 1) "cause it to shake" or 2) "destroy it."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because the man had built it well"
Jesus compares the person who hears but does not obey his teaching to a man who builds a house that has no foundation and so will collapse when the flood comes.
"But" shows a strong contrast to the previous person who built with a foundation.
Some cultures may not know that a house with a foundation is stronger. Additional information may be helpful. Alternate translation: "but he did not dig down and build first a foundation"
"fast-moving water" or "river"
"crashed against"
fell down or came apart
"that house was completely destroyed"
1 After Jesus had finished everything he was saying in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum.
2 Now a centurion had a slave who was highly regarded by him, and he was sick and about to die. 3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 When they had come to Jesus, they asked him earnestly, saying, "He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5 because he loves our nation, and he is the one who built the synagogue for us."
6 So Jesus continued on his way with them. But when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to say to him, "Lord, do not trouble yourself, because I am not worthy for you to come under my roof. 7 For this reason I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you, but just say a word and my servant will be healed. 8 For I also am a man who is under authority, with soldiers under me. I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another one, 'Come,' and he comes, and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him said, "I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith." 10 When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant was healthy.
11 Soon after that, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. 12 As he came near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother (who was a widow), and a rather large crowd from the town was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, he was deeply moved with compassion for her and said to her, "Do not cry." 14 Then he went up and touched the wooden frame on which they carried the body, and those carrying it stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." 15 The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.
16 Then fear overcame all of them, and they kept praising God, saying, "A great prophet has been raised among us" and "God has looked upon his people." 17 This news about Jesus spread throughout the whole of Judea and all the neighboring regions.
18 John's disciples told him about all these things. Then John called two of his disciples 19 and sent them to the Lord to say, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?"
20 When they had come near to Jesus, the men said, "John the Baptist has sent us to you to say, 'Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for another?'"
21 In that hour he healed many people from sicknesses and afflictions and from evil spirits, and to many blind people he gave sight. 22 Jesus answered and said to them, "After you have gone on your way, report to John what you have seen and heard. Blind people are receiving sight, lame people are walking, lepers are being cleansed, deaf people are hearing, people who have died are being raised back to life, and the poor are being told good news. 23 The person who does not stop believing in me because of my actions is blessed."
24 After John's messengers had gone away, Jesus began to say to the crowds about John, "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothes? Look, those who wear splendid clothing and who live in luxury are in kings' palaces. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is written,
'See, I am sending my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way before you.'
28 I say to you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he is." 29 (When all the people heard this, including the tax collectors, they declared that God is righteous, because they had been baptized with the baptism of John. 30 But the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.) 31 "To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? 32 They are like children playing in the marketplace, who sit and call to one another and say,
'We played a flute for you,
and you did not dance.
We sang a funeral song,
and you did not cry.' 33 For John the Baptist came eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.' 34 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look, he is a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' 35 But wisdom is justified by all her children."
36 Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to eat with him. So after Jesus entered into the Pharisee's house, he reclined at the table to eat. 37 Behold, there was a woman in the city who was a sinner. When she found out that he was reclining at the table in the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfumed oil. 38 As she stood behind him near his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and she wiped them with her hair and kissed them and anointed them with perfumed oil. 39 When the Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw this, he thought to himself, saying, "If this man were a prophet, then he would know who and what type of woman is touching him, that she is a sinner."
40 Jesus responded and said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you."
He said, "Say it, Teacher!"
41 Jesus said, "A certain moneylender had two debtors. The one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay him, he forgave them both. Therefore, which of them will love him more?"
43 Simon answered him and said, "I suppose the one whom he forgave the most."
Jesus said to him, "You have judged correctly." 44 Jesus turned to the woman and said to Simon, "You see this woman. I have entered into your house. You gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but from the time I came in she did not stop kissing my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with perfumed oil. 47 For this reason I say to you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven—for she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little." 48 Then he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."
49 Those reclining together began to say among themselves, "Who is this that even forgives sins?"
50 Then Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."
Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULB does this with the quoted material in 7:27.
Several times in this chapter Luke changes his topic without marking the change. You should not try to make these rough changes smooth.
The centurion who asked Jesus to heal his slave (Luke 7:2 was doing many unusual things. A Roman soldier would almost never go to a Jew for anything, and most wealthy people did not love or care for their slaves. (See: centurion and faith)
John baptized people to show that those he was baptizing knew they were sinners and were sorry for their sin. (See: repent and sin)
Luke refers to a group of people as "sinners." The Jewish leaders considered these people to be hopelessly ignorant of the law of Moses, and so called them "sinners." In reality, the leaders were sinful. This situation can be taken as irony.
The feet of the people in the ancient Near East were very dirty because they wore sandals and the roads and trails were dusty and muddy. Only slaves washed other people's feet. The woman who washed Jesus's feet was showing him great honor.
Jesus refers to himself as the "Son of Man" in this chapter
Jesus enters Capernaum, where he heals a centurion's servant.
The idiom "in the hearing" emphasizes that he wanted them to hear what he said. Alternate translation: "to the people who were listening to him" or "to the people who were present" or "for the people to hear"
This begins a new event in the story.
"whom the centurion valued" or "whom he respected"
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"pleaded with him" or "begged him"
"The centurion is worthy"
"our people." This refers to the Jewish people.
"went along"
"near the house"
The centurion was speaking politely to Jesus. Alternate translation: "do not trouble yourself by coming to my house" or "I do not wish to bother you"
This phrase is an idiom that means "come into my house." If your language has an idiom that means "come into my house," think about whether it would be good to use here.
The servant understood that Jesus could heal the servant just by speaking. Here "word" refers to a command. Alternate translation: "just give the order"
The word that is translated here as "servant" is normally translated as "boy." It may indicate that the servant was very young or show the centurion's affection for him.
"I also have someone over me that I must obey"
"under my authority"
The word that is translated here as "servant" is the typical word for a servant.
"he was amazed at the centurion"
Jesus said this to emphasize the surprising thing that he was about to tell them.
The implication is that Jesus expected Jewish people to have this kind of faith, but they did not. He did not expect Gentiles to have this kind of faith, yet this man did. You may need to add this implied information. Alternate translation: "I have not found any Israelite who trusts me as much as this Gentile does!"
It is understood that these were the people the centurion sent. This can be stated. Alternate translation: "the people whom the Roman officer had sent to Jesus"
Jesus goes to the city of Nain, where he heals a man who had died.
This is the name of a city.
The word "behold" alerts us to the introduction of the dead man into the story. Your language may have a way of doing this. Alternate translation: "there was a dead man who"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people were carrying out of the city a man who had died"
"carried out. He was his mother's only son, and she was a widow. A rather large crowd." This is background information about the dead man and his mother.
a woman whose husband has died and who has not remarried
"felt very sorry for her"
"he went forward" or "he approached the dead man"
This was a stretcher or bed used to move the body to the burial place. It did not have to be something in which the body was buried. Other translations may have the less common "bier" or "funeral couch."
Jesus says this to emphasize that the young man needs to obey him. "Listen to me! Arise"
The man was not still dead; he was now alive. It may be necessary to state this clearly. Alternate translation: "The man who had been dead"
This tells what happens as a result of Jesus healing the man who had died.
"fear filled all of them." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they all became very afraid"
They were referring to Jesus, not to some unidentified prophet. "Raised" here is an idiom for "caused to become." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has caused one of us to become a great prophet"
This idiom means "cared for"
"This news" refers to the things people were saying in verse 16. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People spread this report about Jesus" or "People told others this report about Jesus"
"This report" or "This message"
This introduces a new event in the story.
"told John"
"all the things Jesus was doing"
John sends two of his disciples to question Jesus.
This sentence can be rewritten so that it only has one direct quote. Alternate translation: "the men said that John the Baptist had sent them to him to ask, 'Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for another?'" or "the men said, 'John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask if you are the one who is coming, or if we should look for another.'"
"At that time"
It may be helpful to restate the healing. Alternate translation: "he healed them from evil spirits" or "he set people free from evil spirits"
"said to John's messengers" or "said to the messengers that John sent"
"tell John"
"dead people are being caused to live again"
This nominal adjective can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: "poor people"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will bless the person who does not stop believing in me because of my actions"
"People who do not ... are blessed" or "Anyone who does not ... is blessed" or "Whoever does not ... is blessed." This is not a specific person.
"continues to believe in me despite"
"trusting me completely"
Jesus begins to speak to the crowd about John the Baptist. He asks rhetorical questions to lead them to think about what John the Baptist is really like.
This expects a negative answer. These questions can be written as a question with an answer or as a statement. Alternate translation: "Did you go out to see a reed shaken by the wind? Of course not!" or "Surely you did not go out to see a reed being shaken by the wind!"
Possible meanings of this metaphor are 1) a person who easily changes his mind, as reeds are easily moved by the wind, or 2) a person who talks a lot but does not say anything important, as reeds rattle when the wind blows.
This expects a negative answer. These questions can be written as a question with an answer or as a statement. Alternate translation: "Did you go out to see a man dressed in soft clothes? Of course not!" or "You certainly did not go out to see a man dressed in soft clothes!"
This refers to expensive clothing. Normal clothing was rough. Alternate translation: "wearing expensive clothing"
A palace is a large, expensive house that a king lives in.
This expects a positive answer. These questions can be written as a question with an answer or as a statement. Alternate translation: "Did you go out to see a prophet? Of course you did!" or "But you actually went out to see a prophet!"
Jesus says this to emphasize the importance of what he will say next.
This phrase means that John was indeed a prophet, but that he was even greater than a typical prophet. Alternate translation: "not just an ordinary prophet" or "much more important than a normal prophet"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "John is the one the prophets wrote about long ago"
In this verse, Jesus is quoting the prophet Malachi and saying that John is the messenger of which Malachi spoke.
This idiom means "in front of you" or "to go ahead of you"
The word "your" is singular because God was speaking to the Messiah in the quotation.
Jesus is speaking to the crowd, so "you" is plural. Jesus uses this phrase to emphasize the truth of the surprising thing he is about to say next.
"among those to whom a woman has given birth." This is a metaphor that refers to all people. Alternate translation: "of all the people who have ever lived"
"John is the greatest"
This refers to anyone who is part of the kingdom that God will establish.
The spiritual state of people in the kingdom of God will be higher than that of the people before the kingdom was established. Alternate translation: "has higher spiritual status than John"
Luke, the author of this book, comments on how people responds to John and Jesus.
This verse could be reordered to be more clear. Alternate translation: "When all the people who had been baptized by John, including the tax collectors, heard this, they declared that God is righteous"
"they said that God had shown himself to be righteous" or "they declared that God had acted righteously"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because they had let John baptize them" or "because John had baptized them"
"rejected what God wanted them to do" or "chose to disobey what God told them"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they did not let John baptize them" or "they rejected John's baptism"
Jesus continues speaking to the people about John the Baptist.
Jesus uses these questions to introduce a comparison. They can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "This is what I compare this generation to. This is what they are like."
These are two ways of saying that this is a comparison.
The people living when Jesus spoke.
These words are the beginning of Jesus's comparison. Jesus is saying that the people are like children who are never satisfied with the way other children act.
a large, open-air area where people come to sell their goods
"but you did not dance to the music"
"but you did not cry with us"
Possible meanings are 1) "frequently fasting" or 2) "not eating normal food."
Jesus was quoting what people were saying about John. This can be stated without the direct quote. Alternate translation: "you say that he has a demon." or "you accuse him of having a demon."
Jesus expected the people to understand that he was referring to himself. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man, came"
This can be translated as an indirect quote. If you translated "The Son of Man" as "I, the Son of man," you can state this as an indirect statement and use the first person. Alternate translation: "you accuse him of eating and drinking too much and of being a friend of tax collectors and sinners." or "you say that I am a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors sinners."
"he is a greedy eater" or "he continually eats too much food"
"a drunk" or "he continually drinks too much alcohol"
This appears to be a proverb that Jesus applied to this situation, probably to teach that wise people would understand that the people should not have rejected Jesus and John.
It was a custom in that time for onlookers to attend dinners without eating.
A Pharisee invites Jesus to eat at his house.
The marks the beginning of a new part of the story and introduces the Pharisee into the story.
"sat down at the table for the meal." It was the custom at a relaxed meal such as this dinner for men to eat while lying down comfortably around the table.
The word "behold" alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this.
"who lived a sinful lifestyle" or "who had a reputation for living a sinful life." She may have been a prostitute.
"a jar made of soft stone." Alabaster is a soft, white rock. People stored precious things in alabaster jars.
"with perfume in it." The oil had something in it that made it smell nice. People rubbed it on themselves or sprinkled their clothing with it in order to smell nice.
"poured perfume on them"
"he said to himself"
The Pharisee thought that Jesus was not a prophet because he allowed the sinful woman to touch him. Alternate translation: "Apparently Jesus is not a prophet, because a prophet would know that this woman who is touching him is a sinner"
Simon assumed that a prophet would never allow a sinner to touch him. This part of his assumption can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "that she is a sinner, and he would not allow her to touch him"
This was the name of the Pharisee who invited Jesus into his home. This was not Simon Peter.
To emphasize what he is going to tell Simon the Pharisee, Jesus tells him a story.
"Two men owed money to a certain moneylender"
"500 days' wages ... 50." "Denarii" is the plural of "denarius." A "denarius" was a silver coin.
The understood information can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "the other debtor owed fifty denarii" or "the other debtor owed 50 days' wages"
"he forgave their debts" or "he canceled their debts"
Simon was cautious about his answer. Alternate translation: "Probably"
"You are right"
Jesus directed Simon's attention to the woman by turning to her.
It was a basic responsibility of a host to provide water and a towel for guests to wash and dry their feet after walking on dusty roads.
Jesus twice uses these phrases to contrast Simon's lack of courtesy with the woman's extreme actions of gratitude.
The woman used her tears in place of the missing water.
The woman used her hair in place of the missing towel.
A good host in that culture would greet his guest with a kiss on the cheek. Simon did not do this.
"has continued to kiss my feet"
The woman kissed the feet of Jesus rather than his cheek as a sign of extreme repentance and humility.
Jesus continues to contrast Simon's poor hospitality with the actions of the woman.
"put oil on my head." This was the custom to welcome an honored guest. Alternate translation: "welcome me by anointing my head with oil"
The woman greatly honored Jesus by doing this. She demonstrated humility by anointing his feet instead of his head.
This emphasizes the importance of the statement that follows.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has forgiven her many sins"
Her love was the evidence that her sins were forgiven. Some languages require that the object of "love" be stated. Alternate translation: "for she greatly loves the one who forgave her" or "for she loves God very much"
"anyone who is forgiven only a few things." In this sentence Jesus states a general principle. However, he expected Simon to understand that he showed very little love for Jesus.
"Then he said to the woman"
"You are forgiven." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I forgive your sins"
"reclining together around the table" or "eating together"
The religious leaders knew that only God could forgive sins and did not believe that Jesus was God. This question was probably intended to be an accusation. Alternate translation: "Who does this man think he is? Only God can forgive sins!" or "Why is this man pretending to be God, who alone can forgive sins?"
"Because of your faith, you are saved." The abstract noun "faith" could be stated as an action. Alternate translation: "Because you believe, you are saved"
This is a way of saying good-bye while giving a blessing at the same time. Alternate translation: "As you go, do not worry anymore" or "May God give you peace as you go"
1 It happened soon afterward that Jesus began traveling around to different cities and villages, preaching and proclaiming the good news about the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, 2 as well as certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and diseases: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had been driven out; 3 Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's manager; Susanna; and many others, who, out of their possessions, provided for their needs.
4 While a large crowd of people was gathering, and people were coming to him from town after town, he told a parable: 5 "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he sowed, some fell beside the road and it was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the sky devoured it. 6 Some fell on the rock, and as soon as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. 7 Some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up together with the seed and choked it. 8 But some fell on good soil and produced a crop that was a hundred times greater." After Jesus had said these things, he called out, "Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear."
9 His disciples asked him what this parable meant. 10 He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but for others I speak in parables, so that
'seeing they may not see,
and hearing they may not understand.' 11 Now this is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12 The ones along the road are those who have heard, but then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts so they may not believe and be saved. 13 The ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But they have no root; they believe for a while, and in a time of testing they fall away. 14 The seeds that fell among the thorns are people who hear the word, but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and their fruit does not mature. 15 But the seed that fell on the good soil, these are the ones who, hearing the word with an honest and good heart, hold it securely and bear fruit with patient endurance.
16 "No one lights a lamp and covers it with a bowl or puts it under a bed. Rather, he puts it on a lampstand so that everyone who enters may see the light. 17 For nothing is hidden that will not be made known, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come into the light. 18 So listen carefully, for to the one who has, more will be given to him, but the one who does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him."
19 Then his mother and brothers came to him, but they could not get near him because of the crowd. 20 He was told, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you." 21 But Jesus answered and said to them, "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it."
22 Now one day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, "Let us go over to the other side of the lake." They set sail. 23 But as they sailed he fell asleep. A terrible windstorm came down on the lake, and their boat was filling with water, and they were in danger. 24 Then Jesus' disciples came over to him and woke him up, saying, "Master! Master! We are about to die!"
He awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water, and they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 Then he said to them, "Where is your faith?"
But they were afraid and amazed, and they asked one another, "Who then is this, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?"
26 They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. 27 When Jesus stepped on the land, he was met by a certain man from the city who had demons. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he did not live in a house but among the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and he said with a loud voice, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me." 29 For Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For many times it had seized him, and though he was bound with chains and shackles and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and he would be driven by the demon into the wilderness.
30 Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?"
He said, "Legion," for many demons had entered into him. 31 They kept begging him not to command them to go away into the abyss. 32 Now a large herd of pigs was there feeding on the hillside. The demons begged him to let them go into them, and he gave them permission. 33 So the demons came out of the man and went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep slope into the lake and was drowned. 34 When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and told about it in the city and countryside. 35 So the people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone out. He was sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 36 Then those who had seen it told them how the man who had been possessed by demons had been healed. 37 Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to depart from them, for they were overwhelmed with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned.
38 The man from whom the demons had gone out begged him to let him go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 "Return to your home and give a full account of what God has done for you." The man went on his way, proclaiming throughout the whole city what Jesus had done for him.
40 Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. 41 Behold, a man named Jairus, who was one of the leaders of the synagogue, came and fell down at Jesus' feet, and he begged him to come to his house 42 because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve years of age, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds of people pressed together around him.
43 Now a woman was there who had been bleeding for twelve years [1] and could not be healed by anyone. 44 She came behind Jesus and touched the edge of his coat, and immediately her bleeding stopped. 45 Jesus said, "Who was it who touched me?"
When all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the crowds of people are all around you and they are pressing in against you."
46 But Jesus said, "Someone did touch me, for I know that power has gone out from me." 47 When the woman saw that she could not escape notice, she came trembling and fell down before him. In the presence of all the people she declared why she had touched him and how she had been immediately healed. 48 Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace."
49 While he was still speaking, someone came from the synagogue leader's house, saying, "Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the teacher any longer."
50 But when Jesus heard this, he answered Jairus, "Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be healed." 51 When he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father of the child and her mother. 52 Now all were mourning and wailing for her, but he said, "Do not weep; she is not dead but asleep." 53 But they began to mock him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But he took her by the hand and called out, saying, "Child, get up!" 55 Her spirit returned, and she rose up immediately. He ordered them to get her something to eat. 56 Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them to tell no one what had happened.
Several times in this chapter Luke changes his topic without marking the change. You should not try to make these rough changes smooth.
Jesus made a storm stop by speaking to it, he made a dead girl alive by speaking to her, and he made evil spirits leave a man by speaking to them. (See: miracle)
The parables were short stories that Jesus told so that people would easily understand the lesson he was trying to teach them. He also told the stories so that those who did not want to believe in him would not understand the truth (Luke 8:4-15).
These verses give background information about Jesus's preaching while traveling.
This phrase is used here to mark a new part of the story.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom Jesus had set free from evil spirits and healed of diseases"
One of the "certain women."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Mary, whom people called Magdalene ... Jesus had driven out seven demons"
Two of the "certain women"
Joanna was Chuza's wife, and Chuza was Herod's manager. "Joanna, the wife of Herod's manager, Chuza"
"financially supported Jesus and his twelve disciples"
Jesus tells the parable of the soils to the crowd. He explains its meaning to his disciples in 8:11:15.
"coming to Jesus"
"A farmer went out to scatter some seed in a field" or "A farmer went out to scatter some seeds in a field"
"some of the seed fell" or "some of the seeds fell"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people walked on it" or "people walked on them"
This idiom can be translated simply as "birds" or as "birds flew down and" to keep the sense of "sky."
"ate it all" or "ate them all"
"each plant became dry and shriveled up" or "the plants became dry and shriveled up"
"it was too dry" or "they were too dry." The cause can also be stated. Alternate translation: "the ground was too dry"
Jesus finishes telling the parable to the crowd.
The thorn plants took all the nutrients, water, and sunlight, so the farmer's plants could not grow well.
"grew a harvest" or "grew more seeds"
This means a hundred times more than the seeds that were sown.
Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase "ears to hear" here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. Alternate translation: "Let the one who is willing to listen, listen" or "The one who is willing to understand, let him understand and obey" or "If you are willing to listen, listen" or "If you are willing to understand, then understand and obey"
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Jesus begins to speak to his disciples.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has given to you the knowledge of ... God" or "God has made you able to understand ... God"
These are truths that have been hidden, but that Jesus is now revealing them.
"for other people." This refers to the people who rejected the teaching of Jesus and did not follow him.
"though they see, they will not perceive." This is a quote from the prophet Isaiah. Some languages may need to state the object of the verbs. Alternate translation: "though they see things, they will not understand them" or "though they see things happen, they will not understand what they mean"
"though they hear, they will not understand." This is a quote from the prophet Isaiah. Some languages may need to state the object of the verbs. Alternate translation: "though they hear instruction, they will not understand the truth"
Jesus begins to explain the meaning of the parable that he told in Luke 8:5-8.
"The seed is the message from God"
"The seeds that fell along the path are those." Jesus tells what happens to the seeds as it relates to people. Alternate translation: "The seeds that fell along the road represent people" or "In the parable, the seeds that fell along the road represent people"
Jesus speaks of the seeds showing something about people as if the seeds were the people. Alternate translation: "show what happens to people who"
Here "hearts" is a metonym for people's minds or inner beings. Alternate translation: "the devil comes and takes away the message of God from their inner thoughts"
In the parable this was a metaphor of a bird snatching away the seeds. Try to use words in your language that keep that image.
This is the devil's purpose. Alternate translation: "hearts because the devil thinks, 'They must not believe and they must not be saved.'" or "hearts so it will not be that they believe and God saves them."
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"The seeds that fell among the thorns represent people" or "In the parable the seeds that fell among the thorns represent people"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the cares and riches and pleasures of this life choke them"
things that people worry about
"the things in this life that people enjoy"
This metaphor refers to the way weeds cut off light and nutrients from plants and keep them from growing. Alternate translation: "as weeds prevent good plants from growing, the cares, riches, and pleasures of this life keep these people from becoming mature"
"they do not bear ripe fruit." Mature fruit is a metaphor for good works. Alternate translation: "so like a plant that does not produce mature fruit, they do not produce good works"
"the seed that fell on the good soil represents the people" or "in the parable the seed that fell on the good soil represents the people"
"hearing the message"
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's thoughts or intentions. Alternate translation: "with an honest and good desire"
"produce fruit by enduring patiently" or "produce fruit by continued effort." Fruit is a metaphor for good works. Alternate translation: "like healthy plants that produce good fruit, they produce good works by persevering"
Jesus continues with another parable.
This marks the beginning of another parable.
This double negative can be written as a positive statement. Alternate translation: "everything that is hidden will be made known"
This double negative can be written as a positive statement. Alternate translation: "and everything that is secret will be made known and will come into the light"
It is clear from the context that Jesus is talking about understanding and believing. This can be stated clearly and changed to active form. Alternate translation: "whoever has understanding will be given more understanding" or "God will enable those who believe the truth to understand even more"
It is clear from the context that Jesus is talking about understanding and believing. This can be stated clearly and changed to active form. Alternate translation: "whoever does not have understanding will lose even what understanding he thinks he has" or "God will cause those who do not believe the truth not to understand even the little that they think they have understood"
These were Jesus's younger brothers—the sons of Mary and Joseph who were born after Jesus. Since the Father of Jesus was God, and their father was Joseph, they were technically his half-brothers. This detail is not normally translated.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People told him" or "Someone told him"
"and they want to see you"
This metaphor expresses that the people who were coming to listen to Jesus were as important to him as his own family was. Alternate translation: "Those who hear the word of God and obey it are like a mother and brothers to me"
"the message God has spoken"
Jesus and his disciples use a boat to cross Lake Genneseret. The disciples learn more about Jesus's power through the storm that arises.
This is the lake of Genneseret, which is also called the Sea of Galilee.
This expression means they began to travel across the lake in their sailboat.
"as they went"
"began to sleep"
"A storm of very strong winds began" or "Very strong winds suddenly began to blow"
The strong winds caused high waves which pushed water over the sides of the boat. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "the winds caused high waves that started to fill up their boat with water"
spoke sharply to
"the violent waves"
"the wind and the waves stopped" or "they became still"
Jesus rebukes them mildly because they do not trust him to take care of them. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should have faith!" or "You should trust me!"
This question expresses shock and confusion over how Jesus is able to control the storm. Alternate translation: "What kind of man is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him!"
Jesus and his disciples come ashore at Gerasa, where Jesus removes many demons from a man.
Gerasenes were people from the city called Gerasa.
"on the other side of the lake from Galilee"
"a man from the city of Gerasa"
The man had demons; it was not the city that had demons. Alternate translation: "a certain man from the city, and this man had demons"
"who was controlled by demons" or "whom demons controlled"
This is background information about the man who had demons.
"he had not worn clothes"
These are places where people put dead bodies, possibly caves or small buildings that the man could use for shelter.
"When the man who had the demon saw Jesus"
"he screamed" or "he shrieked"
"lay down on the ground before Jesus." He did not fall accidentally.
"he said loudly" or "he shouted out"
This idiom means "Why are you bothering me?"
This is an important title for Jesus.
"many times it had taken control of the man" or "many times it had gone into him." This tells about what the demon had done many times before Jesus met the man.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "though the people had bound him ... and guarded him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the demon would make him go"
Translate this with a word that refers to a large number of soldiers or people. Some other translations say "Army." Alternate translation: "Battalion" or "Brigade"
"kept begging Jesus"
This is supplied as background information to introduce the pigs.
"was nearby eating grass on a hill"
The word "so" is used here to explain that the reason the demons came of out the man was because Jesus had told them that they could go into the pigs.
ran very fast
"the herd ... drowned." No one caused the pigs to drown once they were in the water.
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"saw the man whom the demons had left"
"sane" or "behaving normally"
"sitting at the feet" here is an idiom that means "sitting humbly nearby" or "sitting in front of." Alternate translation: "sitting on the ground in front of Jesus"
It may be helpful to state explicitly that they were afraid of Jesus. Alternate translation: "they were afraid of Jesus"
"those who had seen what had happened"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Jesus had healed the man whom demons had possessed" or "Jesus had healed the man whom demons had controlled"
"that area of the Gerasenes" or "the area where the Gerasene people lived." See how you translated this in 8:26 Luke 8:26
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they were very afraid"
This is not the last thing that Jesus did in that place, so this can also be stated as "in order to return" or "to go back."
The destination can be stated. Alternate translation: "returned across the lake"
The events in these verses happened before Jesus left in the boat. It may be helpful to state this clearly at the beginning. Alternate translation: "Before Jesus and his disciples left, the man" or "Before Jesus and his disciples set sail, the man"
"your household" or "your family"
"tell them everything about what God has done for you"
When Jesus and his disciples return to Galilee on the other side of the lake, he heals the 12-year-old daughter of the ruler of the synagogue as well as a woman who has been bleeding for 12 years (8:43-48).
"the crowd joyfully greeted him"
"one of the leaders at the local synagogue" or "a leader of the people who met at the synagogue in that city"
Possible meanings are 1) "bowed down at Jesus' feet" or 2) "lay down on the ground at Jesus' feet." Jairus did not fall accidentally. He did this as a sign of humility and respect for Jesus.
"was about to die"
Some translators may need to first say that Jesus had agreed to go with Jairus. Alternate translation: "So Jesus agreed to go with him. As he was on his way"
"the people were crowding tightly around Jesus"
This introduces a new character in the story.
"had a flow of blood." She was probably bleeding from her womb even when it was not the normal time for it. Some cultures may have a polite way of referring to this condition.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but no one could heal her"
"touched the fringe of his robe." Jewish men wore tassels on the edges of their robes as a part of their ceremonial dress as commanded in God's Law. This is likely what she touched.
By saying this, Peter was implying that anyone could have touched Jesus. This implicit information can be made explicit if necessary. Alternate translation: "there are many people crowding around you and pressing in against you, so any one of them might have touched you"
It may be helpful to distinguish this intentional "touch" from the accidental touches of the crowd. Alternate translation: "Someone deliberately touched me"
Jesus did not lose power or become weak, but his power healed the woman. Alternate translation: "I know that healing power went out from me" or "I felt my power heal someone"
"that she could not keep secret what she had done." It may be helpful to state what she did. Alternate translation: "that she could not keep it a secret that she was the one who had touched Jesus"
"she came trembling with fear"
Possible meanings are 1) "bowed down in front of Jesus" or 2) "lay down on the ground at Jesus's feet." She did not fall accidentally. This was a sign of humility and respect for Jesus.
"In the sight of all the people"
This was a kind way of speaking to a woman. Your language may have another way of showing this kindness.
"because of your faith, you have become well." The abstract noun "faith" could be stated as an action. Alternate translation: "because you believe, you are healed"
This idiom is a way of saying, "Goodbye" and giving a blessing at the same time. Alternate translation: "As you go, do not worry anymore" or "May God give you peace as you go"
"While Jesus was still speaking to the woman"
This refers to Jairus (Luke 8:41).
This statement implies that Jesus will not be able to do anything to help now that the girl is dead.
This refers to Jesus.
"she will be well" or "she will live again"
"When they came to the house." Jesus went there with Jairus. Some of Jesus's disciples also went with them.
This double negative emphasizes that Peter and the others were the only ones whom Jesus allowed to enter. This could be stated positively. Alternate translation: "he allowed only Peter ... mother to enter with him"
This refers to Jairus.
This was the normal way of showing grief in that culture. Alternate translation: "all the people there were showing how sad they were and crying loudly because the girl had died"
"laughed at him because they knew the girl"
"Jesus took hold of the girl's hand"
"Her spirit returned to her body." The Jews understood that life was the result of the spirit coming into a person. Alternate translation: "She started breathing again" or "She came back to life" or "She became alive again"
This could be stated differently. Alternate translation: "not to tell anyone"
1 He called the twelve together and gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases. 2 He sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 He said to them, "Take nothing for your journey—no staff, no wallet, no bread, no money, and no extra tunic. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave. 5 Wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town, shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them." 6 Then they departed and went through the villages, proclaiming the gospel and healing everywhere.
7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead, 8 and others said that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had risen. 9 Herod said, "I beheaded John. Who is this about whom I hear such things?" And so he tried to see him.
10 When the apostles returned, they told him everything they had done. Then he took them with him, and they went away privately to a town called Bethsaida. 11 But when the crowds heard about this, they followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and he cured those who needed healing. 12 Now the day was about to come to an end, and the twelve came to him and said, "Send the crowd away that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and food, because we are here in an isolated place."
13 But he said to them, "You give them something to eat."
They said, "We have no more than five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all these people."
14 (There were about five thousand men.) He said to his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each." 15 So they did this, and made the people sit down. 16 Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, he blessed them and broke them into pieces, and he gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. 17 They all ate and were satisfied, and what was left over was picked up—twelve baskets of broken pieces.
18 It came about while Jesus was praying by himself, the disciples were with him. He questioned them, saying, "Who do the crowds say that I am?"
19 They answered, "John the Baptist. But others say Elijah, and others say that one of the prophets from long ago has risen."
20 Then he said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
Peter answered, "The Christ of God."
21 But he warned and instructed them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and he will be killed and on the third day be raised." 23 Then he said to them all, "If anyone wants to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 What profit is there for a person to gain the whole world and yet lose or forfeit himself? 26 Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his own glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27 But truly I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God."
28 Now about eight days after Jesus said these words, he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the form of his face was changed, and his clothes became brilliant white. 30 Behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory, talking with him about his departure, which he was about to bring to completion in Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men who were standing with him. 33 As they were going away from Jesus, Peter said to him, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us make three shelters, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." (He did not know what he was saying.) 34 As he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered into the cloud. 35 A voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, the one who is chosen; listen to him." 36 When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.
37 Now on the next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him. 38 Behold, a man from the crowd cried out, saying, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. 39 You see, a spirit takes control over him and he suddenly screams; it causes him to have convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It hardly ever leaves him and it bruises him badly. 40 I begged your disciples to force it out, but they could not."
41 Jesus answered and said, "You unbelieving and perverse generation, how long must I be with you and put up with you? Bring your son here." 42 While the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground and shook him with convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. 43 Then they were all amazed at the greatness of God. While they all were marveling at everything he was doing, he said to his disciples, 44 "Let these words go deeply into your ears: The Son of Man will be betrayed into the hands of men." 45 But they did not understand this statement. It was hidden from them, so they could not know its meaning, and yet they were afraid to ask about this statement.
46 Then an argument started among them about which of them would be the greatest. 47 But Jesus, knowing the reasoning in their hearts, took a little child and put him by his side 48 and said to them, "Whoever welcomes this child in my name, welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me, welcomes the one who sent me. For whoever is least among you all is the one who is great."
49 John answered, "Master, we saw someone forcing out demons in your name and we prevented him, because he does not follow along with us." 50 "Do not stop him," Jesus said, "because whoever is not against you is for you."
51 When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52 He sent messengers on ahead of him, and they went and entered into a Samaritan village to prepare everything for him. 53 But the people there did not welcome him because he had set his face to go to Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they said, "Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and destroy them?" 55 But he turned and rebuked them, 56 and they went on to another village.
57 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go."
58 Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds in the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." 59 Then he said to another, "Follow me."
But he said, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father."
60 But he said to him, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim far and wide the kingdom of God."
61 Then someone else said, "I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say goodbye to those in my home."
62 Jesus replied to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."
No one knows for sure what the words "kingdom of God" here refer to. Some say it refers to the reign of God on earth, and others say it refers to the gospel message that Jesus died to pay for his people's sins. It is best to translate this as "to preach about the kingdom of God" or "to teach them about how God was going to show himself as king."
God had promised the Jews that the prophet Elijah would return before the Messiah came, so some people who saw Jesus do miracles thought Jesus was Elijah (Luke 9:9, Luke 9:19). However, Elijah did come to earth to speak with Jesus (Luke 9:30). (See: prophet and christ and elijah)
The term "kingdom of God" is used in this chapter to refer to a kingdom that was still in the future when the words were spoken. (See: kingdomofgod)
Scripture often speaks of God's glory as a great, brilliant light. When people see this light, they are afraid. Luke says in this chapter that Jesus's clothing shone with this glorious light so that his followers could see that Jesus truly was God's Son. At the same time, God told them that Jesus was his Son. (See: glory and fear)
A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. An example in this chapter is: "Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it." (Luke 9:24).
Jesus refers to himself as the "Son of Man" in this chapter
This word appears several times in this chapter and means different things. When Jesus says, "If someone receives a little child like this in my name, he also is receiving me, and if someone receives me, he is also receiving the one who sent me" (Luke 9:48), he is speaking of people serving the child. When Luke says, "the people there did not receive him" (Luke 9:53), he means that the people did not believe in or accept Jesus. (See: believe)
Jesus reminds his disciples not to depend on money and their things, gives them power, and then sends them out to various places.
These two terms are used together to show that the twelve had both the ability and the right to heal people. Translate this phrase with a combination of words that include both of these ideas.
Possible meanings are 1) "every demon" or 2) "every kind of demon."
sicknesses
"sent them to various places" or "told them to go"
"Jesus said to the twelve." It may be helpful to state that this happened before they went out. Alternate translation: "Before they left, Jesus said to them"
"Do not take anything with you" or "Do not bring anything with you"
large stick that people use for balance when climbing or walking on uneven ground, as well as for defense against attackers
a bag a traveler uses for carrying what he needs on a journey
This is here used as a general reference to "food."
"Any house you enter"
"remain there" or "temporarily live in that house as a guest"
"until you leave that town" or "until you leave that place"
"Here is what you should do in any town where people do not receive you: When you leave"
To "shake off the dust from your feet" was an expression of strong rejection in that culture. It showed they did not want even the dust of that town to remain on them.
"they left the place were Jesus was"
"healing wherever they went"
Verses 7-9 interrupt the story to give information about Herod.
The word "Now" marks a pause in the main story. Here Luke tells background information about Herod.
This refers to Herod Antipas, who was the ruler of one-fourth of Israel.
unable to understand, confused
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "some people said"
The word "said" is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "still others said that one of the prophets of long ago had risen"
Herod assumes that it is impossible for John to rise from the dead. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "It cannot be John because I had his head cut off. So who is this man"
Herod's soldiers would have carried out executions. Alternate translation: "I commanded my soldiers to cut off John's head"
Though the disciples return to Jesus and they go to Bethsaida to spend time together, the crowds follow Jesus for healing and to listen to his teaching. He performs a miracle to provide bread and fish to the crowds as they return home.
"apostles came back to where Jesus was"
This refers to the teaching and healing that they did when they went to the other cities.
This is the name of a city.
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"the day was about to end" or "it was near the end of the day." The end of the day was at sunset. Alternate translation: "it was almost sunset"
This was a place far away from where people lived. Alternate translation: "a remote place" or "a place where no one lives"
A loaf of bread is a lump of dough that is shaped and baked.
If "unless" is difficult to understand in your language, you could make a new sentence. "two fish. In order to feed all these people, we would have to go and buy food"
"about 5,000 men." This number does not include the women and children who might have been present.
"Tell them to sit down"
"50 each"
"This" refers to what Jesus told them to do Luke 9:14. They told the people to sit down in groups of about fifty people.
"Jesus took the five loaves of bread"
This refers to looking up, toward the sky. The Jews believed that heaven was located above the sky.
This refers to the loaves of bread and the fish.
"to pass out to" or "to give to"
This idiom means they ate enough food so they were not hungry. Alternate translation: "they had as much as they wanted to eat"
Jesus is praying, with only his disciples near him, and they begin to talk about who Jesus is. Jesus tells them that he will soon die and resurrect and urges them to follow him even if it becomes very hard to do that.
This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new event.
"praying alone." The disciples were with Jesus, but he was praying personally and privately by himself.
It may be helpful to restate part of the question here. Alternate translation: "The crowds say you are John the Baptist"
It may be helpful to clarify how this answer relates to Jesus's question. Alternate translation: "that you are one of the prophets from long ago and have risen"
"has come back to life"
"Then Jesus said to his disciples"
The combination of "warned" and "instructed" is a hendiadys that means "strongly warned" or "strictly instructed." Alternate translation: "he strongly warned them" or he strictly instructed them"
"not to tell anyone." or "that they should not tell anyone." This could be stated as a direct quote. Alternate translation: "them, 'Do not tell anyone.'"
"People will cause the Son of Man to suffer greatly"
Jesus is referring to himself. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man ... and I will"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the elders, chief priests, and scribes will reject him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they will kill him"
"three days after he dies" or "on the third day after his death"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will make him alive again" or "he will live again"
"Jesus said"
This refers to the disciples who were with Jesus.
Coming after Jesus represents being one of his disciples. Alternate translation: "be my disciple" or "be one of my disciples"
"must not give in to his own desires" or "must forsake his own desires"
"carry his cross and follow me every day." The cross represents suffering and death. Taking up the cross represents being willing to suffer and die. To follow Jesus represents obeying him. Alternate translation: "must obey me every day even to the point of suffering and dying"
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The implied answer to this question is that it is not good. Alternate translation: "It will not benefit someone at all to gain the whole world and yet lose or forfeit himself."
"to get everything in the world"
"ruin himself or give up his life"
"what I say" or "what I teach"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him"
Jesus was speaking about himself. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man ... when I come in my own glory"
This is an important title for God.
Jesus uses this phrase to emphasize the importance of what he will say next.
"some of you who are standing here will not taste death"
Jesus was speaking to the people he was talking about. Alternate translation: "before you see"
"Taste death" is an idiom that means "die." This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "will see the kingdom of God before they die" or "will see the kingdom of God before you die"
Eight days after Jesus tells his disciples that some would not die before they saw the kingdom of God, Jesus goes up the mountain to pray with Peter, James, and John, who all fall asleep while Jesus is changed to a dazzling appearance.
This refers to what Jesus said to his disciples in the preceding verses.
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The word "Behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows. Alternate translation: "Suddenly"
This phrase gives information about how Moses and Elijah looked. Some languages would translate it as a separate clause. Alternate translation: "and they appeared in glorious splendor" or "and they were shining brightly"
"his leaving" or "how Jesus would leave this world." This was a polite way of talking about his death. Alternate translation: "his death"
This word is used here to mark a pause in the main story. Here Luke tells about Peter, James, and John.
This idiom means "very sleepy."
This refers to the brilliant light that surrounded them. Alternate translation: "they saw brilliant light coming from Jesus" or "they saw very bright light coming out of Jesus"
This refers to Moses and Elijah.
"As Moses and Elijah were going away"
simple, temporary places in which to sit or sleep
"While Peter was saying these things"
These adult disciples were not afraid of clouds. This phrase indicates that some kind of unusual fear came over them with the cloud. Alternate translation: "they were terrified"
This can be expressed in terms of what the cloud did. Alternate translation: "the cloud surrounded them"
It is understood that the voice could only have belonged to God. Alternate translation: "God spoke to them from the cloud"
This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
This can be stated with an active form. Alternate translation: "the one I have chosen" or "I have chosen him"
This is information that tells what happened after the story as a result of the events in the story itself.
The first phrase refers to their immediate response, and the second refers to what they did in the following days.
The next day after Jesus's dazzling appearance, Jesus heals a demon-possessed boy that the disciples were unable to make better.
The word "behold" alerts us to the new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this. English uses "There was a man in the crowd who"
The phrase "You see" introduces us to the evil spirit in the man's story. Your language may have a way of doing this. Alternate translation: "There is an evil spirit that"
"foam comes out of his mouth." When a person has a seizure, he can have trouble breathing or swallowing. This causes white foam to form around his mouth.
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"Jesus answered by saying"
Jesus says this to the crowd that has gathered, and not to his disciples.
"corrupt generation"
Here "you" is plural. Jesus uses these questions to express his sadness that the people do not believe. They can be written as statements. Alternate translation: "I have been with you so long, yet you do not believe. I wonder how long I must put up with you."
Here "your" is singular. Jesus is speaking directly to the father who addressed him.
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Jesus performed the miracle, but the crowd recognized that God was the power behind the healing.
"everything Jesus was doing"
This is an idiom that means they should pay attention. Alternate translation: "Listen carefully and remember" or "Do not forget this"
This can be stated with an active clause. Here "hands" refers to power or control. Alternate translation: "Someone will betray the Son of Man and put him under the control of men"
Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. The word "hands" is a synecdoche for the people whose hands they are or a metonym for the power that uses those hands. You may need to make explicit who these men are. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man will be betrayed into the hands of men" or "The Son of Man will be betrayed into the power of his enemies" or "I, the Son of Man will be betrayed to my enemies"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God hid the meaning from them"
The disciples begin to argue about who will be the most powerful among them.
"among the disciples"
Here "hearts" is a metonym for their minds. Alternate translation: "knowing the reasoning in their minds" or "knowing what they were thinking"
This refers to a person doing something as a representative of Jesus. Alternate translation: "because of me"
This metaphor could also be stated as a simile. Alternate translation: "in my name, it is like he is welcoming me"
"God, who sent me"
"the one whom God considers to be most important"
"In reply, John said" or "John replied to Jesus." John was responding to what Jesus had said about being the greatest. He was not answering a question.
John speaks of himself but not Jesus, so "we" here is exclusive.
This means the person was speaking with the power and authority of Jesus.
This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "Allow him to continue"
Some modern languages have sayings that mean the same thing. Alternate translation: "if a person does not keep you from working, it is as if he were helping you" or "if someone is not working against you, he is working with you"
It is now obvious that Jesus has decided to go to Jerusalem.
Here "be taken up" implies that Jesus will be taken up to heaven. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When the time was coming for him to go up heaven" or "When it was almost time for him to leave this world"
This idiom means he "firmly decided." Alternate translation: "made up his mind" or "decided"
This means to make arrangements for his arrival there, possibly including a place to speak, a place to stay, and food.
"did not want him to stay"
The Samaritans and the Jews hated each other. Therefore the Samaritans would not help Jesus on his journey to Jerusalem, the Jewish capital.
"saw that the Samaritans did not receive Jesus"
James and John suggested this method of judgment because they knew that this was how the prophets such as Elijah had judged people who rejected God.
"Jesus turned and rebuked James and John." Jesus did not condemn the Samaritans as the disciples expected.
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This was not one of the disciples.
Jesus responds with a proverb to teach the man about being Jesus's disciple. Jesus implies that if the man were to follow him, that man too might not have a home. Alternate translation: "Foxes have holes ... nowhere to lay his head. So do not expect that you will have a home"
These are land animals similar to small dogs. They sleep in a den or a burrow in the ground.
"birds that fly in the air"
Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man, have ... my head"
"nowhere to rest my head" or "nowhere to sleep." Jesus exaggerates to emphasize that he has no permanent home and that people did not often invite him to stay with them.
Jesus continues to talk with the people along the road.
By saying this Jesus is asking the person to become his disciple and to go with him.
It is unclear whether the man's father has died and he will bury him immediately, or if the man wants to stay for a longer amount of time until his father dies so he can bury him then. The main point is the man wants to do something else first before he follows Jesus.
"before I do that, let me go"
Jesus does not mean literally that dead people will bury other dead people. Possible meanings of "the dead" are 1) it is a metaphor for those who will soon die, or 2) it is a metaphor for those who do not follow Jesus and are spiritually dead. The main point is that a disciple must not let anything delay him from following Jesus.
This refers to dead people in general. Alternate translation: "the dead people"
"I will join you as a disciple" or "I am ready to follow you"
"before I do that, let me tell my people at my home that I am leaving"
Jesus responds with a proverb to teach the man about being his disciple. Jesus means that a person is not suitable for the kingdom to God if he focuses on people in his past instead of following Jesus.
Here "puts his hand to" something is an idiom that means the person starts to do something. Alternate translation: "No one who starts to plow his field"
Anyone who is looking back while plowing cannot guide the plow where it needs to go. That person must focus on looking forward in order to plow well.
"useful for the kingdom of God" or "suitable for the kingdom of God"
1 Now after these things, the Lord appointed seventy [1] others, and sent them out two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he himself was about to go. 2 He said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. 3 Go on your way. See, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. 4 Do not carry a money bag, or a traveler's bag, or sandals, and greet no one on the road. 5 Whatever house you enter, first say, 'May peace be on this house!' 6 If a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him, but if not, it will return to you. 7 Remain in that same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house. 8 Whatever town you enter, and they receive you, eat what is set before you 9 and heal the sick that are there. Say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come close to you.' 10 Whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, 11 'Even the dust from your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you! But know this: The kingdom of God is near.' 12 I say to you that on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town. 13 Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. 15 You, Capernaum, do you think you will be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades. 16 The one who listens to you listens to me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects the one who sent me."
17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons submitted to us in your name."
18 Jesus said to them, "I was watching Satan fall from heaven as lightning. 19 See, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will in any way hurt you. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice only in this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice even more that your names are engraved in heaven."
21 At that same hour he rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit and said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you concealed these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to those who are untaught, like little children. Yes, Father, for so it was well pleasing in your sight. 22 "All things have been entrusted to me from my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him." 23 Then he turned around to the disciples and said privately, "Blessed are those who see the things that you see. 24 I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see the things you see, and they did not see them, and to hear the things that you hear, and they did not hear them."
25 Behold, an expert in the law stood up so that he might test him, saying, "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
26 Jesus said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read it?"
27 He gave an answer and he said, "You will love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself."
28 Jesus said to him, "You have answered correctly. Do this, and you will live." 29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?"
30 Jesus answered him and said, "A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho. He fell among robbers, who stripped him of his belongings, and beat him, and left him half dead. 31 By chance a certain priest was going down that way, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 In the same way, a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was. When he saw him, he was moved with compassion. 34 He approached him and bound up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them. He set him on his own animal, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii, and gave them to the host, and said, 'Take care of him, and whatever extra you spend, when I return, I will repay you.' 36 Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?"
37 He said, "The one who showed mercy to him."
Jesus said to him, "Go and do the same."
38 Now as they were traveling along, he entered into a certain village, and a certain woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and heard his word. 40 But Martha was overly busy with preparing to serve a meal. She came up to Jesus and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me."
41 But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, which will not be taken away from her."
Harvest is when people go out to get the food they have planted so they can bring it to their houses and eat it. Harvest can also refer to the food that is gathered. Jesus used this as a metaphor to teach his followers that they need to go and tell other people about Jesus so those people can be part of God's kingdom. (See: harvest and faith)
A neighbor is anyone who lives nearby. The Jews helped their Jewish neighbors who needed help, and they expected their Jewish neighbors to help them. Jesus wanted them to understand that people who were not Jews were also their neighbors, so he told them a parable
Jesus sends out 70 more people ahead of him.
This word is used here to mark a new event in the story.
"70." Some versions say "seventy-two" or "72." You may want to include a footnote that says that.
"sent them out in groups of two" or "sent them out with two people in each group"
This was before the men actually went out. Alternate translation: "He had said to them" or "Before they went out he told them"
"There is a big crop, but not enough workers to bring it in." Jesus means there are many people ready to enter God's kingdom, but there are not enough disciples to go teach and help the people.
"Go to the cities" or "Go to the people"
Wolves attack and kill sheep. This metaphor therefore means that there are people who would attempt to harm the disciples that Jesus is sending out. The names of other animals could be substituted. Alternate translation: "when I send you out, people will want to harm you, as wolves attack sheep"
"Do not take with you a bag, a traveler's bag, or sandals"
"do not greet anyone on the road." Jesus was emphasizing that they should go quickly to the towns and do this work. He was not telling them to be rude.
This was both a greeting and a blessing. Here "house" refers to those who live in the house. Alternate translation: "May the people in this household receive peace"
The phrase "son of peace" here is a metaphor for a person who wants peace with God and with people. Alternate translation: "a peaceful person"
Here "peace" is described as a living thing that can choose where to stay. Alternate translation: "he will have the peace you blessed him with"
It may be helpful to restate the entire phrase. Alternate translation: "if there is no person of peace there" or "if the owner of the house is not a peaceful person"
Here "peace" is described as a living thing that can choose to leave. Alternate translation: "you will have that peace" or "he will not receive the peace you blessed him with"
Jesus was not saying that they should stay in the house all day, but that they should sleep at the same house every night they were there. Alternate translation: "Continue to sleep at that house"
This is a general principle that Jesus was applying to the men he was sending out. Since they would be teaching and healing the people, the people should provide them with a place to stay and with food.
Moving around from house to house means going to different houses. It can be made clear that he was talking about staying overnight at different houses. "Do not go sleep at a different house each night"
"if they welcome you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "eat whatever food they give you"
This refers to sick people in general. Alternate translation: "the sick people"
The abstract noun "kingdom" can be expressed with the verbs "reign" or "rule." Possible meanings are 1) the kingdom of God will begin soon. Alternate translation: "God will soon rule everywhere as king" or 2) the activities of kingdom of God are happening all around you. Alternate translation: "The proof that God is reigning is all around you"
"and the people of the city reject you"
This is a symbolic action to show that they reject the people of the city. Alternate translation: "Just as you rejected us, we thoroughly reject you. We even reject the dust from your town that clings to our feet"
Since Jesus was sending these people out in groups of two, it would be two people saying this. So languages that have a dual form of "we" would use it.
The phrase "But know this" emphasizes the importance of what is said next. Alternate translation: "But be aware that the kingdom of God is near" or "But be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near"
The abstract noun "kingdom" can be expressed with the verbs "reign" or "rule." See how you translated a similar sentence in [Luke 10:8]
Jesus was saying this to the 70 people he was sending out. He said this to show that he was about to say something very important.
The disciples would have understood that this refers to the time of final judgment of sinners. Alternate translation: "judgment day"
"God will not judge Sodom as severely as he will judge that town." Alternate translation: "God will judge the people of that town more severely than he will judge the people of Sodom"
Jesus speaks as if the people of the cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida are there listening to him, but they are not.
Jesus is describing a situation that could have happened in the past but did not. Alternate translation: "If someone had performed the miracles for the people of Tyre and Sidon that I performed for you"
"the wicked people who lived there would have shown that they were sorry for their sins by sitting"
"wearing sackcloth and sitting in ashes"
It may be helpful to clearly state the reason for their judgment. Alternate translation: "But because you did not repent and believe in me even though you saw me do miracles, God will judge you more severely than he will judge the people of Tyre and Sidon"
"on that final day when God judges everyone"
Jesus now speaks to the people in the city of Capernaum as if they are listening to him, but they are not.
Jesus uses a question to rebuke the people of Capernaum for their pride. The expression "exalted to heaven" means "greately exalted" or "honored." Alternate translation: "you will certainly not go up to heaven!" or "God will not honor you!"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will go down to Hades" or "God will send you to Hades"
The comparison can be clearly stated as a simile. Alternate translation: "When someone listens to you, it is as if they were listening to me"
The comparison can be clearly stated as a simile. Alternate translation: "when someone rejects you, it is as if they were rejecting me"
The comparison can be clearly stated as a simile. Alternate translation: "when someone rejects me, it is as if they were rejecting the one who sent me"
This refers to God the Father, who appointed Jesus for this special task. Alternate translation: "God, who sent me"
Some languages will need to say that the seventy actually went out first, as the UDB does. This is implicit information that can be made explicit.
You may want to add a footnote: "Some versions have '72' instead of '70.'"
Here "name" refers to Jesus's power and authority.
Jesus used a simile to compare how God was defeating Satan when his 70 disciples were preaching in the towns to the way lightning strikes.
Possible meanings are 1) fall as quickly as lighting strikes, or 2) fall down from heaven as lightning strikes downward. Since both meaning are possible, it may be best to keep the image.
"authority to trample on snakes and crush scorpions." Possible meanings are 1) snakes and scorpions are a metaphor for evil spirits. Alternate translation: "the right to defeat evil spirits" or 2) this refers to actual snakes and scorpions.
This implies that they would do this and not be injured. Alternate translation: "walk on snakes and scorpions, which will not hurt you,"
Scorpions are small animals with two claws and a poisonous stinger on their tail.
"I have given you authority to crush the power of the enemy" or "I have given you authority to defeat the enemy." The enemy is Satan.
"do not rejoice only because the spirits submit to you" can also be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "rejoice that your names are written in heaven even more than you rejoice that the spirits submit to you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has written your names in heaven" or "your names are on the list of people who are citizens of heaven"
"that same time"
This is an important title for God.
The phrase "heaven" and earth" represents everything that exists. Alternate translation: "Master over everyone and everything in heaven and earth"
This refers to Jesus's previous teaching about the authority of the disciples. It may be best to simply say "these things" and let the reader determine the meaning.
The words "wise" and "understanding" are nominal adjectives that refer to people with these qualities. Because God had concealed truth from them, these people were not actually wise and understanding, even though they thought they were. Alternate translation: "from people who think they are wise and have understanding"
This refers to those who may not have much education but who are willing to accept Jesus's teachings in the same way that little children willingly listen to those they trust. Alternate translation: "people who may have little education, but who listen to God as little children do"
"for it pleased you to do this"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "My Father has handed everything over to me"
These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus.
This double negative emphasizes that the Father is the only one who knows. Alternate translation: "The only one who knows who the Son is, is the Father"
The word that is translated as "knows" means to know from personal experience. God the Father knows Jesus in this way.
Jesus is referring to himself in the third person.
This double negative emphasizes that the Son is the only one who knows. Alternate translation: "The only one who knows who the Father is, is the Son"
"whoever the Son desires to show the Father to"
The word "privately" indicates that he was alone with his disciples. Alternate translation: "Later, when he was alone with his disciples, he turned to them and said"
This probably refers to the good works and miracles that Jesus was doing. Alternate translation: "How good it is for those who see the things that you see me doing"
This implies that Jesus was not yet doing those things. Alternate translation: "but they could not see them because I was not doing them yet"
This probably refers to the teaching of Jesus. Alternate translation: "the things that you have heard me say"
This implies that Jesus was not yet teaching. Alternate translation: "but they could not hear them because I had not yet started to teach"
Jesus replies with a story to a Jewish teacher who wants to test Jesus.
This alerts us to a new event and a new person in the story.
This is an idiom that probably here means "began to act." Your language may have a different way of showing that the expert in the law had been present, listening to Jesus, and was now beginning to act. He was not necessarily sitting before he "stood up" and began to speak.
"challenge Jesus"
Jesus is not seeking information. He uses these questions to test the Jewish teacher's knowledge. Alternate translation: "Tell me what Moses wrote in the law and what you think it means."
This can be asked in active form. Alternate translation: "What did Moses write in the law?"
"What have you read in it?" or "What do you understand it to say?"
The man is quoting what Moses wrote in the law.
Here "heart" and "soul" are metonyms for a person's inner being. These four phrases are used together to mean "completely" or "earnestly."
This simile can be stated more clearly. Alternate translation: "love your neighbor as much as you love yourself"
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"But the expert in the law wanted to find a way to justify himself, so he said" or "But wanting to appear righteous, the expert in the law said"
The man wanted to know whom he was required to love. Alternate translation: "Whom should I consider to be my neighbor and love as I love myself?" or "Which people are my neighbors that I should love?"
Jesus answers the man by telling a parable. Alternate translation: "In response, Jesus told him this story"
This introduces a new character in the parable.
"He was surrounded by robbers, who" or "Some robbers attacked him. They"
"took everything he had" or "stole all his things"
This idiom means "almost dead."
This was not something that any person had planned.
This expression introduces a new person in the story, but does not identify him by name.
"and when the priest saw the injured man." A priest is a very religious person, so the audience would assume that he would help the injured man. Since he did not, this phrase could be stated as "but when he saw him" to call attention to this unexpected result.
It is implied that he did not help the man. Alternate translation: "he did not help the injured man but instead walked past him on the other side of the road"
The Levite served in the temple. He would be expected to help his fellow Jewish man. Since he did not, it may are helpful to state that. Alternate translation: "a Levite ... the other side and did not help him"
This introduces a new person in the story without giving his name. We know only that he was from Samaria.
The Jews despised the Samaritans and would have assumed that he would not help the injured Jewish man.
"When the Samaritan saw the injured man"
"he felt sorry for him"
He would have put the oil and wine on the wounds first. Alternate translation: "he put wine and oil on the wounds and wrapped them with cloth"
Wine was used to clean the wound, and oil was probably used to prevent infection. This can be stated. Alternate translation: "pouring oil and wine on them to help heal them"
"his own pack animal." This was an animal that he used to carry heavy loads. It was probably a donkey.
"two day's wages." "Denarii" is the plural of "denarius."
"the innkeeper" or "the person who took care of the inn"
This could be reordered. Alternate translation: "when I return, I will repay you whatever extra amount you spend"
This could be written as two questions. Alternate translation: "What do you think? Which of these three men ... robbers?"
"showed himself to be a true neighbor"
"to the man whom the robbers attacked"
"The expert in the law said, 'The one who showed mercy to him.'"
Here "do the same" refers to showing mercy to others. Alternate translation: "In the same way, go and show mercy to anyone else who needs help" or "In the same way, go and help everyone you can"
Jesus comes to Martha's house, where her sister Mary listens to Jesus with great attention.
This word is used here to mark a new event.
"as Jesus and his disciples were traveling along"
This introduces the village as a new location, but does not name it.
This introduces Martha as a new character. Your language may have a way of introducing new people.
This was the normal and respectful position for a learner at that time. Alternate translation: "sat on the floor near Jesus"
This refers to everything that Jesus taught while at Martha's house. Alternate translation: "listened to the Lord teach"
"very busy" or "too busy"
Martha is complaining that the Lord is allowing Mary to sit listening to him when there is so much work to do. She respects the Lord, so she uses a rhetorical question to make her complaint more polite. Alternate translation: "it seems like you do not care ... alone."
Jesus repeats Martha's name for emphasis. Alternate translation: "Dear Martha" or "You, Martha"
Jesus is contrasting what Mary is doing with what Martha is doing. It may be helpful to make this explicit. Alternate translation: "the only thing that is really necessary is to listen to my teaching" or "listening to my teaching is more necessary than preparing a meal"
Possible meanings are 1) "and I will not take this opportunity away from her" or 2) "and she will not lose what she has gained as she was listening to me"
1 It happened one day that Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples."
2 Jesus said to them, "When you pray say,
'Father, may your name be honored as holy.
May your kingdom come.
3 Give us our daily bread each day.
4 Forgive us our sins,
as we forgive everyone who is in debt to us.
Do not lead us into temptation.'"
5 Jesus said to them, "Which of you will have a friend, and will go to him at midnight, and say to him, 'Friend, lend to me three loaves of bread, 6 since a friend of mine just came in from the road, and I do not have anything to set before him'? 7 Then the one inside who answered him may say, 'Do not bother me. The door is already shut, and my children, along with me, are in bed. I am not able to get up and give bread to you.' 8 I say to you, even if he does not get up and give bread to you because you are his friend, yet because of your shameless persistence, he will get up and give you as many loaves of bread as you need. 9 I also say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For every asking person receives; and the seeking person finds; and to the person who knocks, it will be opened. 11 Which father among you, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? [1]12 Or if he asks for an egg, will you give a scorpion to him? 13 Therefore, if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father from heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?"
14 Now Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed. 15 But some of the people said, "By Beelzebul, the ruler of demons, he is driving out demons." 16 Others tested him and sought from him a sign from heaven.
17 But Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is made desolate, and a house divided against itself falls. 18 If Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say I cast out demons by Beelzebul. 19 If I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your followers drive them out? Because of this, they will be your judges. 20 But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you. 21 When a strong man who is fully armed guards his own palace, his possessions are safe, 22 but when a stronger man overcomes him, the stronger man takes away the armor in which the man trusted and plunders the man's possessions. 23 The one who is not with me is against me, and the one who does not gather with me scatters. 24 When an unclean spirit has gone away from a man, it passes through waterless places and looks for rest. Finding none, it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' 25 Having returned, it finds the house had been swept clean and put in order. 26 Then it goes and takes along with it seven other spirits more evil than itself and they all come in to live there. Then the final condition of that man becomes worse than the first."
27 It happened that, as he said these things, a certain woman raised her voice above the crowd and said to him, "Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you."
28 But he said, "Rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it."
29 As the crowds were increasing, Jesus began to say, "This generation is an evil generation. It seeks a sign, though no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. 30 For just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so too the Son of Man will be a sign to this generation. 31 The Queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and see, someone greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation of people and will condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and see, someone greater than Jonah is here.
33 No one, after lighting a lamp, puts it in a hidden place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. 34 Your eye is the lamp of the body. When your eye is good, the whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is bad, your body is full of darkness. 35 Therefore, watch out that the light in you is not darkness. 36 If then your whole body is full of light, not having any member in darkness, then your whole body will be like when a lamp shines its brightness on you."
37 When he had finished speaking, a Pharisee asked him to eat with him at his house, so Jesus went in and reclined. 38 The Pharisee was surprised that Jesus did not first wash before dinner. 39 But the Lord said to him, "Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of cups and bowls, but the inside of you is filled with robbery and evil. 40 You senseless men! Did not the one who made the outside also make the inside? 41 Give what is inside as alms, and then all things will be clean for you.
42 "But woe to you Pharisees, because you tithe mint and rue and every other garden herb, but you neglect justice and the love of God. It is necessary to act justly and love God, without failing to do the other things also. 43 Woe to you Pharisees, for you love the front seats in the synagogues and respectful greetings in the marketplaces. 44 Woe to you, for you are like unmarked graves that people walk over without knowing it."
45 One of the experts in the law said to him, "Teacher, what you say insults us too." 46 Jesus said, "Woe to you, teachers of the law! For you put people under burdens that are hard to carry, but you do not touch the burdens with one of your own fingers. 47 Woe to you, because you build tombs for the prophets, and it was your ancestors who killed them. 48 So you are witnesses and you consent to the works of your ancestors, for they indeed killed them and you build their tombs. 49 For this reason also, God's wisdom said, 'I will send to them prophets and apostles, and they will persecute and kill some of them.' 50 As a result, this generation will be charged for all the blood of the prophets shed since the foundation of the world, 51 from Abel's blood to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the temple. Yes, I say to you, this generation will be held responsible. 52 Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key of knowledge; you do not enter in yourselves, and you hinder those who are entering."
53 After Jesus left there, the scribes and the Pharisees opposed him and argued with him about many things, 54 lying in wait to catch him in something he might say.
The ULB sets the lines in 11:2-4 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are a special prayer.
When Jesus's followers asked him to teach them how to pray, he taught them this prayer. He did not expect them to use the same words every time they prayed, but he did want them to know what God wanted them to pray about.
Jonah was an Old Testament prophet who was sent to the Gentile city of Nineveh to tell them to repent. When he told them to repent, they repented. (See: prophet and sin and repent)
The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: righteous)
The Pharisees would wash themselves and the things they ate with. They would even wash things that were not dirty. The law of Moses did not tell them to wash these things, but they would wash them anyway. This was because they thought that if they obeyed both the rules that God had made and some rules that God had not made, God would think that they were better people. (See: lawofmoses and clean)
The is the beginning of the next part of the story. Jesus teaches his disciples to pray.
This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
"Jesus said to his disciples"
Jesus is commanding the disciples to honor the name of God the Father by addressing him as "Father" when praying to him. This is an important title for God.
"cause everyone to honor your name." "Name" often refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: "may all people honor you"
The action of God ruling over everyone is spoken of as if it were God himself. Alternate translation: "May you come and rule over everyone"
Jesus continues to teach his disciples how to pray.
This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a request, rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add something such as "please" to it to make this clear. Alternate translation: "Please give us"
Bread was an inexpensive food that people ate every day. It is used here to refer to food in general. Alternate translation: "the food we need each day"
These are imperatives, but they should be translated as requests, rather than as commands. It may be helpful to add something such as "please" to them to make this clear. Alternate translation: "Please forgive us ... Please do not lead us"
"Forgive us for sinning against you" or "Forgive our sins"
"since we also forgive"
"who has sinned against us" or "who has done wrong things to us"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Lead us away from temptation"
Jesus continues to teach his disciples about prayer.
"let me borrow three loaves of bread" or "give me three loaves of bread and I will pay you later." The host does not have any food ready to give to his guest.
Bread is a food that people in Israel commonly ate. If people in your community do not know what bread is, you may translate it with a more general expression for food. Alternate translation: "some food"
Jesus finishes asking a question that begins in verse 5.
Jesus finishes asking the question that begins with the words "Which of you will have a friend" in verse 5. The whole question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Suppose you have a friend and will go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend to me three loaves of bread, since a friend ... to set before him.'"
It is implied that the visitor has come far from his home. Alternate translation: "was traveling and just came to my house"
"any food ready to give him"
"It is not convenient for me to get up"
Bread is a food that people in Israel commonly ate. If people in your community do not know what bread is, you may translate it with a more general expression for food. Alternate translation: "give you some food"
Jesus was speaking to the disciples. The word "you" is plural.
Bread is a food that people in Israel commonly ate. If people in your community do not know what bread is, you may translate it with a more general expression for food. Alternate translation: "give you some food ... give you as much food"
Jesus addresses the disciples as if they were the ones asking for bread. Alternate translation: "give bread to him because he is ... his ... him ... he needs"
The phrase can be reworded to eliminate the abstract noun "persistence." Alternate translation: "because you persist shamelessly" or "because you boldly continue to ask him"
Jesus gives these commands to encourage his disciples to pray continually. Some languages may also require more information with these verbs. Use the form of "you" that would be most appropriate in this context. Alternate translation: "keep asking for what you need ... keep seeking what you need from God, and you will find it ... keep knocking on the door"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will give it to you" or "you will receive it"
To knock at a door is to hit it a few times to let a person inside the house know you are standing outside. It can also be translated using the way people in your culture show that they have arrived, such as "call out" or "cough" or "clap." Here, it means a person should keep praying to God until he answers.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will open the door for you" or "God will welcome you inside"
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Jesus finishes teaching his disciples about prayer.
Jesus uses a question to teach his disciples. It could also be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "None of you fathers ... would ... a fish."
Jesus uses a question to teach his disciples. It could also be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "And you would never give him a scorpion ... egg."
A scorpion is similar to a spider, but it has a tail with a poisonous sting. If scorpions are not known where you are, you could translate this as "poisonous spider" or "spider that stings"
"since you who are evil know" or "even though you are sinful, you know"
Jesus again uses a question to teach his disciples. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "you can be sure that ... will give ... him."
The author uses this word to mark the beginning of a new event.
It may be helpful to add extra information. Alternate translation: "Jesus was driving a demon out of a person" or "Jesus was making a demon leave a person"
The demon has power to prevent people from speaking. Alternate translation: "demon that caused the man to be unable to speak"
This word is used here to mark where the action starts. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here. When the demon comes out of the man, some of the people criticize Jesus, and that leads to Jesus teaching about evil spirits.
It may be helpful to add extra information. Alternate translation: "When the demon had gone out of the man" or "When the demon left the man"
"the man who had been unable to speak now spoke"
Jesus is accused of using Satan's power to drive a demon out of a mute man.
"He is driving out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the ruler of demons"
another name for Satan
"Other people tested Jesus." They wanted him to prove that his authority was from God.
"and asked him to give a sign from heaven" or "by demanding that he give a sign from heaven." This was how they wanted him to prove that his authority was from God.
Jesus begins to respond to the crowd.
"kingdom" here refers to the people in it. This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If people of a kingdom fight among themselves, they will destroy their kingdom"
Here "house" refers to a family. Alternate translation: "if family members fight each other, they will ruin their family"
"crashes down and is destroyed." This image of the house collapsing refers to the destruction of a family when the members fight each other.
"Satan" here is referring to the demons who follow Satan as well as to Satan himself. Alternate translation: "If Satan and members of his kingdom are fighting among themselves"
Jesus uses a question to teach the people. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "If Satan ... his kingdom will not last." or "If Satan ... his kingdom will fall apart."
"For you say that it is by the power of Beelzebul that I make demons leave people." The next part of his argument can be stated explicitly: Alternate translation: "For you say that it is by the power of Beelzebul that I make demons leave people. That would mean that Satan is divided against himself"
"If I ... by whose power do your followers force demons to leave people?" Jesus uses a question to teach the people. The meaning of Jesus's question can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "If I ... then we must agree that your followers also drive out demons by Beelzebul's power. But you do not believe that it is true."
"your followers who cast out demons by God's power will judge you for saying that I cast out demons by Beelzebul's power"
The "finger of God" refers to God's power.
"this shows that God's kingdom has come to you"
Jesus begins a parable about a strong man who is defeated by a stronger man.
The "strong man" here is a metaphor for Satan.
Possible meanings of the word "palace" are 1) the entire premises of the "strong man" or 2) it refers to the courtyard of a palace and is a synecdoche for the palace. If you have a word for the house and other areas close to it that the strong man can constantly guard, you may want to use it here.
"no one can steal his things"
The stronger man in the parable is a metaphor for Jesus, who is stronger than Satan.
"removes the weapons and protection"
"steals his possessions" or "takes away anything that he wants"
This refers to any person or any group of people. "Anyone who is not with me is against me, and anyone who does not gather with me scatters" or "Those who are not with me are against me, and those who do not gather with me scatter"
"one who does not support me" or "one who does not work with me"
"works against me"
Jesus is referring to gathering disciples who follow him. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "anyone who does not cause people to come and follow me causes them to go away from me"
This refers to "desolate places" where the evil spirits wander.
"If the spirit does not find any rest there"
This refers to the person in which he used to live. Alternate translation: "the person in whom I used to live"
This metaphor speaks about the person as if he were a house that is swept clean, with things put in their places. It is implied that the house is still empty. This can be stated in active form with that information made explicit. Alternate translation: "finds that the person is like a house that someone has swept clean and organized by putting everything where it belongs, but has left empty" or "finds that the person is like a house that is clean and organized, but empty"
The word "first" refers to the condition of the man while he had the unclean spirit before it left him. Alternate translation: "worse than his condition was before the spirit left"
This is a break in Jesus's teachings. A woman speaks a blessing and Jesus responds.
This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
This idiom means "spoke loudly above the noise of the crowd"
The parts of a woman's body are used to refer to the whole woman. Alternate translation: "How good it is for the woman who bore you and nursed you at her breasts" or "How happy the woman who bore you and nursed you at her breasts must be"
"It is even better for those"
"hear the message God has spoken"
"and obey it"
Jesus continues teaching the crowd.
"As more people were joining the crowd" or "As the crowd was growing larger"
Here "generation" refers to the people in it. Alternate translation: "The people living at this time are evil people. They seek ... to them" or "You people living at this time are evil people. You seek ... to you"
The information about what kind of sign it seeks can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "It wants me to perform a miracle as proof that I have come from God"
This double negative emphasizes that the sign of Jonah is the only sign that will be given. Alternate translation: "The only sign that will be given to it is the sign of Jonah"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will not give it a sign"
"what happened to Jonah" or "the miracle that God did for Jonah"
This means that Jesus will serve as a sign from God for the Jews of that day in exactly the same way as Jonah served as a sign from God to the people of Nineveh.
Jesus is referring to himself. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man, will"
"the people living today"
This refers to the Queen of Sheba. Sheba was a kingdom south of Israel.
"will appear"
This idiom means that she came from very far away. Alternate translation: "she came a very great distance" or "she came from a place very far away"
Jesus is speaking about himself. Alternate translation: "I, who am greater than Solomon, am here"
It may be helpful to state explicitly that this refers to the ancient city of Nineveh. Alternate translation: "The men who lived in the ancient city of Nineveh"
This includes both men and woman. Alternate translation: "The people"
"the people of this time"
"for the people of Nineveh repented"
Jesus is speaking about himself. It may be helpful to explicitly state that they have not listened to him. Alternate translation: "even though I am greater than Jonah, you still have not repented"
Jesus begins a parable in which he speaks of his teaching as light that he wants his disciples to obey and share with others.
"hides it or puts in under a basket"
The understood subject and verb in this clause may be supplied. Alternate translation: "but a person places it on a lampstand" or "but a person puts it on a table"
Jesus continues his parable, in which he speaks of his teaching as light that he wants his disciples to obey and share with others. He speaks of people who do not know or accept his teaching as being in darkness.
In this part of the metaphor, the things they saw Jesus do provided understanding just as an eye provides light for the body. Alternate translation: "Your eye is like the lamp of the body"
The eye is a metonym for vision.
The body is a synecdoche for a person's life.
Here "eye" here is a metonym for vision. Alternate translation: "When your vision is good" or "when you see well"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the light will fill your whole body" or "you will be able to see everything clearly"
Here "eye" is a metonym for vision. Alternate translation: "When your vision is bad" or "when you see poorly"
"you will not be able to see anything"
Jesus continues his parable, in which he speaks of his teaching as light that he wants his disciples to obey and share with others. He speaks of people who do not know or accept his teaching as being in darkness.
"look carefully to make sure that what you think is light is not actually darkness"
Jesus ends his parable.
Jesus speaks of his teaching as light that he wants his disciples to obey and share with others. He speaks of people who do not know or accept his teaching as being in darkness.
"with none of its parts in darkness"
Jesus states the same truth he has just presented as a metaphor, but this time he uses a simile. He speaks of people who are full of truth as if they are a lamp that shines brightly.
Jesus finishes teaching the crowd, and a Pharisee invites Jesus to eat at his house.
The author uses these words to mark the beginning of a new event.
This refers to the Pharisee's house.
It was the custom at a relaxed meal such as this dinner for men to eat while lying down comfortably around the table. You might want to translate using the word your language uses for the way people's bodies are when they eat. Alternate translation: "sat down at the table"
The Pharisees had a rule that people must wash their hands in order to be ceremonially clean before God. Alternate translation: "wash his hands" or "wash his hands in order to be ritually clean"
Jesus begins to speak to the Pharisee using a metaphor. He compares the way they clean cups and bowls to how they clean themselves.
Washing of the outside of containers was a part of the ritual practices of the Pharisees.
This part of the metaphor contrasts the careful way they clean the outside of the dishes with the way they ignore their own internal condition.
This expression can refer to men or women, even though all of the Pharisees to whom Jesus was speaking to here were men.
Jesus uses a question to rebuke the Pharisees for not understanding that what is in their hearts matters to God. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "The one who made the outside also made the inside!"
This refers to what they should be doing with their cups and bowls. Alternate translation: "Give what is inside your cups and bowls as alms" or "Be generous to the poor"
"you will be completely clean" or "you will be clean both inside and outside"
"you give God one tenth of your mint and rue and other herbs from your garden." Jesus was giving an example of how extreme the Pharisees were in giving a tenth of their income.
These are herbs. People put just a little bit of these leaves into their food to give it flavor. If people do not know what mint and rue are, you can use the name of herbs they know or a general expression such as "herbs."
Possible meanings are 1) "every other vegetable" 2) "every other garden herb" or 3) "every other garden plant."
"to love God" or "love for God." God is the one who is loved.
"without failing" emphasizes that this should always be done. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "and to always do the other good things as well"
"the best seats"
"you like people to greet you with special honor"
Jesus finishes speaking to the Pharisees.
The Pharisees are like unmarked graves because they look ceremonially clean, but they cause people around them to become unclean.
These graves were holes dug in the ground where a dead body was buried. They did not have the white stones that people normally place over graves so that others would see them.
When the Jews walked over a grave, they would become ceremonially unclean. These unmarked graves caused them to accidentally do that. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "without realizing it and become ceremonially unclean"
Jesus begins to respond to a Jewish teacher.
This introduces a new character into the story.
Jesus's comments about the Pharisees also seemed to apply to the teachers of the Jewish laws.
Jesus makes it clear that he intended to condemn the actions of the teachers of the law along with the Pharisees.
"you put burdens on people that are too heavy and they cannot carry them." Jesus speaks about someone giving people many rules as if the person were giving them heavy things to carry. Alternate translation: "you burden people by giving them too many rules to follow"
Possible meanings are 1) "do anything at all to help people carry those burdens" or 2) "make any effort to carry those burdens yourselves."
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Jesus is rebuking the Pharisees and teachers of the law. They know about the murder of the prophets, but do not condemn their ancestors for killing them. Alternate translation: "So, rather than denouncing them, you confirm and agree"
This refers back to the previous statement that the teachers of the law burdened people with rules.
"wisdom" is treated as if it was able to speak for God. Alternate translation: "God in his wisdom said" or "God wisely said"
"I will send prophets and apostles to my people." God had declared beforehand that he would send prophets and apostles to the ancestors of the Jewish audience to whom Jesus was speaking.
"my people will persecute and kill some of the prophets and apostles." God had declared beforehand that the ancestors of the Jewish audience to whom Jesus was speaking would persecute and kill the prophets and apostles.
God will hold the people to whom Jesus is speaking responsible for the murder of the prophets by their ancestors. Alternate translation: "God will hold this generation responsible for the deaths of all the prophets whom people have killed since the foundation of the world"
The "blood ... shed" refers to the blood that was spilled when the prophets were killed. Alternate translation: "for all the murders of the prophets"
The author speaks of the world as if it were a building set on a foundation. Alternate translation: "since the creation of the world" or "since God created the world"
This was probably the priest in the Old Testament who rebuked the people of Israel for idolatry. This was not the Father of John the Baptist.
This could be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the people killed"
Jesus finishes responding to the Jewish teacher.
Jesus speaks about life in God's kingdom as if it were in a house that the teachers will neither enter nor allow others to enter. This means the teachers do not truly know God, and they prevent others from knowing him as well by teaching about scripture things that are not true. Alternate translation: "you have made it impossible for people to know how to live in God's kingdom; you do not want to live in it yourselves, and you keep others from knowing"
Possible meanings are 1) "the key that opens the door to knowledge," in which case "knowledge" is what is behind the door, or 2) "the key, which is the knowledge of how to open the door," in which case Jesus is not telling what is behind the door.
"you yourselves do not go in to get knowledge"
This is the end of the part of the story where Jesus eats at the Pharisee's house.
"After Jesus left the Pharisee's house"
The scribes and Pharisees did not argue in order to defend their views, but to try to trap Jesus so they could accuse him of breaking the law of God.
The scribes and Pharisees hoped Jesus would say something wrong so that they could accuse him of breaking God's law. They did not want to learn from him.
The writer speaks of the Pharisees as if they were thieves hiding by the side of a road waiting for someone to come by whom they could overpower and rob. In this case, they were waiting for Jesus to say something for which they could accuse him. Alternate translation: "waiting and hoping to accuse him"
1 In the meantime, when many thousands of the people were gathered together so much that they trampled on each other, he began to say to his disciples first of all, "Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 But there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, and nothing hidden that will not be known. 3 So whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops. 4 I say to you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that they have no more that they can do. 5 But I will warn you about whom to fear. Fear the one who, after he has killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I say to you, fear him. 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them is forgotten in the sight of God. 7 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear. You are more valuable than many sparrows. 8 I say to you, everyone who confesses me before men, the Son of Man will also confess before the angels of God, 9 but he who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. 10 Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him, but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven. 11 When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, do not worry about how you will speak in your defense, or what you will say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that hour what you should say."
13 Then someone from the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."
14 Jesus said to him, "Man, who appointed me a judge or a mediator over you?" 15 He said to them, "Watch that you keep yourselves from all greedy desires, because a person's life does not consist of the abundance of his possessions." 16 Then Jesus told them a parable, saying, "The field of a rich man yielded abundantly, 17 and he reasoned with himself, saying, 'What will I do, because I do not have a place to store my crops?' 18 He said, 'This is what I will do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all of my grain and other goods. 19 I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods stored up for many years. Rest easy, eat, drink, be merry."' 20 But God said to him, 'Foolish man, tonight your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' 21 That is what someone is like who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God."
22 Jesus said to his disciples, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body is more than clothes. 24 Think about the ravens, that they do not sow or reap. They have no storeroom or barn, but God feeds them. How much more valuable you are than the birds! 25 Which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his lifespan? 26 If then you are not able to do such a very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? 27 Think about the lilies—how they grow. They do not labor, neither do they spin. Yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. 28 If God so clothes the grass in the field, which exists today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 Do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not be anxious. 30 For all the nations of the world seek these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. 32 Do not fear, little flock, because your Father is very pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give alms. Make for yourselves purses which will not wear out—treasure in the heavens that does not run out, where no thief comes near, and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
35 "Keep your loins girded and your lamps lit, 36 and be like people waiting expectantly for their master when he returns from the marriage feast, so that when he comes and knocks, they may immediately open the door for him. 37 Blessed are those servants whom the master will find watching when he comes. Truly I say to you, he will gird himself to serve and have them sit down at the table, and he will come and serve them. 38 If the master comes in the second watch of the night, or if even in the third watch, and finds them ready, blessed are those servants. 39 But understand this, that if the master of the house had known the hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40 You also must be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect."
41 Peter said, "Lord, are you telling this parable only to us, or also to everyone?"
42 The Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager whom his lord will set over his other servants to give them their portion of food at the right time? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his lord finds doing that when he comes. 44 Truly I say to you that he will set him over all his property. 45 But if that servant says in his heart, 'My lord delays his return,' and begins to beat the male servants and female servants and to eat and drink and to become drunk, 46 the lord of that servant will come in a day when he does not expect and in an hour that he does not know and will cut him in pieces and appoint a place for him with the unfaithful. 47 That servant, having known his lord's will and not having prepared or done according to his will, will be beaten with many blows. 48 But the one who did not know and did what deserved a beating, he will be beaten with a few blows. But everyone who has been given much, from them much will be required, and the one who has been entrusted with much, even more will be asked.
49 "I came to cast fire upon the earth, and how I wish that it were already kindled. 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how I am distressed until it is completed! 51 Do you think that I came to bring peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. 52 For from now on there will be five in one house divided—three people against two, and two people against three. 53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
54 Jesus was saying to the crowds also, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, 'A shower is coming,' and so it happens. 55 When a south wind is blowing, you say, 'There will be a scorching heat,' and it happens. 56 Hypocrites, you know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the heavens, but how is it that you do not know how to interpret the present time? 57 Why do you not judge what is right for yourselves? 58 For when you go with your adversary before the magistrate, on the way make an effort to be reconciled with him so that he does not drag you to the judge, and so that the judge does not deliver you to the officer, and the officer does not throw you into prison. 59 I say to you, you will never come out from there until you have paid the very last bit of money."
No one knows for sure what actions people perform or what words they say when they commit this sin. However, they probably insult the Holy Spirit and his work. Part of the Holy Spirit's work is to make people understand that they are sinners and that they need to have God forgive them. Therefore, anyone who does not try to stop sinning is probably committing blasphemy against the Spirit. (See: blasphemy and holyspirit)
God expects his people to remember that everything in the world belongs to God. God gives his people things so they can serve him. He wants them to please him by doing what he wants them to do with everything he has given them. One day Jesus will ask his servants what they have done with everything he gave them to use. He will give a reward to those who have done what he wanted them to do, and he will punish those who have not.
Jesus knew that those who did not choose to follow him would hate those who did choose to follow him. He also knew that most people love their families more than they love anyone else. So he wanted his followers to understand that following and pleasing him had to be more important to them than having their family love them (Luke 12:51-56).
Jesus refers to himself as the "Son of Man" in this chapter
Jesus begins to teach his disciples in front of thousands of people.
This is probably while the scribes and Pharisees were looking for a way to trap him. The author uses these words to mark the beginning of a new event.
This is background information that tells the setting of the story.
"a very great crowd"
This is probably an exaggeration to emphasize that so many people were crowded close together that they would step on each other. Alternate translation: "they were stepping on each other" or "they were stepping on one another's feet"
"Jesus first started speaking to his disciples, and said to them"
Just as yeast spreads through a whole lump of bread dough, their hypocrisy was spreading through the whole community. Alternate translation: "Guard yourself against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, which is like yeast" or "Be careful that you do not become hypocrites like the Pharisees. Their evil behavior influences everyone just as yeast affects a lump of dough"
The word "But" connects this verse to the previous verse about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees.
"everything that is hidden will be shown." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will find out about everything that people do secretly"
This means the same thing as the first part of the sentence in order to emphasize its truth. It can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will learn about everything that others try to hide"
Here "darkness" is a metonym for "night" which is a metonym for "private. And "light" is a metonym for "day" which is a metonym for "public. The phrase "will be heard" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whatever you have said privately at night, people will hear it in the daylight"
whispered
"in a closed room." This refers to private speech. Alternate translation: "in privacy" or "secretly"
"will be shouted loudly." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will proclaim"
Houses in Israel had flat roofs, so people could go up and stand on top of them. If readers would be distracted trying to imagine how people would get up on the house tops, this could also be translated with a more general expression, such as "from a high place so that everyone will be able to hear."
Jesus readdresses his disciples to mark a shift in his speech to a new topic, in this case, to speak about not being afraid.
"they cannot cause any more harm"
The phrase "the one" refers to God. This could be reworded. Alternate translation: "Fear God who, after ... has authority" or "Fear God, because after ... he has authority"
"after he kills you"
This is a general statement about God's authority to judge people. It does not mean this will happen to the disciples. Alternate translation: "has authority to throw people into hell"
Jesus uses a question to teach the disciples. Alternate translation: "You know that five sparrows are sold for only two small coins."
very small, seed-eating birds
This could be stated in active form and in positive form. Alternate translation: "God never forgets any of them" or "God indeed remembers every sparrow"
This could be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God knows even how many hairs are on your head"
The reason for the fear is not stated. Possible meanings are 1) "Do not be afraid of what will happen to you" or 2) "So do not be afraid of people who could hurt you."
"You are worth more to God than many sparrows"
Jesus readdresses his audience to mark a shift in his speech to a new topic, in this case, to speak about confession.
What is confessed can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "whoever tells others that he is my disciple" or "anyone who acknowledges before others that he is loyal to me"
Jesus is referring to himself. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man"
"I will deny before the angels of God that I know anyone who denies me" or "I, the Son of Man will deny before the angels of God that I know anyone who denies me"
"claims that he does not know me" or "claims that he is not my disciple"
where people can hear
"will be treated as though I do not know him" or "will be treated as if he is not my disciple"
"Everyone who says something bad about the Son of Man"
"he will be forgiven." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will forgive him for that"
"speaks evil against the Holy Spirit"
This can be expressed with an active verb. Alternate translation: "but he ... God will not forgive him" or "but he ... God will consider him guilty forever"
It is not stated who brings them into judgment.
"into the synagogues to question you before the religious leaders"
It may be necessary to combine these into one statement. Alternate translation: "other people who have power in the country"
"at that time" or "then"
This is a break in Jesus's teachings. A man asks Jesus to do something and Jesus responds to him.
In that culture, inheritances came from the father, usually after the father had died. You may need to make explicit that the speaker's father had probably died. Alternate translation: "share my father's property with me now that our father is dead"
Possible meanings are 1) this is simply a way to address a stranger or 2) Jesus is rebuking the man. Your language might have a way of addressing people in either of these ways. Some people do not translate this word at all.
Jesus uses a question to rebuke the man. Alternate translation: "no one appointed me a judge or mediator over you." or "I am not your judge or mediator."
This word refers to the man and his brother and so is plural.
The word "them" here probably refers to the whole crowd of people. Alternate translation: "And Jesus said to the crowd"
"guard yourself from every form of greed." Alternate translation: "do not allow yourself to love having things" or "do not let the urge to have more things control you"
This is a general statement of fact. It does not refer to any specific person. Some languages have a way of expressing that.
"how many things he owns" or "how much wealth he has"
Jesus continues his teaching by telling a parable.
Jesus was probably still speaking to the entire crowd.
"grew a very good harvest"
This question reflects what the man was thinking to himself. Alternate translation: "I do not know what to do, because I do not have any place big enough to store all my crops!"
buildings where farmers store the crops they have harvested
"all of my grain and the other good things that I own"
"I will say to myself, 'I have ... years. Rest ... merry.'" or "I will tell myself that I have ... years, so I can rest ... merry."
"many good things" or "many possessions"
Jesus quotes how God responds to the rich man, as he finishes telling his parable.
The "soul" refers to the life of a person. Alternate translation: "you will die tonight" or "I will take your life from you tonight"
"who will own what you have stored up?" or "who will have what you prepared?" God uses a question to make the man realize that he would no longer possess those things. Alternate translation: "the things that you have prepared will belong to someone else!"
"saves up valuable things"
has not used his time and possessions for the things that are important to God
Jesus continues teaching his disciples in front of the crowd.
"For that reason" or "Because of what this story teaches"
"I want to tell you something important" or "you need to listen carefully to this"
"about your body and what you will wear" or "about having enough clothes to put on your body"
This is a general statement of value. Alternate translation: "life is more important than the food you eat"
"your body is more important than the clothes you wear"
This refers either to 1) crows, a kind of bird that eats mostly grain, or 2) ravens, a kind of bird that eats the flesh of dead animals. Jesus's audience would have considered the ravens worthless since the Jewish people could not eat these types of birds.
These are places where food is stored.
This is an exclamation, not a question. Jesus emphasizes the fact that people are much more valuable to God then birds.
Jesus uses a question to teach his disciples. Alternate translation: "None of you can make your life any longer by being anxious!"
This is a metaphor because a cubit is a measure of length rather than of time. The image is of a person's life stretched out as if it were a board, a rope, or some other physical object.
the length from a man's elbow to the end of his fingers
Jesus uses another question to teach his disciples. Alternate translation: "Since you cannot do even this small thing, you should not worry about the other things."
"Think about how the lilies grow."
Lilies are beautiful flowers that grow wild in the fields. If your language does not have a word for lily, you can use the name of another flower like that or translate it as "flowers"
The process of making thread or yard for cloth is called "spinning." It may be helpful to make this explicit. Alternate translation: "neither do they make thread in order to make cloth" or "and they do not make yarn"
"Solomon, who had great wealth, was" or "Solomon, who wore beautiful clothes, was"
"If God clothes the grass in the field like that, and it" or "If God gives the grass in the field such beautiful clothing, and it." God making the grass beautiful is spoken of as if God were putting beautiful clothes on the grass. Alternate translation: "If God makes the grass in the field beautiful like this, and it"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone throws it into a fire"
This is an exclamation, not a question. Jesus emphasizes that he will certainly take care of people even better than he does the grass. This could be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "he will certainly clothe you even better"
"Do not focus on what you will eat and drink" or "Do not greatly desire more to eat and drink"
Here "nations" refers to "unbelievers." Alternate translation: "all people of other nations" or "all the unbelievers in the world"
This is an important title for God.
"focus on God's kingdom" or "greatly desire God's kingdom"
"these things also will be given to you." "These things" refers to food and clothing. This could be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will also give you these things"
Jesus is calling his disciples a flock. A flock is a group of sheep or goats that a shepherd cares for. As a shepherd cares for his sheep, God cares for Jesus's disciples. Alternate translation: "small group" or "dear group"
This is an important title for God.
It may be helpful to state what they receive. Alternate translation: "give alms from the money you earn from the sales"
The purses and treasure in the heavens are the same thing. They both represent God's blessing in heaven.
This is the result of giving to the poor. Alternate translation: "In this way you will make for yourselves"
"money bags that will not get holes in them"
"does not diminish" or "does not become less"
"thieves do not come near"
"moths do not destroy"
A "moth" is a small insect that eats holes in fabric. You may need to use a different insect, such as an ant or termite.
"your heart will be focused on where you store your treasure"
Here "heart" refers to a person's thoughts.
Jesus begins to tell a parable.
These words are a metaphor for being ready to do hard work. People in Jesus's culture wore long flowing robes. They would tuck these robes into their belts to keep them out of the way while they worked. Alternate translation: "Always be ready to serve" or "Be dressed and ready to serve"
This is a metaphor or metonym for staying awake at night and another metaphor for always being ready to work, even when it would otherwise be time to rest. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "keep your lamps burning"
Jesus commands the disciples to be ready for him to return the same way servants should be ready for their master to return.
If your language has a word for one person waiting and looking for someone he expects will come soon, you may want to use it here.
"returns home from a marriage feast"
This refers to the door of the master's house. It was the responsibility of his servants to open it for him.
"How good it is for"
"whose master finds them waiting for him when he returns" or "who are ready when the master returns"
Because the servants have been faithful and ready to serve their master, the master will now reward them by serving them.
"he will tuck in his robe to serve." If people are not familiar with robes, this can also be translated in a more general way. Alternate translation: "he will dress himself to serve"
The second watch was between 9:00 p.m. and midnight. Alternate translation: "late at night" or "just before midnight"
The third watch was from midnight to 3:00 a.m. Alternate translation: "or if he comes very late at night"
"had known when"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he would not have let the thief break into his house"
The similarity between a thief (Luke 12:39) and the Son of Man is that people do not know when either one will come, so they need to be ready. Jesus is not saying that he himself is a thief.
Jesus is talking about himself. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man, am coming"
Here there is a stop in the story as Peter asks Jesus a question about the previous parable.
Jesus begins to tell another parable.
Jesus uses a question to answer Peter's question indirectly. He expected those who wanted to be faithful managers to understand that the parable was about them. Alternate translation: "I said it for everyone who is ... right time."
Jesus tells another parable about how servants should be faithful while they wait for their master to return.
"whom his lord puts in charge of his other servants"
"How good it is for that servant"
"if his lord finds him doing that work when he comes back"
This expression means they should pay special attention to what he is about to say.
"will put him in charge of all his property"
This refers to the servant whose lord has put him in charge of the other servants.
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's mind or inner being. Alternate translation: "thinks to himself"
"My master will not return soon"
The words that are translated here as "male servants and female servants" are normally translated as "boys" and "girls." They may indicate that the servants were young or that they were dear to their master. If your language can shorten this phrase to "male and female servants," you may want to do so here.
The words "day" and "hour" form a merism of time that refers to any time, and the words "expect" and "know" have similar meanings, so the two phrases here are parallel to emphasize that the coming of the lord will be a total surprise to the servant. However, the phrases should not be combined unless your language has no different words for "know" and "expect" or "day" and "hour." Alternate translation: "at a time when the servant is not expecting him"
Possible meanings are 1) this is an exaggeration for the master dealing out harsh punishment toward the slave, or 2) this describes the manner in which the servant will be executed and buried as punishment.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "But as for the servant who knows his lord's will does not prepare or do according to it, the master will beat him with many blows"
"what his master wanted him to do ... it"
Jesus finishes telling the parable.
Both the servant who knows the master's will and the servant who does not know it are punished, but the words that begin with "That servant" (verse 47) show the servant who intentionally disobeyed his master was punished more severely than the other servant.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They will require more of anyone who has received much" or "The master will require more of everyone he has given much to"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the master will ask even more of the one ... much" or "the master will require even more of the one ... much"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the one to whom the master has given much property to take care of" or "the one to whom the master has given much responsibility"
Jesus continues to teach his disciples.
"I came to throw fire on the earth" or "I came to set the earth on fire." Possible meanings are 1) Jesus has come to judge people or 2) Jesus has come to purify believers or 3) Jesus has come to cause division among people.
This exclamation emphasizes how much he wants this to happen. Alternate translation: "I wish very much that it was already lit" or "how I wish that it had already begun"
Here "baptism" refers to what Jesus must suffer. Just as water covers a person during baptism, suffering will overwhelm Jesus. Alternate translation: "I must go through a baptism of terrible suffering" or "I must be overwhelmed by suffering as a person being baptized is covered by water"
The word "but" is used to show that he cannot cast the fire on the earth until after he goes through his baptism.
This exclamation emphasizes how distressed he was. Alternate translation: "I am terribly distressed and will be so until I complete this baptism of suffering"
Jesus asks a question to let them know that he is going to correct their wrong understanding. You may need to supply the words "I came" that are omitted in the second sentence. Alternate translation: "You think that I came to bring peace on the earth, but I tell you I did not. Instead, I came to bring division"
"hostility" or "discord"
It may be helpful to state that this refers to people. Alternate translation: "there will be five people in one house"
"will oppose ... will oppose"
"will oppose"
Jesus begins to speak to the crowd.
This condition normally meant rain was coming in Israel.
"Rain is coming" or "It is going to rain"
This condition normally meant hot weather was coming in Israel.
"the earth and the sky"
Jesus uses a question to rebuke the crowd. Jesus uses this question to convict them. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "you should know how to interpret the present time."
Jesus uses a question to rebuke the crowd. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You yourselves should discern what is right."
"on your own initiative"
Jesus presents a situation here that continues through verse 59. This may be a parable to teach Jesus's hearers that they need to repent of their sins before God condemns them on the day of judgment. Alternate translation: "If when you go ... prison"
Though Jesus is talking to a crowd, the situation he is presenting is something that a person would go through alone. So in some languages the word "you" would be singular.
"be reconciled with your adversary"
This refers to the magistrate, but the term here is more specific and threatening.
"does not take you"
This is the end of the situations that begins in verse 58.
"the entire amount of money that your adversary demands"
1 At that time, some people there told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate mixed with their own sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered and said to them, "Do you think that these Galileans were more sinful than all the other Galileans because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you. But if you do not repent, all of you will perish in the same way. 4 Or those eighteen people in Siloam on whom a tower fell and killed them, do you think they were worse sinners than other men in Jerusalem? 5 No, I say. But if you do not repent, all of you will also perish."
6 Jesus told this parable, "Someone had a fig tree planted in his vineyard and he came and looked for fruit on it but found none. 7 The man said to the gardener, 'Look, for three years I have come and tried to find fruit on this fig tree and found none. Cut it down. Why let it waste the ground?'
8 "The gardener answered and said, 'Sir, leave it alone this year while I dig around it and put manure on it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, good; but if it does not, cut it down!'"
10 Now Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues during the Sabbath. 11 Behold, a woman was there who for eighteen years had a spirit of weakness. She was bent over and was not able to straighten up completely. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said, "Woman, you are freed from your weakness." 13 He placed his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight again and glorified God.
14 But the synagogue ruler was indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath. So the ruler answered and said to the crowd, "There are six days in which it is necessary to labor. Come and be healed then, not on the Sabbath day."
15 The Lord answered him and said, "Hypocrites! Does not each of you untie his ox or his donkey from the stall and lead it to drink on the Sabbath? 16 So too this daughter of Abraham, whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, should her bonds not be untied on the Sabbath day?" 17 As he said these things, all those who opposed him were ashamed, but the whole crowd was rejoicing over all the glorious things he did.
18 Then Jesus said, "What is the kingdom of God like, and what can I compare it to? 19 It is like a mustard seed that a man took and threw into his garden, and it grew into a big tree, and the birds of heaven built their nests in its branches."
20 Again he said, "To what can I compare the kingdom of God? 21 It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of flour until all the flour was leavened."
22 Then Jesus traveled through the towns and villages, teaching and making his way toward Jerusalem. 23 Someone said to him, "Lord, are only a few people to be saved?"
So he said to them, 24 "Struggle to enter through the narrow door, because, I say to you, many will try to enter, but will not be able to enter. 25 Once the owner of the house gets up and locks the door, then you will stand outside and pound the door and say, 'Lord, Lord, let us in.'
"He will answer and say to you, 'I do not know you or where you are from.'
26 "Then you will say, 'We ate and drank in front of you and you taught in our streets.'
27 "But he will reply, 'I say to you, I do not know where you are from. Get away from me, all you workers of unrighteousness!' 28 There will be crying and the grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in God's kingdom, but you are thrown out. 29 They will come from the east, west, north, and south, and be seated at a table in the kingdom of God. 30 Know this, those who are least important will be first, and those who are most important will be last."
31 In that same hour, some Pharisees came and said to him, "Go and leave here because Herod wants to kill you."
32 Jesus said, "Go and tell that fox, 'Look, I cast out demons and perform healings today and tomorrow, and the third day I will reach my goal.' 33 In any case, it is necessary for me to continue on today, tomorrow, and the following day, since it is not acceptable for a prophet to be destroyed outside of Jerusalem. 34 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to you. How often I desired to gather your children the way a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you did not desire this. 35 See, your house is abandoned. I say to you, you will not see me until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'"
The people and Jesus speak about two events that they knew about but about which no one today knows anything except what Luke has written (Luke 13:1-5). Your translation should tell only what Luke tells.
A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. A paradox occurs in this chapter: "those who are least important will be first, and those who are most important will be last" (Luke 13:30).
Jesus is still speaking in front of the crowd. Some people in the crowd ask him a question and he begins to respond. This continues the story that begins in Luke 12:1.
This phrase connects this event to the end of chapter 12, when Jesus was teaching a crowd of people.
Here "blood" refers to the death of the Galileans. They were probably killed while they were offering their sacrifices. This could be stated explicitly as in the UDB.
Pilate probably ordered his soldiers to kill people rather than doing it himself. Alternate translation: "whom Pilate's soldiers killed as they were sacrificing animals"
"Were these Galileans more sinful ... way?" or "Does this prove that these Galileans were more sinful ... way?" Jesus uses this question to challenge the understanding of the people. He answers the question in verse 3.
Jesus answers the question he asked in 13:2. Jesus explains that the Galileans who were killed were not more sinful than other Galileans.
Here "I tell you" emphasizes "no." Alternate translation: "They certainly were not more sinful" or "You are wrong to think that their suffering proves that they were more sinful"
"all of you also will die." The phrase "in the same way" means they will experience the same result, not that they will die by the same method.
die
This is Jesus's second example of people who suffered. Alternate translation: "Or consider those" or "Think about those"
"18 people"
This is the name of an area in Jerusalem.
Jesus uses this question to challenge the understanding of the people. He answers the question in 13:4. Alternate translation: "does this prove that they were more sinful ... Jerusalem?"
The crowd assumed that they died in this terrible way because they were especially sinful. This could be explicitly stated. Alternate translation: "they died because they were worse sinners"
"other people." The word here is the general term for a person.
Jesus answers the question he asked in 13:4. Alternate translation: "They certainly did not die because they were more sinful"
die
Jesus begins to tell the crowd a parable to explain his last statement, "But if you do not repent, all of you will also perish."
The owner of a vineyard had another person plant a fig tree in the vineyard.
Possible meanings are 1) this was a garden where grapes were grown, or 2) this was a garden where fruit trees were grown. Alternate translation: "garden" or "orchard"
The man uses a question to emphasize that the tree is useless and the gardener should cut it down. Alternate translation: "Do not let it waste the ground."
"do not do anything to the tree" or "do not cut it down"
"put manure in the soil." Manure is animal dung. People put it in the ground to make the soil good for plants and trees. Alternate translation: "put fertilizer on it"
Jesus finishes telling his parable. This is the end of the story that began in Luke 12:1.
It may be helpful to state what will happen. Alternate translation: "If it has figs on it next year, good; we can allow it to keep growing"
The servant was making a suggestion; he was not giving a command to the owner. Alternate translation: "tell me to cut it down" or "I will cut it down"
Verses 10-11 give background information about the setting of this part of the story and about a crippled woman who is introduced into the story.
The author uses this word to mark the beginning of a new event.
"on a Sabbath day." Some languages would say "a Sabbath" because we do not know which particular Sabbath day it was.
The word "behold" here alerts us to a new person in the story.
"18 years"
"an evil spirit that made her weak"
"Woman, you are healed from your disease." This can be expressed with an active verb: Alternate translation: "Woman, I have set you free from your weakness"
By saying this, Jesus healed her. This can be expressed with a sentence that shows that he was causing it to happen, or by a command. Alternate translation: "Woman, I now free you from your weakness" or "Woman, be freed from your weakness"
"He touched her"
This could be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "she was able to stand up straight again"
"was very angry"
"said" or "responded"
This could be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "let someone heal you during those six days"
"on a Sabbath day." Some languages would say "a Sabbath" because we do not know which particular Sabbath day it was.
"The Lord responded to the synagogue ruler"
Jesus speaks directly to the synagogue ruler, but the plural form includes the other religious rulers also. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "You and your fellow religious leaders are hypocrites"
Jesus uses a question to get them to think about something they already knew. Alternate translation: "Every one of you unties his ox or his donkey from the stall and leads it to drink on the Sabbath."
These are animals that people care for by giving them water.
"on a Sabbath." Some languages would say "a Sabbath" because we do not know which particular Sabbath day it was.
This is an idiom that means, "descendant of Abraham"
Jesus compares people tying animals to the way Satan restricted the woman with this disease. Alternate translation: "whom Satan kept crippled by her illness" or "whom Satan bound with this disease"
"18 long years." The word "long" here emphasizes that eighteen years was a very long time for the woman to suffer. Other languages may have other ways of emphasizing this.
Jesus uses a question to tell the synagogue rulers that they are wrong. Jesus speaks about the women's disease as if it were ropes that bound her. This can be translated as an active statement. Alternate translation: "it is right to release her from the bonds of this illness ... day."
"When Jesus said these things"
"the glorious things Jesus was doing"
Jesus begins to tell a parable to the people in the synagogue.
Jesus uses two questions to introduce what he is about to teach. Alternate translation: "I will tell you what the kingdom of God is like and what I can compare it to."
This is basically the same as the previous question. Some languages can use both questions, and some would use only one.
Jesus compares the kingdom to a mustard seed. Alternate translation: "The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed"
A mustard seed is a very small seed that grows into a large plant. If this seed is not known, the phrase can be translated with the name of another seed like it or simply as "a small seed."
"planted in his garden." People planted some kinds of seeds by throwing them so that they scattered in the garden.
The word "big" is an exaggeration that contrasts the tree with the tiny seed. Alternate translation: "a very large shrub"
"birds of the sky." Alternate translation: "birds that fly in the sky" or "birds"
Jesus uses another question to introduce what he is about to teach. Alternate translation: "I will tell you another thing to which I can compare to the kingdom of God."
Jesus finishes speaking to the people in the synagogue. This is the end of this part of the story.
Jesus compares the kingdom of God to yeast in bread dough. Alternate translation: "The kingdom of God is like yeast"
Only a little bit of yeast is needed to make a lot of dough rise. This can be made clear, as it is in the UDB.
This is a large amount of flour, since each measure was about 13 liters. You may need to use a term that your culture uses to measure flour. Alternate translation: "a large amount of flour"
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This could be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "will God save only a few people?"
Jesus responds to a question by using a metaphor about entering God's kingdom.
"Work hard to go through the narrow doorway." Jesus is speaking about the entrance to God's kingdom as if it were a small doorway to a house. Since Jesus is talking to a group, the "you" implied in this command is plural.
The fact that the door is narrow implies that it is difficult to go through it. Translate it in a way to keep this restrictive meaning.
It is implied that they will not be able to enter because of the difficulty of entering. The next verse explains the difficulty.
Jesus continues to talk about entering into God's kingdom.
"After the owner"
This refers to the owner of the house with the narrow door in the previous verses. This is a metaphor for God as the ruler of the kingdom.
Jesus was talking to a crowd. The form of "you" is plural. He is addressing them as if they will not enter through the narrow door into the kingdom.
"hit on the door." This is an attempt to gain the owner's attention.
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"Go away from me"
These actions are symbolic acts, indicating great regret and sadness. Alternate translation: "crying and grinding of teeth because of your great regret"
Jesus continues to speak to the crowd as if they will not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
"but you yourselves will have been thrown outside." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but God will have forced you outside"
This means "from every direction."
It was common to speak of the joy in God's kingdom as a feast. Alternate translation: "they will feast in the kingdom of God"
Jesus continues to talk about entering into God's kingdom. This is the end of this conversation.
Being first represents being important or honored. Alternate translation: "will be the most important ... will be the least important" or "God will honor ... God will shame"
This is the next event in this part of the story. Jesus is still on his way towards Jerusalem when some Pharisees speak to him about Herod.
"Right at that time" or "Soon after Jesus finished speaking"
Translate this as a warning to Jesus. They were advising him to go somewhere else and be safe.
Herod would order people to kill Jesus. Alternate translation: "Herod wants to send his men to kill you"
Jesus was calling Herod a fox. A fox is a small wild dog. Possible meanings are 1) Herod was not much of a threat at all 2) Herod was deceptive.
"Nevertheless" or "However" or "Whatever happens"
The Jewish leaders claimed to serve God and that Jerusalem was their holy city, but it was in Jerusalem that their ancestors had killed many of God's prophets, and Jesus knew that they would kill him there also. This can be stated in positive terms. Alternate translation: "it is only in Jerusalem that it is acceptable for prophets to be destroyed" or "even though you think you are serving God and Jerusalem is your holy city, you disobey God by killing his prophets, and in doing so you defile Jerusalem"
"to be killed"
Jesus finishes responding to the Pharisees. This is the end of this part of the story.
Jesus speaks as if the people of Jerusalem are there listening to him. Jesus says this twice to show how sad he is for them.
If it would be strange to address the city, you can make it clear that Jesus was really addressing the people in the city: "you people who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those God has sent to you"
"I so often desired." This is an exclamation and not a question.
The people of Jerusalem are described as her "children." Alternate translation: "to gather your people" or "to gather the people of Jerusalem"
This describes how a hen protects her young from harm by covering them with her wings.
This is a prophecy about something that would happen soon. It means that God has stopped protecting the people of Jerusalem, so enemies can attack them and drive them away. Possible meanings are 1) God will abandon them. Alternate translation: "God will abandon you" or 2) their city will be empty. Alternate translation: "your house will be abandoned"
"you will not see me until the time comes when you will say" or "the next time you see me, you will say"
Here "name" refers to the Lord's power and authority.
1 It happened one Sabbath, when he went into the house of one of the leaders of the Pharisees to eat bread, that they were watching him closely. 2 Behold, there in front of him was a man who was suffering from edema. 3 Jesus asked the experts in the Jewish law and the Pharisees, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?" 4 But they kept silent. So Jesus took hold of him, healed him, and sent him away. 5 He said to them, "Which of you who has a son or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day will not immediately pull him out?" 6 They were not able to give an answer to these things.
7 When Jesus noticed how those who were invited chose the seats of honor, he spoke a parable, saying to them, 8 "When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the place of honor, because someone may have been invited who is more honored than you. 9 When the person who invited both of you arrives, he will say to you, 'Give this other person your place,' and then in shame you will proceed to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when the one who has invited you comes, he may say to you, 'Friend, go up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
12 Jesus also said to the man who had invited him, "When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your rich neighbors, as they may also invite you in return, and you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, 14 and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid in the resurrection of the just."
15 When one of them who sat at the table with Jesus heard these things, he said to him, "Blessed is he who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!"
16 But Jesus said to him, "A certain man prepared a large dinner and invited many. 17 At the dinner hour, he sent his servant to say to those who were invited, 'Come, because everything is now ready.'
18 "They all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please excuse me.'
19 "Another said, 'I have bought five pairs of oxen, and I am going to try them out. Please excuse me.'
20 "Then another man said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.'
21 "The servant came and told his master these things. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the town and bring in here the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.'
22 "The servant said, 'Master, what you commanded has been done, and yet there is still room.'
23 "The master said to the servant, 'Go out into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I say to you, none of those men who were invited will taste my dinner.'"
25 Now large crowds were going with him, and he turned and said to them, 26 "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you who desires to build a tower does not first sit down and count the cost to calculate if he has what he needs to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to mock him, 30 saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.' 31 Or what king, as he goes to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and take advice about whether he is able with ten thousand men to fight the other king who comes against him with twenty thousand men? 32 If not, while the other army is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for conditions of peace. 33 So therefore, any one of you who does not give up all his possessions cannot be my disciple. 34 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its taste, how can it be made salty again? 35 It is of no use for the soil or even for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
Verse 3 says, "Jesus asked the experts in the Jewish law and the Pharisees, 'Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?'" Many times, the Pharisees got angry with Jesus for healing on the Sabbath. In this passage, Jesus dumbfounds the Pharisees. It was normally the Pharisees who tried to trap Jesus.
Many times in this chapter Luke changes from one subject to another without marking the changes.
Jesus told the parable in Luke 14:15-24 to teach that the kingdom of God will be something that everyone can enjoy. But people will refuse to be part of it. (See: and kingdomofgod)
A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. A paradox occurs in this chapter: "for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 14:11).
It is the Sabbath, and Jesus is at a Pharisee's house. Verse 1 gives background information for the event that follows.
This indicates a new event.
"to eat" or "for a meal." Bread was an important part of a meal and is used in this sentence to refer to a meal.
They wanted to see if they could accuse him of doing anything wrong.
The word "behold" alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this. English uses "There in front of him was a man"
Edema is swelling caused by water building up in parts of the body. Some languages may have a name for this condition. Alternate translation: "was suffering because parts of his body were swollen with water"
"Does the law permit us to heal on the Sabbath, or does it forbid it"
The religious leaders refused to answer Jesus's question.
"So Jesus took hold of the man who suffered from edema"
Jesus uses a question because he wanted them to admit that they would help their son or ox, even on the Sabbath. Therefore, it was right for him to heal people even on the Sabbath. Alternate translation: "If one of you has a son or an ox ... you would surely pull him out immediately."
They knew the answer and that Jesus was right, but they did not want to admit that he was correct. Alternate translation: "They had nothing to say"
Jesus continues to speak to the guests at the house of the Pharisee who had invited him to a meal.
It may be helpful to identify these people, and to state this in active form. Alternate translation: "those whom the leader of the Pharisees had invited to the meal"
"the seats for honored people" or "the seats for important people"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When someone invites you"
These occurrences of "you" are singular. Jesus is speaking to the group as if to each individual person.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because the host may have invited a person who is more important than you are"
These occurrences of "you" and "your" are singular. Jesus is speaking to the group as if to each individual person.
This occurrence of "you" refers to the two people who want the same seat of honor.
"you will feel ashamed and"
"the least important place" or "the place for the least important person"
Jesus continues speaking to the people at the Pharisee's house.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when someone invites you"
"the seat meant for the least important person"
"move to a seat for a more important person"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then the one who invited you will honor you"
"who tries to look important" or "who takes an important position"
"will be shown to be unimportant" or "will be given an unimportant position." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will humble"
"who chooses to look unimportant" or "who takes an unimportant position"
"will be shown to be important" or "will be given an important position." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will exalt"
Jesus continues speaking at the Pharisee's house, but addresses his host directly.
"the Pharisee who had invited him to his house for a meal"
"you" is singular because Jesus is speaking directly to the Pharisee that invited him.
This probably does not mean they can never invite these people. More likely it means they should invite others as well. Alternate translation: "do not only invite" or "do not always invite"
"because they might"
"invite you to their dinner or banquet"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "in this way they will repay you"
Jesus continues speaking to the Pharisee who had invited him to his home.
It may be helpful to add "also" since this statement is probably not exclusive. Alternate translation: "also invite the poor"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will bless you"
"they cannot invite you to a banquet in return"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will repay you"
This refers to the final judgment. Alternate translation: "when God brings the righteous people back to life"
One of the men at the table speaks to Jesus and Jesus responds to him by telling a parable.
This introduces a new person.
The man was not talking about a specific person. Alternate translation: "Blessed is anyone" or "How good it is for everyone"
The word "bread" is used to refer to the whole meal. Alternate translation: "he who will eat at the meal"
Jesus begins telling a parable.
The reader should be able to infer that the man probably had his servants prepare the meal and invite the guests.
This phrase is a way of referring to the man without giving any specific information about his identity.
"invited many people" or "invited many guests"
"At the time for the dinner" or "When the dinner was about to begin"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those he had invited"
All of the people who were invited gave the servant excuses about why they could not come to the banquet.
Jesus continues telling his parable.
"to say why they could not come to the dinner"
The reader should be able to infer that these people spoke directly to the servant whom the master had sent out
"Please forgive me" or "Please accept my apology"
The reader should be able to infer that these people spoke directly to the servant whom the master had sent out
Oxen were used in pairs to pull farming tools. Alternate translation: "10 oxen to work in my fields"
He wanted to use the oxen and see how well they worked together pulling farm tools.
The reader should be able to infer that these people spoke directly to the servant whom the master had sent out
Use an expression that is natural in your language. Some languages may say "gotten married" or "taken a wife."
"became angry with the people he had invited"
"invite in here to eat the dinner"
It may be necessary to state clearly the implied information that the servant did what the master commanded him. Alternate translation: "After the servant went out and did that, he came back and said"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I have done what you commanded"
This refers to roads and paths outside of the city. Alternate translation: "the main roads and paths outside of the city"
"demand that they come in"
The word "them" refers to anyone the servants find. "compel anyone you find to come in"
"so that people may fill my house"
Jesus finishes his parable.
The word "you" is plural, so it is unclear to whom it is addressed.
The word here for "men" means "male adults" and not just people in general.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom I invited"
"will enjoy the dinner I have prepared"
Jesus begins to teach the crowds that were traveling with him.
Here, "hate" is an exaggeration for the lesser love people are to show to people other than Jesus. Alternate translation: "If anyone comes to me and does not love me more than he loves his father ... he cannot be my disciple" or "Only if a person loves me more than he loves his own father ... can he be my disciple"
This could be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Only he who carries his own cross and comes after me can be my disciple" or "If anyone wants to be my disciple, he must carry his own cross and follow me"
Jesus does not mean every Christian must be crucified. The Romans often made people carry their own crosses before they crucified them as a sign of their submission to Rome. This metaphor means they must submit to God and be willing to suffer in any way to be Jesus's disciples.
Jesus continues to explain to the crowd that it is important to count the cost of being a disciple.
Jesus uses this question to prove that people count the cost of a project before they begin it. Alternate translation: "If a person wanted to build a tower, he would certainly first sit down and determine if he had enough money to complete it."
This may have been a watchtower. "a tall building" or "a high lookout platform"
It may be helpful to give more information. Alternate translation: "If he does not first count the cost"
"when he has built a base" or "when he has completed the first part of the building"
It is understood that he was not able to finish because he did not have enough money. This could be stated. Alternate translation: "does not have enough money to be able to finish"
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Jesus continues to explain to the crowd that it is important to count the cost of being a disciple.
Jesus used this word to introduce another situation where people count the cost before making a decision.
Jesus uses another question to teach the crowd about counting the cost. Alternate translation: "you know that a king ... would sit down first and take counsel ... men."
Possible meanings are 1) "think carefully " or 2) "listen to his advisors."
"10,000 ... 20,000"
It may be helpful to restate the information given in the previous verse. Alternate translation: "If he realizes that he will not be able to defeat the other king"
"terms to end the war" or "what the other king wants him to do in order to end the war"
This can be stated with positive verbs. Alternate translation: "only those of you who give up all your possessions can be my disciples"
"leave behind all that he has"
"Salt is useful." Jesus is teaching a lesson about those who want to be his disciple.
Jesus uses a question to teach the crowd. Alternate translation: "it cannot be made salty again." or "no one can make it salty again."
Jesus finishes teaching the crowd.
People use manure to fertilize gardens and fields. Salt without taste is so useless it is not even worth mixing with manure. Alternate translation: "compost heap" or "fertilizer"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone just throws it away"
Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase "ears to hear" here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. See how you translated this phrase in [Luke 8:8]
Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. See how you translated this phrase in [Luke 8:8]
1 Now all the tax collectors and other sinners were coming to Jesus to listen to him. 2 Both the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled to each other, saying, "This man welcomes sinners, and even eats with them."
3 Jesus spoke this parable to them, saying, 4 "Which one of you, if he has a hundred sheep and then loses one of them, will not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the lost one until he finds it? 5 Then when he has found it, he lays it across his shoulders and rejoices. 6 When he comes to the house, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep.' 7 I say to you that even so, there will be joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, more than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
8 Or what woman who has ten silver coins, if she were to lose one coin, would not light a lamp, sweep the house, and seek diligently until she has found it? 9 When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I lost.' 10 Even so, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
11 Then Jesus said, "A certain man had two sons, 12 and the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of the wealth that falls to me.' So he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all he owned and went to a country far away, and there he wasted all his wealth by living recklessly. 14 Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine spread through that country, and he began to be in need. 15 He went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 He was longing to eat the carob pods that the pigs ate because no one gave him anything. 17 But when the young son came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, and I am here, perishing from hunger! 18 I will get up and leave here and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired servants."' 20 So the young son got up and left and came toward his father. While he was still far away, his father saw him and was moved with compassion, and he ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
22 "The father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet. 23 Then bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and be merry! 24 For my son was dead, and now he is alive. He was lost, and now he is found.' Then they began to be merry.
25 "Now his older son was out in the field. As he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 He called to one of the servants and asked what these things might be. 27 The servant said to him, 'Your brother has come home and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him in good health.'
28 "The older son was angry and would not go in, and his father came out and pleaded with him. 29 But the older son answered and said to his father, 'Look, these many years I slaved for you, and I never neglected a command of yours, and yet you never gave me a young goat that I might be merry with my friends, 30 but when your son came, who has devoured your living with prostitutes, you killed for him the fattened calf.'
31 "The father said to him, 'Child, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 But it was proper for us to be merry and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead, and is now alive; he was lost, and has now been found.'"
[Luke 15:11-32]
When the people of Jesus's time spoke of "sinners," they were talking about people who did not obey the law of Moses and instead committed sins like stealing or sexual sins. But Jesus told three parables
We do not know where this takes place; it simply occurs one day when Jesus is teaching.
This marks the beginning of a new event.
This is an exaggeration to stress that there were very many of them. Alternate translation: "many tax collectors"
"This man lets sinners into his presence" or "This man associates with sinners"
They were talking about Jesus.
The word "even" shows that they thought it was bad enough that Jesus allowed sinners to come to him, but it was worse that he would eat with them.
Jesus begins to tell several parables. These parables are situations about things that anyone could experience. They are not about particular people. The first parable is about what a person would do if one of his sheep was lost.
Here "them" refers to the religious leaders.
Jesus uses a question to remind the people that if any of them lost one of their sheep, they would certainly go looking for it. Alternate translation: "Each of you ... would certainly leave ... until he finds it."
Since the parable starts with "Which one of you," some languages would continue the parable in the second person. Alternate translation: "Which one of you, if you have a hundred sheep ... lose ... you find it"
"100 ... 99"
Since the parable starts in the previous verse with "Which one of you," some languages would continue the parable in the second person. Alternate translation: "Then when you have found it you will lay ... rejoice"
This is the way a shepherd carries a sheep. This could be stated. Alternate translation: "lays it across his shoulders to carry it home"
Since the parable starts in the verse 4 with "Which one of you," some languages would continue the parable in the second person. Alternate translation: "When you come home you will call together your friends and your neighbors"
"When the owner of the sheep comes home" or "When you come home." Refer to the owner of the sheep as you did in the previous verse.
"in the same way" or "as the shepherd and his friends and neighbors would rejoice"
"everyone in heaven will rejoice"
Jesus uses sarcasm to say that the Pharisees were wrong to think that they did not need to repent. Your language may have a different way to express this idea. Alternate translation: "ninety-nine persons like you, who think they are righteous and do not need to repent"
"99"
Jesus begins telling another parable. It is about a woman with 10 sliver coins.
Jesus uses a question to remind the people that if they lost a silver coin, they would certainly look for it diligently. Alternate translation: "Any woman ... would certainly light a lamp ... and seek diligently until she has found it."
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"In the same way" or "Just as people would rejoice with the woman"
"when one sinner repents"
Jesus begins telling another parable. It is about a young man who asks his father for his part of the inheritance.
This introduces a new character in the parable. Some languages might say "There was a man who"
The son wanted his father to give it to him immediately. Languages that have a command form that means that they want it done immediately should use that form.
"the part of your wealth that you plan for me to receive when you die"
"between his two sons"
"packed his things" or "put his things in his bag"
"living without thinking about the consequences of his actions" or "living wildly"
This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here Jesus explains how the younger son went from having plenty to being in need.
"a drought occurred there and the entire country did not have enough food"
"to lack what he needed" or "to not have enough"
The word "he" refers to the younger son.
"took a job with" or "began to work for"
"a man of that country"
"to give food to the man's pigs"
"wished very much that he could eat." It is understood that this is because he was very hungry. This could be stated. Alternate translation: "he was so hungry that he would have happily eaten"
These are the husks of beans that grow on the carob tree. Alternate translation: "carob bean pods" or "bean husks"
This idiom means he realized what the truth was, that he had made a terrible mistake. Alternate translation: "clearly understood his situation"
This is part of an exclamation, and not a question. Alternate translation: "All my father's hired servants have more than enough bread to eat"
This is a synecdoche for any kind and all kinds of food. Alternate translation: "food"
This is probably not an exaggeration. Jesus may have meant that the young man in his parable was actually starving then.
"dying" or "being destroyed"
This is an idiom that means he will begin to act. It does not mean that he was sitting or lying down when he said these words.
Jewish people sometimes avoided saying the word "God" and used the word "heaven" instead. Alternate translation: "I have sinned against God"
"I was once worthy to be called your son, but not now." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You called me son in the past, but now I am not worthy for you to call me son"
"hire me as an employee" or "hire me and I will become one of your servants." This is a request, not a command. It may be helpful to add "please" as the UDB does.
"So he left that country and started going back to his father." The word "so" marks an event that happened because of something else that happened first. In this case, the young man was in need and had decided to go home.
This is an idiom that means he began to act. It does not mean that he had been sitting or lying down. See how you translated similar words in [Luke 15:18]
"While he was still far away from his home" or "While he was still far away from his father's house"
"had pity on him" or "loved him deeply from his heart"
The father did this to show his son that he loved him and was glad that the son was coming home. If people think that it is strange or wrong for a man to embrace or hug and kiss his son, you can substitute a way that men in your culture show affection to their sons. Alternate translation: "welcomed him affectionately"
Jewish people sometimes avoided saying the word "God" and used the word "heaven" instead. See how you translated this in [Luke 15:18]
This can be stated in active form. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Luke 15:18]
"the best robe in the house." Alternate translation: "the best coat" or "the best garment"
A ring was a sign of authority that men wore on one of their fingers.
Wealthy people of that time wore sandals. However, in many cultures the modern equivalent would be "shoes."
A calf is a young cow. People would give one of their calves special food so that it would grow well, and then when they wanted to have a special feast, they would eat that calf. Alternate translation: "the best calf" or "the young animal we have been making fat"
The implied information that they were to cook the meat can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "kill it and cook it"
This metaphor speaks of the son being gone as if he were dead. Alternate translation: "it is as if my son were dead and became alive again" or "I felt like my son had died, but he is now alive"
This metaphor speaks of the son being gone as if he had been lost. Alternate translation: "It is as if I had lost my son and now I have found him" or "My son went to where I could not bring him back, but now he has returned home"
This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here Jesus starts to tell about the older son in a new part of the story.
It is implied that he was out in the field because he was working there.
The word that is translated here as "servant" is normally translated as "boy." It may indicate that the servant was very young.
"what was happening"
A calf is a young cow. People would give one of their calves special food so that it would grow well, and then when they wanted to have a special feast, they would eat that calf. See how you translated this phrase in [Luke 15:23]
"your father has received your brother, and your brother is healthy" or "your brother is well and has returned to your father"
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"for many years"
"I worked extremely hard for you" or "I worked as hard as a slave for you"
"never disobeyed any of your commands" or "always obeyed everything you told me to do"
A young goat was smaller and less expensive than a fatted calf. Alternate translation: "even a young goat"
"that son of yours." The older son refers to his brother this way in order to show how angry he is.
Food is a metaphor for money. After one eats food, the food is no longer there and there is nothing to eat. The money that the brother had received was no longer there and there was no more to spend. Alternate translation: "wasted all your wealth" or "thrown away all your money"
Possible meanings are 1) he assumed this is how his brother spent the money or 2) he speaks of prostitutes to exaggerate the sinfulness of his brother's actions in the "country far away"
A calf is a young cow. People would give one of their calves special food so that it would grow well, and then when they wanted to have a special feast, they would eat that calf. See how you translated this phrase in [Luke 15:23]
The word "him" refers to the older son.
"My dear child" or "My dear son." The father was addressing his son tenderly.
The father was reminding the older son that the one who just came home was his brother.
This metaphor speaks of the brother being gone as if he were dead. See how you translated this phrase in [Luke 15:24]
This metaphor speaks of the son being gone as if he had been lost. See how you translated this phrase in [Luke 15:24]
1 Jesus also said to the disciples, "There was a certain rich man who had a manager, and it was reported to him that this manager was wasting his possessions. 2 So the rich man called him and said to him, 'What is this that I hear about you? Give an account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.'
3 "The manager said to himself, 'What should I do, since my master is taking away my management job? I do not have strength to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. 4 I know what I will do, so that when I am removed from my management job, people will welcome me into their houses.'
5 "Then the manager called for each one of his master's debtors, and he asked the first one, 'How much do you owe to my master?' 6 He said, 'A hundred baths of olive oil.' He said to him, 'Take your bill, sit down quickly, and write fifty.'
7 "Then the manager said to another, 'How much do you owe?' He said, 'A hundred cors of wheat.' He said to him, 'Take your bill, and write eighty.'
8 "The master then commended the unrighteous manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own people than are the sons of light. 9 I say to you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal dwellings.
10 "He who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and he who is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much. 11 If you have not been faithful in using unrighteous wealth, who will trust you with true wealth? 12 If you have not been faithful in using other people's property, who will give you money of your own?
13 "No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth."
14 Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him. 15 He said to them, "You justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts. That which is exalted among men is detestable in the sight of God. 16 The law and the prophets were in effect until John came. From that time on, the gospel of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone tries to force their way into it. 17 But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter of the law to become invalid.
18 Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries one who is divorced from her husband commits adultery.
19 "Now there was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and was enjoying every day his great wealth. 20 A certain beggar named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 It came about that the beggar died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus at his side. 24 So he cried out and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.'
25 "But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things. But now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. 26 Besides all this, a great chasm has been put in place, so that those who want to cross over from here to you cannot, and no one can cross over from there to us.'
27 "The rich man said, 'I beg you, Father Abraham, that you would send him to my father's house— 28 for I have five brothers—in order that he may warn them, so that it may not be that they come into this place of torment.'
29 "But Abraham said, 'They have Moses and the prophets; let them listen to them.'
30 "The rich man replied, 'No, Father Abraham, but if someone would go to them from the dead, they will repent.'
31 "But Abraham said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.'"
Jesus begins telling another parable. It is about a master and the manager of his debtors. This is still the same part of the story and the same day that began in [Luke 15:3]
The last section was directed at Pharisees and scribes, though Jesus's disciples may have been part of the crowd listening.
This introduces a new character in the parable.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people reported to the rich man"
"foolishly managing the rich man's wealth"
The rich man uses a question to scold the manager. Alternate translation: "I have heard what you are doing."
"Set your records in order to pass on to someone else" or "Prepare the records you have written about my money"
The manager asks this question of himself, as a means of reviewing his options. Alternate translation: "I need to think about what I should do ... job."
This refers to the wealthy man. The manager was not a slave. Alternate translation: "my employer"
"I am not strong enough to dig the ground" or "I am not able to dig"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when I lose my management job" or "when my master takes away my management job"
This implies that those people will provide a job, or other things that he needs to live.
"the people who were in debt to his master" or "the people who owed things to his master." In this story the debtors owed olive oil and wheat.
"The debtor said ... The manager said to the debtor"
A bath is about 22 liters. Alternate translation: "I owe 2,200 liters of olive oil ... 1,100 liters"
"100 ... 50"
A "bill" is a piece of paper that tells how much someone owes.
"the manager said to another debtor ... The debtor said ... The manager said to the debtor"
A cor is about 220 liters. You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "I owe 22,000 liters of wheat" or "I owe one hundred large baskets of wheat"
"write eighty cors of wheat." You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "write 17,600 liters of wheat" or "write eighty large baskets of wheat"
"80"
Jesus finishes telling the parable about the master and the manager of his debtors. In verse 9, Jesus continues to teach his disciples.
The text does not say how the master learned of the manager's action.
"praised" or "spoke well of" or "approved of"
"he had acted cleverly" or "he had done a sensible thing"
This refers to those who, like the unrighteous manager, do not know or care about God. Alternate translation: "the people of this world" or "worldly people"
Here "light" is a metaphor for everything godly. Alternate translation: "the people of God" or "godly people"
"I" refers to Jesus. The phrase "I say to you" marks the end of the story and now Jesus tells the people how to apply the story to their lives.
The focus here is on using the money to help other people. Alternate translation: "make people your friends by helping them with worldly wealth"
Possible meanings are 1) Jesus uses hyperbole when he calls money "unrighteous" because it has no eternal value. Alternate translation: "by using money, which has no eternal value" or "by using worldly money" or 2) Jesus uses metonymy when he calls money "unrighteous" because people sometimes earn it or use it in unrighteous ways. Alternate translation: "by using even money that you earned dishonestly"
Possible meanings are 1) "the friends you helped with your money may welcome" or 2) "God and his angels may welcome"
This refers to heaven, where God lives.
"People who are faithful ... are also faithful ... people who are unrighteous ... are also unrighteous." This would include women.
"faithful even with small things." Make sure this does not sound like they are not very faithful.
"unrighteous even in small things." Make sure this does not sound like they are not often unrighteous.
See how you translated this in [Luke 16:9]
Jesus uses a question to teach the people. Alternate translation: "no one will trust you with true wealth." or "no one will give you true wealth to manage."
This refers to wealth that is more genuine, real, or lasting than money.
Jesus uses this question to teach the people. Alternate translation: "no one will give you wealth for yourself."
"A servant cannot"
It is implied that he cannot "serve two different masters at the same time"
These two clauses are essentially the same. The only significant difference is that the first master is hated in the first case, but the second master is hated in the second case.
"the servant will hate"
"love one very strongly"
"hold the other in contempt" or "hate the other"
This means essentially the same as "hate" in the previous clause.
Jesus was talking to a group of people, so languages that have a plural form of "you" would use that.
This is a break in Jesus teachings, as verse 14 tells us background information about how the Pharisees ridiculed Jesus. In verse 15, Jesus continues teaching and responds to the Pharisees.
This word marks a shift to the background information.
"who loved having money" or "who where very greedy for money"
"the Pharisees ridiculed Jesus"
"And Jesus said to the Pharisees"
"You make yourselves look good to other people"
Here "hearts" refers to the desires of people. Alternate translation: "God understands your true desires" or "God knows your motives"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Those things that men think are very important are things that God hates"
This refers to all of God's word that had been written up to that time.
"had authority" or "were what people needed to obey"
This refers to John the Baptist. Alternate translation: "John the Baptist came"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I am teaching people about the good news of the kingdom of God"
This refers to the people who were listening to and accepting the teaching of Jesus. Alternate translation: "many people are doing everything they can to enter it"
This contrast could be stated in the reverse order. Alternate translation: "even the smallest stroke of the letter of the law will last longer than heaven and earth will exist"
A "stroke" is the smallest part of a letter. It refers to something in the law that may seem to be insignificant. Alternate translation: "than for even the smallest detail of the law"
"disappear" or "cease to exist"
"Anyone who divorces his wife" or "Any man who divorces his wife"
"is guilty of adultery"
"any man who marries a woman"
These verses give background information about the story Jesus begins to tell about the rich man and Lazarus.
As Jesus continues teaching the people he begins to tell a story. It is about a rich man and Lazarus.
This marks a shift in Jesus's speech as he begins to tell a story that will help people understand what he was teaching them.
This phrase introduces a person in Jesus's story. It is not clear if this is a real person or if it is simply a person in a story that Jesus tells in order to make a point.
"who wore clothing made with fine linen and purple dye" or "who wore very expensive clothes." Purple dye and fine linen cloth were very expensive.
"enjoyed eating expensive food every day" or "continued to spend much money, buying whatever he desired"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People had laid a certain beggar named Lazarus at his gate"
This phrase introduces another person in Jesus's story. It is not clear if this is a real person or simply a person in a story that Jesus tells in order to make a point.
"at the gate to the rich man's house" or "at the entrance to the rich man's property"
"with sores all over his body"
"wishing he could eat the scraps of food that fell"
The word "Even" here shows that what follows is worse than what has already been told about Lazarus. Alternate translation: "In addition to that, the dogs came" or "Worse yet, the dogs came"
The Jews considered dogs to be unclean animals. Lazarus was too sick and weak to stop the dogs from licking his wounds.
This phrase is used here to mark an event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the angels carried him away"
This implies that Abraham and Lazarus were reclining next to each other at a feast, which was a customary style of feasting. The joy in heaven is often represented in the scriptures by the idea of a feast.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people buried him"
This implies that Abraham and Lazarus were reclining next to each other at a feast, which was the customary style of feasting. The joy in heaven is often represented in the scriptures by the idea of a feast.
"he went to Hades, where, suffering in terrible pain"
This idiom means "he looked up"
"the rich man called out to say" or "he shouted out to Abraham"
Abraham was the ancestor of all the Jews, including the rich man.
"please have pity on me" or "please be merciful to me"
"by sending Lazarus" or "and tell Lazarus to come to me"
This indicates the smallness of the amount requested. Alternate translation: "he may wet the tip of his finger"
"I am in terrible pain in this flame" or "I am suffering terribly in this fire"
The rich man was one of Abraham's descendants.
"fine things" or "pleasant things"
"in like manner received evil things" or "in like manner received things that caused him to suffer"
This refers the fact that they both received something while they lived on earth. It is not saying that what they received was the same. Alternate translation: "while he was living received"
"he is comfortable here" or "he is happy here"
"suffering"
"In addition to this reason"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has placed a huge ravine between you and us"
"a steep, deep and wide valley" or "a big separation" or "a huge ravine"
"those people who want to cross over the chasm ... cannot" or "if anyone wants to cross over ... he cannot"
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"so that Lazarus may warn them"
"this place where we suffer torment" or "this place where we suffer terrible pain"
It is implied that Abraham refused to send Lazarus to the rich man's brothers. This could be stated. Alternate translation: "No, I will not do that, because your brothers have what Moses and the prophets wrote long ago"
This refers to their writings. Alternate translation: "what Moses and the prophets wrote"
"your brothers should pay attention to Moses and the prophets"
The rich man would like this to happen. Alternate translation: "if a person who has died would go to them" or "if someone who has died would go and warn them"
The expression "the dead" describes all dead people together in the underworld. Alternate translation: "from among all those who have died"
Jesus finishes telling the story about the rich man and Lazarus.
Here "Moses and the prophets" represent the things that they wrote. Alternate translation: "If they do not pay attention to what Moses and the prophets wrote"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "neither will a person who comes back from the dead be able to convince them" or "they will not believe even if a person comes back from the dead"
The words "the dead" speak of all dead people together in the underworld. To rise from among them is to become alive again.
1 Jesus said to his disciples, "It is certain there will be stumbling blocks, but woe to that person through whom they come! 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. 4 If he sins against you seven times in the day, and seven times returns to you, saying, 'I repent,' you must forgive him!"
5 The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith."
6 The Lord said, "If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted, and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you. 7 But which of you, who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come immediately and sit down to eat'? 8 Will he not say to him, 'Prepare something for me to eat, and put a belt around your clothes and serve me until I have finished eating and drinking. Then afterward you will eat and drink'? 9 He does not thank the servant because he did the things that were commanded, does he? 10 Even so you also, when you have done everything that you are commanded, should say, 'We are unworthy servants. We have only done what we ought to do.'"
11 It came about that as he traveled to Jerusalem, he went along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he entered into a certain village, there he was met by ten men who were lepers. They stood far away from him 13 and they lifted up their voices, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us."
14 When he saw them, he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." As they went away they were cleansed. 15 When one of them saw that he was healed, he turned back, with a loud voice glorifying God. 16 He fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus said, "Were not the ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Were there no others who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner?" 19 He said to him, "Arise, and go. Your faith has made you well."
20 Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus answered them and said, "The kingdom of God does not come with careful observing. 21 Neither will they say, 'Look, here it is!' or, 'There it is!' For look, the kingdom of God is within you."
22 He said to the disciples, "The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. 23 Then they will say to you, 'Look, there! Look, here!' But do not go out or run after them, 24 for as the lightning shines brightly when it flashes from one part of the sky to another part of the sky, so will the Son of Man be in his day. 25 But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. 26 As it happened in the days of Noah, even so will it also happen in the days of the Son of Man. 27 They ate, they drank, they married, and they were given in marriage until the day that Noah entered into the ark—and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 In the same way, even as it happened in the days of Lot—they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. 29 But in the day that Lot went out from Sodom, it rained fire and sulfur from heaven and destroyed them all. 30 After the same manner it will be in the day that the Son of Man is revealed. 31 In that day let him who is on the housetop not go down to get his goods out of the house, and in the same way let him who is in the field not return. 32 Remember Lot's wife. 33 Whoever seeks to gain his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will save it. 34 I tell you, in that night there will be two people in one bed. One will be taken, and the other will be left. 35 There will be two women grinding grain together. One will be taken, and the other will be left." 36[1]
37 They asked him, "Where, Lord?"
He said to them, "Where there is a body, there will the vultures also be gathered together."
Jesus used the lives of Noah and of Lot to teach his followers. Noah was ready for the flood when it came, and they needed to be ready for him to return, because he would not warn them when he came. Lot's wife loved the evil city she had been living in so much that God also punished her when he destroyed it, and they needed to love Jesus more than anything else,
Those who read your translation may need help so they can understand what Jesus was teaching here.
Jesus asked his disciples three questions (Luke 17:7-9) to teach them that even those who serve him well are righteous only because of his grace. (See: and grace and righteous)
Jesus refers to himself as the "Son of Man" in this chapter
A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. A paradox occurs in this chapter: "Whoever seeks to gain his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will save it" (Luke 17:33).
Jesus continues teaching, but he directs his attention back to his disciples. This is still the same part of the story and the same day that began in Luke 15:3.
"Things that tempt people to sin will certainly happen"
"to anyone who causes the temptations to come" or "to any person who causes people to be tempted"
You may need to make explicit that Jesus is comparing the punishment for causing people to sin to being thrown into the sea. Alternate translation: "It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea than that he should suffer the more severe punishment for causing one of these little ones to stumble" or "He would suffer less if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea than if he should cause one of these little ones to stumble"
This was a terrible punishment. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if they were to put a millstone around his neck and throw him into the sea" or "if someone were to put a heavy stone around his neck and push him into the sea"
The words "him," "his," and "he" refer to "that person" through whom things that cause people to sin come.
This is a very large, heavy circular stone used for grinding wheat grain into flour. Alternate translation: "a heavy stone"
This here refers to people whose faith is still weak. Alternate translation: "these people whose faith is small"
This was a way of referring to unintentional sin. Alternate translation: "to sin"
This is a conditional statement that talks about an event that will probably happen in the future.
"brother" is here used in the sense of someone with the same belief. Alternate translation: "a fellow believer"
"tell him strongly that what he did was wrong" or "correct him"
The number seven in the Bible is a symbol for completeness. Alternate translation: "many times in a day, and each time"
There is a brief break in Jesus's teachings as the disciples speak to him. Then Jesus continues teaching.
"Please give us more faith" or "Please add more faith to our faith"
A mustard seed is a very small seed. Jesus implies that they do not have even a small amount of faith. Alternate translation: "If you had faith that was even as small as a mustard seed, you" or "Your faith is not as big as a mustard seed—but if it were, you"
If this type of tree is not familiar, it may be helpful to substitute another type of tree. Alternate translation: "fig tree" or "tree"
These can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Uproot yourself and plant yourself in the sea" or "Take your roots out of the ground, and put your roots down into the ocean"
"the tree would obey you." This result is conditional. It would happen only if they had faith.
Jesus asks his disciples a question to help them think about the role of a servant. This could be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "But none of you who ... sheep would say ... sit down to eat.'"
"a servant that plows your field or takes care of your sheep"
Jesus uses a second question explain how the disciples would actually treat a servant. This can be a statement. Alternate translation: "He would certainly say to him ... eat and drink'"
"tie your clothes at your waist and serve me" or "dress up properly and take care of me." People would tie their clothes closely around their waist so that their clothes would not get in their way while they worked.
"Then after you serve me"
Jesus uses this question to show how people treat servants. This can be a statement. Alternate translation: "He would not thank the servant ... commanded."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the things you commanded him to do"
"right?" or "is this not true?"
Jesus finishes teaching. This is the end of this part of the story.
Jesus was speaking to his disciples, so languages that have a plural form of "you" would use it.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that God has commanded you"
This is an exaggeration to express that they did not do anything worthy of praise. Alternate translation: "We are ordinary slaves" or "We servants do not deserve your praise"
This begins the story of Jesus healing 10 men of leprosy.
This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new event. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
"as Jesus and the disciples were traveling to Jerusalem"
This is the beginning of the background information and the setting of the story of Jesus healing the ten lepers.
This phrase does not identify the village.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "ten men who were lepers met him" or "ten men who had leprosy met him"
This was a respectful gesture, because lepers were not allowed to approach other people.
This is the end of the background information and the setting of the story of Jesus healing the ten lepers.
The idiom "to lift up one's voice" means to speak loudly. Alternate translation: "they called with loud voices" or "they called aloud"
They were specifically asking to be healed. Alternate translation: "please show us mercy by healing us"
Lepers were required to have the priests verify that their leprosy was healed. Alternate translation: "show yourselves to the priests so they can examine you"
When people were healed, they were no longer ceremonially unclean. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "they were healed of their leprosy and so became clean" or "they were cured of their leprosy"
"realized that he was healed" or "realized that Jesus had healed him"
"he went back to Jesus"
"and glorified God loudly"
"he knelt down and put his face close to Jesus' feet." He did this to honor Jesus.
The word "now" is used to mark a break in the main story. Here Luke tells background information about the man who returned to Jesus.
Jesus responded to what the man did, but he was speaking to the group of people around him. Alternate translation: "So Jesus said to the crowd"
This is the first of three rhetorical questions. Jesus used them to show the people around him how surprised and disappointed he was that only one of the ten men came back to glorify God. Alternate translation: "Ten men were healed." or "God healed ten men."
"Why did not the other nine come back?" This can be a statement. Alternate translation: "The other nine men should have come back, too."
This can be a statement. Alternate translation: "There were no others who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner!" or "God healed ten men, yet only this foreigner came back to give glory to God!"
Samaritans had non-Jewish ancestors and they did not worship God in the same way that the Jews did.
This is the end of the part of the story about Jesus healing the 10 lepers.
"Because of your faith you have become well." The idea of "faith" can be expressed with the verb "believe." Alternate translation: "Because you believe, you are well again"
We do not know where this event takes place; it simply happens one day when Jesus is talking with the Pharisees.
This is the beginning of a new event. Some translations start it with "One day" or "Once." It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "One day the Pharisees asked Jesus, 'When will the kingdom of God come?'"
People thought that they would be able to see signs of the kingdom coming. The idea of signs can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "The kingdom of God does not come with signs that people can observe"
The idea of the noun "kingdom" can be expressed with the verb "rules." Alternate translation: "God rules within you"
Jesus was speaking to the religious leaders who were hostile to him. Possible meanings are 1) the word "you" refers to people in general. Alternate translation: "the kingdom of God is within people" or 2) the word translated "within" means "among." Alternate translation: "the kingdom of God is among you"
Jesus begins to teach his disciples.
The idea of days days coming represents something being soon. Alternate translation: "A time is coming when" or "Soon"
"you will want very much to see" or "you will wish to experience"
This refers to the kingdom of God. Alternate translation: "one of the days when the Son of Man will rule as king"
Jesus is speaking about himself.
"you will not experience it"
This refers to seeking the Messiah. Alternate translation: "Look, the Messiah is over there! He is over here!"
The purpose of going out can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "do not go with them to look"
When lightning flashes, people can see it clearly. This is a metaphor for the way the Son of Man will appear: when he does, everyone will see him clearly. Alternate translation: "as the people can see lightning clearly when it flashes ... so they will clearly see the Son of Man"
This refers to the future kingdom of God. Alternate translation: "it will be like that on the day when the Son of Man comes to reign"
Jesus speaks of himself in the third person. Alternate translation: "so will I, the Son of Man, be"
"But first the Son of Man must suffer." Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people of this generation must reject him"
"As people were doing things ... even so people will be doing the same things"
The "days of Noah" refers to the time during Noah's life just before God punished the people of the world. Alternate translation: "when Noah was living"
The "days of the Son of Man" refers to the period just before the Son of Man will come. Alternate translation: "when the Son of Man is about to come"
People were doing ordinary things. They did not know or care that God was about to judge them.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "parents were allowing their daughters to marry men"
"the ship" or "the barge"
This does not include Noah and his family who were in the ark. Alternate translation: "destroyed all those who were not in the boat"
"the people of Sodom were eating and drinking"
"fire and burning sulfur fell from the sky like rain"
This does not include Lot and his family. Alternate translation: "destroyed all those who stayed in the city"
"It will be like that." Alternate translation: "In the same way people will not be ready"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when the Son of Man appears" or "when the Son of man comes"
Jesus is speaking about himself. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man, am revealed"
"whoever is on the housetop must not go down" or "if anyone is on his housetop, he must not go down." This is a statement of what people should not do, not a command to the hearers.
Their housetops were flat and people could walk or sit on them.
"his possessions" or "his things"
They are not to go back to the house to get anything. They are to flee quickly.
"Remember what happened to Lot's wife" This is a warning. She looked back toward Sodom and God punished her along with the people of Sodom. Alternate translation: "Do not do what Lot's wife did"
"People who try save their lives will lose them" or "Whoever tries to save his old way of life will lose his life"
"but people who lose their lives will save them" or "but whoever abandons his old way of life will save his life"
As Jesus continues to address his disciples, he emphasizes the importance of what he is telling them.
This refers to what will happen if he, the Son of Man, comes during the night.
The emphasis is not on these two people, but on the fact that some people will be taken away and the others will be left.
"couch" or "cot"
"One person will be taken and the other person will be left behind." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will take one person and leave the other" or "Angels will take one and leave behind the other"
The emphasis is not on these two women or their activity, but on the fact that some people will be taken away and the others will be left.
"grinding grain together"
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The disciples ask Jesus a question about his teaching and he answers them.
"Lord, where will this happen?"
Apparently this is a proverb that means "It will be obvious" or "You will know it when it happens." Alternate translation: "As vultures gathering shows that there is a dead body, so these things show that the Son of Man is coming"
Vultures are large birds that fly together and eat the flesh of dead animals that they find. You could describe these birds this way or use the word for local birds that do this.
1 Then he spoke a parable to them about how they should always pray and not become discouraged, 2 saying, "In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect people. 3 Now there was a widow in that city, and she came often to him, saying, 'Help me get justice against my opponent.'
4 For a long time he was not willing to help her, but after a while he said to himself, 'Though I do not fear God or respect man, 5 yet because this widow causes me trouble, I will help her get justice, so that she does not wear me out by her constant coming.'" 6 Then the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 Now will not God also bring justice to his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I say to you that he will bring justice to them speedily. Even so, when the Son of Man comes, will he indeed find faith on the earth?"
9 Then he also spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and who despised other people, 10 "Two men went up into the temple to pray—the one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed these things about himself, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, unrighteous people, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast two times every week. I give tithes of all that I get.'
13 But the tax collector, standing at a distance, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but hit his breast, saying, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' 14 I say to you, this man went back down to his house justified rather than the other, because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but everyone who humbles himself will be exalted."
15 The people were also bringing to him their infants so that he might touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Permit the little children to come to me, and do not forbid them. For the kingdom of God belongs to such ones. 17 Truly I say to you, whoever will not receive the kingdom of God like a child will definitely not enter it."
18 A certain ruler asked him, saying, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
19 Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good, except God alone. 20 You know the commandments—do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not testify falsely, honor your father and mother."
21 The ruler said, "All these things I have obeyed from the time I was a youth."
22 When Jesus heard that, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. You must sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven—and come, follow me."
23 But when the ruler heard these things, he became extremely sad, for he was very rich. 24 Then Jesus, seeing him [1] said, "How difficult it is for those who are rich to enter the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."
26 Those hearing it said, "Then who can be saved?"
27 Jesus answered, "The things which are impossible with people are possible with God."
28 Peter said, "Well, we have left everything that is our own and have followed you."
29 Jesus then said to them, "Truly, I say to you that there is no one who has left house, or wife, or brothers, or parents, or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who will not receive much more in this time, and in the age to come, eternal life."
31 After he gathered the twelve to himself, he said to them, "See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all the things that have been written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished. 32 For he will be given over to the Gentiles, and will be mocked, and shamefully treated, and spit upon. 33 After whipping him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise again." 34 They understood none of these things, and this word was hidden from them, and they did not understand the things that were said.
35 It came about that, as Jesus approached Jericho, a certain blind man was sitting by the road begging, 36 and hearing a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37 They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. 38 So the blind man cried out, saying, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me." 39 The ones who were walking ahead rebuked the blind man, telling him to be quiet. But he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me."
40 Jesus stood still and commanded that the man be brought to him. Then when the blind man was near, Jesus asked him, 41 "What do you want me to do for you?"
He said, "Lord, I want to receive my sight."
42 Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight. Your faith has healed you." 43 Immediately he received his sight and followed him, glorifying God. All the people, when they saw this, gave praise to God.
Jesus told two parables (Luke 18:1-8 and Luke 18:9-14) and then taught that his followers were to be humble (Luke 18:15-17), to use everything they owned to help the poor (Luke 18:18-30), and to expect him to die soon (Luke 18:31-34). Then they all began to walk to Jerusalem, and Jesus healed a blind man (Luke 18:35-43).
People expected judges always to do what God said was right and to make sure that other people did what was right. But some judges did not care about doing right or making sure others did right. Jesus called this kind of judge unjust. (See: justice)
The Pharisees thought that they themselves were the best examples of righteous good people, and they thought that tax collectors were the most unrighteous sinners. (See: righteous and sin)
Jesus refers to himself as the "Son of Man" in this chapter
Jesus begins to tell a parable as he continues to teach his disciples. This is the same part of the story that began in [Luke 17:20]
"Then Jesus"
A new sentence could begin here (if the comma at the end of the previous verse is changed to a period): "He said"
Here "certain city" is a way to let the listener know that the narrative that follows takes place in a city, but the name of the city itself is not important.
"did not care about other people"
Jesus uses this phrase to introduce a new character to the story.
A widow is a woman whose husband has died and who has not remarried. Jesus's hearers would have thought of her as a person who had no one to protect her from those who wanted to harm her.
The word "him" refers to the judge.
"Give me a just ruling against"
"my enemy" or "the person who is trying to harm me." This is an opponent in a lawsuit. It is not clear whether the widow is suing the opponent or the opponent is suing the widow.
This refers here to "people" in general.
"bothers me"
"exhaust me"
"by continually coming to me"
Jesus has finished telling his parable and is now commenting about it to his disciples.
"Think about what the unjust judge just said." Translate this in a way that people will understand that Jesus has already told what the judge said.
This is the beginning of an explanation of the parable in Luke 18:1-5.
This word indicates that Jesus has ended the parable and has started explaining its meaning.
Jesus uses a question to teach the disciples. This can be a statement. Alternate translation: "God will also certainly bring ... night!"
"the people he has chosen"
Jesus uses a question to teach the disciples. This can be a statement. Alternate translation: "He will certainly not delay long over them!"
This is the end of the explanation of the parable in Luke 18:1-5 that began in Luke 18:7.
Jesus asks this question so that his hearers will stop thinking that God is slow to help those who call to him for justice and will understand that the real problem is that they do not truly have faith in God. Alternate translation: "when the Son of Man comes, you need to be sure that he will find that you truly have faith in him." or "when the Son of Man comes, he will find few on earth who believe."
Jesus is referring to himself. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man come, will I indeed find"
Jesus begins to tell another parable to some other people who were persuaded that they themselves were righteous.
"Then Jesus"
"to some people"
"who had convinced themselves that they were righteous" or "who thought they were righteous"
strongly disliked or hated
"into the temple courtyard"
The meaning of the Greek text of this phrase is not clear. Possible meanings are 1) "The Pharisee stood and prayed about himself in this way" or 2) "The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed."
Robbers are people who steal from other people by forcing the other people to give things to them, or by threatening to harm them if they refuse to give what the robbers ask for.
The Pharisees believed that tax collectors were as sinful as robbers, unrighteous people, and adulterers. This could be made explicit. Alternate translation: "and I am certainly not like this sinful tax collector, who cheats people"
"everything I earn"
Jesus finishes telling his parable.
"stood away from the Pharisee." This was a sign of humility. He did not feel worthy to be near the Pharisee.
To "lift up his eyes" means to look at something. Alternate translation: "look toward heaven" or "look upward"
This is a physical expression of great sorrow, and shows this man's repentance and humility. Alternate translation: "hit his breast to show his sorrow"
"God, please be merciful to me. I am a sinner" or "God, please have mercy on me even though I have committed many sins"
Jesus comments on what the parable teaches.
He was justified because God forgave his sin. Alternate translation: "God forgave the tax collector"
"rather than the other man" or "and not the other man." Alternate translation: "but God did not forgive the Pharisee"
With this phrase, Jesus switches from the story to state the general principle that the story illustrates.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will humble"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will greatly honor"
This is the next event in the part of the story which began in Luke 17:20. Jesus welcomes the children and talks about them.
This could also be translated as separate sentences: "touch them. But"
"the disciples tried to stop the parents from bringing their children to Jesus"
"Jesus told the people to bring their infants to him"
These two sentences have similar meaning and they are combined for emphasis. Some languages emphasize in a different way. Alternate translation: "You must certainly allow the children to come to me"
This could be stated as a simile. Alternate translation: "belongs to people who are like these little children"
"Surely I say to you." Jesus used this expression to emphasize the importance of what he was about to say.
God requires people to accept his rule over them with trust and humility. Alternate translation: "whoever wants to enter God's kingdom must receive it with trust and humility like a child"
This is the next event in the part of the story which began in Luke 17:20. Jesus begins to talk with a ruler about entering the kingdom of heaven.
This introduces a new character in the story. It only identifies him by his position.
"what do I need to do" or "what is required of me"
"receive life that does not end." The term "inherit" usually refers to the property that a man left to his children when he dies. Therefore, this metaphor may mean he understood himself to be a child of God and desired for God to give him eternal life.
Jesus asks the question because he knows that the ruler will not like Jesus's answer to the ruler's question in verse 18. Jesus does not expect the ruler to answer Jesus's question. Jesus wants the ruler to understand that Jesus's answer to the ruler's question comes from God, who alone is good. Alternate translation: "You know that no one is good, except God alone, so to call me good is to compare me with God"
This double negative emphasizes that God is the only one who is good. Alternate translation: "The only one who is good is God"
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"All of these commandments"
"When Jesus heard the man say that"
"he answered him"
"You still need to do one more thing" or "There is one thing that you have not yet done"
"sell all your possessions" or "sell everything that you own"
"give away the money to the poor people"
"come with me as my disciple"
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This is an exclamation, and not a question. Alternate translation: "It is so very hard ... kingdom of God!"
It is impossible for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle. Jesus was probably using hyperbole to mean it is extremely difficult for a rich man to enter God's kingdom.
The needle's eye is the hole in a sewing needle through which the thread is passed.
"The people who listening to Jesus said"
It is possible that they were asking for an answer. But it is more likely that they used the question to emphasize their surprise at what Jesus said. Alternate translation: "Then no one can be saved from sin!" or in active form: "Then God will not save anyone!"
"people cannot do are possible for God to do" or "people cannot do, God can do"
This phrase refers only to the disciples, and contrasts them with the rich ruler.
"we have given up" or "we have left behind"
"all our wealth" or "all our possessions"
Jesus uses this expression to stress the importance of what he is about to say.
This expression is intended to include not only the disciples, but also everyone else who has made the same sacrifices.
This is the end of the conversation about entering the kingdom of heaven.
This could be stated in positive form. First the words "there is not one who" in the previous verse
"in this present world"
"he will also receive eternal life in the age to come"
This is the next event in this part of the story that began in Luke 17:20. Jesus is talking to his disciples alone.
Jesus took the twelve disciples to a place away from other people where they could be alone.
This indicates a significant change in the ministry of Jesus as he goes to Jerusalem for the final time.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the prophets have written"
This refers to the Old Testament prophets.
Jesus speaks of himself as "the Son of Man." Alternate translation: "me, the Son of Man,"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "will happen" or "will occur"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For the Jewish leaders will give him over to the Gentiles"
Jesus speaks of himself. Alternate translation: "I"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they will mock him, treat him shamefully, and spit on him"
Jesus speaks of himself. Alternate translation: "me ... me ... I"
This refers to the third day after his death. However, the disciples did not yet understand this, so it is best not to add this explanation when translating this verse.
This verse is not part of the main story, but rather a comment about this part of the story.
"They did not understand any of these things"
This refers to Jesus's description of how he would suffer and die in Jerusalem, and that he would rise from the dead.
This can be stated in active form, but it is not clear whether it is God or Jesus who hid the word from them. Alternate translation: "Jesus hid his message from them" or "God prevented them from understanding the meaning of what Jesus was telling them"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the things that Jesus said"
Jesus heals a blind man as he approaches Jericho. These verses give background information and information about the setting of the story.
This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story.
"there was a blind man sitting." Here "certain" means only that the man is an important new participant in the story. Luke does not mention his name.
and hearing
It may be helpful to start a new sentence here after changing the comma at the end of the previous verse (verse 35) to a period. Alternate translation: "When he heard"
"People in the crowd told the blind man"
Jesus came from the town of Nazareth, which was located in Galilee.
"was walking past him"
This word marks an event that happened because of something else that happened first. In this case, the crowd had told the blind man that Jesus was walking by.
"called out" or "shouted"
Jesus was a descendant of David, Israel's most important king.
"show me pity" or "show me compassion"
"The people who were walking at the front of the crowd"
"to be silent" or "not to shout"
This could mean that he cried out louder or that he cried out more persistently.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people to bring the blind man to him"
"to be able to see"
This is a command, but Jesus is not commanding the man to do anything. Jesus is healing the man by commanding him to be healed. Alternate translation: "You will now receive your sight"
These words are a metonym. It was because of the man's faith that Jesus healed the man. Alternate translation: "I have healed you because you have believed in me"
"giving glory to God" or "praising God"
1 Jesus entered and was passing through Jericho. 2 Behold, there was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3 He was trying to see who Jesus was, but could not see over the crowd, because he was small in height. 4 So he ran on ahead of the people and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, because Jesus was about to pass that way. 5 When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house." 6 So he hurried and came down and welcomed him joyfully. 7 When everyone saw this, they all complained, saying, "He has gone in to visit a man who is a sinner." 8 Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, the half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone of anything, I will restore four times the amount."
9 Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the people who are lost."
11 As they heard these things, he continued speaking and told a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and they thought that the kingdom of God was about to appear immediately. 12 He said therefore, "A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then to return. 13 He called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas and said to them, 'Conduct business until I come back.'
14 "But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, 'We will not have this man reign over us.' 15 It happened when he returned, having received the kingdom, he commanded the servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what profit they had made by doing business.
16 "The first came before him, saying, 'Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.'
17 "The nobleman said to him, 'Well done, good servant. Because you were faithful in very little, you will have authority over ten cities.'
18 "The second came, saying, 'Your mina, lord, has made five minas.'
19 "The nobleman said to him, 'You take charge over five cities.'
20 "Another came, saying, 'Lord, here is your mina, which I kept safely in a cloth, 21 for I was afraid of you, because you are a demanding person. You take up what you did not put in, and you reap what you did not sow.'
22 "The nobleman said to him, 'By your own words I will judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I am a demanding person, taking up what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow. 23 Then why did you not put my money in the bank, so that when I returned I would have collected it with interest?' 24 The nobleman said to them that stood by, 'Take away from him the mina, and give it to him that has the ten minas.'
25 "They said to him, 'Lord, he has ten minas.'
26 "'I say to you, that everyone who has will be given more, but from him that has not, even that which he has will be taken away. 27 But these enemies of mine, those who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and kill them before me.'"
28 When he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
29 It came about that when he came near to Bethphage and Bethany, to the mountain that is called Olives, he sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, "Go into the next village. As you enter, you will find a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it to me. 31 If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' say, 'The Lord has need of it.'" 32 Those who were sent went and found the colt just as Jesus had told them.
33 As they were untying the colt, the owners said to them, "Why are you untying the colt?"
34 They said, "The Lord has need of it." 35 They brought it to Jesus, and they threw their cloaks upon the colt and set Jesus on it. 36 As he went, they spread their cloaks on the road.
37 As he was now approaching the place where the Mount of Olives descends, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works which they had seen, saying,
38 "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
39 Some of the Pharisees in the multitude said to him, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples."
40 Jesus answered and said, "I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would cry out."
41 When Jesus approached the city, he wept over it, 42 saying, "If only you had known in this day, even you, the things which bring you peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come upon you when your enemies will build a barricade around you and surround you and press in on you from every side. 44 They will strike you down to the ground, and your children with you. They will not leave one stone upon another because you did not recognize the time of your visitation."
45 Jesus entered the temple and began to cast out those who were selling, 46 saying to them, "It is written, 'My house will be a house of prayer,' but you have made it a den of robbers."
47 So Jesus was teaching daily in the temple. The chief priests and the scribes were seeking to destroy him, as were the leaders of the people, 48 but they could not find a way to do it because all the people were listening to him intently.
After Jesus helped a man named Zacchaeus repent of his sins
The Pharisees referred to a group of people as "sinners." The Jewish leaders thought these people were sinful, but in reality the leaders were also sinful. This can be taken as irony.
God expects his people to remember that everything in the world belongs to God. God gives his people things so they can serve him. He wants them to please him by doing what he wants them to do with everything he has given them. One day Jesus will ask his servants what they have done with everything he gave them to use. He will give a reward to those who have done what he wanted them to do, and he will punish those who have not.
Jesus rode into Jerusalem on an animal. In this way he was like a king who came into a city after he had won an important battle. Also, the kings of Israel in the Old Testament rode on a donkeys. Other kings rode on horses. So Jesus was showing that he was the king of Israel and that he was not like other kings.
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all wrote about this event. Matthew and Mark wrote that the disciples brought Jesus a donkey. John wrote that Jesus found a donkey. Luke wrote that they brought him a colt. Only Matthew wrote that there were both a donkey had a colt. No one knows for sure whether Jesus rode the donkey or the colt. It is best to translate each of these accounts as it appears in the ULB without trying to make them all say exactly the same thing. (See: Matthew 21:1-7 and Mark 11:1-7 and Luke 19:29-36 and John 12:14-15)
When a king would enter one of the cities he ruled, people would cut branches from trees and would take off the clothes that they wore to stay warm in cold weather and spread them all on the road so the king would ride over them. They did this to honor the king and show that they loved him.
Jesus forced the people who were selling animals in the temple to leave. He did this to show everyone that he had authority over the temple and that only those who were righteous, who did what God said was good, could be in it. (See: righteous)
Verses 1-2 begin to give background information for the events that follow.
The word "behold" alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this. Alternate translation: "There was a man who was"
This is background information about Zacchaeus.
This verse completes the background information begun in [Luke 19:1-2]
"Zacchaeus was trying"
"because he was short"
The author has finished giving the background to the event and now begins to describe the event itself.
"a sycamore fig tree." It produces small round fruit about 2.5 centimeters across. Alternate translation: "a fig tree" or "a tree"
"the tree" or "where Zacchaeus was"
"So Zacchaeus hurried"
The Jews hated the tax collectors and did not think any good person should associate with them.
"Jesus has gone into the house of a sinner to visit him"
"an obvious sinner" or "a real sinner"
This refers to Jesus.
"return to them four times as much as I took from them"
It was understood that salvation comes from God. Alternate translation: "God has saved this household"
The word "house" here refers to the people living in the house or the family.
"this man too" or "Zacchaeus also"
Possible meanings are 1) "descendant of Abraham" and 2) "person who has faith as Abraham did."
Jesus is speaking about himself. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man, came"
"the people who have wandered away from God" or "those who by sinning have wandered away from God"
Jesus begins to tell a parable to the crowd. This verse gives background information about why Jesus tells the parable.
The Jews believed that the Messiah would establish the kingdom as soon as he came to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "that Jesus would immediately begin to rule over God's kingdom"
"A certain man who was a member of the ruling class" or "A certain man from an important family"
This is the image of a lesser king going to a greater king. The greater king would give the lesser king the right and authority to rule over his own country.
Jesus continues to tell the parable he began in Luke 19:11.
"The nobleman called." It may be helpful to state that the man did this before he left to receive his kingdom. Alternate translation: "Before he left, he called"
"gave each of them one mina"
A mina was 600 grams, probably of silver. Each mina was equal to 100 days' wages, what people would be paid for about four months' work, so ten minas would have been about three years' wages. Alternate translation: "ten valuable coins" or "a large amount of money"
"Trade with this money" or "Use this money in order to earn more"
"the people of his country"
"a group of people to represent them" or "several messengers"
This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
"after he had become king"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to come to him"
"how much money they had earned"
Jesus continues to tell the parable he began in Luke 19:11.
"The first servant"
"came before the nobleman"
It is implied that the servant was the one who caused the profit. Alternate translation: "I used your mina to make a profit of ten more minas"
A mina was 600 grams, probably of silver. Each mina was equal to 100 days' wages, what people would be paid for about four months' work. See how you translated this in [Luke 19:13]
"You have done well." Your language may have a phrase that an employer would use to show approval, such as "Good job."
This refers to the one mina, which the nobleman apparently did not consider to be a lot of money.
Jesus continues to tell the parable he began in Luke 19:11.
"The second servant"
It is implied that the servant was the one who caused the profit. Alternate translation: "Lord, I used your mina to make a profit of five more minas"
A mina was 600 grams, probably of silver. Each mina was equal to 100 days' wages, what people would be paid for about four months' work. See how you translated this in [Luke 19:13]
"You will have authority over five cities"
Jesus continues to tell the parable he began in Luke 19:11.
"Another servant came"
A mina was 600 grams, probably of silver. Each mina was equal to 100 days' wages, what people would be paid for about four months' work. See how you translated this in [Luke 19:13]
"wrapped in a cloth and stored away"
"a stern man" or "a man who expects a lot from his servants"
This was probably a proverb. A person who takes out of storage or out of a bank things that he did not put in is a metaphor for someone who benefits from other people's hard work. Alternate translation: "You take out what you did not put in" or "You are like a person who takes out what other people put in"
This was probably a proverb. A person who harvests food that someone else has planted is a metaphor for someone who benefits from other people's hard work. Alternate translation: "you are like a person who reaps the fruit of what other people sowed"
Jesus continues to tell the parable he began in Luke 19:11.
His "words" refer to all that he had said. Alternate translation: "Based on what you have said"
The nobleman was repeating what the servant had said about him. He was not saying that it was true. Alternate translation: "You say that I am a demanding person"
The nobleman uses a question to rebuke the wicked servant. Alternate translation: "you should have put my money ... interest."
"lent my money to a bank." Cultures that do not have banks might translate it as "let someone borrow my money."
A bank is a business that safely holds money for people. A bank lends that money to others for a profit. Therefore it pays an extra amount, or interest, to the people who keep their money in the bank.
"I could have collected that amount plus the interest it would have earned" or "I would have gained a profit from it"
Interest is money that a bank pays people who put their money in the bank.
Jesus continues to tell the parable he began in Luke 19:11.
The nobleman had become king. See how you translated this in Luke 19:12.
"the people who were standing near them"
A mina was 600 grams, probably of silver. Each mina was equal to 100 days' wages, what people would be paid for about four months' work. See how you translated this in [Luke 19:13]
"he already has ten minas!"
Jesus continues to tell the parable he began in Luke 19:11.
It can be stated clearly that the nobleman is speaking. Alternate translation: "And the nobleman replied, 'I say to you" or "But the nobleman said 'I tell you this"
It is implied that what he has is the money he earned by using his mina faithfully. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "everyone who uses well what he has been given, I will give him more" or "to everyone who uses well what I have given him I will give more"
It is implied that the reason he does not have money is because he did not use his mina faithfully. Alternate translation: "from the person who does not use well what I have given him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will take away from him"
Since the enemies were not right there, some languages would say "those enemies of mine."
This is the end of the part of the story about the nobleman and his servants. This verse tells us what Jesus does after this part of the story.
"When Jesus had said these things"
Jerusalem was higher than Jericho, so it was normal for Israelites to speak of going up to Jerusalem.
Jesus approaches Jerusalem.
This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new event. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
The word "he" refers to Jesus. His disciples were also traveling with him.
Bethphage is a village on the Mount of Olives, which is across the Kidron Valley from Jerusalem.
"the hill that is called the Mount of Olives" or "the hill that is called 'Olive Tree Mountain'"
"a young donkey" or "a young riding animal"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that no one has ever ridden"
The inner quote can also be translated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "If any one asks you why you are untying it, say"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The two disciples that Jesus sent"
"the owners of the colt"
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"put their robes on the young donkey." Cloaks are outer robes.
"helped Jesus get up on and ride on the colt"
"people spread their cloaks." This is a sign of giving honor to someone.
"As Jesus was going near." Jesus's disciples were traveling with him.
"where the road goes down from the Mount of Olives"
"great things they had seen Jesus do"
They were saying this about Jesus.
Here "name" refers to power and authority. Also, "Lord" refers to God.
"May there be peace in heaven" or "We want to see peace in heaven"
"may there be glory in the highest" or "we want to see glory in the highest." The words "the highest" refer to heaven, which is a metonym for God, who lives in heaven. Alternate translation: "Let everyone give glory to God in the highest heaven"
"in the large crowd"
"tell your disciples to stop doing these things"
Jesus said this to emphasize what he would say next.
Jesus is describing something that could have happened but did not. Some translators may need to make it clear what Jesus was implying when he said this. Alternate translation: "I will not rebuke them, for if these people were to be silent"
"the stones would call out praises"
This refers to Jerusalem.
To weep over something means to weep because of something. The word "it" refers to the city of Jerusalem, but it represents the people who lived in that city. Alternate translation: "he cried about the people of Jerusalem"
Jesus expresses his sadness that the people of Jerusalem had missed the opportunity to be at peace with God.
The word "you" is singular because Jesus is speaking to the city. But if this would be unnatural in your language, you could use a plural form of "you" to refer to the people of the city.
"your eyes" refer to the ability to see. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you can no longer see them"
Jesus continues speaking.
What follows is the reason for Jesus's sadness.
This indicates that they will experience difficult times. Some languages do not talk about time "coming." Alternate translation: "in the future these things will happen to you: Your enemies" or "soon you will endure troublesome times. Your enemies"
The word "you" is singular because Jesus is speaking to the city as he would to a woman. But if this would be unnatural in your language, you could use a plural form of "you" to refer to the people of the city.
This refers to a wall to keep the people from getting out of the city.
Jesus is speaking to the people of the city as if he were speaking to the city itself as he would speak to a woman. He speaks of the people who live in the city as if they are the woman's children, and thus the city's children. To strike down a city is to destroy its walls and buildings, and to strike down its children is to kill those who live in it. Alternate translation: "They will completely destroy you and kill all who live in you" or "They will completely destroy your city and kill all of you"
"They will not leave any of the stones in place." Jesus uses hyperbole here to emphasize the extent of the devastation that enemies will cause in Jerusalem. The enemies will completely destroy the city, which is built of stones. Alternate translation: "They will destroy Jerusalem"
"you were not aware of" or "you were not grateful during"
The abstract noun "visitation" can be translated as a verb phrase. Alternate translation: "the time when God visited you" or "the time during which God was with you."
This is a "visit" by an overseer to make sure that things are going well with those over whom he is in charge, not a casual social visit.
This is the next event in this part of the story. Jesus enters the temple in Jerusalem.
You may need to make explicit that he first entered Jerusalem, where the temple was located. Alternate translation: "Jesus entered Jerusalem and then went to the temple courtyard"
Only priests were allowed to enter the temple building. Alternate translation: "went into the temple courtyard"
"throw out" or "force out"
This is a quotation from Isaiah. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The scriptures say" or "A prophet wrote these words in the scriptures"
The word "My" refers to God and "house" refers to the temple.
"a place where people pray to me"
Jesus speaks of the temple as if it were a place where thieves come together. Alternate translation: "a place where thieves hide"
This is the end of this part of the story. Verses 47-48 tell about ongoing action that continues after the main part of the story ends.
"in the temple courtyard" or "at the temple"
This hyperbole refers to killing Jesus. Alternate translation: "kill him"
"were paying close attention to what Jesus was saying"
1 It came about one day as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel that the chief priests and the scribes came to him with the elders. 2 They spoke, saying to him, "Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is who gave you this authority."
3 He answered and said to them, "I will also ask you a question, and you tell me. 4 The baptism of John: Was it from heaven or from men?"
5 They reasoned with themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Then why did you not believe him?' 6 But if we say, 'From men,' all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet." 7 So they answered that they did not know where it came from.
8 Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."
9 He told the people this parable, "A man planted a vineyard, rented it out to vine growers, and went into another country for a long time. 10 At the appointed time he sent a servant to the vine growers, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard. But the vine growers beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. 11 He then sent yet another servant and they also beat him, treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed. 12 He also sent yet a third and they also wounded him, and threw him out. 13 So the lord of the vineyard said, 'What will I do? I will send my beloved son. Maybe they will respect him.'
14 "But when the vine growers saw him, they discussed among themselves, saying, 'This is the heir. Let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.' 15 They threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the lord of the vineyard do to them? 16 He will come and destroy these vine growers, and will give the vineyard to others."
When they heard it, they said, "May it never be!"
17 But Jesus looked at them, and said, "What is the meaning of that which is written:
'The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone'?
18 Every one who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and the one on whom it falls will be crushed."
19 So the scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him in that very hour, for they knew that he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people. 20 Watching him carefully, they sent out spies who pretended to be righteous, that they might find fault with his speech, so as to deliver him up to the rule and to the authority of the governor. 21 They asked him, saying, "Teacher, we know that you say and teach rightly, and are not partial to anyone, but you teach the truth about the way of God. 22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"
23 But Jesus understood their craftiness, and said to them, 24 "Show me a denarius. Whose image and name is on it?"
They said, "Caesar's."
25 He said to them, "Then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." 26 They were not able to find fault with what he had said in front of the people, but marveling at his answer, they were silent.
27 When some of the Sadducees came to him, the ones who say that there is no resurrection, 28 they asked him, saying, "Teacher, Moses wrote to us that if a man's brother dies, having a wife, and being childless, the man should take the brother's wife, and raise up children for his brother. 29 There were seven brothers and the first took a wife, and died childless, 30 and the second as well. 31 The third took her, and in the same way the seven also left no children and died. 32 Afterward the woman also died. 33 In the resurrection then, whose wife will she be? For the seven had her as their wife."
34 Jesus said to them, "The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. 35 But those who are regarded as worthy in that age to receive the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage. 36 Neither can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. 37 But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the place concerning the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. 38 Now he is not the God of the dead, but of the living, because all live to him."
39 Some of the scribes answered, "Teacher, you have answered well." 40 For they did not dare ask him any more questions.
41 Jesus said to them, "How do they say that the Christ is David's son? 42 For David himself says in the Book of Psalms,
The Lord said to my Lord,
'Sit at my right hand,
43 until I make your enemies
your footstool.'
44 David therefore calls the Christ 'Lord,' so how is he David's son?"
45 In the hearing of all the people he said to his disciples, 46 "Beware of the scribes, who desire to walk in long robes and love special greetings in the marketplaces and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at feasts. 47 They also devour widows' houses, and for a show they make long prayers. Men like this will receive greater condemnation."
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 20:17, 42-43, which is from the Old Testament.
When Jesus asked the Pharisees who gave John the authority to baptize (Luke 20:4), they could not answer because any answer they gave would give someone a reason to say that they were wrong (Luke 20:5-6). They thought that they would be able to say that Jesus was wrong when they asked him if people should pay taxes to Caesar (Luke 20:22), but Jesus gave them an answer that they had not thought of.
A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. In this chapter, Jesus quotes a psalm that records David calling his son "Lord," that is, "master." However, to the Jews, ancestors were greater than their descendants. In this passage, Jesus is trying to lead his hearers to the true understanding that the Messiah will himself be divine, and that he himself is the Messiah. (Luke 20:41-44).
The chief priests, scribes, and elders question Jesus in the temple.
This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story.
"in the temple courtyard" or "at the temple"
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Jesus responds to the chief priests, scribes, and elders.
"Jesus replied"
The words "I will ... ask you a question" are a statement. The words "you tell me" are a command.
Jesus knows that John's authority comes from heaven, so he is not asking for information. He asks the question so the Jewish leaders will have to tell what they think to all who are listening. This question is rhetorical, but you will probably have to translate it as a question. Alternate translation: "Do you think John's authority to baptize people came from heaven or from men" or "Was it God who told John to baptize people, or did people tell him to do it"
"from God." Jewish people avoided referring to God by his name "Yahweh." Often they used the word "heaven" to refer to him.
"They discussed" or "They considered their answer"
"among themselves" or "with each other"
Some languages might prefer an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "If we say that John's authority is from heaven, he"
"From God." Jewish people avoided referring to God by his name "Yahweh." Often they used the word "heaven" to refer to him. See how these words are translated in [Luke 20:4]
"Jesus will say"
Some languages might prefer an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "if we say that John's authority is from men,"
"kill us by throwing stones on us." God's Law commanded that his people stone those of his people who mocked him or his prophets.
"So the chief priests, scribes and elders answered." The word "so" marks an event that happened because of something else that happened first. In this case, they had reasoned with themselves (Luke 20:5-6), and they did not have an answer they wanted to say.
This could be stated as a direct quote. Alternate translation: "they said, 'We do not know where it came from.'"
"where John's baptism came from." Alternate translation: "where John's authority to baptize came from" or "who authorized John to baptize people"
"And I will not tell you." Jesus knew they were not willing to tell him the answer, so he responded in the same manner. Alternate translation: "Just as you will not tell me, I will not tell you"
Jesus begins to tell a parable to the people in the temple courtyard.
"allowed some vine growers to use it in exchange for payment" or "allowed some vine growers to use it and pay him later." Payment might be in the form of money or a portion of the harvest.
These are people who tend grape vines and grow grapes. Alternate translation: "grape farmers"
"the time they had agreed to pay him." This would have been at the harvest time.
"some of the grapes" or "some of what they produced in the vineyard." It could also refer to the things they made from grapes or the money they earned by selling the grapes.
An empty hand is a metaphor for "nothing." Alternate translation: "sent him away without paying him" or "sent him away without the grapes"
"beat that servant"
"humiliated him"
Having an empty hand is a metaphor for having nothing. Alternate translation: "sent him away without paying him" or "sent him away without any grapes"
"even a third servant" or "yet another servant." The word "yet" hints at the fact that the landowner should not have had to send the second servant, but he went beyond that and sent a third servant.
"injured that servant"
"threw him out of the vineyard"
This question emphasizes that the vineyard owner thought carefully about what he was going to do. Alternate translation: "Here is what I will do:"
"when the farmers saw the owner's son"
They were not asking permission. The said this to encourage each other to kill the heir.
"The vine growers forced the son out of the vineyard"
Jesus uses a question to get his listeners to pay attention to what the owner of the vineyard will do. Alternate translation: "So now, listen to what the lord of the vineyard will do to them."
Jesus finishes telling his parable to the crowd.
"May it never happen"
Jesus continues teaching the crowd.
"But Jesus stared at them" or "But he looked straight at them." He did this to hold them accountable to understand what he was saying.
Jesus uses a question to teach the crowd. Alternate translation: "You should be able to understand that which is written: 'The stone ... cornerstone.'"
"this scripture"
This is the first of three metaphors in a prophecy from the book of Psalms. This one refers to the Messiah as if he were a stone that builders chose not to use, but that God made the most important stone.
"The stone that the builders said was not good enough to use for building." In those days people used stones to build the walls of houses and other buildings.
This refers to the religious rulers who are rejecting Jesus as Messiah.
"the chief stone of the building" or "the most important stone of the building"
This second metaphor speaks of people who reject the Messiah as if they fall over a stone and are injured.
This is a result of falling onto the stone. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "will break up into pieces"
"the one that stone falls on." This third metaphor speaks about the Messiah judging those who reject him as if he were a large stone that would crush them.
In this verse, to "lay hands on" someone is to arrest that person. Alternate translation: "looked for a way to arrest Jesus"
"immediately"
This is the reason that they did not arrest Jesus right away. The people respected Jesus, and the religious leaders were afraid of what the people might do if they arrested him. Alternate translation: "they did not arrest him because they were afraid of the people"
"the scribes and chief priests sent spies to watch Jesus"
"because they wanted to accuse Jesus of saying something bad"
"Rule" and "authority" are two ways of saying that they wanted the governor to judge Jesus. It can be translated with one or both expressions. Alternate translation: "so that the governor would punish Jesus"
This is the beginning of the next event in the story. Some time has passed since Jesus was questioned in the temple by the chief priests. The spies are now questioning Jesus.
"The spies asked Jesus"
The spies were trying to deceive Jesus. They did not believe these things about Jesus.
"we" refers only to the spies.
Possible meanings are 1) "you tell the truth even if important people do not like it" or 2) "you do not favor one person over another"
This is part of what the spies were saying that they knew about Jesus.
They hoped that Jesus would say either "yes" or "no." If he said "yes," then the Jewish people would be angry with him for telling them to pay taxes to a foreign government. If he said "no," then the religious leaders could tell the Romans that Jesus was teaching the people to break the Roman laws.
They were asking about God's law, not about Caesar's law. Alternate translation: "Does our law permit us"
Because Caesar was the ruler of the Roman government, they could refer to the Roman government by Caesar's name.
"But Jesus understood how tricky they were" or "But Jesus saw that they were trying to trap him." The word "their" refers to the spies.
This is a Roman silver coin worth a day's wages.
Jesus uses a question to respond to those who were trying to trick him. Alternate translation: "Tell me, whose image and name do you see on it?"
"picture and name"
"Then Jesus said to them"
Here "Caesar" refers to the Roman government.
The word "give" is understood from the previous phrase. It can be repeated here. Alternate translation: "and give to God"
This is the end of this event about the spies and the part of the story which began in Luke 20:1.
"The spies could not find anything wrong with what he said"
"but they were amazed at his answer and did not say anything"
We do not know where this takes place, though it possibly takes place in the temple courtyard. Jesus is talking with some Sadducees.
This phrase identifies the Sadducees as being the group of Jews that say that no one would rise from the dead. It does not imply that some Sadducees believed that there is a resurrection and some did not.
"if a man's brother dies when he has a wife but does not have children"
"the man should marry his dead brother's widow"
The Jews considered the first son born to a woman who married her dead husband's brother as if he were the son of the woman's first husband. This son inherited the property of his mother's first husband and carried on his name.
The Sadducees tell Jesus a short story in verses 29-32. This is a story they made up as an example. In verse 33, they ask Jesus a question about the story they told.
This may have happened, but it is probably a story that they made up to test Jesus.
"brother number one" or "the oldest"
"died without having any children" or "died, but did not have any children"
The Sadducees kept the story short by not repeating many of the details. Alternate translation: "the second married her and the same thing happened" or "the second brother married her and died without having any children"
"brother number two" or "the oldest brother who was still alive"
"The third married her"
"Brother number three" or "The oldest brother who was still alive"
The speakers kept the story short by omitting details. Alternate translation: "in the same way the rest of the seven brothers married her and died without having any children"
"all seven of the brothers" or "each of the seven brothers"
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The Sadducees finish asking Jesus their question.
"When people are raised from the dead" or "When dead people become alive again." Some languages have a way of showing that the Sadducees did not believe that there would be a resurrection, such as "In the supposed resurrection" or "When dead people are supposedly raised from the dead."
Jesus begins to answer the Sadducees.
"The people of this world" or "The people of this time." This is in contrast with those in heaven or the people who live after the resurrection.
In that culture they spoke of men marrying women and women being given in marriage to their husband. This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "get married"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people in that age whom God will consider to be worthy"
"to be raised from the dead" or "to rise from death"
From among all those who have died. The expression "the dead" describes all dead people together in the underworld. To receive resurrection from among them speaks of becoming alive again.
In that culture they spoke of men marrying women and women being given in marriage to their husband. This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "will not marry" or "will not get married." This is after the resurrection.
This is after the resurrection. Alternate translation: "They will not be able to die anymore"
"are children of God because he has brought them back from the dead"
Jesus finishes answering the Sadducees.
The word "even" is here because the Sadducees might not have been surprised that some scriptures say that the dead are raised, but they did not expect Moses to have written something like that. Alternate translation: "But even Moses showed that dead people rise from the dead"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God causes the dead to live again"
The implied information can be supplied. Alternate translation: "in the scripture about the burning bush, where he wrote about the Lord being"
"the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." They all worshiped the same God.
This word is used here to mark a break in the main teaching. Here Jesus explains how this story proves that people rise from the dead.
These two phrases have similar meaning. They are used together for emphasis. Some languages have different ways of showing emphasis. Alternate translation: "the Lord is the God of living people only"
"but the God of living people." Since these people died physically, they must still be alive spiritually. Alternate translation: "but the God of people whose spirits are alive, even though their bodies may have died"
"because in God's sight they all are still alive" or "because their spirits are alive in God's presence"
"Some of the scribes said to Jesus." There were scribes present when the Sadducees were questioning Jesus.
It is unclear if this refers to the scribes, or the Sadducees, or both. It is best to keep the statement general.
"they were afraid to ask him any more questions" or "they did not risk asking him any more questions." They understood that they did not know as much as Jesus did, but they did not want to say that. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "they did not ask him any more tricky questions because they feared that his wise answers would make them appear foolish again"
Jesus asks the scribes a question.
"Why do they say ... son?" Jesus uses a question to make the scribes think about who the Messiah is. Alternate translation: "Let's think about them saying ... son." or "I will talk about them saying ... son."
The prophets, the religious rulers, and the Jewish people in general knew that the Messiah was the son of David. Alternate translation: "everyone says" or "people say"
"King David's descendant." The word "son" is used here to refer to a descendant. In this case it refers to the one who would reign over God's kingdom.
This is a quotation from the book of Psalms which says "Yahweh said to my Lord." But the Jews stopped saying "Yahweh" and often said "Lord" instead. Alternate translation: "The Lord God said to my Lord" or "God said to my Lord"
David was referring to the Christ as "my Lord."
To sit at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "Sit in the place of honor beside me"
The Messiah's enemies are spoken of as if they were furniture on which he would rest his feet. This was an image of submission. Alternate translation: "until I make your enemies like a footstool for you" or "until I conquer your enemies for you"
In the culture of that time, a father was more respected than a son. David's us of the title 'Lord' for the Christ implies that he was greater than David.
"so how can the Christ be David's son?" This can be a statement. Alternate translation: "and this shows that the Christ is not merely David's descendant"
Jesus now directs his attention to his disciples and speaks mainly to them.
"Be on guard against"
Long robes would show that they were important. Alternate translation: "who like to walk around wearing their important robes"
"They also eat up widows' houses." The scribes are spoken of as if they were hungry animals that eat up the widows' houses. The word "houses" is a synecdoche for both where the widow lives and all the possessions she puts in her home. Alternate translation: "They also take away from widows all their possessions"
"they pretend to be righteous and make long prayers" or "they make long prayers so that people will see them"
"They will receive a more severe judgment." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will certainly punish them very severely"
1 Jesus looked up and saw the rich men who were putting their gifts into the treasury. 2 He saw a certain poor widow putting in two mites. 3 So he said, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them. 4 All of these gave gifts out of their abundance. But this widow, out of her poverty, put in all she had to live on."
5 As some spoke of the temple, how it was decorated with beautiful stones and offerings, he said, 6 "As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left on another which will not be torn down." 7 So they asked him, saying, "Teacher, when will these things happen? What will be the sign when these things are about to happen?" 8 Jesus answered, "Be careful that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not go after them. 9 When you hear of wars and riots, do not be terrified, for these things must happen first, but the end will not happen immediately."
10 Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues. There will be terrifying events and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all of these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you over to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors because of my name. 13 It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony. 14 Therefore resolve in your hearts not to prepare your defense ahead of time, 15 for I will give you words and wisdom that all your adversaries will not be able to resist or contradict. 16 But you will be given over also by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by everyone because of my name. 18 But not a hair from your head will perish. 19 In your endurance you will gain your lives.
20 "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the city leave it, and those who are out in the country must not enter the city. 22 For these are days of vengeance, so that all the things that are written will be fulfilled. 23 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing in those days! For there will be great distress upon the land, and wrath to this people. 24 They will fall by the edge of the sword, and they will be led captive into all the nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
25 "There will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars, and on the earth. The nations will be in distress, anxious because of the roar of the sea and waves. 26 There will be men fainting from fear and from expectation of the things which are coming upon the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 But when these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is coming near."
29 Jesus told them a parable, "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 When they sprout buds, you see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
34 "But pay attention to yourselves, so that your hearts are not burdened with excessive drinking and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day does not close on you suddenly 35 like a trap. For it will come upon everyone living on the face of the whole earth. 36 But be alert at all times, praying that you may be strong enough to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."
37 So during the days he was teaching in the temple, and at night he went out and stayed on the mountain that is called Olives. 38 All of the people came early in the morning to hear him in the temple.
Jesus told his disciples much about what would happen before he returned.
Jesus taught that before he returned many people would falsely claim to be him returning. It will also be a time when many people will hate Jesus's followers and even want to kill them.
The Jews spoke of the time between when the Babylonians forced their ancestors to go to Babylon and the time when the Messiah would come as "the times of the Gentiles," the time when the Gentiles would rule over the Jews.
Jesus refers to himself as the "Son of Man" in this chapter
Jesus begins teaching his disciples, but it is uncertain whether this occurs on the same day that the Sadducees question Jesus
You may need to make explicit what the gifts are. Alternate translation: "gifts of money"
The "treasury" means the boxes in the temple courtyard where people put money as a gift to God.
This is a way of introducing a new character to the story.
"two small coins" or "two tiny copper coins." These were the least valuable of the coins people used then. Alternate translation: "two pennies" or "two small coins of little value"
This means that what Jesus was about to say was very important.
Jesus was talking to his disciples. The word "you" is plural.
God considers her gift, a small amount of money, more significant than the large amounts of money the men gave. Alternate translation: "the small gift of this widow is more valuable than the larger gifts of the rich men"
"have a lot of money but only gave a small portion of it"
"who has very little money"
Jesus switches from talking about the widow to teaching about the temple.
things people had given to God
This refers to the beautiful temple and its decorations.
"there will be a time when" or "someday"
Jesus uses hyperbole here to emphasize the extent of the devastation that enemies will cause to the temple. The enemies will completely destroy the temple, which is built of stones. Alternate translation: "when all these things will be destroyed" or "when enemies will destroy all of these things"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "every stone will be removed from its place and torn down"
A new sentence can be started here, and it can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "left on another. They will all be torn down" or "left on another. Enemies will tear down every stone"
"the disciples asked Jesus" or "Jesus's disciples asked him"
This refers to what Jesus has just said about enemies destroying the temple.
Jesus was talking to his disciples. The word "you" is plural. Alternate translation: "that you do not believe lies" or "that no one deceives you"
People coming in his name claim to represent him. Alternate translation: "claiming to be me" or "claiming to have my authority"
"I am the Christ" or "I am the Messiah"
"Do not believe them" or "Do not become their disciples"
Here "wars" probably refers to fighting between countries, and "riots" probably refers to people fighting against their own leaders or against others in their country. Alternate translation: "wars and rebellions" or "wars and revolutions"
"do not let these things terrify you" or "do not be afraid"
Possible meanings are: (1) The end of the era in which the disciples to whom Jesus spoke were in at the time. Alternate translation: "the end of the age" or (2) The end of the heavens and earth as we know them. Alternate translation: "the end of the world"
Implied word can be supplied here. Alternate translation: "will not happen immediately after the wars and riots" or "will not happen immediately after those things happen"
"Then Jesus said to his disciples." Since this is a continuation of Jesus speaking from the previous verse, some languages may prefer not to say "Then he said to them."
Here "nation" is a metonym for the people of the nation, and "rise against" is a metonym for attack. The word "nation" represents nations in general, not one particular nation. Alternate translation: "The people of one nation will attack the people of other nations" or "The people of some nations will attack the people of other nations"
This refers to ethnic groups of people rather than to countries.
The words "will rise" are understood from the previous phrase and mean attack. Alternate translation: "kingdom will rise against kingdom" or "the people of some kingdoms will attack the people of other kingdoms"
The words "there will be" are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "there will be famines and plagues in many places" or "there will be times of hunger and diseases in different places"
"events that terrify people" or "events that cause people to be very afraid"
This refers to the terrible things that Jesus has said will happen.
"they will grab you." This expression refers to people exercising authority over the disciples. Alternate translation: "they will arrest you"
"people will" or "enemies will"
Jesus was talking to his disciples. The word "you" is plural.
The word "synagogues" is a metonym for the people in the synagogues, specifically the leaders. Alternate translation: "giving you over to the leaders of the synagogues" or "taking you to the synagogues so that the people there can do to you whatever they want to do"
"and delivering you over to the prisons" or "and putting you in prisons"
The word "name" is here used to refer to Jesus himself. Alternate translation: "because of me" or "because you follow me"
"for you to tell them your testimony about me"
"Because of this," referring to everything Jesus has said, beginning in [Luke 21:10]
Here "hearts" is a metonym for people's minds. Alternate translation: "make up your mind" or "decide firmly"
"not to figure out ahead of time what you will say in order to defend yourself against their accusations"
"wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict"
"I will tell you what wise things to say"
These can be combined into one phrase. Alternate translation: "words of wisdom" or "wise words"
show to be false
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "even your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends will give you over to the authorities"
"they will kill some of you." Possible meanings are 1) "the authorities will kill some of you" or 2) "those who deliver you up will kill some of you." The first meaning is more likely.
This can be translated in active form. The word "everyone" emphasizes how many people will hate the disciples, either through 1) exaggeration Alternate translation: "It will seem like you are hated by everyone" or "It will seem like everyone hates you" or 2) a generalization. Alternate translation: "You will be hated by most people" or "Most people will hate you"
"my name" here refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: "because of me" or "because you follow me"
Jesus speaks of one of the smallest parts of a person. He is emphasizing that the whole person will not perish. Jesus had already said that some of them would be put to death, so some understand this to mean that they would not be harmed spiritually. Alternate translation: "But these things cannot really harm you" or "Even every hair on your head will be safe"
"By holding firm." This can be stated in the opposite way. Alternate translation: "If you do not quit"
"you will save yourselves"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "armies surrounding Jerusalem"
The word "desolation," which describes a place that is empty, is a metonym for Jerusalem after it has been destroyed and the Jews can no longer live there. Alternate translation: "that it will soon be destroyed" or "that they will soon destroy it"
run away from danger
This refers to the rural areas outside Jerusalem, and not to the nation. Alternate translation: "outside the city"
"enter Jerusalem"
"these are days of punishment" or "this will be the time when God will punish this city"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all the things that the prophets wrote in the scriptures long ago"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "will happen"
"to mothers who are nursing their babies"
Possible meanings are 1) the people of the land will be distressed or 2) there will be physical disasters in the land.
"there will be wrath to the people at that time." God will bring this wrath. Alternate translation: "this people will experience God's anger" or "God will be very angry and will punish this people"
"They will be killed by the edge of the sword." Here "fall by the edge of the sword" represents being killed by enemy soldiers. Alternate translation: "Enemy soldiers will kill them"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "their enemies will capture them and take them to other countries"
The word "all" is an exaggeration to emphasize that they will be led into many countries. Alternate translation: "into many other countries"
Possible meanings are 1) the Gentiles will conquer Jerusalem and occupy it or 2) the Gentiles will destroy the city of Jerusalem or 3) the Gentiles will destroy the people of Jerusalem.
This metaphor speaks of Jerusalem as if the people of other nations was walking on it and crushing it down with their feet. This refers to domination. Alternate translation: "conquered by the Gentiles" or "destroyed by the other nations"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the period of the Gentiles has come to an end"
Here "the nations" refers to the people in them. Alternate translation: "The people of the nations will be distressed"
"distress because they will be anxious about the roar of the sea and its waves" or "distress, and the loud noise of the sea and its rough movements will frighten them." This seems to refer to unusual storms or disasters involving the seas.
"the things that will happen in the world" or "the things that will happen to the world"
This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) "God will shake the sun, moon, and stars so they will not move in their normal ways" or 2) "God will trouble the powerful spirits in the heavens." The first is recommended.
Jesus is referring to himself. Alternate translation: "me, the Son Man, coming"
"coming down in a cloud"
Here "power" probably refers to his authority to judge the world. Here "glory" may refer to a bright light. God sometimes shows his greatness with a very bright light. Alternate translation: "powerfully and gloriously" or "and he will be powerful and very glorious"
Sometimes when people are afraid, they crouch down in order to avoid being seen or hurt. When they are no longer afraid, they get up. Alternate translation: "stand up with confidence"
Lifting the head is a metonym for looking up. When they lift their heads up, they will be able to see their rescuer coming to them. Alternate translation: "look up"
God, who redeems, is spoken of as if he were the redemption that he causes. The word "redemption" is an abstract noun that can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "because God will soon redeem you"
God rescuing his people from those who want to harm them is spoken of as if he were buying back people who had become slaves because they could not pay their debts. Alternate translation: "rescue" or "salvation"
As Jesus continues teaching his disciples, he tells them a parable.
"When new leaves start to grow"
"summer is about to start." Summer in Israel follows the sprouting of fig tree leaves and is the time when the figs ripen. Alternate translation: "harvest time is ready to start"
The appearance of the signs that Jesus just described signal the arrival of the kingdom of God just as appearance of the leaves of the fig tree signal the arrival of summer.
"God will soon establish his kingdom." Alternate translation: "God will soon rule as king"
Jesus continues teaching his disciples.
This expression emphasizes the importance of what Jesus is about to say.
Possible meanings are 1) the generation that will see the first of the signs Jesus speaks of or 2) the generation Jesus is speaking to. The first is more likely.
This could be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "will still be alive when"
"Heaven and earth will cease to exist." The word "heaven" here refers to the sky and the universe beyond it.
"my words will never cease to exist" or "my words will never fail." Jesus uses "words" here to refer to everything he says.
This could be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "will remain forever"
The "heart" here refers to the mind and thoughts of the person. Alternate translation: "so that you are not occupied"
Jesus here speaks of the following sins as if they were a physical weight that a person had to carry.
"drinking too much wine and becoming drunk." Excessive drinking is the action, and intoxication is the effect of that action.
"the things you worry about as you live every day"
The rest of this sentence, "like a trap," is in verse 35. Just as a trap closes on an animal when the animal does not expect it, that day will happen when people do not expect it. Alternate translation: "that day does not happen when you are not expecting it, as when a trap closes suddenly on an animal" or "that day does not surprise you like a trap"
This refers to the day when the Messiah returns. Alternate translation: "the day when the Son of Man comes"
The first part of this statement, “that day does not close on you suddenly,” is in verse 34. Just as a trap closes on an animal when the animal does not expect it, that day will happen when people do not expect it. Alternate translation: “that day does not happen when you are not expecting it, as when a trap closes suddenly on an animal” or “that day does not surprise you like a trap”
"it will affect everyone" or "the events of that day will affect everyone"
The surface of the earth is spoken of as if it were the outward part of the face of a person. Alternate translation: "on the surface of the whole earth" or "on the entire earth"
Jesus finishes teaching his disciples.
"be ready for my coming"
Possible meanings are 1) "strong enough to endure these things" or 2) "able to avoid these things."
"these things that will happen." Jesus has just told them about terrible things that will happen, such as persecution, war, and captivity.
"to stand with confidence before the Son of Man." This probably refers to when the Son of Man judges everyone. A person who is not ready will be afraid of the Son of Man and will not stand with confidence.
This is the end of the part of the story that begins in [Luke 20:1]
"during the daytime he would teach" or "he would teach each day." The following verses tell about things that Jesus and the people did each day during the week before he died.
Only priests were allowed in the temple. Alternate translation: "at the temple" or "in the temple courtyard"
"at night he would go out of the city" or "he went out each night"
The word "all" is probably an exaggeration to emphasize that the crowd was very large. Alternate translation: "A very large number of people in the city" or "Almost everyone in the city"
"would come early each morning"
"to hear him teach in the temple courtyard"
1 Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread was approaching, which is called the Passover. 2 The chief priests and the scribes were seeking how they could put Jesus to death, for they were afraid of the people.
3 Then Satan entered into Judas, the one called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve. 4 Judas went to the chief priests and captains and discussed with them how he would betray Jesus to them. 5 They were glad and agreed to give him money. 6 He consented and looked for an opportunity to give him over to them away from the crowd.
7 Then came the day of unleavened bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare for us the Passover meal, so that we may eat it."
9 They said to him, "Where do you want us to make preparations?"
10 He answered them, "Look, when you have entered the city, a man bearing a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he goes into. 11 Then say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says to you, "Where is the guest room, where I will eat the Passover with my disciples?"' 12 He will show you a large furnished upper room. Make the preparations there." 13 So they went, and found everything as he had said to them. Then they prepared the Passover meal.
14 When the hour came, he sat down with the apostles. 15 Then he said to them, "I have greatly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I say to you, I will not eat it again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." 17 Then Jesus took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, "Take this, and share it among yourselves. 18 For I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine again until the kingdom of God comes." 19 Then he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." 20 He took the cup in the same way after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. 21 But pay attention. The hand of the one who betrays me is with me at the table. 22 For the Son of Man indeed goes as it has been determined. But woe to that man through whom he is betrayed!" 23 They began to discuss among themselves which one of them it might be who would do this.
24 Then there arose also a quarrel among them about which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles are lords over them, and the ones who have authority over them are called doers of good deeds. 26 But it must not be like this with you. Instead, let the greatest among you become like the youngest and the one who leads like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who sits at the table, or the one who serves? Is it not the one who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as one who serves. 28 But you are the ones who have continued with me in my trials. 29 I set you over a kingdom, even as my Father has set me over a kingdom, 30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
31 "Simon, Simon, be aware, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail. After you have turned back again, strengthen your brothers."
33 Peter said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death."
34 Jesus replied, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, before you deny three times that you know me."
35 Then Jesus said to them, "When I sent you out without a purse, a bag of provisions, or sandals, did you lack anything?"
They answered, "Nothing."
36 Then he said to them, "But now, the one who has a purse, let him take it, and likewise a bag of provisions. The one who does not have a sword should sell his cloak and buy one. 37 For I say to you, what is written about me must be fulfilled, 'He was counted with the lawless ones.' For what is predicted about me is being fulfilled."
38 Then they said, "Lord, look! Here are two swords."
He said to them, "It is enough."
39 Jesus went, as he often did, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40 When they arrived, he said to them, "Pray that you do not enter into temptation." 41 He went away from them about a stone's throw, and he knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless not my will, but yours be done." 43 Then an angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him. 44 Being in agony, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down upon the ground. 45 When he rose up from his prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of their sorrow 46 and asked them, "Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray, that you may not enter into temptation."
47 While he was still speaking, behold, a crowd appeared, with Judas, one of the twelve, leading them. He came near to Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"
49 When those who were around Jesus saw what was happening, they said, "Lord, should we strike with the sword?" 50 Then one of them struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
51 Jesus said, "That is enough!" He touched his ear, and healed him. 52 Jesus said to the chief priests, to the captains of the temple, and to elders who came against him, "Do you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was daily with you in the temple, you did not lay your hands on me. But this is your hour, and the authority of darkness."
54 Seizing him, they led him away and brought him into the high priest's house. But Peter followed from a distance. 55 After they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat in the midst of them. 56 A certain female servant saw him as he sat in the light of the fire and looked straight at him and said, "This man also was with him."
57 But Peter denied it, saying, "Woman, I do not know him."
58 After a little while someone else saw him, and said, "You are also one of them."
But Peter said, "Man, I am not."
59 After about an hour another man insisted and said, "Truly this man also was with him, for he is a Galilean."
60 But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are saying." Immediately, while he was speaking, a rooster crowed. 61 Turning, the Lord looked at Peter, and Peter remembered the word of the Lord, when he said to him, "Before a rooster crows today you will deny me three times." 62 Peter went outside and wept bitterly.
63 Then the men holding Jesus in custody mocked and beat him. 64 They put a cover over him and asked him, saying, "Prophesy! Who is the one who hit you?" 65 They spoke many other things against Jesus, blaspheming him.
66 As soon as it was day, the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes. They led him into the Council 67 and said, "If you are the Christ, tell us."
But he said to them, "If I tell you, you will not believe, 68 and if I ask you, you will not answer. 69 But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God."
70 They all said, "Then you are the Son of God?"
Jesus said to them, "You say that I am."
71 They said, "Why do we still need a witness? For we ourselves have heard from his own mouth."
Luke 22:19-20 describes Jesus's last meal with his followers. At that time, Jesus told them that what they were eating and drinking were his body and his blood. Nearly all Christian churches celebrate "the Lord's Supper," the "Eucharist," or "Holy Communion" to remember this meal.
Some people think that Jesus established the new covenant during the supper. Others think he established it after he went up to heaven. Others think it will not be established until Jesus comes again. Your translation should say no more about this than the ULB does. (See: covenant)
Jesus refers to himself as the "Son of Man" in this chapter
Judas agrees to betray Jesus. These verses give background information about this event.
This word is used here to introduce a new event.
The festival was called by this name because during the festival the Jews did not eat bread that was made with yeast. Alternate translation: "festival when they would eat unleavened bread"
"was almost ready to begin"
"looking for an opportunity" or "thinking of ways in which"
The priests and scribes did not have the authority to kill Jesus themselves, but they hoped to get others to kill him. Alternate translation: "they could get someone to put Jesus to death" or "they could get someone to kill Jesus"
Possible meanings are 1) "scared of what the people might do" or 2) "scared that the people would make Jesus king."
This is the beginning of the action in this part of the story.
What happened might have been similar to demon possession, but other demon-possessed people are obviously unable to control any of their own actions. Here Judas Iscariot seems to do everything he desires, but Satan was somehow at work in a special way. Whatever the intended meaning, Satan "entering" Judas Iscariot is a metaphor for Satan taking control of Judas Iscariot. Alternate translation: "Satan took control of Judas, the one called Iscariot"
"the leaders of the priests"
officers of the temple guards
"how he would help them arrest Jesus"
"The chief priests and captains were glad"
"to give Judas money"
"He agreed"
This is an ongoing action that continues after this part of the story ends.
"privately" or "when there was no crowd around him"
Jesus sends Peter and John to prepare for the Passover meal. This verse gives background information about the event.
"the day of bread without yeast." This was the day the Jews would take all bread made with yeast out of their homes. Then they would celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread for seven days.
Each family or group of people would kill a lamb and eat it together, so many lambs were killed. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people had to kill a lamb for their Passover meal"
This is a general word meaning "make ready." Jesus was not necessarily telling Peter and John to do all the cooking.
Jesus was including Peter and John when he said "we." Peter and John would be part of the group of the disciples that would eat the meal.
The word "us" does not include Jesus. Jesus would not be part of the group that would prepare the meal.
"make preparations for the meal" or "prepare the meal"
"Jesus answered Peter and John"
Jesus used this word to tell them to pay close attention and to do exactly what he tells them.
"you will see a man carrying a pitcher of water"
"carrying a jar with water in it." He probably would be carrying the jar on his shoulder.
"Follow him, and go into the house"
The quote beginning with "Where is the guest room" is a direct quote of what Jesus, the teacher, wants to say to the master of his house. It can be translated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "Our teacher asks where the guest room is in which he ... his disciples." or "Our teacher says to show us the guest room where he ... us and the rest of his disciples."
This refers to Jesus.
"eat the Passover meal"
Jesus continues giving instructions to Peter and John.
"The owner of the house will show you"
"room upstairs." If your community does not have houses with rooms above other rooms, you may need to consider how to describe buildings in the city.
"So Peter and John went"
This is the next event in the part of the story about the Passover. Jesus and his disciples are sitting to eat the Passover meal.
"When it was time to eat the meal"
"Jesus sat down"
"I have wanted very much"
Jesus is referring ahead to his death. The word for "suffer" here means to go through an unusually difficult or painful experience.
Jesus uses this phrase to emphasize the importance of what he will say next.
This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) until the purpose of the Passover Festival is accomplished. Alternate translation: "until God fulfills it" or "until God completes the purpose of the Passover Festival" or 2) "until we celebrate the final Passover Festival"
"picked up a cup of wine"
"when he had given thanks to God"
"he said to his apostles"
They were to share the contents of the cup, and not the cup itself. Alternate translation: "share the wine in the cup among yourselves" or "each of you drink some of the wine from the cup"
This phrase is used to emphasize the importance of what Jesus will say next.
This refers to the juice that is squeezed from the grapes that grow on grapevines. Wine is made from fermented grape juice.
"until God establishes his kingdom" or "until God rules in his kingdom"
This bread did not have yeast in it, so it was flat.
"he ripped it" or "he tore it." He may have divided it into many pieces or he may have divided it into two pieces and given them to the apostles to divide among themselves. If possible, use an expression that would apply to either situation.
Possible meanings are 1) "This bread is my body" and 2) "This bread represents my body."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "my body, which I will give for you" or "my body, which I will sacrifice for you"
"Eat this bread"
"in order to remember me"
The word "cup" refers to the wine in the cup. Alternate translation: "The wine in this cup" or "This cup of wine"
Here "blood, which is poured out" represents death. Jesus's death will establish the new covenant that God will make with his people. Alternate translation: "the new covenant that God will put into effect because I have shed my blood for you"
Jesus continues speaking to his apostles.
The hand here is a synecdoche that refers to the whole person. Jesus speaks of Judas betraying him as if it has already happened. Alternate translation: "The person who is about to betray me" or "The man who is ready to betray me"
"For, indeed, the Son of Man will go" or "For the Son of Man will die"
Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man, indeed go"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as God has determined" or "as God has planned"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But woe to the man who betrays the Son of Man" or "But how terrible it will be for that man who betrays the Son of Man"
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"Then the apostles began to argue among themselves"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "was the most important" or "the people thought was most important"
"Jesus said to the apostles"
"rule forcefully over the Gentiles"
Their people probably did not think that those rulers did good to them. Alternate translation: "like to be called" or "call themselves"
Jesus continues teaching his apostles.
"you should not act like that"
Older people were respected in that culture. The leaders were usually older people and were called "elders." The youngest person would be the least likely to lead, and the least important. Alternate translation: "the least important"
Words from the phrase before this apply to this phrase. Alternate translation: "and let the one who leads become like the one who serves"
"a servant"
This connects Jesus's commands in verse 26 with this whole verse. It means that the most important person should serve because Jesus is a servant.
"For who is more important ... serves?" Jesus uses this question to begin to explain to the apostles who is truly great. Alternate translation: "I want you to think about who is greater ... serves."
"the one who is dining"
Jesus uses another question to teach the disciples. Alternate translation: "Of course the one who sits at the table is more important than the servant!"
"But I am with you to be a servant" or "But I am with you to show you how a servant acts." The word "yet" is here because there is a contrast between what people would expect Jesus to be like and what he really was like.
"have stayed with me as I have struggled" or "have stayed with me while Satan has tempted me"
Some languages may need to change the order. Alternate translation: "Just as my father has given a kingdom to me, I give a kingdom to you"
"I make you rulers in God's kingdom" or "I give you authority to rule in the kingdom" or "I will make you kings"
"just as my Father has given me authority to rule as king in his kingdom"
Kings sit on thrones. Sitting on a throne is a symbol of ruling. Alternate translation: "you will work as kings" or "you will do the work of kings"
Jesus speaks directly to Simon.
Jesus said his name twice to show that what he was about to say to him was very important.
The word "you" refers to all of the apostles. Languages that have different forms of "you" should use the plural form.
This means that Satan wanted to test the disciples to find something wrong. Alternate translation: "test you like someone passes grain through a sieve"
The word "you" here refers specifically to Simon. Languages that have different forms of "you" should use the singular form.
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "that you will continue to have faith" or "that you will continue to trust me"
Here "turned back again" is a metaphor for starting to believe in someone again. Alternate translation: "After you start believing in me again" or "After you start serving me again"
"encourage your brothers to be strong in their faith" or "help your brothers believe in me"
This refers to the other disciples. Alternate translation: "your fellow believers" or "the other disciples"
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The order of the parts of the verse can be reversed. Alternate translation: "you will deny three times that you know me before the rooster crows this day"
This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "the rooster will crow this day only after you deny" or "before the rooster crows today, you will deny"
Here, the crowing of the rooster refers to a certain time of day. Roosters often crow just before the sun appears in the morning. Therefore, this refers to dawn.
a bird that calls out loudly around the time the sun comes up
The Jewish day begins at sunset. Jesus was speaking after the sun had set. The rooster would crow just before morning. The morning was part of "this day." Alternate translation: "tonight" or "in the morning"
Jesus turns his attention back to speaking to all of his disciples.
Jesus uses a question to help the apostles remember how well the people provided for them as they traveled. Though this is a rhetorical question and Jesus is not asking for information, you should translate it as a question unless only a statement would cause the disciples to reply that they had lacked nothing.
Jesus is talking to his apostles, so the word "you" is plural.
A purse is a bag for holding money. Here it is used to refer to "money."
"travelers' bag" or "bag of food"
It may be helpful to some audiences to include more about the conversation. Alternate translation: "We did not lack anything" or "We had everything we needed"
"and let him also take a bag of provisions" or "and also a bag of provisions"
Jesus was not referring to a specific person who did not have a sword. Alternate translation: "If anyone does not have a sword, he should sell his cloak"
"coat" or "outer garment"
Jesus finishes speaking with his disciples.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "what a prophet wrote about me in the scriptures"
The apostles would have understood that God would cause everything written in the scriptures to happen. Alternate translation: "God will fulfill" or "God will cause to happen"
Here Jesus is quoting the scriptures. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People counted him as a member of the group of lawless men"
"those who break the law" or "the criminals"
Possible meanings are 1) "For what the prophet predicted about me is about to happen" or 2) "For my life is coming to an end"
This refers to at least two of Jesus's apostles.
Possible meanings are 1) they have enough swords. "We now have enough swords." or 2) Jesus wants them to stop talking about having swords. "No more of this talk about swords."
Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives to pray.
"that you are not tempted" or "that nothing tempts you and causes you to sin"
"about the distance that someone can throw a stone." Alternate translation: "a short distance" or with an estimated measurement like "about thirty meters"
Jesus will bear the guilt of every person's sin on the cross. He prays to his Father, asking if there is another way.
This is an important title for God.
Jesus refers to what he will soon experience as if it were a cup of bitter liquid that he would have to drink. Alternate translation: "allow me to not drink from this cup" or "allow me to not experience what is about to happen"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "However, do what is according to your will rather than what is according to my will"
"appeared to Jesus"
"encouraging him"
"He was suffering greatly, and so he prayed"
"he prayed more intensely"
"his sweat was falling to the ground like large drops of blood"
"When Jesus got up after praying, he" or "After praying, Jesus got up and he"
"saw that they were sleeping because they were tired from their sadness"
Possible meanings are 1) "I am surprised that you are sleeping now." or 2) "You should not be sleeping now!"
"so that you may not be tempted" or "so that nothing tempts you and causes you to sin"
The word "behold" alerts us to a new group in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this. Alternate translation: "there was a crowd that appeared"
Judas was showing the people where Jesus was. He was not telling the crowd what to do. Alternate translation: "leading them to Jesus"
"to greet him with a kiss" or "to greet him by kissing him." When men greeted other men who were family or friends, they would kiss them on one cheek or both cheeks. If your readers would find it embarrassing to say that a man would kiss another man, you could translate it in a more general way: "to give him a friendly greeting."
Jesus uses a question to rebuke Judas for betraying him with a kiss. Normally a kiss is a sign of love. Alternate translation: "it is a kiss you are using to betray the Son of Man!"
Jesus is using this term to refer to himself. Alternate translation: "me, the Son of Man, with"
This refers to Jesus's disciples.
This refers to the priests and soldiers coming to arrest Jesus.
The question is about the type of fight they should engage in
"one of the disciples"
"struck the servant of the high priest with a sword"
"Do not do any more of that"
"touched the servant where his ear had been cut off"
"Do you come out with swords and clubs because you think I am a robber?" Jesus uses this question to scold the Jewish leaders. Alternate translation: "You know that I am not a robber, yet you come out to me bringing swords and clubs."
"I was among you every day"
Only priests entered the temple. Alternate translation: "in the temple courts" or "at the temple"
In this verse, to lay hands on someone is to arrest that person. Alternate translation: "arrest me"
"this is the time for you to do whatever you want"
It may be helpful to repeat the reference to time. "Darkness" is a metonym for Satan. Alternate translation: "the time of the authority of darkness" or "the time when God is allowing Satan to do whatever he wants"
"led Jesus away from the garden where they had arrested him"
"into the courtyard of the high priest's house"
"some people had made a fire." The fire was to keep the people warm during the cool night. Alternate translation: "some people started a fire to keep warm"
This was the courtyard at the high priest's house. It had walls around it, but no roof.
"together with them"
He sat near the fire and its line shone on him.
"and she looked straight at Peter and said to the other people in the courtyard"
The woman was telling the people about Peter being with Jesus. She probably did not know Peter's name.
"But Peter said that it was not true"
Peter did not know the woman's name. He was not insulting her by calling her "woman." If people would think he was insulting her, you could use a culturally acceptable way for a man to address a woman he does not know, or you could leave out the word.
"You are also one of those who were with Jesus"
Peter did not know the man's name. He was not insulting him by calling him "Man." If people would think he was insulting him, you could use a culturally acceptable way for a man to address a man he does not know, or you could leave out the word.
"said insistently" or "said loudly"
Here "this man" refers to Peter. The speaker probably did not know Peter's name.
The man could probably tell Peter was from Galilee from the way he talked.
Peter did not know the man's name. He was not insulting him by calling him "Man." If people would think he was insulting him, you could use a culturally acceptable way for a man to address a man he does not know, or you could leave out the word. See how you translated this in Luke 22:58.
"I do not know what you are talking about." This expression means that Peter completely disagrees with the man. Alternate translation: "what you said is not true at all" or "what you said is completely false"
"while Peter was speaking"
Roosters often crow just before the sun appears in the morning. See how you translated a similar phrase in Luke 22:34.
"The Lord turned and looked at Peter"
"what Jesus had said" when Jesus had said that Peter would betray Jesus
Roosters often crow just before the sun appears in the morning. See how you translated a similar phrase in Luke 22:34.
The Jewish day started at sundown and continued to the next evening. Jesus had spoken the previous evening about what would happen shortly before dawn or at dawn. Alternate translation: "tonight"
"deny three times that you know me"
"Peter went out of the courtyard"
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"They covered his eyes so that he could not see"
The guards did not believe that Jesus was a prophet. Rather, they believed that a real prophet would know who hit him even if he could not see. They called Jesus a prophet, but they were teasing him and showing him why they did not think that he was a prophet. Alternate translation: "Prove that you are a prophet. Tell us who hit you!" or "Hey prophet, who hit you?"
"Speak words from God!" The implied information is that God would have to tell Jesus who struck him since Jesus was blindfolded and could not see.
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It is now the next day and Jesus is brought before the council.
"At dawn the next morning"
Possible meanings are 1) "The elders had Jesus brought into the Council" or 2) "The guards led Jesus into the council of the elders." Some languages may avoid saying who led him by using the pronoun "they" or by using a passive verb: "Jesus was led into the council"
A new sentence can be started here if a period is put at the end of the previous verse. Alternate translation: "The elders said to Jesus"
"Tell us if you are the Christ"
This was a way for Jesus to respond without giving them a reason to say that he was guilty of blasphemy. Alternate translation: "If I tell you, you will not believe me"
This was a way for Jesus to rebuke them without giving them a reason to convict him. These words, along with "If I tell you, you will not believe" (verse 67), show that Jesus did not believe that the council really wanted to know the truth.
Jesus continues speaking to the council.
"from this day" or "starting from today"
Jesus uses this phrase to refer to himself. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man, will"
To sit at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "seated in the place of honor beside the power of God"
"the all-powerful God." Here "power" refers to his supreme authority.
The council asked this question because they wanted Jesus to explicitly confirm their understanding that he was saying he was the Son of God. Alternate translation: "So when you said that, did you mean that you are the Son of God?"
This is an important title for Jesus.
"Yes, it is just like you say"
They use a question for emphasis. Alternate translation: "We have no further need for witnesses!"
The phrase "his own mouth" refers to his speech. Alternate translation: "heard him say himself that he was the Son of God"
1 The whole company of them rose up and brought Jesus before Pilate. 2 They began to accuse him, saying, "We found this man misleading our nation, forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king."
3 Pilate asked him, saying, "Are you the King of the Jews?"
Jesus answered him and said, "You say so."
4 Pilate said to the chief priests and the multitudes, "I find no guilt in this man."
5 But they were insisting, saying, "He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee even to this place." 6 So when Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 7 When he learned that he was under Herod's authority, he sent Jesus to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem in those days.
8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, because he had wanted to see him for a long time. He had heard about him and he hoped to see some sign done by him. 9 Herod questioned Jesus in many words, but Jesus answered him nothing. 10 The chief priests and the scribes stood, vigorously accusing him. 11 Herod with his soldiers showed Jesus contempt and they mocked him. Then they dressed him in splendid clothes and sent him back to Pilate. 12 For Herod and Pilate had become friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been enemies with each other.
13 Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the crowd of people 14 and said to them, "You brought to me this man like a man who is misleading the people, and see, I, having questioned him before you, find no guilt in this man concerning those things of which you accuse him. 15 No, nor does Herod, for he sent him back to us, and see, nothing worthy of death has been done by him. 16 I will therefore punish him and release him." 17[1]18 But they cried out all together, saying, "Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas!" 19 Barabbas was a man who had been put into prison for a certain rebellion in the city and for murder. 20 Pilate addressed them again, desiring to release Jesus. 21 But they shouted, saying, "Crucify him, crucify him." 22 He said to them a third time, "Why, what evil has this man done? I have found no guilt deserving death in him. Therefore after punishing him, I will release him." 23 But they were insistent with loud voices, demanding for him to be crucified. Their voices convinced Pilate. 24 So Pilate decided to grant their demand. 25 He released the one they asked for who had been put in prison for rebellion and murder. But he delivered up Jesus to their will.
26 As they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him to carry, following Jesus.
27 A great crowd of the people, and of women who grieved and mourned for him, were following him. 28 But turning to them, Jesus said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For see, the days are coming in which they will say, 'Blessed are the barren and the wombs that did not bear, and the breasts that did not nurse.'
30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains,
'Fall on us,' and to the hills, 'Cover us.' 31 For if they do these things while the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?"
32 Other men, two criminals, were led away with him to be put to death.
33 When they came to the place that is called "The Skull," there they crucified him and the criminals—one on his right and one on his left. 34 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Then they cast lots, dividing up his garments.
35 The people stood watching while the rulers also were mocking him, saying, "He saved others. Let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, the chosen one."
36 The soldiers also ridiculed him, approaching him, offering him vinegar, 37 and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself." 38 There was also a sign over him, "This is the King of the Jews."
39 One of the criminals who was hanging there insulted him by saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us."
40 But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 We indeed are here justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds. But this man did nothing wrong." 42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
43 Jesus said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise."
44 It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour 45 as the sun turned dark. Then the curtain of the temple was split in two. 46 Crying with a loud voice, Jesus said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." Having said this, he died.
47 When the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, "Surely this was a righteous man." 48 When all the multitudes who came together to witness this sight saw the things that were done, they returned beating their breasts. 49 But all those who knew him, and the women who followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
50 Behold, there was a man named Joseph, who was a member of the Council. He was a good and righteous man. 51 This man had not agreed with their plan and action. He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, and he was looking for the kingdom of God. 52 This man, approaching Pilate, asked for the body of Jesus. 53 He took it down, wrapped it in fine linen, and placed it in a tomb that was cut in stone, where no one had ever been laid. 54 It was the Day of the Preparation, and the Sabbath was about to begin. 55 The women who had come with Jesus out of Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. 56 They returned and prepared spices and ointments.
Then on the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
The ULB sets the last line of this chapter apart because it is more connected with chapter 24 than with chapter 23.
The chief priests and scribes accused Jesus of doing evil because they wanted Pilate to kill Jesus. But they were accusing him falsely, because Jesus had never done what they accused him of doing.
The curtain in the temple was an important symbol that showed that people needed to have someone speak to God for them. They could not speak to God directly because all people are sinful and God hates sin. God split the curtain to show that Jesus's people can now speak to God directly because Jesus has paid for their sins.
The tomb in which Jesus was buried (Luke 23:53) was the kind of tomb in which wealthy Jewish families buried their dead. It was an actual room cut into a rock. It had a flat place on one side where they could place the body after they had put oil and spices on it and wrapped it in cloth. Then they would roll a large rock in front of the tomb so no one could see inside or enter.
Pilate was saying that he did not know of any reason why he should punish Jesus: Jesus had not broken any laws. Pilate was not saying that Jesus was perfect.
Jesus is brought before Pilate.
"All of the Jewish leaders" or "All the members of the Council"
This is an idiom that means that they began to act decisively.
To appear before someone means to enter into their authority. Alternate translation: "to be judged by Pilate"
"We" refers only the Council members, and not to Pilate of any other people nearby.
"causing our people to do things that are not right" or "causing trouble by telling lies to our people"
"telling them not to pay taxes"
Caesar represents the Emperor of Rome. Alternate translation: "to the Emperor"
"Pilate asked Jesus"
Possible meanings are 1) by saying this, Jesus implied that he is the King of the Jews. Alternate translation: "Yes, as you said, I am" or "Yes. It is as you said" or 2) by saying this, Jesus was saying that Pilate, not Jesus, was the one calling him the King of the Jews. Alternate translation: "You yourself have said so"
large groups of people
"I do not find this man guilty of anything"
"causes trouble among"
This can be translated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: "all Judea. He began causing trouble in Galilee and now is causing trouble here"
"heard that Jesus began to teach in Galilee"
Pilate wanted to know from which area Jesus came because he wanted to have a lower-ranking government official judge Jesus. If Jesus were from Galilee, Pilate could have Herod judge Jesus because Herod had authority over Galilee.
This refers to Jesus.
"Pilate found out"
The passage does not state the implied fact that Herod was the ruler of Galilee. Alternate translation: "Jesus was under the authority of Herod because Herod ruled over Galilee"
"Pilate sent"
This refers to Herod.
"at that time"
"Herod was very glad"
"Herod had wanted to see Jesus"
"Herod had heard about Jesus"
Here the word "hope" means to expect that something one desires might happen. Alternate translation: "Herod expected that he might see some sign done by him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to see him do some kind of sign" or "that he might see Jesus do some sign"
a miracle that would show that Jesus was more than a mere man
"Herod asked Jesus a lot of questions"
"did not reply" or "did not give Herod an answer"
"the scribes were standing there"
They were showing great anger and using strong words and accusing him of many things.
"Herod and his soldiers"
"put beautiful clothes on him." The translation should not imply that this was done to honor or care for Jesus. They did it to mock Jesus and to make fun of him.
The implied information is that they became friends because Herod appreciated Pilate allowing him to judge Jesus. Alternate translation: "Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day because Pilate had sent Jesus to Herod for judgment"
This information is enclosed in parentheses to show that it is background information. Use a format that your audience would understand.
"called the chief priests and the rulers and the crowd of people to come meet together"
It is not likely that Pilate asked a crowd to come. The crowd was probably still there waiting to see what would happen to Jesus. Alternate translation: "the crowd that was still there"
This refers to Jesus.
"saying that he"
"urging the people to act badly" or "trying to get the people to rebel against the government"
"I have questioned Jesus in your presence and." It is implied that they were witnesses to the proceedings. Alternate translation: "I have questioned Jesus with you here as witnesses, and I"
"do not think that he is guilty"
Pilate continues speaking to the Jewish leaders and to the crowd.
We can understand what Herod did not do from what Pilate said about himself in verse 14. Alternate translation: "Nor does Herod find guilt in this man" or "Even Herod thinks he is innocent"
"nor does Herod, because" or "nor does Herod. We know this because"
"Herod sent Jesus to return to us." The word "us" refers to Pilate, his soldiers, and the priests and scribes, but not those who were listening to Pilate.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he has not done anything to deserve a death sentence"
Because Pilate had found no fault in Jesus he should have released him without punishment. It is not necessary to try to make this statement fit logically into the translation. Pilate punished Jesus, whom he knew to be innocent, only because he was afraid of the crowd.
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Verse 19 tells us background information about who Barabbas is.
"all the people in the crowd shouted"
"Take this man away! Release." They are asking him to have his soldiers kill Jesus. Alternate translation: "Take this man away and execute him! Release"
"us" refers to the crowd only, and not to Pilate and his soldiers.
This is background information that Luke gives about who Barabbas was.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom the Romans had put in prison"
"trying to persuade the people of the city to rebel against the Roman government"
"spoke to them again" or "spoke again to the people in the crowd and to the religious rulers"
"because he wanted to set Jesus free"
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"Pilate said to the crowd again, for the third time"
Pilate uses this question to cause the crowd to understand that Jesus is innocent. Alternate translation: "this man has not done anything wrong!"
"I have not learned of anything he has done for which I should put him to death"
As in Luke 23:16, Pilate should have released Jesus without punishment because he was innocent. However, he offered to punish Jesus to appease the crowd.
"I will set him free"
"the crowd insisted"
"with shouting"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for Pilate to have his soldiers crucify Jesus"
"The crowd kept shouting until they convinced Pilate"
"to do what the crowd requested"
Pilate released Barrabas from prison. Alternate translation: "Pilate freed Barabbas, whom the crowd had asked be released"
This is background information about where Barrabas was at that time. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom the Romans had put in prison ... murder"
"Pilate commanded the soldiers to bring Jesus to them to do whatever the crowd wanted to do"
"While the soldiers led Jesus away from where Pilate was"
The Roman soldiers had the authority to compel people to carry their loads. Do not translate this in a way that indicates that Simon was arrested or had done anything wrong.
"a man named Simon, from the city of Cyrene"
"who was coming into Jerusalem from the countryside"
"put the cross on his shoulders"
"and he followed behind Jesus"
"A large crowd"
The woman were part of the large crowd, and not a separate crowd.
"mourned for Jesus"
This does not mean that they were Jesus's disciples. It simply means they were walking along behind him.
This indicates that Jesus turned to face the women and address them directly.
The "daughter" of a city means the women of the city. This was not rude. It was a normal form of address to a group of women from one location. Alternate translation: "You women who are from Jerusalem"
The person is a metonym for what happens to the person. Alternate translation: "do not weep about the bad things that will happen to me. Instead, weep because worse things will happen to you and to your children" or "you are weeping because bad things are happening to me, but you will weep even more when worse things happen to you and your children"
Jesus finishes speaking to the crowd.
This introduces the reason why the women of Jerusalem should weep for themselves.
"there will soon be a time"
"when people will say"
"women who have not given birth to children"
These clauses are used to more fully describe "the barren." Those women neither gave birth nor nursed children. It may be helpful to combine these together with "the barren." Alternate translation: "the women who have never given birth to children or nursed babies"
This can refer to either the Romans or the Jewish leaders, or to people in general.
at that time
Words are left out to keep the phrase short. Alternate translation: "they will say to the hills"
Jesus uses a question to help the crowd understand that people are doing bad things now in good times, so certainly they will do worse things in the bad times in the future. Alternate translation: "You can see that they are doing these bad things while the tree is green, so you can be sure that they will do worse things when the tree is dry."
The green tree is a metaphor for something that is good. If your language has a similar metaphor, you should use it here.
The dry wood is a metaphor for something that will be useful only to burn.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The soldiers led away with Jesus two criminals to execute them also"
"Two other men who were criminals" or "Two criminals." Luke avoids saying "other criminals" because Jesus was innocent, even though he was treated as a criminal. Luke calls the other two men criminals, but not Jesus.
The word "they" includes the soldiers, the criminals, and Jesus.
"the Roman soldiers crucified Jesus"
"they crucified one criminal on Jesus's right side and the other criminal on Jesus's left side"
The word "them" refers to those who were crucifying Jesus. Jesus speaks to his Father with compassion toward the men crucifying him.
This is an important title for God.
"because they do not understand what they are doing." The Roman soldiers did not understand that they were crucifying the Son of God. Alternate translation: "for they do not really know whom they are crucifying"
The soldiers participated in a type of gambling. Alternate translation: "they gambled"
"cast lots to decide who among the soldiers would take home each piece of Jesus's clothing"
"The people were standing there"
This refers to Jesus.
Luke records the ironic words of the rulers. The only way Jesus could save others was by dying instead of saving himself.
"Jesus should be able to save himself." They said this to mock Jesus. They did not believe he could save himself. Alternate translation: "We would like to see him prove who he is by saving himself from the cross"
"the one that God has chosen"
Jesus
"coming close to Jesus"
"offering Jesus vinegar to drink." Vinegar is a cheap drink that common people drink. The soldiers were mocking Jesus by giving a cheap drink to someone who claims to be a king.
The soldiers were mocking Jesus. Alternate translation: "We do not believe you are the King of the Jews, but if you are, prove us wrong by saving yourself"
"a placard at the top of Jesus's cross that stated"
The people who put this sign above Jesus were mocking him. They did not really think he was a king.
"reviled Jesus"
The criminal uses a question to mock Jesus. Alternate translation: "You claim to be the Christ. Save yourself" or "If you really were the Christ, you would save yourself"
The criminal did not really think that Jesus could rescue them from the cross.
"the other criminal rebuked him"
The criminal uses a question to scold the other criminal. Alternate translation: "You should fear God, because you are under the same sentence of condemnation."
"the government has condemned you to be punished in the same way"
These usages of "we" refer only to the two criminals, and not to Jesus or the other people.
"Truly we deserve this punishment"
This refers to Jesus.
"The criminal also said"
"think about me and treat me well"
To "come into" a kingdom means to begin to rule. Alternate translation: "begin to rule as king"
"Truly" adds emphasis to what Jesus is saying. Alternate translation: "I want you to know that today"
This is the place that righteous people go to when they die. Jesus was assuring the man that he would be with God and God would accept him. Alternate translation: "the place where the righteous people live" or "the place where people live well"
"about noon." This reflects the custom at the time of counting hours beginning with daybreak at 6 a.m.
"the entire land became dark"
"until 3 p.m." This reflects the custom at the time of counting hours beginning with daybreak at 6 a.m.
This does not refer to sundown. Rather, the light of the sun turned dark during the middle of the day. Use a term to describe the sun becoming dark rather than the sun going down.
"the curtain inside the temple." This was the curtain that separated the most holy place from the rest of the temple.
"the curtain of the temple was torn into two pieces." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God tore the temple curtain into two pieces"
"Shouting loudly." It may be helpful to show how this is related to the events of the previous verses. Alternate translation: "When that happened, Jesus shouted loudly"
This is an important title for God.
"The phrase "into your hands" refers to God's care. Alternate translation: "I entrust my spirit to your care" or "I give my spirit to you, knowing you will care for it"
"After Jesus said this"
"Jesus died"
This was the title for the Roman officer who was in charge of the other Roman soldiers. He supervised the crucifixion.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all the things that had happened"
"this man did nothing wrong" or "this man did not do anything wrong"
large groups of people
"who gathered together"
"see this event" or "observe what was happening"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "what had happened"
"returned to their homes beating"
This was a symbol of sorrow and regret. Alternate translation: "hitting their own chests to show that they were sorrowful"
"traveled with Jesus"
"some distance away from Jesus"
"what happened"
The author begins to give background information about the man who buried Jesus's body.
The word "behold" alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this. Alternate translation: "There was a man who was"
"the Jewish Council"
The author finishes giving background information about the man who buried Jesus's body. It may be helpful to reorder some of the information in this verse and the previous verse with a verse bridge, as the UDB does.
What the decision was can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "with either the Council's decision to kill Jesus or with their action in killing him"
"a city in which most people were Jews"
"This man went to Pilate and requested the body of Jesus, to bury it."
"Joseph took Jesus's body from the cross." He probably had help, so this may be a synecdoche. Alternate translation: "Joseph and some helpers took it down"
"wrapped the body in a fine linen cloth." This was the normal burial custom at that time.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which someone had cut in a rock cliff"
This can be translated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: "No one had ever before put a body in that tomb"
"the day when people got ready for the Jewish day of rest called the Sabbath"
For the Jews, the day began at sunset. Alternate translation: "it was soon going to be sunset, the start of the Sabbath"
"who had traveled with Jesus from the region of Galilee"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "walked along behind Joseph and the men who were with him; the women saw the tomb and how the men laid Jesus's body inside the tomb"
"The women went to the houses where the women were staying"
Because they had had no time to honor Jesus by putting fragrant spices and ointments on his body on the day he died, they were going to do it on the morning of the first day of the week. Alternate translation: "prepared spices and ointments to put on Jesus's body"
"the women did no work"
"according to the Jewish law" or "as the Jewish law required." According to the law, they were not allowed to prepare his body on the Sabbath.
1 Very early on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices which they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 They entered in, but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 It happened that, while they were confused about this, suddenly, two men stood by them in bright shining garments. 5 As the women were terrified and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said to the women, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has been raised! Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee, 7 saying that the Son of Man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and on the third day rise again." 8 The women remembered his words 9 and returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and all the rest. 10 Now Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them reported these things to the apostles. 11 But this message seemed like idle talk to the apostles, and they did not believe the women. 12 Yet Peter rose up and ran to the tomb, and, stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves. Peter then departed to his home, wondering what had happened.
13 Behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadia from Jerusalem. 14 They discussed with each other about all the things that had happened. 15 It happened that, while they discussed and questioned together, Jesus himself approached and went with them. 16 But their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. 17 Jesus said to them, "What are these matters you two are discussing as you walk?" They stood there looking sad.
18 One of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only person in Jerusalem who does not know the things which have happened there these days?"
19 Jesus said to them, "What things?"
They answered him, "The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet, mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. Yes, and what is more, it is now the third day since all these things happened. 22 But also, some women of our company amazed us, having been at the tomb early in the morning. 23 When they did not find his body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24 Some men who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said. But they did not see him."
25 Jesus said to them, "O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things, and to enter into his glory?" 27 Then beginning from Moses and through all the prophets, Jesus interpreted to them the things concerning himself in all the scriptures.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as though he were going further. 29 But they compelled him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is almost over." So Jesus went in to stay with them. 30 It happened that, when he had sat down with them to eat, he took the bread, blessed it, and breaking it, he gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they knew him, and he vanished out of their sight. 32 They said one to another, "Was not our heart burning within us, while he spoke to us on the way, while he opened to us the scriptures?" 33 They rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem. They found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, 34 saying, "The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon." 35 So they told the things that happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.
36 As they spoke these things, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, "Peace be to you." 37 But they were terrified and filled with fear and thought that they were seeing a spirit. 38 Jesus said to them, "Why are you troubled? Why do questions arise in your heart? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see me having." 40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 They still could not believe it because of joy, and they were amazed. Jesus said to them, "Do you have anything to eat?" 42 They gave him a piece of a broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it before them.
44 He said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you when I was with you, that all that was written in the law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." 45 Then he opened their minds, that they might understand the scriptures. 46 He said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and rise again from the dead on the third day. 47 Repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 See, I am sending you what my Father promised. But remain in the city until you are clothed with power from on high."
50 Then Jesus led them out until they were near Bethany. He lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 It happened that, while he was blessing them, he left them and was carried up into heaven. 52 So they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 They were continually in the temple, blessing God.
The tomb in which Jesus was buried (Luke 24:1) was the kind of tomb in which wealthy Jewish families buried their dead. It was an actual room cut into a rock. It had a flat place on one side where they could place the body after they had put oil and spices on it and wrapped it in cloth. Then they would roll a large rock in front of the tomb so no one could see inside or enter.
Most of Luke's original readers would have thought of women as less important than men, but Luke carefully shows that some women loved Jesus very much and had more faith than the twelve disciples had.
Luke wants his readers to understand that Jesus came alive again in a physical body (Luke 24:38-43).
Jesus refers to himself as the "Son of Man" in this chapter
Jesus told his followers that he would become alive again "on the third day" (Luke 18:33). He died on a Friday afternoon (before sunset) and became alive again on a Sunday, so he became alive again "on the third day" because the Jews said that the day began and ended at sunset, and they counted any part of the day as a day. Friday was the first day, Saturday was the second day, and Sunday was the third day.
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all wrote about angels in white clothing with the women at Jesus's tomb. Two of the authors called them men, but that is only because the angels were in human form. Two of the authors wrote about two angels, but the other two authors wrote about only one of them. It is best to translate each of these passages as it appears in the ULB without trying to make the passages all say exactly the same thing. (See: Matthew 28:1-2 and Mark 16:5 and Luke 24:4 and John 20:12)
The women (Luke 23:55) return to the tomb with spices to put on Jesus's body.
"Before dawn on Sunday"
"the women arrived at the tomb." These were the women spoken of in Luke 23:55.
This tomb was cut in the rock of a cliff.
These were the same spices they prepared in Luke 23:56.
"They saw that the stone was"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that someone had rolled the stone"
This was a large, cut, round stone big enough to completely block the doorway to the tomb. It required several men to roll it.
You can state explicitly that they did not find it because it was not there. Alternate translation: "the body of the Lord Jesus was not there"
Two angels appear and begin speaking to the women.
This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
"became very afraid"
"bowed low to the ground." This action expresses their humility and submission to the men.
The men use a question to mildly criticize the women for looking in a tomb for a living person. Alternate translation: "You are looking for a living person among dead people!" or "You should not be looking for someone who is alive in a place where they bury dead people!"
Here "you" is plural, referring to the women who came.
"but he has been made alive again." "Raised" here is an idiom for "caused to live again." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because God has made him alive again"
"Remember what"
The word "you" is plural. It refers to the women and possibly the other disciples in addition.
The angels finish speaking to the women.
This is the beginning of an indirect quote. It can also be translated with a direct quote, as in the UDB.
The phrase "must be" means this is something that would certainly happen because God had already decided that it would happen. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "it was necessary that they hand the Son of Man over to sinful men who would crucify him"
Here "hands" refers to power or control.
The Jews counted any portion of a day as a day. Therefore, the day Jesus was raised was the "third day" because it followed the day of his burial and the Sabbath day.
Here "words" refers to the statement that Jesus made. Alternate translation: "remembered what Jesus said"
The women go to tell the apostles about what they found at the tomb.
"the eleven apostles and all the rest of the disciples who were with them"
This is Luke's first reference to the "eleven" because there had always been twelve before. But Judas left the twelve and betrayed Jesus.
This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here Luke gives the names of some of the women who came from the tomb and told the apostles what had happened there.
"But the apostles thought that what the women said was foolish talk"
This phrase contrasts Peter to the other apostles. He did not dismiss what the women said, but ran to the tomb to see for himself.
This is an idiom that means "began to act." Whether Peter was sitting or standing when he decided to act is not important. Alternate translation: "started out"
Peter had to bend over in order to see inside the tomb because tombs cut in solid rock were very low. Alternate translation: "bending himself at the waist"
"only the linen cloths." This refers to the cloths that had been wrapped around Jesus's body when he was buried in [Luke 23:53]
"went away to his home"
Two of the disciples are on their way to Emmaus.
The author uses this word to mark the beginning of a new event.
"two of the disciples"
"that same day." This refers to the day when the women found the tomb to be empty.
This is the name of a town.
"eleven kilometers." A "stadium" was 185 meters.
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This phrase is used here to mark where the action starts. It starts with Jesus approaching them. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
The word "himself" emphasizes the fact that the very Jesus they were talking about actually appeared to them. So far the women had seen the angels, but no one had seen Jesus.
"their eyes were kept from recognizing Jesus." The men's ability to recognize Jesus is spoken of as their eyes' ability to recognize him. This can be stated in active form. It is most likely that it was God who prevented them from recognizing Jesus. Alternate translation: "something happened to them so they could not recognize him" or "God prevented them from recognizing him"
"Jesus said to the two men"
This is the name of a man.
Cleopas uses this question to show his surprise that this man appears not to know about the things that have happened in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "You must be the only person ... days."
Here "you" is singular.
"What things have happened" or "What things have taken place"
This means that God caused Jesus to be mighty and that the people saw that he was mighty. Alternate translation: "a prophet to whom God gave power to do and teach great things that were amazing to all the people"
"gave him over"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "in order for the governor to put Jesus to death by crucifying him"
The two men continue responding to Jesus.
Here the word "hope" means "expect" or "think" that something might be true. By saying "we hoped" the two men show that they no longer think that Jesus is the one who will redeem Israel. Alternate translation: "But we thought that he might be the one"
The Romans ruled over the Jews. Alternate translation: "who would free the Israelites from our Roman enemies"
This introduces another reason why they believed Jesus would not free Israel. Alternate translation: "Now that does not seem possible because"
The Jews counted any portion of a day as a day. Therefore, the day Jesus was raised was the "third day" because it followed the day of his burial and the Sabbath day. See how you translated this in [Luke 24:7]
"since all the many actions that led up to the death of Jesus have taken place"
This introduces another reason why it the men did not understand what was happening concerning Jesus.
"in our group"
The women were the ones who were at the tomb.
"angels in a vision"
The two men finish responding to Jesus.
"they did not see Jesus"
Jesus is speaking to the two disciples.
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's mind. Alternate translation: "your minds are slow to believe" or "you are slow to believe"
Jesus uses a question to remind the disciples about what the prophets said. Alternate translation: "It was necessary ... glory."
This refers to Jesus beginning to rule and to receive honor and glory.
Moses wrote the first books of the Bible. Alternate translation: "beginning with the writings of Moses"
"Jesus explained to them"
The two men understood from his actions that he was going on to another destination. Perhaps he kept walking on the road when they turned off to enter the gate into the village. There is no indication that Jesus deceived them with words.
You may need to make explicit what they compelled him to do. This is probably an exaggeration to show that they needed to speak with him for a long time before they could change his mind. The word "compel" means to use physical force, but it seems that they persuaded him using only words. Alternate translation: "they were able to persuade him to stay"
The Jewish day ended at sundown.
"Jesus entered the house"
"stay with the two disciples"
This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
This refers to bread made without yeast. It does not refer to food in general.
"gave thanks for it" or "thanked God for it"
Their "eyes" represent their understanding. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then they understood" or "Then they realized"
"they recognized him." These disciples had known him before his death.
This means that suddenly he was no longer there. It does not mean that he became invisible.
They use a question to emphasize how amazed they were about their encounter with Jesus. The intense feelings they had while talking to Jesus are spoken of as if they were a fire burning inside them. Alternate translation: "Our hearts were burning ... scriptures."
The two men were speaking to each other. The word "us" is dual inclusive for languages that make these distinctions.
Jesus did not open a book or scroll. "opened" refers to their understanding. Alternate translation: "while he explained the scriptures to us" or "while he enabled us to understand the scriptures"
The two men go to Jerusalem to the eleven disciples to tell them about Jesus.
"They" refers to the two men.
"got up" or "stood up"
This refers to Jesus's apostles. Judas was no longer included with them.
"and those people told the two men"
"So the two men told them"
This refers to Jesus appearing to them while they were on their way to the village of Emmaus.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "how they recognized Jesus"
"when Jesus broke the bread" or "when Jesus tore the bread"
Jesus appears to the disciples. When the two men previously arrived at the house where the Eleven were, Jesus was not with them.
The word "himself" focuses on Jesus and the surprise of Jesus actually appearing to them. Most of them had not seen him after his resurrection.
"among them"
"May you have peace" or "May God give you peace!" The word "you" is plural.
"But" indicates a strong contrast. Jesus told them to be at peace, but they were very afraid instead.
"startled and afraid." These two phrases mean about the same thing, and are used together to emphasize their fear.
Here it refers to the spirit of a dead person.
Jesus uses a question to comfort them. Alternate translation: "Do not be frightened."
Jesus uses a question to mildly rebuke them. Jesus was telling them not to doubt that he was alive. The word "heart" is a metonym for a persons' mind. Alternate translation: "Do not doubt in your minds!" or "Stop doubting!"
Jesus asks them to confirm by touch that he is not a ghost. It may be helpful to combine and reorder these two sentences. Alternate translation: "Touch me and feel that I have flesh and bones that a ghost would not have"
This is a way of referring to the physical body.
It is understood that his hands and feet contained the nail marks from his crucifixion that would prove it was really Jesus. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "the wounds in his hands and his feet"
"They were so full of joy that they still could not believe it was really true"
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Jesus does this to prove that he has a physical body. Spirits would not be able to eat food.
"in front of them" or "while they were watching"
"when I was with you before"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God would fulfill all that was written ... Psalms" or "God would cause all that was written ... Psalms to happen"
The words "law of Moses," "the Prophets," and "the Psalms" are proper names for parts of the Hebrew Bible. This can be stated in active form and using common nouns. Alternate translation: "all that Moses wrote in the law, all that the prophets wrote, and all that the writers of the Psalms wrote about me"
To "open the mind" is an idiom that means to enable someone to understand. Alternate translation: "Then he enabled them to understand the scriptures"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "This is what people long ago wrote"
In this verse the words "rise again" mean "come alive again." The words "the dead" speak of all dead people together in the underworld.
The Jews counted any portion of a day as a day. Therefore, the day Jesus was raised was the "third day" because it followed the day of his burial and the Sabbath day. See how you translated this in [Luke 24:7]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Followers of the Christ should preach to people in all the nations that they need to repent and that they need God to forgive their sins through Jesus"
His "name" here refers to his authority. Alternate translation: "by the Christ's authority"
"all the ethnic communities" or "all the people groups"
"starting in Jerusalem"
Jesus continues speaking to the disciples.
"You are to tell others that what you saw about me is true." The disciples had observed Jesus's life, death, and resurrection and could describe to other people what he did.
"I will give you what my Father promised to give you." God had promised to give the Holy Spirit. The UDB makes this explicit.
This is an important title for God.
God's power will cover them in the same way that clothes cover a person. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you receive power"
"from above" or "from God"
"Jesus led the disciples outside the city"
This was the action that priests performed when they blessed the people.
"It came about." This introduces a new event in the story.
"while Jesus was asking God to do good to them"
Since Luke does not specify who carried Jesus up, we do not know if it was God himself or one or more angels. If your language would have to specify who did the carrying, it would be better to use "went" instead, as the UDB does.
These verses tell us about the ongoing actions of the disciples as the story ends.
"the disciples worshiped Jesus"
"and then returned"
This is an exaggeration to express that they went into the temple courtyard every day.
Only priests were allowed into the temple building. Alternate translation: "in the temple courtyard"
"praising God"
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 This one was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him there was not one thing made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
6 There was a man who was sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 John was not the light, but came that he might testify about the light.
9 The true light, which gives light to all men, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own did not receive him. 12 But to as many as received him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 These were not born of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 The Word became flesh and lived among us. We have seen his glory, glory as of the one and only who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John testified about him and cried out, saying, "This was the one of whom I said, 'He who comes after me is greater than I am, for he was before me.'" 16 For from his fullness we have all received grace after grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made God known.
19 This is the testimony of John when the Jews sent priests and Levites to him from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" 20 He confessed—he did not deny, but confessed—"I am not the Christ." 21 So they asked him, "What are you then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." They said, "Are you the prophet?" He answered, "No." 22 Then they said to him, "Who are you, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?" 23 He said, "I am a voice, crying in the wilderness: 'Make the way of the Lord straight,' just as Isaiah the prophet said."
24 Now some from the Pharisees were sent, 25 and they asked him and said to him, "Why do you baptize then if you are not the Christ nor Elijah nor the prophet?" 26 John answered them, saying, "I baptize with water. But among you stands someone you do not know. 27 He is the one who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie." 28 These things were done in Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
29 The next day John saw Jesus coming to him and said, "Look, there is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one of whom I said, 'The one who comes after me is more than me, for he was before me.' 31 I did not know him, but it was so that he could be revealed to Israel that I came baptizing with water." 32 John testified, saying, "I saw the Spirit coming down like a dove from heaven, and it stayed upon him. 33 I did not recognize him, but he who sent me to baptize in water said to me, 'The one on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' 34 I have both seen and testified that this is the Son of God."
35 Again, the next day, as John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 they saw Jesus walking by, and John said, "Look, the Lamb of God!" 37 His two disciples heard him say this and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, "What are you looking for?" They replied, "Rabbi" (which is translated "Teacher"), "where are you staying?" 39 He said to them, "Come and see." Then they came and saw where he was staying; they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour.
40 One of the two who heard John speak and then followed Jesus was Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated "Christ"). 42 He brought him to Jesus, and Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which is translated "Peter").
43 The next day, when Jesus wanted to leave to go to Galilee, he found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathaniel and said to him, "He of whom Moses wrote in the law, and the prophets, we have found him: Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth." 46 Nathaniel said to him, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." 47 Jesus saw Nathaniel coming to him and said about him, "See, a true Israelite, in whom is no deceit!" 48 Nathaniel said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." 49 Nathaniel replied, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" 50 Jesus replied and said to him, "Because I said to you, 'I saw you underneath the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than this." 51 Then he said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 1:23, which is from the Old Testament.
John uses the phrase "the Word" to refer to Jesus (John 1:1, 14). John is saying that God's most important message to all people is actually Jesus, a person with a physical body. (See: wordofgod)
The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: righteous)
When people believe in Jesus, they go from being "children of wrath" to "children of God." They are adopted into the "family of God." This is an important image that is used many times in the New Testament. (See: believe and adoption)
John uses the metaphors of light and darkness and of the Word to tell the reader that he will be writing more about good and evil and about what God wants to tell people through Jesus.
Some languages and cultures speak of the world as if it has always existed, as if it had no beginning. But "very long ago" is different from "in the beginning," and you need to be sure that your translation communicates correctly.
Jesus refers to himself as the "Son of Man" in this chapter
This refers to the very earliest time before God created the heavens and the earth.
This refers to Jesus. Translate as "the Word" if possible. If "Word" is feminine in your language, it could be translated as "the one who is called the Word."
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This can be translated with an active verb. Alternate translation: "God made all things through him"
This can be translated with an active verb. If your language does not permit double negatives, these words should communicate that the opposite of "all things were made through him" is false. Alternate translation: "God did not make anything without him" or "with him there was every thing made that has been made" or "God made with him every thing that God has made"
"In him was life" is a metonym for causing everything to live. And, "light" here is a metaphor for "truth." Alternate translation: "He is the one who caused everything to live. And he revealed to people what is true about God"
Here "him" refers to the one who is called the Word.
Here use a general term for "life." If you must be more specific, translate as "spiritual life."
Here "light" is a metaphor for what is true and good. Here "darkness" is a metaphor what is false and evil. Alternate translation: "The truth is like a light shining into a dark place, and no one in the dark place could put out the light"
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Here "light" is a metaphor for the revelation of God in Jesus. Alternate translation: "show how Jesus is like the true light of God"
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Here light is a metaphor that represents Jesus as the one who both reveals the truth about God and is himself that truth.
"Even though he was in this world, and God created everything through him, people still did not recognize him"
The "world" is a metonym that stands for all the people who live in the world. Alternate translation: "the people did not know who he really was"
"He came to his own fellow countrymen, and his own fellow countrymen did not accept him either"
"accept him." To receive someone is to welcome him and treat him with honor in hopes of building a relationship with him.
The word "name" is a metonym that stands for Jesus's identity and everything about him. Alternate translation: "believed in him"
"he gave them the authority" or "he made it possible for them"
The word "children" is a metaphor that represents our relationship to God, which is like children to a father.
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This refers to Jesus. Translate as "the Word" if possible. If "Word" is feminine in your language, it could be translated as "the one who is called the Word." See how you translated this in John 1:1.
Here "flesh" represents "a person" or "a human being." Alternate translation: "became human" or "became a human being"
The phrase "the one and only" means that he is unique, that no one else is like him. The phrase "who came from the Father" means that he is the Father's child. Alternate translation: "the unique Son of the Father" or "the only Son of the Father"
This is an important title for God.
"full of kind acts towards us, acts we do not deserve"
John is speaking about Jesus. The phrase "comes after me" means that John's ministry has already started and Jesus's ministry will start later.
"is more important than I am" or "has more authority than I have"
Be careful not to translate this in a way that suggests that Jesus is more important because he is older than John in human years. Jesus is greater and more important than John because he is God the Son, who has always been alive.
This word refers to God's grace that has no end.
"blessing after blessing"
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This phrase refers to God the Son. Alternate translation: "the only Son, who is himself God"
The Greek word that is translated here as "only" is translated by some as "only begotten." This means the only one that comes or procedes from God. The phrases "Son" and "procedes from" can be used to express some of the meaning of the word "begotten." Alternate translation: "the only begotten God" or "the only begotten Son, who is himself God" or "the only Son who proceeds from God and is himself God"
This is an important title for God.
The word "Jews" here represents the "Jewish leaders." Alternate translation: "the Jewish leaders sent"
The phrase "he did not deny" says in negative terms the same thing that "He confessed" says in positive terms. This emphasizes that John was telling the truth and was strongly stating that he was not the Christ. Your language may have a different way of doing this.
"What then is the case, if you are not the Messiah?" or "What then is going on?" or "What then are you doing?"
John continues to speak with the priests and Levites.
"the priests and Levites said to John"
the priests and Levites, not John
"John said"
John is saying that Isaiah's prophecy is about himself. The word "voice" here refers to the person who is crying out in the wilderness. Alternate translation: "I am the one calling out in the wilderness"
Here the word "way" is used as a metaphor. Alternate translation: "Prepare yourselves for the Lord's arrival the same way that people prepare the road for an important person to use"
This is background information about the people who questioned John.
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Verse 28 tells us background information about the setting of the story.
John is speaking about Jesus. The phrase "comes after me" means that John's ministry has already started and Jesus's ministry will start later.
Untying sandals was the work of a slave or servant. These words are a metaphor for the most unpleasant work of a servant. Alternate translation: "me, whom I am not worthy to serve in even the most unpleasant way" or "me. I am not even worthy to untie the strap of his sandal"
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This is a metaphor that represents God's perfect sacrifice. Jesus is called the "Lamb of God" because he was sacrificed to pay for people's sins.
The word "world" is a metonym and refers to all the people in the world.
See how you translated this in John 1:15.
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Possible meanings: 1) the Spirit descended in the form of a dove or 2) the Spirit descended in the way a dove descends.
The word "heaven" refers to the "sky."
"The one upon whom"
"he is the one who will baptize in the Holy Spirit"
Some copies of this text say "Son of God"; others say "chosen one of God."
This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
This is another day. It is the second day that John sees Jesus.
This is a metaphor that represents God's perfect sacrifice. Jesus is called the "Lamb of God" because he was sacrificed to pay for people's sins. See how you translated this same phrase in [John 1:29]
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"hour 10." This phrase indicates a time in the afternoon, before dark, at which it would be too late to start traveling to another town, possibly around 4 p.m.
These verses give us information about Andrew and how he brought his brother Peter to Jesus. This happened before they went and saw where Jesus was staying in John 1:39.
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This is not John the Baptist. "John" was a very common name.
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This is background information about Philip.
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"Nathaniel said to Philip"
This remark appears in the form of a question in order to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "No good thing can come out of Nazareth!"
This can be stated in a positive way. Alternate translation: "a completely truthful man"
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This is an important title for Jesus.
This remark appears in the form of a question to provide emphasis. Alternate translation: "You believe only because I said, 'I ... tree'!"
Translate this the way your language emphasizes that what follows is important and true.
1 Three days later, there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus and his disciples were invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." 4 Jesus said to her, "Woman, why do you come to me? My time has not yet come." 5 His mother said to the servants, "Whatever he says to you, do it."
6 Now there were six stone water pots there used for the Jewish ceremonial washing, each containing two to three metretes. 7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the water pots with water." So they filled them up to the brim. 8 Then he told the servants, "Take some out now and take it to the head waiter." So they did.
9 The head waiter tasted the water that had become wine, but he did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew). Then he called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, "Every man serves the good wine first and then the cheaper wine when they are drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." 11 This first sign Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and he revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him. 12 After this Jesus, his mother, his brothers, and his disciples went down to Capernaum and they stayed there for a few days.
13 Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 He found sellers of oxen and sheep and pigeons in the temple, and the money changers were sitting there. 15 So he made a whip of cords and drove all of them out from the temple, including both the sheep and the cattle. He scattered the coins of the money changers and turned their tables over. 16 To the pigeon sellers he said, "Take these things away from here. Stop making the house of my Father a marketplace." 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will consume me."
18 Then the Jewish authorities responded and said to him, "What sign will you show us, since you are doing these things?" 19 Jesus replied, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." 20 Then the Jewish authorities said, "This temple was built in forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?" 21 However, he was speaking about the temple of his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he said this, and they believed the scripture and this statement that Jesus had spoken.
23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover festival, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he did. 24 But Jesus did not trust in them because he knew them all, 25 because he did not need anyone to testify to him about man, for he knew what was in man.
The Jews drank wine at many meals and especially when they were celebrating special events. They did not believe that it was a sin to drink wine.
When Jesus drove the money changers out of the temple, he showed that he had authority over the temple and over all of Israel.
Jesus knew what other people were thinking only because he was and is the Son of Man and the Son of God.
John used this phrase to stop telling the main history and to tell about something that happened much later. It was right after he scolded the pigeon sellers (John 2:16) that the Jewish authorities spoke to him. It was after Jesus became alive again that his disciples remembered what the prophet had written long before and that Jesus had talkid about the temple of his body (John 2:17 and John 2:22).
Jesus and his disciples are invited to a wedding. These verse give background information about the setting of the story.
Most interpreters read this as on the third day after Jesus called Philip and Nathaniel to follow him. The first day occurs in John 1:35 and the second in John 1:43.
This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: "Someone invited Jesus and his disciples to the wedding"
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This refers to Mary. If it is impolite for a son to call his mother "woman" in your language, use another word that is polite, or leave it out.
This question is asked to provide emphasis. Alternate translation: "this has nothing to do with me." or "you should not tell me what to do."
The word "time" is a metonym that represents the right occasion for Jesus to show that he is the Messiah by working miracles. Alternate translation: "It is not yet the right time for me to perform a mighty act"
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You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "75 to 115 liters"
This means "to the very top" or "completely full."
This refers to the person in charge of the food and drink.
This is background information.
unable to tell the difference between cheap wine and expensive wine because of drinking too much alcohol
This verse is not part of the main story, but rather it gives a comment about the story.
This is a place name.
Here "his glory" refers to the mighty power of Jesus. Alternate translation: "showed his power"
This indicates that they went from a higher place to a lower place. Capernaum is northeast of Cana and is at a lower elevation.
The word "brothers" includes both brothers and sisters. All Jesus's brothers and sisters were younger than he was.
Jesus and his disciples go up to Jerusalem to the temple.
This indicates that he went from a lower place to a higher place. Jerusalem is built on a hill.
The next verse makes it clear that these people are in the temple courtyard. That area was intended for worship and not for commerce.
People are buying animals in the temple courtyard to sacrifice them to God.
Jewish authorities required people who wanted to buy animals for sacrifices to exchange their money for special money from the "money changers."
This word marks an event that happens because of something else that has happened first. In this case, Jesus has seen the money changers sitting in the temple.
"Stop buying and selling things in my Father's house"
This is a phrase Jesus uses to refer to the temple.
This is an important title that Jesus uses for God.
This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: "someone had written"
This term refers to the temple, God's house.
The word "consume" points to the metaphor of "fire." Jesus's love for the temple is like a fire that burns within him.
This refers to an event that proves something is true.
This refers to Jesus's actions against the money changers in the temple.
Jesus dared them to destroy the temple so that he could raise it up in three days. That would be the sign that he had authority to drive the sellers and animals out of the temple area. Jesus knew that they would not destroy the temple building. You can translate the words "destroy" and "raise" using the usual words for tearing down and rebuilding a building. If a command form in your language would indicate that Jesus truly intended for them to destroy the temple, it can be translated as a condition with the word "if" instead. Alternate translation: "If you destroy this temple, I will rebuild it in three days"
"cause it to stand"
"46 years ... 3 days"
The Jewish authorities misunderstood Jesus's words and thought that Jesus wanted to tear down the literal temple and build it again in three days. "Raise" is an idiom for "rebuild." Alternate translation: "you will rebuild it in three days?" or "you cannot possibly rebuild it in three days!"
This is the beginning of a comment on the story. It tells about something that happens later.
This is the end of a comment on the story. It tells about something that happens later.
Here "believe" means to accept something or trust that it is true.
This refers back to Jesus's statement in John 2:19.
The word "now" introduces us to a new event in the story.
Here "name" is a metonym that represents the person of Jesus. Alternate translation: "believed in him" or "trusted in him"
Miracles can also be called "signs" because they are used as evidence that God is the all-powerful one who has complete authority over the universe.
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Here the word "man" represents people in general. Alternate translation: "about people, for he knew what was in people"
1 Now there was a Pharisee whose name was Nicodemus, a Jewish leader. 2 This man came to Jesus at night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher that came from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him." 3 Jesus replied to him, "Truly, truly, unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
4 Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?" 5 Jesus replied, "Truly, truly, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be amazed that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' 8 The wind blows wherever it wishes; you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."
9 Nicodemus replied and said to him, "How can these things be?" 10 Jesus answered and said to him, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak what we know, and we testify about what we have seen. Yet you do not accept our testimony. 12 If I told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven—the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 so that all who believe in him may have eternal life.
16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world in order to condemn the world, but in order to save the world through him. 18 He who believes in him is not condemned, but he who does not believe is already condemned because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 This is the reason for the judgment: The light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, so that his deeds will not be exposed. 21 However, he who practices the truth comes to the light so that it may be plainly seen that his deeds have been done in God."
22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went into the land of Judea. There he spent some time with them and baptized. 23 Now John was also baptizing in Aenon near to Salim because there was much water there. People were coming to him and were being baptized, 24 for John had not yet been thrown in prison.
25 Then there arose a dispute between some of John's disciples and a Jew about ceremonial washing. 26 They went to John and said to him, "Rabbi, the one who was with you on the other side of the Jordan River, about whom you have testified, look, he is baptizing, and they are all going to him."
27 John replied, "A man cannot receive anything unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but instead, 'I have been sent before him.' 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. Now the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the voice of the bridegroom. This, then, is my joy made complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
31 "He who comes from above is above all. He who is from the earth is from the earth and speaks about the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies about what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 He who has received his testimony has confirmed that God is true. 34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God. For he does not give the Spirit by measure. 35 The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. 36 He who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God stays on him."
The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: righteous)
Jesus refers to himself as the "Son of Man" in this chapter
Nicodemus comes to see Jesus.
This word is used here to mark a new part of the story and to introduce Nicodemus.
Here "we" is exclusive, referring only to Nicodemus and the other members of the Jewish council.
Jesus and Nicodemus continue talking.
See how you translated this in John 1:51.
"born from above" or "born of God"
Possible meanings of seeing the kingdom of God are 1) seeing the place God rules over or 2) knowing what God's kingdom is like or 3) belonging to the kingdom of God.
Nicodemus uses this question to emphasize that this cannot happen. Alternate translation: "A man certainly cannot be born again when he is old!"
Nicodemus also uses this question to emphasize his belief that a second birth is impossible. "Certainly, he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb!
"again" or "twice"
the part of a woman's body where a baby grows
You can translate this in the same way you did in John 3:3.
There are two possible meanings: 1) "baptized in water and in the Spirit" or 2) "born physically and spiritually"
Entering God’s kingdom means that the people belong to God, God rules over them, and they will live with him forever. AT: "he cannot belong to the kingdom of God"
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Jesus continues speaking to Nicodemus.
"You must be born from above"
In the source language, wind and Spirit are the same word. The speaker here refers to the wind as if it were a person. Alternate translation: "The Holy Spirit is like a wind that blows wherever it wants"
This question adds emphasis to the statement. Alternate translation: "This cannot be!" or "This is not able to happen!"
Jesus knows that Nicodemus is a teacher. He is not looking for information. Alternate translation: "You are a teacher of Israel, so I am surprised you do not understand these things!" or "You are a teacher of Israel, so you should understand these things!"
The word "you" is singular and refers to Nicodemus.
The word "you" is plural and refers either the Pharisees [John 3:1]
Translate this the way your language emphasizes that what follows is important and true. See how you translated this in John 1:51.
When Jesus said "we," he was not including Nicodemus.
Jesus continues responding to Nicodemus.
In all three places "you" is plural and refers to Jews in general.
This question emphasizes the disbelief of Nicodemus and the Jews. Alternate translation: "you certainly will not believe if I tell you about heavenly things!"
spiritual things
This double negative emphasizes that he who descended from heaven is the only one who has ascended into heaven. Alternate translation: "The only one who has ascended into heaven is he who descended from heaven"
This figure of speech is called a simile. Some people will "lift up" Jesus just as Moses "lifted up" the bronze serpent in the wilderness.
The wilderness is a dry, desert place, but here it refers specifically to the place where Moses and the Israelites walked around for forty years.
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Here "world" is a metonym that refers to everyone in the world.
The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves. God himself is love and is the source of true love.
These two clauses mean nearly the same thing, said twice for emphasis, first in the negative and then in the positive. Some languages may indicate emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: God""'s real reason for sending his Son into the world was to save it"
"to punish." Usually "punish" implies that the person who has been punished is then accepted by God. When a person is condemned, he is punished but never accepted by God.
This is an important title for Jesus.
Jesus finishes responding to Nicodemus.
The word "light" is a metaphor for God's truth that is revealed in Jesus. Jesus speaks of himself in the third person. If your language does not allow people to speak of themselves in the third person, you may need to specify who the light is. The "world" is a metonym for all of the people who live in the world. Alternate translation: "The one who is like a light has revealed God's truth to all people" or "I, who am like a light, have come into the world"
Here "darkness" is a metaphor for evil.
This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: "so that the light will not show the things he does" or "so that the light does not make clear his deeds"
This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: "people may clearly see his deeds" or "everyone may clearly see the things he does"
This refers to after Jesus had spoken with Nicodemus. See how you translated this in John 2:12.
This word means "springs," as of water.
a village or town next to the Jordan River
"because there were many springs in that place"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "John was baptizing them" or "he was baptizing them"
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This can be stated in an active form for clarity. Alternate translation: "Then John's disciples and a Jew began to argue"
a fight using words
In this phrase, "look" is a command meaning "pay attention!" Alternate translation: "you have testified, 'Look! He is baptizing,'" or "you have testified. 'Look at that! He is baptizing,'"
"Nobody has any power unless"
Here "heaven" is used as a metonym to refer to God. This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: "God has given it to him"
This "You" is plural and refers to all the people John is talking to. Alternate translation: "You all" or "All of you"
This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: "God sent me to arrive before him"
John the Baptist continues speaking.
Here the "bride" and "bridegroom" are metaphors. Jesus is like the "bridegroom" and John is like the friend of the "bridegroom."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "So then I rejoice greatly" or "So I rejoice much"
The word "my" refers to John the Baptist, the one who is speaking.
"He" refers to the bridegroom, Jesus, who will continue to grow in importance.
"He who comes from heaven is more important than anyone else"
John means that Jesus is greater than he is since Jesus is from heaven, and John was born on the earth. Alternate translation: "He who is born in this world is like everyone else who lives in the world and he speaks about what happens in this world"
This means the same thing as the first sentence. John repeats this for emphasis.
John is speaking about Jesus. Alternate translation: "The one from heaven tells about what he has seen and heard in heaven"
Here John exaggerates to emphasize that only a few people believe Jesus. Alternate translation: "very few people believe him"
"Anyone who believes what Jesus says"
"proves" or "agrees"
John the Baptist finishes speaking.
"This Jesus, whom God has sent to represent him, speaks"
"For he is the one to whom God gave all the power of his Spirit"
These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus.
This means to be put in his power or control.
"A person who believes" or "Anyone who believes"
The abstract noun "wrath" can be translated with the verb "punish." Alternate translation: "God will continue to punish him"
1 Now when Jesus knew that the Pharisees had heard that he was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus himself was not baptizing, but his disciples were), 3 he left Judea and went back again to Galilee. 4 But it was necessary for him to go through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town of Samaria, called Sychar, near the piece of land that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 The well of Jacob was there. Jesus was tired from his journey and sat by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
7 A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, "Give me some water to drink." 8 For his disciples had gone away into the town to buy food.
9 Then the Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, being a Jew, are asking me, being a Samaritan woman, for something to drink?" For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.
10 Jesus answered and said to her, "If you had known the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water."
11 The woman said to him, "Sir, you do not have a bucket and the well is deep. Where then do you have the living water? 12 You are not greater, are you, than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock?"
13 Jesus replied and said to her, "Everyone who drinks from this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will not ever be thirsty again. Instead, the water that I will give him will become a fountain of water in him, springing up to eternal life."
15 The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I may not become thirsty and not have to come here to draw water."
16 Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come back here."
17 The woman answered and said to him, "I do not have a husband."
Jesus replied, "You have said correctly, 'I have no husband,' 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true."
19 The woman said to him, "Sir, I see that you are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that Jerusalem is the place where people have to worship."
21 Jesus said to her, "Believe me, woman, that an hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You worship what you do not know. We worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 However, the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to be his worshipers. 24 God is Spirit, and the people who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."
25 The woman said to him, "I know that the Messiah is coming (the one called Christ). When he comes, he will explain everything to us."
26 Jesus said to her, "I am he, the one speaking to you."
27 At that moment his disciples returned. Now they were wondering why he was speaking with a woman, but no one said, "What are you looking for?" or "Why are you speaking with her?"
28 So the woman left her water pot, went back to the town, and said to the people, 29 "Come, see a man who told me everything that I have ever done. This could not be the Christ, could it?" 30 They left the town and came to him.
31 In the meantime, the disciples were urging him, saying, "Rabbi, eat." 32 But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you do not know about." 33 So the disciples said to each other, "No one has brought him anything to eat, have they?"
34 Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work. 35 Do you not say, 'There are four more months and then the harvest comes'? I am saying to you, look up and see the fields, for they are already ripe for harvest! 36 He who is harvesting receives wages and gathers fruit for everlasting life, so that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this the saying, 'One sows, and another reaps,' is true. 38 I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor."
39 Many of the Samaritans in that city believed in him because of the report of the woman who was testifying, "He told me everything that I have done." 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. 41 Many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, "We no longer believe because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard, and we know that this one is indeed the Savior of the world."
43 After those two days, he departed from there for Galilee. 44 For Jesus himself declared that a prophet has no honor in his own country. 45 When he came into Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him. They had seen all the things that he had done in Jerusalem at the festival, for they had also gone to the festival.
46 Now he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. There was a certain royal official whose son in Capernaum was ill. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to Jesus and asked him to come down and heal his son, who was about to die. 48 Jesus then said to him, "Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe." 49 The royal official said to him, "Sir, come down before my child dies." 50 Jesus said to him, "Go. Your son lives." The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went away. 51 While he was going down, his servants met him, saying that his son was living. 52 So he asked them the hour when he began to improve. They replied to him, "Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him." 53 Then the father realized that it was at that hour that Jesus had said to him, "Your son lives." So he himself and his whole household believed. 54 This was the second sign that Jesus did when he came out of Judea to Galilee.
John 4:4-38 forms one story centered on the teaching of Jesus as the "living water," the one who gives eternal life to all who believe in him. (See: believe)
Jews avoided traveling through the region of Samaria because the Samaritans were descendants of ungodly people. So Jesus had to do what most Jews did not want to do. (See: godly and kingdomofisrael)
Jesus used these words to begin prophecies about times that could be shorter or longer than sixty minutes. "The hour" in which true worshipers will worship in spirit and truth is longer than sixty minutes.
Long before Jesus lived, the Samaritan people had broken the law of Moses by setting up a false temple in their land (John 4:20). Jesus explained to the woman that it was no longer important where people worshiped (John 4:21-24).
Harvest is when people go out to get the food they have planted so they can bring it to their houses and eat it. Jesus used this as a metaphor to teach his followers that they need to go and tell other people about Jesus so those people can be part of God's kingdom. (See: faith)
John probably told this story to show the difference between the Samaritan woman, who believed, and the Jews, who did not believe and later killed Jesus. (See: believe)
The people who truly know who God is and enjoy worshiping him and love him for who he is are the ones who truly please him. Where they worship is not important.
John 4:1-6 gives the background to the next event, Jesus's conversation with a Samaritan woman.
A long sentence begins here.
"Now Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John. When he knew that the Pharisees had heard that he was doing this"
The word "now" is used here to mark a break in the main events. Here John starts to tell a new part of the narrative.
The reflexive pronoun "himself" adds emphasis that it was not Jesus who was baptizing, but his disciples.
You may need to rearrange the entire sentence that begins with the words "Now when Jesus" in verse 1. "Now Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John (although Jesus himself was not baptizing, but his disciples were). The Pharisees heard that Jesus was doing this. When Jesus knew that the Pharisees learned what he was doing, he left Judea and went back again to Galilee"
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This is a polite request, not a command.
He did not ask his disciples to draw water for him because they had gone.
The word "him" refers to Jesus.
This remark appears in the form of a question to express the Samaritan woman's surprise that Jesus asked her for a drink. Alternate translation: "I cannot believe that you, being a Jew, are asking me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink!"
"do not associate with"
Jesus uses the metaphor "living water" to refer to the Holy Spirit, who works in a person to transform and bring new life.
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This remark occurs in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "You are not greater than our father Jacob ... livestock!"
"our ancestor Jacob"
"drank water that came from it"
"will need to drink water again"
Here the word "fountain" is a metaphor for life-giving spring of water. Alternate translation: "the water that I will give him will become like a spring of water in him"
Here "life" refers to the "spiritual life" that only God can give.
In this context, the Samaritan woman is addressing Jesus as "Sir," which is a term of respect or politeness.
"get water" or "pull water up from the well" using a container and rope
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"You spoke well when you said" or "You chose your words skillfully when you said." Jesus is acknowledging that what she had said was strictly true but was hiding a fact about her that she expected Jesus to disapprove of. He was saying neither that it was a good thing that she had no husband nor that her answer showed that she was morally good.
Jesus said this to emphasize the words "You are right in saying, 'I have no husband'" in verse 17. He wanted the woman to know that he knew she was telling the truth.
In this context the Samaritan woman is addressesing Jesus as "sir," which is a term of respect or politeness.
"I can understand that you are a prophet"
"Our forefathers" or "Our ancestors"
To believe someone is to acknowledge what the person has said is true.
Eternal salvation from sin comes from God the Father, who is Yahweh, the God of the Jews.
This is an important title for God.
Jesus means that God revealed himself and his commands to the Jewish people, not to the Samaritans. Through the Scriptures the Jewish people know who God is better than the Samaritans.
This means that God has chosen the Jews as his special people who will tell all other people about his salvation. It also means that the Christ, the one who will save the world, will be a Jew. It does not mean the Jewish people will save others from their sins. Alternate translation: "for all people will know about God's salvation because of the Jews"
Eternal salvation from sin comes from God the Father, who is Yahweh, the God of the Jews.
Jesus continues speaking to the Samaritan woman.
"However, it is now the right time for true worshipers to"
This is an important title for God.
Possible meanings are the "spirit" here is 1) the inner person, the mind and heart, what a person thinks and what he loves, different from where he goes to worship and what ceremonies he performs, or 2) the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: "in the Spirit and in truth" or "with the Spirit's help and in truth"
thinking correctly of what is true about God
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Both of these words mean "God's promised king."
This statement implies that he will tell them everything they need to know. Alternate translation: "he will tell us everything we need to know"
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"Just as Jesus was saying this, his disciples returned from town"
It was very unusual for a Jew to speak with a woman he did not know, especially if that woman was a Samaritan.
Possible meanings are 1) "no one asked Jesus, 'What ... looking for?' or 'Why ... her?'" or 2) "no one asked the woman, 'What ... looking for?' or asked Jesus, 'Why ... her?'"
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The Samaritan woman exaggerates to show that she is impressed by how much Jesus knows about her. Alternate translation: "Come see a man who knows very much about me, even though I have never met him before"
The woman is not sure that Jesus is the Christ, so she asks a question that expects "no" for an answer, but she also asks a question instead of making a statement because she wants the people to decide for themselves.
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"While the woman was going into town"
"the disciples were telling Jesus" or "the disciples were encouraging Jesus"
Here Jesus is not talking about literal "food," but is preparing his disciples for a spiritual lesson in John 4:34.
The disciples think Jesus is talking about literal "food." They begin asking each other this question, expecting a "no" response. Alternate translation: "Surely no one brought him any food while we were in town!"
Here "food" is a metaphor that represents "obeying God's will." Alternate translation: "Just as food satisfies a hungry person, obeying God's will is what satisfies me"
"Is this not one of your popular sayings"
The words "fields" and "ripe for harvest" are metaphors. The "fields" represent people. The words "ripe for harvest" mean that people are ready to receive the message of Jesus, like fields that are ready to be harvested. Alternate translation: "look up and see the the people! They are ready to believe my message, like crops in the fields that are ready for people to harvest them"
Here "fruit for everlasting life" is a metaphor that represents people who believe Christ's message and receive eternal life. Alternate translation: "and the people who believe the message and receive eternal life are like the fruit that a harvester gathers"
Jesus continues speaking to his disciples.
The words "sows" and "reaps" are metaphors. The one who "sows" shares the message of Jesus. The one who "reaps" helps the people to receive the message of Jesus. Alternate translation: "One person plants the seeds, and another person reaps the crops"
"you are now joining in their work"
To "believe in" someone means to "trust in" that person. Here this also means that they believed he was the Son of God.
This is an exaggeration. The woman was impressed by how much Jesus knew about her. Alternate translation: "He told me many things about my life"
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Here "word" is a metonym that stands for the message that Jesus proclaimed. Alternate translation: "his message"
The "world" is a metonym for all the believers throughout the world. Alternate translation: "all the believers in the world"
Jesus goes down to Galilee and heals a boy. Verse 44 gives us background information about something Jesus had said previously.
from Judea
The reflexive pronoun "himself" is added to emphasize that Jesus had "declared" or said this.. You can translate this in your language in a way that will give emphasis to a person.
"people do not show respect or honor to a prophet of their own country" or "a prophet is not respected by the people in his own community"
Here the festival is the Passover.
This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the author starts a new part of the story. If you have a way of doing this in your language, you may consider using it.
someone who is in the service of the king
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"Unless ... not believe" here is a double negative. In some languages it is more natural to translate this statement in a positive form. Alternate translation: "You will believe only if you see a signs and wonders"
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Here "word" is a metonym that refers to the message that Jesus spoke. Alternate translation: "believed the message"
This word is used to mark two events that are happening at the same time. As the official was going home, his servants were coming to meet him on the road.
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The reflexive pronoun "himself" is used here to emphasize the word "he." If you have a way of doing this in your language, you may consider using it.
Miracles can also be called "signs" because they are used as indicators or evidence that God is the all-powerful one who has complete authority over the universe.
1 After this there was a Jewish festival, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now in Jerusalem by the sheep gate there is a pool, which in the Aramaic language is called Bethesda, and it has five roofed porches. 3 A large number of people who were sick, blind, lame, or paralyzed were lying there. [1]4[2]5 A certain man was there who had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and after he realized that he had been there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healthy?" 7 The sick man replied, "Sir, I do not have anyone to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up. When I come, another steps down before me." 8 Jesus said to him, "Get up, take up your bed, and walk." 9 Immediately the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.
Now that day was a Sabbath. 10 So the Jews said to him who was healed, "It is the Sabbath and you are not permitted to carry your mat." 11 He replied, "He who made me healthy said to me, 'Pick up your mat and walk.'" 12 They asked him, "Who is the man that said to you, 'Pick it up and walk'?" 13 However, the one who was healed did not know who it was because Jesus had gone away secretly, for there was a crowd in the place.
14 Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, "See, you have become healthy! Do not sin anymore, so that something worse will not happen to you." 15 The man went away and reported to the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him healthy.
16 Now because of these things the Jews persecuted Jesus, because he did these things on the Sabbath. 17 Jesus replied to them, "My Father is working even now, and I, too, am working." 18 Because of this, the Jews sought even more to kill him because he not only broke the Sabbath, but also called God his own Father, making himself equal to God.
19 Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, the Son can do nothing of himself, except only what he sees the Father doing, for whatever the Father is doing, the Son does in the same way. 20 For the Father loves the Son and he shows him everything that he himself does, and he will show him greater works than these so that you will be amazed. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to anyone he wishes. 22 For the Father judges no one, but he has given all judgment to the Son 23 so that everyone will honor the Son just as they honor the Father. The one who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24 Truly, truly, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned, but he has passed from death to life.
25 "Truly, truly, I tell you the time is coming, and is now, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has also given to the Son so that he has life in himself, 27 and the Father has given the Son authority to carry out judgment because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not be amazed at this, for there is a time coming in which everyone who is in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and will come out: those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.
30 "I can do nothing from myself. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is righteous because I am not seeking my own will but the will of him who sent me. 31 If I should testify about myself, my testimony would not be true. 32 There is another who testifies about me, and I know that the testimony that he gives about me is true. 33 You have sent to John, and he has testified the truth. 34 But the testimony that I receive is not from man. I say these things that you might be saved. 35 John was a lamp that was burning and shining, and you were willing to rejoice in his light for a while. 36 Yet the testimony that I have is greater than that of John, for the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I do, testify about me that the Father has sent me. 37 The Father who sent me has himself testified about me. You have neither heard his voice nor seen his form at any time. 38 You do not have his word remaining in you, for you are not believing in the one whom he has sent. 39 You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life, and these same scriptures testify about me, 40 and you are not willing to come to me so that you may have life. 41 I do not receive glory from men, 42 but I know that you do not have the love of God in yourselves. 43 I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me. If another should come in his own name, you would receive him. 44 How can you believe, you who accept glory from one another but are not seeking the glory that comes from the only God? 45 Do not think that I myself will accuse you before the Father. The one who accuses you is Moses, in whom you have hoped. 46 If you believed Moses, you would believe me, because he wrote about me. 47 If you do not believe his writings, how are you going to believe my words?"
Many of the Jews believed that God would heal people who got into some of the pools in Jerusalem when the waters were "stirred up."
Testimony is what one person says about another person. What a person says about himself is not as important as what other people say about that person. Jesus told the Jews that God had told them who Jesus was, so he did not need to tell them who he was. This was because God had told the writers of the Old Testament what his Messiah would do, and Jesus had done everything they had written that he would do.
God will make some people alive again and because he gives them his grace, they will live with him forever. But he will make some people alive again and because he will treat them justly, they will live apart from him forever.
Jesus refers to himself in this chapter as the "Son"
This is the next event in the story, in which Jesus goes up to Jerusalem and heals a man. These verses give background information about the setting of the story.
This refers to after Jesus healed the official's son. See how you translated this in John 3:22.
"the Jews were celebrating a festival"
Jerusalem is located on the top of a hill. Roads to Jerusalem went up and down smaller hills. If your language has a different word for going up a hill than for walking on level ground, you may use it here.
This was a hole in the ground that people filled with water. Sometimes they lined the pools with tiles or other stonework.
a place name
roofed structures with at least one wall missing and attached to buildings
"Many people"
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Verse 5 introduces the man lying beside the pool to the story.
"was at the Bethesda pool" (John 5:1)
"38 years"
"he understood" or "he found out"
"Jesus said to the paralyzed man"
Here the word "sir" is a polite form of address.
This can be translated in an active form. Alternate translation: "when the angel moves the water"
This was a hole in the ground that people filled with water. Sometimes they lined the pools with tiles or other stonework. See how you translated "pool" in John 5:2.
"someone else always goes down the steps into the water before me"
"Stand up"
"pick up your sleeping mat, and walk"
"the man became healthy again"
The writer uses the word "now" to show that the words that follow are background information.
The Jews (especially the leaders of the Jews) became angry when they saw the man carrying his mat on the Sabbath.
"It is God's Day of Rest"
"The man who made me well"
"The Jewish leaders asked the man who was healed"
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"Jesus found the man he had healed"
The word "See" is used here to draw attention to the words that follow.
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The writer uses the word "now" to show that the words that follow are background information.
Here "the Jews" is a synecdoche which represent the "Jewish leaders." Alternate translation: "the Jewish leaders"
This refers to doing labor, including anything that is done to serve other people.
This is an important title for God.
"saying that he was like God" or "saying that he had as much authority as God"
Jesus continues speaking to the Jewish leaders.
Translate this the way your language emphasizes that what follows is important and true. See how you translated this in John 1:51.
Jesus, as the Son of God, followed and obeyed his Father's leadership on earth, because Jesus knew the Father loved him.
These are important titles that describe the relationship between Jesus and God.
"you will be surprised" or "you will be shocked"
Jesus, as the Son of God, followed and obeyed his Father's leadership on earth, because Jesus knew the Father loved him.
The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves. God himself is love and is the source of true love.
These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus.
This refers to "spiritual life."
The word "for" marks a comparison. The Son of God carries out judgment for God the Father.
God the Son must be honored and worshiped just like God the Father. If we fail to honor God the Son, then we also fail to honor God the Father.
See how you translated this in John 1:51.
Here "word" is a metonym that represents the message of Jesus. Alternate translation: "anyone who hears my message"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he will not receive condemnation" or "God will not condemn him"
Translate this the way your language emphasizes that what follows is important and true. See how you translated this in John 1:51.
The voice of Jesus, the Son of God, will raise dead people from the grave.
This is an important title for Jesus.
The word "For" marks a comparison. The Son of God has the power to give life, just as the Father does.
These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus.
This means spiritual life.
These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus.
The Son of God has the authority of God the Father to judge.
"This" refers to the fact that Jesus, as the Son of Man, has the power to give eternal life and to carry out judgment.
"hear my voice"
This tells what will happen to those who have done good. Alternate translation: "will rise to live" or "will rise and live"
This tells what will happen to those who have done evil. Alternate translation: "will rise to be judged" or "will rise and be judged"
The word "him" refers to God the Father.
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"There is someone else who tells people about me"
This refers to God.
"what he tells people about me is true"
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"I do not need people's testimony"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "so God can save you"
Here "lamp" and "light" are metaphors. John taught the people about God and this was like a lamp shining its light into the dark. Alternate translation: "John taught you about God and this was like a lamp shining its light. And for a while what John said made you happy"
God the Father has sent God the Son, Jesus, to earth. Jesus completes what the Father gives him to do.
This is an important title for God.
Here Jesus says that the miracles "testify" or "tell the people" about him. Alternate translation: "what I do, shows the people that God has sent me"
The reflexive pronoun "himself" emphasizes that it is the Father, not someone less important, who has testified.
"You do not believe in the one he has sent. That is how I know that you do not have his word remaining in you"
Jesus speaks of people living according to God's word as if they were houses and God's word were a person that lived in houses. Alternate translation: "You do not live according to his word" or "You do not obey his word"
"the message he spoke to you"
"you will find eternal life if you read them" or "the scriptures will tell you how you can have eternal life"
"you refuse to believe my message"
The word "glory" here is a metonym for the praise that people give to a person who has glory or is glorious. Alternate translation: "receive praise"
accept
This can mean 1) "you really do not love God" or 2) "you have really not received God's love."
Here the word "name" is a metonym that represents God's power and authority. Alternate translation: "with my Father's authority"
This is an important title for God.
welcome as a friend
The word "name" is a metonym that represents authority. Alternate translation: "If another should come in his own authority"
This remark appears in the form of a question in order to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "There is no way you can believe because you accept glory ... God!"
This means to trust in Jesus.
The word "glory" here is a metonym for the praise that people give to a person who has glory or is glorious. Alternate translation: "accept praise ... seeking the praise"
Here the word "hope" means "expect" or "trust," and the person who hopes in this way believes that he will receive what he hopes for. It can be stated clearly what they hoped for in Moses. Alternate translation: "whom you expect to help you" or "whom you trust to defend you before the Father you"
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This remark appears in the form of a question to provide emphasis. Alternate translation: "You do not believe his writings, so you will never believe my words!"
"what I say"
1 After these things, Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. 2 A great crowd was following him because they saw the signs that he was doing on those who were sick. 3 Jesus went up the mountain and there he sat down with his disciples. 4 (Now the Passover, the Jewish festival, was near.) 5 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming to him, he said to Philip, "Where are we going to buy bread so that these may eat?" 6 (But Jesus said this to test Philip, for he himself knew what he was going to do.) 7 Philip answered him, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be sufficient for each one to have even a little." 8 One of the disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to Jesus, 9 "There is a boy here who has five loaves of barley bread and two fish, but what are these among so many?" 10 Jesus said, "Make the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. 11 Then Jesus took the loaves and after giving thanks, he gave it to those who were sitting. He did the same with the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 When the people were filled, he said to his disciples, "Gather up the broken pieces which remain, so that nothing will be lost." 13 So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. 14 Then, when the people saw this sign that he did, they said, "This truly is the prophet who is to come into the world." 15 When Jesus realized that they were about to come and seize him by force to make him king, he withdrew again up the mountain by himself.
16 When it became evening, his disciples went down to the sea. 17 They got into a boat, and were going over the sea to Capernaum. It was dark by this time, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 A strong wind was blowing, and the sea was getting rough. 19 When they had rowed about twenty-five or thirty stadia, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were afraid. 20 But he said to them, "It is I! Do not be afraid." 21 Then they were willing to receive him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land where they were going.
22 The next day, the crowd that had been standing on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other boat there except the one, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples but that his disciples had gone away alone. 23 However, there were some boats that came from Tiberias close to the place where they had eaten the bread loaves after the Lord had given thanks. 24 When the crowd discovered that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum seeking Jesus. 25 After they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you come here?" 26 Jesus replied to them, saying, "Truly, truly, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate some of the bread loaves and were filled. 27 Do not labor for the food that perishes, but labor for the food that endures to eternal life which the Son of Man will give you, for God the Father has set his seal on him." 28 Then they said to him, "What must we do, so that we may do the works of God?" 29 Jesus replied and said to them, "This is the work of God: That you believe in the one whom he has sent." 30 So they said to him, "What sign then will you do, so that we may see and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, as it is written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'" 32 Then Jesus replied to them, "Truly, truly, it was not Moses who gave you the bread out of heaven, but it is my Father who is giving you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." 34 So they said to him, "Sir, give us this bread always." 35 Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to me will not be hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But I told you that indeed you have seen me, and you do not believe. 37 Everyone whom the Father gives me will come to me, and he who comes to me I will certainly not throw out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. 39 This is the will of him who sent me, that I would lose not one of all those whom he has given me, but will raise them up on the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him would have eternal life and I will raise him up on the last day."
41 Then the Jews grumbled about him because he had said, "I am the bread that has come down from heaven." 42 They said, "Is not this Jesus son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How then does he now say, 'I have come down from heaven'?" 43 Jesus replied and said to them, "Stop grumbling among yourselves. 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up on the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, 'Everyone will be taught by God.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. 46 Not that anyone has seen the Father, except he who is from God—he has seen the Father. 47 Truly, truly, he who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread which comes down from heaven, so that a person may eat some of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats some of this bread, he will live forever. The bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world."
52 The Jews became angry among themselves and began to argue, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" 53 Then Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you will not have life in yourselves. 54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. 56 He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent me, and as I live because of the Father, so he who eats me, he will also live because of me. 58 This is the bread that has come down from heaven, not as the fathers ate and died. He who eats this bread will live forever." 59 But Jesus said these things in the synagogue while he was teaching in Capernaum.
60 Then many of his disciples who heard this said, "This is a difficult saying; who can hear it?" 61 Jesus, because he knew in himself that his disciples were grumbling at this, said to them, "Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you should see the Son of Man going up to where he was before? 63 It is the Spirit who makes alive; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit, and they are life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who were the ones that would not believe and who it was who would betray him. 65 He said, "It is because of this that I said to you that no one can come to me unless it is granted to him by the Father."
66 Because of this, many of his disciples went away and no longer walked with him. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, "You do not want to go away also, do you?" 68 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom would we go? You have words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed and come to know that you are the Holy One of God." [1]70 Jesus said to them, "Did not I choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?" 71 Now he spoke of Judas son of Simon Iscariot, for it was he, one of the twelve, who would betray Jesus.
The king of any nation was the richest and most powerful person in that nation. The people wanted Jesus to be their king because he gave them food and so they thought he would make the Jews into the richest and most powerful nation in the world. They did not understand that Jesus came to die so God could forgive his people's sins and that the world would persecute his people.
Bread was the most common and important food in Jesus's day, and so the word "bread" was their general word for "food." It is often difficult to translate the word "bread" into the languages of people who do not eat bread because the general word for food in some languages refers to food that did not exist in Jesus's culture. Jesus used the word "bread" to refer to himself. He wanted them to understand that they need him so they can have eternal life.
When Jesus said, "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you will not have life in yourselves," he knew that before he died he would tell his followers to do this by eating bread and drinking wine. In the event this chapter describes, he expected that his hearers would understand that he was using a metaphor but would not understand what the metaphor referred to. (See: flesh and blood)
Several times in this passage, John explains something or gives the reader some context to better understand the story. These explanation are intended to give the reader some additional knowledge without interrupting the flow of the narrative. The information is placed inside parentheses.
Jesus refers to himself as the "Son of Man" in this chapter
Jesus has traveled from Jerusalem to Galilee. A crowd has followed him up a mountainside. These verses tell the setting of this part of the story.
The phrase "these things" refers to the events in John 5:1-46 and introduces the event that follows.
It is implied in the text that Jesus traveled by boat and took his disciples with him. Alternate translation: "Jesus traveled by boat with his disciples"
"A large number of people"
This refers to the miracles that are used as evidence that God is the all-powerful one who has complete authority over everything.
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John briefly stops telling about the events in the story in order to give background information about when the events happened.
The action in the story begins in verse 5.
John briefly stops telling about the events in the story in order to explain why Jesus asked Philip where to buy bread.
The reflexive pronoun "himself" makes it clear that the word "he" refers to Jesus. Jesus knew what he would do.
The word "denarii" is the plural of "denarius." Alternate translation: "The amount of bread that costs two hundred days' wages"
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Loaves of bread are lumps of dough that are shaped and baked. These were probably small dense, round loaves.
This remark appears in the form of a question to emphasize that they do not have enough food to feed everyone. Alternate translation: "these few loaves and fishes are not enough to feed so many people!"
"lie down"
John briefly stops telling about the events in the story in order to give background information about the place where this event happens.
While the crowd probably included women and children (John 6:4-5), here John is counting only the men.
Jesus prayed to God the Father and thanked him for the fish and the loaves.
"he" here represents "Jesus and his disciples." Alternate translation: "Jesus and his disciples gave it"
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Jesus withdraws from the crowd. This is the end of the part of the story about Jesus feeding the crowd on the mountain.
"the disciples gathered"
the food that no one had eaten
Jesus feeding the 5,000 people with five barley loaves and two fish
the special prophet who Moses said would come into the world
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This is the next event in the story. Jesus's disciples go out onto the lake in a boat.
Use your language's way of showing that this is background information.
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Boats usually had two, four, or six people rowing with rowers on each side working together. Your culture may have different ways of making a boat go across a large body of water.
A "stadium" is 185 meters. Alternate translation: "about five or six kilometers"
"Stop being afraid!"
It is implied that Jesus gets into the boat. Alternate translation: "they gladly received him into the boat"
"the Sea of Galilee"
This double negative emphasizes that the one boat is the only one that was there. Alternate translation: "there was only that one boat there"
Use your language's way of showing that this is background information.
Here, John provides more background information. The next day, after Jesus fed the people, some boats with people from Tiberius came to see Jesus. However, Jesus and his disciples had left the night before.
The people go to Capernaum to find Jesus. When they see him, they start asking him questions.
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See how you translated this in John 1:51.
God the Father has given his approval to Jesus, the Son of Man, to give eternal life to those who believe in him.
These are important titles that describe the relationship between Jesus and God.
To "set a seal" on something means to place a mark on it to show to whom it belongs. This means that the Son belongs to the Father and that the Father approves of him in every way.
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"Our forefathers" or "Our ancestors"
This refers to the place where God lives.
See how you translated this in John 1:51.
The "true bread" is a metaphor for Jesus. Alternate translation: "the Father gives to you the Son as the true bread from heaven"
This is an important title for God.
"gives spiritual life to the world"
Here the "world" is a metonym for all of the people in the world who trust in Jesus.
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Through metaphor, Jesus compares himself with bread. Just as bread is necessary for our physical life, Jesus is necessary for our spiritual life. Alternate translation: "Just as food keeps you alive physically, I can give you spiritual life"
This means to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, to trust him as Savior, and to live in a way that honors him.
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God the Father and God the Son will save forever those who believe in Jesus.
This is an important title for God.
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "I will keep everyone who comes to me"
Jesus continues speaking to the crowd.
"my Father, who sent me"
Here litotes is used to emphasize that Jesus will keep everyone that God gives to him. Alternate translation: "I should keep all of them"
Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: "will cause them to live again"
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The Jewish leaders interrupt Jesus as he is speaking to the crowd.
talked unhappily
Just as bread is necessary for our physical life, Jesus is necessary for our spiritual life. See how you translated this in [John 6:35]
This remark appears in the form of a question to emphasize that the Jewish leaders believe that Jesus is no one special. Alternate translation: "This is just Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know!
This remark appears in the form of a question to emphasize that the Jewish leaders do not believe that Jesus came from heaven. Alternate translation: "He is lying when he says that he came from heaven!"
Jesus continues speaking to the crowd and now also to the Jewish leaders.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "cause him to live again"
This can mean 1) "pulls" or 2) "attracts."
This is an important title for God.
This is a passive statement that can be translated in an active form. Alternate translation: "The prophets wrote"
The Jews thought Jesus was the "son of Joseph" (John 6:42), but he is the Son of God because his Father is God, not Joseph. Those who truly learn from God the Father believe in Jesus, who is God the Son.
Jesus now continues speaking to the crowd and the Jewish leaders.
"I am not saying that anyone has seen the Father. Only he who is from God-he has seen the Father"
This is an important title for God.
See how you translated this in John 1:51.
God gives "eternal life" to those who trust in Jesus, the Son of God.
Just as bread is necessary for our physical life, Jesus is necessary for our spiritual life. See how you translated this in [John 6:35]
"Your forefathers" or "Your ancestors"
This refers to physical death.
Here "bread" is a metaphor that points to Jesus who is the one who gives spiritual life just as bread sustains physical life. Alternate translation: "I am like the true bread"
"live forever." Here the word "die" refers to spiritual death.
This means "the bread that causes people to live" (John 6:35).
Here "the world" is a metonym that represents the lives of all the people in the world. Alternate translation: "that will give life to all the people in the world"
Some Jews who are present begin to argue among themselves and Jesus responds to their question.
This remark appears in the form of a question to emphasize that the Jewish leaders are reacting negatively to what Jesus has said about "his flesh." Alternate translation: "There is no way that this man can give us his flesh to eat!"
See how you translated this in John 1:51.
Here the phrases "eat the flesh" and "drink his blood" are a metaphor that shows how trusting in Jesus, the Son of Man, is like receiving spiritual food and drink. However, the Jews did not understand this. Do not make the meaning of this metaphor clearer than Jesus did.
"you will not receive eternal life"
Jesus continues speaking to all those listening to him.
The phrases "eats my flesh" and "drinks my blood" are a metaphor for trusting Jesus. Just as people need food and drink in order to live, people need to trust Jesus in order to have eternal life. However, the Jews did not understand this. Do not make the meaning of this metaphor more clear than Jesus did.
Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: "cause him to live again"
"on the day when God judges everyone"
The phrases "true food" and "true drink" are a metaphor that means Jesus gives life to those who trust in him. However, the Jews did not understand this. Do not make the meaning of this metaphor clearer than Jesus did.
"has a close relationship with me"
The phrase "eats me" is a metaphor for trusting Jesus. However, the Jews did not understand this. Do not make the meaning of this metaphor clearer than Jesus did.
Possible meanings are 1) "the Father who gives life" or 2) "the Father who is alive."
This is an important title for God.
Jesus was speaking about himself. Alternate translation: "I am the bread that has come down from heaven"
The bread is a metaphor for what gives life. However, the Jews did not understand this. Do not make the meaning of this metaphor clearer than Jesus did.
Jesus spoke about himself as "this bread." Alternate translation: "He who eats me, the bread, will live forever"
Here "eats this bread" is a metaphor for trusting Jesus. However, the Jews did not understand this. Do not make the meaning of this metaphor clearer than Jesus did.
"the forefathers" or "the ancestors"
Here John gives background information about when this event happened.
Some of the disciples ask a question and Jesus responds, as he continues speaking to the crowd.
The disciples use this question to emphasize that they cannot do this. Alternate translation: "no one can hear it!" or "it is too hard to hear!"
Possible meanings are 1) "hear it" is a synecdoche for "understand it" or 2) "hear it" is a synecdoche for "agree with it"
"Does this shock you?" or "Does this upset you?"
Jesus offers this remark in the form of a question to emphasize that his disciples will see other things that are also hard to understand. Alternate translation: "Then you will not know what to think when you see me, the Son of Man, going up into heaven!"
The word "profit" means to cause good things to happen.
Possible meanings are 1) Jesus's words in [John 6:32-58]
"What I have told you"
Possible meanings are 1) "are about the Spirit and eternal life" or 2) "are from the Spirit and give eternal life" or 3) "are about spiritual things and life."
Jesus finishes speaking to the crowd.
Here John gives background information about what Jesus knew would happen.
Whoever wants to believe must come to God through the Son. Only God the Father allows people to come to Jesus.
This is an important title for God.
"follow me and receive eternal life"
Jesus went from one place to another by walking, so it is literally true that they did not walk where and when he walked, but the reader should also be able to understand that this metaphor indicates that they no longer wanted to hear what he had to say.
Here "his disciples" refers to the general group of people who followed Jesus.
This is an ellipsis for "the twelve disciples," a specific group of twelve men who followed Jesus for his entire ministry. Alternate translation: "the twelve disciples"
Simon Peter gives this remark in the form of a question to emphasize that he desires to follow only Jesus. Alternate translation: "Lord, we could never follow anyone but you!"
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Jesus gives this remark in the form of a question to draw attention to the fact that one of the disciples will betray him. Alternate translation: "I chose you all myself, yet one of you is a servant of Satan!"
Verse 71 is not part of the main story. Here John comments on what Jesus said.
1 After these things Jesus traveled about in Galilee, for he did not want to go into Judea because the Jews were seeking to kill him. 2 Now the Jewish Festival of Shelters was near. 3 His brothers therefore said to him, "Leave this place and go to Judea, so that your disciples also may see the works that you do. 4 No one does anything in secret if he himself seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world." 5 For even his brothers did not believe in him. 6 Jesus therefore said to them, "My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil. 8 You go up to the festival; I am not going to this festival because my time has not yet been fulfilled." 9 After he said these things to them, he stayed in Galilee.
10 But when his brothers had gone up to the festival, then he also went up, not publicly but in secret. 11 The Jews were looking for him at the festival and said, "Where is he?" 12 There was much discussion among the crowds about him. Some said, "He is a good man." Others said, "No, he leads the crowds astray." 13 Yet no one spoke openly about him for fear of the Jews.
14 When the festival was already half over, Jesus went up into the temple and began to teach. 15 Then the Jews marveled, saying, "How does this man know so much? He has never been educated." 16 Jesus answered them and said, "My teaching is not mine, but is of him who sent me. 17 If anyone wishes to do his will, he will know about this teaching, whether it comes from God, or whether I speak from myself. 18 Whoever speaks from himself seeks his own glory, but whoever seeks the glory of him who sent him, that person is true, and there is no unrighteousness in him. 19 Did not Moses give you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why do you seek to kill me?" 20 The crowd answered, "You have a demon. Who seeks to kill you?" 21 Jesus answered and said to them, "I did one work, and you all marvel because of it. 22 Moses gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the ancestors), and on the Sabbath you circumcise a man. 23 If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses is not broken, why are you angry with me because I made a man completely healthy on the Sabbath? 24 Do not judge according to appearance, but judge righteously."
25 Some of them from Jerusalem said, "Is not this the one they seek to kill? 26 See, he speaks openly, and they say nothing to him. It cannot be that the rulers indeed know that this is the Christ, can it? 27 Yet we know where this one is from. But when the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from." 28 Then Jesus cried out in the temple, teaching and saying, "You both know me and know where I come from. I have not come of myself, but he who sent me is true, and you do not know him. 29 I know him because I come from him and he sent me." 30 They were trying to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him because his hour had not yet come. 31 But many in the crowd believed in him, and they said, "When the Christ comes, will he do more signs than what this one has done?" 32 The Pharisees heard the crowds whispering these things about Jesus, and the chief priests and the Pharisees sent officers to arrest him. 33 Jesus then said, "I am still with you for a short amount of time, and then I go to him who sent me. 34 You will seek me but you will not find me; where I go, you will not be able to come." 35 The Jews therefore said among themselves, "Where will this man go that we will not be able to find him? Will he go to the dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? 36 What is this word that he said, 'You will seek me but will not find me; where I go, you will not be able to come'?"
37 Now on the last, great day of the festival, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38 He who believes in me, just as the scripture says, rivers of living water will flow from his belly." 39 But he said this about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him would receive; the Spirit had not yet been given because Jesus was not yet glorified. 40 Some of the crowd, when they heard these words, said, "This is indeed the prophet." 41 Others said, "This is the Christ." But some said, "Does the Christ come from Galilee? 42 Have the scriptures not said that the Christ will come from the descendants of David and from Bethlehem, the village where David was?" 43 So there arose a division in the crowds because of him. 44 Some of them would have arrested him, but no one laid hands on him.
45 Then the officers came back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, "Why did you not bring him?" 46 The officers answered, "Never has anyone spoken like this." 47 So the Pharisees answered them, "Have you also been deceived? 48 Have any of the rulers believed in him, or any of the Pharisees? 49 But this crowd that does not know the law, they are cursed." 50 Nicodemus (one of the Pharisees, who came to him earlier) said to them, 51 "Does our law judge a man before hearing from him and knowing what he does?" 52 They answered and said to him, "Are you also from Galilee? Search and see that no prophet comes from Galilee."
53[1] [Then everyone went to his own house.
This whole chapter concerns the concept of believing Jesus to be the Messiah. Some people believed this to be true while others rejected it. Some were willing to recognize his power and even the possibility that he was a prophet, but most were unwilling to believe that he was the Messiah. (See: christ and prophet)
Translators may wish to include a note at verse 53 to explain to the reader why they have chosen or chosen not to translate verses 7:53-8:11.
This phrase and "his hour had not yet come" are used in this chapter to indicate that Jesus is in control of the events unfolding in his life.
This is an important image used in the New Testament. It is a metaphor. Because this metaphor is given in a desert environment, it probably emphasizes that Jesus is able to give life sustaining nourishment.
Jesus gives a prophecy about his life without an explicit statement in John 7:33-34.
Nicodemus explains to the other Pharisees that the Law requires him to hear directly from a person before making a judgment about them. The Pharisees in turn made a judgment about Jesus without speaking to Jesus.
Jesus's brothers did not believe Jesus was the Messiah. (See: believe)
This term is used in two different ways in this passage. It is used specifically in reference to the Jewish leaders who were trying to kill him (John 7:1). It is also used in reference to the people of Judea in general who had a positive opinion of Jesus (John 7:13). The translator may wish to use the terms "Jewish leaders" and "Jewish people" or "Jews (leaders)" and "Jews (in general)."
Jesus is in Galilee speaking to his brothers. These verses tell about when this event occurred.
These words tell the reader that the writer will begin talking about a new event. "After he finished speaking with the disciples" (John 6:66-71) or "Some time later"
The reader should understand that Jesus is probably walking rather than riding on an animal or in a vehicle.
Here "the Jews" is a synecdoche for "the Jewish leaders." Alternate translation: "the Jewish leaders were making plans to kill him"
"Now the time for the festival of the Jews was near" or "Now it was almost time for the Jewish festival of Shelters"
This refers to the actual younger brothers of Jesus, the sons of Mary and Joseph.
The word "works" refers to the miracles that Jesus had performed.
The word "himself" is a reflexive pronoun that emphasizes the word "he."
Here "the world" is a metonym for all of the people in the world. Alternate translation: "all people" or "everyone"
This sentence is a stop from the main story. Here John gives background information about the brothers of Jesus.
All of Jesus's brothers were younger than he was. This can be made explicit in the translation as long as it does not suggest that Jesus also had older brothers. Alternate translation: "his younger brothers"
The word "time" is a metonym. Jesus is implying that it is not the right time for him to bring his ministry to a close. Alternate translation: "It is not the right time for me to end my work"
"any time is good for you"
Here the "world" is a metonym for the people who live in the world. Alternate translation: "The people in the world cannot hate you"
"I tell them that what they are doing is evil"
Jesus continues speaking to his brothers.
Here Jesus is implying that if he goes to Jerusalem, he will bring his work to an end. Alternate translation: "It is not the right time for me to go to Jerusalem"
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The setting of the story has changed. Jesus and his brothers are now at the festival.
All of Jesus's brothers were younger than he was. This can be made explicit in the translation as long as it does not suggest that Jesus also had older brothers. Alternate translation: "when his younger brothers"
Jerusalem is at a higher elevation than Galilee where Jesus and his brothers were previously.
These two phrases mean the same thing. The idea is repeated for emphasis. Alternate translation: "very secretly"
Here the word "Jews"is a synecdoche for "the Jewish leaders." The word "him" refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: "The Jewish leaders were looking for Jesus"
Here "leads ... astray" is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate translation: "he deceives the people"
This refers to the unpleasant feeling a person has when there is a threat of harm to himself or others.
The word "Jews" is a synecdoche for the leaders of the Jews who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: "the Jewish leaders"
Jesus is now teaching the Jews in the temple.
The remark appears in the form of a question to emphasize the Jewish leaders' surprise that Jesus has so much knowledge. Alternate translation: "It is amazing how much he knows about the scriptures!"
"but comes from God, the one who sent me"
Jesus continues speaking to the Jews.
"when a person only seeks to honor the one who sent him, that person is speaking the truth. He does not lie"
Jesus continues speaking to the Jews.
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "It was Moses who gave you the law"
"obeys the law"
Jesus questions the motives of the Jewish leaders who want to kill him for breaking the law of Moses. He implies that the leaders themselves do not keep that same Law. Alternate translation: "You break the Law yourselves and yet you want to kill me!"
"This shows that you are crazy, or maybe a demon is controlling you!"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "No one is trying to kill you!"
"one miracle" or "one sign"
"you all are shocked"
Here John provides additional information about circumcision.
Jesus implies that the act of circumcision also involves work. Alternate translation: "you circumcise a male baby on the Sabbath. That is working too"
"on the Jewish Day of Rest"
"If you circumcise a male baby on the Sabbath so that you do not break the law of Moses"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "you should not be angry with me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath!"
"on the Jewish Day of Rest"
Jesus implies that the people should not decide what is right, based only on what they can see. Behind the action is a motive that cannot be seen. Alternate translation: "Stop judging people according to what you see! Be more concerned with what is right according to God"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "This is Jesus whom they are seeking to kill!"
This implies that the Jewish leaders are not opposing Jesus. Alternate translation: "they say nothing to oppose him"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "Maybe they have decided that he is truly the Messiah!"
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"spoke in a loud voice"
Jesus and the people were actually in the courtyard of the temple. Alternate translation: "in the temple courtyard"
John uses irony in this statement. The people believe that Jesus is from Nazareth. They do not know that God sent him from heaven and that he was born in Bethlehem. Alternate translation: "You all know me and you think you know where I come from"
"on my own authority." See how you translated "of himself" in John 5:19.
"God is the one who sent me and he is true"
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The word "hour" is a metonym that represents the right time for Jesus to be arrested, according to God's plan. Alternate translation: "it was not the right time to arrest him"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "When the Christ comes, surely he will not be able to do more signs than this man has done!"
This refers to the miracles that prove that Jesus is the Christ.
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"I will remain with you for only a short period of time"
Here Jesus refers to God the Father, who sent him.
"you will not be able to come to the place where I am"
The "Jews" is a synecdoche that represents the leaders of the Jews who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: "The Jewish leaders said among themselves"
This refers to the Jews that were spread all across the Greek world, outside of Palestine.
This "word" is a metonym which stands for the meaning of the message that Jesus had shared, which the Jewish leaders had failed to understand. Alternate translation: "What is he talking about when he said"
Some time has passed. It is now the last day of the festival and Jesus speaks to the crowd.
It is "great" because it is the last, or most important, day of the festival.
Here the word "thirsty" is a metaphor that means one's great desire for the things of God, just as one "thirsts" for water. Alternate translation: "Anyone who desires the things of God like a thirsty man desires water"
The word "drink" is a metaphor that means to receive the spiritual life that Jesus provides. Alternate translation: "let him come to me and quench his spiritual thirst"
"As the scripture says about anyone who believes in me"
The "rivers of living water" is a metaphor that represents the life that Jesus provides for those who are spiritually "thirsty." Alternate translation: "spiritual life will flow like rivers of water"
Possible meanings are 1) "water that gives life" or 2) "water that causes people to live."
Here the belly represents the inside of a person, specifically the non-physical part of a person. Alternate translation: "from inside of him" or "from his heart"
In this verse the author gives information to clarify what Jesus is talking about.
Here "he" refers to Jesus.
John implies that the Spirit would later come to live in those who trusted Jesus. Alternate translation: "the Spirit had not yet come to live in the believers"
Here the word "glorified" refers to the time when God would honor the Son after his death and resurrection.
By saying this, the people are indicating that they believe Jesus is the prophet like Moses that God had promised to send. Alternate translation: "This is indeed the prophet who is like Moses that we have been waiting for"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "The Christ cannot come from Galilee!"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "The scriptures teach that Christ will come from the line of David and from Bethlehem, the village where David was!"
The scriptures are referred to as if they were actually speaking as a person speaks. Alternate translation: "Did the prophets not write in the scriptures ... was?" or "The prophets wrote in the scriptures ... was."
"where David lived"
The crowds could not agree about who or what Jesus was.
To lay hands on someone is an idiom which means to grab him or to hold onto him. Alternate translation: "but no one grabbed him to arrest him"
"the temple guards"
The officers exaggerate to show how impressed they are by what Jesus said. You may need to make explicit that the officers were not claiming to know everything that every person in all times and places had ever said. Alternate translation: "We have never heard anyone say such amazing things as this man!"
"Because they said that, the Pharisees"
"answered the officers"
The remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. The Pharisees are shocked at the response of the officers. Alternate translation: "You have been deceived too!"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "None of the rulers or Pharisees have believed in him!"
This is a reference to the law of the Pharisees and not the law of Moses.
"As for this crowd that does not know the law, God will cause them to perish!"
John provides this information to remind us of who Nicodemus is. Your language may have a special way to mark background information.
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Our Jewish law does not allow us to judge a man ... what he does!"
Here Nicodemus speaks of the law as if it were a person. If this is not natural in your language, you may translate it with a personal subject. Alternate translation: "Do we judge a man ... does?" or "We do not judge a man ... does."
The Jewish leaders know that Nicodemus is not from Galilee. They ask this question as a way of scoffing at him. Alternate translation: "You must also be one of those inferior persons from Galilee!"
This is an ellipsis. You may wish to include the information that does not appear. Alternate translation: "Search carefully and read what is written in the Scriptures"
This probably refers to the belief that Jesus was born in Galilee.
The best early texts do not have 7:53-8:11. The ULB has set them apart in square brackets
1[1] Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 Early in the morning he came to the temple again, and all the people came; he sat down and taught them. 3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in the act of adultery. They placed her in the middle. 4 Then they said to him, "Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. 5 Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such people; what do you say about her?" 6 They said this in order to trap him so that they might have something to accuse him about, but Jesus bent down and wrote on the ground with his finger. 7 When they continued asking him questions, he stood up and said to them, "The one among you who has no sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." 8 Again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground with his finger. 9 When they heard it, they left one by one, beginning with the oldest. Finally Jesus was left alone, with the woman who had been in the middle. 10 Jesus stood up and said to her, "Woman, where are your accusers? Did no one condemn you?" 11 She said, "No one, Lord." Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more."] [2]
12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in the darkness but will have the light of life." 13 The Pharisees said to him, "You testify about yourself; your testimony is not true." 14 Jesus answered and said to them, "Even if I testify about myself, my testimony is true. I know where I came from and where I am going, but you do not know where I came from or where I am going. 15 You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. 16 Yet if I judge, my judgment is true because I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent me. 17 Yes, and in your law it is written that the testimony of two men is true. 18 I am he who testifies about myself, and the Father who sent me testifies about me." 19 They said to him, "Where is your father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither me nor my Father; if you had known me, you would have known my Father also." 20 He said these words in the treasury as he taught in the temple, and no one arrested him because his hour had not yet come.
21 So again he said to them, "I am going away; you will seek me and will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come." 22 The Jews said, "Will he kill himself? Is that why he says, 'Where I am going you cannot come'?" 23 Jesus said to them, "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 Therefore, I said to you that you will die in your sins. For unless you believe that I AM, you will die in your sins." 25 They said therefore to him, "Who are you?" Jesus said to them, "What I have said to you from the beginning. 26 I have many things to speak and to judge about you. However, he who sent me is true; and the things that I heard from him, these things I say to the world." 27 They did not understand that he was speaking to them about the Father. 28 Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then will you know that I AM, and that I do nothing of myself. As the Father taught me, I speak these things. 29 He who sent me is with me, and he has not left me alone, because I always do what is pleasing to him." 30 As Jesus was saying these things, many believed in him.
31 Jesus said to those Jews who had believed him, "If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." 33 They answered him, "We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves of anyone; how can you say, 'You will be set free'?" 34 Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 Therefore, if the Son sets you free, you will be truly free. 37 I know that you are Abraham's descendants; you seek to kill me because my word has no place in you. 38 I say what I have seen with my Father, and you also do what you heard from your father." 39 They answered and said to him, "Our father is Abraham." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham. 40 Yet, now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. 41 You do the works of your father." They said to him, "We were not born in sexual immorality; we have one Father: God." 42 Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and am here; for neither have I come of myself, but he sent me. 43 Why do you not understand my words? It is because you cannot hear my words. 44 You are of your father, the devil, and you wish to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature because he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 Yet, because I speak the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I speak the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 He who is of God hears the words of God; you do not hear them because you are not of God." 48 The Jews answered and said to him, "Do we not truly say that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?" 49 Jesus answered, "I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. 50 I do not seek my glory; there is one seeking and judging. 51 Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death." 52 The Jews said to him, "Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham and the prophets died; but you say, 'If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.' 53 You are not greater than our father Abraham who died, are you? The prophets also died. Who do you make yourself out to be?" 54 Jesus answered, "If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing; it is my Father who glorifies me—about whom you say that he is your God. 55 You have not known him, but I know him. If I would say, 'I do not know him,' I would be like you, a liar. However, I know him and keep his word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced at seeing my day; he saw it and was glad." 57 The Jews said to him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and you have seen Abraham?" 58 Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM." 59 Then they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.
Translators may wish to include a note at verse 1 to explain to the reader why they have chosen to translate or to not translate verses 8:1-11.
The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: light and darkness and righteous)
John records Jesus as saying these words four times in this book, three times in this chapter. They stand alone as a complete sentence, and they literally translate the Hebrew word for "I AM," by which Yahweh identified himself to Moses. For these reasons, many people believe that when Jesus said these words he was claiming to be Yahweh. (See: yahweh).
The Scribes and Pharisees wanted to trick Jesus. They wanted him to say either that they should keep the law of Moses by killing a woman whom they had found committing adultery or that they should disobey the law of Moses and forgive her sin. Jesus knew that they were trying to trick him and that they did not really want to keep the law of Moses. He knew this because the law said that both the woman and the man should die, but they did not bring the man to Jesus. (See: adultery)
Jesus refers to himself as the "Son of Man" in this chapter
While some texts have 7:53-8:11, the best and earliest texts do not include them.
Verse 1 tells us where Jesus went at the end of the previous chapter.
This is a general way of speaking. It means "many people."
Here the phrase "the scribes and the Pharisees" is a synecdoche that represents some of the members of these two groups. Alternate translation: "Some scribes and Pharisees brought" or "Some men who taught the Jewish laws and some who were Pharisees brought"
This is a passive statement. You may translate it in an active form. Alternate translation: "a woman whom they had found committing adultery"
While some texts have 7:53-8:11, the best and earliest texts do not include them.
"people like that" or "people who do that"
"so you tell us. What should we do about her?"
This means to use a trick question.
What they would accuse him of can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "so that they could accuse him of saying something wrong" or "so that they could accuse him of not obeying the law of Moses or the Roman law"
While some texts have 7:53-8:11, the best and earliest texts do not include them.
The word "they" refers to the scribes and Pharisees.
The abstract noun "sin" can be expressed with the verb sin. Alternate translation: "The one among you is has never sinned" or "If any one of you has never sinned"
"let that person"
"he bent down"
While some texts have 7:53-8:11, the best and earliest texts do not include them.
"one after another"
When Jesus called her "woman," he was not trying to make her feel insignificant. If people in your language group would think that he was doing that, this can be translated without the word "Woman."
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Jesus is speaking to a crowd near the treasury in the temple after either the events of [John 7:1-52]
Here the "light" is a metaphor for the revelation that comes from God. Alternate translation: "I am the one who gives light to the world"
This is a metonym for the people. Alternate translation: "the people of the world"
This is an idiom that means "everyone who does what I teach" or "everyone who obeys me"
To "walk in darkness" is a metaphor for living a sinful life. Alternate translation: "will not live as if he were in the darkness of sin"
The "light of life" is a metaphor for the truth from God that gives spiritual life. Alternate translation: "truth that brings eternal life"
"You are just saying these things about yourself"
The Pharisees are implying that the witness of only one person is not true because it cannot be verified. Alternate translation: "you cannot be your own witness" or "what you say about yourself may not be true"
"Even if I say these things about myself"
"human standards and the laws of men"
Possible meanings are 1) "I do not judge anyone yet" or 2) "I am not judging anyone now."
Possible meanings are 1) "if I judge people" or 2) "whenever I judge people"
Possible meanings are 1) "my judgment will be right" or 2) "my judgment is right."
Jesus, the Son of God, has authority because of his special relationship with his Father.
The implied information is that Jesus is not alone in his judgment. Alternate translation: "I am not alone in how I judge" or "I do not judge alone"
The Father and the Son judge together. Alternate translation: "the Father who sent me also judges with me" or "the Father who sent me judges as I do"
This is an important title for God. If your language must state whose Father this is, you could say "my Father" since Jesus switches to that in the following verses.
Jesus continues speaking to the Pharisees and other people about himself.
The word "Yes" shows that Jesus is adding to what he was saying before.
This is a passive phrase. You may translate it in an active form with a personal subject. Alternate translation: "Moses wrote"
The logic implied here is that one person can verify the words of another. Alternate translation: "if two men say the same thing, then people know it is true"
Jesus testifies about himself. Alternate translation: "I give evidence to you about myself"
The Father also testifies about Jesus. You could make it explicit that this means Jesus's testimony is true. Alternate translation: "my Father who sent me also brings evidence about me. So you should believe that what we tell you is true"
This is an important title for God. If your language must state whose Father this is, you could say "my Father" since Jesus switches to that in the following verses.
Jesus indicates that to know him is to also know the Father. Both Father and Son are God. "Father" is an important title for God.
This is an important title for God.
Here there is a break in Jesus's speaking where the author give us background information regarding where Jesus had been teaching. Some languages may require the information about the setting to be placed at the beginning of this part of the story in [John 8:12]
The word "hour" is a metonym for the time for Jesus to die. Alternate translation: "it was not yet the right time for Jesus to die"
Jesus continues speaking to the crowd.
Here the word "die" refers to spiritual death. Alternate translation: "die while you are still sinful" or "you will die while you are sinning"
"you are not able to come"
Here "Jews" is a synecdoche for "the Jewish leaders." Alternate translation: "The Jewish leaders said" or "The Jewish authorities said"
"You were born in this world"
"I came from heaven"
"You belong to this world"
"I do not belong to this world"
"you will die without God's forgiving your sins"
Possible meanings are 1) Jesus is identifying himself as Yahweh, who identified himself to Moses as "I AM," or 2) Jesus expects the people to understand that he is referring to what he already has already said about himself: "I am from above."
The word "They" refers to the Jewish leaders (John 8:22).
Here the "world" is a metonym for the people who live in the world. Alternate translation: "these things I say to all the people"
This is a special title for God. Some languages may require the use of a possessive before the noun. Alternate translation: "his Father"
This refers to placing Jesus on the cross to kill him.
Jesus used the title "Son of Man" to refer to himself. Alternate translation: "lifted me, the Son of Man, up"
Possible meanings are 1) Jesus is identifying himself as Yahweh, who identified himself to Moses as "I AM," or 2) Jesus is saying, "I am the one I claim to be."
"I am only saying what my Father taught me to say." The word "Father" is an important title for God.
The word "He" refers to God.
"As Jesus spoke these words"
"many people trusted him"
This is an idiom that means "to obey Jesus." Alternate translation: "obey what I have said"
"my followers"
This is personification. Jesus speaks of "the truth" as if it were a person. Alternate translation: "if you obey the truth, God will set you free"
This refers to what Jesus reveals about God. Alternate translation: "what is true about God"
This remark appears in the form of a question to express the Jewish leaders' shock at what Jesus has said. Alternate translation: "We do not need to be set free!"
See how you translated this in John 1:51.
Here the word "slave" is a metaphor. This implies that "sin" is like a master for the one who sins. Alternate translation: "is like a slave to sin"
Here "house" is a metonym for "family." Alternate translation: "as a permanent member of a family"
This is an ellipsis. You may translate it by including the implied words. Alternate translation: "the son is a member of the family forever"
It is implied that Jesus is talking about freedom from sin, which is a metaphor for being able not to sin. Alternate translation: "if the Son sets you free, you will truly be able to refrain from sin"
"Son" is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. Jesus was speaking about himself. Alternate translation: "If I, the Son, set you free"
Jesus continues speaking to the Jews.
Here "word" is a metonym for the "teachings" or "message" of Jesus, which the Jewish leaders do not accept. Alternate translation: "you do not accept my teachings" or "you do not allow my message to change your life"
"I am telling you about the things I saw when I was with my Father"
The Jewish leaders do not understand that by "your father" Jesus is referring to the devil. Alternate translation: "you also continue doing what your father has told you to do"
forefather
"Abraham never tried to kill anyone who told him the true revelation from God"
Jesus implies that their father is the devil. Alternate translation: "No! You are doing the things that your real father did"
Here the Jewish leaders imply that Jesus does not know who his real father is. Alternate translation: "We do not know about you, but we are not illegitimate children" or "We were all born from proper marriages"
Here the Jewish leaders claim God as their spiritual Father. This is an important title for God.
The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves.
Jesus is using this question mainly to rebuke the Jewish leaders for not listening to him. Alternate translation: "I will tell you why you do not understand what I say!"
Here "words" is a metonym for the "teachings" of Jesus. Alternate translation: "It is because you will not accept my teachings.
"You belong to your father, Satan"
Here "father" is a metaphor for the one who originates all lies. Alternate translation: "he is the one who created all lies in the beginning"
Jesus continues speaking to the Jews.
"because I tell you true things about God"
Jesus uses this question to emphasize that he has never sinned. Alternate translation: "None of you can show that I have ever sinned!"
"If I say things that are true"
Jesus uses this question to scold the Jewish leaders for their unbelief. Alternate translation: "you have no reason for not believing in me!"
Here "words" is a metonym for the "message" of God. Alternate translation: "the message of God" or "the truth that comes from God"
The "Jews" is a synecdoche that represents the "Jewish leaders" who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: "The Jewish leaders"
The Jewish leaders use this question to accuse Jesus and to dishonor him. Alternate translation: "We are certainly right in saying that you are a Samaritan and that a demon lives in you!"
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Jesus continues answering the Jews.
This refers to God.
See how you translated this in John 1:51.
Here "word" is a metonym for the "teachings" of Jesus. Alternate translation: "obeys my teachings" or "does what I say"
This is an idiom that means to experience death. Here Jesus is referring to spiritual death. Alternate translation: "die spiritually"
Here "Jews" is a metonym for the "Jewish leaders" who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: "Jewish leaders"
"If anyone obeys my teaching"
This is an idiom that means to experience death. The Jewish leaders mistakenly assume that Jesus is speaking only about physical death. Alternate translation: "die"
The Jewish leaders use this question to emphasize that Jesus is not greater than Abraham. Alternate translation: "You are certainly not greater than our father Abraham who indeed died!"
forefather
The Jews use this question to rebuke Jesus for thinking that he is more important than Abraham. Alternate translation: "You should not think that you are so important!"
The word "Father" is an important title for God. No one knows God the Father like Jesus, the Son of God. Alternate translation: "it is my Father who honors me, and you say that he is your God"
Here "word" is a metonym for what God says. Alternate translation: "I obey what he says to do"
This is a metonym for what Jesus would accomplish during his life. Alternate translation: "what I would do during my life"
"he foresaw my coming through God's revelation and he rejoiced"
This is the end of the part of the story about Jesus speaking with the Jews in the temple, which began in John 8:12.
Here the "Jews" is a synecdoche for the "Jewish leaders" who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: "The Jewish leaders said to him"
The Jewish leaders use this question to express their shock that Jesus claims to have seen Abraham. Alternate translation: "You are less than fifty years old. You could not have seen Abraham!"
See how you translated this in John 1:51.
Possible meanings are 1) Jesus is identifying himself as Yahweh, who identified himself to Moses as "I AM," or 2) Jesus is saying, "before Abraham existed, I existed."
The Jewish leaders are outraged at what Jesus has said. Here it is implied that they wanted to kill him because he had made himself equal to God. Alternate translation: "Then they picked up stones to kill him because he claimed to be equal with God"
1 Now as Jesus passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, so that he was born blind?" 3 Jesus answered, "Neither did this man sin, nor his parents, but so that the works of God would be revealed in him. 4 We must do the works of him who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one will be able to work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." 6 After Jesus said these things, he spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and smeared the mud on his eyes. 7 He said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which is translated "Sent"). So the man went away, washed, and came back seeing. 8 Then the man's neighbors and those who had seen him previously as a beggar were saying, "Is not this the man that used to sit and beg?" 9 Some said, "It is he." Others said, "No, but he is like him." But he said, "It is me." 10 They said to him, "Then how were your eyes opened?" 11 He answered, "The man who is called Jesus made mud and smeared it on my eyes and said to me, 'Go to Siloam and wash.' So I went and washed, and I received my sight." 12 They said to him, "Where is he?" He replied, "I do not know."
13 They brought the man who used to be blind to the Pharisees. 14 Now it was the Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15 Then again the Pharisees asked him how he had received his sight. He said to them, "He put mud on my eyes, I washed, and I now can see." 16 Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God because he does not keep the Sabbath." Others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?" So there was a division among them. 17 So they asked the blind man again, "What do you say about him, since he opened your eyes?" The blind man said, "He is a prophet." 18 Now the Jews still did not believe about him that he was blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of him who had received his sight. 19 They asked the parents, "Is this your son whom you say was born blind? How then does he now see?" 20 So his parents answered them, "We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. 21 How he now sees, we do not know, and who opened his eyes, we do not know. Ask him, he is an adult. He can speak for himself." 22 His parents said these things, because they were afraid of the Jews. For the Jews had already agreed that if anyone would confess him to be the Christ, he would be thrown out of the synagogue. 23 Because of this, his parents said, "He is an adult, ask him." 24 So for a second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, "Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner." 25 Then that man replied, "I do not know if he is a sinner. One thing I do know: I was blind, and now I see." 26 Then they said to him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" 27 He answered, "I have told you already, and you did not listen! Why do you want to hear it again? You do not want to become his disciples too, do you?" 28 They insulted him and said, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29 We know that God has spoken to Moses, but we do not know where this one is from." 30 The man answered and said to them, "This is remarkable, that you do not know where he is from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if someone worships God and does his will, he listens to him. 32 Since the world began it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." 34 They answered and said to him, "You were completely born in sins, and you are teaching us?" Then they threw him out.
35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out of the synagogue. He found him and said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" 36 He replied and said, "Who is he, Lord, that I may believe in him?" 37 Jesus said to him, "You have seen him, and it is the one who is speaking with you." 38 The man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him. 39 Jesus said, "For judgment I came into this world so that those who do not see may see and so that those who see may become blind." 40 Some of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things and asked him, "Are we also blind?" 41 Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin, but now you say, 'We see,' so your sin remains."
Many of the Jews of Jesus's time believed that if a person was blind or deaf or crippled, it was because he or his parents or someone in his family had sinned. This was not the teaching of the law of Moses. (See: sin and lawofmoses)
The Pharisees thought that Jesus was working, and so breaking the Sabbath, by making mud. (See: sabbath)
The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: righteous)
Jesus calls the Pharisees blind because they see that Jesus is able to heal blind people but they still do not believe that God sent him
Jesus refers to himself as the "Son of Man" in this chapter
As Jesus and his disciples are walking along, they come across a blind man.
This word shows that the author is about to describe a new event.
Here "Jesus" is a synecdoche for Jesus and the disciples. Alternate translation: "as Jesus and his disciples passed by"
This question reflects the ancient Jewish belief that sin caused all illnesses and other deformities. The rabbis also taught that it was possible for a baby to sin while still in the womb. Alternate translation: "Teacher, we know that sin causes a person to be blind. Whose sin caused this man to be born blind? Did this man himself sin, or was it his parents who sinned?"
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This "We" includes both Jesus and the disciples he is talking to.
Here "day" and "night" are metaphors. Jesus is comparing the time when people can do God's work to daytime, the time when people normally work, and nighttime to when they cannot do God's work.
Here the "world" is a metonym for the people who live in the world. Alternate translation: "living among the people of this world"
Here "light" is a metaphor for the true revelation of God. Alternate translation: "the one who shows what is true, just as light allows people to see what is in the darkness"
Jesus used his fingers to mix the dirt and saliva. Alternate translation: "and used his fingers to mix the dirt and saliva to make mud"
"smeared the mud on the man's eyes"
You may need to make explicit that Jesus wanted him to wash the mud off of his eyes in the pool and that that is what the man did.
A brief stop occurs here in the story. Here John explains to his readers what "Siloam" means. Alternate translation: "which means 'Sent'"
This remark appears in the form of a question to express the surprise of the people. Alternate translation: "This man is the one who used to sit and beg!"
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The neighbors of the man who had been blind continue to speak to him.
"Then what caused you to be able to see?" or "How is it that you can see now?"
"used his fingers to cover my eyes with mud." See how you translated a similar phrase in John 9:6.
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The people insisted that the man go with them to the Pharisees. They did not physically force him to go.
This verse tells background information about when Jesus healed the man.
"Jewish Day of Rest"
"So the Pharisees also asked him"
This means Jesus does not obey the law about doing no work on the Jewish Day of Rest.
This remark appears in the form of a question to emphasize that Jesus's signs prove he is not a sinner. Alternate translation: "A sinner can not do such signs!"
This is another word for miracles. "Signs" give evidence that God is the all-powerful one who has complete authority over the universe.
"I think he is a prophet"
Here John stops the main story. Here here provides background information about the Jews' disbelief.
Here "Jews" is a synecdoche for the "Jewish leaders" who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: "Now the Jewish leaders still did not believe"
"They" refers to the Jewish leaders.
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"he is a man" or "he is no longer a child"
In this verse there is a stop from the main story. Here John provides background information about the man's parents being afraid of the Jews.
Here "Jews" is a synecdoche for the "Jewish leaders" who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: "they were afraid of what the Jewish leaders might do to them"
This refers to the unpleasant feeling a person has when there is a threat of harm to oneself or others.
"would say that Jesus is the Christ"
Here "be thrown out of the synagogue" is a metaphor for no longer being allowed to go into the synagogue and no longer belonging to the group of people who attend services at the synagogue. Alternate translation: "he would not be allowed to go into the synagogue" or "he would no longer belong to the synagogue"
"he is a man" or "he is no longer a child." See how you translated this in John 9:21.
Here, "they" refers to the Jews. (John 9:18)
This is an idiom that people used when taking an oath. Alternate translation: "In the presence of God, tell the truth" or "Speak the truth before God"
This refers to Jesus.
This refers to the man who had been blind.
The Jews continue to speak to the man who had been blind.
This remark appears in the form of a question to express the man's amazement that the Jewish leaders have asked him to tell them again what happened. Alternate translation: "I am surprised that you want to hear again what happened to me!"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add irony to the man's statement. He knows that the Jewish leaders do not want to follow Jesus. Here he ridicules them. Alternate translation: "It sounds like you also want to become his disciples!"
"You are following Jesus!"
The pronoun "we" is exclusive. The Jewish leaders are speaking only of themselves. Alternate translation: "but we are following Moses"
"We are sure that God has spoken to Moses"
Here the Jewish leaders are referring to Jesus. They imply that he has no authority to call disciples. Alternate translation: "we do not know where he comes from or where he gets his authority"
The man is surprised that the Jewish leaders question Jesus's authority when they know he has the power to heal. Alternate translation: "that you do not know where he gets his authority"
"does not answer the prayers of sinners ... God answers his prayers"
The man who had been blind continues speaking to the Jews.
"Since the beginning of time" or "As far back as anyone can remember"
This is a passive statement. You can translate it in an active form. Alternate translation: "no one has ever heard of anyone who healed a man who was blind from birth"
This sentence uses a double negative pattern. Alternate translation: "Only a man from God could do something like that"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. It also implies that the man was born blind because of the sins of his parents. Alternate translation: "You were born as a result of your parents' sins. You are not qualified to teach us!"
"they threw him out of the synagogue"
Jesus finds the man whom he healed (John 9:1-7) and begins to speak to him and the crowd.
This means to "believe in Jesus," to believe that he is the Son of God, to trust him as Savior, and live in a way that honors him.
Here the reader needs to understand that Jesus was speaking as if "the Son of Man" were another person. The man who had been born blind did not realize that Jesus was speaking of himself when he spoke of "the Son of Man." You should translate so that the man does not learn that Jesus is the Son of Man until verse 37.
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The "world" is a metonym for "the people who live in the world." Alternate translation: "came to live among the people of this world"
Here "seeing" is a metaphor for being able to understand spiritual things. Alternate translation: "so that those who do not see spiritually may see spiritually"
When Jesus speaks here of those that see, he is speaking of those who think that they understand spiritual things. Alternate translation: "so that those who think that they see spiritually"
Here "blind" is a metaphor for not being able to understand spiritual things. Alternate translation: "may never see spiritually"
Here "blind" is a metaphor for not understanding spiritual things. The Pharisees do not believe that they are spiritually blind, but they realize that Jesus might saying that they are spiritually blind, so they use this question to challenge him. Alternate translation: "and said to him, 'Are you saying that we are blind?'" or "and said to him, 'You seem to be saying that we, too, are blind.'"
Blindness is a metaphor for not understanding spiritual things, and having sin is a metonym for being guilty of sin. Alternate translation: "If you truly were spiritually blind, you would not be guilty of your sin"
Here "seeing" is a metaphor for understanding spiritual things, and "sin remaining" is a metonym for continuing to be guilty of one's sin. Alternate translation: "but since you think that you understand spiritual truth, you remain guilty of your sin"
1 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter through the gate into the sheep pen, but climbs up some other way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 He who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens for him. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 They will not follow a stranger but instead they will avoid him, for they do not know the voice of strangers." 6 Jesus spoke this parable to them, but they did not understand what these things were that he was saying to them.
7 Then Jesus said to them again, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the gate of the sheep. 8 Everyone who came before me is a thief and a robber, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate. If anyone enters in through me, he will be saved; he will go in and out and will find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they will have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired servant is not a shepherd and does not own the sheep. He sees the wolf coming and abandons the sheep and escapes, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He runs away because he is a hired servant and does not care for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd, and I know my own, and my own know me. 15 The Father knows me, and I know the Father, and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice so that there will be one flock and one shepherd. 17 This is why the Father loves me: I lay down my life so that I may take it again. 18 No one takes it away from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father."
19 A division again occurred among the Jews because of these words. 20 Many of them said, "He has a demon and is insane. Why do you listen to him?" 21 Others said, "These are not the words of a demon-possessed man. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?"
22 Then it was time for the Festival of the Dedication in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple in the porch of Solomon. 24 Then the Jews surrounded him and said to him, "How long will you hold us doubting? If you are the Christ, tell us openly." 25 Jesus replied to them, "I told you, but you do not believe. The works that I do in the name of my Father, these testify concerning me. 26 Yet you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life; they will never die, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all others, and no one is able to snatch them out of the hand of the Father. 30 I and the Father are one." 31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, "I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of those works are you stoning me?" 33 The Jews answered him, "We are not stoning you for any good work, but for blasphemy, because you, a man, are making yourself God." 34 Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your law, 'I said, "You are gods"'? 35 If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the scripture cannot be broken), 36 do you say to him whom the Father set apart and sent into the world, 'You are blaspheming,' because I said, 'I am the Son of God'? 37 If I am not doing the works of my Father, do not believe me. 38 But if I am doing them, even if you do not believe me, believe in the works so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and that I am in the Father." 39 They tried to seize him again, but he went away out of their hand.
40 He went away again beyond the Jordan to the place where John had first been baptizing, and he stayed there. 41 Many people came to him and they said, "John indeed did no signs, but all the things that John has said about this man are true." 42 Many people believed in him there.
When a person claims that he is God or that God has told him to speak when God has not told him to speak, this is called blasphemy. The law of Moses commanded the Israelites to kill blasphemers by stoning them to death. When Jesus said, "I and the Father are one," the Jews thought he was blaspheming, so they took up stones to kill him. (See: blasphemy and lawofmoses)
Jesus spoke of people as sheep because sheep do not see well, they do not think well, they often walk away from those who care for them, and they cannot defend themselves when other animals attack them. God's people also rebel against him and do not know when they are doing wrong.
A sheep pen was a space with a stone wall around it in which shepherds would keep their sheep. Once they were inside the sheep pen, the sheep could not run away, and animals and thieves could not easily get inside to kill or steal them.
Jesus speaks of his life as if it were a physical object that he could lay down on the ground, a metaphor for dying, or pick up again, a metaphor for becoming alive again.
Jesus begins to speak in parables.
Jesus continues to speak to the Pharisees. This is the same part of the story which began in John 9:35.
See how you translated this in John 1:51.
This is a fenced area where a shepherd keeps his sheep.
This is the use of two words with similar meanings to add emphasis.
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"The gatekeeper opens the gate for the shepherd"
This is a hired man who watches the gate of the sheep pen at night while the shepherd is away.
"The sheep hear the shepherd's voice"
"he walks in front of them"
"because they recognize his voice"
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Possible meanings: 1) "the disciples did not understand" or 2) "the crowd did not understand."
This is an illustration from the work of shepherds, using metaphors. The "shepherd" is a metaphor for Jesus. The "sheep" represent those who follow Jesus, and the "strangers" are the Jewish leaders, including the Pharisees, who try to deceive the people.
Jesus begins to explain the meaning of the parables he had spoken.
See how you translated this in John 1:51.
Here "gate" is a metaphor that means Jesus provides access into the sheepfold where God's people dwell in his presence. Alternate translation: "I am like the gate that the sheep use to enter into the sheepfold"
This refers to other teachers who have taught the people, including the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders. Alternate translation: "All of the teachers who came without my authority"
These words are metaphors. Jesus calls those teachers "a thief and a robber" because their teachings were false, and they were trying to lead God's people while not understanding the truth. As a result, they deceived the people.
Here "gate" is a metaphor. By referring to himself as "the gate," Jesus is showing that he offers a true way to enter the kingdom of God. Alternate translation: "I myself am like that gate"
The word "pasture" means a grassy area where sheep eat.
In some languages it is more natural to use a positive statement. Alternate translation: "comes only to steal, kill, and destroy"
Here the implied metaphor is "sheep," which represents God's people. Alternate translation: "steal and kill and destroy the sheep"
The word "they" refers to the sheep. "Life" refers to eternal life. Alternate translation: "so that they will really live, lacking nothing"
Jesus continues his parable about the good shepherd.
Here "good shepherd" is a metaphor that represents Jesus. Alternate translation: "I am like a good shepherd"
To lay down something means to give up control of it. To lay down one's life is a mild way to refer to dying. Alternate translation: "dies"
The "hired servant" is a metaphor that represents the Jewish leaders and teachers. Alternate translation: "The one who is like a hired servant"
Here the word "sheep" is a metaphor that represents God's people. Like a hired servant who abandons the sheep, Jesus says that the Jewish leaders and teachers do not care for God's people.
Here the word "sheep" is a metaphor that represents God's people. Jesus says that the Jewish leaders and teachers are like a hired servant who abandons the sheep, and they do not care for God's people.
Here the "good shepherd" is a metaphor for Jesus. Alternate translation: "I am like a good shepherd"
God the Father and God the Son know each other unlike anyone else knows them. "Father" is an important title for God.
This is a mild way for Jesus to say that he will die to protect his sheep. Alternate translation: "I die for the sheep"
Here "other sheep" is a metaphor for followers of Jesus who are not Jews.
Here "flock" and "shepherd" are metaphors. All of Jesus's followers, Jews and non-Jews, will be like one flock of sheep. He will be like a shepherd who cares for all of them.
Jesus finishes speaking to the crowd.
God's eternal plan was for God the Son to give his life to pay for the sins of humanity. Jesus's death on the cross reveals the intense love of the Son for the Father and of the Father for the Son.
This is an important title for God.
The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves. This kind of love cares for others, no matter what they do.
This is a mild way for Jesus to say he will die and then will become alive again. Alternate translation: "I allow myself to die in order that I may bring myself back to life"
The reflexive pronoun "myself" is used here to emphasize that Jesus lays down his own life. No one takes it from him. Alternate translation: "I myself lay it down"
"This is what my Father has commanded me to do." The word "Father" is an important title for God.
These verses tell how the Jews responded to what Jesus had said.
This remark appears in the form of a question to emphasize the point that the people should not listen to Jesus. Alternate translation: "Do not listen to him!"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "Certainly a demon cannot cause a blind man to see!" or "Certainly a demon cannot give sight to blind people!"
During the Festival of Dedication, some Jews begin to question Jesus. Verses 22 and 23 give background information about the setting of the story.
Winter is the coldest time of the year. You may use your language's term for the coldest season if your reader understands that in Israel this was in December, not in June.
This is an eight-day winter holiday Jews use to remember a miracle where God made a small amount of oil remain lit in a lampstand for eight days. They lit the lampstand to dedicate the Jewish temple to God. To dedicate something is to promise to use it for a special purpose.
The area where Jesus was walking was actually a courtyard that was outside the temple building. Alternate translation: "Jesus was walking in the temple courtyard"
This is a structure attached to the entrance of a building; it has a roof and it may or may not have walls.
Here "Jews" is a synecdoche for the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: "Then the Jewish leaders surrounded him"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "keep us wondering" or "keep us from knowing for sure"
Jesus begins to respond to the Jews.
Here "name" is a metonym for the power of God. Here "Father" is an important title for God. Jesus performed miracles through his Father's power and authority. Alternate translation: "through my Father's power" or "with my Father's power"
His miracles offer proof about him like a person who testifies would offer proof in a court of law. Alternate translation: "these offer proof concerning me"
The word "sheep" is a metaphor for the followers of Jesus. Alternate translation: "not my followers" or "not my disciples"
The word "sheep" is a metaphor for the followers of Jesus. The metaphor of Jesus as the "shepherd" is also implied. Alternate translation: "Just as sheep obey the voice of their true shepherd, my followers heed my voice"
Here the word "hand" is a metonym that represents the protective care of Jesus. Alternate translation: "no one will steal them away from me" or "they will remain secure forever in my care"
The word "Father" is an important title for God.
The word "hand" is a metonym that represents God's possession and protective care. Alternate translation: "steal them from my Father"
Here "are one" means they are completely united and alike. It does not mean they are the same person. Alternate translation: "I and the Father are completely united" or "I and the Father are exactly alike"
The word "Father" is an important title for God.
The word "Jews" is a synecdoche for the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: "Then the Jewish leaders started picking up stones again"
Jesus performed the miracles by the power of God. The word "Father" is an important title for God.
This question uses irony. Jesus knows the Jewish leaders do not want to stone him because he has done good works.
The word "Jews" is a synecdoche that represents the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: "The Jewish opponents replied" or "The Jewish leaders answered him"
"claiming to be God"
Jesus uses a question to emphasize that the Jewish leaders should know that this is written in scripture. Alternate translation: "You should already know that it is written in your law, 'I said, "You are gods."'"
Here Jesus quotes a scripture where God calls his followers "gods," perhaps because he has chosen them to represent him on earth.
Jesus speaks of God's message as though it were a person who moved toward those who heard it. Alternate translation: "God spoke his message"
Possible meanings are 1) "no one can change the scripture" or 2) "the scripture will always be true."
Jesus used this question to rebuke his opponents for saying that he was blaspheming when he called himself "the Son of God." Alternate translation: "you should not say to the very one whom the Father set apart to send into the world, 'You are blaspheming,' when I say that I am the Son of God!"
"You are insulting God." Jesus's opponents understood that when said that he is the Son of God, he was implying that he is equal with God.
These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus.
Jesus finishes responding to the Jews.
This is an important title for God.
Here the word "believe" means to accept or trust what Jesus said is true.
Here "believe in" is to acknowledge that the works Jesus does are from the Father.
These are idioms that express the close personal relationship between God and Jesus. Alternate translation: "my Father and I are completely joined together as one"
The word "hand" is a metonym that represents the custody or possession of the Jewish leaders. Alternate translation: "got away from them again"
Jesus had been on the west side of the Jordan River. Alternate translation: "to the east side of the Jordan River"
Jesus remained on the east side of Jordan for a short period of time. Alternate translation: "Jesus stayed there for several days"
"It is true that John did no signs, but he certainly did speak the truth about this man, who does signs."
These are miracles that prove that something is true or that give someone credibility.
Here "believed in" means accepted or trusted what Jesus said was true.
1 Now a certain man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was Mary who anointed the Lord with myrrh and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 3 The sisters then sent for Jesus, saying, "Lord, see, he whom you love is sick." 4 When Jesus heard it, he said, "This sickness is not to death, but instead it is for the glory of God so that the Son of God may be glorified by it." 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, Jesus stayed two more days in the place where he was. 7 Then after this, he said to the disciples, "Let us go to Judea again." 8 The disciples said to him, "Rabbi, right now the Jews are trying to stone you, and you are going back there again?" 9 Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours of light in a day? If someone walks in the daytime, he will not stumble, because he sees by the light of this world. 10 However, if he walks at night, he will stumble because the light is not in him." 11 He said these things, and after these things, he said to them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going so that I may wake him out of sleep." 12 The disciples therefore said to him, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover." 13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he was speaking about the sleep of resting. 14 Then Jesus said to them plainly, "Lazarus is dead. 15 I am glad, for your sakes, that I was not there so that you may believe. Let us go to him." 16 Thomas, who was called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go so that we may die with Jesus."
17 When Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen stadia away. 19 Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, to comfort them about their brother. 20 Then Martha, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet him, but Mary was sitting in the house. 21 Martha then said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 Even now, I know that whatever you ask from God, he will give to you." 23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 24 Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day." 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, even if he dies, will live; 26 and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" 27 She said to him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world." 28 When she had said this, she went away and called her sister Mary privately. She said, "The Teacher is here and is calling for you." 29 When she heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the village but was still in the place where Martha had met him. 31 So when the Jews, who were with her in the house and who were comforting her, saw Mary getting up quickly and going out, they followed her, thinking that she was going to the tomb to weep there. 32 When Mary came to the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell down at his feet and said to him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and was troubled; 34 he said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see." 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, "See how much he loved Lazarus!" 37 But some of them said, "Could not this man, who opened the eyes of a blind man, also have made this man not die?" 38 Then Jesus again, being deeply moved in himself, went to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of Lazarus, the one who had died, said to Jesus, "Lord, by this time the body will be decaying, for he has been dead for four days." 40 Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that, if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" 41 So they took away the stone. Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, "Father, I thank you that you listened to me. 42 I knew that you always listen to me, but it is because of the crowd that is standing around me that I said this, so that they may believe that you have sent me." 43 After he had said this, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" 44 The dead man came out; his feet and hands were bound with cloths, and his face was bound about with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Untie him and let him go."
45 Then many of the Jews who came to Mary and saw what Jesus did, believed in him. 46 But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things that Jesus had done.
47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council together and said, "What will we do? This man does many signs. 48 If we leave him alone like this, all will believe in him; the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation." 49 However, a certain man among them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, "You know nothing. 50 You do not consider that it is better for you that one man dies for the people than that the whole nation perishes." 51 Now this he said not from himself. Instead, being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation; 52 and not only for the nation, but so that the children of God who are scattered would be gathered together into one. 53 So from that day onward they planned how to put Jesus to death.
54 No longer did Jesus walk openly among the Jews, but he departed from there into the country near to the wilderness into a town called Ephraim. There he stayed with the disciples. 55 Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up to Jerusalem from the country before the Passover in order to purify themselves. 56 They were looking for Jesus, and speaking one with another as they stood in the temple, "What do you think? That he will not come to the festival?" 57 Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given an order that if anyone knew where Jesus was, he should report it so that they might seize him.
The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: righteous)
After Jesus made Lazarus become alive again, the Jewish leaders were trying hard to kill him, so he started traveling from place to place in secret. Now the Pharisees knew that he would probably come to Jerusalem for the Passover because God had commanded all Jewish men to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem, so they planned to catch him and kill him then. (See: passover)
The law of Moses commanded the priests to kill animals so that God would forgive the people's sins. The high priest Caiaphas said, "It is better for you that one man dies for the people than that the whole nation perishes" (John 11:50). He said this because he loved his "place" and "nation" (John 11:48) more than he loved the God who had made Lazarus become alive again. He wanted Jesus to die so that the Romans would not destroy the temple and Jerusalem, but God wanted Jesus to die so that he could forgive all of his people's sins.
When Martha said, "If you had been here, my brother would not have died," she was speaking of a situation that could have happened but did not happen. Jesus had not come sooner, and her brother died.
These verses introduce the story of Lazarus and give background information about him and his sister Mary.
As John introduces Mary, the sister of Martha, he also shares information concerning what would later happen in the story.
"asked Jesus to come"
Here "love" refers to brotherly love, a natural, human love between friends or relatives.
Jesus implies that he knows what will happen related to Lazarus and his sickness. Alternate translation: "Death will not be the final result of this sickness"
This refers to physical death.
Jesus implies that he knows what the outcome will be. Alternate translation: "but the purpose is that the people might see how great God is because of what his power will allow me to do"
This is an important title for Jesus.
This is background information.
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This remark appears in the form of a question to emphasize that the disciples do not want Jesus to go to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "Teacher, you surely do not want to go back there! The Jews were trying to stone you the last time you were there!"
This is a synecdoche for the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: "the Jewish leaders"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "You know that the day has twelve hours of light!"
People who walk in the light of the day can see well and do not stumble. "Light" is a metaphor for "truth." Jesus is implying that people who live according to truth will be able to successfully do the things that God wants them to do.
Jesus continues speaking to his disciples.
Here "night" is a metaphor that refers to one's walking without God's light.
Possible meanings are 1) "he cannot see" or "he does not have God's light."
"Has fallen asleep" is an idiom that means "has begun to sleep" or "is sleeping." Jesus meant that Lazarus had died, but the disciples did not understand this. So it is important to keep the idea of sleeping in the translation.
"Wake him out of sleep" is an idiom that means "cause someoen who is sleeping to wake up." Jesus meant that he was going to bring Lazurus back to life. But his disciples did not understand this. So it is important to keep the idea of waking him up in the translation. Alternate translation: "but I am going there to wake him up"
The disciples misunderstand Jesus to mean that Lazarus is resting and will recover.
In this verse there is a stop in the story. Here John comments on the disciples' misunderstanding about what Jesus meant when he said Lazarus was asleep.
"So Jesus told them in words that they could understand"
Jesus continues speaking to his disciples.
"for your benefit"
"that I was not there. Because of this you will learn to trust me more"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "whom they called Didymus"
This is a male name that means "twin."
Jesus is now in Bethany. These verses give background information about the setting and about what has happened before Jesus arrived.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "he learned that people had put Lazarus in a tomb four days before"
"about three kilometers away." A "stadium" is 185 meters.
Lazarus was their younger brother. Alternate translation: "about their younger brother"
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Lazarus was the younger brother. Alternate translation: "my younger brother would still be alive"
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Lazarus was the younger brother. Alternate translation: "Your younger brother will become alive again"
"he will become alive again"
The abstract nouns "resurrection" and "life" can be stated as verbal phrases. Alternate translation: "I am the one who raises those who die and causes them to live again"
"even a person who dies will live forever, if he believes in me"
"those who live and trust in me will never be separated eternally from God" or "those who live and trust in me will be spiritually alive with God forever"
Here "die" refers to spiritual death.
"Martha said to Jesus"
Martha believes that Jesus is Lord, the Christ (the Messiah), the Son of God.
This is an important title for Jesus.
Mary is the younger sister of Martha. Alternate translation: "she went away and called her younger sister Mary"
This is a title referring to Jesus.
"is asking that you come"
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Here John provides a brief break in the story to give background information regarding the location of Jesus.
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Mary lay down or knelt at the feet of Jesus to show respect.
Lazarus was Mary's younger brother. See how you translated this in [John 11:21]
John combines these phrases that have similar meanings to express the intense emotional distress and possible anger that Jesus experienced. Alternate translation: "he was greatly upset"
This is a milder way of asking, "Where have you buried him?"
"Jesus began to cry" or "Jesus started crying"
This refers to brotherly love or human love for a friend or family member.
This remark appears in the form of a question to express the Jews' surprise that Jesus did not heal Lazarus. Alternate translation: "He could heal a man who was blind, so he should have been able to heal this man so he would not have died!" or "Since he did not keep this man from dying, maybe he did not really heal the man who was born blind, as they say he did!"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "healed the eyes"
John pauses the story briefly to describe the tomb where the people had buried Lazarus.
Martha and Mary were older sisters of Lazarus. Alternate translation: "Martha, the older sister of Lazarus"
"by this time there will be a bad smell" or "the body is already stinking"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis to the point that God is about to do something wonderful. Alternate translation: "I told you that if you trusted me, you would see what God can do!"
This is an idiom that means to look up. Alternate translation: "Jesus looked up toward heaven"
Jesus prays directly to the Father so that others around him will hear his prayer. Alternate translation: "Father, I thank you that you have heard me" or "Father, I thank you that you have heard my prayer"
This is an important title for God.
Jesus had authority to teach the people because God the Father had sent him to do that. Also where the Father sent Jesus can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "that I am here because you have sent me to them"
"After Jesus had prayed"
"he shouted"
A burial custom of this time was to wrap the dead body with long strips of linen cloth. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone had wrapped strips of cloth around his hands and feet. They had also tied a cloth around his face"
The word "them" refers to the people who were there and saw the miracle.
These verses tell us what happened after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.
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Because so many people have told them that Lazarus is alive again, the chief priests and Pharisees gather the Jewish council for a meeting.
"Then the leaders among the priests"
The author uses this word to tell the reader that the events that begin in this verse are a result of the events of John 11:45-46.
It is implied here that the council members are talking about Jesus. Alternate translation: "What are we going to do about Jesus?"
The Jewish leaders were afraid that the people would try to make Jesus their king. Alternate translation: "everyone will trust in him and rebel against Rome"
This is a synecdoche for the Roman army. Alternate translation: "the Roman army will come"
"destroy both our temple and our nation"
This is a way to introduce a new character to the story. If you have a way to do this in your language, you can use it here.
This is an exaggeration that Caiaphas uses to insult his hearers. Alternate translation: "You do not understand what is happening" or "You speak as though you know nothing"
Caiaphas implies that the Roman army would kill all of the people of the Jewish nation if Jesus is allowed to live and cause a rebellion. The word "nation" here is a synecdoche that represents all of the Jewish people. Alternate translation: "than that the Romans kill all the people of our nation"
In verses 51 and 52 John explains that Caiaphus was prophesying even though he did not realize it at the time. This is background information.
The word "nation" is a synecdoche and refers to the people of the nation of Israel.
The words "that he should die" are understood from the previous clause. Alternate translation: "and that he should die not only for the nation"
This is an ellipsis. The word "people" is implied by the context. Alternate translation: "would be gathered into one people"
This refers to people who belong to God through faith in Jesus and are spiritually God's children.
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Jesus leaves Bethany and goes to Ephraim.
Here "Jews" is a synecdoche for the Jewish leaders and "walk openly" is a metaphor for "live where everyone could see him." Alternate translation: "live where all the Jews could see him" or "walk openly among the Jewish leaders who opposed him"
the rural area outside cities where fewer people live
Jesus and his disciples stayed in Ephraim for a while. Alternate translation: "There he stayed with his disciples for a short period of time"
Here the story shifts to telling about what many of the Jews are doing now that Passover is near.
The phrase "went up" is used here because Jerusalem is higher in elevation than the surrounding areas.
The content of verse 57 occurs before that of verse 56. If this order might confuse your readers, you can combine these verses and put the text of verse 57 before the text of verse 56.
The word "they" refers to the Jewish people who had traveled to Jerusalem.
The speakers were sure that if Jesus came to the festival the Jewish leaders would arrest him. The meaning of these rhetorical questions is not clear. Possible meanings are 1) the speakers were not sure that he would come. Alternate translation: "Do you think that he will come to the festival?" or "I do not know what to think. He might come to the festival, or he might not." 2) The speakers were sure that Jesus would not come. Alternate translation: "We can be sure that he will not come to the festival."
This is background information that explains why the Jewish worshipers were wondering if Jesus would come to the festival or not. If your language has a way to mark background information, use it here.
1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they made him a dinner there, and Martha was serving, but Lazarus was one of those who were lying down at the table with Jesus. 3 Then Mary took a litra of perfume made of very precious pure nard, anointed the feet of Jesus with it, and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, the one who would betray him, said, 5 "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" 6 Now he said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. He had the moneybag and would steal from what was put in it. 7 Jesus said, "Allow her to keep what she has for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor with you. But you will not always have me."
9 Now a large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, and they came, not only for Jesus, but also to see Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 10 The chief priests conspired together so that they might also put Lazarus to death; 11 for it was because of him that many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.
12 On the next day a great crowd came to the festival. When they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 they took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet him and cried out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel."
14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it; as it was written,
15 "Do not fear, daughter of Zion;
see, your King is coming,
sitting on the colt of a donkey."
16 His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, they remembered that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him. 17 Now the crowd testified that they had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him up from the dead. 18 It was also for this reason that the crowd went out to meet him, because they heard that he had done this sign. 19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, "Look, you can do nothing good; see, the world has gone after him."
20 Now certain Greeks were among those who were going up to worship at the festival. 21 These went to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, saying, "Sir, we want to see Jesus." 22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew went with Philip, and they told Jesus. 23 Jesus answered them and said, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone; but if it dies, it will bear much fruit. 25 He who loves his life will lose it; but he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, let him follow me; and where I am, there will my servant also be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. 27 Now my soul is troubled and what should I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? But for this reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven and said, "I have glorified it and I will glorify it again." 29 Then the crowd that stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, "An angel has spoken to him." 30 Jesus answered and said, "This voice did not come for me, but for you. 31 Now is the judgment of this world: Now will the ruler of this world be thrown out. 32 When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself." 33 He said this to indicate what kind of death he would die. 34 The crowd answered him, "We have heard from the law that the Christ will stay forever. How can you say, 'The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this Son of Man?" 35 Jesus then said to them, "The light will still be with you for a short amount of time. Walk while you have the light, so that darkness does not overtake you. He who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light so that you may be sons of light."
Jesus said these things and then departed and hid from them. 37 Although Jesus had done so many signs before them, yet they did not believe in him 38 so that the word of Isaiah the prophet would be fulfilled, in which he said:
"Lord, who has believed our report,
and to whom has the arm
of the Lord been revealed?"
39 For this reason they could not believe, for Isaiah had also said,
40 "He has blinded their eyes,
and he has hardened their heart,
otherwise they would see with their eyes
and understand with their hearts,
and turn, and I would heal them."
41 Isaiah said these things because he saw the glory of Jesus and spoke of him. 42 But despite that, many of the rulers believed in Jesus; but because of the Pharisees, they did not confess it so that they would not be banned from the synagogue. 43 They loved the glory that comes from people more than the glory that comes from God.
44 Jesus cried out and said, "The one who believes in me, believes not only in me but also in him who sent me, 45 and the one who sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come as a light into the world, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in the darkness. 47 If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I have not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 The one who rejects me and who does not receive my words, has one who judges him. The word I have spoken will judge him on the last day. 49 For I did not speak for myself, but it is the Father who sent me, who has given me the command about what to say and what to speak. 50 I know that his command is eternal life, so that is what I say—just as the Father has spoken to me, so I speak."
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 12:38 and 40, which is from the Old Testament.
Verse 16 is a commentary on these events. It is possible to put this entire verse in parentheses in order to set it apart from the narrative of the story.
The Jews would put oil on a person's head to make that person feel welcome and comfortable. They would also put oil on a person's body after the person had died but before they buried the body. But they would never think to put oil on a person's feet, because they thought that feet were dirty.
Jesus rode into Jerusalem on an animal. In this way he was like a king who came into a city after he had won an important battle. Also, the kings of Israel in the Old Testament rode on a donkeys. Other kings rode on horses. So Jesus was showing that he was the king of Israel and that he was not like other kings.
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all wrote about this event. Matthew and Mark wrote that the disciples brought Jesus a donkey. John wrote that Jesus found a donkey. Luke wrote that they brought him a colt. Only Matthew wrote that there were both a donkey had a colt. No one knows for sure whether Jesus rode the donkey or the colt. It is best to translate each of these accounts as it appears in the ULB without trying to make them all say exactly the same thing. (See: Matthew 21:1-7 and Mark 11:1-7 and Luke 19:29-36 and John 12:14-15)
Scripture often speaks of God's glory as a great, brilliant light. When people see this light, they are afraid. In this chapter John says that the glory of Jesus is his resurrection (John 12:16).
The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: and righteous)
A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. A paradox occurs in 12:25: "He who loves his life will lose it; but he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." But in 12:26 Jesus explains what it means to keep one's life for eternal life. (John 12:25-26).
Jesus is at dinner in Bethany when Mary anoints his feet with oil.
The author uses these words to mark the beginning of a new event.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "had made alive again"
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You may convert this to a the measure system used in your area. The word "litra" was used for measures of about 300 milliliters of liquids or about 300 grams of solids. Because the perfume was a liquid, the word here probably refers to the liquid measure as guessed by those who saw the size of the container.
This is a good-smelling liquid made by using the oils of pleasant smelling plants and flowers.
This is a perfume made from a pink, bell-shaped flower in the mountains of Nepal, China, and India.
This can be translated in an active form. Alternate translation: "The scent of her perfume filled the house"
"the one who later enabled Jesus's enemies to seize him"
This is a rhetorical question. You can translate it as a strong statement. Alternate translation: "This perfume could have been sold for three hundred denarii and the money could have been given to the poor!"
You can translate this as a numeral. Alternate translation: "300 denarii"
A denarius was the amount of silver that a common laborer could earn in one day of work.
John explains why Judas asked the question about the poor. If your language has a way of indicating background information, you can use it here.
"he said this because he was a thief. He did not care about the poor"
Jesus implies that the woman's actions can be understood as anticipating his death and burial. Alternate translation: "Allow her to show how much she appreciates me! In this way she has prepared my body for burial"
Jesus implies that there will always be opportunities to help the poor people. Alternate translation: "There will always be poor people among you, and you can help them whenever you want"
In this way, Jesus implies that he will die. Alternate translation: "But I will not always be here with you"
This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here John tells about a new group of people that has come to Bethany from Jerusalem.
All those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld.
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The fact that Lazarus was alive again caused many Jews to believe in Jesus.
This implies that many of the Jewish people were trusting in Jesus as the Son of God. Alternate translation: "were putting their trust in Jesus"
Jesus enters Jerusalem and the people honor him as a king.
The author uses these words to mark the beginning of a new event.
"a great crowd of people"
This means "May God save us now!"
This expresses a desire for God to cause good things to happen to a person.
Here the word "name" is a metonym for the person's authority and power. Alternate translation: "comes as the representative of the Lord" or "comes in the power of the Lord"
Here John gives background information that Jesus secures a donkey. He implies that Jesus will ride the donkey into Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "he found a young donkey and sat on it, riding into the city"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "as the prophets wrote in the Scripture"
"Daughter of Zion" here is a metonym that refers to the people of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "you people of Jerusalem"
John, the writer, interrupts here to give the reader some background information about what the disciples later understood.
Here the words "these things" refer to the words that the prophet had written about Jesus.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "when God glorified Jesus"
The words "these things" refer to what the people did when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey (praising him and waving the palm branches).
This word is used here to mark a break in the main narrative. Here John explains that many of the people came to meet Jesus because they heard others say that he had raised Lazarus from the dead.
"they heard others say that he had done this sign"
A "sign" is an event or occurrence that proves something is true. In this case, the "sign" of raising Lazarus proves that Jesus is the Messiah.
The Pharisees imply here that it might be impossible to stop Jesus. Alternate translation: "It seems like we can do nothing to stop him"
The Pharisees use this exaggeration to express their shock that so many people have come out to meet Jesus. Alternate translation: "It looks like everyone is becoming his disciple"
Here "the world" is a metonym that represents
The phrase "now certain" marks the introduction of new characters to the story.
John implies that these "Greeks" were going to worship God during the Passover. Alternate translation: "Greeks ... to worship God at the Passover festival"
This was a town in the province of Galilee.
Philip and Andrew tell Jesus about the Greeks' request to see him. You can translate this by adding the implied words. Alternate translation: "they told Jesus what the Greeks had said"
Jesus begins to respond to Philip and Andrew.
Jesus implies that it is now the right time for God to honor the Son of Man through his upcoming suffering, death and resurrection. Alternate translation: "God will soon honor me when I die and rise again"
Translate this the way your language emphasizes that what follows is important and true. See how you translated "Truly, truly" in John 1:51.
Here "a grain of wheat" or "seed" is a metaphor for Jesus's death, burial and resurrection. Just as a seed is planted and grows again into a plant that will bear much fruit, so will many people trust in Jesus after he is killed, buried, and raised back to life.
Here "loves his life" means to consider one's own physical life to be more valuable than the lives of others. Alternate translation: "Whoever values his own life more than the lives of others will not receive eternal life"
Here the one who "hates his life" refers to one who loves his own life less than he loves the lives of others. Alternate translation: "whoever considers the lives of others as more important than his own life will live with God forever"
Jesus implies that those who serve him will be with him in heaven. Alternate translation: "when I am in heaven, my servant will also be there with me"
Here "Father" is an important title for God.
This remark appears in the form of a rhetorical question. Although Jesus desires to avoid crucifixion, he chooses to be obedient to God and to be killed. Alternate translation: "I will not pray, 'Father, save me from this hour!'"
This is an important title for God.
Here "this hour" is a metonym that represents when Jesus would suffer and die on the cross.
Here the word "name" is a metonym that refers to God. Alternate translation: "make your glory known" or "reveal your glory"
This represents God speaking. Sometimes people avoid referring directly to God because they respect him. Alternate translation: "God spoke from the heavens"
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Jesus explains why the voice spoke from heaven.
Here "this world" is a metonym that refers to all the people in the world. Alternate translation: "Now is the time for God to judge all of the people"
Here "ruler" refers to Satan. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "Now is the time when I will destroy the power of Satan, who rules this world"
Here Jesus refers to his crucifixion. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "When people raise me high on a cross"
Through his crucifixion, Jesus will provide a way for everyone to trust in him.
Here John tells us background information about what Jesus said about being "lifted up."
John interprets Jesus's words to mean that people will crucify him. Alternate translation: "He said this to let the people know how he would die"
The phrase "lifted up" means crucified. You may translate this in a way that includes the implied words "on a cross." Alternate translation: "The Son of Man must be lifted up on a cross"
Possible meanings are 1) "What is the identity of this Son of Man? or 2) "What kind of Son of Man are you talking about?"
Here "light" is a metaphor for Jesus's teachings which reveal the truth of God. To "walk in darkness" is a metaphor that means to live without God's truth. Alternate translation: "My words are like a light to you, to help you understand how to live as God wants you to. I will not be with you much longer. You need to follow my instructions while I am still with you. If you reject my words, it will be like walking in darkness and you cannot see where you are going"
The "light" is a metaphor for the teachings of Jesus which reveal the truth of God. "sons of light" is a metaphor for those who accept the message of Jesus and live according to God's truth. Alternate translation: "While I am with you, believe what I teach so that God's truth will be in you"
This is a stop in the main story. Here John begins to explain about the fulfillment of prophesies that had been spoken by the prophet Isaiah.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "in order to fulfill the message of Isaiah the prophet"
This appears in the form of two rhetorical questions to express the prophet's dismay that the people do not believe his message.They may be stated as a single rhetorical question, Alternate translation: "Lord, hardly anyone has believed our message, even though they have seen that you are powerfully able to save them!"
This is a metonym that refers to the Lord's ability to rescue with power.
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Here "hearts" is a metonym for a person's mind. The phrase "hardened their heart" is a metaphor for making someone become stubborn. Also, to "understand with their heart" means to "truly understand." Alternate translation: "he has made them stubborn ... truly understand"
Here "turn" is a metaphor for "repent." Alternate translation: "and they would repent"
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You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "so people would not stop them from going to the synagogue"
The word "glory" here is a metonym for the praise that people give others who are glorious. Alternate translation: "They wanted people to praise them more than they wanted God to praise them"
Here John returns to the main story. This is another time when Jesus begins to speak to the crowd.
Here John implies that a crowd of people had gathered to hear Jesus speak. Alternate translation: "Jesus shouted out to the crowd that had gathered"
Here the word "him" refers to God. Alternate translation: "the one who sees me sees God, who sent me"
Jesus continues speaking to the crowd.
Here the "light" is a metaphor for the revelation that comes from God. Also, "world" is a metonym for "people." See how you translated a similar phrase in [John 8:12]
Here "darkness" is a metaphor for living in ignorance of God's truth. Alternate translation: "may not continue to be spiritually blind"
Here "the world" is a metonym that represents all of the people in the world.
Here "to judge the world" implies condemnation. Jesus did not come to condemn people. Alternate translation: "If anyone hears my teaching and rejects it, I do not condemn him. I have not come to condemn people. Instead, I have come to save those who trust in me"
"at the time when God judges people's sins"
This is an important title for God.
"I know that the words that he commanded me to speak are the words that give life forever"
1 Now it was before the Festival of the Passover. Jesus knew that his hour had come to go out of this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 Now the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot son of Simon, to betray Jesus. So during dinner, 3 Jesus—who knew that the Father had given everything over into his hands and that he had come from God and was going back to God— 4 got up from dinner and took off his outer clothing. Then he took a towel and wrapped it around himself. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples and dry them with the towel that he had put around himself. 6 He came to Simon Peter, and Peter said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" 7 Jesus answered and said to him, "What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will understand this later." 8 Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no share with me." 9 Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, do not only wash my feet, but also my hands and my head." 10 Jesus said to him, "He who is bathed has no need, except to wash his feet, but he is completely clean; you are clean, but not everyone." 11 (For Jesus knew who would betray him; that is why he said, "Not all of you are clean.")
12 So when Jesus had washed their feet and taken his garments and sat down again, he said to them, "Do you understand what I have done for you? 13 You call me 'teacher' and 'Lord,' and you are speaking correctly, because so I am. 14 If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you should also wash the feet of one another. 15 For I have given you an example so that you should also do just as I did for you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is a messenger greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. 18 I am not speaking about all of you; I know those whom I have chosen—but this is so that the scripture will be fulfilled: 'He who eats my bread lifted up his heel against me.' 19 I tell you this now before it happens so that when it happens, you may believe that I AM. 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me."
21 When Jesus said this, he was troubled in spirit. He testified and said, "Truly, truly, I say to you that one of you will betray me." 22 The disciples looked at each other, wondering of whom he was speaking. 23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was lying down at the table against Jesus' side. 24 Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, "Ask him who he is speaking about." 25 So he leaned back against the side of Jesus and said to him, "Lord, who is it?" 26 Then Jesus answered, "It is the one for whom I will dip the piece of bread and give it him." So when he had dipped the bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. 27 Then after the bread, Satan entered into him, so Jesus said to him, "What you are doing, do it quickly." 28 Now no one who was lying down at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, since Judas had the moneybag, Jesus said to him, "Buy what we need to have for the festival," or that he should give something to the poor. 30 After Judas received the bread, he went out immediately. It was night.
31 When Judas was gone, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify the Son in himself, and he will glorify him at once. 33 Little children, I am with you for still a short amount of time. You will seek me, and as I said to the Jews, 'Where I am going, you cannot come.' Now I also say this to you. 34 I am giving you a new commandment, that you should love one another; as I have loved you, so also you should love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another."
36 Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered, "Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, but you will follow later." 37 Peter said to him, "Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." 38 Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow before you have denied me three times."
The events of this chapter are commonly referred to as the last supper or the Lord's supper. This Passover feast in many ways parallels Jesus's sacrifice as the lamb of God. (See: passover)
People in the ancient Near East thought that feet were very dirty. Only servants would wash people's feet. The disciples did not want Jesus to wash their feet because they considered him their master and themselves his servants, but he wanted to show them that they needed to serve each other.
John records Jesus as saying these words four times in this book, once in this chapter. They stand alone as a complete sentence, and they literally translate the Hebrew word for "I AM," by which Yahweh identified himself to Moses. For these reasons, many people believe that when Jesus said these words he was claiming to be Yahweh. (See: yahweh).
Jesus refers to himself as the "Son of Man" in this chapter
It is not yet Passover and Jesus is together with his disciples for supper. These verses explain the setting of the story and give background information about Jesus and Judas.
This is an important title for God.
The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves. This kind of love cares for others, no matter what they do.
John begins to give background information for a part of the story that begins in verse 4.
This word shows that the author has stopped describing the action and is about to give background information before continuing the story. You should translate using the way your language introduces background information.
The phrase "put it into the heart" is an idiom that means to cause someone to think about something. Alternate translation: "the devil had already caused Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to think about betraying Jesus"
John continues to tell us background information about what Jesus knew. The action in the story begins in verse 4.
This is an important title for God.
Here "his hands" is a metonym for power and authority. Alternate translation: "had given him complete power and authority over everything"
Jesus had always been with the Father, and would return there after his work on earth was finished.
John has finished giving the background to this part of the story John 13:2-3 and tells what Jesus did next.
Because the region was very dusty, it was customary for the host of a dinner to provide a servant to wash the feet of the guests. Jesus took off his outer clothing so he would look like a servant.
Because the region was very dusty, it was customary for the host of a dinner to provide a servant to wash the feet of the guests. Jesus did the work of the servant by washing the disciples' feet.
Peter's question shows that he is not willing for Jesus to wash his feet. Alternate translation: "Lord, it is not right for you to wash the feet of me, a sinner!"
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Here Jesus begins to speak about "washing" to mean making someone spiritually clean or pure. Since Jesus said in 13:7 that the disciples would not fully understand what was happening, translations should keep the "washing" imagery and not try to explain it in the text.
It can be stated explicitly that Jesus is talking about washing feet. Alternate translation: "If I do not wash your feet" (
The word "share" means a part of an inheritance. Here it is a metaphor meaning that Peter would not have fellowship or anything in common with Jesus. Alternate translation: "you will not be my disciple" or "you will not belong to me"
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Jesus continues to speak to Simon Peter.
Here Jesus speaks about "bathed" and "wash" and "clean" to mean making someone spiritually clean or pure. Since Jesus said in 13:7 that the disciples would not fully understand what was happening, translations should keep the "washing" imagery and not try to explain it in the text.
The word "but" shows the contrast between a person needing to be cleaned and a person already being being clean. In some languages "but" would not be used. Alternate translation: "He who is bathed has no need, except to wash his feet, because he is completely clean" or "He who is bathed has no need, except to wash his feet; he is completely clean"
This double negative emphasizes that to wash the feet is the only thing that he who is bathed needs. Alternate translation: "He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet" or "The only thing a person who has bathed needs is to wash his feet"
It is implied that this need concerns washing the whole body. Alternate translation: "has no need to be fully bathed" or "does not need me to wash his whole body"
Here "clean" means spiritually clean or pure. Since Jesus said in 13:7 that the disciples would not fully understand what was happening, translations should keep the "clean" imagery and not try to explain it in the text.
This remark appears in the form of a question so Jesus can emphasize the importance of what he is teaching his disciples. Alternate translation: "You need to understand what I have done for you!"
Here Jesus implies that his disciples have great respect for him. Alternate translation: "You show me great respect when you call me 'teacher' and 'Lord.'"
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Jesus implies that his disciples should be willing to follow his example and serve one another. Alternate translation: "you should also humbly serve each other"
Jesus continues to speak to his disciples.
See how you translated this in John 1:51.
"more important"
Here "bless" means to cause good, beneficial things to happen to a person. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God will bless you"
With this sentence, Jesus introduces something he will tell them in verse 21 that fulfills what the scripture says. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "this is in order to fulfill the scripture"
"this scripture"
Jesus quoted the scripture that will be fulfilled. Here the phrase "eats my bread" is an idiom for someone who pretends to be a friend. The phrase "lifted up his heel" is also an idiom, which means someone who has become an enemy. If you have idioms in your language that have these meanings, you can use them here. Alternate translation: "The one who has pretended to be my friend has turned out to be an enemy"
"I am telling you now what is going to happen before it happens"
Possible meanings are 1) Jesus is identifying himself as Yahweh, who identified himself to Moses as "I AM," or 2) Jesus is saying, "I am the one I claim to be."
See how you translated this in John 1:51.
concerned, upset
See how you translated this in John 1:51.
"The disciples looked at each other and wondered: 'Who will betray Jesus?'"
This refers to John.
During the time of Christ, Jews would often dine together in the Greek style, in which they lay on their sides on low couches.
Lying with one's head against the side of another diner in the Greek style was considered to be the place of greatest friendship with him.
The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves.
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This indicates that Judas was from the village of Kerioth.
The words "Judas took" are understood from the context. Alternate translation: "Then after Judas took the bread"
This is an idiom that means Satan took complete control of Judas. Alternate translation: "Satan took control of him" or "Satan started to command him"
Here Jesus is speaking to Judas.
"Do quickly what you are planning to do"
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You can translate this as a direct quote. Alternate translation: "'Go and give some money to the poor'"
John seems to draw attention here to the fact that Judas will do his evil or "dark" deed in the darkness of the night. Alternate translation: "he went out immediately into the dark night"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "Now people are about to see how the Son of Man will receive honor and how God will receive honor through what the Son of Man is doing"
The word "him" refers to the Son of Man. The word "himself" is a reflexive pronoun that refers to God. Alternate translation: "God himself will immediately give honor to the Son of Man"
Jesus uses the term "Little children" to communicate that he loves the disciples as though they were his children.
Here "Jews" is a synecdoche for the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: "as I said to the Jewish leaders"
Jesus continues speaking to his disciples.
The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves. This kind of love cares for others, no matter what they do.
You may need to make explicit that this exaggeration refers only to those people who see how the disciples love each other.
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"give up my life" or "die"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis to Jesus's statement. Alternate translation: "You say that you will die for me, but the truth is that you will not!"
"you will say that you do not know me three times before the rooster crows"
1 "Do not let your heart be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, I would have told you, for I am going to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself, so that where I am you will also be. 4 You know the way to where I am going." 5 Thomas said to Jesus, "Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?" 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you know him and have seen him." 8 Philip said to Jesus, "Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us." 9 Jesus said to him, "I have been with you for such a long time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak from my own authority, but the Father living in me is doing his work. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father is in me, or else believe because of the works themselves. 12 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will do the works that I do, and he will do greater works than these because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it so that the Father will be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. 15 If you love me, you will keep my commandments, 16 and I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Comforter so that he will be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive him because it does not see him or know him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come back to you. 19 Yet a short amount of time and the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Because I live, you will also live. 20 On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and that you are in me, and that I am in you. 21 He who has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me, and he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and I will show myself to him." 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to Jesus, "Lord, why is it that you will show yourself to us and not to the world?" 23 Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and we will make our home with him. 24 He who does not love me does not keep my words. The word that you hear is not from me but from the Father who sent me.
25 I have said these things to you, while I am staying with you. 26 However, the Comforter—the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and he will remind you of everything that I said to you. 27 I leave you peace; I give you my peace. I do not give it as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled, and do not be afraid. 28 You heard that I said to you, 'I am going away, and I will come back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I am. 29 Now I have told you before it happens so that, when it happens, you will believe. 30 I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me, 31 but in order that the world will know that I love the Father, I do just as the Father commanded me. Let us get up and go from here."
Jesus used these words to speak of heaven, where God lives, not of the temple. (See: heaven)
Jesus told his disciples that he would send the Holy Spirit to them. The Holy Spirit is the Comforter (John 14:16) who is always with God's people to help them and to speak to God for them. He is also the Spirit of truth (John 14:17) who tells God's people what is true about God so they know him better and serve him well. (See: holyspirit)
The part of the story from the previous chapter continues. Jesus reclines at the table with his disciples and continues to speak to them.
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's inner being. Alternate translation: "Stop being so anxious and worried"
"There are many places to live in my Father's house"
This refers to heaven, where God lives.
This is an important title for God.
The word "room" can refer to a single room, or to a larger dwelling.
Jesus will prepare a place in heaven for every person who trusts in him. The "you" is plural and refers to all his disciples.
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Possible meanings of this metaphor are 1) "the way to God" or 2) "the one who takes people to God."
"how can we know how to get there?"
Possible meanings of this metaphor are 1) "the true person" or 2) "the one who speaks true words about God."
This is a metaphor that means Jesus can give life to people. Alternate translation: "the one who can make people alive"
This double negative emphasizes that through Jesus is the only way that anyone can come to the Father. Alternate translation: "everyone comes to the Father only through me" or "the only way anyone comes to the Father is through me"
You may need to make explicit that "comes" includes the idea of living with the Father forever. Alternate translation: "No one can come to the Father and live with him unless he comes through me"
This is an important title for God.
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The "Father" is an important title for God.
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis to Jesus's words. Alternate translation: "Philip, I have been with you disciples already for a very long time. You should know me by now!"
To see Jesus, who is God the Son, is to see God the Father. The "Father" is an important title for God.
This remark appears in the form of a question to emphasize Jesus's words to Philip. Alternate translation: "So you really should not be saying, 'Show us the Father!'"
Jesus asks Philip a question and then he continues to speak to all of his disciples.
This remark appears in the form of a question to emphasize Jesus's words to Philip. Alternate translation: "You really should believe ... in me."
This is an important title for God.
"What I am telling you is not from me" or "The words I tell you are not from me"
Here "you" is plural. Jesus is now speaking to all of his disciples.
This is an idiom that means God the Father and Jesus have a unique relationship. Alternate translation: "I am one with the Father, and the Father is one with me" or "my Father and I are just as though we were one"
See how you translated this in John 1:51.
This means to believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
This is an important title that describes the relationship between God and Jesus.
Here "name" is a metonym that represents the authority of Jesus. Alternate translation: "Whatever you ask, using my authority"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "so I can show everyone how great my Father is"
These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus.
Here "name" is a metonym that represents the authority of Jesus. Alternate translation: "If you ask me anything as one of my followers, I will do it" or "Whatever you ask of me, I will do it because you belong to me"
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This refers to the Holy Spirit.
This refers to the Holy Spirit who teaches people what is true about God.
Here the "world" is a metonym that refers to the people who oppose God. Alternate translation: "The unbelieving people in this world will never welcome him because they do not" or "Those who oppose God will not accept him because they do not"
Here Jesus implies that he will not leave his disciples with no one to care for them. Alternate translation: "leave you with no one to care for you"
Here the "world" is a metonym that represents the people who do not belong to God. Alternate translation: "the unbelievers"
God the Father and Jesus live as one person. Alternate translation: "you will know that my Father and I are just like one person"
This is an important title for God.
"you and I are just like one person"
The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves. This kind of love cares for others, no matter what they do.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "my Father will love anyone who loves me"
This is an important title for God.
This refers to another disciple whose name was Judas, not to the disciple who was from the village of Kerioth who betrayed Jesus.
Here the word "show" refers to revealing how wonderful Jesus is. Alternate translation: "why will you reveal yourself only to us" or "why will you only let us see how wonderful you are"
Here "world" is a metonym that represents the people who oppose God. Alternate translation: "not to those who do not belong to God"
Jesus responds to Judas (not Iscariot).
"The one who loves me will do what I have told him to do"
The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves. This kind of love cares for others, no matter what they do.
This is an important title for God.
The Father and the Son will share life with those who obey what Jesus commands. Alternate translation: "we will come to live with him, and will have a personal relationship with him"
"The things I have told you are not things that I have decided to say on my own"
"The message"
Here when Jesus says "you" he is speaking to all of his disciples.
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This is an important title for God.
The "world" is a metonym that represents those people who do not love God.
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's inner being. Alternate translation: "So stop being anxious, and do not be afraid"
This kind of love comes from God and desires the good of others, even when it does not benefit oneself. This kind of love cares for others, no matter what they do.
Here Jesus implies that he will return to his Father. Alternate translation: "I am going back to the Father"
Here Jesus implies that the Father has greater authority than the Son while the Son is on the earth. Alternate translation: "the Father has greater authority than I have here"
This is an important title for God.
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Here "ruler" refers to Satan. See how you translated this in John 12:31. Alternate translation: "Satan, who rules this world, is"
Here Jesus implies that Satan is coming to attack him. Alternate translation: "Satan is coming to attack me"
Here the "world" is a metonym for the people who do not belong to God. Alternate translation: "in order that the ones who do not belong to God may know"
This is an important title for God.
1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and he prunes every branch that bears fruit so that it will bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the message that I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who remains in me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for without me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown away like a branch and dries up, and they gather the branches and throw them into the fire, and they are burned up. 7 If you remain in me, and if my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified in this, that you bear much fruit and so prove that you are my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, as I have kept the commandments of my Father and remain in his love. 11 I have spoken these things to you so that my joy will be in you and so that your joy will be made full. 12 This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than this—that one lays down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do the things that I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, for everything that I heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain. This is so that whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you love one another. 18 If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world and because I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 They will do all these things to you because of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates me also hates my Father. 24 If I had not done the works that no one else did among them, they would have no sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 But this is in order to fulfill the word that is written in their law, 'They hated me without a cause.' 26 When the Comforter comes—whom I will send to you from the Father, that is, the Spirit of truth, who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. 27 You also must testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.
Jesus used the vine as a metaphor for himself. This is because the vine of the grape plant is what takes water and minerals from the ground to the leaves and grapes. Without the vine, the grapes and leaves die. He wanted his followers to know that unless they loved and obeyed him, they would be unable to do anything that pleased God.
The part of the story from the previous chapter continues. Jesus reclines at the table with his disciples and continues to speak to them.
Here the "true vine" is a metaphor. Jesus compares himself to a vine or a vine stem. He is the source of life that causes people to live in a way that pleases God. Alternate translation: "I am like a vine that produces good fruit"
The "gardener" is a metaphor. A "gardener" is a person who takes care of the vine to ensure it is as fruitful as possible. Alternate translation: "my Father is like a gardener"
This is an important title for God.
Here "every branch" represents people, and "bear fruit" represents living in a way that pleases God.
"cuts off and takes away"
"trims every branch"
The implied metaphor here is the "clean branches" that have already been "pruned." Alternate translation: "It is as if you have already been pruned and are clean branches because you have obeyed what I have taught you"
The word "you" throughout this passage is plural and refers to the disciples of Jesus.
"If you remain joined to me, I will remain joined to you" or "Remain joined to me, and I will remain joined to you"
By remaining in Christ, those who belong to him depend on him for everything. Alternate translation: "unless you stay joined to me and depend upon me for everything"
The "vine" is a metaphor that represents Jesus. The "branches" is a metaphor that represent those who trust in Jesus and belong to him. Alternate translation: "I am like a vine, and you are like branches that are attached to the vine"
"He who stays joined to me and I stay joined to him"
The implied metaphor here is the fruitful branch that represents the believer who pleases God. Just as a branch that is attached to the vine will bear much fruit, those who stay joined to Jesus will do many things that please God. Alternate translation: "you will bear much fruit"
Here the implied metaphor is the unfruitful branch that represents those who do not stay joined to Jesus. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "the vinedresser throws him away like a branch and it dries up"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "the fire burns them"
Jesus implies that believers must ask God to answer their prayers. Alternate translation: "ask God whatever you wish"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "he will do it for you"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "It causes people to honor my Father when"
This is an important title for God.
Here "fruit" is a metaphor for living to please God. Alternate translation: "when you live in a way that pleases him"
"show you are my disciples" or "demonstrate you are my disciples"
Jesus shares the love that God the Father has for him with those who trust in him. Here "Father" is an important title for God.
"Continue to accept my love"
When Jesus's followers obey him, they show their love for him. Alternate translation: "When you do the things I have told you to do, you are living in my love, just as I obey my Father and live in his love"
Here "Father" is an important title for God.
"I have told you these things so that you will have the same kind of joy that I have"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "so that you will be completely joyful" or "so that your joy may have nothing missing"
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This refers to physical life.
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"I have told you everything my Father told me"
Here "Father" is an important title for God.
Jesus implies that his followers did not decide on their own to become his disciples. Alternate translation: "You did not decide to become my disciples"
Here "fruit" is a metaphor that represents a life that is pleasing to God. Alternate translation: "live lives that please God so that the results of what you do last forever"
Here "name" is a metonym that represents the authority of Jesus. Alternate translation: "Because you belong to me, whatever you ask of the Father, he will give it to you"
This is an important title for God.
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the people who do not belong to God and are opposed to him
the people who do not belong to God and are opposed to him
This refers to human, brotherly love or love for a friend or family member.
Here "word" is a metonym for the message of Jesus. Alternate translation: "Remember the message that I spoke to you"
Here "my name" is a metonym that represents Jesus. People will make his followers suffer because they belong to him. Alternate translation: "because you belong to me"
Jesus implies here that he has shared God's message with those who do not trust him. Alternate translation: "Because I have come and told them God's message, they have no excuse when God judges them for their sins"
"they would not be guilty of sin"
To hate God the Son is to hate God the Father.
This is an important title for God.
You can translate this double negative in a positive form. Alternate translation: "Because I have done the works ... they have sin, and"
"they would not be guilty of sin." See how you translated "they would not have sin" in John 15:22.
To hate God the Son is to hate God the Father.
You can translate this in an active form. "Word" here is a metonym for the entire message of God. Alternate translation: "to fulfill the prophecy in their law"
This refers generally to the entire Old Testament, which contained all of God's instructions for his people.
God the Father would soon send God the Spirit to show the world that Jesus is God the Son.
This is an important title for God.
This is a title for the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: "the Spirit who tells the truth about God and me"
Here "testify" means to tell others about Jesus. Alternate translation: "You also must tell everyone what you know about me"
Some English versions of the Bible translate "must" as "will." Alternate translation: "You also will"
Here the "beginning" is a metonym that means the first days of Jesus's ministry. Alternate translation: "from the very first days when I began teaching the people and doing miracles"
1 "I have spoken these things to you so that you will not fall away. 2 They will throw you out of the synagogues. But the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think that he is offering a service to God. 3 They will do these things because they have not known the Father nor me. 4 I have spoken these things to you so that when their hour comes, you will remember that I told you about them. I did not tell you about these things in the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I go to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 But truly I tell you, it is better for you that I go away. For if I do not go away, the Comforter will not come to you, but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, the Comforter will prove the world to be wrong about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment— 9 about sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, and you will no longer see me; 11 and about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. 12 I have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak from himself. But he will say whatever he hears, and he will tell you things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and he will tell it to you. 15 Everything that the Father has is mine. Therefore, I said that the Spirit will take from what is mine and he will tell it to you. 16 In a short amount of time you will no longer see me, and after another short amount of time you will see me." 17 Then some of his disciples said to one another, "What is this that he says to us, 'A short amount of time you will no longer see me and after another short amount of time you will see me,' and, 'Because I go to the Father'?" 18 Therefore they said, "What is this that he says, 'A short amount of time'? We do not know what he is talking about." 19 Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him, and he said to them, "Is this what you are asking each other, what I meant by saying, 'In a short amount of time and you will no longer see me, and again in a short amount of time and you will see me'? 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will be glad. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. 21 When a woman gives birth she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers her tribulation because of her joy that a man has been born into the world. 22 So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your heart will be glad, and no one will be able to take away your joy from you. 23 On that day you will not ask me anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have not asked anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy will be fulfilled.
25 "I have said these things to you in figures of speech, but the hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech, but instead I will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 On that day you will ask in my name and I do not say to you that I will pray to the Father for you, 27 for the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and because you have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father, and I have come into the world. Again, I am leaving the world and I am going to the Father." 29 His disciples said, "See, now you are speaking plainly and you are not using figures of speech. 30 Now we know that you know all things, and you do not need anyone to ask you questions. Because of this, we believe that you have come from God." 31 Jesus answered them, "Do you believe now? 32 See, the hour is coming, yes, and has indeed come, when you will be scattered, everyone to his own home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. 33 I have spoken these things to you so that you will have peace in me. In the world you have tribulation, but have courage, I have conquered the world."
Jesus told his disciples that he would send the Holy Spirit to them. The Holy Spirit is the Comforter (John 16:7) who is always with God's people to help them and to speak to God for them. He is also the Spirit of truth (John 16:13) who tells God's people what is true about God so they know him better and serve him well. (See: holyspirit)
Jesus used these words to begin prophecies about times that could be shorter or longer than sixty minutes. "The hour" in which people would persecute his followers (John 16:2) was days, weeks, and years long, but "the hour" in which his disciples would scatter and leave him alone (John 16:32) was less than sixty minutes long. (See: prophet)
Jesus said that just as a woman is in pain as she gives birth to a baby and his followers would be sad when he died. But the woman is glad after the baby is born, and his followers would be happy when he became alive again.
The story that began in the previous chapter continues. Jesus reclines at the table with his disciples and continues to speak to them.
The phrase "fall away" means "stop trusting" or "stop believing." You may need to specify the the trusting or believing is "in me" or the reason for which the hearers might "fall away." Alternate translation: "you will not stop trusting" or "you will not stop believing in me because of the difficulties you must face"
"it will someday happen that people who kill you will think they are doing something good for God."
They will kill some believers because they do not know God the Father or Jesus.
This is an important title for God.
Here "hour" is a metonym that refers to the time when people will persecute Jesus's followers. Alternate translation: "when they cause you to suffer"
This is a metonym that refers to the first days of Jesus's ministry. Alternate translation: "when you first started following me"
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Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's inner being. Alternate translation: "you are now very sad"
You can translate this in a positive form. Alternate translation: "the Comforter will come to you only if I go away"
This is a title for the Holy Spirit, who will be with the disciples after Jesus goes away. See how you translated this in John 14:26.
When the Holy Spirit came, he began to show people that they were sinners.
This refers to the Holy Spirit. See how you translated this in John 14:16.
This is a metonym that refers to the people in the world.
"they are guilty of sin because they do not trust in me"
"when I return to God, and they see me no more, they will know that I did the right things"
This is an important title for God.
"God will hold them accountable and will punish them for their sins, just as he will punish Satan, the one who rules this world"
Here "ruler" refers to Satan. See how you translated this in John 12:31. Alternate translation: "because Satan, who rules this world, has"
"messages for you" or "words for you"
The word "bear" or carry here is a metaphor. Possible meanings are 1) being able to understand the words. Alternate translation: "you cannot understand them" Or 2) being able to obey the words. Alternate translation: "you cannot obey them"
This is the Holy Spirit, who will tell the people the truth about God.
The "truth" refers to spiritual truth. Alternate translation: "he will teach you all the spiritual truth you need to know"
Jesus implies that God the Father will speak to the Spirit. Alternate translation: "he will say whatever God tells him to say"
Here "things of mine" refers to Jesus's teaching and mighty works. Alternate translation: "he will reveal to you that what I have said and done are indeed true"
This is an important title for God.
The Holy Spirit will tell people that the words and works of Jesus are true. Alternate translation: "The Holy Spirit will tell everyone that my words and works are true"
"Soon" or "Before much time passes"
"again, before much time passes"
There is a break in Jesus's speaking as his disciples ask each other about what Jesus meant.
The disciples did not understand that this refers to Jesus's death on the cross.
Possible meanings are 1) This could refer to Jesus's resurrection or 2) This could refer to Jesus's coming at the end of time.
This is an important title for God.
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Jesus continues speaking to his disciples.
Jesus uses this question so his disciples will focus on what he has just told them, so he can explain further. Alternate translation: "You are asking each other what I meant when I said, ... see me.'"
Translate this the way your language emphasizes that what follows is important and true. See how you translated this in John 1:51.
Here the "world" is a metonym for the people who oppose God. Alternate translation: "but the people who oppose God will be glad"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "but your sadness will become joy" or "but afterwards instead of being sad you will be very happy"
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Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's inner being. Alternate translation: "you will be very happy" or "you will be very joyful"
Translate this the way your language emphasizes that what follows is important and true. See how you translated this in John 1:51.
Here the word "name" is a metonym that refers to the person and authority of Jesus. Alternate translation: "if you ask anything of the Father, he will give it to you because you belong to me"
This is an important title for God.
Here "name" is a metonym that refers to the person and authority of Jesus. The Father will honor the requests of the believers because of their relationship with Jesus. Alternate translation: "because you are my followers" or "on my authority"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "you will become very joyful"
"in language that is not clear"
"it will soon happen"
"tell you about the Father in a way that you will clearly understand"
This is an important title for God.
Here "name" is a metonym for the person and authority of Jesus. Alternate translation: "you will ask because you belong to me"
This is an important title for God.
When a person loves Jesus, the Son, they also love the Father, because the Father and the Son are one.
After his death and resurrection, Jesus would return to God the Father.
Here "Father" is an important title for God.
The "world" is a metonym that refers to the people who live in the world.
The disciples respond to Jesus.
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This remarks appears in the form of a question to show that Jesus is puzzled that his disciples are only now ready to trust him. Alternate translation: "So, now you finally place your trust in me!
Jesus continues speaking to his disciples.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "others will scatter you"
This is an important title for God.
Here "peace" refers to inner peace. Alternate translation: "so that you may have inner peace because of your relationship with me"
Here "the world" refers to the troubles and persecution that believers will endure from those who oppose God. Alternate translation: "I have conquered the troubles of this world"
1 After Jesus said these things, he lifted up his eyes to the heavens and said, "Father, the hour has come, glorify your Son so that the Son will glorify you— 2 just as you gave him authority over all flesh so that he would give eternal life to everyone whom you have given him. 3 This is eternal life: That they know you, the only true God, and him whom you sent, Jesus Christ. 4 I glorified you on the earth. I have finished the work that you have given me to do. 5 Now, Father, glorify me along with yourself with the glory that I had with you before the world was made. 6 I revealed your name to the people whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything that you have given me comes from you, 8 for I have given them all the words that you gave me. They received them and truly knew that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 Everything that is mine is yours, and yours is mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 I am no longer in the world, but these people are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me so that they will be one, just as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them safe in your name, which you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was destroyed, except for the son of destruction, so that the scriptures would be fulfilled. 13 Now I am coming to you, but I am saying these things in the world so that they will have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask for you to take them away from the world, but for you to keep them safe from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Set them apart by the truth. Your word is truth. 18 Just as you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 For their sakes I have set myself apart, so that they themselves may also be set apart in truth. 20 I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word 21 so that they will all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world will believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you gave me, I have given to them, so that they will be one, just as we are one: 23 I in them, and you in me—that they may be brought to complete unity, so that the world will know that you sent me, and that you have loved them just as you loved me. 24 Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you gave me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 Righteous Father, the world did not know you, but I know you; and these know that you sent me. 26 I made your name known to them, and I will make it known so that the love with which you have loved me will be in them, and I will be in them."
This chapter forms one long prayer.
Scripture often speaks of God's glory as a great, brilliant light. When people see this light, they are afraid. In this chapter Jesus asks God to show his followers his true glory (John 17:1).
Jesus existed before God created the world (John 17:5). John wrote about this in John 1:1.
Jesus is God's one and only Son (John 3:16), so he could pray differently from the way other people pray. He used many words that sounded like commands. Your translation should make Jesus sound like a son speaking with love and respect to his father and telling him what the father needs to do so that the father will be happy.
The story that began in the previous chapter continues. Jesus had been speaking to his disciples, but now he begins to pray to God.
This is an idiom that means to look upward. Alternate translation: "he looked up to the sky"
This refers to the sky.
Jesus asks God the Father to honor him so that he can give honor to God.
These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus.
Here the word "hour" is a metonym that refers to the time for Jesus to suffer and die. Alternate translation: "it is time for me to suffer and die"
This refers to all people.
Eternal life is to know the only true God, God the Father, and also God the Son.
Here "work" is a metonym that refers to Jesus's entire earthly ministry.
Jesus had glory with God the Father "before the world was made" because Jesus is God the Son. Alternate translation: "Father, give me honor by bringing me into your presence as as I was before we made the world"
This is an important title for God.
Jesus begins to pray for his disciples.
Here "name" is a metonym that refers to the person of God. Alternate translation: "I taught who you really are and what you are like"
Here "world" is a metonym that refers to the people of the world that oppose God. This means that God has separated the believers spiritually from the people who do not believe in him.
This is an idiom that means to obey. Alternate translation: "obeyed your teaching"
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Here the word "world" is a metonym that refers to the people who oppose God. Alternate translation: "I am not praying for those who do not belong to you"
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This is a metonym that refers to being on earth and being among the people who oppose God. Alternate translation: "among the people who do not belong to you"
Jesus asks the Father to keep those who trust in him so they can have a close relationship with God.
This is an important title for God.
Here the word "name" is a metonym for God's power and authority. Alternate translation: "keep them safe by your power and authority, which you have given me"
Here "name" is a metonym that refers to the power and protection of God. Alternate translation: "I kept them safe with your protection"
This double negative emphasizes that the son of destruction was the only one who was destroyed. Alternate translation: "the only one among them who was destroyed was the son of destruction"
This refers to Judas, who betrayed Jesus. Alternate translation: "the one whom you long ago decided you would destroy"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "to fulfill the prophecy about him in the scriptures"
These words are a metonym for the people who live in the world.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "so that you might give them great joy"
"I have spoken your message to them"
Here "the "world" is a metonym that refers to the people who oppose God. Alternate translation: "the people who oppose you ... because they do not belong to those who do not believe ... I do not belong to them"
In this passage, "the world" is a metonym for the people who oppose God.
This refers to Satan. Alternate translation: "protect them from Satan, the evil one"
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The purpose for setting them apart can be stated clearly. The phrase "by the truth" here represents by teaching the truth. Alternate translation: "Make them your own people by teaching them the truth"
"Your message is true" or "What you say is true"
Here into "the world" is a metonym that means to the people who live in the world. Alternate translation: "to the people of the world"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "so that they may also truly set themselves apart to you"
"those who will believe in me because these teach about me"
Those who trust in Jesus become united with the Father and the Son when they believe.
This is an important title for God.
Here the "the world" is a metonym that refers to the people who do not yet know God. Alternate translation: "the people who do not know God"
"I have honored my followers just as you have honored me"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "so that you can unite them just as you have united us"
"that they may be completely united"
Here "the world" is a metonym that refers to the people who do not know God. Alternate translation: "that all the people will know"
The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves.
This is an important title for God.
Here "where I am" refers to heaven. Alternate translation: "with me in heaven"
"to see my greatness"
Here Jesus refers to the time before creation. Alternate translation: "before the world was created" or "before you created the world"
Jesus finishes his prayer.
Here "Father" is an important title for God.
The "world" is a metonym for the people who do not belong to God. Alternate translation: "those who do not belong to you do not know what you are like"
The word "name" refers to God. Alternate translation: "I revealed to them what you are like, and I will continue to do that"
The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves.
1 After Jesus spoke these words, he went out with his disciples to the other side of the Kidron Brook, where there was a garden into which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who was going to betray him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 Then Judas, leading a company of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, went there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, who knew all the things that were happening to him, went forward and asked them, "Who are you looking for?" 5 They answered him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am." Judas, who betrayed him, was also standing with the soldiers. 6 So when he said to them, "I am," they went backward and fell to the ground. 7 Then again he asked them, "Who are you looking for?" Again they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." 8 Jesus answered, "I told you that I am. So if you are looking for me, let these go." 9 This was in order to fulfill the word that he said: "Of those whom you have given me, I lost no one." 10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. Now the name of the servant was Malchus. 11 Jesus said to Peter, "Put the sword back into its sheath. Should I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?"
12 So a company of soldiers and the captain, and the officers of the Jews, seized Jesus and tied him up. 13 They led him first to Annas, for he was father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 Now Caiaphas was the one who had given the advice to the Jews that it would be better that one man die for the people.
15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest; 16 but Peter was standing at the door outside. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the doorkeeper, and he brought Peter in. 17 Then the female servant, the doorkeeper, said to Peter, "Are you not also one of the disciples of this man?" He said, "I am not." 18 Now the servants and the officers were standing there, and they had made a charcoal fire, for it was cold, and they were warming themselves. Peter was also with them, standing there and warming himself.
19 The high priest then asked Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world. I was always teaching in synagogues and in the temple where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. 21 Why did you ask me? Ask those who have heard me about what I said. Look, these people know what I said." 22 When Jesus had said this, one of the officers standing there struck Jesus and said, "Is that how you answer the high priest?" 23 Jesus answered him, "If I spoke wrongly, testify about the wrong, but if rightly, why do you hit me?" 24 Then Annas sent him tied up to Caiaphas the high priest.
25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. The people then said to him, "Are you not also one of his disciples?" He denied it and said, "I am not." 26 One of the servants of the high priest, who was a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, said, "Did I not see you in the garden with him?" 27 Then Peter denied it again; and immediately the rooster crowed.
28 Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the government headquarters. It was early in the morning, and they did not enter the government headquarters so that they would not be defiled but would be able to eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate went out to them and said, "What accusation are you bringing against this man?" 30 They answered and said to him, "If this man was not an evildoer, we would not have given him over to you." 31 Pilate therefore said to them, "Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law." The Jews said to him, "It is not lawful for us to put any man to death." 32 They said this so that the word of Jesus would be fulfilled which he had spoken to indicate by what kind of death he would die.
33 Then Pilate entered the government headquarters again and called Jesus and he said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" 34 Jesus answered, "Do you speak from yourself, or did others speak to you about me?" 35 Pilate answered, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own people and the chief priests gave you over to me. What did you do?" 36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were part of this world, then my servants would fight so that I would not be given over to the Jews. But now my kingdom is not from here." 37 Pilate then said to him, "Are you a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this purpose I have been born, and for this purpose I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." 38 Pilate said to him, "What is truth?" When he had said this, he went out again to the Jews and said to them, "I find no guilt in this man. 39 But you have the custom that I release one person to you at the Passover. So do you want me to release the King of the Jews to you?" 40 Then they cried out again and said, "Not this man, but Barabbas." Now Barabbas was a revolutionary.
Verse 14 says, "Now Caiaphas was the one who had given the advice to the Jews that it would be better that one man die for the people." The author says this to help the reader understand why it was to Caiaphas that they took Jesus. You might want to put these words in parentheses.
The Roman government did not allow the Jews to kill criminals, so the Jews needed to ask Pilate, the governor, to kill him (John 18:31).
No one knows for sure what Jesus meant when he told Pilate that his kingdom was not "of this world" (John 18:36). Some people think that Jesus means that his kingdom is only spiritual and that he has no visible kingdom on this earth, Other people think that Jesus meant that he would not build and rule his kingdom by force, the way other kings build theirs. It is possible to translate the words "is not of this world" as "is not from this place" or "comes from another place."
Pilate asked Jesus if he were the King of the Jews
Verses 1-2 give background information for the events that follow. Verse 1 tells where they took place, and verse 2 gives background information about Judas.
The author uses these words to mark the beginning of a new event.
This was a low place in Jerusalem separating the Temple Mount from the Mount of Olives. It has a small stream in it only after heavy rains. Many modern English translations read, "the Kidron Valley"
This was a grove of olive trees. Alternate translation: "where there was a grove of olive trees"
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Jesus begins to speak with the soldiers, officers, and Pharisees.
"Then Jesus, who knew everything that was about to happen to him"
"Jesus, the man from Nazareth"
The word "he" is implied in the text. Alternate translation: "I am he"
"who handed him over"
Here the word "he" is not present in the original text, but it is implied. Alternate translation: "I am he"
The men fell to the ground because of Jesus's power. Alternate translation: "fell down because of Jesus's power"
"Jesus, the man from Nazareth"
Here the word "he" is not present in the original text, but it is implied. Alternate translation: "I am he"
In this verse there is a stop in the main story. Here John gives background information about Jesus fulfilling Scripture.
Here "the word" refers to the words Jesus had prayed. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "This happened in order to fulfill the words that he had said when he was praying to his Father"
a male servant of the high priest
the cover for a knife or sword that keeps the knife or sword from cutting the owner
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis to Jesus's statement. Alternate translation: "I must surely drink the cup that the Father has given to me!"
Here "cup" is a metaphor that refers to the suffering that Jesus must endure.
This is an important title for God.
Here "the Jews" is a synecdoche for the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: "the Jewish leaders"
The soldiers tied Jesus's hands to prevent him from escaping. Alternate translation: "captured Jesus and tied him up to prevent him from escaping"
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Verse 14 tells us background information about Caiaphas.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "Now the high priest knew that disciple so he was able to enter with Jesus"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "So the other disciple, whom the high priest knew"
The doorkeeper was a woman.
The word "he" refers to the other disciple.
This appears in the form of a question to enable the servant to express her remark somewhat cautiously. Alternate translation: "You are also one of the arrested man's disciples! Are you not?"
These were the high priest's servants and the temple guards. Alternate translation: "It was cold, so the high priest's servants and temple guards made a charcoal fire and were standing and warming themselves around it"
This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here John adds information about the people who were warming themselves around the fire.
Here the story is about Jesus again.
This was Caiphas (John 18:13).
Here "his teaching" refers to what Jesus had been teaching the people. Alternate translation: "about his disciples and what he had been teaching the people"
You may need to make explicit that the word "world" is a metonym for those people who had heard Jesus teach. Here the exaggeration "the world" emphasizes that Jesus has spoken openly.
Here "all the Jews" is an exaggeration that emphasizes that Jesus spoke where anyone who wanted to hear him could hear him.
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis to what Jesus is saying. Alternate translation: "You should not be asking me these questions!"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "That is not how you should answer the high priest!"
These words refer to moral wrong, like blasphemy, not to mere mistakes about facts.
"tell me what I said that was wrong"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis to what Jesus is saying. Alternate translation: "if I said only what was right, you should not be hitting me!"
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Here the story is about Peter again.
This word is used to mark a stop in the story. Here John tells more information about Peter.
The speaker uses a questions to somewhat cautiously make a comment. Alternate translation: "You are also one of the arrested man's disciples, are you not?"
This appears in the form of a question to enable the servant to express his remark somewhat cautiously. Alternate translation: "I saw you in the garden with him, did I not?"
Peter again denied knowing and being with Jesus. Alternate translation: "Peter denied him again"
Here the writer assumes that the reader will remember that Jesus had said Peter would deny him before the rooster crowed. Alternate translation: "immediately the rooster crowed, just as Jesus had said would happen"
Here the story is about Jesus again. The soldiers and Jesus's accusers bring him to Caiaphas. This verse gives background information about why they did not enter the Praetorium.
Here it is implied that they led Jesus from Caiaphas' house. Alternate translation: "Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas' house"
Pilate was not a Jew, so if the Jewish leaders entered his headquarters, they would be defiled. This would have prevented them from celebrating the Passover. "they themselves remained outside Pilate's headquarters because Pilate was a Gentile. They did not want to become defiled"
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You can translate this double negative in a positive form. Alternate translation: "This man is an evildoer, and we had to given him over to you"
This phrase here means to hand over to an enemy.
Here "Jews" is a synecdoche for the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus and arrested him. Alternate translation: "The Jewish leaders said to him"
According to Roman law, the Jews could not put a man to death. Alternate translation: "According to Roman law, we cannot put a person to death"
In this verse there is a stop in the main story. Here John tells how what was said in verse 31 fulfills Scripture about Jesus.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "in order to fulfill what Jesus had said earlier"
"regarding how he would die"
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This remark appears in the form of a question so Pilate can emphasize his complete lack of interest in the cultural affairs of the Jewish people. Alternate translation: "Well I am certainly not a Jew, and I have no interest in these matters!"
"Your fellow Jews"
Here "world" is a metonym for the people who oppose Jesus. Possible meanings are 1) "My kingdom is not part of this world" or 2) "I do not need this world's permission to rule as their king" or "It is not from this world that I have authority to be king."
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "and would prevent the Jewish leaders from arresting me"
Here "Jews" is a synecdoche that refers to the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus.
“So, you are a king?" Pilate asked this question to confirm that Jesus is calling himself a king, since Jesus said in the previous verse that he has a kingdom. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “So, you are a king.”
Here "the truth" refers to the truth about God. Alternate translation: "tell people the truth about God"
This is an idiom that refers to anyone who loves the truth about God.
Here "voice" is a synecdoche that refers to words Jesus says. Alternate translation: "the things I say" or "me"
This remark appears in the form of a question to reflect Pilate's belief that no one really knows what truth is. Alternate translation: "No one can know what is true!"
Here "Jews" is a synecdoche that refers to the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus.
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This is an ellipsis. You can add the implied words. Alternate translation: "No! Do not release this man! Release Barabbas instead"
Here John provides background information about Barabbas.
person who wants to take over the government
1 Then Pilate took Jesus and whipped him. 2 The soldiers weaved a crown of thorns. They put it on the head of Jesus and dressed him with a purple garment. 3 They came to him and said, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and they struck him.
4 Then Pilate went outside again and said to them, "See, I am bringing him outside to you so that you will know that I find no guilt in him." 5 So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple garment. Pilate said to them, "Look, here is the man!"
6 When therefore the chief priests and the officers saw Jesus, they cried out and said, "Crucify him, crucify him!"
Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him." 7 The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and according to that law he has to die because he claimed to be the Son of God." 8 When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid, 9 and he entered the government headquarters again and said to Jesus, "Where do you come from?" But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 Then Pilate said to him, "Are you not speaking to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you, and authority to crucify you?" 11 Jesus answered him, "You do not have any authority over me except for what has been given to you from above. Therefore, he who gave me over to you has a greater sin." 12 At this answer, Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, saying, "If you release this man, you are not a friend of Caesar. Everyone who makes himself a king speaks against Caesar."
13 When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat in a place called "The Pavement," but in the Aramaic language, "Gabbatha." 14 Now it was the day of preparation for the Passover, at about the sixth hour. Pilate said to the Jews, "See, here is your king!"
15 They cried out, "Away with him, away with him; crucify him!"
Pilate said to them, "Should I crucify your King?"
The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar." 16 Then Pilate gave Jesus over to them to be crucified.
17 Then they took Jesus, and he went out, carrying the cross for himself, to the place called "The Place of a Skull," which in the Aramaic language is called "Golgotha." 18 They crucified Jesus there, and with him two other men, one on each side, with Jesus in the middle. 19 Pilate also wrote a sign and put it on the cross. There it was written: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 20 Many of the Jews read this sign because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city. The sign was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. 21 Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, "Do not write, 'The King of the Jews,' but rather, 'This one said, "I am King of the Jews."'"
22 Pilate answered, "What I have written I have written."
23 When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, divided them into four shares, one for each of them; and also the tunic. Now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. 24 Then they said to each other, "Let us not tear it, but instead let us cast lots for it to decide whose it will be." This happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled which said,
"They divided my garments among themselves
and cast lots for my clothing."
This is what the soldiers did.
25 Now standing beside Jesus' cross were his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Woman, see, your son!" 27 Then he said to the disciple, "See, your mother!" From that hour the disciple took her to his own home.
28 After this, knowing that everything was now accomplished and so that the scriptures would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." 29 A container full of sour wine was placed there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop staff and lifted it up to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had taken the sour wine, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
31 Then the Jews, because it was the day of preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross during the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was especially important), asked Pilate to break their legs and to remove them. 32 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man and of the second man who had been crucified with Jesus. 33 When they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they did not break his legs. 34 However, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 The one who saw this has testified, and his testimony is true. He knows that what he said is true so that you would also believe. 36 For these things happened in order to fulfill scripture, "Not one of his bones will be broken." 37 Again, another scripture says, "They will look at him whom they pierced."
38 After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, since he was a disciple of Jesus (but secretly for fear of the Jews), asked Pilate if he could take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission. So Joseph came and took away his body. 39 Nicodemus also came, he who at first had come to Jesus by night. He brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about one hundred litras. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, as was the custom of the Jews to bury bodies. 41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden was a new tomb in which no person had yet been buried. 42 Because it was the day of preparation for the Jews and because the tomb was close by, they laid Jesus in it.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 19:24, which is from the Old Testament.
Purple is a color like red or blue. The people were mocking Jesus, so they put him in a purple garment. This was because kings wore purple garments. They spoke and acted like they were giving honor to a king, but everyone knew that they were doing it because they hated Jesus.
Pilate knew that Jesus was not a criminal, so he did not want to have his soldiers kill him. But the Jews told him that Jesus was claiming to be a king, and anyone who did that was breaking Caesar's laws (John 19:12).
The tomb in which Jesus was buried (John 19:41) was the kind of tomb in which wealthy Jewish families buried their dead. It was an actual room cut into a rock. It had a flat place on one side where they placed the body after they had put oil and spices on it and wrapped it in cloth. Then they rolled a large rock in front of the tomb so no one could see inside or enter.
The soldiers were insulting Jesus when they said, "Hail, King of the Jews." Pilate was insulting the Jews when he asked, "Should I crucify your king?" He was probably also insulting both Jesus and the Jews when he wrote, "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews."
These are two Hebrew words. After translating the meanings of these words ("The Pavement" and "The Place of a Skull"), the author transliterates their sounds by writing them with Greek letters.
The story that began in the previous chapter continues. Jesus is standing before Pilate as he is being accused by the Jews.
Pilate himself did not whip Jesus. Here "Pilate" is a metonym for the soldiers whom Pilate ordered to whip Jesus. Alternate translation: "Then Pilate's soldiers took Jesus out of the room and whipped him"
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The greeting "Hail" with a raised hand was only used to greet Caesar. As the soldiers use the crown of thorns and the purple robe to mock Jesus, it is ironic that they do not recognize that he is indeed a king.
Pilate states this twice to say he does not believe Jesus is guilty of any crime. He does not want to punish him. Alternate translation: "I see no reason to punish him"
The crown and the purple robe are things only kings wear. The soldiers dressed Jesus in this manner to mock him. See John 19:2.
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Here "Jews" is a synecdoche for the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: "The Jewish leaders answered Pilate"
Jesus was condemned to death by crucifixion because he claimed he was "the Son of God."
This is an important title for Jesus.
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This remark appears in the form of a question. Here Pilate expresses his surprise that Jesus does not take the opportunity to defend himself. Alternate translation: "I cannot believe you are refusing to speak to me!" or "Answer me!"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "You should know that I have authority to release you or to order my soldiers to crucify you!"
This double negative emphasizes that what has been given from above is the only thing that allows Pilate to have power. Alternate translation: "The authority you have over me is only what has been given to you from above"
The words "from above" are a euphemism for "by God. This can be stated in active form and the one who has given can be specified. Alternate translation: "what God has given you"
This is a respectful way of referring to something coming from God.
"handed me over"
Here "this answer" refers to Jesus's answer. Alternate translation: "When Pilate heard Jesus's answer"
The form of "tried" in the original indicates that Pilate tried "hard" or "repeatedly" to release Jesus. Alternate translation: "he tried hard to release Jesus" or "he tried again and again to release Jesus"
Here "Jews" is a synecdoche that refers to the Jewish leaders that opposed Jesus. In the original, the form of "cried out" indicates that they cried out or shouted repeatedly. Alternate translation: "but the Jewish leaders kept shouting"
"you are opposing Caesar" or "you are opposing the emperor"
"claims that he is a king"
Here "he" refers to Pilate and is a metonym for the soldiers whom he ordered to bring Jesus out. Alternate translation: "Pilate ordered the soldiers to bring Jesus out"
Important people like Pilate sat down when they performed an official duty, while people who were not so important stood up.
This is the special chair that an important person like Pilate sat in when he was making an official judgment. If your language has a special way to describe this action, you can use it here.
This is a special stone platform where only the important people were allowed to go. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "in a place the people called The Pavement, but"
This was the language that the Jews in Judea spoke among themselves. Some translations say "Hebrew," following the form of the Greek word.
Some time has passed and it is now the sixth hour, as Pilate orders his soldiers to crucify Jesus.
This word marks a stop in the story. Here John provides information about the upcoming Passover and the time of day.
"noontime"
Here "Jews" is a synecdoche that refers to the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: "Pilate said to the Jewish leaders"
Here "I" is a synecdoche that refers to Pilate's soldiers who will actually perform the crucifixion. Alternate translation: "Do you really want me to tell my soldiers to nail your king to a cross?"
Though it was Roman soldiers who actually crucified Jesus, word "them" here refers to "the Jews" [John 19:14]
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "to the place that the people called 'The Place of a Skull,'"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "which in the Aramaic language they call 'Golgotha.'"
This was the language that the Jews in Judea spoke among themselves. Some translations say "Hebrew," following the form of the Greek word.
This is an ellipsis. You can translate this, adding the implied words. Alternate translation: "they also nailed two other criminals to their crosses"
Here "Pilate" is a synecdoche for the person who wrote on the sign. Here "on the cross" refers to Jesus's cross. Alternate translation: "Pilate also commanded someone to write on a sign and to attach it to Jesus's cross"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "The sign said,'Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews'"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "the place where the soldiers crucified Jesus"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "The one who prepared the sign wrote the words in 3 languages: Aramaic, Latin, and Greek"
This was the language that the Jews in Judea spoke among themselves. Some translations say "Hebrew," following the form of the Greek word.
This was the language of the Roman government.
The chief priests had to go back to Pilate's headquarters to protest to him about the words on the sign. Alternate translation: "The chief priests went back to Pilate and said"
Pilate implies that he will not change the words on the sign. Alternate translation: "I have written what I wanted to write, and I will not change it"
"and they also took his tunic." The soldiers kept the tunic separate and did not divide it. Alternate translation: "they kept his tunic separate"
At the end of this verse there is a break stop in the main story. John tells the reader how this event fulfills Scriture.
The soldiers will gamble and the winner will receive the shirt. Alternate translation: "let us gamble for the tunic and the winner will get to keep it"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "This fulfilled the scripture that said" or "This happened to make the scripture come true which said"
This was how the soldiers divided Jesus's clothing among themselves. Alternate translation: "gamble"
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This is John, the writer of this Gospel.
Here the word "son" is a metaphor. Jesus wants his disciple, John, to be like a son to his mother. Alternate translation: "Woman, here is the man who will act like a son to you"
Here the word "mother" is a metaphor. Jesus wants his mother to be like a mother to his disciple, John. Alternate translation: "Think of this woman as if she were your own mother"
"From that very moment"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "knowing that he had completed everything" or "he knew that he had done everything that God had sent him to do"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "Someone had placed there a full container of sour wine"
"bitter wine"
Here "they" refers to the Roman guards.
a small object that can soak up and hold much liquid
"on a branch of a plant called hyssop"
John implies here that Jesus gave his spirit back to God. Alternate translation: "He bowed his head and gave God his spirit" or "He bowed his head and died"
Here "Jews" is a synecdoche for the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: "the Jewish leaders"
This is the time before the Passover when people prepared food for the Passover.
Breaking the victims' legs caused them to die almost immediately so that the soldiers could take the dead bodies off the crosses. You may need to add this information. Alternate translation: "to break their legs so they would die and to have the soldiers remove them"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "whom they had crucified near Jesus"
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This sentence gives background information to the story. John is telling readers that he was there and that we can trust what he has written.
To "testify" means to tell about something that one has seen. Alternate translation: "has told the truth about what he has seen"
Here "believe" means to put one's trust in Jesus. Alternate translation: "so that you will also put your trust in Jesus"
In this verse and the next there is a stop in the main story. John tells us about how these events fulfill what was said in Scripture.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "to fulfill the words that someone wrote in the scripture"
This is a quotation from Psalm 34. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "No one will break any of his bones"
This is a quotation from Zechariah 12.
Arimathea was a small town. Alternate translation: "Joseph from the town of Arimathea"
Here "Jews" is a synecdoche for the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: "for fear of the Jewish leaders"
John implies that Joseph of Arimathea wanted to bury the body of Jesus. Alternate translation: "for permission to take the body of Jesus down from the cross for burial"
Nicodemus was one of the Pharisees who believed in Jesus. See how you translated this name in John 3:1.
These are plant substances that smell nice and that people used to prepare a body for burial.
You may convert this to a the measure system used in your area. The word "litra" was used for measures of about 300 grams of solids or about 300 milliliters of liquids. Because myrrh and aloes were more like solids than liquids, the measurement here is probably of weight, about 30 kilograms, rather than of volume, about 30 liters.
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Here John marks a pause in the story. Here he provides background information about the location of the tomb where they would bury Jesus.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "Now in the place where they crucified Jesus, there was a garden"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "in which people had buried no one"
According to Jewish law, no one could work after sundown on Friday. It was the beginning of the Sabbath and Passover. Alternate translation: "Because the Passover was about to begin that evening"
1 Now early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and she saw the stone rolled away from the tomb. 2 So she ran and came to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and she said to them, "They took away the Lord out from the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him."
3 Then Peter and the other disciple went out, and they were going to the tomb. 4 They both ran together, and the other disciple quickly ran ahead of Peter and arrived at the tomb first. 5 Then stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go inside. 6 Simon Peter then arrived after him and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there 7 and the cloth that had been on his head. It was not lying with the linen cloths but was folded up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, the one who first arrived at the tomb, also went in, and he saw and believed. 9 For until that time they still did not know the scripture that he should rise from the dead. 10 So the disciples went back home again.
11 But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping. As she wept, she stooped down into the tomb. 12 She saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head, and one at the foot of where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?"
She said to them, "Because they took away my Lord, and I do not know where they have put him." 14 When she said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus.
15 Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?"
She thought that he was the gardener, so she said to him, "Sir, if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will take him away."
16 Jesus said to her, "Mary."
She turned and said to him in Aramaic, "Rabboni" (which is to say "Teacher").
17 Jesus said to her, "Do not touch me, for I have not yet gone up to the Father, but go to my brothers and say to them that I will go up to my Father and your Father, and my God and your God."
18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and that he had said these things to her.
19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the middle of them and said to them, "Peace to you." 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus then said to them again, "Peace to you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you." 22 When Jesus had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 Whoever's sins you forgive, they are forgiven; whoever's sins you keep back, they are kept back."
24 Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples later said to him, "We have seen the Lord."
He said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."
26 After eight days his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came while the doors were closed, and stood among them, and said, "Peace to you." 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Reach here with your finger and see my hands. Reach here with your hand and put it into my side. Do not be unbelieving, but believe."
28 Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God."
29 Jesus said to him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen, and believed."
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, signs that have not been written in this book, 31 but these have been written so that you would believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and so that believing, you would have life in his name.
The tomb in which Jesus was buried (John 20:1) was the kind of tomb in which wealthy Jewish families buried their dead. It was an actual room cut into a rock. It had a flat place on one side where they could place the body after they had put oil and spices on it and wrapped it in cloth. Then they would roll a large rock in front of the tomb so no one could see inside or enter.
If your language uses the same word for "breath" and "spirit," be sure that the reader understands that Jesus was performing a symbolic action by breathing, and that what the disciples received was the Holy Spirit, not Jesus's breath. (See: and holyspirit)
John used Greek letters to describe the sound of the word, and then he explained that it means "Teacher." You should do the same, using the letters of your language.
No one is sure what Jesus's body looked like after he became alive again. His disciples knew it was Jesus because they could see his face and touch the places where the soldiers had put the nails through his hands and feet, But he could also walk through solid walls and doors. It is best not to try to say more than what the ULB says.
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all wrote about angels in white clothing with the women at Jesus's tomb. Two of the authors called them men, but that is only because the angels were in human form. Two of the authors wrote about two angels, but the other two authors wrote about only one of them. It is best to translate each of these passages as it appears in the ULB without trying to make the passages all say exactly the same thing. (See: Matthew 28:1-2 and Mark 16:5 and Luke 24:4 and John 20:12)
This is the third day after Jesus was buried.
"Sunday"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "she saw that someone had rolled away the stone"
This phrase appears to be the way that John refers to himself throughout his book. Here the word "love" refers to brotherly love or love for a friend or family member.
The author uses the word "they" here to show that Mary Magdalene did not know who took the Lord away. She was probably thinking of the Jews or Romans, but it would be best to translate using your language's way of leaving the actor or actors unknown.
These words are metonyms for Jesus's dead body. Alternate translation: "the Lord's dead body ... laid it"
John apparently shows his humility by referring to himself here as "the other disciple," rather than including his name.
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These were the burial cloths that people had used to wrap the body of Jesus.
These were the burial cloths that people had used to wrap the body of Jesus. See how you translated this in John 20:5.
Here "his head" refers to "Jesus's head." You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "cloth that someone had used to cover Jesus's face"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but someone had folded it and put it aside, separate from the linen cloths"
John apparently expresses his humility by referring to himself as "the other disciple," rather than including his name in this book.
Until he saw that the tomb was empty, he did not believe that Jesus had risen from the dead, but when he saw that the tomb was empty, he did believe. Alternate translation: "he saw these things and now believed that Jesus had risen from the dead"
These words refer to the disciples. Possible meanings are 1) they did not know that that scripture exists or 2) they did not understand that that scripture said that Jesus would come alive again.
become alive again
All those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld.
The disciples continued to stay in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "went back to where they were staying in Jerusalem"
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The angels were wearing white clothing. Alternate translation: "She saw two angels dressed in white clothing"
"They asked her"
The words "my Lord" here are a metonym for the Lord's body. Alternate translation: "Because they took away the body of my Lord, and I do not know where they have put it"
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"Jesus asked her"
Here the word "him" is a metonym that refers to Jesus's dead body. Alternate translation: "if you have taken his dead body away, tell me where you have put it, and I will take it away"
The word "Rabboni" means "teacher" in Aramaic.
This was the language that the Jews in Judea spoke among themselves. Some translations say "Hebrew," following the form of the Greek word.
Jesus used the word "brothers" to refer to his disciples.
Jesus rose from the dead and then predicted he would go up into heaven, back to his Father, who is God. Alternate translation: "I am about to return to heaven to be with my Father and your Father, to the one who is my God and your God"
These are important titles that describe the relationship between Jesus and God, and between believers and God.
Mary Magdalene went to where the disciples were staying and told them what she had seen and heard. Alternate translation: "Mary Magdalene went to where the disciples were and told them"
It is now evening and Jesus appears to the disciples.
This refers to Sunday.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "the disciples had locked the doors where they were"
Here "Jews" is a synecdoche for the Jewish leaders who might arrest the disciples. Alternate translation: "because they were afraid that the Jewish leaders might arrest them"
This is a common greeting that means "May God give you peace" .
Jesus showed the disciples his wounds. Alternate translation: "he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side"
This is a common greeting that means "May God give you peace."
This is an important title for God.
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You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God will forgive them"
"If you do not forgive another's sins"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God will not forgive them"
This is a male name that means "twin." See how this name is translated in [John 11:15]
The word "him" refers to Thomas.
You can translate this double negative in a positive form. Alternate translation: "I will believe only if I see ... his side"
The word "his" refers to Jesus.
The word "his" refers to Jesus.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "when they had locked the doors"
This is a common greeting that means "May God give you peace" .
Jesus uses the double negative "Do not be unbelieving" to emphasize the words that follow, "but believe." If your language does not allow double negatives or the reader would not understand that Jesus is emphasizing the words that follow, you can leave these words untranslated. Alternate translation: "This is what is most important for you to do: you must believe"
Here "believe" means to trust in Jesus. Alternate translation: "put your trust in me"
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Thomas believes that Jesus is alive because he has seen him. Alternate translation: "you have believed that I am alive"
This means "God gives great happiness to those."
This means those who have not seen Jesus. Alternate translation: "who have not seen me alive"
As the story is nearing the end, the author comments about the many things Jesus did.
The word "signs" refers to miracles that show that God is the all-powerful one who has complete authority over the universe.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "signs that the author did not write about in this book"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "but the author wrote about these signs"
This is an important title for Jesus.
Here "life" is a metonym that means Jesus gives life. Alternate translation: "you may have life because of Jesus"
This refers to spiritual life.
1 After these things Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. This is how he revealed himself: 2 Simon Peter was together with Thomas called Didymus, Nathaniel from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples of Jesus. 3 Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We, too, will come with you." They went and got into a boat, but they caught nothing during the whole night.
4 Now, when it was already early in the morning, Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not know it was Jesus. 5 So Jesus said to them, "Young men, do you have anything to eat?"
They answered him, "No."
6 He said to them, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they threw their net and were not able to draw it in because of the large number of fish.
7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord." When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tied up his outer garment (for he was undressed), and threw himself into the sea. 8 The other disciples came in the boat (for they were not far from the land, about two hundred cubits off), and they were pulling the net full of fish. 9 When they got out upon the land, they saw a charcoal fire there and fish laid on it, with bread.
10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." 11 Simon Peter then went up and drew the net to land, full of large fish, 153 of them, but even with so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, "Come and eat breakfast." None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to them, and the fish also. 14 This was the third time that Jesus revealed himself to the disciples after he had risen from the dead.
15 After they ate breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?"
Peter said to him, "Yes Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs."
16 He said to him again a second time, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter said to him, "Yes Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said to him, "Shepherd my sheep."
17 He said to him a third time, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was sorrowful because Jesus had said to him a third time, "Do you love me?" He said to him, "Lord, you know all things, you know that I love you."
Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you become old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will gird you and carry you where you will not want to go."
19 Now Jesus said this in order to indicate with what kind of death Peter would glorify God. After he had said this, he said to Peter, "Follow me."
20 Peter turned around and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who had also leaned back against the side of Jesus at the dinner and who had said, "Lord, who is the one who will betray you?" 21 Peter saw him and then said to Jesus, "Lord, what will this man do?"
22 Jesus said to him, "If I want him to stay until I come, what is that to you? Follow me."
23 So this statement spread among the brothers, that that disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to Peter that the other disciple would not die, but, "If I want him to stay until I come, what is that to you?"
24 This is the disciple who testifies about these things, and who wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true. 25 There are also many other things that Jesus did. If each one were written down, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.
Before Jesus died, he spoke of himself taking care of his people as if he were a good shepherd taking care of sheep
Jesus shows himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. Verses 2 and 3 tell us what happens in the story before Jesus appears.
"Some time later"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "with Thomas whom we called Didymus"
This is a male name that means "twin." See how this name is translated in [John 11:15]
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This is a term of endearment that means "My dear friends."
Here "some" refers to fish. Alternate translation: "you will catch some fish in your net"
"pull the net in"
The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves. This kind of love cares for others, no matter what they do.
"he secured his outer garment around him" or "he put on his tunic"
This is background information. Peter had taken off some of his clothes to make it easier to work, but now that he was about to greet the Lord, he wanted to wear more clothing. Alternate translation: "for he had taken off some of his clothes"
Peter jumped into the water and swam to shore. Alternate translation: "jumped into the sea and swam to shore"
This is a idiom that means Peter jumped into the water very quickly.
This is background information.
"90 meters." A cubit was a little less than half a meter.
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Here "went up" means Simon Peter had to go back to the boat. Alternate translation: "So Simon Peter went back to the boat"
"pulled the net to the shore"
You can translate this as an active form. Alternate translation: "the net did not break"
"full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three." There were 153 large fish.
the morning meal
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You can translate this ordinal term as "time number 3."
Jesus begins to have a conversation with Simon Peter.
The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves.
When Peter answers, he uses the word for "love" that refers to brotherly love or love for a friend or family member.
Here "lambs" is a metaphor for those persons who love Jesus and follow him. Alternate translation: "Feed the people I care for"
The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves.
"Take care of my sheep." Here "sheep" is a metaphor for those who love and follow Jesus. Alternate translation: "Care for the people I care for"
The pronoun "he" refers to Jesus. Here "a third time" means "time number 3." Alternate translation: "Jesus said to him a third time"
This time when Jesus asks this question he uses the word for "love" that refers to brotherly love or love for a friend or family member.
Here "sheep" is a metaphor that represents those who belong to Jesus and follow him. Alternate translation: "Care for the people I care for"
See how you translated this in John 1:51.
Here girding is a metonym for dressing and being ready for action. Alternate translation: "you used to dress yourself ... someone else will dress you"
John uses this word to show he is giving background information before he continues the story.
Here John implies that Peter would die on a cross. Alternate translation: "to indicate that Peter would die on a cross to honor God"
Here the word "follow" means "to be a disciple." Alternate translation: "Keep on being my disciple"
John refers to himself in this way throughout the book, rather than mentioning his name.
This is the kind of love that comes from God and always desires the good of others, even when it does not benefit oneself. This kind of love cares for others, no matter what they do.
This is a reference to the Last Supper (John 13).
Here "him" refers to "the disciple whom Jesus loved."
Peter wants to know what will happen to John. Alternate translation: "Lord, what will happen to this man?"
"Jesus said to Peter"
Here "him" refers to the "disciple whom Jesus loved" in John 21:20.
This refers to Jesus's second coming, his return to earth from heaven.
This remark appears in the form of a question to express a mild rebuke. Alternate translation: "that is not your concern." or "you should not be concerned about that."
Here "the brothers" refers to all the followers of Jesus.
This is the end of the Gospel of John. Here the author, the Apostle John, gives a closing comment about himself and what he has written in this book.
"the disciple John"
Here "testifies" means that he personally sees something. Alternate translation: "who has seen all these things"
Here "we" refers to those who trust in Jesus. Alternate translation: "we who trust in Jesus know"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "If someone wrote down all of them"
John exaggerates to emphasize that Jesus did many more miracles than what people could write about in many books.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "the books that people could write about what he did"
1 The former account I wrote, Theophilus, told all that Jesus began to do and to teach, 2 until the day that he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself alive to them with many convincing proofs. For forty days he appeared to them, and he spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 When he was meeting together with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, about which he said, "You heard from me 5 that John indeed baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days."
6 When they were assembled together they asked him, "Lord, is this the time you will restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7 He said to them, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Father has determined by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 9 When the Lord Jesus had said these things, as they were looking up, he was raised up, and a cloud hid him from their eyes. 10 While they were looking intensely to heaven as he went, suddenly, two men stood by them in white clothing. 11 They said, "You men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into heaven? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven, will return in the same manner as you saw him going into heaven."
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain that is called Olives, which is near to Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey. 13 When they arrived, they went up into the upper chamber, where they were staying. They were Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all were devoted with one purpose to prayer, together with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
15 In those days Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers, about 120 names, and said, 16 "Brothers, it was necessary that the scripture should be fulfilled, that the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who guided the ones who arrested Jesus. 17 For he was one of us and received a share of this ministry." 18 (Now this man bought a field with the earnings he received for his wickedness, and there he fell headfirst, and his body burst open, and all his intestines poured out. 19 All those living in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language "Akeldama," that is, "Field of Blood.") 20 "For it is written in the Book of Psalms,
'Let his field be made desolate,
and do not let even one person live there';
'Let someone else take his position of leadership.'
21 It is necessary, therefore, that one of the men who accompanied us all the time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John to the day that he was taken up from us, become a witness with us of his resurrection." 23 They put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. 24 They prayed and said, "You, Lord, know the hearts of all people, so reveal which of these two is the one whom you have chosen 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned away to go to his own place." 26 They cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
This chapter records an event, commonly known as the "Ascension," when Jesus returned to heaven after he became alive again. He will not come back until he returns at his "second coming." (See: heaven and resurrection)
The UDB has set the words "Dear Theophilus" apart from the other words. This is because English speakers often start letters this way. You might want to start this book the way people start letters in your culture.
Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULB does this with the two quotes from Psalms in 1:20.
The word "baptize" has two meanings in this chapter. It refers to the water baptism of John and to the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5). (See: baptize)
Some scholars believe that when Jesus "spoke about the kingdom of God," he explained to the disciples why the kingdom of God did not come before he died. Others believe that the kingdom of God did begin while Jesus was alive and that here Jesus was explaining that it was beginning in a new form.
The following are the lists of the twelve disciples:
In Matthew:
Simon (Peter), Andrew, James son of Zebedee, John son of Zebedee, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot.
In Mark:
Simon (Peter), Andrew, James the son of Zebedee and John the son of Zebedee (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder), Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot.
In Luke:
Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon (who was called the Zealot), Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot.
Thaddaeus is probably the same person as Jude, the son of James.
This is a phrase in Hebrew or Aramaic. Luke used Greek letters so his readers would know how it sounded, and then he told what it means. You should probably spell it the way it sounds in your language and then explain the meaning.
The "former account" is the Gospel of Luke.
Luke wrote this book to a man named Theophilus. Some translations follow their own culture's way of addressing a letter and write "Dear Theophilus" at the beginning of the sentence. Theophilus means "friend of God"
This refers to Jesus's ascension into heaven. Alternate translation: "until the day on which God took him up to heaven" or "until the day that he ascended into heaven"
The Holy Spirit had led Jesus to instruct his apostles on certain things.
This refers to Jesus's suffering and death on the cross.
Jesus appeared to his apostles and to many other disciples.
Here the word "he" refers to Jesus. Except where otherwise noted, the word "you" in the book of Acts is plural.
This event happened during the 40 days that Jesus appeared to his followers after he had risen from the dead.
"When Jesus was meeting together with his apostles"
This is a reference to the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: "the Holy Spirit, whom the Father promised to send, about whom Jesus said"
Jesus contrasts how John baptized people in water with how God would baptize believers in the Holy Spirit.
"John indeed baptized people with water"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will baptize you"
Here the word "they" refers to the apostles.
"will you now make Israel a great kingdom again"
Possible meanings are 1) the words "times" and "seasons" refer to different kinds of time. Alternate translation: "the general period of time or the specific date" or 2) the two words are basically synonymous. Alternate translation: "the exact time"
The apostles will receive power that will enable them to be witnesses for Jesus. Alternate translation: "God will empower you ... to be my witnesses"
Possible meanings are 1) "all over the world" or 2) "to the places on earth that are farthest away"
"as they watched." The apostles "were looking" at Jesus because Jesus rose into the sky. Alternate translation: "as they were looking up at the sky"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he rose up into the sky" or "God raised him up into the sky"
"a cloud blocked their view so that they could no longer see him"
"staring at the sky" or "gazing at the sky"
"from Galilee"
Jesus ascended into the sky, through the clouds, and the clouds hid him Acts 1:9. He will return from the sky, through (or on) the clouds, and people will be able to see him.
"The apostles returned"
This refers to the distance which, according to Rabbinical tradition, a person was allowed to walk on a Sabbath day. Alternate translation: "about one kilometer away"
"When they reached their destination." Verse 12 says they were returning to Jerusalem.
"the room on the upper level of the house"
They all spent much time ... praying
The phrase "with one purpose" translates a word that speaks of people who agree with each other and who work together to accomplish a common purpose.
This event happened during the time that Peter and the other believers were staying together in the upper room.
These words mark the beginning of a new part of the story. They refer to the period of time after Jesus ascended. On many days after Jesus ascended, the disciples met in the upper chamber. Alternate translation: "During that time"
"one hundred and twenty names"
The word "names" is a metonym for the people whose names they were. Alternate translation: "people"
Here the word "brothers" refers to fellow believers and includes both men and women.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the things that we read about in scripture had to take place"
The word "mouth" refers to the words that David wrote. Alternate translation: "through the words of David"
Although Peter is addressing the entire group of people, here the word "us" refers only to the apostles.
In verse 17 Peter continues his speech to the believers that he began in Acts 1:16.
The author begins to tell the reader background information about how Judas died and what people called the field where he died. This is not part of Peter's speech.
The words "this man" refers to Judas Iscariot.
"the money that he earned from the evil thing that he did." The words "his wickedness" refer to Judas Iscariot's betraying Jesus to the people who killed him.
This suggests that Judas fell from a high place, rather than just falling down. The fall was severe enough to cause his body to burst open. Other passages of scripture mention that he hanged himself.
The author finishes telling the reader background information about how Judas died and what people called the field where he died. This is not part of Peter's speech.
When the people living in Jerusalem heard of the way in which Judas died, they renamed the field.
Based on the situation with Judas that Peter just recounted, he recalls two Psalms of David that relate to the incident. The quote ends at the end of this verse.
Peter continues his speech to the believers that he began in Acts 1:16.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For David wrote in the Book of Psalms"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words.
Possible meanings are 1) that the word "field" refers to the field where Judas died or 2) that the word "field" refers to Judas's dwelling place and is a metaphor for his family line.
"become empty"
Here the word "us" refers to the apostles and does not include the audience to whom Peter is speaking.
Peter finishes his speech to the believers that he began in Acts 1:16.
Based on the scriptures that he quoted and on what Judas had done, Peter tells the group what they must do.
Going in and out among a group of people is a metaphor for openly being part of that group. Alternate translation: "the Lord Jesus lived among us"
The qualification for the new apostle that began with the words "It is necessary ... that one of the men who accompanied us" in verse 21 ends here. The subject of the verb "become" is thus "one of the men." Here is a reduced form of the sentence: "It is necessary ... that one of the men who accompanied us ... beginning from the baptism of John ... must become a witness with us."
The noun "baptism" can be translated as a verb. Possible meanings: 1) "beginning from when John baptized Jesus" or 2) "beginning from when John baptized people"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until the day when Jesus left us and rose up to heaven" or "until the day that God took him up from us"
"must begin to testify with us about his resurrection"
Here the word "They" refers to all of the believers who were present. Alternate translation: "They proposed two men who fulfilled the requirements that Peter listed"
This can be translated with an active form. Alternate translation: "Joseph, whom people also called Barsabbas and Justus"
Here the word "They" refers to all of the believers, but it was probably one of the apostles who spoke these words. Alternate translation: "The believers prayed together and one of the apostles said"
Here the word "hearts" refers to the thoughts and motives. Alternate translation: "You, Lord, know the thoughts and motives of everyone"
Here the word "apostleship" defines what kind of "ministry" this is. Alternate translation: "to take Judas's place in this apostolic ministry" or "to take Judas's place in serving as an apostle"
Here the expression "turned away" means that Judas stopped performing this ministry. Alternate translation: "which Judas stopped fulfilling"
This phrase refers to Judas's death and likely to his judgment after death. Alternate translation: "to go where he belongs"
The apostles cast lots to decide between Joseph and Matthias.
The lot indicated that Matthias was the one to replace Judas.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the believers considered him to be an apostle with the other eleven"
1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in the same place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the rush of a violent wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 There appeared to them tongues like fire that were distributed, and they sat upon each one of them. 4 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them the ability.
5 Now there were Jews who were living in Jerusalem, godly men, from every nation under heaven. 6 When this sound was heard, the multitude came together and was confused because everyone heard them speaking in his own language. 7 They were amazed and marveled; they said, "Really, are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Why is it that we are hearing them, each in our own language in which we were born? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, in Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, in Egypt and the parts of Libya toward Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians, we hear them telling in our languages about the mighty works of God." 12 They were all amazed and perplexed; they said to one another, "What does this mean?" 13 But others mocked and said, "They are full of new wine."
14 But Peter stood with the eleven, raised his voice, and declared to them, "Men of Judea and all of you who live at Jerusalem, let this be known to you; pay attention to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk as you assume, for it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:
17 'It will be in the last days,' God says,
'I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh.
Your sons and your daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
and your old men will dream dreams.
18 Surely on my servants
and my female servants in those days
I will pour out my Spirit, and they will prophesy.
19 I will show wonders in the sky above
and signs on the earth below,
blood, fire, and vapor of smoke.
20 The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the great and remarkable
day of the Lord comes.
21 It will be that everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.'
22 Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited to you by God with the mighty deeds and wonders and signs which God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over by God's predetermined plan and foreknowledge; and you, by the hand of lawless men, put him to death by nailing him to a cross. 24 But God raised him up, freeing him from the agonies of death, because it was impossible for him to be held by it. 25 For David says about him,
'I saw the Lord always before my face,
for he is beside my right hand
so that I should not be moved.
26 Therefore my heart was glad
and my tongue rejoiced.
Also, my flesh will live in hope.
27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,
neither will you allow
your Holy One to see decay.
28 You have made known to me the ways of life;
you will make me full of gladness with your face.'
29 Brothers, it is proper for me to speak to you confidently about the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Therefore, he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of the fruit of his loins on his throne. 31 He saw what was to happen in the future and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see decay.
32 This Jesus—God raised him up, of which we all are witnesses. 33 Therefore, having been exalted to the right hand of God and having received the promised Holy Spirit from the Father, he has poured out what you see and hear.
34 For David did not ascend to the heaven, but he says,
'The Lord said to my Lord,
"Sit at my right hand
35 until I make your enemies
the footstool for your feet."'
36 Therefore, let all the house of Israel certainly know that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified."
37 Now when they heard this, they were pierced in their hearts, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what must we do?"
38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children and to all who are far off, as many people as the Lord our God will call." 40 With many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation." 41 Then they received his word and were baptized, and there were added in that day about three thousand souls. 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers.
43 Fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had all things in common, 45 and they sold their property and possessions and distributed them to all, according to the needs anyone had. 46 So day after day they devoted themselves with one purpose in the temple. They also broke bread in homes, and they shared food together with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people, and every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 2:17-21, 25-28, and 34-35.
Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULB does this with the quoted material in 2:31.
The events described in this chapter are commonly called "Pentecost." Many people believe that the church began to exist when the Holy Spirit came to live inside believers at Pentecost.
The word "tongues" has two meanings in this chapter. Luke describes what came down from heaven (Acts 2:3](../../act/02/03.md)) as tongues that looked like fire. This is different from "a tongue of flame," which is a fire that looks like a tongue. Luke also uses the word "tongues" to describe the languages that the people spoke after the Holy Spirit filled them ([Acts 2:4).
No one knows for sure when the "last days" (Acts 2:17) began. Your translation should not say more than the ULB does about this. (See: lastday)
The word "baptize" in this chapter refers to Christian baptism (Acts 2:38-41). Though the event described in Acts 2:1-11 is the baptism of the Holy Spirit that Jesus promised in Acts 1:5, the word "baptize" here does not refer to that event. (See: baptize)
Many of the things that Joel said would happen did happen on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:17-18), but some things Joel spoke of have not happened yet (Acts 2:19-20). (See: prophet)
These words refer to things that only God could do, things that showed that Jesus was who the disciples said he was.
This is a new event; it is now the Day of Pentecost, 50 days after Passover. Here the word "they" refers to the apostles and the other 120 believers that Luke mentions in Acts 1:15.
This word explains that no one expected to hear the sound or to have it fill the house.
Possible meanings are 1) "heaven" refers to the place where God lives. Alternate translation: "a sound came from heaven" or 2) "heaven" refers to the sky. Alternate translation: "a sound came from the sky"
This may have been a house or a larger building.
These might have been something that looked like tongues or like fire, not actual tongues or fire. Possible meanings are 1) tongues that looked like they were made of fire or 2) small flames of fire that looked like tongues. When fire burns in a small space, such as on a lamp, the flame can be shaped like a tongue.
This means that the "tongues like fire" spread out so that there was one on each person.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Holy Spirit filled all of those who were there and they"
They were speaking in languages that they did not already know.
The Holy Spirit gave them the ability to speak; they were dependent on the Spirit to speak in different languages.
Here the word "them" refers to the believers; the word "his" refers to each person in the multitude. Verse 5 gives background information about the large number of Jews who were living in Jerusalem, many of whom were present during this event.
Here "godly men" refers to people who were devout in their worship of God and tried to obey all of the Jewish laws.
"every nation in the world." The word "every" is an exaggeration that emphasizes that the people came from many different nations. Alternate translation: "many different nations"
This refers to the sound that was similar to a strong wind. Alternate translation: "When they heard this sound"
"the large crowd of people"
These two words share similar meanings. Together they emphasize the intensity of amazement. Alternate translation: "They were greatly amazed"
The people ask this question to express their amazement. The question could be changed to an exclamation. Alternate translation: "All of these Galileans could not possibly know our languages!"
Possible meanings are 1) this is a rhetorical question that expresses how amazed they were or 2) this is a real question for which the people wanted an answer.
"in our own languages that we have learned from birth"
These are names of people groups.
These are names of large areas of land.
These are names of large areas of land.
These are names of people groups.
converts to the Jewish religion
These two words share similar meanings. Together they emphasize that the people could not understand what was happening. Alternate translation: "surprised and confused"
Some people accuse the believers of having drunk too much wine. Alternate translation: "They are drunk"
This refers to wine that is in the process of fermentation.
Peter begins his speech to the Jews who were there on the Day of Pentecost.
All the apostles stood up in support of Peter's statement.
This is an idiom for "spoke loudly."
Made a formal, important speech to them. See how you translated "make declarations" in Acts 2:4.
This means that Peter is about to explain the meaning of what the people had witnessed. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "know this" or "let me explain this to you"
Peter was referring to what he was saying. Alternate translation: "listen carefully to what I am saying"
"It is only nine o'clock in the morning." Peter expected his audience to know that people do not get drunk that early in the day.
Here Peter tells them a passage about which the prophet Joel wrote in the Old Testament that relates to what is happening with the languages in which the believers spoke. This is written in the form of poetry as well as being a quotation.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "this is what God told the prophet Joel to write" or "this is that which the prophet Joel spoke"
"This is what will happen" or "This is what I will do"
Here the words "pour out" mean to give generously and abundantly. Alternate translation: "I will give my Spirit abundantly to all flesh"
This is a hyperbolic metonym that refers to all people by speaking of them as all living creatures, who have flesh. Alternate translation: "all people"
Peter continues to quote the prophet Joel.
"both my male and my female servants." These words emphasize that God will pour out his Spirit on all of his servants, both men and women.
Here the words "pour out" mean to give generously and abundantly. See how you translated this in [Acts 2:17]
"thick smoke" or "clouds of smoke"
Peter finishes quoting the prophet Joel.
This means that the sun will appear to be dark instead of light. Alternate translation: "The sun will become dark"
This means that the moon will appear to be red like blood. Alternate translation: "the moon will be turned to blood" or "the moon will appear to be red"
The words "great" and "remarkable" share similar meanings and emphasize the intensity of greatness. Alternate translation: "the very great day"
great and beautiful
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Lord will save everyone who calls on him"
Peter continues his speech to the Jews that he began in Acts 1:16.
"listen to what I am about to say"
This means that God proved that he had appointed Jesus for his mission, and proved who he was by his many miracles.
The nouns "plan" and "foreknowledge" can be translated as verbs. This means that God planned out and knew beforehand what would happen to Jesus. Alternate translation: "because God planned out and knew beforehand everything that would happen"
Possible meanings: 1) "you handed Jesus over into the hands of his enemies" or 2) "Judas betrayed Jesus to you."
Although "lawless men" actually crucified Jesus, Peter accuses the crowd of having killed him because they demanded his death.
Here "hand" refers to the actions of the lawless men. Alternate translation: "through the actions of lawless men" or "by what lawless men did"
Possible meanings are 1) the unbelieving Jews who accused Jesus of crimes or 2) the Roman soldiers who performed the execution of Jesus.
Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: "But God caused him to live again"
He speaks of the agonies of dying as if God were freeing Christ from ropes that were binding Jesus. Alternate translation: "ending the pains of death"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for death to hold him"
Peter speaks of Christ remaining dead as if death were a person who held him captive. Alternate translation: "for him to remain dead"
Here Peter quotes a passage that David wrote in a Psalm which relates to Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection. Since Peter says that David said these words about Jesus, the words "I" and "my" refer to Jesus and the words "Lord" and "he" refer to God.
The context makes it plain that this is an elliptical way of saying that David was speaking as if David were the Messiah. Alternate translation: "For David spoke these words as if he were the Christ: 'I saw"
"in front of me." Alternate translation: "in my presence" or "with me"
To be at someone's "right hand" often means to be in a position to help and sustain. Alternate translation: "right beside me" or "with me to help me"
Here the word "moved" means to be troubled. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will not be able to cause me trouble" or "nothing will trouble me"
People consider the "heart" the center of emotions and the "tongue" voices those emotions. Alternate translation: "I was glad and rejoiced"
Possible meanings of the phrase "my flesh" are 1) it indicates that the writer is a mortal who will die. Alternate translation: "even though I am only mortal, I will live in hope" or 2) it is a synecdoche for the writer's entire person. Alternate translation: "I will live in hope"
Here the word "hope" refers to a person's confidence that what he desires will happen. Since the speaker hoped that God would rescue him, "in hope" could be translated as "in confidence in God." The phrase "live in hope" can also be translated with the phrases "confidently expect," "confidently wait," or "trust." Alternate translation: "will live with confidence in God" or "will confidently wait for God to rescue me"
Since Peter says that David said these words about Jesus, the words "my," "Holy One," and "me" refer to Jesus and the words "you" and "your" refer to God.
Peter finishes quoting David.
The Messiah, Jesus, refers to himself with the words "your Holy One." Alternate translation: "neither will you allow me, your Holy One, to see decay"
Here the word "see" means to experience something. The word "decay" refers to the decomposition of his body after death. Alternate translation: "to decay"
"the ways that lead to life"
Here the word "face" refers to the presence of God. Alternate translation: "very glad when I see you" or "very glad when I am in your presence"
joy, happiness
The words "he" and "his" refer to David.
Peter continues the speech to the Jews that surround him and the other believers in Jerusalem, which he began in Acts 1:16.
"My fellow Jews, it"
Or "it is possible." He is able to speak because it is proper for him to do so.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he died and people buried him"
"God would set one of David's fruit upon David's throne." Alternate translation: "God would appoint one of David's fruit to be king in David's place"
This is a metaphor for a child or other descendant. Alternate translation: "one of his children" or "one of his descendants"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Neither did God abandon him to Hades nor did his flesh see decay" or "God did not abandon him to Hades, and his flesh did not see decay"
Here the word "see" means to experience something. The word "decay" refers to the decomposition of his body after death. See how you translated this in [Acts 2:27]
Peter talks again about Jesus. Alternate Translation: "It is this Jesus whom God raised up" or "God raised up this Jesus"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "God caused him to live again"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because God has exalted Jesus up to his right hand"
"Right hand of God" here is an idiom that means that Christ will rule as God, with God’s authority. Alternate translation: "Christ is in the position of God"
Here the words "poured out" mean that Jesus, who is God, made these events to happen. It is implicit that he did this by giving the Holy Spirit to the believers. Alternate translation: "he has caused to happen these things that"
"has given generously and abundantly." See how you translated a similar phrase in Acts 2:17. Alternate translation: "given abundantly"
Peter again quotes one of David's Psalms. David is not speaking of himself in this Psalm. "The Lord" and "my" refer to God; "my Lord" and "your" refer to Jesus the Messiah.
Peter finishes his speech to the Jews that he began in Acts 1:16.
To sit at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "Sit in the place of honor beside me"
This means that God will completely defeat the Messiah's enemies and make them subject to him. Alternate translation: "until I make you victorious over all of your enemies"
This refers to the entire nation of Israel. Alternate translation: "every Israelite"
Here the word "they" refers to the people in the crowd to whom Peter spoke.
The Jews respond to Peter's speech and Peter answers them.
"when the people heard what Peter had said"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said"
This means that the people felt guilty and became very sad. Alternate translation: "deeply troubled"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "allow us to baptize you"
"In the name of" here is a metonym for "by the authority of" Alternate translation: "by the authority of Jesus Christ"
This means either 1) "all people who live far away" or 2) "all people who are far from God."
"he seriously told them." Here the word "testified" and "begged" share similar meanings and emphasize that Peter urged them strongly to respond to what he was saying. Alternate translation: "he strongly urged them"
or "pleaded with"
The implication is that God will punish "this perverse generation." Alternate translation: "Be saved from the punishment that these wicked people will suffer"
Possible meanings are 1) Peter was urging people to let God save them. Alternate translation: "Let God save you," or 2) Peter was simply urging them in a general way to avoid being punished. Alternate translation: "Save yourselves" or "Flee" or "Escape"
This is the end of the part of the story that happened on the Day of Pentecost.
Here the word "received" means that they accepted what Peter said to be true. Alternate translation: "they believed what Peter said"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people baptized them"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "about three thousand souls joined the believers on that day"
Here the word "souls" refers to people. Alternate translation: "about 3,000 people"
This section explains how the believers continued to live after the Day of Pentecost.
Bread was part of their meals. These words could refer to 1) any meals they might eat together. Alternate translation: "eating meals together" or 2) meals they would eat together in order to remember Christ's death and resurrection. Alternate translation: "eating the Lord's Supper together"
Here the word "Fear" refers to deep respect and awe for God. The word "soul" refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: "Each person felt a deep respect and awe for God"
Possible meanings are 1) "the apostles performed many wonders and signs" or 2) "God performed many wonders and signs through the apostles"
"miraculous deeds and supernatural events." See how you translated this in Acts 2:22.
Possible meanings are 1) "All of them believed the same thing" or 2) "All who believed were together in the same place."
"shared their belongings with one another"
"land and things they owned"
Here the word "them" refers to the profit that they made from selling their property and possessions. Alternate translation: "distributed the proceeds to all"
They distributed the proceeds that they earned from selling their property and possessions to any believer who had a need.
You may need to supply the words that have been omitted in this ellipse. What they devoted themselves to doing is stated in verse 42. Alternate translation: "they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching with one purpose in the temple"
This phrase translates a word that speaks of people who agree with each other and who work together to accomplish a common purpose.
Bread was part of their meals. Alternate translation: "They also ate meals together in their homes"
"praising God. All the people approved of them"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those whom the Lord saved"
1 Now Peter and John were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 Now a man who was lame from his mother's womb was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful. They would place him there every day so he could ask those who were going into the temple for alms. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter the temple, he asked them for alms. 4 Peter, fastening his eyes upon him, with John, said, "Look at us." 5 The lame man looked at them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have, I will give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." 7 Taking him by the right hand, Peter raised him up, and immediately the man's feet and ankles were made strong. 8 Leaping up, the lame man stood and began to walk; and he entered with Peter and John into the temple, walking, leaping, and praising God. 9 All the people saw him walking and praising God. 10 They noticed that it was the man who had been asking people for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement because of what had happened to him.
11 As he was holding on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly marveling. 12 When Peter saw this, he answered the people, "You Israelite men, why do you marvel? Why do you fix your eyes on us, as if we made him walk by our own power or godliness? 13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. He is the one whom you handed over and rejected before the face of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. 14 You rejected the Holy and Righteous One, and you asked instead for a murderer to be given to you. 15 You killed the Founder of life, whom God raised from the dead—and we are witnesses of this. 16 On the basis of faith in his name, his name made this man, whom you see and know, strong. The faith that is through Jesus has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all. 17 Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But the things which God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ should suffer, he has now fulfilled. 19 Repent, therefore, and turn, so that your sins may be blotted out, 20 so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; and that he may send the Christ who has been appointed for you, Jesus. 21 He is the One heaven must receive until the time of the restoration of all things, about which God spoke from ancient times by the mouth of his holy prophets. 22 Moses indeed said, 'The Lord God will raise up a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to everything he tells you. 23 It will happen that every person who does not listen to that prophet will be completely destroyed from among the people.' 24 Yes, and all the prophets from Samuel and those who came after him, they spoke out and announced these days. 25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your ancestors, as he said to Abraham, 'In your seed all the families of the earth will be blessed.' 26 After God raised up his servant, he sent him to you first, in order to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness."
This chapter explains that Jesus came to the Jews because God was fulfilling part of the covenant he had made with Abraham. Peter thought that the Jews were the ones who were truly guilty of killing Jesus, but he wanted them to understand that Jesus, by living and dying, had fulfilled God's promise to Abraham and that if they repented, God would forgive them.
The Romans were the ones who killed Jesus, but they killed him because the Jews captured him, brought him to the Romans, and told the Romans to kill him. For this reason Peter thought that they were the ones who were truly guilty of killing Jesus. But he tells them that they are also the first ones to whom God has sent Jesus's followers to invite them to repent (Acts 3:26). (See: repent)
One day Peter and John go to the temple.
They did not go into the temple building where only the priests were allowed. Alternate translation: "to the temple courtyard" or "into the temple area"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people were carrying a man who was lame from from his mother's womb"
"ever since he was born"
This was one of the gates in the high, strong wall that surrounded the temple. People sometimes gathered near the gate.
unable to walk
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Both Peter and John looked at the man, but only Peter spoke.
Possible meanings are 1) "looking directly at him" or 2) "looking intently at him"
Here the word "looked" means to pay attention to something. Alternate translation: "The lame man paid close attention to them"
"I do not own any silver or gold"
These words refer to money.
It is understood that Peter has the ability to heal the man.
Here the word "name" refers to power and authority. Alternate translation: "With the authority of Jesus Christ"
"Peter caused him to stand"
He did not go inside the temple building where only the priests were allowed. Alternate translation: "he entered ... the temple area" or "he entered ... into the temple courtyard"
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"realized that it was the man" or "recognized him as the man"
This was the name of one of the entrances to the temple area. See how you translated a similar phrase in Acts 3:2.
Here the words "wonder" and "amazement" share similar meanings and emphasize the intensity of the people's amazement. Alternate translation: "they were extremely amazed"
The phrase "in the porch that is called Solomon's" makes it clear that they were not inside the temple where only the priests were allowed to enter. Here the words "us" and "we" refer to Peter and John but not to the crowd to whom Peter is talking.
After healing the man who could not walk, Peter talks to the people.
"Solomon's Porch." This was a covered walkway that consisted of rows of pillars that supported a roof, and which people named after king Solomon. It was in the temple courtyard.
"extremely surprised"
Here the word "this" refers to the amazement of the people.
"Fellow Israelites." Peter was addressing the crowd.
Peter asks this question to emphasize that they should not be surprised by what had happened. Alternate translation: "you should not be surprised."
Peter asks this question to emphasize that the people should not think that he and John had healed the man by their own abilities. This could be written as two statements. Alternate translation: "Do not fix your eyes on us. We did not make him walk by our own power or godliness."
This means that they looked intently at them without stopping. Alternate translation: "stare at us" or "look at us"
Peter continues his speech to the Jews that he began in Acts 3:12.
Here the phrase "before the face of" means "in the presence of." Alternate translation: "rejected in Pilate's presence"
"when Pilate had decided to release Jesus"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for Pilate to release a murderer to you"
Here the word "we" includes just Peter and John.
This refers to Jesus. Possible meanings are 1) "the one who gives people eternal life" or 2) "the ruler of life" or 3) "the one who leads people to life"
Possible meanings are 1) this is the reason the man was made strong. Alternate translation: "Because of faith in his name" or 2) this is how the man was made strong. Alternate translation: "By faith in his name"
The word "his" refers to the Founder of life, Jesus. The abstract noun "faith" can be translated with the verb "believe." Possible meanings are 1) the lame man had faith in Jesus. Alternate translation: "Because he believed in Jesus name" or 2) Peter and John, and perhaps the lame man, had faith in Jesus. Alternate translation: "Because we believed in Jesus's name"
The phrase "his name" is a metonym either for Jesus or for Jesus's power.
"made this man ... well"
Possible meanings are 1) this is the faith that Jesus enables people to have. Alternate translation: "The faith that comes from Jesus" or 2) this is faith in Jesus.
Here Peter shifts the audience's attention from the lame man and continues to talk to them directly.
Possible meanings are 1) that the people did not know that Jesus was the Messiah or 2) that the people did not understand the significance of what they were doing.
When the prophets spoke, it was as though God himself was speaking because he told them what to say. Alternate translation: "God foretold by telling all of the prophets what to speak"
"God spoke about ahead of time" or "God told about before they happened"
Here the word "mouth" refers to the words that the prophets spoke and wrote down. Alternate translation: "the words of all the prophets"
"and turn to the Lord." Here "turn" is a metaphor for starting to obey the Lord. Alternate translation: "and start obeying the Lord"
Here "blotted out" is a metaphor for forgiving. Sins are spoken of as if they are written in a book and God erases them from the book when he forgives them. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that God will forgive you for sinning against him"
Possible meanings are 1) "times when God will strengthen your spirits" or 2) "times when God will revive you"
Here the words "presence of the Lord" is a metonym for the Lord himself. Alternate translation: "from the Lord"
"that he may again send the Christ." This refers to Christ's coming again.
This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom he has appointed for you"
Peter continues the speech that he began in Acts 3:12 to the Jews who stood in the temple area.
"He is the One heaven must welcome." Peter speaks of heaven as if it were a person who welcomes Jesus into his home.
This means that it is necessary for Jesus to remain in heaven because that is what God has planned.
Possible meanings are 1) "until the time when God will restore all things" or 2) "until the time when God will fulfill everything that he foretold."
When the prophets spoke long ago, it was as if God himself was speaking because he told them what to say. Alternate translation: "about which things God spoke long ago by telling his holy prophets to speak about them"
Here the word "mouth" refers to the words that the prophets spoke and wrote down. Alternate translation: "the words of his holy prophets"
Peter begins to quote something Moses told the Israelites before the Messiah came.
"will cause one of your brothers to become a true prophet, and everyone will know about him"
"your nation"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that prophet, God will completely destroy"
Peter finishes his speech to the Jews that he began in Acts 3:12.
"In fact, all the prophets." Here the word "Yes" adds emphasis to what follows.
"beginning with Samuel and continuing with the prophets who lived after he did"
"these times" or "the things that are happening now"
Here the word "sons" refers to heirs who will receive what the prophets and the covenant promised. Alternate translation: "You are the heirs of the prophets and heirs of the covenant"
"Because of your offspring"
Here the word "families" refers to people groups or nations. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will bless all the people groups in the world"
"After God caused Jesus to become his servant and made him famous"
This refers to the Messiah, Jesus.
Here "turning ... from" is a metaphor for causing someone stop doing something. Alternate translation: "causing every one of you to stop doing wicked things" or "causing every one of you to repent from your wickedness"
1 As Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them. 2 They were deeply troubled because Peter and John were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 They laid hands on them and put them in custody until the next morning, since it was now evening. 4 But many of the people who had heard the message believed; and the number of the men who believed was about five thousand.
5 It came about on the next day that their rulers, elders, and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and all who were relatives of the high priest. 7 When they had set Peter and John in their midst, they asked them, "By what power, or in what name, have you done this?" 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "You rulers of the people, and elders, 9 if we are on trial today concerning a good deed done to a sick man, and by what means this man was healed, 10 let it be known to you all and to all the people of Israel that this man stands before you healthy in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, but whom God raised from the dead. 11 Jesus Christ is the stone which you builders rejected but which has been made the cornerstone. 12 There is no salvation in any other person, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were ordinary, uneducated men, they were surprised, becoming aware that Peter and John had been with Jesus. 14 Because they saw the man who was healed standing with them, they had nothing to say against this. 15 But after they had commanded the apostles to leave the council meeting, they talked among themselves. 16 They said, "What should we do with these men? For a remarkable sign has been done through them, and this is evident to everyone who lives in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But in order that it spreads no further among the people, let us warn them not to speak anymore to anyone in this name." 18 Then they called them in and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is proper in the sight of God to obey you rather than him, you judge. 20 We are not able to stop speaking about the things we have seen and heard." 21 After further warning Peter and John, they let them go. They were unable to find any excuse to punish them, because all of the people were glorifying God for what had been done. 22 The man who had experienced this sign of healing was more than forty years old.
23 After they were set free, Peter and John came to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard it, they raised their voices with one purpose to God and said, "Lord, you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and all that is in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David,
'Why did the Gentile nations rage,
and the peoples imagine useless things?'
26 You said,
'The kings of the earth set themselves together,
and the rulers gathered together
against the Lord, and against his Christ.'
27 Indeed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, gathered together in this city against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They gathered together to do all that your hand and your plan had decided in advance would happen. 29 Now, Lord, look upon their warnings and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and to give signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31 After they had prayed, the place where they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
32 The great number of those who believed were of one heart and soul. No one said that anything he possessed was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 With great power the apostles were proclaiming their testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was no person among them who lacked anything, for all who owned title to lands or houses sold them and brought the money from the things that were sold 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each one according to their need.
36 Joseph, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a man from Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 4:25-26.
The first Christians wanted very much to be united. They wanted to believe the same things and share everything they owned and help those who needed help.
This phrase refers to things that only God can do. The Christians wanted God to do what only he can do so that people would believe that what they said about Jesus was true.
The cornerstone was the first piece of stone that people put down when they were building a building. This is a metaphor for the most important part of something, the part on which everything depends. To say that Jesus is the cornerstone of the church is to say that nothing in the church is more important than Jesus and that everything about the church depends on Jesus. (See: and faith)
"There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). With these words Peter was saying that no other person who has ever been on the earth or will ever be on earth can save people.
The religious leaders arrest Peter and John after Peter's having healed the man who was born lame.
"approached them" or "came to them"
"They were very angry." The Sadducees, in particular, would have been angry about what Peter and John were saying because they did not believe in resurrection.
Peter and John were saying that God would raise people from the dead in the same way as he had raised Jesus from among the dead. Translate this in a way that allows "the resurrection" to refer to both Jesus's resurrection and the general resurrection of other people.
From among all those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld. To come back from among them speaks of becoming alive again.
"The priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees arrested Peter and John"
It was common practice not to question people at night.
This refers only to men and does not include how many women or children believed.
"grew to about five thousand"
Here the word "their" refers to the Jewish people as a whole.
The rulers question Peter and John, who answer without fear.
This phrase is used here to mark where the action starts. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
This is a reference to the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling court, which consisted of these three groups of people.
These two men were members of the high priest's family. This is not the same John as the apostle.
"Who gave you power"
Here the word "name" refers to authority. Alternate translation: "by whose authority"
This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Acts 2:4]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you are questioning us today"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "by what means we have made this man well"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May all of you and all of the people of Israel know this"
"to you who are questioning us and to all the other people of Israel"
Here the word "name" refers to power and authority. Alternate translation: "by the power of Jesus Christ of Nazareth"
Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: "whom God caused to live again"
Peter completes his speech to the Jewish religious rulers that he began in Acts 4:8.
Peter is quoting from the Psalms. This is a metaphor that means the religious leaders, like builders, rejected Jesus, but God will made him the most important in his kingdom, as a cornerstone in a building is important.
"you builders thought was worth nothing"
Here the word "we" refers to Peter as well as those to whom he is speaking.
The noun "salvation" can be translated as a verb. This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "He is the only person who is able to save"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no other name under heaven that God has given among men"
The phrase "name ... given among men" refers to the person of Jesus. Alternate translation: "no other person under heaven, who is given among men, by whom"
This is a way of referring to everywhere in the world. Alternate translation: "in the world"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which can save us" or "who can save us"
Here the second instance of "they" refers to Peter and John. All other occurrences of the word "they" in this section refer to the Jewish leaders.
Here the abstract noun "boldness" refers to the way in which Peter and John responded to the Jewish leaders, and can be translated with an adverb or an adjective. Alternate translation: "how boldly Peter and John had spoken" or "how bold Peter and John were"
bravery, courage, lack of fear. A person with boldness is not afraid.
The Jewish leaders "realized" this because of the way Peter and John spoke.
"and understood"
The words "ordinary" and "uneducated" share similar meanings. They emphasize that Peter and John had received no formal training in Jewish law.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the man whom Peter and John had healed"
"nothing to say against Peter and John's healing of the man." Here the word "this" refers to what Peter and John had done.
This refers to Peter and John.
The Jewish leaders ask this question out of frustration because they could not think of what to do with Peter and John. Alternate translation: "There is nothing that we can do with these men!"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For God has done a remarkable sign through them, and everyone who lives in Jerusalem has seen it" or "For everyone who lives in Jerusalem knows that they have done a remarkable sign"
The miracle of healing was a sign that Peter and John were obeying God, who did the healing.
This is a generalization. It may also be an exaggeration to show that the leaders think that this is a very big problem. Alternate translation: "many of the people who live in Jerusalem" or "people who live throughout Jerusalem"
Here the word "it" refers to any miracles or teaching Peter and John might continue to do. Alternate translation: "in order that news of this miracle spreads no further" or "in order that no more people hear about this miracle"
Here the word "name" refers to the person of Jesus. Alternate translation: "not to speak anymore to anyone about this person, Jesus"
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Here the phrase "in the sight of God" refers to God's opinion. Alternate translation: "Whether God thinks it is right"
Here the word "we" refers to Peter and John but not to those whom they are addressing.
The Jewish leaders again threatened to punish Peter and John.
Although the Jewish leaders threatened Peter and John, they could not find a reason to punish them without causing the people to riot.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for what Peter and John had done"
This verse gives background information about the age of the lame man who was healed.
"The man whom Peter and John had miraculously healed"
The miracle of healing was a sign that Peter and John were obeying God, who did the healing.
The phrase "their own people" refers to the rest of the believers. Alternate translation: "went to the other believers"
Speaking together, the people quote a Psalm of David from the Old Testament. Here the word "they" refers to the rest of the believers, but not to Peter and John.
To raise the voice is an idiom for speaking. "they began speaking with one purpose to God"
This phrase translates a word that speaks of people who agree with each other and who work together to accomplish a common purpose.
This means that the Holy Spirit caused David to speak or write down what God said.
Here the word "mouth" refers to the words that David spoke or wrote down. Alternate translation: "by the words of your servant, our father David"
Here the word "father" refers to an ancestor.
This is a rhetorical question that emphasizes the futility of opposing God. Alternate translation: "The Gentile nations should not have raged, and the peoples should not have imagined useless things."
These "useless things" consist of plans to oppose God. Alternate translation: "the peoples imagine useless things against God"
people groups
The believers complete their quotation from King David in the Psalms that they began in Acts 4:25.
These two lines mean basically the same thing. The two lines emphasize the combined effort of the earth's rulers to oppose God.
These two phrases mean that they joined their armies together to fight a battle. Alternate translation: "set their armies together ... gathered their troops together"
Here the word "Lord" refers to God. In the Psalms, the word "Christ" refers to the Messiah or God's anointed one.
The believers continue praying.
"this city" refers to Jerusalem.
"Jesus, who serves you faithfully"
Here the word "hand" is used to mean God's power. Additionally, the phrase "your hand and your desire decided" shows God's power and plan. Alternate translation: "to do all that you in your power had decided and planned they would do"
Here the words "look upon" are a request for God to take notice of the way in which the Jewish leaders threatened the believers. Alternate translation: "notice how they threaten to punish us"
The word "word" here is a metonym for God's message. The abstract noun "boldness" can be translated as an adverb. Alternate translation: "speak your message boldly" or "be bold when we speak your message"
The believers complete the prayer that they began in Acts 4:24.
Here the word "hand" refers to God's power. This is a request for God to show how powerful he is. Alternate translation: "Show your power by healing people and by giving"
Here the word "name" refers to power and authority. Alternate translation: "through the power of your holy servant Jesus"
"Jesus, who serves you faithfully." See how you translated this in Acts 4:27.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the place ... shook"
This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in Acts 2:4. Alternate translation: "the Holy Spirit had filled them all" or "God had filled them all with the Holy Spirit"
Here the word "heart" refers to the thoughts and the word "soul" refers to the emotions. Together they refer to the total person. Alternate translation: "thought the same way and wanted the same things"
"they shared their belongings with one another." See how you translated this in Acts 2:44.
Possible meanings are: 1) that God was greatly blessing the believers or 2) that the people in Jerusalem held the believers in very high esteem.
The word "all" here is a generalization. Alternate translation: "Many people who owned title to lands or houses" or "People who owned title to lands or houses"
"owned land or houses"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the money that they received from the things that they sold"
This means that they presented the money to the apostles. Alternate translation: "presented it to the apostles" or "gave it to the apostles"
The noun "need" can be translated with a verb. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they distributed the money to each believer who needed it"
Luke introduces Barnabas into the story.
The apostles used this name to show that Joseph was a person who encouraged others. "Son of" is an idiom used to describe a person's behavior or character. Alternate translation: "Encourager" or "one who encourages"
This means that they presented to money to the apostles. See how you translated this in [Acts 4:35]
1 Now a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a piece of property, 2 and he kept back part of the sale money (his wife also knew it), and brought the other part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own, and after it was sold, was it not under your authority? Why did you put it in your heart to do this? You have not lied to men, but to God." 5 Hearing these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last, and great fear came upon all who heard it. 6 The young men arose and wrapped him up, and they carried him out and buried him.
7 After about three hours, his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter said to her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for so much." She said, "Yes, for so much." 9 Then Peter said to her, "How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out." 10 She immediately fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in, they found her dead, and carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard these things.
12 Many signs and wonders were taking place among the people through the hands of the apostles. They were all together in Solomon's Porch. 13 But none of the rest had the courage to join them; however, they were held in high esteem by the people. 14 Still more believers were being added to the Lord, multitudes of men and women, 15 so that they even carried the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, so that as Peter came by, his shadow might fall on some of them. 16 There also came together a great number of people from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
17 But the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees); and they were filled with jealousy 18 and laid hands on the apostles, and held them in custody in the common prison. 19 Yet during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison and led them out, and said, 20 "Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life." 21 When they heard this, they entered into the temple about daybreak and taught. But the high priest came, and those who were with him, and called the council together, all the elders of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have the apostles brought. 22 But the officers that went did not find them in the prison, and they returned and reported, 23 "We found the prison securely shut and the guards standing at the door, but when we had opened it, we found no one inside." 24 Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were much perplexed concerning them as to what would come of it. 25 Then someone came and told them, "The men whom you put in the prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people." 26 So the captain went with the officers and brought them back, but without violence, for they feared the people, that they might be stoned. 27 When they had brought them, they set them before the council. The high priest interrogated them, 28 saying, "We ordered you with a command not to teach in this name, and yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and desire to bring this man's blood upon us." 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him to his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."
33 When the council members heard this, they were furious and they wanted to kill the apostles. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was honored by all the people, stood up in the council and gave a command to take the men outside for a little while. 35 Then he said to them, "Men of Israel, pay close attention to what you propose to do with these people. 36 For before these days, Theudas rose up claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who had been obeying him were scattered and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census and drew away some people after him. He also perished, and all who had been obeying him were scattered. 38 Now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or work is of men, it will be overthrown. 39 But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; you may even find that you are fighting against God." So they were persuaded. 40 Then they called the apostles in and beat them and commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 They went away from before the council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name. 42 Thereafter every day, in the temple and from house to house, they were continuously teaching and proclaiming the good news that the Christ is Jesus.
No one knows for sure if Ananias and Sapphira were truly Christians when they decided to lie about the land that they sold (Acts 5:1-10), because Luke does not say. However, Peter knew that they lied to the believers, and he knew that they had listened to and obeyed Satan.
When they lied to the believers, they also lied to the Holy Spirit. This is because the Holy Spirit lives inside believers.
Continuing the story of how the new Christians shared their belongings with other believers, Luke tells about two believers, Ananias and Sapphria.
This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story to tell a new part of the story.
"his wife also knew that he kept back part of the sale money"
This means that they presented to money to the apostles. See how you translated this in [Acts 4:35]
If your language does not use rhetorical questions, you may reword these as statements.
Peter uses this question to rebuke Ananias. Alternate translation: "you should not have let Satan fill your heart to lie ... land."
Here the word "heart" is a metonym for the will and emotions. The phrase "Satan filled your heart" is a metaphor. Possible meanings of the metaphor are 1) "Satan completely controlled you" or 2) "Satan convinced you"
This implies that Ananias had told the apostles that he was giving the entire amount that he had received from selling his land.
Peter uses this question to rebuke Ananias. Alternate translation: "While it remained unsold, it was your own ... authority."
"Before you sold it"
Peter uses this question to rebuke Ananias. Alternate translation: "after it was sold, you had control over the money that you received."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "after you sold it"
Peter used this question to rebuke Ananias. Here the word "heart" refers to the will and emotions. Alternate translation: "You should not have thought of doing this thing." or "It is Satan who has put this activity in your heart."
Here "breathed his last" means "breathed his final breath" and is a polite way of saying that he died. Ananias fell down because he died; he did not die because he fell down. Alternate translation: "died and fell to the ground"
This means that they began to act. This does not necessarily mean that they had been sitting or that Peter and Ananias had been at the front of the room or a meeting hall. If your language has a phrase that speaks of people responding to something by beginning to act, you may use it.
"Ananias' wife came in" or "Sapphira came in"
"that her husband had died"
"for this much money." This refers to the amount of money that Ananias had given to the apostles.
Here the word "you" is plural and refers to both Ananias and Sapphira.
Peter asks this question to rebuke Sapphira. Alternate translation: "You should not have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord!"
"the two of you have agreed together"
Here the word "test" means to challenge or to prove. They were trying to see if they could get away with lying to God without receiving punishment.
The word "Look" is an idiom for "Pay attention!" Peter is probably telling Sapphira to pay attention to the sound of the men's footsteps, which indicate that they are about to enter the building, not to look at their feet. Here the phrase "the feet" can be either a synecdoche for the men whose feet they are or a metonym for the sound that they make. Alternate translation: "Pay attention! The men" or "Listen! The footsteps of the men"
"the men will carry"
This is the end of the part of the story about Ananias and Sapphira.
This means that when she died, she fell on the floor in front of Peter. This expression should not be confused with falling down at a person's feet as a sign of humility.
Here "breathed his last" means "breathed her final breath" and is a polite way of saying "she died." See how you translated a similar phrase in [Acts 5:5]
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It is not clear whether here the word "They" refers to the believers or only to the apostles.
Luke continues to tell what happens in the early days of the church.
"Many signs and wonders took place among the people through the hands of the apostles." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people"
"supernatural events and miraculous deeds." See how you translated these terms in Acts 2:22
Here the word "hands" refers to the apostles. Alternate translation: "through the apostles"
This phrase translates a word that speaks of people who agree with each other and who work together to accomplish a common purpose. The people were more than just in the same place at the same time.
This was a covered walkway that consisted of rows of pillars that supported a roof, and which people named after king Solomon. See how you translated "the porch that is called Solomon's" in Acts 3:11.
The words "them" and "they" refer to the apostles.
Possible meanings are 1) the apostles were in Solomon's Porch, but the rest of the believers were afraid to join them there, or 2) all the believers were in Solomon's Porch, and the word "none" is a hyperbole that means that most of the people who were not believers were afraid to join them.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people held the believers in high esteem"
This could be stated in active form. See how you translated "were added" in [Acts 2:41]
Here the word "they" refers to the people who lived in Jerusalem.
It is implied that God would heal them if Peter's shadow touched them.
"those whom unclean spirits had afflicted"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God healed them all" or "the apostles healed them all"
The religious leaders began to persecute the believers.
This begins a contrasting story. You may translate this in the way that your language introduces a contrasting narrative.
Here the phrase "rose up" means that the high priest decided to take action, not that he stood up from a seated position. Alternate translation: "the high priest took action"
The abstract noun "jealousy" can be translated as an adjective. This could be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they became very jealous"
This means they had the believers arrested. See how you translated this in [Acts 4:3]
Here the word "them" refers to the apostles.
This phrase here refers to the temple courtyard, not to the temple building, where only the priests were allowed. Alternate translation: "in the temple courtyard"
The word "words" here is a metonym for the message that the apostles had already proclaimed. Possible meanings are 1) "all this message of eternal life" or 2) "the whole message of this new way of living"
Here the word "they" refers to the apostles.
They went into the temple courtyard, not into the temple building, where only the priests were allowed. Alternate translation: "into the temple courtyard"
"as it began to be light." Although the angel led them out of the jail during the night, the sun was rising by the time the apostles reached the temple courtyard.
This implies someone went to the jail. Alternate translation: "sent someone to the jail to bring the apostles"
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Possible meanings are 1) they found no one inside the apostles' cell Alternate translation: "we did not find them inside" or 2) the apostles had been the only prisoners and now there were no prisoners at all in the jail.
Here the word "you" is plural and refers to the captain of the temple and the chief priests.
"they were very puzzled" or "they were very confused"
"concerning the words they had just heard" or "concerning these things"
"and what would happen as a result" or "what would happen next"
Here the word "you" is plural and refers to the captain of the temple and the chief priests.
They did not go into the part of the temple building where only the priests were allowed. Alternate translation: "standing in the temple courtyard"
The captain and the officers bring the apostles before the Jewish religious council.
"brought the apostles back"
This can be expressed with an active form. Alternate translation: "they feared that the people might stone them"
"the captain and officers had brought the apostles, the captain and the officers set the apostles ... interrogated the apostles"
questioned to find out what was true
The speakers were referring to themselves, but not to the apostles, so these words are exclusive.
These words refer to the apostles and so are plural.
Here the word "name" refers to the person of Jesus. See how you translated this in [Acts 4:17]
Teaching many people in a city is spoken of as if they were filling the city with a teaching. Alternate translation: "you have taught many people in Jerusalem about him" or "you have taught about him throughout the Jerusalem"
Here the word "blood" is a metonym for death, and to bring someone's blood on people is a metaphor for saying that they are guilty of that person's death. Alternate translation: "desire to make us responsible for this man's death"
Here the word "We" refers to the apostles, and not to the audience.
Peter spoke on behalf of all of the apostles when he said the following words.
Here "raised up" is an idiom. Alternate translation: "The God of our fathers caused Jesus to live again"
Here Peter uses the word "tree" to refer to the cross, which was made of wood. Alternate translation: "by hanging him on a cross"
To be at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "God exalted him to the place of honor beside him"
The words "repentance" and "forgiveness" can be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: "give the people of Israel an opportunity to repent and have God forgive their sins"
The word "Israel" refers to the Jewish people.
"those who submit to God's authority"
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Gamaliel addresses the council members.
Luke introduces Gamaliel and provides background information about him.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom all the people honored"
The words "the men" refers to the apostles.
"think carefully about" or "be cautious about." Gamaliel was warning them not to do something that they would later regret.
Possible meanings are 1) "Theudas rebelled" or 2) "Theudas appeared."
"claiming to be somebody important"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People killed him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all the people scattered who had been obeying him" or "all who had been obeying him went in different directions"
This means that they did not do what they had planned to do.
"After Theudas"
"during the time of the census"
This means that he persuaded some people to rebel with him against the Roman government. Alternate translation: "caused many people to follow him" or "caused many people to join him in rebellion"
Gamaliel is telling the Jewish leaders not to punish the apostles any more and not to put them back in jail.
"if men have devised this plan or are doing this work"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone will overthrow it"
Gamaliel finishes addressing the council members.
Here the word "it" refers to "this plan or work." Alternate translation: "if God has devised this plan or commanded these men to do this work"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "So Gamaliel persuaded them"
Here the word "they" refers to the council members and all instances of "them" refer to the apostles.
The council members would have ordered the temple guards to do these things.
Here "name" refers to the authority of Jesus. See how you translated a similar phrase in Acts 4:18. Alternate translation: "to speak anymore in the authority of Jesus"
All instances of "they" refer to the apostles.
The apostles rejoiced because God had honored them by letting the Jewish leaders dishonor them. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name"
Here "the Name" refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: "for Jesus"
The word "they" refers to the apostles.
"After that day, every day." This phrase marks what the apostles did every day through the following days.
They did not go into the temple building where only the priests went. Alternate translation: "in the temple courtyard and in different people's houses"
1 Now in these days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint by the Grecian Jews began against the Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of help. 2 The twelve called the multitude of the disciples to them and said, "It is not right for us to give up the word of God in order to serve tables. 3 You should therefore choose, brothers, seven men from among yourselves, men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 As for us, we will always continue in prayer and in the ministry of the word." 5 Their speech pleased the whole multitude. So they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte from Antioch. 6 The believers brought these men before the apostles, who prayed and then placed their hands upon them.
7 So the word of God continued to spread, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly, and a large number of the priests became obedient to the faith.
8 Now Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. 9 But there arose some people who belonged to the synagogue called the synagogue of the Freedmen, of the Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia. These people were debating with Stephen. 10 But they were not able to stand against the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke. 11 Then they bribed some men to say, "We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God." 12 They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and they approached Stephen and seized him and brought him before the council. 13 They brought false witnesses, who said, "This man does not stop speaking words against this holy place and the law. 14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us." 15 Everyone who sat in the council fixed their eyes on him and saw his face was like the face of an angel.
The believers in Jerusalem gave help—probably money but possibly food—every day to women whose husbands had died. All of these widows had been raised as Jews, but some of them had lived in Judea and spoke Hebrew. Others had lived in Gentile areas and spoke Greek. Those who gave out the money or food gave it to the Hebrew-speaking widows but not to the Greek-speaking widows. To please God, the church leaders appointed Greek-speaking men to make sure the Greek-speaking widows received their share of help. One of these Greek-speaking men was Stephen.
No one knows for sure what it was about Stephen's face that was like the face of an angel, because Luke does not tell us. It is best for the translation to say only what the ULB says about this.
This is the beginning of a new part of the story. Luke gives important background information to understand the story.
Consider how new parts of a story are introduced in your language.
"was greatly increasing"
These were both groups of Jews who had become believers. The writer assumes that the reader understands that these people were all believers because at this point all believers had grown up as Jews.
These were believers who had grown up as Jews or become converts living somewhere in the Roman Empire outside of Israel and speaking Greek. Their language and culture were somewhat different from those who had grown up in Israel.
These were believers who had grown up as Jews or become converts in Israel speaking Hebrew or Aramaic.
A widow is a woman who has not remarried since her husband died.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Hebrew believers were overlooking the Grecian widows"
"being ignored" or "being forgotten." There were so many who needed help that some were missed.
The disciples were able to help the widows because believers were giving money to the apostles Acts 4:34-35. Possible meanings are 1) the disciples used the money to buy food, which they would give to the widows, or 2) the disciples gave the money directly to the widows.
Here the word "us" refers to the 12 apostles and not to their hearers, so it is exclusive.
This refers to the eleven apostles plus Matthias, who was selected in Acts 1:26.
"all of the disciples" or "all the believers"
This is an exaggeration in order to emphasize the importance of their task of teaching the word of God. Alternate translation: "stop preaching and teaching the word of God"
This is a phrase meaning to serve food to the people.
Here the word "you" refers to the believers and so is plural.
Possible meanings are 1) the men have three qualities—a good reputation, being full of the Spirit, and being full of wisdom or 2) the men have a reputation for two qualities—being full of the Spirit, and being full of wisdom .
"men that people know are good" or "men whom people trust"
"to be responsible to do this task"
Here the word "us" refers to the 12 apostles and not to their hearers, so it is exclusive.
"the ministry of teaching and preaching the message"
"All the disciples liked their suggestion"
These are Greek names, so it seems that all of the men elected were from the Grecian Jewish group of believers.
a Gentile who converted to the Jewish religion
This represented giving a blessing and imparting responsibility and authority for the work to the seven.
This verse gives an update on the church's growth.
The writer speaks of the growing number of people who believed the word as if the word of God itself were covering a larger area. Alternate translation: "the number of people who believed the word of God increased" or "the number of people who believed the message from God increased"
"followed the teaching of the new belief"
Possible meanings are 1) the gospel message of trust in Jesus or 2) the teaching of the church or 3) the Christian teaching.
The writer begins to give background information about Stephen and other people that is important to understanding the story.
This is the beginning of a new part of the story.
This introduces Stephen as the main character in this part of the story.
The words "grace" and "power" here refer to power from God. This could be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "God was giving Stephen power to do"
The writer continues giving background information about Stephen and other people that is important to understanding the story.
The word "arose" is an idiom that represents beginning to act. These people did not begin to rise into the air, nor did they necessarily get up from a sitting position. Alternate translation: "some people ... Asia, began to debate against Stephen"
Possible meanings are 1) the Cyrenians, the Alexandrians and those from Cilicia and Asia were all members of the synagogue of the Freedmen; 2) the Cyrenians and the Alexandrians were members of the synagogue of the Freedmen, but those from Cilicia and Asia were not; or 3) there were three separate groups of people: those from the synagogue, those from Cyrene and Alexandria, and those from Cilicia and Asia.
"Freedmen" were probably ex-slaves from these different locations. It is unclear if the other people listed were part of the synagogue or just participated in the debate with Stephen.
"people from Cyrene and Alexandria." Cyrene and Alexandria were cities in Northern Africa. They were south of the Mediterranean Sea.
Cilicia was a city and Asia was a Roman province, both north of the Mediterranean Sea.
"arguing with Stephen"
The writer finishes giving background information about Stephen and other people that is important to understanding the story.
This phrase means they could not prove false what he said. Alternate translation: "could not argue against"
this refers to the Holy Spirit
Here the word "We" refers only to the men they persuaded to lie. The word "they" refers back to the people from the synagogue of the freemen
They were given money to give false testimony. Alternate translation: "some men to lie and say"
"bad things about"
The word "they" most likely refers back to the people from the synagogue of the Freedmen (Acts 6:9). They were responsible for the false witnesses and for inciting the council, the elders, the scribes, and the other people.
"caused the people, the elders, and the scribes to be very angry at Stephen"
"grabbed him and held him so he could not get away"
The word "they" most likely refers back to the people from the synagogue of the Freedmen (Acts 6:9).
"continually speaks"
The words "we" and "us" refer only to the speakers, not to the hearers, and so is exclusive.
The phrase "handed down" means "passed on." Alternate translation: "taught our ancestors"
This is an idiom that means they looked intently at him. Here "eyes" is a metonym for sight. Alternate translation: "looked intently at him" or "stared at him"
This phrase compares his face to that of an angel but does not say specifically what they have in common.
1 The high priest said, "Are these things true?" 2 Stephen said,
"Brothers and fathers, listen to me: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran; 3 he said to him, 'Leave your land and your relatives, and go into the land that I will show you.'
4 "Then he left the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran; from there, after his father died, God brought him into this land, where you live now. 5 He gave none of it as an inheritance to him, no, not even enough to set a foot on. But he promised—even though Abraham had no child yet—that he would give the land as a possession to him and to his descendants after him. 6 God was speaking to him like this, that his descendants would live for a while in a foreign land, and that the inhabitants there would bring them into slavery and mistreat them for four hundred years. 7 'But I will judge the nation that they serve,' said God, 'and after that they will come out and worship me in this place.' 8 Then God gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision, so Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of the twelve patriarchs.
9 "Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him into Egypt; but God was with him 10 and rescued him from all his tribulation. He gave Joseph favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who appointed him governor over Egypt and over all his household.
11 "Now a famine and great tribulation came over all Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers could find no food. 12 But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers on their first trip. 13 On their second trip Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph's family became known to Pharaoh. 14 Joseph sent his brothers back to invite Jacob his father to come to Egypt, along with all his relatives, seventy-five persons in all. 15 So Jacob went down into Egypt, and he died, he and our fathers. 16 They were carried over to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a price in silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.
17 "As the time of the promise approached, the promise that God had made to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, 18 until there arose another king over Egypt, a king who did not know about Joseph. 19 He deceived our people and mistreated our fathers, forcing them to expose their newborn infants so they would not be kept alive.
20 "At that time Moses was born; he was very beautiful before God and was nourished for three months in his father's house. 21 When he was placed outside, Pharaoh's daughter adopted him and raised him as her own son. 22 Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and works.
23 "But when he was about forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the descendants of Israel. 24 Seeing an Israelite being mistreated, Moses defended him and avenged him who was oppressed by striking the Egyptian: 25 he thought that his brothers would understand that God, by his hand, was giving them salvation, but they did not understand. 26 On the next day he appeared to them when they were fighting, and he tried to make peace between them, saying, 'Men, you are brothers; why are you wronging one another?'
27 "But the one who had wronged his neighbor pushed him away, and said, 'Who appointed you a ruler and a judge over us? 28 Would you like to kill me, as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?' 29 Moses ran away after hearing this statement; he became a foreigner in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons.
30 "When forty years were past, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush. 31 When Moses saw the fire, he marveled at the sight; and as he approached to look at it, the voice of the Lord came, saying, 32 'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob.' Moses trembled and did not dare to look.
33 "The Lord said to him, 'Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. 34 I have certainly seen the oppression of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their groaning, and I have come down to rescue them; now come, I will send you to Egypt.'
35 "This Moses whom they rejected, when they said, 'Who appointed you a ruler and a judge?'—he was the one whom God sent as both a ruler and deliverer. God sent him by the hand of the angel who appeared to Moses in the bush. 36 Moses led them out of Egypt, after doing miracles and signs in Egypt and at the Sea of Reeds, and in the wilderness during forty years.
37 "It is the same Moses who said to the people of Israel, 'God will raise up a prophet for you from among your brothers, a prophet like me.' 38 This is the man who was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel who had spoken to him on Mount Sinai, who was with our fathers, and who received living words to give to us.
39 "But our fathers refused to obey him; they pushed him away from themselves, and in their hearts they turned back to Egypt. 40 At that time they said to Aaron, 'Make us gods who will lead us. As for this Moses, who led us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him.' 41 So they made a calf in those days and brought a sacrifice to the idol, and rejoiced because of the work of their hands. 42 But God turned and gave them up to worship the stars in the sky, as it is written in the book of the prophets,
'Did you bring me offerings and sacrifices
during the forty years in the wilderness, house of Israel?
43 You accepted the tabernacle of Molech
and the star of the god Rephan,
and the images that you made to worship them:
and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.'
44 "Our fathers had the tabernacle of the testimony in the wilderness, just as God commanded when he spoke to Moses, that he should make it like the pattern that he had seen. 45 Later, our fathers, under Joshua, received the tabernacle and brought it with them when they took possession of the land. God took the land from the nations and drove them out before the face of our fathers. The tabernacle remained in the land until the time of David, 46 who found favor in the sight of God, and he asked if he might find a dwelling place for the house of Jacob [1] . 47 But it was Solomon who built the house for God.
48 "However, the Most High does not live in houses made with hands, as the prophet says,
49 'Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is the footstool for my feet.
What kind of house can you build for me? says the Lord,
or what is the place for my rest?
50 Did my hand not make all these things?'
51 "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit; you act just as your fathers acted. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed the prophets who appeared in advance of the coming of the Righteous One; and you have now become the betrayers and murderers of him also, 53 you people who received the law that angels had ordained, but you did not keep it."
54 Now when the council members heard these things, they were furious in their hearts and they ground their teeth at Stephen. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up intently into heaven and saw the glory of God; and he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 Stephen said, "Look, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."
57 At this the council members covered their ears, and shouting out with a loud voice, they rushed at him with one purpose. 58 They forced him out of the city and began to stone him. The witnesses laid down their outer clothing at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59 As they were stoning Stephen, he was calling out to the Lord and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60 He knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 7:42-43 and 49-50.
It appears that 8:1 is part of the narrative of this chapter.
Stephen told the history of Israel very briefly. He paid special attention to the times that the Israelites had rejected the people God had chosen to lead them. At the end of the story, he said that the Jewish leaders he was talking to had rejected Jesus just as the evil Israelites had always rejected the leaders God had appointed for them.
The Holy Spirit completely controlled Stephen so that he said only and all of what God wanted him to say.
When an author speaks of something that is not important at that time but will be important later in the story, this is called foreshadowing. Luke mentions Saul, also known as Paul, here, even though he is not an important person in this part of the story. This is because Paul is an important person in the rest of the Book of Acts.
Stephen was talking to Jews who knew the law of Moses well, so he did not explain things that his hearers already knew. But you may need to explain some of these things so that your readers will be able to understand what Stephen was saying. For example, you may need to make explicit that when Joseph's brothers "sold him into Egypt"
Stephen spoke of Joseph ruling "over Egypt" and over all of Pharaoh's household. By this he meant that Joseph ruled over the people of Egypt and of the people and possessions in Pharaoh's household.
The Jewish leaders to whom Stephen spoke already knew much about the events he was telling them about. They knew what Moses had written in the Book of Genesis. If the Book of Genesis has not been translated into your language, it may be difficult for your readers to understand what Stephen said.
The part of the story about Stephen, which began in Acts 6:8, continues. Stephen begins his response to the high priest and the council by talking about things that happened in Israel's history. Most of this history comes from Moses's writings.
The word "our" includes both Steven, the Jewish council to whom he spoke, and the entire audience.
Stephen was being very respectful to the council in greeting them as extended family.
The word "your" refers to Abraham and so is singular.
In verse 4 the words "he," "his," and "him" refer to Abraham. In verse 5 the words "He" and "he" refer to God, but the word "him" refers to Abraham. Here the word "you" refers to the Jewish council and audience.
"He did not give any of it"
Possible meanings for this phrase are 1) enough ground to stand on or 2) enough ground to take a step. Alternate translation: "a very tiny piece of ground"
"for Abraham to own and to give to his descendants"
It may be helpful to state that this occurred later than the statement in the previous verse. Alternate translation: "Later God told Abraham"
"400 years"
"nation" refers to the people in it. Alternate translation: "I will judge the people of the nation"
"the nation that they will serve"
The Jews would have understood that this covenant required Abraham to circumcise the males of his family. Alternate translation: "made a covenant with Abraham to circumcise the males of his family"
The story transitions to Abraham's descendants.
"Jacob became the father." Stephen shortened this.
"the founders of our tribes" or "our ancestors." A patriarch is a man who rules a family.
The Jews knew their ancestors sold Joseph to be a slave in Egypt. Alternate translation: "sold him as a slave in Egypt"
This is an idiom for helping someone. Alternate translation: "helped him"
This refers to the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: "over all the people of Egypt"
This refers to all his possessions. Alternate translation: "everything he owned"
"a famine came." The ground stopped producing food and this caused a terrible suffering.
This refers Jacob and his sons, who were the ancestors of the Jewish people.
Grain was the most common food at that time.
Here this phrase refers to Joseph's older brothers, who were Jacob's sons.
"On their next trip"
Joseph revealed to his brothers his identity as their brother.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Pharaoh learned that they were Joseph's family"
"sent his brothers back to Canaan" or "sent his brothers back home"
Make sure it does not sound as though he died as soon as he arrived in Egypt. Alternate translation: "eventually Jacob died"
"Jacob and his sons, who became our ancestors"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Jacob's descendants carried Jacob's body and his son's bodies over ... and buried them"
"with money"
In some languages it may be helpful to say that the people increased in number before saying that the time of the promise arrived.
It was close to the time that God would fulfill his promise to Abraham.
"another king began to rule"
"Egypt" refers to the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: "over the people of Egypt"
"Joseph" refers to the reputation of Joseph. Alternate translation: "who did not know that Joseph had helped Egypt"
The word "our" includes Stephen and his audience.
This introduces Moses into the story.
This phrase is an idiom that means Moses was very beautiful.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "his parents nourished him" or "his parents cared for him"
Moses was "placed outside" because of Pharaoh's command. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When his parents placed him outside" or "When they abandoned him"
She did for him every good thing a mother would do for her own son. Use your language's normal word for what a mother does to make sure her son becomes a healthy adult.
If your language has a word for an informal procedure, not a formal legal procedure, in which one family takes a child in and raises him, you may want to use that here. Pharaoh's daughter did do for Moses what any mother would do for her child, but this involved no formal legal procedure.
"as if he were her own son"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Egyptians educated Moses"
This is an exaggeration to emphasize that he was trained in the best schools in Egypt.
"effective in his speech and actions" or "influential in what he said and did"
Here "heart" is a metonym for "mind." The phrase "it came into his heart" is an idiom that means to decide something. Alternate translation: "it came into his mind" or "he decided"
This refers to his people, and not just to his family. Alternate translation: "see how his own people, the children of Israel, were doing"
This can be stated in active form by rearranging the order. Alternate translation: "Seeing an Egyptian mistreating an Israelite, Moses defended and avenged the Israelite by striking the Egyptian who was oppressing him"
Moses hit the Egyptian so hard that he died.
"he imagined"
Here "hand" refers to the actions of Moses. Alternate translation: "was giving them salvation through what he, Moses, was doing"
The abstract noun "salvation" can be translated using the verb "save." Alternate translation: "was saving them" or "was rescuing them"
Some translations make it clear that two men were fighting. Alternate translation: "when two men of Israel were fighting"
"make them stop fighting"
Moses was addressing the Israelites who were fighting.
Moses asked this question to encourage them to stop fighting. Alternate translation: "you should not do wrong to each other!"
Here the word "us" refers to the Israelites but does not include Moses.
The man used this question to rebuke Moses. Alternate translation: "No one appointed you ruler or judge over us." or "You have no authority over us!"
The man used this question to warn Moses that he and probably others knew Moses had killed the Egyptian.
Stephen's audience already knew that Moses had married a Midianite woman when he fled Egypt.
The implied information is that Moses understood that the Israelites knew that he had killed an Egyptian the day before (Acts 7:28).
"After 40 years passed." This was the amount of time Moses had been in Midian. Alternate translation: "Forty years after Moses fled from Egypt"
Stephen's audience knew that God spoke through the angel.
Moses was surprised that the bush was not burning up in the fire. This was previously known by Stephen's audience. Alternate translation: "because the bush was not burning up"
This may mean Moses initially drew close to the bush to investigate.
"I am the God whom your ancestors worshiped"
This may mean Moses drew back in fear when he heard the voice.
Moses shook from fear. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "Moses trembled with fear"
God told Moses this so he would honor God.
The implied information is that where God is present, the immediate area around God is considered holy or is made holy by God.
"seen for sure." The word "certainly" adds emphasis to "seen."
The abstract noun "oppression" can be translated using the verb "oppress." Alternate translation: "the way the Egyptians are oppressing my people"
The word "my" emphasizes that these people belonged to God. Alternate translation: "the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob"
"will personally cause their release"
"get ready." God uses an order here.
Verses 35-38 contain a series of connected phrases referring to Moses. Each phrase begins with statements such as "This Moses" or "This same Moses" or "This is the man" or "It is the same Moses." If possible, use similar statements to emphasize Moses. After the Israelites left Egypt, they spent 40 years wandering around the wilderness before God led them into the land he had promised them.
This refers back to the events recorded in Acts 7:27-28.
"rescuer"
The hand is a metonym for the action performed by the person. In this case, the angel had commanded Moses to return to Egypt. Stephen speaks as if the angel had a physical hand. You may need to make explicit what action the angel did. Alternate translation: "by the action of the angel" or "by having the angel ... bush command him to return to Egypt"
Stephen's audience knew about the forty years the Israelites spent in the wilderness. Alternate translation: "during the 40 years that the Israelite people lived in the wilderness"
"cause a man to be a prophet"
"from among your own people"
"This is the man Moses who was among the Israelites"
The phrase "This is the man" throughout this passage refers to Moses.
God was the one who gave those words. Alternate translation: "to whom God spoke living words to give to us"
Possible meanings are 1) "a message that endures" or 2) "words that give life."
This metaphor emphasizes their rejection of Moses. Alternate translation: "they rejected him as their leader"
Here "hearts" is a metonym for people's thoughts. To do something in the heart means to desire do to something. Alternate translation: "they desired to turn back"
The quotation in this verse is from the writings of Moses.
"When they decided to return to Egypt"
Stephen's audience knew the calf they made was a statue. Alternate translation: "they made a statue that looked like a calf"
These phrases all refer to the same statue of the calf.
Stephen's quotation here is from the prophet Amos.
"God turned away." This action expresses that God was not pleased with the people and no longer helped them. Alternate translation: "God stopped correcting them"
"abandoned them"
Possible meanings for the original phrase are 1) the stars only or 2) the sun, moon, and stars.
This was apparently a collection of the writings of several of the Old Testament prophets into one scroll. It would also have included the writings of Amos.
God asked this question to show Israel they did not worship him with their sacrifices. Alternate translation: "You did not honor me when brought offerings and sacrifices ... Israel."
This refers to the whole nation of Israel. Alternate translation: "all you Israelites"
The quotation from the prophet Amos continues here.
Stephen continues his response to the high priest and the council which he began in Acts 7:2.
It is implied that they took these idols with them as they traveled in the wilderness. Alternate translation: "you carried with you from place to place"
the tent that housed the false god Molech
the star that is identified with the false god Rephan
They made statues or images of the gods Molech and Rephan in order to worship them.
"I will remove you to places even farther than Babylon." This would be God's act of judgment.
The tent that housed the ark (a box) with the 10 commandments carved in stone inside it
The phrase "under Joshua" means that their ancestors did these things in obedience to Joshua's direction. Alternate translation: "our fathers, in accordance with Joshua's instructions, received the tabernacle and brought it with them"
This sentence tells why the ancestors were able to take possession of the land. Alternate translation: "God forced the nations to leave the land before the face of our fathers"
Here "the face of our fathers" refers to the presence of their ancestors. Possible meanings are 1) "As our ancestors watched, God ... drove them out" or 2) "When our ancestors came, God ... drove them out"
This refers to the people who lived in the land before Israel. Alternate translation: "the people who previously lived here"
"forced them to leave the land"
Here "house" is probably a metonym for the ark of the covenant. David wanted to build a place for the ark, which represented God's presence, so people could go there to worship God. Alternate translation: "he might build a place where people could worship the God of Jacob"
Many versions read, "the God of Jacob."
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The hand is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "made by people"
In verses 49 and 50, Stephen quotes from the prophet Isaiah. In the quotation, God is speaking about himself.
The prophet is comparing the greatness of God's presence to how impossible it is for man to build a place for God to rest on earth since the whole earth is nothing but a place for God to rest his feet.
God asks this question to show how useless man's efforts are to take care of God. Alternate translation: "You can not build a house adequate enough for me!"
God asks this question to show man that he cannot provide God any rest. Alternate translation: "There is no place of rest good enough for me!"
In verses 49 and 50, Stephen quotes from the prophet Isaiah. In the quotation, God is speaking about himself.
God asks this question to show that man did not create anything. Alternate translation: "My hand made all these things!"
With a sharp rebuke, Stephen finishes his response to the high priest and the council, which he began in Acts 7:2.
Stephen shifts from identifying with the Jewish leaders to rebuking them.
The Jews regarded uncircumcised people as disobedient to God. Stephen uses "hearts and ears" to represent to the Jewish leaders who acted the way Gentiles act when they do not obey or listen to God. Alternate translation: "you refuse to obey and hear"
Stephen asked this question to show them that they learned nothing from the errors of their forefathers. Alternate translation: "Your forefathers persecuted every prophet!"
This refers to the Christ, the Messiah.
"you have also betrayed and murdered him"
"murderers of the Righteous One" or "murderers of the Christ"
"the laws that God caused angels to give to our ancestors"
The council reacts to Stephen's words.
This is the turning point; the sermon ends and the council members react.
This means that they were extremely angry.
This action expressed their strong anger at Stephen or hatred of Stephen. Alternate translation: "they became so angry that they ground their teeth together" or "moved their teeth back and forth as they looked at Stephen"
"stared up into heaven." It appears that only Stephen saw this vision and not anyone else in the crowd.
People normally experienced the glory of God as a bright light. Alternate translation: "saw a bright light from God"
To stand at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor and authority beside God"
Stephen refers to Jesus by the title "Son of Man."
"put their hands on their ears." They did this to show that they did not want to hear any more of what Stephen said.
This phrase translates a word that speaks of people who agree with each other and who work together to accomplish a common purpose.
"They seized Stephen and forcefully took him out of the city"
These are cloaks or robes they would wear outside to stay warm, similar in function to a jacket or coat.
"in front of." They were placed there so Saul could watch them.
Saul was probably around 30 years old at the time.
"take my spirit." It may be helpful to add "please" to show that this was a request. Alternate translation: "please receive my spirit"
This ends the story of Stephen.
This is an act of submission to God.
This can be stated in a positive way. Alternate translation: "forgive them for this sin"
Here to fall asleep is a euphemism for dying. Alternate translation: "died"
1 Saul was in agreement with his death.
So there began on that day a great persecution against the church that was in Jerusalem; and the believers were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. 3 But Saul tried to destroy the church. He would enter house after house, drag off both men and women, and put them in prison.
4 Yet the believers who had been scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 Crowds of people were giving close attention to what was being said by Philip; with one mind they heard him, and they saw the signs he did. 7 Unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, crying out with a loud voice, and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city.
9 But there was a certain man in the city named Simon, who had earlier been practicing sorcery; he used to astonish the people of Samaria while claiming that he was an important person. 10 All the Samaritans, from the least to the greatest, paid attention to him; they said, "This man is that power of God which is called Great." 11 They listened to him because he had astonished them for a long time with his sorceries. 12 But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the gospel about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after he was baptized he stayed with Philip constantly. When he saw signs and mighty works taking place, he was amazed.
14 Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John. 15 When they had come down, they prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For until that time, the Holy Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money. 19 He said, "Give me this authority, too, that whoever I place my hands on might receive the Holy Spirit."
20 But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish along with you, because you thought to obtain the gift of God with money. 21 You have no part or allotted portion in this matter, because your heart is not right with God. 22 Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord, so that he might perhaps forgive you for the intention of your heart. 23 For I see that you are in the poison of bitterness and in the bonds of unrighteousness."
24 Simon answered and said, "Pray to the Lord for me, so that nothing you have said may happen to me."
25 When they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, proclaiming the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.
26 Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip and said, "Arise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." (This road is in a desert.) 27 He arose and went. Behold, there was a man from Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship. 28 He was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah.
29 The Spirit said to Philip, "Go over and stay close to this chariot."
30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"
31 Then he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" He invited Philip to come up into the chariot and sit with him.
32 Now the passage of the scripture which the Ethiopian was reading was this,
"He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
and like a lamb before his shearer is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
33 In his humiliation
justice was taken away from him.
Who can give a full account of his descendants?
For his life was taken from the earth."
34 So the eunuch asked Philip, and said, "I beg you, tell me who is the prophet speaking about, himself, or someone else?" 35 Philip began to speak, and beginning with this scripture he proclaimed the gospel about Jesus to him. 36 As they went on the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, there is water here. What prevents me from being baptized?" 37[1]38 So the Ethiopian commanded the chariot to stop. They went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord took Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, but went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip appeared at Azotus and he went through that region, proclaiming the gospel to all the cities until he came to Caesarea.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 8:32-33.
The first sentence of verse 1 ends the description of the events in chapter 7. Luke begins a new part of his history with the words "So there began."
In this chapter for the first time Luke speaks of people receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:15-19). The Holy Spirit had already enabled the believers to speak in tongues, to heal the sick, and to live as a community, and he had filled Stephen. But when the Jews started putting believers in prison, those believers who could leave Jerusalem did leave, and as they went, they told people about Jesus. When the people who heard about Jesus received the Holy Spirit, the church leaders knew that those people had truly become believers.
This chapter more than any other in the Book of Acts speaks of the believers proclaiming the word, proclaiming the good news, and proclaiming that Jesus is the Christ. The word "proclaim" translates a Greek word that means to tell good news about something.
It may be helpful to your audience to move these parts of the story about Stephen together by using a verse bridge as the UDB does.
The story shifts from Stephen to Saul in these verses.
This part of verse 1 is background information about the persecution that began after Stephen's death. This explains why Saul was persecuting the believers in verse 3.
This refers to the day that Stephen died (Acts 7:59-60).
The word "all" is a generalization to express that a large number of the believers left Jerusalem because of the persecution.
This statement implies that the apostles remained in Jerusalem even though they also experienced this great persecution.
"God-fearing men" or "Men who feared God"
"greatly mourned his death"
"houses one by one"
"took away both men and women by force." Saul forcefully took Jewish believers out of their homes and put them into prison.
This refers to men and women who believed in Jesus.
The cause for the scattering, the persecution, was stated previously. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "who had fled the great persecution"
This is a metonym for "the message." You may need to make explicit that the message was about Jesus. Alternate translation: "the message about Jesus"
This begins the story of Philip, whom the people had chosen as a deacon.
The phrase "went down" is used here because Samaria is lower in elevation than Jerusalem.
Possible meanings are 1) Luke expected the readers to know which city he was writing about. Alternate translation: "the main city in Samaria" or 2) Luke did not expect his readers to know which city he was writing about. Alternate translation: "a city in Samaria"
The title "Christ" refers to Jesus, the Messiah. Alternate translation: "told them about Jesus Christ" or "told them about Jesus the Messiah"
"Many people in the city of Samaria." The location was specified in Acts 8:5.
The reason people paid attention was because of all the healing Philip did.
This phrase translates a word that speaks of people who agree with each other and who work together to accomplish a common purpose.
"who had them" or "who were controlled by them"
The phrase "that city" refers to the people who were rejoicing. Alternate translation: "So the people of the city were rejoicing"
Simon is introduced to the story of Philip. This verse gives the beginning of the background information about Simon and who he was among the Samaritans.
This is a way of introducing a new person into the story. Your language may use different wording to introduce a new person into the story.
"the city in Samaria" (Acts 8:5)
Simon is introduced to the story of Philip. This verse continues to give the beginning of the background information about Simon and who he was among the Samaritans.
The word "all" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "Many of the Samaritans" or "The Samaritans in the city"
These two phrases refer to everyone from one extreme to the other. Alternate translation: "no matter how important they were"
People were saying that Simon was the divine power known as "The Great Power."
Possible meanings are 1) the powerful representative of God or 2) God or 3) the most powerful man or 4) an angel. Since the term is unclear, it may be best to simply translate it as "the Great power of God."
Simon is introduced to the story of Philip. This verse ends the background information about Simon and who he was among the Samaritans.
Verses 12 and 13 give more information about Simon and some of the Samaritans coming to believe in Jesus.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Philip baptized them" or "Philip baptized the new believers"
Verses 12 and 13 give more information about Simon and some of the Samaritans coming to believe in Jesus.
The word "himself" is here used to emphasize that Simon believed. Alternate translation: "Simon was also one of those who believed"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Philip baptized Simon"
Luke continues the news of what was happening in Samaria.
This marks the beginning of a new part of the story of the Samaritans.
This refers to the many people who had become believers throughout the district of Samaria.
"had believed" or "had accepted"
"when Peter and John had come down"
This phrase is used here because Samaria is lower in elevation than Jerusalem.
"Peter and John prayed for the Samaritan believers"
"that the Samaritan believers might receive the Holy Spirit"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Philip had only baptized the Samaritan believers"
Here "name" represents authority, and being baptized into his name represents being baptized in order to be under his authority. Alternate translation: "they had only been baptized to become disciples of the Lord Jesus"
The word "them" refers to the Samaritan people who believed Stephen's message of the gospel.
This symbolic action shows that Peter and John wanted God to give the Holy Spirit to the believers.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the apostles gave the Holy Spirit by laying their hands on people"
"that I can give the Holy Spirit to anyone on whom I place my hands"
Here the words him, your, you, and yours all refer to Simon.
"May you and your money be destroyed"
Here this refers to the ability of a person to give the Holy Spirit by laying his hands on someone.
The words "part" and "allotted portion" mean the same thing and are used for emphasis. Alternate translation: "You may not participate in this work"
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's thoughts or motives. Alternate translation: "you are not right in your heart" or "the motives of your mind are not right"
"these evil thoughts"
"he may be willing to forgive"
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's thoughts. Alternate translation: "for what you intended to do" or "for what you were thinking of doing"
Here "in the poison of bitterness" is a metaphor for being very envious. It speaks of envy as if it tastes bitter and poisons the person who is envious. Alternate translation: "very envious"
The phrase "bonds of unrighteousness" is spoken as if unrighteousness could make Simon a prisoner. It is metaphor that means Simon is not able to stop himself from sinning. Alternate translation: "because you continue sinning you are like a prisoner" or "sin has made you its prisoner"
Here the word "you" refers to Peter and John.
This refers to Peter's rebuke about Simon's silver perishing along with him.
This can be stated another way. Alternate translation: "the things you have said may not happen to me"
This is concludes the part of the story about Simon and the Samaritans.
Peter and John told what they personally knew about Jesus to the Samaritans.
Here "word" is a metonym for "message." Peter and John explained the message about Jesus to the Samaritans.
Here "villages" refers to the people in them. Alternate translation: "to the people in many Samaritan villages"
This begins the part of the story about Philip and the man from Ethiopia.
This marks a transition in the story.
These verbs work together to emphasize that he should get ready to start a long journey that will take some time. Alternate translation: "Get ready to travel"
The phrase "goes down" is used here because Jerusalem is higher in elevation than Gaza.
Most scholars believe Luke added this comment to describe the area through which Philip would travel.
This verse gives background information about the man from Ethiopia.
The word "behold" alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this.
The emphasis of "eunuch" here is about the Ethiopian's being a high government official, not so much his physical state of being castrated.
This was a title for the queens of Ethiopia. It is similar to the way the word Pharaoh was used for the kings of Egypt.
This implies that he was a Gentile who believed in God and had come to worship at the Jewish temple. Alternate translation: "He had come to worship God at the temple in Jerusalem"
Possibly "wagon" or "carriage" is more fitting in this context. Chariots are normally mentioned as a vehicle for war, not as a vehicle for long-distance travel. Also, people stood to ride in chariots.
This is the Old Testament book Isaiah. Alternate translation: "reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah"
Philip understood that this meant he was to stay close to the person riding in the chariot. Alternate translation: "accompany the man in this chariot"
This is the Old Testament book Isaiah. Alternate translation: "reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah"
The Ethiopian was intelligent and could read, but he lacked spiritual discernment. Alternate translation: "Do you understand the meaning of what you are reading?"
This question was asked to state emphatically that he could not understand without help. Alternate translation: "I cannot understand unless someone guides me."
It is implied here that Philip agreed to travel down the road with him to explain the scriptures.
Possible meanings are that 1) he offered a sincere invitation or 2) he made a sincere request.
This a passage from the book of Isaiah. Here the word "he" refers to the Messiah.
A shearer is a person who cuts the wool off the sheep so that it may be used.
This verse continues quoting a passage from the book of Isaiah. Here the words "his" and "him" refer to the Messiah.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He was humiliated and they did not judge him fairly" or "He allowed himself to be humbled before his accusers and he suffered injustice"
This question was used to emphasize that he will not have descendants. Alternate translation: "No one will be able to speak about his descendants, for there will not be any."
This referred to his death. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "men killed him" or "men took his life from the earth"
"Please tell me"
This refers to Isaiah's writings in the Old Testament. Alternate translation: "the writings of Isaiah"
"they continued to travel along the road"
The eunuch uses this question as a way of asking Philip for permission to be baptized. Alternate translation: "Please allow me to be baptized."
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"told the driver of the chariot to stop"
This is the end of the part of the story about Philip and the man from Ethiopia. The story of Philip ends at Caesarea.
The words "took Philip away" imply that the Spirit took forceful, physical action, perhaps a miracle that moved Philip in an instant. The angel probably did not just suggest or even command that Philip leave the eunuch and go elsewhere.
"the eunuch did not see Philip again"
There was no indication of Philip's traveling between where he baptized the Ethiopian and Azotus. He just suddenly disappeared along the road to Gaza and reappeared at the town of Azotus.
This refers to the area around the town of Azotus.
"to all the cities in that region"
1 But Saul, still speaking threats even of murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters for the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 As he was traveling, it happened that as he came near to Damascus, suddenly there shone all around him a light out of heaven; 4 and he fell upon the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" 5 Saul replied, "Who are you, Lord?" The Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting; 6 but rise, enter into the city, and it will be told you what you must do." 7 The men who traveled with Saul stood speechless, hearing the voice, but seeing no one. 8 Saul arose from the ground, and when he opened his eyes, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 For three days he was without sight, and he neither ate nor drank.
10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias!" He said, "See, I am here, Lord."
11 The Lord said to him, "Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and at the house of Judas ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 He has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in and laying his hands on him, so that he might see again."
13 But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 He has authority from the chief priests to put in bonds everyone here who calls upon your name."
15 But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine, to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel; 16 for I will show him how much he must suffer for the cause of my name."
17 So Ananias departed, and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road when you were coming, has sent me so that you might receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." 18 Immediately something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he received his sight; he arose and was baptized; 19 and he ate and was strengthened.
He stayed with the disciples in Damascus for several days. 20 Right away he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying that he is the Son of God. 21 All who heard him were amazed and said, "Is not this the man who destroyed those in Jerusalem who called on this name? He has come here to take them bound to the chief priests." 22 But Saul became more and more powerful, and he was causing distress among the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.
23 After many days, the Jews planned together to kill him. 24 But their plan became known to Saul. They watched the gates day and night in order to kill him. 25 But his disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall, lowering him in a basket.
26 When he had come to Jerusalem, Saul attempted to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles, and he told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how at Damascus Saul had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 He was with them, going in and out around Jerusalem. He spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus 29 and debated with the Grecian Jews; but they kept trying to kill him. 30 When the brothers learned of this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.
31 So then, the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was built up; and, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, the church grew in numbers. 32 Now it came about that, as Peter went throughout the whole region, he came down also to God's holy people who lived in the town of Lydda. 33 There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been in his bed for eight years, for he was paralyzed. 34 Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed," and right away he got up. 35 So everyone who lived in Lydda and in Sharon saw the man and they turned to the Lord.
36 Now there was in Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha (which is translated "Dorcas"). This woman was full of good works and merciful deeds that she did for the poor. 37 It came about in those days that she fell sick and died; when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, pleading with him, "Come to us without delay." 39 Peter arose and went with them. When he had arrived, they brought him to the upper room, and all the widows stood by him weeping, showing him the tunics and garments that Dorcas had made while she had been with them. 40 Peter put them all out of the room, knelt down, and prayed; then, turning to the body, he said, "Tabitha, arise." Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 41 Peter then gave her his hand and raised her up; and when he called God's holy people and the widows, he presented her alive to them. 42 This matter became known throughout all Joppa, and many people believed on the Lord. 43 It happened that Peter stayed for many days in Joppa with a man named Simon, a tanner.
No one knows for sure who first started calling believers "followers of the Way." This is probably what the believers called themselves, because the Bible often speaks of a person living his life as if that person were walking on a path or "way." If this is true, the believers were "following the way of the Lord" by living in a way that pleased God.
The "letters" Paul asked for were probably legal papers that permitted him to put Christians in prison. The synagogue leaders in Damascus would have obeyed the letter because it was written by the high priest. If the Romans had seen the letter, they also would have allowed Saul to persecute the Christians, because they permitted the Jews to do as they desired to people who broke their religious laws.
It is clear that Saul saw a light and that it was because of this light that he "fell upon the ground." Some people think that Saul knew that it was the Lord speaking to him without seeing a human form, because the Bible often speaks of God as being light and living in light. Other people think that later in his life he was able to say, "I have seen the Lord Jesus" because it was a human form that he saw here.
Verses 1-2 give background information telling us what Saul has been doing since the stoning of Stephen.
The story shifts back to Saul and his salvation.
The noun "murder" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "still speaking threats, even to murder the disciples"
Verses 1-2 give background information telling us what Saul has been doing since the stoning of Stephen. Here the word "him" refers to the high priest and "he" refers to Saul.
This refers to the people in the synagogues. Alternate translation: "for the people in the synagogues" or "for the leaders in the synagogues"
"when he found people" or "if he found people"
"who followed the teachings of Jesus Christ"
This term appears to have been a title for Christianity at that time.
"he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem." Paul's purpose can be made clear by adding "so that the Jewish leaders could judge and punish them"
After the high priest gave Saul the letters, Saul left for Damascus.
Saul left Jerusalem and now travels to Damascus.
This is an expression that marks a change in the story to show something different is about to happen.
"a light from heaven shone all around him"
Possible meanings are 1) out of heaven, where God lives or 2) out of the sky. The first meaning is preferable. Use that meaning if your language has a separate word for it.
Possible meanings are that 1) "Saul threw himself to the ground and heard" or 2) "the light caused Saul to fall to the ground, and he heard" or 3) "Saul fell to the ground the way one who faints falls, and he heard"
This rhetorical question communicates a rebuke to Saul. Alternate translation: "You are persecuting me!" or "Stop persecuting me!"
Every occurrence of the word "you" here is singular.
Saul was not acknowledging that Jesus is the Lord. He uses that title because he understood that he spoke to someone of supernatural power.
"get up and go into the city Damascus"
This can be stated in the active form. Alternate translation: "someone will tell you"
This can be stated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: "stood speechless. They heard the voice, but they did not see anyone"
"but they saw no one" or "but they did not see anyone." Apparently only Saul experienced the light.
This implies that he had closed his eyes because the light was too bright.
"he could not see anything." Saul was blind.
"was blind" or "could not see anything"
It is not stated whether he chose not to eat or drink as a form of worship, or if he had no appetite because he was too distressed from his situation. It is preferable not to specify the reason.
The story of Saul continues, and Luke introduces another man named Ananias. This is not the same Ananias who died earlier in Acts [Acts 5:3]
This introduces Ananias as a new character.
"Ananias said"
"go to Straight Street"
This Judas was not the disciple who had betrayed Jesus. This Judas was owner of a house in Damascus where Saul was staying.
"a man from the city of Tarsus named Saul" or "Saul of Tarsus"
This was a symbol of giving a spiritual blessing to Saul.
"he might regain his ability to see"
Here "holy people" refers to Christians. Alternate translation: "the people in Jerusalem who believe in you"
It is implied that the extent of the power and authority granted Saul was limited to the Jewish people at this point in time.
Putting someone in bonds is a metonym for arresting that person. Alternate translation: "arrest"
Here "your name" refers to Jesus.
"chosen instrument" refers to something that is set apart for service. Alternate translation: "I have chosen him to serve me"
This is an expression for identifying or speaking out for Jesus. Alternate translation: "in order that he might speak about me"
This is an expression meaning "for telling people about me."
The word "you" here is singular and refers to Saul.
Ananias goes to the house where Saul is staying. After Saul is healed, the story shifts from Ananias back to Saul.
It may be helpful to state that Ananias went to the house before he entered into it. Alternate translation: "So Ananias went, and after he found the house where Saul was, he entered it"
Ananias put his hands on Saul. This was a symbol of giving a blessing to Saul.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that you might see again and that the Holy Spirit might fill you"
"something that appeared like fish scales fell"
"he was able to see again"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he got up and Ananias baptized him"
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Here the first "he" refers to Saul. The second "he" refers to Jesus, the Son of God.
This is an important title for Jesus.
Here "him" and "He" refer to Saul.
The word "All" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "Those who heard him" or "Many who heard him"
This is a rhetorical and negative question that emphasizes that Saul was indeed the man who had persecuted the believers. Alternate translation: "This is the man who destroyed those in Jerusalem who called on this name Jesus!"
Here "name" refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: "the name of Jesus"
They were distressed in the sense that they could not find a way to refute Saul's arguments that Jesus was the Christ.
The word "him" in this section refers to Saul.
This refers to the leaders of the Jews. Alternate translation: "the Jewish leaders"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But someone told their plan to Saul" or "But Saul learned about their plan"
This city had a wall surrounding it. People could normally only enter and exit the city through the gates.
people who believed Saul's message about Jesus and were following his teaching
"used ropes to lower him in a large basket through an opening in the wall"
Here the words "he" and "him" refer to Saul.
Here "they were all" is a generalization, but it is possible that it refers to every person. Alternate translation: "but they were afraid of him"
Here "him" refers to Saul and "he" refers to Barnabas.
This is a way of saying he preached or taught the gospel message of Jesus Christ without fear. Alternate translation: "had openly preached the message about Jesus"
Here the word "He" refers to Saul, and the word "them" probably refers to the apostles and other disciples in Jerusalem. This is an idiom meaning that Paul was able to associate freely with the believers in Jerusalem.
Possible meanings are 1) this simply refers to the Lord Jesus and tells who Paul spoke about. Alternate translation: "about the Lord Jesus" or 2) "name" is a metonym for authority. Alternate translation: "under the authority of the Lord Jesus" or "with the authority that the Lord Jesus gave him"
Saul tried to reason with the Jews who spoke Greek.
Here the words "the brothers" refer to the believers in Jerusalem.
The phrase "brought him down" is used here because Caesarea is lower in elevation than Jerusalem.
Caesarea was a seaport. They brothers probably sent Saul to Tarsus by ship.
Verse 31 is a statement that gives an update on the church's growth.
This is the first use of the singular "church" to refer to more than one local congregation. Here it refers to all the believers in all the groups throughout Israel.
"lived peacefully." This means the persecution that started with the murder of Stephen was finished.
The agent was either God or the Holy Spirit. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God helped them grow" or "the Holy Spirit built them up"
"Walking" here is a metaphor for "living." Alternate translation: "living in obedience to the Lord" or "continuing to honor the Lord"
"with the Holy Spirit strengthening and encouraging them"
Here the story shifts from Saul to a new part of the story about Peter.
This phrase is used to mark a new part of the story.
This is an generalization for Peter's visiting the believers in many places in the region of Judea, Galilee, and Samaria.
The phrase "came down" is used here because Lydda is lower in elevation than the other places where he was traveling.
Lydda is a city located about 18 kilometers southeast of Joppa. This city is called Lod in the Old Testament and in modern Israel.
Peter was not intentionally searching for a paralyzed person, but happened upon him. Alternate translation: "There Peter met a man"
This introduces Aeneas as a new character in the story.
This is background information about Aeneas.
This means he was unable to walk. He probably was unable to move any part of his body below his waist.
"roll up your mat"
This is a generalization referring to many of the people there. Alternate translation: "those who lived in Lydda and in Sharon" or "many people who lived in Lydda and Sharon"
The city of Lydda was located in the Plain of Sharon.
It may be helpful to state that they saw that he was healed. Alternate translation: "saw the man whom Peter had healed"
Here "turned to the Lord" is a metaphor for starting to obey the Lord. Alternate translation: "and they repented of their sins and started obeying the Lord"
Verses 36 and 37 give background information about the woman named Tabitha.
Luke continues the story with a new event about Peter.
This introduces a new part in the story.
Tabitha is her name in the Aramaic language, and Dorcas is her name in the Greek language. Both names mean "gazelle." Alternate translation: "Tabitha, which in the Greek language was Dorcas. This woman"
"doing many good things and performed merciful deeds"
Verses 36 and 37 give background information about the woman named Tabitha.
This refers to the time when Peter was in Joppa. This can be stated. Alternate translation: "It came about while Peter was nearby"
This was washing to prepare for her burial.
This was a temporary display of the body during the funeral process.
"the disciples sent two men to Peter"
"to the upstairs room where Dorcas' body was lying"
It is possible that all the widows of the town were there since it was not a large town.
women whose husbands had died and therefore needed help
"while she was still alive with the disciples"
"told them all to leave the room." Peter had everyone leave so he could be alone to pray for Tabitha.
Peter took hold of her hand and helped her to sit up in the bed and then stand up on the floor.
The widows were possibly also believers but are mentioned specifically because Tabitha was so important to them.
The story of Tabitha ends in verse 42. Verse 43 tells us what happens to Peter after the story ends.
This refers to the miracle of Peter's raising Tabitha from the dead. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People throughout all Joppa heard about this matter"
"believed in the gospel of the Lord Jesus"
The story of Tabitha ends in verse 42. Verse 43 tells us what happens to Peter after the story ends.
"It came about that." This introduces the beginning of the next event in the story.
"a man named Simon who made leather from animal skins"
1 Now there was a certain man in the city of Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of what was called the Italian Company of Soldiers. 2 He was a devout man, one who feared God with all his household, gave many alms to the people, and prayed to God constantly. 3 About the ninth hour of the day, he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God coming to him. The angel said to him, "Cornelius!" 4 Cornelius stared at the angel and was very afraid and said, "What is it, sir?"
The angel said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have gone up as a memorial offering into God's presence. 5 Now send men to the city of Joppa to bring a man named Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is staying with a tanner named Simon, whose house is by the seaside."
7 When the angel who spoke to him had left, Cornelius called two of his house servants, and a devout soldier from among those who served him. 8 Cornelius told them all that had happened and sent them to Joppa.
9 Now on the next day at about the sixth hour, as they were on their journey and were approaching the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray. 10 He then became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while the people were cooking some food, a trance came on him, 11 and he saw the sky open and a certain container descending, something like a large sheet coming down to the earth, let down by its four corners. 12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals and things that crawled on the earth, and birds of the sky. 13 Then a voice spoke to him: "Rise, Peter, kill and eat."
14 But Peter said, "Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that was defiled and unclean."
15 But the voice came to him again a second time: "What God has made clean, you must not call defiled." 16 This happened three times; then the container was immediately taken back up into the sky.
17 Now while Peter was very confused about what the vision that he had seen could mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius stood before the gate, after they had asked their way to the house. 18 They called out and asked whether Simon, who was also called Peter, was staying there.
19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Behold, three men are looking for you. [1]20 Arise and go down and go with them. Do not hesitate to go with them, because I have sent them."
21 So Peter went down to the men and said, "I am he whom you are seeking. Why have you come?"
22 They said, "A centurion named Cornelius, a righteous man and one who fears God, and is well spoken of by all the nation of the Jews, was instructed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house, so he could listen to a message from you." 23 So Peter invited them to come in and stay with him.
On the next morning he got up and went with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. 24 On the following day they came to Caesarea. Cornelius was waiting for them; he had called together his relatives and his close friends. 25 It came about that when Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet to worship him. 26 But Peter helped him up, saying, "Stand up! I too am a man."
27 While Peter was talking with him, he went in and found many people gathered together. 28 He said to them, "You yourselves know that it is not lawful for a Jewish man to associate with or to visit a foreigner. But God has shown me that I should not call any man defiled or unclean. 29 That is why I came without arguing, when I was sent for. So I ask you why you sent for me."
30 Cornelius said, "Four days ago at this very hour, I was praying at the ninth hour in my house; and see, a man stood before me in bright clothing. 31 He said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard by God, and your alms have reminded God about you. 32 So send someone to Joppa, and call to you a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying in the house of a tanner named Simon, by the seaside.' [2]33 So at once I sent for you. You are kind to have come. Now then, we are all here present in the sight of God to hear everything that you have been instructed by the Lord to say." [3]
34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said, "Truly I understand that God is not partial. 35 Instead, in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 You know the message that he sent to the people of Israel, when he announced the good news about peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all— 37 you yourselves know the events that took place, which occurred throughout all Judea, beginning in Galilee, after the baptism that John announced; 38 the events concerning Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 We are witnesses of all the things Jesus did, both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him up on the third day and caused him to be seen, 41 not by all the people, but to the witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to proclaim to the people and to testify that this is the one who has been chosen by God to be the Judge of the living and the dead. 43 About him all the prophets testify, that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."
44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all of those who were listening to his message. 45 The people who belonged to the circumcision group of believers—all of those who came with Peter—were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out also on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard these Gentiles speaking in tongues and exalting God. Then Peter answered, 47 "Can anyone keep water from these people so they should not be baptized, these people who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we?" 48 Then he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay with them for several days.
The Jews believed that they could become unclean in God's sight if they visited or ate food with a Gentile. This was because the Pharisees had made a law against it because they wanted to keep people from eating foods that the law of Moses said were unclean. The law of Moses did say that some foods were unclean, but it did not say that God's people could not visit or eat with Gentiles. (See: clean and lawofmoses)
The Holy Spirit "fell on" those who were listening to Peter. This showed the Jewish believers that Gentiles could receive the word of God and receive the Holy Spirit just as the Jewish believers had. After that, the Gentiles were baptized.
The writer begins to give background information about Cornelius.
This is the beginning of the part of the story about Cornelius.
This was a way of introducing a new person to this part of the historical account.
"from Caesarea whose name was Cornelius. He was an officer in charge of 60 soldiers from the Italian Company of Soldiers, in the Roman army"
The writer finishes giving background information about Cornelius.
a man who wanted to do what God expected of him
worshiped God with deep respect and awe
The word "constantly" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "prayed to God often" or "he prayed to God regularly"
"three o'clock in the afternoon." This was the normal afternoon prayer time for Jews.
"Cornelius clearly saw"
It is implied that his gifts and prayers had been accepted by God. Alternate translation: "God is pleased by your prayers and alms. They have gone up ... to him"
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a person who makes leather from animal skins
"When Cornelius' vision of the angel had ended."
a soldier who wanted to do what God expected of him. See how you translated "devout" in Acts 10:2.
Cornelius explained his vision to his two servants and to one of his soldiers.
"sent two of his two servants and the one soldier to Joppa."
Here the word "they" refers to Cornelius' two servants and the soldier under Cornelius' command (Acts 10:7).
The story shifts away from Cornelius to tell us what God is doing with to Peter.
"around noon"
The roofs of the houses were flat, and people often did many different activities on them.
"before the people finished cooking the food"
This metaphor means that Peter went into the trance without expecting it or desiring it. Alternate translation: "he went into a trance"
Peter saw things in his mind, not with his physical eyes.
This was the beginning of Peter's vision. It can be a new sentence.
The container holding the animals had the appearance of a large square piece of cloth.
"with its four corners suspended" or "with its four corners higher than the rest of it"
snakes and insects, as opposed to "four-footed animals"
The person speaking is not specified. The "voice" was probably God, although it could possibly have been an angel from God.
"I will not do that"
It is implied that some of the "four-footed animals and things that crawled on the earth, and birds of the sky"
This refers to the animals in the sheet.
If God is the speaker, he is referring to himself in the third person. Alternate translation: "What I, God, have made clean"
Possible meanings are 1) Peter heard the words "What God has made clean, you must not call defiled" three times or 2) a total of three times the sheet came down from heaven and Peter heard and responded to the voice. It would be best to translate without adding information here.
This means that Peter was having difficulty understanding what the vision meant.
The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows, in this case, the two men standing at the gate.
"stood before the gate to the house." It is implied that this house had a wall with a gate one would use to enter the property.
This happened before they arrived at the house. This could be stated earlier in the verse, as the UDB does.
Cornelius' men remained outside the gate while asking about Peter.
"wondering about the meaning of the vision"
"the Holy Spirit"
"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: three"
Some ancient texts have a different number of men.
"go down from the roof of the house"
It would be natural for Peter not to want to go with them, because they were strangers and they were Gentiles.
"I am the man you are looking for"
The word "They" here refer to the two servants and the soldier from Cornelius (Acts 10:7).
This can be divided into several sentences and stated in active form as the UDB does.
worships God with deep respect and awe
This number of people is exaggerated with the word "all" to emphasize how widely this was known among the Jews.
The word "them" here refer to the two servants and the soldier from Cornelius (Acts 10:7).
The journey to Caesarea was too long for them to begin that afternoon.
"be his guests"
This refers to believers who lived in Joppa.
This was the next day after they left Joppa. The journey to Caesarea took longer than one day.
"Cornelius expected them"
"when Peter entered the house"
"he knelt down and put his face close to Peter's feet." He did this to honor Peter.
He purposely did this to show that he was worshiping.
Peter was rebuking Cornelius mildly for worshiping Peter. Alternate translation: "Do not worship me! I am only a man, as you are"
The word "him" here refers to Cornelius, and "he" refers to Peter.
Peter addresses the people who are gathered in Cornelius' house.
"many Gentile people gathered together." It is implied that these people Cornelius had invited were Gentiles.
Here the words "You" and "yourselves" include Cornelius as well as the Gentiles who were present and so are plural.
"it is forbidden for a Jewish man." This refers to the Jewish religious law.
people who are not Jews
Here both instances of "you" include Cornelius as well as the Gentiles who were present and so are plural.
In verses 31 and 32 Cornelius quotes what the angel had said to him when he appeared to him at the ninth hour. The words "you" and "your" are all singular. The word "we" here does not include Peter.
Cornelius responds to Peter's question.
Cornelius is referring to the day before the third night before he is speaking to Peter. Biblical culture counts the current day, so the day before three nights ago is "four days ago." Current Western culture does not count the current day, so many Western translations read, "three days ago."
Some ancient authorities say "fasting and praying" instead of simply "praying."
The normal afternoon time that the Jews pray to God.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has heard your prayer"
"brought you to God's attention." This does not imply that God had forgotten.
"tell Simon who is also called Peter to come to you"
"right away"
This expression is a polite way of thanking Peter for coming. Alternate translation: "I certainly thank you for coming"
This refers to Cornelius and his family but not to Peter, so this is exclusive.
"present with God"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the Lord has told you to say"
Peter begins speaking to everyone in the house of Cornelius.
"began to speak"
This means that what he is about to say is especially important to know.
"God does not favor certain people"
"he accepts anyone who fears him and does what is right"
to God
worships with deep respect and awe
All instances of "he" here refers to God.
Peter continues to talk to Cornelius and his guests.
Here "all" means "all people."
The word "all" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "throughout Judea" or "in many places in Judea"
"after John preached to the people to repent and then baptized them"
This long sentence, which begins in verse 36, can be shortened into several sentences as in the UDB.
The Holy Spirit and God's power are spoken of as if they are something that can be poured out onto a person.
The word "all" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "those who were oppressed by the devil" or "many people who were oppressed by the devil"
The idiom "was with him" means "was helping him."
The word "We" refer to Peter and the apostles and believers who were with Jesus when he was on earth, not to his hearers. The word "him" here refers to Jesus.
This refers mainly to Judea at that time.
This is another expression that refers to crucifixion. Alternate translation: "nailing him to a wooden cross"
Both instances of "him" refer to Jesus.
Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: "God caused him to live again"
"the third day after he died"
"permitted many people to see him after he was raised from the dead"
The word "us" refers to Peter and the apostles and believers who were with Jesus when he was on earth, not to his hearers. The words "him" and "he" here refers to Jesus.
From among all those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld.
Here the word "us" includes Peter and believers. It excludes his audience.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that God chose this Jesus"
This refers to people who are still living and people who have died. Alternate translation: "the people who are alive and the people who are dead"
Peter finishes his speech to everyone in the house of Cornelius, which he began in Acts 10:34.
"All the prophets testify about Jesus"
This could be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will forgive the sins of everyone who believes in Jesus because of what Jesus has done"
Here "his name" refers to the actions of Jesus. His name means God who saves. Alternate translation: "through what Jesus has done for them"
Here the word "fell" indicates that the event happened suddenly. Alternate translation: "the Holy Spirit suddenly came"
Here "all" refers to all the Gentiles at the house who were listening to Peter.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God also poured out the Holy Spirit"
That is, the Holy Spirit himself was the gift.
The Holy Spirit is spoken of as if he were something that could be poured out upon people. It implies a generous amount. Alternate translation: "generously given"
"the free gift"
Here "also" refers to the fact that the Holy Spirit had already been given to the Jewish believers.
These were known spoken languages that caused the Jews to acknowledge that the Gentiles were indeed praising God.
Here "tongues" is a metonym for languages. Alternate translation: "speaking in other languages"
Peter uses this question to convince the Jewish Christians that the Gentile believers should be baptized. Alternate translation: "No one should keep water from these people! We should baptize them because they have received ... we!"
The words "he" and "him" refer to Peter.
This is the end of the part of the story about Cornelius.
It is implied that the Jewish Christians were the ones who would baptize them. Alternate translation: "Peter commanded the Gentile believers to allow the Jewish Christians to baptize them" or "Peter commanded the Jewish Christians to baptize them"
Here "in the name of Jesus Christ" expresses that the reason for their baptism was that they believed in Jesus. Alternate translation: "be baptized as believers in Jesus Christ"
1 Now the apostles and the brothers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2 When Peter had come up to Jerusalem, they who belonged to the circumcision group criticized him; 3 they said, "You associated with uncircumcised men and ate with them!" 4 But Peter started to explain the matter to them in detail, saying, 5 "I was praying in the city of Joppa, and in a trance I saw a vision of a container coming down, like a large sheet let down from heaven by its four corners. It descended to me. 6 I gazed at it and I thought about it. I saw the four-legged animals of earth, wild beasts, things that crawled, and birds of the sky. 7 Then I heard a voice say to me, 'Get up, Peter; kill and eat!'
8 I said, 'Not so, Lord; for nothing unholy or unclean has ever entered into my mouth.'
9 But the voice answered again from heaven, 'What God has made clean, you must not call defiled.' 10 This happened three times, and then everything was taken back up into heaven again.
11 "Behold, right away there were three men standing in front of the house where we were; they had been sent from Caesarea to me. 12 The Spirit commanded me to go with them, and that I should make no distinction regarding them. These six brothers went with me, and we went into the man's house. 13 He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, ‘Send men to Joppa and bring back Simon who is called Peter. 14 He will speak to you a message by which you will be saved—you and all your household.’ 15 As I began to speak to them, the Holy Spirit came on them, just as on us in the beginning. 16 I remembered the words of the Lord, how he said, 'John indeed baptized with water; but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' 17 Then if God gave to them the same gift as he gave to us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could oppose God?"
18 When they heard these things, they said nothing in response, but they glorified God and said, "Then God has given repentance for life to the Gentiles also."
19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that arose over Stephen spread as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word only to Jews. 20 But some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, came to Antioch and spoke also to Greeks, proclaiming to them the gospel about the Lord Jesus. 21 The hand of the Lord was with them; a great number believed and turned to the Lord. 22 News about them came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas as far as Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad and he encouraged them all to remain with the Lord with purpose of heart. 24 For he was a good man and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and many people were added to the Lord. 25 Barnabas then went out to Tarsus to search carefully for Saul. 26 When he found him, he brought him to Antioch. It came about, that for an entire year they gathered together with the church and taught many people. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
27 Now in these days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them, Agabus by name, stood up and indicated by the Spirit that a great famine would occur over all the world. This happened in the days of Claudius. 29 So the disciples, as each one was able, determined to send a contribution for the relief of the brothers in Judea. 30 They did this; they sent money to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
Almost all of the first believers were Jewish. Luke writes in this chapter that many Gentiles started to believe in Jesus. They believed that the message about Jesus was true and so began to "receive the word of God." Some of the believers in Jerusalem did not believe that Gentiles could truly follow Jesus, so Peter went to them and told them what had happened to him and how he had seen the Gentiles receive the Word of God and receive the Holy Spirit.
This is the beginning of a new event in the story.
This marks a new part of the story.
The phrase "brothers" here refers to the believers in Judea.
"who were in the province of Judea"
This expression refers to the fact that the Gentiles believed the gospel message about Jesus. Alternate translation: "believed the message of God about Jesus"
Peter arrives in Jerusalem and begins talking to the Jews there.
Jerusalem was higher than almost any other place in Israel, so it was normal for Israelites to speak of coming up to Jerusalem and going down from it.
This is a reference to some of the Jews who believed that every believer must be circumcised. Alternate translation: "some Jewish believers in Jerusalem who wanted all followers of Christ to be circumcised"
The phrase "uncircumcised men" refers to Gentiles.
It was against Jewish tradition for Jews to eat with Gentiles.
Peter responds to the Jews by telling them about his vision and about what had happened at Cornelius' house.
Peter did not criticize the Jewish believers but reacted in a friendly, explanatory manner.
"exactly what happened"
Peter saw something that was only in his mind. It was not physical. His mind was not working in its usual way. See how you translated similar words in Acts 10:10.
The container holding the animals had the appearance of a large square piece of cloth. See how you translated this in Acts 10:11.
"with its four corners suspended" or "with its four corners higher than the rest of it." See how you translated this in Acts 10:11.
From Peter's response, it can be implied that the law of Moses commanded the Jews not to eat some of them. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Acts 10:12]
This probably refer to the animals people do not or cannot tame or control.
snakes and insects, as opposed to "four-footed animals." See how you translated this in Acts 10:12.
The person speaking is not specified. The "voice" was probably God, although it could possibly have been an angel from God. See how you translated "a voice" in [Acts 10:13]
"I will not do that." See how you translated this in Acts 10:14.
Apparently the animals in the sheet were animals which the Jewish law in the Old Testament forbade the Jews to eat. This can be said in a positive way. Alternate translation: "I have eaten only meat from holy and clean animals"
In the Old Testament Jewish law, a person became ritually "unclean" in various ways, such as eating certain forbidden animals.
This refers to the animals in the sheet.
Possible meanings are 1) Peter heard the words "What God has made clean, you must not call defiled" three times or 2) a total of three times the sheet came down from heaven and Peter heard and responded to the voice. It would be best to translate without adding information here. See how you translated "This happened three times" in Acts 10:16.
Here "we" refers to Peter and the believers in Joppa. It does not include his current audience in Jerusalem.
This word alerts us to the new people in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this.
"immediately" or "at that exact moment"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone had sent them"
"that I should not be concerned that they were Gentiles"
"These six brothers went with me to Caesarea"
"These six Jewish believers"
This refers to the house of Cornelius.
"Simon who is also called Peter." See how you translated the same phrase in Acts 10:32.
This refers to all the people in the household. Alternate translation: "everyone who lives in your house"
Here the word "us" refers to Peter, the other apostles, and all of the Jewish believers who had received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
This implies that Peter had not finished speaking but had intended to say more.
Peter leaves out some things to keep the story short. Alternate translation: "the Holy Spirit came on the Gentile believers, just as he came on the Jewish believers at Pentecost"
Peter is referring to the day of Pentecost.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will baptize you with the Holy Spirit"
The word "them" refers to Cornelius and his Gentile guests and household. The word "us" refers to the speaker and his hearers and so is inclusive.
Peter finishes his speech (which he began in Acts 11:4) to the Jews about his vision and about what had happened at the house of Cornelius.
Peter uses this question to emphasize that he was only obeying God. Alternate translation: "Since God gave to them ... I decided that I could not oppose God!"
Peter refers to the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The word "they" refers to the Jewish believers to whom Peter spoke.
"they did not argue with Peter"
"God has given repentance that leads to life to the Gentiles also." Here "life" refers to eternal life. The abstract nouns "repentance" and "life" can be translated as the verbs "repent" and "live." Alternate translation: "God has also given the Gentiles the ability to repent and then live eternally" or "God has allowed the Gentiles also to repent and live eternally"
Luke tells about what happened to the believers who fled after the stoning of Stephen.
This introduces the new part of the story.
The Jews began persecuting Jesus's followers because Stephen had said and done things that the Jews did not like. Because of this persecution, many of Jesus's followers left Jerusalem and went to many different places.
"went in many different directions"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom the Jews had been persecuting because of Stephen, and so had left Jerusalem, spread"
the persecution that happened because of what Stephen had said and done
The believers thought God's message was for the Jewish people, and not for the Gentiles.
These Greek-speaking people were Gentiles, not Jews. Alternate translation: "also spoke to Gentiles who spoke Greek"
God's hand signifies his powerful help. Alternate translation: "God was powerfully enabling those believers to preach effectively"
Here "turned to the Lord" is a metaphor for starting to obey the Lord. Alternate translation: "they repented of their sins and began to obey the Lord"
The word "he" refers to Barnabas. The word "they" refers to the believers of the church at Jerusalem.
Here "ears" refers to the believers' hearing about the event. Alternate translation: "the believers in the church"
The word "he" refers to Barnabas. The word "them" refers to the believers he met on his way to Antioch.
"saw how God acted kindly toward the believers"
"he kept on encouraging them"
"to remain faithful to the Lord" or "to continue to trust in the Lord"
Here the "heart" refers to a person's will and desire. Alternate translation: "with all their will" or "with complete commitment"
The word "he" refers to Barnabas.
The Holy Spirit controlled Barnabas as he obeyed the Holy Spirit.
Here "added" means they came to believe the same thing as the others. Alternate translation: "many more people also believed in the Lord"
"out to the city of Tarsus"
The word "he" refers to Barnabas and "him" to Saul.
It probably took some time and effort for Barnabas to locate Saul.
This begins a new event in the story.
"Barnabas and Saul gathered together with the church"
This implies that it was other people who called the believers Christians. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People in Antioch were the fist to call the disciples Christians"
Here Luke tells background information about a prophecy in Antioch.
This word is used here to mark a break in the main story-line.
Jerusalem was higher in elevation than Antioch, so it was normal for Israelites to speak of going up to Jerusalem or going down from it.
"whose name was Agabus"
"the Holy Spirit enabled him to prophesy"
"a great shortage of food would happen"
This was a generalization referring to the part of the world that they were interested in. Alternate translation: "all over the inhabited world" or "throughout the Roman Empire"
Luke's audience would know that Claudius was the emperor of Rome at that time. Alternate translation: "when Claudius was the Roman emperor"
This word means marks an event that happened because of something else that happened first. In this case, they sent money because of Agabus' prophesy or the famine.
The richer people sent more; the poorer people sent less.
"the believers in Judea"
The words "They" and "they" refer to the believers in the church in Antioch (Acts 11:27).
The hand is a synecdoche for the action of the whole person. Alternate translation: "by having Barnabas and Saul take it to them"
1 Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church so that he might mistreat them. 2 He killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3 After he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. That was during the days of unleavened bread. 4 After arresting him, he put him in prison, assigning him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him; he was intending to bring him to the people after the Passover. 5 So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer was made earnestly to God for him by those in the church. 6 On the night before Herod was going to bring him out for trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, while guards in front of the door were keeping watch over the prison. 7 Behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared by him, and a light shone in the prison cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him and said, "Get up quickly," and his chains fell off his hands. 8 The angel said to him, "Gird yourself and put on your sandals." Peter did so. The angel said to him, "Put on your outer garment and follow me." 9 So Peter followed the angel and went out. He did not know that what was done by the angel was real. He thought he was seeing a vision. 10 After they had passed by the first guard and the second, they came to the iron gate that led into the city; it opened for them by itself. They went out and went down a street, and the angel left him right away. 11 When Peter came to himself, he said, "Now I truly know that the Lord has sent his angel and delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from everything the Jewish people were expecting." 12 When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. 13 When he knocked at the door of the gate, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14 When she recognized Peter's voice, out of joy she failed to open the gate; instead, she came running into the room; she reported that Peter was standing at the gate. 15 So they said to her, "You are insane." But she insisted that it was so. They said, "It is his angel." 16 But Peter continued knocking, and when they had opened the door, they saw him and were amazed. 17 Peter motioned to them with his hand to be silent, and he told them how the Lord had brought him out of prison. He said, "Report these things to James and the brothers." Then he left and went to another place. 18 Now when it became day, there was no small disturbance among the soldiers over what had happened to Peter. 19 After Herod had searched for him and could not find him, he questioned the guards and ordered them to be put to death.
Then Herod went down from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there. 20 Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. They went to him with one purpose, and after persuading Blastus, the king's assistant, to help them, they asked for peace because their country received its food from the king's country. 21 On a set day Herod dressed himself in royal clothing and sat on a throne; he made a speech to them. 22 The people shouted, "This is the voice of a god, not of a man!" 23 Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give God the glory; he was eaten by worms and died.
24 But the word of God increased and multiplied.
25 So when Barnabas and Saul had completed their mission, they returned from Jerusalem, [1] bringing with them John, also called Mark.
Chapter 12 tells what happened to King Herod while Barnabas was bringing Saul back from Tarsus and they were delivering money from Antioch Jerusalem (11:25-30). He killed many of the leaders of the church, and he put Peter in prison. After God helped Peter escape the prison, Herod killed the prison guards, and then God killed Herod. In the last verse of the chapter, Luke tells how Barnabas and Saul return to Antioch.
The "word of God" is spoken of as if it were a living thing that could grow and become many.
This is background information about Herod's killing James.
This begins the new persecution, first of James's death and then of Peter's imprisonment and then release.
This begins a new part of the story.
This refers to the time of the famine.
This means Herod had the believers arrested. See how you translated this in [Acts 4:3]
Only James and Peter are specified, which implies that these were leaders of the church in Jerusalem.
"in order to cause the believers to suffer"
This tells the manner in which James was killed.
Possible meanings are 1) Herod himself killed James or 2) Herod ordered someone to kill James. Alternate translation: "Herod gave the order and they killed James"
Here the word "he" refers to Herod (Acts 12:1).
"When Herod realized that putting James to death pleased the Jewish leaders"
"made the Jewish leaders happy"
"Herod did this" or "This happened"
This refers to the Jewish religious feast time during the Passover season. Alternate translation: "the festival when the Jewish people ate bread without yeast"
"four groups of soldiers." Each squad had four soldiers that guarded Peter, one group at a time. The groups divided the 24 hour day into four shifts. Each time two soldiers would have been at his side and the other two soldiers by the entrance.
"Herod planned to judge Peter in the presence of the people" or "Herod planned to judge Peter before the Jewish people"
This implies that the soldiers continually guarded Peter in prison. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "So the soldiers guarded Peter in the prison"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the group of believers in Jerusalem earnestly prayed to God for him"
continuously and with dedication
That Herod planned to execute him can be clarified. Alternate translation: "The happened on the day before Herod was going to bring Peter out from prison to put him on trial and then to execute him"
"tied with two chains" or "fastened with two chains." Each chain would have been attached to one of the two guards who stayed beside Peter.
"were guarding the prison doors"
The words "him" and "his" refer to Peter.
This word alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
"next to him" or "beside him"
"in the prison room"
"The angel tapped Peter" or "The angel poked Peter." Peter was evidently sleeping deeply enough that this was required to wake him.
The angel caused the chains to fall from Peter without touching them.
Peter had probably loosened his belt and taken off his sandals so he could go to sleep. The angel was telling Peter to get ready to leave the cell.
"Peter did what the angel told him to do" or "Peter obeyed"
Here the word "He" refers to Peter. The words "they" and "They" refer to Peter and the angel.
"He did not understand"
This could be changed to active form. Alternate translation: "the actions of the angel were real" or "what the angel did truly happened"
It is implied that the soldiers were not able to see Peter and the angel as they walked by. Alternate translation: "The first and second guards did not see them as they passed by, and then"
"had walked by"
The word "guard" is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "and the second guard"
"Peter and the angel arrived at the iron gate"
"that opened to the city" or "that went from the prison to the city"
Here "by itself" means neither Peter nor the angel opened it. Alternate translation: "the gate swung open for them" or "the gate opened itself for them"
"walked along a street"
"left Peter suddenly" or "suddenly disappeared"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "When Peter became fully awake and alert" or "When Peter became aware that what had happened was real"
Here "the hand of Herod" refers to "Herod's hold" or "Herod's plans." Alternate translation: "brought me from the harm Herod had planned for me"
"rescued me"
Here "the people of the Jews" probably referred mainly to the Jewish leaders. Alternate translation: "all that the Jewish leaders thought would happen to me"
He became aware that God had rescued him.
John was also called Mark. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "John, whom people also called Mark"
"Peter knocked." Tapping on the door was a normal Jewish custom to let others know you wish to visit them. You may need to change this to fit your culture.
"at the outer door" or "at the door of the entrance from the street to the courtyard"
"came to the gate to ask who was knocking"
Here all instances of "she" refer to the servant girl Rhoda (Acts 12:13).
"because she was so joyful" or "being overly excited"
"did not open the gate" or "forgot to open the gate"
You may prefer to say "went running into the room in the house"
"she told them" or "she said"
Here the words "she" and "her" both refer to the servant girl Rhoda (Acts 10:13), and the words "they" and "They" refer to the people who were inside praying (Acts 10:12).
The people not only did not believe her, but rebuked her by saying she was crazy. Alternate translation: "You are crazy"
"she insisted that what she said was true"
"They answered"
"What you have seen is Peter's angel." Some Jews believed in guardian angels and may have thought that Peter's angel had come to them.
Here both instances of "they" refer to the people in the house. The word "him" refers to Peter.
The word "continued" means that Peter kept knocking the entire time those inside were talking.
Here both instances of "them" refer to the people who were inside praying (Acts 12:12).
"Tell these things"
"the other believers"
This word is used to mark a break in the story-line. Time has passed; it is now the next day.
"in the morning"
This phrase is used to emphasize what really happened. This could be said in a positive way. Alternate translation: "there was a great disturbance among the soldiers over what had happened to Peter"
The abstract noun "disturbance" can be expressed with the words "disturbed" or "upset." Alternate translation: "the soldiers were very disturbed about what had happened to Peter"
The word "him" here refers to Peter, and both instances of "he" refers to Herod.
"After Herod searched for Peter and could not find him"
Possible meanings are that 1) "Herod" here is a metonym for his soldiers, that is, when Herod heard Peter was missing, he sent other soldiers to search the prison, or 2) when Herod heard Peter was missing, he went himself to search the prison.
It was the normal punishment for the Roman government to kill the guards if their prisoner escaped.
The phrase "went down" is used here because Caesarea is lower in elevation than Judea.
Luke continues with another event in Herod's life.
This word is used here to mark the next event in the story.
This phrase translates a word that speaks of a person being so angry that he is ready to kill other people.
Here the word "They" is a generalization. It is unlikely that all the people of Tyre and Sidon went to Herod. Alternate translation: "Men representing the people of Tyre and Sidon went with one purpose to talk with Herod"
This phrase translates a word that speaks of people who agree with each other and who work together to accomplish a common purpose.
"after these men persuaded Blastus"
a man's name
This phrase refers to a person who assists the king in his personal life, not necessarily his work as ruler.
"these men requested peace"
They probably purchased this food. Alternate translation: "the people of Tyre and Sidon bought all their food from the people that Herod ruled"
It is implied that Herod restricted this supply of food because he was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon.
This was probably the day on which Herod agreed to meet with the representatives. Alternate translation: "On the day when Herod agreed to meet them"
expensive clothing that would demonstrate he was the king
This was where Herod formally addressed people who came to see him.
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This is the end of the part of the story about Herod.
"Right away an angel" or "While the people were praising Herod, an angel"
"afflicted Herod" or "caused Herod to become very ill"
Herod let those people worship him instead of telling them to worship God.
Here "worms" refers to worms inside the body, probably intestinal worms. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "worms ate Herod's insides and he died"
The word of God is spoken of as if it were a living plant able to grow and reproduce. Alternate translation: "the message of God spread to more places and more people believed in him"
"the message God sent about Jesus"
This verse continues the history from [11:30]
This refers back to when they brought money from the believers at Antioch in [Acts 11:29-30]
They went back to Antioch from Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "Barnabas and Saul returned to Antioch"
1 Now in the church in Antioch, there were some prophets and teachers. They were Barnabas, Simeon (who is called Niger), Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch), and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul, to do the work to which I have called them." 3 After they had fasted, prayed, and laid their hands on these men, they sent them off.
4 So Barnabas and Saul, having been sent out by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia; from there they sailed away to Cyprus. 5 While they were in the city of Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John for an assistant. 6 When they had gone through the whole island to Paphos, they found a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet, whose name was Bar-Jesus. 7 This magician associated with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, who was an intelligent man. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul, because he sought to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas "the magician" (that is how his name is translated) opposed them; he tried to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, stared at him intensely 10 and said, "You son of the devil, you are full of all kinds of deceit and wickedness. You are an enemy of every kind of righteousness. You will never stop twisting the straight paths of the Lord, will you? 11 Now look, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will become blind. You will not see the sun for a while." Immediately there fell on Elymas a mist and darkness; he started going around seeking people to lead him by the hand. 12 After the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, because he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord.
13 Now Paul and his friends set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. But John left them and returned to Jerusalem. 14 Paul and his friends traveled from Perga and came to Antioch of Pisidia. There they went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down. 15 After the reading of the law and the prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent them a message, saying, "Brothers, if you have any message of encouragement for the people here, say it." 16 So Paul stood up and motioned with his hand; he said, "Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen. 17 The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and exalted the people when they stayed in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm he led them out of it. 18 For about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. [1]19 After he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave our people their land for an inheritance. 20 All these events took place over 450 years. After all these things, God gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. 21 Then the people asked for a king, and God gave them Saul son of Kish, a man from the tribe of Benjamin, to be king for forty years. 22 After God removed him from the kingship, he raised up David to be their king. It was about David that God testified, saying, 'I have found David son of Jesse to be a man after my heart, who does all I want him to do.' 23 From this man's descendants God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised to do. 24 Before the arrival of Jesus, John proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 As John was finishing his work, he said, 'Who do you think I am? I am not the one. But listen, one is coming after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.' 26 Brothers, children of the offspring of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, it is to us that the message about this salvation has been sent. 27 For they who live in Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize him, and they fulfilled the voices of the prophets that are read every Sabbath by condemning him. 28 Even though they found no reason for the death penalty, they called on Pilate to kill him. 29 When they had completed all the things that were written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead. 31 He was seen for many days by those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These people are now his witnesses to the people. 32 So we tell you the good news: The promise that came to our fathers 33 God has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm:
'You are my Son,
today I have become your Father.'
34 As to his raising him from the dead, never to return to decay, he has spoken in this way:
'I will give you the holy and sure blessings
promised to David.'
35 This is why he also says in another Psalm,
'You will not allow your Holy One
to see decay.'
36 For when David had served the purpose of God in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was laid with his fathers and his body experienced decay. 37 But he whom God raised up experienced no decay. 38 So let it be known to you, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. The law of Moses could not make you righteous. 39 But by this man God makes righteous everyone who believes. 40 So then be careful that the thing the prophets spoke about does not happen to you:
41 'Look, you despisers,
and be astonished and then perish;
For I am doing a work in your days,
a work that you would never believe,
even if someone announces it to you.'"
42 As Paul and Barnabas left, the people begged them that they might speak these same words again the next Sabbath. 43 When the synagogue meeting ended, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who were speaking to them and persuading them to continue in the grace of God.
44 On the next Sabbath, almost the whole city was gathered together to hear the word of the Lord. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with envy and spoke against the things that were said by Paul and insulted him. 46 But Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, "It was necessary that the word of God should first be spoken to you. Seeing you push it away from yourselves and consider yourselves unworthy of eternal life, see, we will turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so has the Lord commanded us, saying,
'I have appointed you as a light for the Gentiles,
that you should bring salvation
to the uttermost parts of the earth.'"
48 As the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. As many as were appointed to eternal life believed. 49 The word of the Lord was spread out through the whole region. 50 But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and threw them out of their region. 51 But Paul and Barnabas shook off the dust from their feet against them. Then they went to the city of Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 13:33-35 and 13:41.
This chapter is where the second half of the Book of Acts begins. Luke writes more about Paul than about Peter. Luke also writes about the believers preaching to the Gentiles rather than to the Jews.
The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. The Jews considered all Gentiles as walking in darkness, but Paul and Barnabas spoke of telling the Gentiles about Jesus as if they were going to bring them physical light. (See: and righteous)
Verse 1 gives background information about the people in the church at Antioch.
Luke begins to tell about the mission trips on which the church at Antioch send Barnabas and Saul.
"At that time in the church at Antioch"
These are men's names.
Manaen was probably Herod's playmate or close friend while they were growing up.
The words "they" refers to the other three leaders (Acts 13:1), not including Barnabas and Saul, and it could include other believers.
"Appoint Barnabas and Saul to serve me"
The verb here means that God chose them to do this work.
The words "they" and "their" refer to the other three leaders (Acts 13:1), not including Barnabas and Saul, and they could include other believers.
"laid their hands on these men whom God had set apart for his service." This act showed that the leaders agreed that the Holy Spirit had called Barnabas and Saul to do this work.
"sent those men off" or "sent those men off to do the work the Holy Spirit told them to do"
Here the word "they" refers to Barnabas and Saul.
This word marks an event that happened because of a previous event. In this case, the previous event is Barnabas and Saul being set apart by the Holy Spirit.
The phrase "went down" is used here because Seleucia is lower in elevation than Antioch.
a city by the sea
Here the words "They" and "their" refer to Barnabas and Saul.
The city of Salamis was on Cyprus Island.
"Word of God" here is a synecdoche for "message of God." Alternate translation: "proclaimed the message of God"
Possible meanings are that 1) there were multiple Jewish synagogues in the city of Salamis where Barnabas and Saul preached or 2) Barnabas and Saul started at the synagogue at Salamis and continued to preach in all the synagogues they found while they traveled around the Island of Cyprus.
"John went with them and was helping them"
John Mark
"helper"
Here both instances of "they" refers to Paul, Silas, and John Mark.
They crossed from one side of the island to the other and shared the gospel message in each town they passed through.
a major city on Cyprus island where the proconsul lived
Here "found" means they came upon him without looking for him. Alternate translation: "they met" or "they came upon"
"a particular person who practiced witchcraft" or "a person who practiced supernatural magic arts"
"Bar-Jesus" means "Son of Jesus." There is no relation between this man and Jesus Christ. "Jesus" was a common name at that time.
Here the word "he" refers to Sergius Paulus, the proconsul.
"was often with" or "was often in the company of"
This was a governor in charge of a Roman province. Alternate translation: "governor"
This is background information about Sergius Paulus.
The phrase "this man" refers to Sergius Paulus.
"he wanted to hear the word of God"
Here the word "them" refers to Paul, Silas, and John Mark, and "he" refers to Elymas.
This was Bar Jesus, who was also called "the magician"
"that was what he was called in Greek"
"resisted them by trying to turn" or "attempted to stop them by trying to turn"
Here "to turn ... away from" is a metaphor for convincing someone to not do something. Alternate translation: "attempted to persuade the governor not to believe the gospel message"
The word "him" refers to the magician Elymas, who is also called Bar Jesus (Acts 13:6-8).
While on the island of Paphos, Paul begins to talk to Elymas.
"Saul" was his Jewish name, and "Paul" was his Roman name. Since he was speaking to a Roman official, he used his Roman name. Alternate translation: "Saul, who now called himself Paul"
"looked at him intensely"
Paul is saying the man is acting like the devil. Alternate translation: "You are like the devil" or "You act like the devil"
"you are always intent in causing others to believe what is not true using falsehood and are always doing what is wrong"
The word in this context means laziness and lack of diligence in following God's law.
Paul is grouping Elymas with the devil. Just as the devil is an enemy of God and is against righteousness, so also was Elymas.
Paul uses this question to rebuke Elymas for opposing God. Alternate translation: "You are always saying that the truth about the Lord God is false!"
Here "straight paths" refer to the ways that are true. Alternate translation: "the true ways of the Lord"
The words "you," "he," and "him" refer to Elymas the magician.
Paul finishes speaking to Elymas.
Here "hand' represents the power of God and "upon you" implies punishment. Alternate translation: "The Lord will punish you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will make you blind"
Elymas will be so completely blind that he not even be able to see the sun. Alternate translation: "You will not even see the sun"
"for a period of time" or "until the time appointed by God"
"the eyes of Elymas became blurry and then dark" or "Elymas started seeing unclearly and then he could not see anything"
"Elymas wandered around" or "Elymas started feeling around and"
Both instances of "he" refer to the proconsul.
A proconsul was a governor in charge of a Roman province. Alternate translation: "the governor"
"he believed in Jesus"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the teaching about the Lord amazed him"
Verse 13 gives background information about this part of the story. "Paul and his friends" were Barnabas and John Mark
This is a new part of the story about Paul in Antioch in Pisidia.
This marks the beginning of a new part of the story.
"traveled by sailboat from Paphos"
"arrived in Perga, which is in Pamphylia"
"But John Mark left Paul and Barnabas"
Verse 14 continues to give background information about this part of the story. The word "they" refers to Paul and his friends Barnabas and John Mark
"the city of Antioch in the district of Pisidia." This is different from the city of Antioch that Paul and Barnabas left at the beginning of the chapter.
The word "them" refers to Paul and his friends Barnabas and John Mark.
The "law and the prophets" refer to parts of the Jewish scriptures which were read. Alternate translation: "After someone read from the books of the law and the writings of the prophets"
"told someone to say to them" or "asked someone to say to them"
The term "brothers" is here used by the people in the synagogue to refer to Paul and Barnabas as fellow Jews.
"if you want to say anything to encourage us"
or "exhortation"
"please speak it" or "please tell it to us"
The words "he" and "his" refer to Paul. The word "you" is plural.
Paul begins his speech to those in the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch. He begins by talking about things that happened in Israel's history.
This could refer to moving his hands as a signal that he was ready to speak. Alternate translation: "moved his hands to show that he was about to speak"
This refers to Gentiles who had converted to Judaism. "you who are not Israelites but who worship God"
"God, listen to me" or "God, listen to what I am about to say"
The word "our" includes the speaker and the hears and so is plural. The words "they" and "them" refer to "the people." The word "he" refers to God.
"The God the people of Israel worship"
"our ancestors"
"caused the people to become very numerous"
This refers to God's mighty power. Alternate translation: "with great power"
"out from the land of Egypt"
"God tolerated the people of Israel." This means "he tolerated them." Some versions have have a different word that means "he took care of them." Alternate translation: "God endured their disobedience" or "God took care of them"
Here both instances of "he" refer to God. The word "our" refers to Paul and his audience.
Here the word "nations" refers to different people groups and not to lands with geographical boundaries.
The word "them" refers to the people of Israel.
"took more than 450 years to accomplish"
"until the time of the prophet Samuel"
king for forty years
"their king for forty years" or "king, and he reigned over them for forty years"
The quotation here is from Old Testament.
This expression means God caused Saul to stop being king. Alternate translation: "rejected Saul from being king"
"God chose David to be their king"
"the king of Israel" or "the king over the Israelites"
"God gave this testimony about David:"
"I have observed that David ... is"
This expression means "a man who wants what I want."
"From David's descendants." This is placed at the beginning of the sentence to emphasize that the savior had to be one of David's descendants (Acts 13:22).
This refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "gave to the people of Israel"
"just as God promised he would do"
You can translate the word "repentance" as the verb "repent." Alternate translation: "that all the people of Israel who wanted to repent of their sin needed to have him baptize them"
John asked this question to compel the people to think about who he was. Alternate translation: "Think about who I am."
John was referring to the Messiah, whom they were expecting to come. Alternate translation: "I am not the Messiah"
This emphasizes the importance of what he will say next.
This also refers to the Messiah. Alternate translation: "The Messiah will soon come"
"I am not worthy even to untie his sandals." The Messiah is so much greater than John that he did not even feel worthy do the lowest job for him.
Here the word "us" includes Paul and his entire audience in the synagogue.
Possible meanings are 1) this is a list with three items, and Paul is addressing three groups of people together, or 2) the phrases "children of the offspring of Abraham" and "those among you who fear God" refer to the two groups of people whom Paul addresses as "brothers."
These words refer specifically to Gentiles who worshiped in the synagogue and obeyed much of the law of Moses but had not been circumcised.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has sent the message about this salvation"
The word "salvation" can be translated with the verb "save." Alternate translation: "that God will save people"
The word "they" and "their" refers to the Jews who lived in Jerusalem.
"did not realize that this man Jesus was the one whom God had sent to save them"
Here the word "voices" is a metonym for the message that the voices spoke. Alternate translation: "the writings of the prophets" or "the messages of the prophets"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which someone reads"
Here the word "they" refers to the Jewish people and their religious leaders in Jerusalem. The word him" here refers to Jesus.
It is implied that they found no legal reason for Jesus to be put to death. Alternate translation: "they found no legal reason for Jesus to be killed" or "they found no legal reason to kill Jesus"
"When they did to Jesus all the things that the prophets said would happen to him"
It may be helpful to explicitly say Jesus died before this happened. Alternate translation: "they killed Jesus and then took him down from the cross after he died"
"from the cross." This was another way people at that time referred to the cross.
"But" indicates a strong contrast between what the people did and what God did.
"raised him from among those who were dead." To be with "the dead" means to be dead. To raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: "caused him to live again"
From among all those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld. To raise someone from among them speaks of making that person alive again.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The disciples who traveled with Jesus ... Jeruaslem saw him for many days"
We know from other writings that this period was 40 days. Translate "many days" with a term that would be appropriate for that length of time.
"are now testifying to the people about Jesus" or "are now telling the people about Jesus"
This word marks an event that happened because of previous event. In this case, the previous event is God's raising Jesus from the dead.
"our ancestors." Paul is still speaking to the Jews and Gentile converts in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia. These were the physical ancestors of the Jews, and the spiritual ancestors of the converts.
You may need to rearrange the parts of this sentence, which begins in verse 32. "God has fulfilled for us, their children, the promise that he made to our fathers, by raising up Jesus"
"for us, who are the children of our ancestors." Paul is still speaking to the Jews and Gentile converts in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia. These ancestors were the physical ancestors of the Jews and the spiritual ancestors of the converts.
Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: "by making Jesus alive again"
"This is what was written in the second Psalm"
"Psalm 2"
These are important titles that describe the relationship between Jesus and God.
The quotation is from the prophet Isaiah.
"God has spoken in this way that he raised him up from the dead never to return to decay" "God used these words to say that he raised him up from the dead, and so he would never die again"
All those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld. To come back from among them speaks of becoming alive again.
"and he will never die again"
God has said using these words
"certain blessings"
Paul's audience would have understood that this Psalm refers to the Messiah. Alternate translation: "In another Psalm of David, he also says about the Messiah"
"David also says." David is the author of Psalm 16, from which this quotation is taken.
The phrase "see decay" is a metonym for "decay." Alternate translation: "You will not allow the body of your Holy One to rot"
David is speaking to God here.
"during his lifetime"
"did what God wanted him to do" or "did what pleased God"
This was a polite way to refer to death. Alternate translation: "he died"
"was buried with his ancestors who had died"
The phrase "his body experienced decay" is a less direct way of saying "his body decayed" or "his body rotted."
"Jesus, whom God raised up, experienced"
Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: "God caused to live again"
The phrase "experienced no decay" is a way to say "his body did not decay." Alternate translation: "did not rot"
"know this" or "this is important for you to know"
Paul uses this term because they are his fellow Jews and followers of Judaism. They are not Christian believers at this point. Alternate translation: "my fellow Israelites and other friends"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that we proclaim to you that your sins can be forgiven through Jesus"
The abstract noun "forgiveness" can be translated with the verb "to forgive." Alternate translation: "that God can forgive your sins"
"But God makes righteous everyone who believes in this man"
Here "this man" refers to Jesus Christ.
It is implied that the thing they should be careful about is Paul's message. Alternate translation: "give close attention to the things I have said"
"so that what the prophets spoke about"
In his message to the people in the synagogue, Paul quotes the prophet Habakkuk. Here the word "I" refers to God.
Paul finishes his speech in the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch, which he began in Acts 13:16.
"you who feel contempt" or "you who ridicule"
"be amazed" or "be shocked"
"then die"
"am doing something" or "am doing a great deed"
"during your lifetime"
"days. I am doing something that"
"even if someone tells you about it"
"When Paul and Barnabas were leaving"
"begged them to"
Here "words" refers to the message that Paul had spoken. Alternate translation: "this same message"
Possible meanings are 1) this restates "As Paul and Barnabas left" in verse 42 or 2) Paul and Barnabas left the meeting before it ended and this occurs later.
These were non-Jewish people who converted to Judaism.
"and Paul and Barnabas were speaking to those people and persuading them"
It is implied that they believed Paul's message that Jesus was the Messiah. Alternate translation: "to continue to trust that God kindly forgives people's sins because of what Jesus did"
The "city" represents the people in the city. This phrase is used to show the great response to the Lord's word. Alternate translation: "almost all the people of the city were"
It is implied that Paul and Barnabas were the ones who spoke the word of the Lord. Alternate translation: "to hear Paul and Barnabas speak about the Lord Jesus"
Here the word "him" refers to Paul.
Here "Jews" represents Jewish leaders. Alternate translation: "the Jewish leaders"
Here envy is spoken of as if it were something that could fill up a person. Alternate translation: "became very envious"
"contradicted" or "opposed"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the things that Paul said"
Both instances of the word "you" and the word "yourselves" refer to the Jews to whom Paul is speaking and so are plural. The word "we" refers to Paul and Barnabas but not the crowd that was present.
This implies that God had commanded this be done. Alternate translation: "God commanded"
This can be stated in active form. "Word of God" here is a synecdoche for "message from God." Alternate translation: "that we speak the message from God to you first" or "that we speak the word of God to you first"
Their rejection of the word of God is spoken of as if it were something they pushed away. Alternate translation: "Since you reject the word of God"
"have shown that you are not worthy of eternal life" or "act as though you are not worthy of eternal life"
"we will go to the Gentiles." Paul and Barnabas were implying that they would preach to the Gentiles. Alternate translation: "we will leave you and start preaching to the Gentiles"
The word "us" refers to Paul and Barnabas but not the crowd that was present, so it is exclusive.
Both instances of "you" here are singular, but when Paul said, "... the Lord commanded us," Paul was applying those singular words to both himself and Barnabas. The words in the quotation were originally spoken by God through Isaiah the prophet to God's servant. By quoting Isaiah's prophecy, Paul was saying that he and Barnabas were doing what God commanded his servant to do. Paul was not saying that God had spoken directly to him.
Here the truth about Jesus that Paul was preaching is spoken of as if it were a light that allowed people to see.
The abstract word "salvation" can be translated with the verb "to save." The phrase "uttermost parts" refers to everywhere. Alternate translation: "tell people everywhere in the world that I want to save them"
Here "word" refers to the message about Jesus that they had believed. Alternate translation: "glorified God for the message about the Lord Jesus" or "glorified the Lord for his word"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "As many as God appointed to eternal life" or "All the people whom God had chosen to receive eternal life"
Here "word" refers to the message about Jesus. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Those who believed spread the word of the Lord through the whole region" or "Those who believed went everywhere in the region and told others about the message of Jesus"
This probably refers to the leaders of the Jews. Alternate translation: "the Jewish leaders"
This means that they spoke to the women and men and caused them to be angry and act violently. Alternate translation: "stirred up ... women ... and ... men"
The word "devout" means that these women feared God. The phrase "of high standing" means that people respected these women.
"the most important men"
The word "they" here probably refers to the devout women and the leading men. They listened to the Jews and then convinced the rest of the people in the city to persecute the apostles and throw them out.
"made Paul and Barnabas leave their land"
Here this word refers to the area that the people of the city considered their own, not to land within an official government border.
Here the word "they" refers to Paul and Barnabas.
Paul and Barnabas end their time in Antioch of Pisidia and go to Iconium.
This was a symbolic act to indicate to the unbelieving people that God had rejected them and would punish them.
This probably refers to the new believers in the Antioch of Pisidia that Paul and Silas just left.
1 It came about in Iconium that Paul and Barnabas entered together into the synagogue of the Jews and spoke in such a way that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed. 2 But the Jews who were disobedient stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and made them bitter against the brothers. 3 So they stayed there for a long time, speaking boldly with the Lord's power, while he gave evidence about the message of his grace. He did this by granting signs and wonders to be done by the hands of Paul and Barnabas. 4 But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews, others with the apostles. 5 Both Gentiles and Jews (together with their leaders) made an attempt to mistreat them and to stone them, 6 but as soon as they learned about this, they fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and the surrounding region, 7 where they continued to proclaim the gospel.
8 At Lystra a certain man sat, powerless in his feet, a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked. 9 This man heard Paul speaking. Paul fixed his eyes on him and saw that he had faith to be made well. 10 So he said to him in a loud voice, "Stand up on your feet." Then the man jumped up and walked around.
11 When the multitude saw what Paul had done, they raised their voice, saying in the dialect of Lycaonia, "The gods have become like men and come down to us." 12 They called Barnabas "Zeus," and Paul "Hermes," because he was the main speaker. 13 The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought oxen and wreaths to the gates; he and the multitudes wanted to offer sacrifice. 14 But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they tore their clothing and quickly went out into the crowd, crying out, 15 "Men, why are you doing these things? We also are human beings, with the same nature as you. We are telling you good news that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything that is in them. 16 In the past ages, he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. 17 But still, he did not leave himself without witness, in that he did good and gave you the rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness." 18 Even with these words, Paul and Barnabas barely kept the multitudes from sacrificing to them.
19 But some Jews from Antioch and Iconium came and persuaded the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, thinking that he was dead. 20 Yet as the disciples were standing around him, he got up and entered the city. The next day, he went to Derbe with Barnabas. 21 After they had proclaimed the gospel in that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch. 22 They kept strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith, saying, "We must enter into the kingdom of God through many tribulations." 23 When they had appointed for them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed. 24 Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. 25 When they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. 26 From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work which they had now completed. 27 When they arrived in Antioch and gathered the church together, they reported all the things that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith for the Gentiles. 28 They stayed for a long time with the disciples.
The message of Jesus is the message that God will show grace to those who believe in Jesus. (See: grace and believe)
The Gentiles in the Roman Empire worshiped many different false gods who do not really exist. Paul and Barnabas told them to believe in the "living God." (See: falsegod)
Jesus told his followers before he died that everyone who followed him would suffer persecution. Paul is saying the same thing using different words.
The story of Paul and Barnabas in Iconium continues.
Possible meanings here are 1) "It happened in Iconium that" or 2) "In Iconium, as usual,"
"spoke so powerfully." It may be helpful to state that they spoke the message about Jesus. Alternate translation: "spoke the message about Jesus so powerfully"
This refers to the portion of the Jews who did not believe the message about Jesus.
Causing the Gentiles to become angry is spoken of as if calm waters were disturbed.
Here the word "minds" refers to the people. Alternate translation: "the Gentiles"
Here "brothers" refers to Paul and Barnabas and the new believers.
Here the words "he," "his," and "He" refer to the Lord.
"Nevertheless they stayed there." Paul and Barnabas stayed in Iconium to help the many people who had believed in Acts 14:1. "So" could be omitted if it adds confusion to the text.
"demonstrated that the message about his grace was true"
"about the message of the Lord's grace"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "by enabling Paul and Barnabas to perform signs and wonders"
Here "hands" refers to the will and effort of these two men as guided by the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: "by the ministry of Paul and Barnabas"
"the people of the city disagreed with each other"
"supported the Jews" or "agreed with the Jews." The first group mentioned did not agree with the message about grace.
The second group mentioned agreed with the message about grace. It may be helpful to restate the verb. Alternate translation: "sided with the apostles"
Luke refers to Paul and Barnabas. Here "apostle" might be used in the general sense of "ones sent out."
Here the words "made an attempt" implies that they were not able to mistreat Paul and Barnabas before Paul and Barnabas left the city.
"to beat Paul and Barnabas and to kill them by throwing stones at them"
A district in Asia Minor
A city in Asia Minor south of Iconium and north of Derbe
A city in Asia Minor south of Iconium and Lystra
Here the word "they" refers to Paul and Barnabas.
"where Paul and Barnabas continued to proclaim the good news"
Paul and Barnabas are now in Lystra.
This introduces a new person in the story.
"unable to move his legs" or "unable to walk on his feet"
"having been born as a cripple"
person who cannot walk
The words "him" and "he" refer to the crippled man.
"Paul looked straight at him"
The abstract noun "faith" can be translated with the verb "believe." Alternate translation: "believed that Jesus could heal him" or "believed that Jesus could make him well"
"Paul said to the crippled man"
"leaped in the air." This implies that his legs were completely healed.
This refers to Paul's healing the crippled man.
To raise the voice is to speak loudly. Alternate translation: "they spoke loudly"
"in their own Lycaonian language." The people of Lystra spoke Lycaonian and also Greek.
These people believed that the gods needed to change their appearance in order to look like men. A large number of people believed Paul and Barnabas were their pagan gods who had come down from heaven. Alternate translation: "The gods have come down from heaven to us in the form of men"
The people of Iconium probably considered Zeus to be the king over all the other pagan gods.
The people of Iconium probably considered Hermes to be the pagan god who brought messages to people from Zeus and the other gods.
It may be helpful to include additional information about the priest. Alternate translation: "There was a temple just outside the city where the people worshiped Zeus. When the priest who served in the temple heard what Paul and Barnabas had done, he brought"
The oxen were to be sacrificed. The wreaths were either to crown Paul and Barnabas, or put on the oxen for sacrifice.
The gates of the cities were often used as a meeting place for the people of the city.
"wanted to offer sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas as the gods Zeus and Hermes"
Luke is here probably using "apostle" in the general sense of "one sent out."
This was a symbolic action to show that they were deeply distressed and upset that the crowd wanted to sacrifice to them.
Barnabas and Paul are rebuking the people for trying to sacrifice to them. Alternate translation: "Men, you must not do these things!"
"worshiping us"
By this statement, Barnabas and Paul are saying that they are not gods. Alternate translation: "We are just human beings like you. We are not gods"
"like you in every way"
"telling you good news: you can turn" or "giving you good advice to turn." That is, the good news is that they can and should turn.
Here "turn from ... to" is a metaphor meaning to stop doing one thing and start doing something else. Alternate translation: "stop worshiping these false gods that cannot help you, and instead begin to worship the living God"
"the God who truly exists" or "the God who lives"
"In previous times" or "Until now"
Walking in a way, or walking on a path, is a metaphor for living one's life. Alternate translation: "to live their lives the way they wanted to" or "to do whatever they wanted to do"
Paul and Barnabas continue speaking to the crowd outside the city of Lystra (Acts 14:8).
This could also be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "God has certainly left a witness" or "God has indeed testified"
"as shown by the fact that"
Here "your hearts" refers to the people. Alternate translation: "giving you enough to eat and things about which to be happy"
Paul and Barnabas stopped the multitude from sacrificing to them, but it was difficult to do so.
"had difficulty preventing"
Here the words "he" and "him" refer to Paul.
It my be helpful to explicitly state what they persuaded the crowd to do. Alternate translation: "persuaded the people not to believe Paul and Barnabas, and to turn against them"
This may not be the same group as the "multitude" in the previous verse. Some time had passed, and this might be a different group that gathered together.
"because they thought that he was already dead"
These were new believers in the city of Lystra.
"Paul re-entered Lystra with the believers"
"Paul and Barnabas went to the city of Derbe"
Here both instances of "they" refer to Paul and Barnabas.
"Derbe" (Acts 14:20)
Here the words "they" refer to Paul and Barnabas, and the word "We" includes Paul, Barnabas, and the disciples. The word "them" refers to the disciples.
Here "souls" refers to the disciples. This emphasizes their inner thoughts and beliefs. Alternate translation: "Paul and Barnabas urged the believers to continue to believe the message about Jesus" or "Paul and Barnabas urged the believers to continue to grow strong in their relationship with Jesus
"encouraging the believers to keep trusting in Jesus"
Some version translate this as an indirect quote, "saying that we must enter into the kingdom of God through many tribulations." The word "we" here includes Luke and the readers.
Paul includes his hearers, so the word "we" is inclusive.
"Paul and Barnabas had appointed for the believers"
Possible meanings are 1) "Paul and Barnabas entrusted the elders they had appointed ... the elders had believed" or 2) "Paul and Barnabas entrusted the elders they had appointed and the other disciples ... the elders and other disciples had believed"
The word "they" refers to Paul and Barnabas.
Both instances of "they" refer to Paul and Barnabas.
"Word" here is a metonym for "message of God." Alternate translation: "had spoken the message of God"
The phrase "went down" is used here because Attalia is lower in elevation than Perga.
This can be stated in the active form. Alternate translation: "where believers and leaders in Antioch had committed Paul and Barnabas to the grace of God" or "where the people of Antioch prayed that God would care for and protect Paul and Barnabas"
Here the words "they," "them," and "They" refer to Paul and Barnabas. The word "he" refers to God.
"called the local believers to meet together"
God's enabling the Gentiles to believe is spoken of as if he had opened a door that had prevented them from entering into faith. Alternate translation: "God had made it possible for the Gentiles to believe"
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1 Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and taught the brothers, saying, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." 2 This brought Paul and Barnabas into a sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas, along with some others from among them, were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles and elders about this question. 3 They therefore, being sent by the church, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria and announced the conversion of the Gentiles. They brought great joy to all the brothers. 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all the things that God had done with them. 5 But certain men who believed, who belonged to the group of Pharisees, stood up and said, "It is necessary to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses." 6 So the apostles and the elders gathered together to consider this matter.
7 After much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, "Brothers, you know that a good while ago God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. 8 God, who knows the heart, has testified to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us. 9 He made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore why do you test God, that you should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they were."
12 All the multitude kept silent while they listened to Barnabas and Paul report the signs and wonders God had worked among the Gentiles through them. 13 After they stopped speaking, James answered, saying,
"Brothers, listen to me. 14 Simon has told how God first graciously helped the Gentiles in order to take from them a people for his name. 15 The words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written,
16 'After these things I will return,
and I will build again the tabernacle of David,
which has fallen down;
I will set up and restore its ruins again,
17 so that the remnant of men may seek the Lord,
including all the Gentiles called by my name.'
18 This is what the Lord says,
who has done these things
that have been known from ancient times. [1]
19 Therefore, I have decided that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God. 20 But we will write to them that they must keep away from the pollution of idols, from sexual immorality, and from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood. 21 For Moses has been proclaimed in every city from ancient generations and he is preached in the synagogues every Sabbath."
22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, who were leaders of the brothers, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas.
23 They wrote this with their hands,
"From the apostles and elders, your brothers,
to the Gentile brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:
Greetings!
24 Because we have heard that certain men have gone out from us, with no orders from us, and have disturbed you with words that upset your souls, 25 it seemed good to us, who have come to one mind, to choose men and to send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas, who will report to you the same things in their own words. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: 29 that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, blood, things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you avoid these things, you will do well.
Farewell."
30 So they, when they were dismissed, came down to Antioch; after they gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. 31 When they had read it, they rejoiced because of the encouragement. 32 Judas and Silas, also prophets, encouraged the brothers with many words and strengthened them. 33 After they had spent some time there, they were sent away in peace from the brothers to those who had sent them. 34[2]35 But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching (along with many others) the word of the Lord.
36 After some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us return now and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are." 37 Barnabas wanted to also take with them John, who was called Mark. 38 But Paul thought it was not good to take Mark, who had left them in Pamphylia and did not go further with them in the work. 39 Then there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. 40 But Paul chose Silas and left, after he was entrusted by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 Then he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 15:16-17.
The meeting that Luke describes in this chapter is commonly called the "Jerusalem Council." This was a time when many church leaders got together to decide if believers needed to obey the whole law of Moses.
In this chapter Luke begins to use the word "brothers" to refer to fellow Christians instead of fellow Jews.
Some believers wanted the Gentiles to be circumcised because God had told Abraham and Moses that everyone who wanted to belong to him had to be circumcised and that this was "an everlasting covenant." But Paul and Barnabas had seen God give uncircumcised Gentiles the gift of the Holy Spirit, so they did not want the Gentiles to be circumcised. Both groups went to Jerusalem to have the church leaders decide what they should do.
It is possible that the church leaders decided on these laws so that Jews and Gentiles could not only live together but eat the same foods together.
Paul and Barnabas are still in Antioch when there is a dispute about the Gentiles and circumcision.
"Some men." You can make explicit that these men were Jews who believed in Christ.
The phrase "came down" is used here because Judea is higher in elevation than Antioch.
Here "brothers" stands for believers in Christ. It is implied that they were in Antioch. Alternate translation: "taught the believers at Antioch" or "were teaching the believers at Antioch"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Unless someone circumcises you according to the custom of Moses, God cannot save you" or "God will not save you from your sins unless you receive circumcision according to the law of Moses"
The abstract nouns "sharp dispute" and "debate" can be stated as verbs and where the men came from can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "... had confronted and debated with the men from Judea"
Jerusalem was higher than almost any other place in Israel, so it was normal for Israelites to speak of going up to Jerusalem.
"this issue"
Both instances of "They" here refer to Paul, Barnabas, and certain others (Acts 15:2).
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Therefore the community of believers sent them from Antioch to Jerusalem"
The words "passed through" and "announced" indicate they spent some time in different places sharing in detail what God was doing.
The abstract noun "conversion" means the Gentiles were rejecting their false gods and believing in God. Alternate translation: "announced to the community of believers in those places that Gentiles were believing in God"
Their message causing the brothers to be joyful is spoken of as if "joy" were an object that they brought to the brothers. Alternate translation: "What they said caused their fellow believers to rejoice"
Here "brothers" refers to fellow believers.
All instances of "they" and "them" here refer to Paul, Barnabas, and certain others (Acts 15:2).
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the apostles, the elders, and the rest of the community of believers welcomed them"
"through them"
Here the word "them" refers to non-Jewish believers who were not circumcised and did not keep the Old Testament laws of God.
Paul and Barnabas are now in Jerusalem to meet with the apostles and elders there.
Here Luke contrasts those who believe that salvation is only in Jesus to others who believe salvation is by Jesus but also believe that circumcision is required for salvation.
"to obey the law of Moses"
The church leaders decided to discuss whether or not Gentiles needed to be circumcised and obey the law of Moses in order for God to save them from their sins.
The word "them" refers to apostles and elders
Peter begins to speak to the apostles and elders who met to discuss whether Gentiles had to receive circumcision and keep the law (Acts 15:5-6).
Peter is addressing all of the believers who are present.
Here "mouth" refers to Peter. Alternate translation: "from me" or "by me"
"the Gentiles would hear"
Here "word" stands for a message. Alternate translation: "the message about Jesus"
The word "them" refers to the Gentiles, and both instances of "you" are plural.
Here "heart" refers to the "minds" or "inner beings." Alternate translation: "who knows the people's minds" or "who knows what people think"
"has testified to the Gentiles"
"causing the Holy Spirit to come upon them"
The word "he" refers to God, the word "us" refers to the speaker and the hearers, and the word "them" refers to the Gentiles.
God did not treat Jewish believers differently from Gentile believers.
God's forgiving the Gentile believers' sins is spoken of as though he cleaned their hearts. Here "heart" stands for the person's inner being. Alternate translation: "forgiving their sins because they believe in Jesus"
Peter includes his audience by his use of "our" and "we."
This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
Peter uses a question with a word picture to tell the Jewish believers they should not require the non-Jewish believers to perform circumcision to be saved. Alternate translation: "Do not test God by putting a burden on the non-Jewish believers which we Jews were not able to bear!"
This refers to their Jewish ancestors.
Peter finishes speaking to the apostles and elders.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But we believe the Lord Jesus will save us by his grace, just as he saved the non-Jewish believers"
Here the word "them" refers to Paul and Barnabas.
"Everyone" or "The whole group" (Acts 15:6)
"God had done" or "God had caused"
Here the word "they" refers to Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:12).
James begins to speak to the apostles and elders (Acts 15:6).
"Fellow believers, listen." James was probably speaking only to men.
"so that he might choose from among them a people"
"for God's name." Here "name" refers to God. Alternate translation: "for himself"
James quotes the prophet Amos from the Old Testament.
Here "words" stands for a message. Alternate translation: "What the prophets said agrees" or "The prophets agree"
"confirm this truth"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as they wrote" or "as the prophet Amos wrote long ago"
Here "I" refers to God, who spoke through the words of his prophet.
This speaks of God's again choosing one of David's descendants to rule over his people as though he were setting up a tent again after it fell down.
Here the word "tabernacle," a dwelling place, stands for David's family. The same word is used for the tent that Yahweh told Moses to construct.
This speaks about people wanting to obey God and learn more about him as if they were literally looking for him.
Here "men" includes males and females. Alternate translation: "remnant of people"
God is speaking about himself in the third person. Alternate translation: "may seek me, the Lord"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "including all the Gentiles who belong to me"
Here "my name" stands for God.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that people have known"
Here "we" includes James, the apostles, and the elders.
You can make explicit in what way James does not want to trouble the Gentiles. Alternate translation: "we should not require the Gentiles to become circumcised and obey the laws of Moses"
A person who starts obeying God is spoken of as if the person is physically turning towards God.
Sexual immorality, strangling animals, and consuming blood were often part of ceremonies to worship idols and false gods.
This possibly refers to eating the meat of an animal that someone has sacrificed to an idol or to anything to do with idol worship.
God did not allow Jews to eat meat that still had the blood in it. Also, even earlier in Moses's writings in Genesis, God had forbidden the drinking of blood. Therefore, they could not eat an animal that someone strangled because the blood was not properly drained from the body of the animal.
James finishes speaking to the apostles and elders. (See: Acts 15:2 and Acts 15:13)
James is implying that Gentiles know how important these rules are because Jews preach them in every city where there is a synagogue. It also implies the Gentiles can go to the teachers from the synagogues to learn more about these rules.
Here "Moses" represents the law of Moses, and so does "he." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The law of Moses has been proclaimed ... the law is read" or "Jews have taught the law of Moses ... they read the law"
The word "every" here is a generalization. Alternate translation: "in many cities"
Here the word "them" refers to Judas and Silas.
This is the name of a man. "Barsabbas" is a second name that people called him.
The word "brothers" here refers to the people there who believed in Jesus. Alternate translation: "leaders of the believers" or "leaders of the church"
One or more of the apostles and elders wrote the letter and gave it to Judas and Silas so Judas and Silas could give it to the Gentile brothers.
This is the introduction of the letter. Your language may have a way of introducing the author of the letter and to whom it is written. Alternate translation: "This letter is from your brothers, the apostles and elders. We are writing to you Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. Greetings to you" or "To our Gentile brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. Greetings from the apostles and elders, your brothers"
Here the word "brothers" refers to fellow believers. By using these words, the apostles and elders assure the Gentile believers that they accept them as fellow believers.
This is the name of a province on the coast in Asia Minor north of the Island of Cyprus.
Here all instances of "we" and "us" refer to the writers but not the readers
"that some men"
"even though we gave no orders for them to go"
Here "souls" refers to the people. Alternate translation: "taught things that have troubled you"
Here the words "us" and "our" refer to the writers but not the readers
"who are now agree completely"
This phrase translates a word that speaks of people who agree with each other and who work together to accomplish a common purpose.
The men they sent were Judas, who was called Barsabbas, and Silas (Acts 15:22).
These words refer to Barnabas and Paul, not to Judas and Silas.
Here "name" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "because they believe in our Lord Jesus Christ" or "because they serve our Lord Jesus Christ"
Here the word "we" refers to the writers of the letter [Acts 15:22]
This phrase emphasizes that Judas and Silas will say the same things that the apostles and elders had written. Alternate translation: "who themselves will tell you the same things about which we have written"
Here the word "us" refers to the writers of the letter [Acts 15:22]
This speaks about laws that people need to obey as if they were objects that people carry on their shoulders.
This concludes the letter from the Jerusalem church to the Gentile believers in Antioch.
This means they are not allowed to eat the meat of an animal that someone sacrifices to an idol.
This refers to drinking blood or eating meat from which the blood has not been drained.
A strangled animal was killed but its blood was not drained.
This announces the end of the letter. Alternate translation: "Goodbye"
Paul, Barnabas, Judas, and Silas leave for Antioch.
The word "they" refers to Paul, Barnabas, Judas, and Silas. Alternate translation: "So when the four men were dismissed, they came down to Antioch"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when the apostles and elders dismissed the four men" or "when the believers in Jerusalem sent them"
The phrase "came down" is used here because Antioch is lower in elevation than Jerusalem.
"the believers in Antioch rejoiced"
The abstract noun "encouragement" can be expressed with the verb "encourage." Alternate translation: "because what the apostles and elders wrote encouraged them"
Prophets were teachers authorized by God to speak for him. Alternate translation: "because they were prophets" or "who were also prophets"
"the fellow believers"
Judas and Silas' helping them to depend even more on Jesus is spoken of as if they were making them physically stronger.
Judas and Silas return to Jerusalem while Paul and Barnabas remain in Antioch.
This speaks about time as if it were a commodity that a person could spend. The word "they" refers to Judas and Silas. Alternate translation: "After they stayed there for a while"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the brothers sent Judas and Silas back in peace"
This refers to the believers in Antioch.
"to the believers in Jerusalem who sent Judas and Silas" (Acts 15:22)
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Here "word" stands for a message. Alternate translation: "the message about the Lord"
"I suggest we now return"
"care for the brothers" or "offer to help the believers"
Here "word" stands for the message. Alternate translation: "the message about the Lord"
"learn how they are doing." They want to learn about the current condition of the brothers and how they are holding on to God's truth.
"to take John, who was also called Mark"
The words "not good" are used to say the opposite of good. Alternate translation: "Paul thought that taking Mark would be bad"
This was a province in Asia Minor. See how you translated this in Acts 2:10.
"did not continue to work with them then" or "did not continue to serve with them"
Here the word "they" refers to Barnabas and Paul.
The abstract noun "disagreement" can be stated as the verb "disagree." Alternate translation: "They strongly disagreed with each other"
To entrust to someone means to place the care and responsibility for someone or something to another person. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "after the believers in Antioch entrusted Paul to the grace of the Lord" or "after the believers in Antioch prayed for the Lord to take care of Paul and show kindness to him"
The previous sentence implies that Silas was with Paul. Alternate translation: "they went" or "Paul and Silas went" or "Paul took Silas and went"
These are provinces or areas in Asia Minor, near the island of Cyprus.
Encouraging the believers in the churches is spoken of as though Paul and Silas were making the believers physically stronger. The word "churches" refers to the groups of believers in Syria and Cilicia. Alternate translation: "encouraging the believers in the churches" or "helping the community of believers to depend even more in Jesus"
1 Paul also came to Derbe and to Lystra, and behold, a certain disciple named Timothy was there, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brothers who were at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted him to travel with him, so he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews that were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 As they were going along through the cities, they were passing along the decrees to obey that were decided on by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith and increased in number daily.
6 Paul and his companions went through the regions of Phrygia and Galatia, since they had been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came near Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus prevented them. 8 So passing by Mysia, they came down to the city of Troas. 9 A vision appeared to Paul in the night: A man of Macedonia was standing there, begging him and saying, "Come over into Macedonia and help us." 10 When Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
11 Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day we came to Neapolis. 12 From there we went to Philippi, which is a city of Macedonia, the most important city in the district and a Roman colony, and we stayed in this city for several days.
13 On the Sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we thought there would be a place of prayer. We sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 14 A certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God, listened to us. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. 15 When she and her house were baptized, she pleaded with us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay in my house." And she persuaded us.
16 It came about that, as we were going to the place of prayer, a certain slave girl who had a spirit of divination encountered us. She brought her masters much gain by fortunetelling. 17 This woman followed after Paul and us and shouted, saying, "These men are servants of the Most High God. They proclaim to you the way of salvation." 18 She did this for many days. But Paul, being greatly annoyed by her, turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out at that same hour.
19 When her masters saw that their hope of profit was now gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the authorities. 20 When they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, "These men are causing trouble in our city. They are Jews. 21 They proclaim customs that are not lawful for Romans to accept or practice."
22 Then the crowd rose up together against Paul and Silas; the magistrates tore their garments off them and commanded them to be beaten with rods. 23 When they had laid many blows upon them, they threw them into prison and commanded the jailer to guard them securely. 24 After he got this command, the jailer threw them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's chains were unfastened. 27 The jailer was awakened from sleep and saw the open prison doors; he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, because he thought that the prisoners had escaped.
28 But Paul shouted with a loud voice, saying, "Do not harm yourself, because we are all here."
29 The jailer called for lights and rushed in and, trembling for fear, fell down before Paul and Silas, 30 and brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
31 They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." 32 They spoke the word of the Lord to him, together with everyone in his house. 33 Then the jailer took them at the same hour of the night, and washed their wounds, and he and those in his entire house were baptized immediately. 34 Then as he brought Paul and Silas up into his house and he set food before them, he rejoiced greatly with those of his house, that he had believed in God.
35 Now when it was day, the magistrates sent word to the guards, saying, "Let those men go."
36 The jailer reported the words to Paul, saying, "The magistrates have sent word to me to let you go. Now therefore come out, and go in peace."
37 But Paul said to them, "They have publicly beaten us without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens—and they threw us into prison. Do they now want to send us away secretly? No! Let them come themselves and lead us out."
38 The guards reported these words to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Romans, they were afraid. 39 The magistrates came and apologized to them and brought them out, asking them to go away from the city. 40 So Paul and Silas went out of the prison and came to the house of Lydia. When Paul and Silas saw the brothers, they encouraged them and then departed from the city.
Paul circumcised Timothy because they were telling the message of Jesus to Jews and Gentiles. Paul wanted the Jews to know that he respected the law of Moses even though the church leaders in Jerusalem had decided that Christians did not need to be circumcised.
Most people want very much to know the future, but the law of Moses said that speaking with the spirits of dead people to learn about the future is a sin. This woman seems to have been able to tell the future very well. She was a slave, and her masters made much money from her work. Paul wanted her to stop sinning, so he told the spirit to leave her. Luke does not say that she began to follow Jesus or tell us anything more about her.
This continues the missionary journeys of Paul with Silas. Timothy is introduced into the story and joins Paul and Silas. Verses 1 and 2 give background information about Timothy.
Here "came" can be translated as "went."
This is the name of a city in Asia Minor. See how you translated it in Acts 14:6.
The word "behold" alerts us to a new person in the narrative. Your language may have a way of doing this.
The words "in Christ" are understood. Alternate translation: "who was a believer in Christ" or "who believed in Christ"
This can be stated in active from. Alternate translation: "The brothers spoke well of him" or "Timothy had a good reputation among the brothers" or "The brothers said good things about him"
Here "brothers" refers to believers. Alternate translation: "by the believers"
"wanted Timothy ... took Timothy ... circumcised Timothy ... Timothy's father"
"with Paul ... Paul took"
It is possible that Paul himself circumcised Timothy, but it is more likely that he had someone else circumcise Timothy.
"because of the Jews living in the areas where Paul and Timothy would be traveling"
Since Greek men did not have their sons circumcised, the Jews would have known Timothy was not circumcised, and they would have rejected Paul and Timothy before hearing their message about Christ.
The word "they" here refers to Paul, Silas (Acts 15:40), and Timothy (Acts 16:3).
"the decrees for the church members to obey" or "teh decrees for the believers to obey"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the apostles and elders in Jerusalem had decided on"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the believers became stronger in their faith, and there were more and more people becoming believers every day"
This speaks of helping someone to believe more confidently as if it were making them physically stronger.
This is a region in Asia. See how you translated this name in Acts 2:10.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Holy Spirit had forbidden them" or "the Holy Spirit did not permit them"
Here "word" stands for "message." Alternate translation: "the message about Christ"
Here "came" can be translated as "went" or "arrived."
These are two more regions in Asia.
"the Holy Spirit"
The phrase "came down" is used here because Troas is lower in elevation than Mysia.
Here "came" can be translated as "went."
"Paul saw a vision from God" or "Paul had a vision from God"
Or "inviting him."
The phrase "Come over" is used because Macedonia is across the sea from Troas.
Here the words "we" and "us" refer to Paul and his companions, including Luke, the author of Acts.
"we looked for a way to go to Macedonia" or "we prepared to go to Macedonia"
These are coastal cities near Phillipi in Macedonia.
Here "came to" can be translated as "went to" or "arrived at."
This is a city outside of Italy where many people who came from Rome lived. The people there had the same rights and freedoms as people who lived in cities in Italy. They could govern themselves and they did not have to pay taxes.
Paul and his companions are now in Philippi on their missionary trip. The story of Lydia begins here. This short story happens during Paul's travels.
Here "A certain woman" introduces a new person in the story. Alternate translation: "There was a woman named Lydia"
Here "cloth" is understood. Alternate translation: "a merchant who sold purple cloth"
This is the name of a city.
A worshiper of God is a Gentile who gives praise to God and follows him, but does not obey all of the Jewish laws.
For the Lord to cause someone to pay attention and believe a message is spoken of as if he were opening a person's heart. Alternate translation: "The Lord caused her to listen well and to believe"
Here "heart" stands for a person's mind. Also, the author speaks about the "heart" or "mind" as if it were a box that a person could open so it is ready for someone to fill it.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "what Paul said"
The story of Lydia ends here.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When they baptized Lydia and members of her household"
Here "house" represents the people who live in her house. Alternate translation: "the members of her household" or "her family and household servants"
Background information is given here to explain that this young fortune teller brought much financial gain to her masters by guessing people's futures.
This begins the first event in another short story during Paul's travels; it is about a young fortune teller.
This phrase marks the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
The phrase "a certain" introduces a new person to the story. Alternate translation: "there was a slave girl ... who encountered"
An evil spirit spoke to her often about the immediate future of people.
How a person can be saved is spoken of here as if it were a way or path that a person walks on. Alternate translation: "how God can save you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But she greatly annoyed Paul, so he turned around"
Here "name" stands for speaking with the authority or as the representative of Jesus Christ.
"the spirit came out immediately"
"the owners of the slave girl"
Here the word "hope" is the reason for which a person can expect that what he desires will happen. Now that the spirit was gone, the girl's masters could not expect to earn money from the spirit's telling people things. Alternate translation: "their opportunity to make money was now gone" or "they could no longer expect to make money"
It can be stated clearly why they no longer expected to make money. Alternate translation: "she could no longer earn money for them by telling fortunes"
"into the public square." This is a public place of business, where buying and selling of goods, cattle, or services takes place.
"into the presence of the authorities" or "so that the authorities could judge them"
"When they had brought them to the judges"
rulers, judges
Here the word "our" refers to the people of the city and includes the magistrates who ruled it.
"to believe or to obey" or "to accept or to do"
Here the words "their" and "them" refer to Paul and Silas.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "commanded the soldiers to beat them with rods"
"the magistrates had ... upon Paul and Silas, the magistrates threw Paul and Silas ... keep Paul and Silas"
"had hit them many times with rods"
"told the jailer to make sure they did not get out"
a person responsible for all the people held in the jail or prison
"he heard this command"
"securely locked their feet in the stocks"
a piece of wood with holes for preventing a person's feet from moving
The word "them" refers to Paul and Silas.
This continues Paul and Silas' time in Philippi in prison and tells what happens to their jailer.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "earthquake which shook the foundations of the prison"
When the foundations shook, this caused the entire prison to shake.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all the doors opened"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "everyone's chains came loose"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The jailer woke up"
"was ready to kill himself." The jailer preferred to commit suicide rather than suffer the consequences of letting the prisoners escape.
Here the word "we" refers to Paul, Silas, and all of the other prisoners but excludes the jailer.
The reason why the jailer needed light can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "called for someone to bring light so he could see who was still in the prison"
The word "lights" stands for something that makes light. Alternate translation: "for torches" or "for lamps"
"quickly entered the jail"
The jailer humbled himself by bowing down at the feet of Paul and Silas.
"led them outside the jail"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "what must I do for God to save me from my sins"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will save you" or "God will save you from your sins"
Here "house" stands for the people who live in the house. Alternate translation: "all the members of your household" or "your family"
The word "They" refers to Paul and Silas (Acts 16:25), and the word "him" refers to the jailer.
Here "word" stands for a message. Alternate translation: "They told him the message about the Lord Jesus"
The words "them" and "their" refer to Paul and Silas (Acts 16:25), and the words "he" and "his" refer to the jailer.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Paul and Silas immediately baptized the jailer and all the members of his household"
All instances of "he" and "his" refer to the jailer.
This is the last event in the story of Paul and Silas in Philippi (Acts 16:12).
This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here Luke tells the last event in the story that started in Acts 16:16.
Here "word" stands for "message" or "command." Alternate translation: "sent a message to the guards" or "sent a command to the guards"
Here "sent" means the magistrates told someone to go tell the guards their message.
"Release those men" or "Allow those men to leave"
"come outside of the jail"
The word "they" refers to the magistrates. All instances of "we" and "us" refer only to Paul and Silas and so are exclusive.
Probably Paul is speaking to the jailer, but he intends for the jailer to tell the magistrates what he says. Alternate translation: "said to the jailer"
Here "They" refers to the magistrates who commanded their soldiers to beat them. Alternate translation: "The magistrates ordered their soldiers to beat us in public"
"men who are Roman citizens, and they had their soldiers put us in jail though they had not proven in court that we were guilty"
Paul uses a question to emphasize that he will not allow the magistrates to send them out the city in secret after they had mistreated Paul and Silas. Alternate translation: "I will certainly not let them send us out of the city in secret!"
Here "themselves" is used for emphasis.
To be a Roman meant to be a legal citizen of the Empire. Citizenship provided freedom from torture and the right to a fair trial. The city leaders were afraid that more important Roman authorities might learn how the city leaders had mistreated Paul and Silas.
"the magistrates heard ... the magistrates were afraid"
All instances of "them" refer to Paul and Silas.
Here the word "they" refers to Paul and Silas. The word "them" refers to the believers in Philippi.
This is the end of Paul and Silas' time in Philippi.
Here "came" can be translated as "went."
"the home of Lydia"
Here "brothers" refers to believers, whether male or female. Alternate translation: "saw the believers"
1 Now when they had passed through the cities of Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to the city of Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 Paul, as his custom was, went to them, and for three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the scriptures. 3 He was opening the scriptures and explaining that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise again from the dead. He said, "This Jesus whom I proclaim to you is the Christ." 4 Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, including a large number of devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women. 5 But the unbelieving Jews, being moved with jealousy, took certain wicked men from the marketplace, gathered a crowd together, and set the city in an uproar. Assaulting the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring Paul and Silas out to the people. 6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and certain other brothers before the officials of the city, crying, "These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also. 7 These men whom Jason has welcomed act against the decrees of Caesar; they say that there is another king—Jesus." 8 They troubled the crowd and the officials of the city who heard these things. 9 But after they took security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.
10 That night the brothers sent Paul and Silas to Berea. When they arrived there, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 Now these people were more noble than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed, including some influential Greek women and many men. 13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica learned that Paul was also proclaiming the word of God at Berea, they went there and stirred up and troubled the crowds. 14 Then immediately, the brothers sent Paul to go to the sea, but Silas and Timothy stayed there. 15 Those who were leading Paul took him as far as the city of Athens. As they left Paul there, they received from him instructions for Silas and Timothy to come to him as quickly as possible.
16 Now while Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw the city full of idols. 17 So he reasoned every day in the synagogue with the Jews and others who worshiped God, as well as in the marketplace with those who happened to be there. 18 But also some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. Some said, "What is this babbler trying to say?" Others said, "He seems to be one who calls people to follow strange gods," because he was proclaiming the gospel about Jesus and the resurrection. 19 They took Paul and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, "May we know this new teaching which you were speaking? 20 For you bring some strange things to our ears. Therefore, we want to know what these things mean." 21 (Now all the Athenians and the strangers living there spent their time in nothing but either telling or listening about something new.)
22 So Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said,
"You men of Athens, I see that you are very religious in every way. 23 For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found an altar with this inscription, "TO AN UNKNOWN GOD." What therefore you worship in ignorance, this I announce to you.
24 The God who made the world and everything in it, since he is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples built with hands. 25 Neither is he served by men's hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives people life and breath and everything else. 26 From one man he made every nation of people to live on the surface of the earth, having determined their appointed seasons and the boundaries of their living areas, 27 so that they should search for God and perhaps they may feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is not far from each one of us. 28 For in him we live and move and have our being, just as one of your own poets has said, 'For we also are his offspring.'
29 "Therefore, since we are God's offspring, we ought not to think that the qualities of deity are like gold, or silver, or stone—images created by the art and imagination of man. 30 Therefore God overlooked the times of ignorance, but now he commands all men everywhere to repent. 31 This is because he has set a day when he will judge the world in righteousness by the man he has appointed. God has given proof of this man to everyone by raising him from the dead."
32 Now when the men of Athens heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked Paul; but others said, "We will listen to you again about this matter." 33 After that, Paul left them. 34 But certain men joined him and believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
The Jews expected the Christ or Messiah to be a powerful king because the Old Testament says so many times. But it also says many times that the Messiah would suffer, and that was what Paul was telling the Jews. (See: christ)
Paul said that the Athenians were "religious," but they did not worship the true God. They worshiped many different false gods. In the past they had conquered other peoples and begun to worship the gods of the people they had conquered. (See: falsegod)
In this chapter Luke describes for the first time how Paul told the message of Christ to people who knew nothing of the Old Testament.
Both instances of "they" refers to Paul and Silas (Acts 16:40).
This continues the story of Paul, Silas, and Timothy's missionary trip. They arrive in Thessalonica, apparently without Luke, since he says "they" and not "we."
This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here Luke, the author, starts to tell a new part of the story.
"traveled through"
These are coastal cities in Macedonia.
Here "came to" can be translated as "went to" or "arrived at." Alternate translation: "they went to the city" or "they arrived at the city"
"went to the Jews ... reasoned with the Jews"
"as his habit was" or "as his common practice was." Paul usually went to the synagogue on the Sabbath when Jews would be present.
"on each Sabbath day for three weeks"
"gave them reasons to believe from the scriptures" or "debated with them about the scriptures" or "discussed the scriptures with them." Paul explained what the scriptures mean in order to prove to the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah.
Here the word "He" refers to Paul (Acts 17:2).
Possible meanings are 1) to explain the scriptures in a way that people can understand is spoken of as if Paul were opening something so people can see what is inside of it) or 2) Paul was literally opening a book or scroll and reading from it.
"it was part of God's plan"
"to come back to life"
From among all those who have died. The expression "the dead" describes all dead people together in the underworld. To come back from among them speaks of becoming alive again.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Jews believed" or "the Jews understood"
"became associated with Paul"
This refers to Greeks who worshiped God but had not converted to Judaism through circumcision.
This is an understatement to emphasize that many leading women joined them. Alternate translation: "many leading women"
Here the word "they" refers to the unbelieving Jews and wicked men from the marketplace.
The feeling of jealousy is spoken of as if jealousy were actually moving the person. Alternate translation: "feeling very jealous" or "feeling very angry"
It can be stated explicitly that these Jews were jealous because some of the Jews and Greeks believed Paul's message.
Here "took" does not mean the Jews took these people by force. It means the Jews persuaded these wicked men to help them.
"some evil men." The word "men" here refers specifically to males.
"from the public square." This is a public place of business, where buying and selling of goods, cattle, or services take place.
Here "the city" stands for the people in the city. Alternate translation: "caused the people of the city to be in an uproar" or "caused the people of the city to riot"
"Violently attacking the house." This probably means the people were throwing rocks at the house and trying to break down the door of the house.
This is the name of a man.
The word "seeking" here means that the people wanted to bring Paul out and were trying to bring him out.
Possible meanings or "people" are 1) a governmental or legal group of citizens gathered to make a decision or 2) a mob.
Here "brothers" refers to believers. Alternate translation: "some other believers"
"into the presence of the officials"
The Jewish leaders were speaking, and the phrase "These men" refers to Paul and Silas.
This phrase is another way of saying Paul and Silas were causing trouble everywhere they went. The Jewish leaders were exaggerating the influence Paul and Silas were having with their teaching. Alternate translation: "caused trouble everywhere in the world" or "caused trouble everywhere they have gone"
This phrase signals that Jason was in agreement with the apostles' troubling message.
"They caused the people in the city to be afraid"
The words "the rest" refers to other believers that the Jews brought before the officials.
"the officials took security ... they let Jason and the other believers go"
Jason and the others gave the money to the officials to show that they would not cause any more trouble. This was not a fine or a punishment, so they might have expected the officials to give the money back later.
Paul and Silas travel on to the town of Berea.
The word "brothers" here refers to men and women believers. Alternate translation: "the believers"
The word "now" is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here Luke tells background information about the people in Berea and how they were willing to listen to Paul and examine what he said.
These "well-born" people were willing to think more objectively about new ideas than other people. Alternate translation: "more open minded" or "more willing to listen"
Here "word" refers to a teaching. Alternate translation: "listened to the teaching"
These Bereans were prepared to examine earnestly Paul's teachings about the scripture.
"carefully reading and evaluating the scriptures every day"
"the things Paul said were true"
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Athens was south of Berea. Both were on the coast of Macedonia. Athens was one of the most important cities in Greece.
This speaks about their agitating people as though it were a person stirring a liquid and causing the things at the bottom of the liquid to rise to the surface. Alternate translation: "went there and agitated" or "went there and disturbed"
"worried the crowds" or "caused dread and fear among the people"
The word "brothers" here refers to men and women believers. Alternate translation: "believers"
"to go to the coast." From here Paul would probably sail to another city.
"who were accompanying Paul" or "who were going along with Paul"
"he told them to instruct Silas and Timothy." This can also be stated as a direct quotation as in the UDB.
This is another part of the story of Paul and Silas' travels. Paul is now in Athens where he is waiting for Silas and Timothy to join him.
This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here Luke starts to tell a new part of the story.
Here "spirit" stands for Paul himself. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he became upset because he saw that there were idols everywhere in the city" or "seeing the idols everywhere in the city upset him"
"he debated" or "he discussed." This means that his listeners also spoke and asked him questions. He was not the only speaker.
This refers to Gentiles who gave praise to God and followed him but did not obey all of the Jewish laws.
"in the public square." This is a public place of business, where buying and selling of goods, cattle, or services take place.
Here the words "him," "He, "and "he" refer to Paul.
Philosophers are people who think about the world and try to understand how people should live. The Epicureans and the Stoics were two groups of philosophers. They believed that a god or gods existed, but they did not trust in or obey any god. Alternate translation: "thinkers called Epicureans and Stoics"
"happened upon him"
"Some of the philosophers said"
The word "babbler" was used to refer to birds picking up seeds as food. It refers negatively to a person who only knows a little bit of information. The philosophers said Paul had bits of information which were not worth listening to. Alternate translation: "What is this uneducated person"
"Other philosophers said"
"He seems to be a proclaimer" or "He seems to be on a mission to add people to his philosophy"
This is not in the sense of "odd," but in the sense of "foreign," that is, gods that Greeks and Romans do not worship or know about.
This does not mean they arrested Paul. The philosophers invited Paul to speak formally to their leaders.
The "Areopagus" was the place where the leaders met. Alternate translation: "to the leaders that met on the Areopagus"
Here the leaders on the Areopagus are speaking. This can stated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: "the Areopagus. The leaders said to Paul"
This is a prominent rock outcropping or hill in Athens upon which the supreme court of Athens may have met.
Paul's teachings about Jesus and the resurrection are spoken of as an object that a person can bring to another person. Here "ears" refers to what they hear. Alternate translation: "For you are teaching some things that we have never heard before"
The word "all" is a generalization referring to many. Alternate translation: "Now many of the Athenians and the strangers living there"
"Athenians" are people from Athens, a city near the coast below Macedonia
"the foreigners"
Here "time" is spoken of as if it were an object that a person could spend. Alternate translation: "used their time doing nothing but either telling or listening" or "were always doing nothing but telling or listening"
The phrase "spent their time in nothing" is an exaggeration. Alternate translation: "did not do much but tell or listen" or "spent much of their time telling or listening"
"discussing new philosophical ideas" or "talking about what was new to them"
Paul begins his speech to the philosophers on the Areopagus.
Paul is referring to the Athenians' public display of honoring the gods through prayers, building altars, and offering sacrifices.
"as I walked among the objects of your worship and observed them" or "as I walked around in the city, I observed the objects of your worship"
Possible meanings are 1) "to a certain unknown god" or 2) "to a god not known." This was a specific writing or inscription on that altar.
In the most general sense, the "world" refers to the heavens and the earth and everything in them.
"because he is the Lord." Here "he" is referring to the unknown god mentioned in Acts 17:23 that Paul is explaining is the Lord God.
The words "heaven" and "earth" are used together to mean all beings and things in heaven and earth.
Here "hands" stands for people. Alternate translation: "built by the hands of people" or "that people built"
Here "served" has the sense of a doctor treating a patient to make the patient well again. Alternate translation: "Neither do men's hands take care of him"
Here "hands" stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: "by humans"
"because he himself." The word "himself" is added for emphasis.
Here the word "he" refer to God, the creator, and both instances of "their" refer to every nation of people living on the surface of the earth.
This means Adam, the first person God created. This can be stated to include Eve. It was through Adam and Eve that God made all other people. Alternate translation: "one couple"
This can be stated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: "and he determined when and where they would live"
All instances of "they" and "their" refer to the people who live on earth, all instances of "him" and "he" refer to God, and the word "us" includes the speaker, the hearers, and the people who live on earth.
Here "search for God" represents desiring to know him, and "feel their way toward him and find him" represents praying and having a relationship with him. Alternate translation: "so that they should want to know God and perhaps pray to him and become one of his people"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Yet he is very near to every one of us"
Here the words "him" and "his" refer to God
"Because of him"
Both instances of "we" include the speaker, the hearers, and other people.
Because God created everyone, all people are spoken of as if they were God's literal children.
Here "deity" refers to God's nature or attributes. Alternate translation: "God is like"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which a man then uses his skill to make it into something that he has designed" or "images that people make by using their art and imagination"
Here the word "he" refers to God.
"Because what I have just said is true"
"God decided not to punish people during the time of ignorance"
This refers to the time before God fully revealed himself through Jesus Christ and before people truly knew how to obey God.
This means all people, whether male or female. Alternate translation: "all people"
Paul finishes his speech to the philosophers in the Areopagus, which he began in Acts 17:22.
"when the man he has chosen will judge the world in righteousness"
Here "world" refers to the people. Alternate translation: "he will judge all people"
"justly" or "fairly"
"God has demonstrated his choice of this man"
From among all those who have died. The expression "the dead" describes all dead people together in the underworld. To come back from among them speaks of becoming alive again.
Here the word "We" refers to the men of Athens but not to Paul, so this is exclusive. Though some of them probably did want to hear Paul again, they may only have been being polite.
This is the end of the part of the story about Paul in Athens.
This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here Luke changes from Paul's teachings to the reaction of the people of Athens.
These are the people who were present at the Areopagus and were listening to Paul.
"some ridiculed Paul" or "some laughed at Paul." These did not believe it was possible for someone to die and then return to life.
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Dionysius is a man's name. Areopagite implies that Dionysius was one of the judges at the council of Areopagus.
This is the name of a woman.
1 After these things Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to them, 3 and because he worked at the same trade, he stayed with them and labored, for they were tentmakers by trade. 4 So Paul reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, trying to persuade both Jews and Greeks. 5 Now when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself to the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. 6 But when the Jews opposed and insulted him, Paul shook out his garment at them and said to them, "May your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles." 7 Then he left from there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a man who worshiped God. His house was next to the synagogue. 8 Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with all his household; and many of the Corinthians who heard about it believed and were baptized. 9 The Lord said to Paul in the night in a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent. 10 For I am with you, and no one will try to harm you, for I have many people in this city." 11 Paul lived there for a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
12 But when Gallio became governor of Achaia, the Jews rose up with one mind against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat; 13 they said, "This man persuades people to worship God contrary to the law." 14 Yet when Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, "You Jews, if indeed it were a matter of wrong or a wicked crime, it would be reasonable to put up with you. 15 But since these are questions about words and names and your own law, settle it yourselves. I do not wish to be a judge of these matters." 16 Gallio made them leave the judgment seat. 17 So they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the judgment seat. But Gallio did not care what they did.
18 Paul, after staying there for many more days, left the brothers and sailed for Syria with Priscilla and Aquila. Before he left the seaport, Cenchreae, he had his hair cut off because of a vow he had taken. 19 When they came to Ephesus, Paul left Priscilla and Aquila there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked Paul to stay a longer time, he declined. 21 But taking his leave of them, he said, "I will return again to you if it is God's will." He then set sail from Ephesus.
22 When Paul had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the Jerusalem church and then went down to Antioch. 23 After having spent some time there, Paul departed and went through the regions of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
24 Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, came to Ephesus. He was eloquent in speech and mighty in the scriptures. 25 Apollos had been instructed in the teachings of the Lord. Being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, but he knew only the baptism of John. 26 Apollos began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27 When he desired to pass over into Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples in Achaia to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who believed by grace. 28 Apollos powerfully refuted the Jews in public debate, showing by the scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.
Some Jews who lived far away from Jerusalem and Judea had heard of John the Baptist and followed his teachings. They had not yet heard about Jesus. One of these Jews was Apollos. He followed John the Baptist, but he did not know that the Messiah had come. John had baptized people to show that they were sorry for their sins, but this baptism was different from Christian baptism. (See: faithful and christ and repent)
This is another part of the story of Paul's travels as he goes to Corinth.
"After these events took place in Athens"
Athens was one of the most important cities in Greece. See how you translated this in Acts 17:15.
The writer begins to give background information about Aquila and Priscilla.
Possible meanings are that 1) Paul happened to find by chance or 2) Paul intentionally found.
Here the phrase "a certain" indicates this is introducing new person in the story.
Pontus was a province on the southern coast of the Black Sea.
This is probably sometime in the past year.
This is the name of land. Rome is the capital city of Italy.
Claudius was the current Roman emperor. See how you translated this in Acts 11:28.
The writer finishes giving background information about Aquila and Priscilla.
"he did the same kind of work that they did"
"So Paul debated" or "So Paul discussed." He gave reasons. This means that rather than just preaching, Paul talked and interacted with the people.
Possible meanings are 1) "and he caused both Jews and Greeks to believe" or 2) "and he kept trying to persuade the Jews and the Greeks."
Silas and Timothy rejoin Paul.
This is a symbolic action to indicate that Paul will no longer try to teach the Jews there about Jesus. He is leaving them to God's judgment.
Here "blood" stands for the guilt of their actions. Here "heads" refers to the whole person. Paul tells the Jews they are solely responsible for the judgment they will face for their stubbornness if they refuse to repent. Alternate translation: "You alone bear the responsibility for your punishment for sin"
The word "clean" here is a metaphor for Paul being innocent of wrong against either the people or God. Alternate translation: "I am innocent" or "God will not punish me when he punishes you"
"Paul left ... Titius' Justus's house"
This is the name of a man.
A worshiper of God is a Gentile who gives praise to God and follows him but does not necessarily obey all of the Jewish laws.
This is the name of a man.
a layperson who sponsored and administered the synagogue, not necessarily the teacher
Here "his household" refers to the people who lived together in his house. Alternate translation: "the people who lived with him in his house"
Crispus's household
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "received baptism"
The Lord is giving one command in two different ways to emphasize that Paul should certainly continue preaching. Alternate translation: "You must not be afraid; instead, you should continue to speak and not become silent"
The Lord gives the same command in two different ways to strongly command Paul to speak. Alternate translation: "you must certainly continue to speak"
It can be stated explicitly what the Lord wants Paul to speak. Alternate translation: "do not stop speaking about the gospel"
"there are many people in this city who have put their faith in me" or "many people in this city will put their faith in me"
This is a concluding statement for this part of the story. "Word of God" here is a synecdoche for the entire scriptures. Alternate translation: "Paul lived there ... teaching the scriptures among them"
Achaia was the Roman province in which Corinth was located. Corinth was the largest city in southern Greece and the capital of the province.
The unbelieving Jews bring Paul to the judgment seat before Gallio.
This is the name of a man.
This stands for the Jewish leaders that did not believe in Jesus.
This phrase means that the Jews began to act, not that they rose into the air or rose to stand from a sitting position. If your language has a different idiom for beginning to act, you may use it here.
This phrase translates a word that speaks of people who agree with each other and who work together to accomplish a common purpose.
The Jews took Paul by force to bring Paul before the court. Here "judgment seat" refers to the place where Gallio sat when he made legal decisions in court. Alternate translation: "took him so that the governor could judge him at the judgment seat"
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Gallio was the Roman governor of the Province.
Here "law" can refer to either the law of Moses or the Jewish customs of Paul's time. Gallio is simply telling the Jews that they are to do what they think right and that he is not interested in being the judge.
"I refuse to make a judgment about these matters"
"Gallio dismissed the Jews from the judgment seat." Here "judgment seat" refers to the place where Gallio sits to make legal decisions in court. Alternate translation: "Gallio made them leave his presence in the court" or "Gallio made them leave the court"
It is not clear what events this verse describes. The Jews had been accusing Paul, but it appears that they ended up beating Sosthenes and not Paul.
Possible meanings are 1) the Gentiles beat Sosthenes in the court in front of the judgment seat because he was the Jewish leader or 2) Sosthenes was a believer in Christ, so even though he was "the ruler of the synagogue," the Jews beat him in front of the court.
This may be an exaggeration to emphasize the strong feelings the people had. Alternate translation: "many people seized" or "many of them grabbed"
Sosthenes was "the ruler of the synagogue" at Corinth.
"repeatedly hit him" or "repeatedly punched him."
Here both instances of "he" refer to Paul.
The word "brothers" refers to men and women believers. Alternate translation: "left the fellow believers"
Paul got on a ship that sailed for Syria. Priscilla and Aquila went with him.
This was a town near Corinth in Greece. It was on the coast, and Paul probably got on the ship there.
This is a symbolic action that indicates that he had done something he had vowed to do. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he had someone cut off the hair on his head"
This continues Paul's missionary journey as Paul, Priscilla, and Aquila leave Corinth. This seems to indicate that Silas and Timothy remain, since it says "he" here and not "they." The word "they" refers to Paul, Priscilla, and Aquila.
"gave the Jews reasons to believe" or "debated with the Jews about the scriptures" or "discussed the scriptures with the Jews." Paul explained what the scriptures mean in order to prove to the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah. See how you translated "reasoned with" in [Acts 17:2]
Here the word "they" refers to the Jews in Ephesus.
Here the word "them" refers to the Jews in Ephesus. The word "you" is plural.
"saying good-bye to them"
Phrygia is a province in Asia which is now modern day Turkey. See how you translated this in Acts 2:10.
Paul continues his missionary journey.
"arrived at Caesarea." The word "landed" is used to show that he arrived by ship.
He traveled to the city of Jerusalem. The phrase "went up" is used here because Jerusalem is higher in elevation than Caesarea.
Here "church" refers to the believers in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "greeted the members of the church of Jerusalem"
The phrase "went down" is used here because Antioch is lower in elevation than Jerusalem.
"Paul went away" or "Paul left"
This speaks about "time" as if it were a commodity that a person could spend. Alternate translation: After staying there for a while"
Apollos is introduced to the story. Verses 24 and 25 give background information about him.
Luke tells what happens in Ephesus with Priscilla and Aquila.
This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story.
The phrase "a certain" indicates that Luke is introducing a new person in the story.
"a man who was born in the city of Alexandria." This was a city in Egypt on the north coast of Africa.
"a good speaker"
"he knew the scriptures thoroughly." He understood the Old Testament writings well.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Other believers had taught Apollos how the Lord Jesus wanted people to live"
Here "spirit" refers to the entire person of Apollos. Alternate translation: "Being very enthusiastic"
"the baptism that John performed." John's baptism was with water, but Jesus's baptism is with the Holy Spirit.
How God wants people to live is spoken of as if it were a road that a person travels.
"correctly" or "more fully"
Here the he words "he" and "him" refer to Apollos (Acts 18:24).
"to go to the region of Achaia." The phrase "pass over" is used here because Apollos had to cross the Aegean Sea to get to Achaia from Ephesus.
Achaia was a Roman Province in the southern section of Greece. See how you translated this in Acts 18:12.
The word "brothers" here refers to men and women believers. You can make explicit that these are believers in Ephesus. Alternate translation: "fellow believers in Ephesus"
"wrote a letter to the Christians in Achaia"
"those who had believed in salvation by grace" or "those who by God's grace believed in Jesus"
"In public debate Apollos powerfully showed that the Jews were wrong"
"as he showed them by the scriptures that Jesus is the Christ"
1 It came about that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to the city of Ephesus, and found certain disciples there. 2 Paul said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?"
They said to him, "No, we did not even hear about the Holy Spirit."
3 Paul said, "Into what then were you baptized?"
They said, "Into John's baptism."
4 So Paul replied, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance. He told the people that they should believe in the one who would come after him, that is, in Jesus." 5 When the people heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 Then when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 In all they were about twelve men.
8 Paul went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. 9 But when some Jews were hardened and disobedient, they began to speak evil of the Way before the crowd. So Paul left them and took the disciples with him, reasoning with them every day in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This continued for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks. 11 God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick and their illnesses left them and the evil spirits came out of them.
13 But there were Jewish exorcists traveling through the area. They called on the name of the Lord Jesus so they could have power over evil spirits when they said, "By the Jesus whom Paul proclaims, I command you to come out." 14 The Jewish high priest, whose name was Sceva, had seven sons who were doing this.
15 An evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?" 16 The evil spirit in the man leaped on the exorcists and subdued them and beat them up. Then they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 This became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who lived at Ephesus. They became very afraid, and the name of the Lord Jesus was honored. 18 Also, many of the believers came and confessed and gave a full account of the evil things they had done. 19 Many who practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of everyone. When they counted the value of them, it was fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So the word of the Lord spread very widely in powerful ways.
21 Now after these things were completed, Paul decided in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia on his way to Jerusalem; he said, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome." 22 Paul sent to Macedonia two of those who served him, Timothy and Erastus. But he himself stayed in Asia for a while.
23 At about that time there was no small disturbance in Ephesus concerning the Way. 24 A certain silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in much business for the craftsmen. 25 So he gathered together the workmen of that occupation and said, "Men, you know that in this business we make much money. 26 You see and hear that, not only at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people. He is saying that gods made by hands are not gods. 27 Not only is there danger that our trade will be discredited, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis might be regarded as worthless, and her greatness would be brought to nothing, she whom all Asia and the world worship."
28 When they heard this, they were filled with anger and cried out, saying, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians." 29 The whole city was filled with confusion, and the people rushed with one mind into the theater. They had seized Paul's travel companions, Gaius and Aristarchus, who came from Macedonia. 30 Paul wanted to enter in among the crowd of people, but the disciples prevented him. 31 Also, some of the officials of the province of Asia who were his friends sent him a message pleading with him not to enter the theater. 32 Some people were shouting one thing, and some another, for the crowd was in confusion. Most of them did not even know why they had come together. 33 Some of the crowd advised Alexander, whom the Jews were pushing forward. So Alexander motioned with his hand, wanting to give a defense to the assembly. 34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew, they all cried out for about two hours with one voice, saying, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians." 35 When the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, "You men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great Artemis and of the image which fell down from heaven? 36 Seeing then that these things are undeniable, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash. 37 For you have brought these men to this court who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess. 38 Therefore, if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have an accusation against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them accuse one another. 39 But if you are seeking anything more, it should be resolved in the regular assembly. 40 For we are in danger of being accused of rioting today, and there is no cause we can give to justify this uproar." When he had said this, he dismissed the assembly. [1]
John baptized people to show that they were sorry for their sins. Jesus's followers baptized people who wanted to follow Jesus.
The temple of Diana was an important place in the city of Ephesus. Many people came to Ephesus to see this temple, and they bought statues of the goddess Diana while they were there. The people who sold statues of Diana were afraid that if people did not believe Diana was a real goddess, they would stop giving the sellers money for statues.
The "upper country" was an area of Asia which today is part of modern-day Turkey to the north of Ephesus. Paul must have traveled by land around the top of the Aegean Sea in order to come to Ephesus (also in Turkey today), which is directly east of Corinth by sea.
Paul travels to Ephesus.
This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
"traveled through"
This means to have the Holy Spirit come upon them.
"we have not even heard about the Holy Spirit"
The word "They" refers to the disciples (Acts 19:1). The word "you" is plural.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "What kind of baptism did you receive?"
You can translate this as a complete sentence. Alternate translation: "We were baptized into John's baptism" or "We received the kind of baptism about which John taught"
You can translate the abstract noun "repentance" as the verb "repent." Alternate translation: "the baptism that people requested when they wanted to repent"
Here "the one" refers to Jesus.
This means to come after John the Baptist in time and not following after him physically.
Paul continues staying in Ephesus.
Here "people" refers to the disciples in Ephesus who were talking with Paul (Acts 19:1),
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they received baptism"
Here "name" refers to Jesus's power and authority. Alternate translation: "as believers in the Lord Jesus"
All instances of "them" and "they" refer to "the people" (Acts 19:5)
"placed his hands on them." He probably placed his hands on their shoulders or heads. Alternate translation: "placed his hands on their heads as he prayed"
Unlike in Acts 2:3-4, there are no details of who understood their messages.
All instances of "them" and "they" refer to "the people" (Acts 19:5)
This tells how many men were baptized.
"12 men"
"Paul regularly attended the synagogue meetings for three months and spoke there boldly"
Probable meanings are 1) the words "reasoning" and "persuading" are a hendiadys that means "arguing persuasively" or 2) the words describe two separate activities, "giving them reasons to believe" and "convincing them"
Here "kingdom" stands for God's rule as king. Alternate translation: "about God's rule as king" or "about how God would show himself as king"
People who were stubbornly refusing to believe are spoken of as though they were becoming hard and unable to move. Alternate translation: "some Jews were stubborn and did not believe" or "some Jews stubbornly refused to accept and obey the message"
What Christ wants people to believe is spoken of as though it were a road that a person travels. The phrase, "the Way," seems to have been a title for Christianity at the time. Alternate translation: "to speak evil about Christianity to the crowd" or "to speak to the crowd evil things about those who follow Christ and who obey his teaching about God" (See: and Acts 9:2)
"to speak bad things about"
"in the large room where Tyrannus had taught people"
This is the name of a man.
Here "all" is a generalization that means very many people throughout Asia heard the gospel.
Here "word" stands for a message. Alternate translation: "the message about the Lord"
Here "hands" stands for Paul's whole person. Alternate translation: "God was causing Paul to do extraordinary miracles" or "God was doing extraordinary miracles through Paul"
Here the words "them" and "their" refer to those who were sick.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when they took to sick people even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched Paul"
Possible meanings are 1) these were cloth items that Paul had touched or 2) these were cloth items that Paul had worn or used.
cloths worn around the head
clothing worn on the front of the body to protect the clothes of people
This refers to sick people. Alternate translation: "sick people" or "those who were sick"
"those who were sick became healthy"
This is the beginning of another event that happened while Paul was in Ephesus. It is about Jewish exorcists.
people who send evil spirits away from people or places
Here "name" refers to Jesus's power and authority.
"Jesus" was a common name at the time, so these exorcists wanted people to know of whom they spoke.
This stands for the power and authority of Jesus. Alternate translation: "by the authority of Jesus" or "by the power of Jesus"
This is the name of a man.
"I know Jesus and Paul" or "I know Jesus, and I know Paul"
The spirit asked this question to emphasize that the exorcists had no authority over evil spirits. Alternate translation: "but I do not know you!" or "but you have no authority over me!"
This means that the evil spirit caused the man whom it was controlling to leap on the exorcists.
This refers to people who send evil spirits from people or places. See how you translated this in Acts 19:13.
The exorcists fled with their clothes ripped off them.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they honored the name of the Lord Jesus" or "they considered the name of the Lord Jesus to be great"
This stands for the power and authority of Jesus.
This ends the story about the Jewish exorcists.
"collected their books." The word "books" refers to scrolls on which magical incantations and formulas were written.
"in front of everyone"
"the value of the books" or "the value of the scrolls"
"50,000"
A "piece of silver" was the approximate daily wage for a common laborer.
"So because of these powerful deeds, more and more people heard the message about the Lord Jesus"
Paul talks about going Jerusalem but does not leave Ephesus yet.
This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here Luke starts to tell a new part of the story.
"Paul completed the work that God had for him to do in Ephesus"
Possible meanings are 1) Paul decided with the help of the Holy Spirit or 2) Paul decided within his own spirit, which means he made up his mind.
Achaia was the Roman province in which Corinth was located. It was the largest city in southern Greece and the capital of the province. See how you translated this in Acts 18:12.
"I must also travel to Rome"
This is the name of a man.
It is made explicit in the next few verses that Paul remains in Ephesus.
This is repeated for emphasis.
Luke tells about a riot that broke out while Paul was in Ephesus.
This is a summary opening statement.
"the people became very upset" See how you translated this in Acts 12:18
This was a term used to refer to Christianity. See how you translated this title in Acts 9:1.
The writer introduces Demetrius to the story and gives background information about him. Ephesus had a large temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis, sometimes translated as "Diana." She was a false goddess of fertility.
The use of the words "a certain" introduces a new person in the story.
a craftsman who works with silver metal to make statues and jewelry
This is the name of a man. Demetrius was a silversmith in Ephesus who was against Paul and the local church.
"enabled those who made the idols to make much money"
These were probably carved or molten images of the temple of Artemis or of the part of the temple in which the statue of Artemis stood.
An occupation is a profession or job. Alternate translation: "others who did that kind of work"
Demetrius continues to speak to the craftsmen.
"You have come to know and understand that"
Paul's stopping people from worshiping idols is spoken of as though Paul were turning the people in a different direction. Alternate translation: "persuaded many people and caused them to stop worshiping the local gods"
Here the word "hands" can refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: "He is saying that the idols that people make are not real gods"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that what Paul is saying will discredit our trade" or "that people will think that our trade is false"
This refers to their business of making and selling idols.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will think that the temple of the great goddess Artemis is worthless" or "people will think there is no benefit in going to the temple to worship the great goddess Artemis"
"Her greatness" is a metonym for her reputation of being great. Being "brought to nothing" is a metaphor for becoming nothing or no longer existing. Alternate translation: "People would no longer recognize how great she is" or "She will lose her reputation of being great"
This was an exaggeration to show how popular the goddess Artemis was. Here the words "Asia" and "the world" refer to the people in the province of Asia and the known world. Alternate translation: "whom many people in Asia and in other parts of the world worship"
Here "they" refers to the craftsmen who made the idols (Acts 19:24-25).
This speaks of the craftsmen as though they were containers. Here "anger" is spoken of as if it were the contents that fill a container. Alternate translation: "they became very angry"
"shouted aloud" or "shouted loudly"
Here "city" refers to the people. The city is spoken of as if it were a container. And, "confusion" is spoken of as if it were the contents that filled the container. Alternate translation: "Then people all over the city became upset and started shouting"
This phrase translates a word that speaks of people who agree with each other and who work together to accomplish a common purpose.
The Ephesus theater was used for public meetings and for entertainment such as plays and music. It was an outdoor semi-circular area with bench seats that could hold thousands of people.
The men who had been with Paul.
These are names of men. Gaius and Aristarchus came from Macedonia but were working with Paul in Ephesus at this time.
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Ephesus was in the Roman Empire's province of Asia.
The Ephesus theater was used for public meetings and for entertainment such as plays and music. It was an outdoor semi-circular area with bench seats that could hold thousands of people. See how you translated "theater" in Acts 19:29.
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This is the name of a man.
You can make explicit that Alexander was showing the crowd that he wanted them to be quiet. Alternate translation: "gestured to the crowd to be quiet"
It is not clear whom or what Alexander wanted to defend. If your language requires this information, it might be best to use a general phrase like "to explain what was going on."
The shouting together of the people at the same time is spoken of as though they were speaking with one voice. Alternate translation: "in unison" or "together"
The clerk of Ephesus speaks to quiet the crowd.
This refers to the town "writer" or "secretary."
The clerk asked this question to assure the crowd they were right and to comfort them. Alternate translation: "every man knows that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper ... heaven."
The town clerk uses "not" to emphasize that all of the people knew this.
The Ephesian people maintained and guarded the temple of Artemis.
Within the temple of Artemis was an image of the goddess. It had been fashioned from a meteorite which fell from the sky. People thought that this rock had come directly from Zeus, the ruler of the Greek gods (idols).
The word "you" is plural.
"Since you know these things"
"do not do anything before you have had time to think about it"
without careful thought
The word "you" is plural.
The words "these men" refer to Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul's traveling companions (Acts 19:29).
"Because what I have just said is true." The town clerk had said in Acts 19:37 that Gaius and Aristarchus were not robbers or blasphemers.
The word "accusation" can be stated as the verb "accuse." Alternate translation: "want to accuse someone"
the Roman governor's representatives who made legal decisions in court
This does not mean Demetrius and those with him will accuse each other. It means this is a place where people in general can speak their accusation. Alternate translation: "There people can accuse one another"
The town clerk finishes speaking to the crowd.
"But if you want to ask about anything more" or "But if you have something to discuss about other matters"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "let us settle it in the regular assembly"
This refers to a regular public gathering of citizens over which the county clerk presided.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "in danger of the Roman authorities accusing us of starting this riot today"
1 After the uproar was over, Paul sent for the disciples and after he encouraged them, he said farewell and left to go into Macedonia. 2 When he had gone through those regions and had spoken many words of encouragement to them, he came to Greece. 3 After he had spent three months there, a plot was formed against him by the Jews as he was about to sail for Syria, so he decided to return through Macedonia. 4 Accompanying him as far as Asia were Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea; Aristarchus and Secundus, both from the Thessalonian believers; Gaius of Derbe; Timothy; and Tychicus and Trophimus from Asia. 5 But these men had gone before us and were waiting for us at Troas. 6 We sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and in five days we came to them in Troas. There we stayed for seven days.
7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul spoke to the believers. He was planning to leave the next day, so he prolonged his message until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upper room where we had come together. 9 In the window was sitting a young man named Eutychus, who fell into a deep sleep. As Paul spoke even longer, this young man, still sleeping, fell down from the third story and was picked up dead. 10 But Paul went down, stretched himself out on him, and embraced him. Then he said, "Do not be upset any more, for he is alive." 11 Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking with them much longer until dawn, he left. 12 They brought back the boy alive and were greatly comforted.
13 We ourselves went ahead of Paul by ship and sailed away to Assos, where we planned to take Paul on board. This is what he himself desired to do, because he planned to go by land. 14 When he met us at Assos, we took him onto the ship and went to Mitylene. 15 Then we sailed from there and arrived the next day opposite the island of Chios. The following day we touched at the island of Samos, and the day after we came to the city of Miletus. 16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not spend any time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem for the day of Pentecost, if it were at all possible for him to do so.
17 From Miletus he sent men to Ephesus and called to himself the elders of the church. 18 When they had come to him, he said to them, "You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I always spent my time with you. 19 I kept serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind and with tears, and in trials that happened to me because of the plots of the Jews. 20 You know how I did not keep back from declaring to you anything that was useful, and how I taught you in public and from house to house, 21 testifying to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus. 22 Now look, I am going to Jerusalem, compelled by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that chains and afflictions await me. 24 But I do not consider my life valuable to myself, if only I may finish the race and complete the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 25 Now look, I know that you all, among whom I went about proclaiming the kingdom, will see my face no more. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day, that I am innocent of the blood of any man. 27 For I did not hold back from declaring to you the whole will of God. 28 Therefore be careful about yourselves, and about all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers. Be careful to shepherd the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood. [1]29 I know that after my departure, vicious wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth to draw away the disciples after them. 31 So be on guard. Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each one of you night and day with tears. 32 Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are being sanctified. 33 I coveted no man's silver, gold, or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands served my own needs and the needs of those who were with me. 35 In all things I gave you an example of how you should help the weak by laboring, and of how you should remember the words of the Lord Jesus, words that he himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
36 After he had spoken in this way, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 There was a lot of crying and they embraced Paul and kissed him. 38 They were in anguish most of all because of what he had said, that they would never see his face again. Then they escorted him to the ship.
In this chapter Luke describes Paul's last visits to believers in the provinces of Macedonia and Asia before he went to Jerusalem.
Paul spoke of living for Jesus as if he were running in a race. By this he meant that he needed to keep working hard even when things were difficult and he wanted to quit. (See: and discipline)
Paul thought that the Holy Spirit wanted him to go to Jerusalem even if Paul did not want to go there. The same Holy Spirit told other people that when Paul arrived in Jerusalem, people would try to harm him.
Paul leaves Ephesus and continues his travels.
"After the riot" or "Following the riot"
"he said goodbye"
"had greatly encouraged the believers" or "had said many things to encourage the believers"
"After he had stayed there three months." This speaks about time as if it were something a person could spend.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Jews formed a plot against him" or "the Jews formed a secret plan to harm him"
This means only some of the Jews. Alternate translation: "by some of the Jews"
"as he was ready to sail for Syria"
"Traveling with him." Here the word "him" refers to Paul (Acts 20:1).
These are names of men.
These are names of places.
These are names of men. See how you translated these names in Acts 19:29.
"these men had traveled ahead of us"
Here "us" refers to the writer and Paul and those traveling with them, but not to the reader.
This is the name of a place.
All instances of "we" refer to the writer and Paul and those traveling with them, but not to the reader.
This refers to the Jewish religious feast time during the Passover season. See how you translated this in Acts 12:3.
Here the word "we" refers to the writer, Paul, and those traveling with them, but not to the reader. (See: and Acts 20:4-6)
Luke tells about Paul's preaching in Troas and about what happened to Eutychus.
"when the sun came up again." If the writer was using the Jewish system of determining days, Paul was planning to travel after sunrise on "the first day of the week." If the writer was using the Greek system, Paul was planning to travel on the second day of the week.
Bread was part of their meals. Possible meanings are 1) this refers simply to eating a meal together. Alternate translation: "to eat a meal" or 2) this refers to the meal they would eat together in order to remember Christ's death and resurrection. Alternate translation: "to eat the Lord's Supper"
"he continued to speak"
This may have been on the third floor of the house.
This was an opening in the wall with a ledge that was wide enough on which a person could sit.
This is the name of a man.
This speaks about sleep as if it were a deep hole into which a person could fall. Alternate translation: "who slept soundly" or "who became more and more tired until finally he was sleeping soundly"
When they went down to check his condition, they saw he was dead. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "third story; and when they went to pick him up, they found that he was dead"
This means two floors above the ground floor. If your culture does not count the ground floor, you may state this as the "second story."
Here "him" and "he" refers to the young man, Eutychus.
Here "he" refers to Paul.
Here the word "he" refers to Paul.
This is the end of the part of the story about Paul's preaching at Troas and about Eutychus.
Bread was a common food during meals. Here "broke bread" probably means that they shared a meal with more kinds of food than just bread.
"he went away"
This refers to Eutychus (Acts 20:9). Possible meanings are 1) he was a young man over 14 years old or 2) he was a boy between 9 and 14 years old or 3) the word "boy" implies that he was a servant or a slave.
Here the word "we" refers to the writer and those traveling with him, but not to the reader.
The writer Luke, Paul, and his other companions continue their travels; however, Paul goes separately for part of the trip.
The word "ourselves" adds emphasis and separates Luke and his traveling companions from Paul, who did not travel by boat.
Assos is a town located directly below present day Behram in Turkey on the coast of the Aegean sea.
Here "he himself" refers to Paul. "Himself" is used to emphasize that this is what Paul wanted.
"to travel on land"
Here "he" and "him" refer to Paul.
Here the words "we" and "us" refer to the writer and those traveling with him, but not to the reader.
Mitylene is a town located in present day Mitilini in Turkey on the coast of the Aegean sea.
Here the word "we" refers to Paul, the writer, and those traveling with them, but not to the reader.
"near the island" or "across from the island"
Chios is an island off the coast of modern day Turkey in the Aegean Sea.
"we arrived at the island of Samos"
Samos is an island south of Chios in the Aegean Sea off the coast of modern day Turkey.
Miletus was a port city in western Asia Minor near the mouth of the Meander River.
Paul sailed south past the port city of Ephesus, further south in order to land at Miletus.
This speaks about "time" as if it were a commodity that a person could spend or use up. Alternate translation: "so that he would not have to remain for a time" or "so that he would not have a delay"
Here the word "he" refers to Paul.
Paul calls the elders of the church of Ephesus and begins to speak to them.
Miletus was a port city in western Asia Minor near the mouth of the Meander River. See how you translated this in [Acts 20:15]
Here "yourselves" is used for emphasis.
Here "foot" stands for the entire person. Alternate translation: "I entered Asia"
This speaks about time as if it were something that a person could spend. Alternate translation: "how I always conducted myself when I was with you"
This speaks about something humble as if it were low to the ground. The word "mind" stands for a person's inner attitude. Alternate translation: "humility" or "humbleness"
Here "tears" stands for feeling sad and crying. Alternate translation: "with crying as I served the Lord"
"Trials" is an abstract noun. The meaning can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "while God was testing me"
This does not mean every Jew. This lets us know who plotted. Alternate translation: "of some of the Jews"
"You know how I was never silent, but I always declared to you"
"I also taught when I was in your homes"
The abstract nouns "repentance" and "faith" can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: "that they need to repent before God and believe in our Lord Jesus Christ"
The word "our" refers to Paul and the elders to whom he is speaking.
Here the word "I" refers to Paul.
They can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because the Spirit compels me to go there"
"and I do not know what will happen to me there"
Here "chains" refers to Paul's being arrested and put in prison. Alternate translation: "people will put me in prison and cause me to suffer"
This speaks about Paul's "race" and "ministry" as if they are objects that Jesus gives and Paul receives. Here "race" and "ministry" mean basically the same thing. Paul repeats this for emphasis. Alternate translation: "so that I may complete the work that the Lord Jesus has commanded me to do"
Paul speaks about completing the work that Jesus has commanded him to do as if he were running a race.
"to tell people the good news about God's grace." This is the ministry that Paul received from Jesus.
Paul continues to talk to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:17).
"Now, pay careful attention, because I know"
"I know that all of you"
Here "kingdom" stands for God's rule as king. Alternate translation: "to whom I preached the message about God's reign as king" or "to whom I preached about how God will show himself as king"
The word "face" here represents Paul's physical body. Alternate translation: "will not see me anymore on this earth"
Here "blood" stands for a person's death, which, in this case, is not physical death but spiritual death when God declares a person guilty of sin. Paul had told them God's truth. Alternate translation: "I am not responsible for anyone whom God judges guilty of sin because they did not trust in Jesus"
Here this means any person whether male or female. Alternate translation: "any person"
"For I did not keep silent and not tell you." This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "For I certainly declared to you"
"Because what I have just said is true," referring to all that Paul has said so far in his speech about his leaving them.
Believers are likened to a "flock" of sheep here. Church leaders are entrusted by God with the care of the community of believers just as a shepherd would care for his flock of sheep and protect them from wolves. Alternate translation: "the group of believers the Holy spirit has entrusted to you. Be sure to take care of the church of God"
The shedding of the blood of Christ here is likened to a payment to God for our sins. Alternate translation: "the people Christ saved from their sins by shedding his blood on the cross"
Here "blood" stands for Christ's death.
This is a picture of people who teach false doctrine and who harm the community of believers as though they were wolves that eat the sheep of the flock. Alternate translation: "many enemies will come among you and try to harm the community of believers"
A false teacher convincing believers to start believing his false teaching is spoken of as if he were leading sheep away from the flock to follow him. Alternate translation: "in order to convince people who are disciples of Christ to become his disciples instead"
"be on guard and remember" or "be on guard as you remember"
"be awake and alert" or "watch out." Christian leaders being alert about anyone that may harm the community of believers is spoken of as if they were guards in an army watching out for the enemy army.
"Continue to remember that" or "Do not forget that"
Paul taught them over the space of three years, but not necessarily every day for three years.
This does not mean that the only words he spoke were words of warning. Rather, Paul is using hyperbole to remind them that he had told them often that evil men would try to deceive them. Alternate translation: "I warned ... you as often as I could"
Here "tears" refers to Paul's crying because of the strong emotion of concern he felt while he was warning the people.
Here "word" stands for a message. Alternate translation: "I ask God to take care of you and to help you to keep believing the message I spoke to you about his grace"
A person's faith becoming stronger is spoken of as if the person were a wall and someone were building him higher and stronger. Alternate translation: "which is able to make become stronger and stronger in your faith"
This speaks about the "word of his grace" as if the word itself would give the inheritance to believers. Alternate translation: "God will give you the inheritance"
The blessings that God gives believers are spoken of as if they were money or property that a child inherits from his father.
"I did not desire someone's silver" or "I did not want for myself anyone's silver"
Clothing was considered a treasure; the more you had, the richer you were.
The word "yourselves" is used here to add emphasis.
The word "hands" here represents the entire person. Alternate translation: "I worked to earn money and pay for my own expenses"
Paul finishes speaking to the elders of the church of Ephesus; he began to speak them in Acts 20:18.
"you should work so as to have money to help people who cannot earn it for themselves"
You can state this nominal adjective as an adjective. Alternate translation: "weak persons" or "those who are weak"
"sick"
Here "words" refers to what Jesus has said.
This means a person receives the favor of God and experiences more joy when he gives to other people rather than always receiving from other people.
Paul ends his time with the elders of the church of Ephesus by praying with them.
It was a common custom to kneel down while praying. It was a sign of humility before God.
"hugged him closely" or "put their arms around him"
Kissing someone on the cheek is an expression of brotherly or friendly love in the Middle East.
The word "face" here represents Paul's physical body. Alternate translation: "they would not see him anymore on this earth"
1 When we had gone away from them and set sail, we took a straight course to the city of Cos, and the next day to the city of Rhodes, and from there to the city of Patara. 2 When we found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 After sighting Cyprus, leaving it on the left side of the boat, we sailed on to Syria and landed at Tyre, where the ship was to unload its cargo. 4 After we found the disciples, we stayed there seven days. Through the Spirit they kept urging Paul not to go to Jerusalem. 5 When our days there were over, we left and went on our way, and they all, with their wives and children, accompanied us out of the city. Then we knelt down on the beach, prayed, 6 and said farewell to each other. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home.
7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais. There we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. 8 On the next day we left and went to Caesarea. We entered the house of Philip, the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and we stayed with him. 9 Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.
10 As we stayed there for some days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 He came to us and took Paul's belt. With it he tied his own feet and hands and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'This is how the Jews in Jerusalem will tie up the man who owns this belt, and they will hand him over into the hands of the Gentiles.'" 12 When we heard these things, both we and the people who lived in that place pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem.
13 Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready, not only to be tied up, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
14 Since Paul would not be persuaded, we remained silent and then we said, "May the will of the Lord be done."
15 After these days, we picked up our bags and went up to Jerusalem. 16 There also went with us some of the disciples from Caesarea. They brought with them a man named Mnason, a man from Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we would stay.
17 When we had arrived in Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed us gladly. 18 The next day Paul went with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19 When he had greeted them, he reported one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 When they heard it, they glorified God, and they said to him, "You see, brother, how many thousands have believed among the Jews. They are all zealous to keep the law. 21 They have been told about you, that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to abandon Moses, and that you tell them not to circumcise their children, and not to walk according the traditional ways. 22 What should we do? They will certainly hear that you have come. 23 So do what we say to you. We have four men who made a vow. 24 Take these men and purify yourself with them, and pay their expenses for them, so that they may shave their heads. So everyone will know that the things they have been told about you are false. They will learn that you also live correctly, obeying the law. 25 But concerning the Gentiles who have believed, we wrote about our decision that they should keep themselves from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from what is strangled, and from sexual immorality." 26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them. Then they went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering would be presented for each of them.
27 When the seven days were almost finished, some Jews from Asia, seeing Paul in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him. 28 They were shouting, "Men of Israel, help us. This is the man who teaches all men everywhere things that are against the people, the law, and this place. Besides, he has also brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place." 29 For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they thought that Paul had brought him into the temple. 30 All the city was excited, and the people ran together and laid hold of Paul. They dragged him out of the temple, and the doors were immediately shut. 31 As they were trying to kill him, news came up to the chief captain of the company of soldiers, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. 32 Right away he took soldiers and centurions and ran down to the crowd. When the people saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33 Then the chief captain approached and laid hold of Paul, and commanded him to be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done. 34 Some in the crowd were shouting one thing and others another. Since the captain could not learn the truth because of all the noise, he ordered that Paul be brought into the fortress. 35 When he came to the steps, he was carried by the soldiers because of the crowd's violence. 36 For the crowd of people followed after and kept shouting out, "Away with him!"
37 As Paul was about to be brought into the fortress, he said to the chief captain, "Is it permitted for me to say something to you?"
The captain said, "Do you know Greek? 38 Are you not then the Egyptian who some time ago started a rebellion and led the four thousand men of the 'Assassins' out into the wilderness?"
39 Paul said, "I am a Jew, from the city of Tarsus in Cilicia. I am a citizen of no unimportant city. I beg you, allow me to speak to the people."
40 When the captain had given him permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned with the hand to the people. When there was a deep silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language. He said,
Acts 21:1-19 describes Paul's journey to Jerusalem. After he arrived in Jerusalem, the believers there told him that the Jews wanted to harm him and what he should do so they would not harm him (verses 20-26). Even though Paul did what the believers told him to do, the Jews tried to kill him. The Romans rescued him and gave him a chance to speak to the Jews.
The last verse of the chapter ends with an incomplete sentence. Most translations leave the sentence incomplete, as the ULB does.
The Jews in Jerusalem were following the law of Moses. Even those who were following Jesus still kept the law. Both groups thought that Paul had been telling Jews in Greece not to keep the law. But it was only the Gentiles to whom Paul was saying that.
The vow that Paul and his three friends made was probably a Nazarite vow, because they shaved their heads (Acts 21:23).
The Jews accused Paul of bringing a Gentile man into a part of the temple into which God only allowed Jews to go. They thought that God wanted them to punish Paul by killing him. (See: holy)
The Romans thought that they needed to treat only Roman citizens justly. They could do as they desired with people who were not Roman citizens, but they had to obey the law with other Romans. Some people were born Roman citizens, and others gave money to the Roman government so they could become Roman citizens.
Here the word "we" refers to Luke, Paul, and those traveling with them, but not to the reader.
The writer Luke, Paul, and his companions continue their travels.
"we went straight to the city of Cos" or "we went directly to the city of Cos"
Cos is a Greek island off the coast of modern day Turkey in the South Aegean Sea region.
Rhodes is a Greek island off the coast of modern day Turkey in the South Aegean Sea region south of Cos and northeast of Crete.
Patara is a city on the southwest coast of modern day Turkey south of the Aegean Sea in the Mediterranean Sea.
Here "a ship crossing over" stands for the crew that would sail the ship. Alternate translation: "When we found a ship with a crew sailing over to Phoenicia"
Here "crossing" does not mean it was presently crossing but that it would be crossing to Phoenicia soon. Alternate translation: "a ship that would be going across the water" or "a ship that would be going"
Here the word "we" refers to Luke, Paul, and those traveling with them, but not to the reader.
The left is the "port" side of a boat. Here this means they sailed south of Cyprus. Alternate translation: "Cyprus, sailing south of it"
Here "ship" stands for the crew that was sailing the ship. Alternate translation: "the crew would unload the cargo from the ship"
"The Spirit caused them to urge Paul again and again not to go to Jerusalem." The Spirit may have revealed to them that Paul would suffer in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "Because the Spirit had told them that Paul would suffer in Jerusalem, they urged him again and again not to go there"
Here the word "They" refers to the believers from Tyre.
"When the seven days were over" or "When it was time to leave"
It was a common custom to kneel down while praying. This was a sign of humility before God.
"said goodbye to one another"
Here the word "we" refers to Luke, Paul and those traveling with them, but not to the reader.
Ptolemais was a city south of Tyre, Lebanon. Ptolemais is modern day Acre, Israel.
"fellow believers"
This begins Paul's time in Caesarea.
The "seven" refers to the men chosen to distribute food and aid to the widows in Acts 6:5.
a person who tells people good news
"Philip" from verse 8.
This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here Luke tells background information about Philip and his daughters.
"four virgin daughters who regularly received and passed along messages from God"
Here the words "we" and "us" refers to Luke, Paul, and those with them, but not to the reader.
This introduces a new person in the story.
Agabus was a man from Judea.
This tells about a prophecy made about Paul in Caesarea by the prophet Agabus.
"removed Paul's belt from Paul's waist"
This is a quotation within a quotation. The inner quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "The Holy Spirit says that this will be how the Jews in Jerusalem will tie up ... of the Gentiles."
This does not mean all the Jews. Alternate translation: "the Jewish leaders" or "some of the Jews"
"deliver him"
The word "hands" here represents control. Alternate translation: "into the legal custody of the Gentiles" or "to the Gentiles"
This stands for the authorities among the Gentiles. Alternate translation: "the Gentile authorities"
Here the word "we" refers to Luke and the other believers but does not include the reader.
Paul asks this question to show the believers they should stop trying to persuade him. Alternate translation: "Stop what you are doing. Your weeping is breaking my heart."
This is a metaphor for making someone sad or discouraging them. Here "heart" stands for a person's emotions. Alternate translation: "discouraging me" or "making me very sad"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "not only for them to tie me up"
Here "name" refers to the person of Jesus. Alternate translation: "for the sake of the Lord Jesus" or "because I believe in the Lord Jesus"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Paul would not allow us to to persuade him" or "we were unable to persuade Paul"
You may need to make explicit what they could not persuade Paul not to do. Alternate translation: "persuaded not to go up to Jerusalem"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May everything happen as the Lord has planned it"
Here the word "we" refers to Luke, Paul, and those traveling with them, and not to the reader.
This ends Paul's time in Caesarea.
"Among them was a man"
Mnason was a man from the island of Cyprus.
This means Mnason was one of the first to believe in Jesus.
Here the words "we" and "us" refer to Luke, Paul, and those traveling with them, and not to the reader.
Paul and his companions arrive in Jerusalem.
Here "brothers" refers to the believers in Jerusalem, whether male or female. Alternate translation: "the fellow believers welcomed us"
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Here the words "he" and "his" refer to Paul. The word "them" refers to the elders.
"he gave a detailed account of all"
The elders in Jerusalem begin their response to Paul.
Here the word "they" refers to James and the elders. The word "him" refers to Paul.
Here "brother" means "fellow believer."
The word "they" refers to Jewish believers who wanted all believing Jews to keep the Jewish laws and customs.
this phrase here refers to the law of Moses
Apparently here there are some Jews that are distorting what Paul is teaching. He does not discourage the Jews from obeying the law of Moses. His message is that circumcision and the other customs are not necessary for Jesus to save them. You can make explicit that the leaders of the Jewish believers in Jerusalem knew that Paul was teaching God's true message.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People have told the Jewish believers"
Here "Moses" stands for the law of Moses. Alternate translation: "to stop obeying the laws that Moses gave us"
A person who obeys the traditions and customs is spoken of as if he were walking on a path. Alternate translation: "not to obey the old customs" or "not to practice the old customs"
"the usual Jewish customs"
Here the word "we" refers to James and the elders
The word "They" refers to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem who wanted to teach Jewish believers that they could still follow the laws of Moses (Acts 21:20-21).
The word "you" refers to Paul.
Here the word "we" refers to James and the elders
"four men who made a promise to God." This was the kind of vow where a person would not drink alcohol or cut his hair until the end of a set period of time.
James and the elders continue speaking to Paul.
They had to make themselves ritually pure so they could worship in the temple.
"pay for what they will need." The expenses would go toward buying a male and female lamb, a ram, and grain and drink offerings.
This was a sign that the person had completed what they promised God they would do.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the things that people are saying about you"
Here the word "we" refers to James and the elders.
James and the elders in Jerusalem finish their request to Paul (Acts 21:18).
All of these are rules about what they can eat. They are forbidden to eat meat of animals sacrificed to an idol, meat with blood still in it, and meat from a strangled animal because it would still have blood in the meat. See how you translated similar phrases in [Acts 15:20]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they stay away from the meat of an animal that someone sacrificed to an idol"
This can be stated in active form. You can also state explicitly the assumed information about strangled animals. Alternate translation: "from animals that a person has strangled" or "from animals that a person killed for food but did not drain its blood"
These are the 4 men who made a vow.
Before entering the temple area the Jews were required to be ceremonially or ritually clean. This cleansing had to do with Jews having contact with Gentiles.
They did not go into the temple itself where only the high priest was allowed to enter. They entered the temple courtyard. Alternate translation: "went into the temple courtyard"
This is a separate purification process from the purification process which they were required to fulfill in order to enter the temple area.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they presented the animals for an offering"
This begins the story of Paul's arrest.
These are the seven days for purification.
Paul was not in the temple itself. He was in the temple courtyard. Alternate translation: "in the temple courtyard"
People who incited a crowd to become very angry at Paul are spoken of as if they stirred up the crowd's emotions. Alternate translation: "caused a large number of people to be very angry at Paul"
Here "laid hands on" means to "seized" or to "grabbed." See how you translated "laid hands on" in [Acts 5:18]
"the people of Israel, the law of Moses, and the temple"
Only Jewish males were allowed in certain areas of the courtyard of the Jerusalem temple.
Verse 29 gives background information about the Jews from Asia.
This is background information. Luke is explaining why the Jews from Asia thought Paul brought a Greek into the temple.
This was a Greek man that they accused Paul of having brought into the inner temple area that was only for Jews. See how you translated his name in Acts 20:4.
The word "All" here is an exaggeration for emphasis. The word "city" represents the people in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "Many people in the city became angry at Paul"
"seized Paul" or "grabbed Paul"
They shut the doors so that there would not be rioting in the temple area. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "some of the Jews immediately shut the temple doors" or "the temple guards immediately shut the doors"
Here "news" refers to the messenger who went to speak the news. Alternate translation: "someone gave news to the chief captain of the cohort"
The phrase "came up to" is used because the chief captain was in a fortress connected to the temple that was higher in elevation than the temple courtyard.
This is a Roman military leader of about 1,000 soldiers.
A company is a group of about 1,000 soldiers.
The word "Jerusalem" here represents the people of Jerusalem. The word "all" is an exaggeration to show a large crowd was upset. Alternate translation: "all the people in Jerusalem were in an uproar" or "the large crowd in Jerusalem was in an uproar" (See: and )
The first word "he" refers to the chief captain of the guard mentioned in Acts 21:31.
From the fortress, there are stairs going down into the court.
"took hold of Paul" or "arrested Paul"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "commanded his soldiers to bind him"
This means they bound Paul to two Roman soldiers, one on each side of him.
This can be stated as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: "he asked, 'Who is this man? What has he done?'"
The chief captain is speaking to the crowd, not to Paul.
The words "were shouting" are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "and others were shouting another" or "and others in the crowd were shouting something else"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he ordered his soldiers to bring Paul"
This fortress was connected to the outer temple court.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When Paul came to the steps of the fortress, the soldiers carried him"
The crowd is using somewhat milder and less exact language to ask for Paul's death. Alternate translation: "Put him to death" or "Kill him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "As the soldiers were ready to bring Paul"
This fortress was connected to the outer temple court. See how you translated this in Acts 21:34.
The chief captain uses this questions to express surprise that Paul is not who he thought he was. Alternate translation: "So you know Greek." or "I didn't know you knew Greek."
know how to speak and understand the Greek language
The chief captain uses this question and the question "Do you speak Greek?"
Shortly before Paul's visit, an unnamed man from Egypt had launched a revolt against Rome in Jerusalem. Later he escaped into the wilderness and the commander wonders if Paul might be the same man.
This word "rebellion" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "caused people to rebel against the Roman government"
"the 4,000 terrorists"
This refers to a group of Jewish rebels who killed Romans and anyone who supported the Roman government.
Paul is correcting the chief captain's wrong idea about who Paul is.
Cilicia was a Roman province across the Mediterranean Sea from Egypt, and Tarsus was a large, well-known city.
Paul uses the double negative in the phrase "no unimportant city" to emphasize that the chief captain should have known that Tarsus was an important city. Alternate translation: "I am a citizen of an important city"
Or "I plead with you."
"please allow me" or please permit me"
The word "permission" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "the captain permitted Paul to speak" or "the captain allowed Paul to speak"
The word "steps" here refers to the steps on the stairway to the fortress.
It can be stated explicitly why Paul motioned with the hand. Alternate translation: "motioned with his hand for the people to be quiet"
"When the people were completely silent"
1 "Brothers and fathers, listen to my defense which I will now make to you."
2 When the crowd heard Paul speak to them in the Hebrew language, they became quiet. He said,
3 "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but educated in this city at the feet of Gamaliel. I was instructed according to the strict ways of the law of our fathers. I am zealous for God, just as all of you are today. 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding up and delivering to prison both men and women, 5 as the high priest and all the elders can testify. I received letters from them for the brothers in Damascus, and I went there to bring them back in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished. 6 It happened that when I was traveling and nearing Damascus, about noon suddenly a great light from heaven began to shine around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?'
8 I answered, 'Who are you, Lord?'
He said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.'
9 Those who were with me saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who spoke to me. 10 I said, 'What should I do, Lord?'
The Lord said to me, 'Arise and go into Damascus. There you will be told everything that has been appointed for you to do.' 11 I could not see because of that light's brightness, and being led by the hands of those who were with me, I came into Damascus. 12 There I met a man named Ananias, a devout man according to the law and well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there. 13 He came to me, stood by me, and said, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight.' In that very hour I saw him. 14 Then he said, 'The God of our fathers has appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One, and to hear the voice coming from his own mouth. 15 For you will be a witness for him to all men about what you have seen and heard. 16 Now why are you waiting? Arise, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name.' 17 After I had returned to Jerusalem, and while I was praying in the temple, a trance came on me. 18 I saw him say to me, 'Hurry and leave Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.' 19 I said, 'Lord, they themselves know that I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you in every synagogue. 20 When the blood of Stephen your witness was spilled, I also was standing by and agreeing, and I was guarding the cloaks of those who killed him.' 21 But he said to me, 'Go, because I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'"
22 They listened to him until that statement. Then they raised their voices and said, "Away with such a fellow from the earth, for it is not right that he should live." 23 As they were shouting, throwing off their cloaks, and throwing dust into the air, 24 the chief captain commanded Paul to be brought into the fortress. He ordered that he should be questioned with scourging, so that he himself might know why they were shouting against him like that. 25 When they had tied him up with the thongs, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, "Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and who has not been put on trial?"
26 When the centurion heard this, he went to the chief captain and told him, saying, "What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen." 27 The chief captain came and said to him, "Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?"
Paul said, "Yes."
28 The chief captain answered, "It was only with a large amount of money that I acquired citizenship."
But Paul said, "I was born a Roman citizen." 29 Then the men who were going to question him left him immediately. The chief captain also was afraid, when he learned that Paul was a Roman citizen, because he had tied him up.
30 On the next day, the chief captain wanted to know for certain about the Jews' accusations against Paul. So he untied his bonds and ordered the chief priests and all the council to meet. Then he brought Paul down and placed him in their midst.
This is the second account of Paul's conversion in the book of Acts. Because this is such an important event in the early church, there are three accounts of Paul's conversion. (See: Acts 9 and Acts 26)
Most Jews at this time spoke Aramaic and Greek. Most of the people who spoke Hebrew were educated Jewish scholars. This is why the people paid attention when Paul started speaking in Hebrew.
No one knows for sure who first started calling believers "followers of the Way." This is probably what the believers called themselves, because the Bible often speaks of a person living his life as if that person were walking on a path or "way." If this is true, the believers were "following the way of the Lord" by living in a way that pleased God.
The Romans thought that they needed to treat only Roman citizens justly. They could do as they desired with people who were not Roman citizens, but they had to obey the law with other Romans. Some people were born Roman citizens, and others gave money to the Roman government so they could become Roman citizens. The "chief captain" could have been punished for treating a Roman citizen the same way he would treat a non-citizen.
Paul speaks to the Jewish crowd in Jerusalem.
This is a polite way of addressing men who are Paul's age as well as the older men in the audience.
"I will now explain to you" or "I will now present to you"
The Hebrew language was the language of the Jews.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but I was a student of Gamaliel here in Jerusalem"
Here "feet" stands for the place where a student would sit while learning from a teacher. Alternate translation: "by Gamaliel"
Gamaliel was one of the most prominent teachers of the Jewish law. See how you translated this name in Acts 5:34.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He instructed me how to carefully obey every law of our forefathers" or "The instruction I received followed the exact details of the law of our forefathers"
"law of our ancestors." This refers to the law that God gave to the people of Israel through Moses.
"I am completely dedicated to obeying God" or "I am passionate about my service to God"
"in the same way all of you are today." Paul compares himself with the crowd.
Here "this Way" represents the people who belonged to the group called "the Way." The word "death" can be translated with the verb "kill." Alternate translation: "I persecuted the people who belonged to this Way and I looked for ways to kill them"
This was a term used to refer to Christianity. See how you translated "the Way" in Acts 9:2.
"tying up both men and women and taking them to prison"
"The high priests and elders gave me letters"
Here "brothers" refers to "fellow Jews."
"to bind those of the Way with chains and bring them back to Jerusalem"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that they would receive punishment" or "so that the Jewish authorities could punish them"
Paul describes his encounter with Jesus.
This phrase is used here to mark where the action starts. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
Here "voice" stands for the person speaking. Alternate translation: "I heard someone say to me"
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Here "voice" stands for the person speaking. Alternate translation: "they did not understand what the one who spoke to me was saying"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "There someone will tell you" or "There you will learn"
"I was left blind because of that light's brightness"
Here "hands" stands for those leading Paul. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those with me guided me into Damascus"
Though this is not the same Ananias who died earlier in [Acts 5:3]
Ananias was very serious about following God's law.
This can be stated in active form in a new sentence. Alternate translation: "law. All the Jews who lived there spoke well of him"
The words "He" and "him" refer to Ananias.
Here "Brother" is a polite way to address someone. Alternate translation: "My friend Saul"
The word "sight" can be translated with the verb "see." Alternate translation: "see again"
This was a customary way of saying something happened immediately. Alternate translation: "At that instant" or "Instantly" or "Immediately"
The word "he" refers to Ananias (Acts 22:12).
"what God is planning and will cause to happen"
Both "voice" and "mouth" refer to the one speaking. Alternate translation: "to hear him speak directly to you"
Here "men" means all people whether male or female. Alternate translation: "to all people"
Paul finishes telling what had happened to him in Damascus. He quotes what Ananias said to him. This is still part of his speech to the crowd in Jerusalem.
Here "now" does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
This question was asked to exhort Paul to be baptized. Alternate translation: "do not wait!" or "do not delay!"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "let me baptize you" or "receive baptism"
As washing one's body removes dirt, calling on the name of Jesus for forgiveness cleanses one's inner being from sin. Alternate translation: "ask forgiveness for your sins"
Here "name" refers to the Lord. Alternate translation: "calling on the Lord" or "trusting in the Lord"
Paul begins to tell the crowd about his vision of Jesus.
This metaphor means that Paul went into the trance without expecting it or desiring it. See how you translated similar words in [Acts 10:10]
"I saw Jesus as he said to me"
"those who live in Jerusalem will not believe what you tell them about me"
Here the word "they" refers to the non-believing Jews in Jerusalem.
The word "themselves" is used for emphasis.
Paul went to synagogues to find Jews who believed in Jesus.
Here "blood" stands for Stephen's life. To spill blood means to kill. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they killed Stephen, who testified about you"
This ends what Paul was able to say to the crowd of Jewish people by the fortress.
Here the words "him" and "he" refer to Paul.
"until Paul said that"
The phrase "from the earth" adds emphasis to "Away with such a fellow." Alternate translation: "Kill him"
"While they were." The phrase "As they were" is used to mark two events that are happening at the same time.
These actions show that the Jews there are outraged because they feel Paul has spoken against God.
This is a Roman military leader of about 1,000 soldiers. See how you translated this in Acts 21:31.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "ordered his soldiers to bring Paul"
This fortress was connected to the outer temple court. See how you translated this in Acts 21:34.
The commander wants soldiers to torture Paul by whipping him to ensure he tells the truth. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He ordered his soldiers to whip Paul to force him to tell the truth"
The first "he" refers to chief captain. The second "he" refers to Paul.
The word "himself" is used for emphasis.
Here the word "they" refers to the soldiers.
These were strips of leather or animal hide.
Paul uses this question to make the centurion check the validity of having his soldiers whip Paul. Alternate translation: "It is not lawful for you to whip a man who is a Roman and who was not given his legal right to a trial!"
This question is used to urge the commander to reconsider his plan to whip Paul. Alternate translation: "You should not do this!"
Here the word "him" refers to Paul.
Here "came" can be translated as "went."
"It was only after I paid a lot of money to the Roman authorities." The captain makes this statement because he knows how hard it is to become a Roman citizen, and he suspects Paul is not telling truth.
"I got citizenship." The word "citizenship" is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: "I became a citizen"
If a man was a Roman citizen, then his children become Roman citizens automatically when they were born.
"the men who planned to question" or "the men who were preparing to question"
Here the word "he" refers to the chief captain.
Possibly the "chief captain" stands for the chief captain's soldiers. Alternate translation: "So the chief captain ordered his soldiers to untie Paul's bonds"
There was a stairway going down from the fortress to the temple courts.
1 Paul looked directly at the council members and said, "Brothers, I have lived before God in all good conscience until this day." 2 The high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.
3 Then Paul said to him, "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall. Are you sitting to judge me by the law, yet order me to be struck, against the law?"
4 Those who stood by said, "Is this how you insult God's high priest?"
5 Paul said, "I did not know, brothers, that he was high priest. For it is written, 'You must not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'"
6 When Paul saw that the one part of the council were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he spoke loudly in the council, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is because I have the hope of the resurrection of the dead that I am being judged." 7 When he said this, an argument began between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the crowd was divided. 8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, no angels, and no spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge all of them.
9 So a large uproar occurred, and some of the scribes belonging to the Pharisees stood up and argued, saying, "We find nothing wrong with this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?" 10 When there arose a great argument, the chief captain feared that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, so he commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among the council members, and bring him into the fortress.
11 The following night the Lord stood beside him and said, "Have courage, for as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome."
12 When it became day, some Jews formed a conspiracy and put themselves under an oath, saying that they would not eat or drink anything until they had killed Paul. 13 There were more than forty men who formed this conspiracy. 14 They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, "We have sworn a great oath to eat nothing until we have killed Paul. 15 Now, therefore, let the council formally request the chief captain to bring him down to you, as if you would decide his case more precisely. As for us, we are ready to kill him before he comes here."
16 But Paul's sister's son heard that they were lying in wait, so he went and entered the fortress and told Paul.
17 Paul called one of the centurions and said, "Take this young man to the chief captain, for he has something to report to him."
18 So the centurion took the young man and brought him to the chief captain and said, "Paul the prisoner called me to him, and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to say to you."
19 The chief captain took him by the hand to a private place and asked him, "What is it that you have to report to me?"
20 The young man said, "The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring down Paul tomorrow to the council, as if they were going to ask more precisely about his case. 21 But do not be persuaded by them, because there are more than forty men who are lying in wait for him. They have put themselves under oath neither to eat nor to drink until they have killed him. Even now they are ready, waiting for your approval."
22 So the chief captain let the young man go, after instructing him, "Tell no one that you have reported these things to me."
23 Then he called to him two of the centurions and said, "Get two hundred soldiers ready to go as far as Caesarea, and seventy horsemen also, and two hundred spearmen. You will leave at the third hour of the night." 24 He also ordered them to provide animals which Paul could ride and to take him safely to Felix the governor.
25 Then he wrote a letter like this:
26 "Claudius Lysias,
To the most excellent Governor Felix,
Greetings.
27 This man was arrested by the Jews and was about to be killed by them when I came upon them with soldiers and rescued him, since I learned that he was a Roman citizen. 28 I wanted to know why they accused him, so I took him down to their council. 29 I learned that he was being accused about questions concerning their own law, but that there was no accusation against him that deserved death or imprisonment. 30 Then it was reported to me that there was a plot against the man, so I immediately sent him to you and instructed his accusers also to bring their charges against him in your presence.
Farewell."
31 So the soldiers obeyed their orders. They took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32 On the next day, most of the soldiers left the horsemen to go with him and they themselves returned to the fortress. 33 When the horsemen reached Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. 34 When the governor read the letter, he asked what province Paul was from. When he learned that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, "I will hear you fully when your accusers come here." Then he commanded him to be kept in Herod's government headquarters.
Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULB does this with the quoted material in 23:5.
The Pharisees believed that after people died, they would become alive again and God would either reward them or punish them. The Sadducees believed that once people died, they stayed dead and would never become alive again. (See: raise and reward)
Some Jews promised God that they would not eat or drink until they killed Paul, and they asked God to punish them if they did not do what they had promised to do.
The Romans thought that they needed to treat only Roman citizens justly. They could do as they desired with people who were not Roman citizens, but they had to obey the law with other Romans. Some people were born Roman citizens, and others gave money to the Roman government so they could become Roman citizens. The "chief captain" could have been punished for treating a Roman citizen the same way he would treat a non-citizen.
This is a metaphor in scripture describing someone who appears to be good or clean or righteous when that person is evil or unclean or unrighteous.
Paul stands before the chief priests and the council members (Acts 22:30).
Here this means "Fellow Jews."
"I know that even to this day I have done what God has wanted me to do"
This is the name of a man. Although he has the same name, the Ananias here is neither the Ananias mentioned in [Acts 5:1]
This refers to a wall that was painted white to make it look clean. Paul told Ananias that just as a wall can be painted to look clean so Ananias appeared to look morally clean, but he was really full of evil intent. Alternate translation: "white-painted wall" or "wall painted white"
Paul uses a question to point out Ananias' hypocrisy. Some modern translations read this as a statement, "You are sitting to judge ... against the law." Alternate translation: "You are wrong to sit there to judge ... against the law."
This can be stated in active form. You can use the same word for "strike" as you did in the phrase "God will strike you." Alternate translation: "command people to strike me"
The men use this question to scold Paul for what he has said in [Acts 23:3]
Paul is about to quote what Moses wrote in the law. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For Moses wrote in the law"
Here "Brothers" means "Fellow Jews"
Here "son" means he is the literal son of a Pharisee and also the descendant of Pharisees. Alternate translation: "and my father and forefathers were Pharisees"
Here the word "hope" is a person's confident expectation that what he desires really will happen. The abstract noun "hope" can be translated here with the verbs "confidently expect" or "confidently wait" or "trust." The abstract noun "resurrection" can be expressed with the verb phrase "become alive again." Alternate translation: "I confidently expect the resurrection of the dead" or "I trust that the dead will become alive again"
The phrase "the dead" can be expressed as "those who have died."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you are judging me"
"the people in the crowd strongly disagreed with one another"
This is background information about the Sadducees and Pharisees.
"So they began shouting loudly at one another." The word "so" marks an event that happened because of something else that happened previously. In this case, the previous event is Paul's stating his belief in the resurrection.
The Pharisees use this question to suggest that Paul may have gotten his teaching from an angel or a spirit. They may be rebuking the Sadducees for not believing that spirits and angels exist and can speak to people. Alternate translation: "Maybe a spirit or an angel has spoken with him!"
The words "a great argument" can be re-stated as "argue violently." Alternate translation: "When they began to argue violently"
This is a Roman military leader of about 1,000 soldiers. See how you translated this in Acts 21:31.
This can be stated in active form. The phrase "be torn to pieces" might be an exaggeration of how the people might harm Paul. Alternate translation: "they might tear Paul to pieces" or "they would cause Paul great physical harm"
"use physical force to take him away"
This fortress was connected to the outer temple court. See how you translated this in Acts 21:34.
This means the night after the day Paul went before the council. Alternate translation: "That night"
The words "about me" are understood. Alternate translation: "testify about me in Rome"
While Paul is in the prison at the fortress, the disbelieving religious Jews vow to kill him.
"organized a group with a shared purpose." The purpose for organizing this group was to kill Paul.
The noun "oath" is an abstract noun that refers to a promise that the men made to God to kill Paul. It can also be made explicit what would happen to the men if they did not do what they had promised to do. Alternate translation: "asked God to curse them if they did not do what they promised"
"40 men"
"who made this plan" or "who planned to kill Paul"
Here the word "They" refers to the forty Jews in Acts 23:13.
"We have sworn to eat nothing until we have killed Paul. We asked God to curse us if we do not do what we promised to do"
Here "you" is plural and refers to the chief priests and elders. Both "us" and "we" refer to the forty Jews who planned to kill Paul.
"Because what we have just said is true" or "Because we have put ourselves under this curse"
This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
"bring Paul from the fortress to meet with you"
"as though you want to learn more about what Paul has done"
"the son of Paul's sister" or "Paul's nephew"
"they were ready to ambush Paul" or "they were waiting to kill Paul"
This fortress was connected to the outer temple court. See how you translated this in Acts 21:34.
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"Paul the prisoner asked me to come talk with him"
Since the chief captain calls him a young man, this suggests Paul's nephew may have been 12 to 15 years old.
Since the chief captain took the young man by the hand and calls him a young man (verse 18), this suggests Paul's nephew may have been 12 to 15 years old.
This does not mean all Jews, but all of the group that was there. Alternate translation: "Some of the Jews have agreed"
"to bring Paul down from the fortress"
"they wanted to learn more about what Paul has done"
"40 men"
"ready to ambush Paul" or "ready to kill Paul"
"They have sworn to eat and drink nothing until they have killed Paul. And they asked God to curse them if they do not do what they promised to do"
"for you to agree to do what they have asked you to do"
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"he called to himself." Both "he" and "him" refer to the chief captain.
"2 of the centurions"
"70 horsemen"
"200 soldiers that are armed with spears"
This was about 9:00 p.m. at night.
Felix, who resided at Caesarea, was the roman governor of the area.
Here "he" refers to the chief captain.
Claudius Lysias was the name of the chief captain. Governor Felix was the Roman governor over the whole region.
This is a formal introduction to the letter. The chief captain begins by referring to himself. You can translate it in the first person. The words "am writing" are understood. Alternate translation: "I, Claudius Lysias, am writing to you, the most excellent Governor Felix, and I greet you"
"to Governor Felix, you who deserve the greatest honors"
Here "Jews" means "some of the Jews." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Some of the Jews arrested this man"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they were ready to kill him"
"I with my soldiers arrived at the place where Paul and these Jews were"
Here the word "I" refers to Claudius Lysias, the chief captain. The word "they" refers to the Jews who accused Paul. The word "him" refers to Paul.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that they were accusing him of questions about"
The abstract nouns "accusation," "death," and "imprisonment" can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: "but nobody accused him of anything that should cause Roman authorities to kill him or to send him to prison"
The chief captain ends his letter to Governor Felix.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then someone told me" or "Then I learned"
Here "you" refers to Governor Felix.
This ends Paul's time under arrest in Jerusalem and begins his time of arrest in Caesarea with Governor Felix.
The word "so" marks an event that happened because of something else that happened previously. In this case, the previous event is the chief captain's commanding the soldiers to escort Paul.
Here "brought" can be translated as "took." Alternate translation: "They got Paul and took him at night"
Antipatris was a city built by Herod in honor of his father, Antipater. It stood at a site located today in central Israel.
Here "him" refers to Paul.
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This can be stated with direct quotations. Alternate translation: "he asked Paul, 'What province are you from?' Paul said, 'I am from Cilicia.' When the governor learned this"
"When the governor learned that Paul"
"the governor said"
"I will listen to all you have to say"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he commanded soldiers to keep him" or "commanded soldiers to restrain him"
1 After five days, Ananias the high priest, certain elders, and an orator named Tertullus went there. These men brought charges against Paul before the governor. 2 When Paul stood before the governor, Tertullus began to accuse him and said to the governor, "Because of you we have great peace, and your foresight brings good reform to our nation;
3 so with all thankfulness we welcome everything that you do, most excellent Felix. 4 So that I detain you no more, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly. 5 For we have found this man to be a pest and one who causes all the Jews throughout the world to rebel. He is a leader of the Nazarene sect. 6 He even tried to desecrate the temple, so we arrested him. [1]7[2]8 When you examine Paul about all these matters, you will be able to learn about all the things of which we are accusing him." 9 The Jews also joined in the accusation, affirming that these charges were true.
10 But when the governor motioned for Paul to speak, Paul answered, "I understand that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, and so I gladly explain myself to you.
11 You can learn for yourself that it has not been more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem. 12 When they found me in the temple, I did not argue with anyone, and I did not stir up a crowd, either in the synagogues, or in the city. 13 They cannot prove to you the accusations they are now making against me. 14 But I confess this to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I serve the God of our fathers, believing all things that are according to the law and that has been written in the prophets. 15 I have a hope in God, which these men also have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16 So I always strive to have a blameless conscience before God and human beings. 17 Now after many years I came to give alms to my nation and present sacrifices. 18 When I did this, certain Jews from Asia found me in a purification ceremony in the temple, not with a crowd or an uproar. 19 These men ought to be before you now and accuse me, if they have anything. 20 Or else, these same men should say what wrong they found in me when I stood before the Jewish council, 21 unless it is about this one thing that I shouted out when I stood among them, 'It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.'"
22 Then Felix, who was well informed about the Way, postponed the hearing. He said, "When Lysias the commander comes down from Jerusalem, I will decide your case." 23 Then he commanded the centurion that Paul should be kept in custody, but to have some freedom so that none of his friends would be prevented from attending to his needs.
24 After some days, Felix returned with Drusilla his wife, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and he heard from him about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 But when Paul reasoned with him about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, "Go away for now. But when I have time later on, I will send for you." 26 At the same time he hoped that Paul would give money to him, so he often sent for him and spoke with him. 27 But when two years passed, Porcius Festus became the governor after Felix, but Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jews, so he left Paul bound.
Paul told the governor that he had not done what the Jews were accusing him of doing and that the governor should not punish him for what he did do.
Both the Jewish leaders (Acts 24:2-4) and Paul (Acts 24:10) began their speeches with words that show respect to the governor.
The words "governor," "commander," and "centurion" may be difficult to translate into some languages.
Paul is on trial in Caesarea. Tertullus presents Governor Felix with the charges against Paul.
"Five days after the Roman soldiers took Paul to Caesarea"
This is the name of a man. He is not the same Ananias as in [Acts 5:1]
"a lawyer." Tertullus was an expert in Roman law who was there to accuse Paul in court.
This is the name of a man.
"went to Caesarea where Paul was"
"in the presence of the governor, who was judge in the court"
"began to argue the case before the governor that Paul had broken the law."
Here the word "you" refers to Felix, the governor.
Here "we" refers to the citizens under Felix. Alternate translation: "we, the people that you govern, have great peace"
"and your planning has greatly improved our nation"
The word "thankfulness" is an abstract noun. It can be stated as an adjective or verb. Alternate translation: "so we are very thankful and we welcome everything that you do" or "so we thank you very much and welcome everything that you do"
"Governor Felix, who deserves greatest honor." Felix was the roman governor over the whole region. See how you translated a similar phrase in Acts 23:25.
Possible meanings are 1) "so that I will not take up too much of your time" or 2) "so that I will not tire you"
"to be kind and listen to the short speech I am giving to state these men's case"
The word "we" refers to Ananias, certain elders, and Tertullus.
Here "pest" is a metaphor for a person who causes trouble. Alternate translation: "this man to be a trouble maker"
The word "all" here is probably an exaggeration used to strengthen their accusation against Paul.
The phrase "Nazarene sect" is another name for the Christians. Alternate translation: "He also leads the entire group whom people call the followers of the Nazarene"
This is a smaller group of people within a larger group group. Tertullus considers the Christians to be a small group within Judaism.
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Here the word "you" is singular and refers to Governor Felix.
Tertullus finishes presenting the charges against Paul before Governor Felix.
"to learn whether or not these charges that we bring against him are true" or "to learn whether or not he is guilty of the things we accuse him of"
This refers to the Jewish leaders who were there at Paul's trial.
Paul responds to Governor Felix about the charges brought against him.
"the governor gestured"
Here "nation" refers to the people of the Jewish nation. Alternate translation: "a judge for the people of the Jewish nation"
"explain my situation"
"12 days since"
Here the word "they" refers to the Jews who were accusing Paul.
"Stir up" here is a metaphor for agitating people into unrest, just as stirring a liquid agitates it. Alternate translation: "I did not cause a crowd to riot"
"the blames for wrongdoings" or "the charges for crimes"
"I acknowledge this to you"
The phrase "the Way" was a title used for Christianity during Paul's time.
This is a smaller group of people within a larger group. Christianity was originally considered to be a small group within Judaism. See how you translated "sect" in Acts 24:5.
Paul is referring to the law of Moses.
Here the word "hope" is a person's confident expectation that what he desires really will happen. The abstract noun "hope" can be translated here with the verbs "confidently expect" or "confidently wait" or "trust." Alternate translation: "Just as these men, I trust in God that there will be a resurrection"
the Jews who are accusing Paul in court
The abstract noun "resurrection" can be stated with the verb "resurrect." Alternate translation: "that God will resurrect all who have died, both the righteous and the unrighteous"
These nominal adjectives refer to righteous people and wicked people. Alternate translation: "righteous people and wicked people" or "those who have done what is right and those who have done what is evil"
"I always work hard" or "I do my best"
Here "conscience" refers to a person's inner morality that chooses between right and wrong. Alternate translation: "to be blameless" or "to always do what is right"
"in the presence of God"
This word marks a shift in Paul's argument. Here he explains the situation in Jerusalem when some of the Jews arrested him.
"after many years away from Jerusalem"
Here "I came" can be translated as "I went." Alternate translation: "I went to help my people by bringing them money as a gift; I also went to present sacrifices"
"in the temple after I had finished a ceremony to purify myself"
This can be stated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: "in the temple. I had not gathered a crowd nor was I trying to start a riot"
"The Jews from Asia"
"if they have anything to say"
This refers to the members of the council who were present in Jerusalem at Paul's trial.
"should say the wrong thing I did that they were able to prove"
Paul finishes responding to Governor Felix about the charges brought against him.
The abstract noun "resurrection" can be stated as "God brings back to life." Alternate translation: "It is because I believe that God will bring back to life those who have died"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you are judging me today"
Felix is the Roman governor of the area who resides at Caesarea. See how you translated this name in [Acts 23:24]
This is a title for Christianity. See how you translated this in Acts 9:2.
"when Lysias the commander comes down" or "at the time Lysias the commander comes down"
This is the name of the chief captain. See how you translated this name in Acts 23:26.
Jerusalem was higher than Caesarea so it was normal to speak of coming down from Jerusalem.
"I will make a decision concerning these accusations against you" or "I will judge whether you are guilty"
"to have some freedom not otherwise granted to prisoners"
"After several days"
Drusilla is a woman's name.
Felix may have felt conviction of his sins.
"for the present time"
Here the word "hope" means think that what one desires might happen. Sometimes prisoners gave money to government officials so that the officials would free them from prison early, and Felix hoped that Paul would do that. Alternate translation: "he thought that Paul might give money to him"
"so Felix often sent for Paul and spoke with Paul"
This was the Roman Governor who replaced Felix.
Here "the Jews" refers to the Jewish leaders. Alternate translation: "wanted the Jewish leaders to like him"
"he left Paul in prison"
1 Now, Festus entered the province, and after three days, he went from Caesarea up to Jerusalem. 2 The chief priests and the prominent Jews brought their charges against Paul, and they asked Festus earnestly— 3 asking him to do them a favor against Paul—to summon him to Jerusalem, for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way. 4 Festus answered that Paul was being held in custody at Caesarea, and that he himself was going there soon. 5 "Therefore, those who can," he said, "should go there with us. If there is something wrong with the man, you should accuse him."
6 Festus stayed not more than eight or ten days and then he went down to Caesarea, and on the next day he sat on the judgment seat and commanded Paul to be brought to him. 7 When he arrived, the Jews from Jerusalem stood nearby, and they brought many serious charges which they could not prove.
8 Paul defended himself and said, "I have committed no sin against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar."
9 But Festus wanted to gain the favor of the Jews, and so he answered Paul and said, "Do you want to go up to Jerusalem and to be judged by me about these things there?" 10 Paul said, "I stand before the judgment seat of Caesar where I must be judged. I have wronged no Jews, just as you also very well know. 11 Though if I have done wrong and if I have done what is worthy of death, I do not refuse to die. But if their accusations are nothing, no one can hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar." 12 After Festus talked with the council, he answered, "You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!"
13 Now after some days, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay an official visit to Festus. 14 After they had been there for many days, Festus presented Paul's case to the king; he said, "A certain man was left behind here by Felix as a prisoner. 15 When I was in Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against this man to me, and they asked for a sentence of condemnation against him. 16 I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to hand over anyone before the accused had faced his accusers and received an opportunity to defend himself against the charges. 17 Therefore, when they came together here, I did not wait, but the next day I sat in the judgment seat and I ordered the man to be brought in. 18 When the accusers stood up, they charged him with nothing that I considered wickedness. 19 Instead, they had certain disputes with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus who was dead, whom Paul claims to be alive. 20 I was perplexed about how to investigate this matter, and so I asked him if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem to stand trial there about these charges. 21 But when Paul appealed to be kept in custody while awaiting the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held in custody until I could send him to Caesar." 22 Agrippa spoke to Festus, "I would also like to listen to this man." "Tomorrow," Festus said, "you will hear him."
23 So on the next day, Agrippa and Bernice came with much ceremony; they came into the hall with the military officers and with the prominent men of the city. When Festus spoke the command, Paul was brought to them. 24 Festus said, "King Agrippa, and all you men who are here with us, you see this man; all the multitude of Jews appealed to me in Jerusalem and here also, and they shouted to me that he should no longer live. 25 I found he had done nothing worthy of death; but because he appealed to the emperor, I decided to send him to Rome. 26 But I do not have anything certain to write to my lord. For this reason, I have brought him to you, especially to you, King Agrippa, so that I might have something more to write about the case. 27 For it seems unreasonable for me to send a prisoner and to not also state the charges against him."
This word is used in two different ways in this chapter. When the Jewish leaders asked Festus for a favor, they were asking him to do something special for them on that day. They wanted him to do for them something that he would not usually do. When Festus "wanted to gain the favor of the Jews," he wanted them to like him and be willing to obey him in the months and years to come. (See: favor)
The Romans thought that they needed to treat only Roman citizens justly. They could do as they desired with people who were not Roman citizens, but they had to obey the law with other Romans. Some people were born Roman citizens, and others gave money to the Roman government so they could become Roman citizens. Roman officials could have been punished for treating a Roman citizen the same way they would treat a non-citizen.
Festus becomes the governor of Caesarea. See how you translated this name in Acts 24:27.
Paul continues to be a prisoner in Caesarea.
This word marks the beginning of a new event in the story.
Possible meanings are 1) Festus arrived in the area to begin his rule or 2) Festus simply arrived in the area.
The phrase "went up" is used here because Jerusalem is higher in elevation than Caesarea.
This speaks about accusations as if they were an object that a person could bring to someone else. Alternate translation: "The chief priests and the important Jews accused Paul to Festus"
Some versions translate this as "to have him summoned to Jerusalem." The word "him" refers to Paul. The Jews wanted Festus to have his soldiers take Paul to Jerusalem.
They were going to hide along the road and kill Paul as he was passing by, but Festus was not aware of this part of their plan.
This can be stated as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: "But Festus said, 'Paul is being held in custody in Caesarea, and I myself will soon return there.'"
Here the word "us" refers to Festus and the Romans traveling with him, but not to his audience.
The phrase "he said" can be moved to the beginning of the sentence. Alternate translation: "Then he said, 'Therefore, those who are able to go to Caesarea should go there with us"
"If Paul has done something wrong"
"you should accuse him of violating laws" or "you should bring charges against him"
Jerusalem is higher geographically than Caesarea. It was common to speak of coming down from Jerusalem.
Here "judgment seat" refers to Festus' ruling as judge over Paul's trial. Alternate translation: "sat upon the seat where he acted as judge" or "sat down as judge"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "his soldiers bring Paul to him"
"When Paul came and stood before Festus"
Charging a person with a crime is spoken of as if it were an object that a person could bring to court. Alternate translation: "they spoke against Paul many serious things"
Paul says he did not break any rules about who could enter the Jerusalem temple. Alternate translation: "against the entry rules of the temple"
Here "the Jews" means the Jewish leaders. Alternate translation: "wanted to please the Jewish leaders"
Jerusalem was higher geographically than Caesarea. It was common to speak of going up to Jerusalem.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "where I will judge you with regard to these charges"
The "judgment seat" refers to Caesar's authority to judge Paul. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I ask to go before Caesar, so he can judge me"
Paul does not believe that he has done wrong, but he shows that he will submit to the law and will not refuse to be punished if he really has done wrong.
"if I have done some wrong that deserves the death penalty"
"if the charges against me are not true"
Possible meanings are 1) Festus does not have the legal authority to hand Paul over to these false accusers or 2) the governor should not give in to the request of the Jews.
"I ask to go before Caesar so he can judge me"
This is not the Sanhedrin that is referred to as "council" throughout Acts. This is a political council in the Roman government. Alternate translation: "with his own government advisors"
King Agrippa and Bernice are new people in the story. Though he ruled over only a few territories, King Agrippa was the current reigning king in Palestine. Bernice was Agrippa's sister.
This word marks the beginning of a new event in the story.
"to visit Festus concerning official matters"
"After King Agrippa and Bernice"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When Felix left office, he left a man in prison here"
Felix was the Roman governor of the area and resided in Caesarea. See how you translated this name in Acts 23:24.
This is a metaphor that means to accuse someone in court. Alternate translation: "spoke to me against this man"
The abstract nouns "sentence" and "condemnation" can be expressed as verbs. The phrase "a sentence of condemnation" implies that they were requesting that Paul be executed. Alternate translation: "they asked me to sentence him to death" or "they asked me to condemn him to death"
Here "hand over" represents sending someone to people who will punish or kill him. Alternate translation: "let someone punish anyone" or "to condemn anyone to death"
Here "faced his accusers" is an idiom that means to meet with the people who accuse him. Alternate translation: "before the person whom others have accused of a crime had met directly with those who accused him"
"Because what I have just said is true." Festus has just said that an accused man should be able to face his accusers and make his defense.
"when the Jewish leaders came to meet with me here"
Here "judgment seat" refers to Festus ruling over Paul's trial as judge. Alternate translation: "I sat upon the seat to act as judge" or "I sat down as judge"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I ordered the soldiers to bring Paul before me"
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Here "religion" means the belief system people have toward life and the supernatural.
To "stand trial" is an idiom meaning to speak to a judge so the judge can decide if a person is right or wrong. Alternate translation: "to go to trial about these charges" or "for a judge to decide if these charges against him are true or not"
Festus finishes explaining Paul's case to King Agrippa.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But when Paul insisted that he stay under Roman guard until the time when the emperor could decide his case"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I ordered the soldiers to keep him in custody" or "I told the soldiers to guard him"
The phrase "Festus said" can be moved to the beginning of the sentence. Alternate translation: "Festus said, 'I will arrange for you to listen to Paul tomorrow.'"
Though he ruled over only a few territories, Agrippa was the current reigning king in Palestine. Bernice was his sister. See how you translated these names in Acts 25:13.
"with a great ceremony to honor them"
This was a large room where people gathered for ceremonies, trials, and other events.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the soldiers brought Paul to appear before them"
Festus again gives information about Paul's case to King Agrippa.
The word "all" is an exaggeration used to emphasize that a great number of Jews wanted Paul to die. Alternate translation: "a great number of the Jews" or "many of the Jewish leaders"
"they spoke very strongly to me"
This statement is made in the negative to emphasize the positive equivalent. Alternate translation: "he should die immediately"
"because he said that he wanted the emperor to judge him"
The emperor was the ruler of the Roman empire. He ruled over many countries and provinces.
Festus used the word "lord" to refer to the emperor. Alternate translation: "to write to the emperor"
Here the first "you" is plural and refers to all the men to whom Festus is speaking. The second "you" is singular and refers to King Agrippa. Alternate translation: "I have brought Paul to all of you, but especially to you, King Agrippa"
"so that I will have something else to write" or "so that I will know what I should write"
The negative words "unreasonable" and "to not ... state" can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "it seems reasonable to me to send a prisoner and to also state"
Possible meanings are 1) the accusations that the Jewish leaders have brought against him or 2) the charges under Roman law that apply to Paul's case.
1 So Agrippa said to Paul, "You may speak for yourself." Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense.
2 "I consider myself happy, King Agrippa, to make my case before you today against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 especially because you are an expert in all the Jewish customs and questions. So I beg you to hear me patiently. 4 Truly, all the Jews know how I lived from my youth in my own nation and at Jerusalem. 5 They have known about me from the beginning, if they are willing to admit it, that I lived as a Pharisee, the strictest party of our religion. 6 Now I stand here to be judged because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers. 7 It is this promise that our twelve tribes hope to receive as they worship God earnestly night and day, and it is for this hope, king, that the Jews are accusing me. 8 Why should any of you judge it to be incredible that God raises the dead? 9 Now indeed, I myself thought that I should do many things against the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 I did these in Jerusalem. I locked up in prison many of God's holy people by the authority I received from the chief priests; and when they were killed, I cast my vote against them. 11 I punished them many times in all the synagogues and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was furiously enraged against them and I persecuted them even to foreign cities. 12 While I was doing this, I went to Damascus with authority and orders from the chief priests; 13 and on the way there, in the middle of the day, king, I saw a light from heaven that was brighter than the sun, and it shone around both me and the men who were traveling with me. 14 When we all fell to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me that said in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick a goad.' 15 Then I said, 'Who are you, Lord?' The Lord replied, 'I am Jesus whom you persecute. 16 Now get up and stand on your feet; because for this purpose I appeared to you, to appoint you to be a servant and a witness concerning the things that you know about me now and the things that I will show to you later; 17 and I will rescue you from the people and from the Gentiles to whom I am sending you, 18 to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, so that they may receive from God the forgiveness of sins and the inheritance that I give to them who are sanctified by faith in me.' 19 Therefore, King Agrippa, I did not disobey the heavenly vision; 20 but, to those in Damascus first, and then at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, I gave them the message that that they should repent and turn to God, doing deeds worthy of repentance. 21 For this cause the Jews arrested me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 Therefore I have received the help that comes from God until this very day, and I stand and testify to both small and great about nothing more than what the prophets and Moses said would happen— 23 that Christ must suffer, and by being the first to rise from the dead he would proclaim light to our own people and to the Gentiles."
24 As Paul completed his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are insane; your great learning makes you insane." 25 But Paul said, "I am not insane, most excellent Festus, but I am declaring words of truth and sound judgment. 26 For the king knows about these things; and so I speak boldly to him, for I am persuaded that none of this is hidden from him; for this has not been done in a corner. 27 Do you believe the prophets, King Agrippa? I know that you believe." 28 Agrippa said to Paul, "In a short time would you persuade me and make me a Christian?"
29 Paul said, "I pray to God, that whether in a short or long time, not you only, but also all that hear me today, would be like me, but without these prison chains."
30 Then the king stood up, and the governor, and Bernice also, and those who were sitting with them; 31 when they left the hall, they talked to one another and said, "This man does nothing worthy of death or of bonds."
32 Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been freed if he had not appealed to Caesar."
This is the third account of Paul's conversion in the book of Acts. Because this is such an important event in the early church, there are three accounts of Paul's conversion. (See: Acts 9 and Acts 22)
Paul told the King Agrippa why he had done what he had done and that the governor should not punish him for that.
The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: righteous)
Festus has brought Paul before King Agrippa.
Agrippa was the current reigning king in Palestine, though he ruled over only a few territories. See how you translated this name in Acts 25:13.
"held out his hand" or "gestured with his hand"
The abstract noun "defense" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "began to defend himself against those who were accusing him"
Paul gives his defense to King Agrippa.
Paul was happy because he considered his appearance before Agrippa to be an opportunity to speak about the gospel.
This phrase means to describe one's situation, so that those in court can discuss and make a decision about it. Alternate translation: "to defend myself"
The abstract noun "accusations" can be stated as the verb "accuse." Alternate translation: "against all the Jews who are accusing me"
This does not mean all the Jews. Alternate translation: "the Jewish leaders"
You can make explicit what kinds of questions this means. Alternate translation: "questions about religious matters"
This is a generalization. Possible meanings are 1) Jews in general who knew about Paul. Alternate translation: "the Jews" or 2) Pharisees who knew Paul. Alternate translation: "the Jewish leaders"
Possible meanings are 1) among his own people, not necessarily in the geographical land of Israel or 2) in the land of Israel.
"a group within Judaism that lives by very strict rules"
This word marks a shift from Paul discussing his past to talking about himself in the present.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I am here, where they are putting me on trial"
Here the word "hope" is a person's confident expectation that what he desires really will happen. The abstract noun "hope" can be translated here with the verbs "trust" or "confidently wait." Alternate translation: "because I trust in the promise made by God to our fathers
Hope in a promise is the expectation that the promise will be fulfilled. Alternate translation "because of my hope that God will do what he promised our forefathers he would do" or "because I confidently wait for God to do what he promised our forefather he would do"
This speaks about a promise being fulfilled as if it were an object that is received. Alternate translation: "the promise that our twelve tribes confidently wait for God to fulfill"
The phrase "our twelve tribes" stands for the people in those tribes. Alternate translation: "our fellow Jews in the twelve tribes"
The extremes "night" and "day" are used together to mean consistently mean Alternate translation: "continually worship God earnestly"
Paul is addressing King Agrippa by his title, not by his name. Your language may require that you add another word or part of a word, as in older English "O King," or that you add the king's name, as in "King Agrippa," or that you use another expression such as "Your Majesty."
This does not mean all the Jews. Alternate translation: "that the leaders of the Jews"
Here "you" is plural and refers to the people who were listening to Paul.
Paul uses a question to challenge the Jews there. They believe that God can raise the dead, but they do not believe that God brought Jesus back to life. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not judge it to be unbelievable that God raises the dead" Or "You should not say that it is impossible to believe that God raises the dead."
Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: "makes dead people come alive again"
Paul uses this phrase to mark another shift in his defense. He is now beginning to describe how he formerly persecuted Jesus's people.
The word "name" here stands for the teaching about the person. Alternate translation: "to stop people from teaching about Jesus"
The phrase "were killed" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I voted in agreement with the other Jewish leaders to condemn believers to die"
Possible meanings are 1) Paul punished some believers many times or 2) Paul punished many different believers.
While talking to King Agrippa, Paul tells about when the Lord spoke with him.
Paul uses this phrase to mark another shift in his defense. He is now telling about when he saw Jesus and became his disciple.
This word is used to mark two events that are happening at the same time. In this case, Paul went to Damascus during the time when he persecuted Christians.
Paul had letters from the Jewish leaders granting him authority to persecute the Jewish believers.
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Here "voice" stands for the person speaking. Alternate translation: "I heard someone speaking to me who said"
This is a rhetorical question. The speaker is alerting Saul to what Saul is doing to him, and implying that Saul should not do that. Alternate translation: "Saul, Saul, you are persecuting me." or "Saul, Saul, stop persecuting me."
For Paul to resist Jesus and to persecute believers is spoken of as if he were an ox kicking at the sharp stick that a person uses to prod
Paul continues giving his defense to King Agrippa, quoting his conversation with the Lord.
Paul continues giving his defense to King Agrippa, quoting his conversation with the Lord.
Paul continues giving his defense to King Agrippa, quoting his conversation with the Lord.
Paul continues giving his defense to King Agrippa, quoting his conversation with the Lord.
Paul helping people to understand the truth is spoken of as if he were helping them to open their physical eyes. Alternate translation: "to make them able to understand the truth"
Paul convincing people to stop obeying Satan and doing evil things and to start obeying God and doing good things is spoken of as if Paul were taking them out of a dark place where Satan controlled them and into a place where there was light and God controlled them. Alternate translation: "to help them stop doing what is evil, stop obeying Satan, and start trusting and obeying God"
The abstract noun "forgiveness" can be stated as the verb "forgive." Alternate translation: "God may forgive their sins and they may receive"
The abstract noun "inheritance" may be stated as the verb "inherit." Alternate translation: "they may inherit that which I give"
The blessings that Jesus gives to those who believe in him are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that children receive from their father.
Jesus choosing some people to belong to him is spoken of as if he literally set them apart from other people.
"because they believe in me." Here Paul finishes quoting the Lord.
"Because what I have just said is true." Paul had just explained what the Lord had commanded him in his vision.
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "I obeyed"
This refers to what the person in the vision told Paul. Alternate translation: "what the person from heaven told me in the vision"
To start trusting God is spoken of as if a person turns to start walking toward God. Alternate translation: "trust in God"
The abstract noun "repentance" can be stated as the verb "repented." Alternate translation: "and start doing good deeds to show they truly have repented"
This does not mean all of the Jews. Alternate translation: "some Jews"
Here "small" and "great" refer to people who are unimportant and important, respectively, and are used together to mean "all people." Alternate translation: "to all people, whether unimportant or important, about nothing"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "about the exact thing that"
Paul is referring to the collective writings of the Old Testament prophets.
Paul finishes giving his defense to King Agrippa.
You can make explicit that Christ must also die. Alternate translation: "that Christ must suffer and die"
The phrase "the dead" refers to the spirits of people who have died. To rise from among them speaks of becoming alive again.
"he would proclaim the message about the light." To tell people about how God saves people is spoken of as if a person were speaking about the light. Alternate translation: "he would proclaim the message about how God saves people"
Paul and King Agrippa continue to talk together.
"you are speaking nonsense" or "you are crazy"
"you have learned so much that you are now crazy"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "I am sane ... and" or "I am able to think well ... and"
"Festus, who deserves highest honors"
Paul is still speaking to King Agrippa, but he is referring to him in the third person. Alternate translation: "For you ... to you ... from you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I am sure"
This can be stated in active and positive form. Alternate translation: "that he is aware of this" or "that you are aware of this"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "has not happened in a corner"
This means doing something in secret as if a person went and did something in the corner of a room where no one can see him. Alternate translation: "in a dark place" or "in secret"
Paul asks this question to remind Agrippa that Agrippa already believes what the prophets said about Jesus. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "You already believe what the Jewish prophets said, King Agrippa."
Agrippa asks this question to show Paul that he cannot convince Agrippa so easily without more proof. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "Surely you do not think you can convince me so easily to believe in Jesus!"
Here "prison chains" stands for being a prisoner. Alternate translation: "but, of course, I do not want you to be a prisoner, as I am"
Bernice was the sister of King Agrippa (Acts 25:13).
This ends Paul's time before King Agrippa.
"Then King Agrippa stood up, and Governor Festus"
This was a large room for ceremonies, trials, and other events.
The abstract noun "death" can be stated as the verb "die." Here "bonds" stands for being in prison. Alternate translation: "This man does not deserve to die or to be in prison"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "This man could have gone free" or "I could have freed this man"
1 When it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they committed Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Augustan company of soldiers. 2 We boarded a ship from Adramyttium which was about to sail along the coast of Asia. So we went to sea. Aristarchus from Thessalonica in Macedonia went with us. 3 The next day we landed at the city of Sidon, where Julius treated Paul kindly and allowed him to go to his friends to receive their care. 4 From there we went to sea and sailed under the lee of Cyprus, close to the island, because the winds were against us. 5 When we had sailed across the sea past Cilicia and Pamphylia, we landed at Myra, a city of Lycia. 6 There, the centurion found a ship from Alexandria that was going to sail to Italy. He put us on it. 7 When we had sailed slowly for many days and had finally arrived with difficulty near Cnidus and the wind no longer allowed us to go that way, we sailed along the sheltered side of Crete, opposite Salmone. 8 We sailed along the coast with difficulty, until we came to a certain place called Fair Havens, which is near the city of Lasea.
9 We had now taken much time, the time of the Jewish fast also had passed, and it had now become dangerous to sail. So Paul warned them, 10 and said, "Men, I see that the voyage we are about to take will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives." 11 But the centurion was more persuaded by the master and by the owner of the ship than by those things that were spoken by Paul. 12 Because the harbor was not easy to spend the winter in, most of the sailors advised to sail from there, and if by any means we could reach the city of Phoenix, to spend the winter there. Phoenix is a harbor in Crete, facing both southwest and northwest. 13 When a south wind began to blow gently, the sailors thought that they had what they needed. So they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to the shore. 14 But after a short time a wind of hurricane force, called the northeaster, began to beat down from the island. 15 When the ship was caught by the storm and could no longer head into the wind, we had to give way to the storm and were driven along by the wind. 16 We sailed along the lee of a small island called Cauda, and with difficulty we were able to secure the lifeboat. 17 When they had hoisted the lifeboat up, they used its ropes to bind the hull of the ship. They were afraid that they should run upon the sandbars of Syrtis, so they lowered the sea anchor and were driven along. 18 We took such a violent battering by the storm that the next day they began throwing the cargo overboard. 19 On the third day the sailors threw overboard the ship's equipment with their own hands. 20 When the sun and stars did not shine on us for many days, and the great storm still beat upon us, any more hope that we should be saved was abandoned. 21 When they had gone long without food, then Paul stood up among the sailors and said, "Men, you should have listened to me, and not have set sail from Crete, so as to get this injury and loss. 22 Now I urge you to take courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only the loss of the ship. 23 For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong, whom also I worship—his angel stood beside me 24 and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar, and see, God in his kindness has given to you all those who are sailing with you.' 25 Therefore have courage, men! For I trust God that it will happen just as it was told to me. 26 But we must run aground upon some island."
27 When the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven this way and that in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors thought that they were approaching some land. 28 They took soundings and found twenty fathoms; after a little while, they took more soundings and found fifteen fathoms. 29 They were afraid that we might crash on the rocks, so they lowered four anchors from the stern and prayed that morning would come soon. 30 The sailors were looking for a way to abandon the ship and had lowered the lifeboat into the sea, and pretended that they would throw down the anchors from the bow. 31 But Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved." 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the boat and let it drift away. 33 When daylight was coming on, Paul encouraged them all to take some food. He said, "This day is the fourteenth day that you have been on constant guard and have gone without food—you have not eaten anything. 34 So I urge you to share some food, for this is necessary for you to survive. For not one of you will lose a single hair from his head." 35 When he had said this, he took bread and he thanked God in the sight of everyone. Then he broke the bread and began to eat. 36 Then they were all encouraged and they also took food. 37 We were 276 souls on the ship. 38 When they had eaten enough, they made the ship lighter by throwing out the wheat into the sea. 39 When it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they saw a bay with a beach, and they discussed whether they could drive the ship onto it. 40 So they cut loose the anchors and left them in the sea. At the same time they loosed the ropes of the rudders and raised the foresail to the wind; and so they headed to the beach. 41 But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow was stuck there and remained unmovable, and the stern was broken up by the force of the waves. 42 The soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners so that none of them could swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion wanted to save Paul, so he stopped their plan; and he ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. 44 Then the rest of the men should follow, some on planks, and some on other things from the ship. In this way it happened that all of us were brought safely to land.
People who lived near the sea traveled by boat powered by the wind. During some months of the year, the wind would blow in the wrong direction or so hard that sailing was impossible.
Paul trusted God to bring him safely to land. He told the sailers and soldiers to trust that God would also keep them alive. (See: trust)
Luke uses almost the same words here to describe Paul taking bread, thanking God, breaking it, and eating it that he used to describe the last supper Jesus ate with his disciples. However, your translation should not make your reader think that Paul was leading a religious celebration here.
Adramyttium was a city possibly located on the west coast of modern-day Turkey. The word "we" includes the author of Acts, Paul, and the others traveling with Paul, but not the reader.
Paul, as a prisoner, begins his journey to Rome.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When the king and the governor decided"
Italy is the name of the province Rome was in. See how you translated "Italy" in Acts 18:2.
"they put a centurion named Julius, of the Imperial Regiment, in charge of Paul and some other prisoners"
Possible meanings are that 1) "they" refers to the governor and the king or 2) "they" refers to other Roman officials.
Julius is a man's name.
Some versions translate the word Augustan as "Imperial" or "emperor's."
This was a group of about 1,00 soldiers. See how you translated this in Acts 21:31.
If your language requires a person to act here, you can add human actors: "We boarded a ship that people had brought from Adramyttium; they were about to sail it along."
Possible meanings are 1) a ship that had come from Adramyttium or 2) a ship that was registered or licensed in Adramyttium.
"soon going to sail" or "would depart soon"
"began our journey on the sea"
Aristarchus came from Macedonia but had been working with Paul in Ephesus. See how you translated his name in Acts 19:29.
Here the word "we" refers to the writer, Paul, and those traveling with them, but not to the reader.
"Julius treated Paul with a friendly concern." See how you translated "Julius" in Acts 27:1.
The abstract noun "care" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "go to his friends so they could care for him" or "go to his friends so they could help him with whatever he needed"
"we started sailing and went"
"the lee of Cyprus" is the side of that island that blocks the strong wind, so sailing vessels are not forced off their course.
This was a province in Asia Minor. See how you translated this in Acts 2:10.
You can make explicit that they got off of the ship in Myra. Alternate translation: "came to Myra, a city of Lycia, where we got off the ship"
Lycia was a Roman province, located on the southwestern coast of modern-day Turkey.
It is implied that a crew would sail the ship to Italy. Alternate translation: "found a ship that a crew had sailed from Alexandria and was about to sail to Italy"
This is the name of a city.
You can make explicit that the reason they were sailing slowly and with difficulty was because the wind was blowing against them.
This is an ancient settlement located in modern-day Turkey.
"we could no longer go that way because of the strong wind"
"we sailed along the side of Crete where there was less wind"
This is a coastal city in Crete.
You can make explicit that even though the winds were not as strong as before, they were still strong enough to make sailing difficult.
This was a port near Lasea, located on the south coast of Crete.
This is a coastal city in Crete.
Because of the direction the wind was blowing, the journey from Caesarea to Fair Havens had taken more time than planned.
The writer includes himself, Paul, and those who were traveling with them, but not the reader.
This fast took place on the Day of Atonement, which was usually either in the last part of September or the first part of October according to Western calendars. After this time, there was a higher risk of seasonal storms.
"if we travel now, we will suffer much injury and loss"
If your language has a word for "injury" that results from wrongdoing, you may want to use it here.
Paul includes himself and his hearers, so this is inclusive.
Here "loss" means destruction when referring to things and death when referring to people.
Cargo is something that a person transports from one place to another by boat. Alternate translation: "not only the ship and the goods on the ship"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that Paul said"
You can make explicit why it was not easy to stay in the harbor. Alternate translation: "harbor did not sufficiently protect docked ships during winter storms"
a place near land that is usually safe for ships
Phoenix was a port city on the south coast of Crete.
This speaks about the season of winter as if it were a commodity that someone can spend. Alternate translation: "to stay there for the cold season"
Here "faces northwest and southwest" means the opening of the harbor was toward those directions. Alternate translation: "it opened to the northwest and southwest"
These directions are based on what one sees as one faces the setting sun. Northwest is a little to the right of the setting sun, and southwest is a little to the left of the setting sun.
Here "weighed" means "pulled out of the water." An anchor is a heavy object attached to a rope that is secured to the boat. The anchor is tossed into the water and sinks to the bottom of the sea to keep the ship from drifting about.
Paul and those traveling on the boat encounter a fierce storm.
"after a little while"
"a very strong, dangerous wind"
"called 'a strong wind from the northeast.'" The word for "the northeaster" in the original language is "Euroclydon." You can transliterate this word for your language.
"came in from the island of Crete, and it blew strongly against our ship"
"When the wind blew so strongly against the front of the ship that we could not sail against it"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we stopped trying to sail forward, and we let the wind push us whichever way it blew"
"We sailed on the side of the island where the wind was not so strong"
This island was located on the south coast of Crete.
This was a smaller boat towed behind or secured onto a ship, used to take people and goods across water too shallow for the ship and also to escape from the ship if it sank. At this point the lifeboat was in the water being towed by the ship.
"they had lifted up the lifeboat" or "they had pulled the lifeboat aboard the ship"
The "hull" is the body of the ship. They tied ropes around it so that the ship would not come apart during the storm.
Sandbars are very shallow areas in the sea where ships can get stuck in the sand. Syrtis is located on the coast of Libya, northern Africa.
A sea anchor is something that is towed in the water behind a ship to slow the ship down and make it more stable. It may be a large cloth or a stiff board. Alternate translation: "they let the floating anchor down into the water"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "had to go in whatever direction the wind blew us"
"The wind blew us so roughly back and forth that all of us were badly battered and bruised by the storm"
The word "they" refers to the sailors. This is done to lighten the weight of the ship in an effort to prevent the ship from sinking.
Cargo is something that a person transports from one place to another by boat. See how you translated this in Acts 27:10. Alternate translation: "goods on the ship"
Here "equipment" refers to the sailors' equipment needed to sail the ship: tackle, hoists, beams of wood, block and tackle, ropes, lines, sails, and the like. This indicates how desperate the situation was.
They could not see the sun and stars because of the dark storm clouds. Sailors needed to see the sun and stars in order to know where they were and what direction they were headed.
"the terrible storm still blew us roughly back and forth"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "everyone abandoned hope that we would be saved"
Here the word "hope" is a person's thought that what he desires might happen. Here the men on the boat had no reason to believe that they would be rescued, so they quit hoping. Alternate translation: "we quit thinking that we might be saved"
"be rescued." Since there is no mention of the people praying for God to save them, this might simply have the sense of "survive."
Paul speaks to the sailors on the ship.
Here "they" refers to the sailors. It is implied that Luke, Paul, and those with them had not eaten either. Alternate translation: "When we had gone a long time without food"
"among the men"
"and as a result suffer this harm and loss"
Paul is speaking to the sailors. It is implied that Paul also means that he and those with him will not die either. Alternate translation: "none of us will die: the storm will destroy only the ship"
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The phrase "stand before Caesar" refers to Paul's going to court and letting Caesar judge him. Alternate translation: "You must stand before Caesar so he can judge you"
"has decided to allow all those who are sailing with you to live"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "just as the angel told me"
"we must steer our boat so that it wrecks on some island"
The fierce storm continues.
The ordinal number "fourteenth" can be translated as "fourteen" or "14." Alternate translation: "After 14 days since the storm started, that night"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as the wind blew us back and forth"
This is the sea between Italy and Greece.
"They measured the depth of the sea water." They measured the depth of water by dropping a line with a weight tied to the end of it into the water.
"found 20 fathoms." A "fathom" is a unit of measurement for measuring the depth of water. One fathom is about two meters. Alternate translation: "found 40 meters"
"found 15 fathoms." A "fathom" is a unit of measurement for measuring the depth of water. One fathom is about two meters. Alternate translation: "found 30 meters"
An anchor is a heavy object attached to a rope that is secured to the boat. The anchor is tossed into the water and sinks to the bottom of the sea, keeping the ship from drifting about. See how you translated this in Acts 27:13.
"from the back of the ship"
This was a smaller boat towed behind or secured onto a ship, used to take people and goods across water too shallow for the ship and also to escape from the ship if it sank. See how you translated this in Acts 27:16.
"from the front of the ship"
Here the word "you" is plural and refers to the centurion and the Roman soldiers.
Paul meant that if those men left the ship, then no one on the ship would be saved. This can be stated positively, and the passive phrase "be saved" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You can be saved only if these men stay in the ship" or "Only if these men stay in the ship will you survive"
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"When it was almost sunrise"
The ordinal number "fourteenth" can be stated as "fourteen." Alternate translation: "For 14 days"
This was a customary way of saying no harm would come upon them. Alternate translation: "every one of you will survive this disaster unharmed"
"tore the bread" or "tore off a piece from the loaf of bread"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "This encouraged all of them"
"There were two hundred and seventy-six of us in the ship." This is background information.
This is a metonym for the people themselves. Alternate translation: "people"
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a large area of water partly surrounded by land
"saw land but could not recognize it as any place they knew"
"cut the ropes and left the anchors behind"
large oars or pieces of wood at the back of the ship used for steering
"the sail at the front of the ship." The sail was a large piece of cloth that caught the wind to move the ship.
"they steered the ship toward the beach"
an underwater pile of sand that made the water suddenly shallow
the front end of the ship
"the back end of the ship"
"The soldiers were planning"
"so he stopped them from doing what they planned to do"
"jump off the ship into the water"
"some on wooden boards"
1 When we were brought safely through, we learned that the island was called Malta. 2 The native people offered to us not just ordinary kindness, but they lit a fire and welcomed us all because of the constant rain and cold. 3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and placed them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened onto his hand. 4 When the native people saw the animal hanging from his hand, they said one to another, "This man certainly is a murderer who has been saved from the sea; Justice does not permit him to live." 5 But then he shook the animal into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they watched him for a long time and saw that nothing was wrong with him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
7 Now in a nearby place there were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, a man named Publius. He welcomed us and kindly provided for us for three days. 8 It happened that the father of Publius was lying afflicted with a fever and dysentery. When Paul went to him, he prayed, placed his hands on him, and healed him. 9 After this happened, the rest of the people on the island who were sick also came and were healed. 10 The people also honored us with many honors. When we were preparing to sail, they gave us what we needed.
11 After three months we set sail in a ship that had spent the winter at the island, a ship of Alexandria, with "the twin gods" as its figurehead. 12 After we landed at the city of Syracuse, we stayed there three days. 13 From there we sailed and arrived at the city of Rhegium. After one day a south wind sprang up, and in two days we came to the city of Puteoli. 14 There we found some brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. In this way we came to Rome. 15 From there the brothers, after they heard about us, came to meet us as far as the Market of Appius and the Three Taverns. When Paul saw the brothers, he thanked God and took courage.
16 When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself with the soldier who was guarding him.
17 Then it came about that after three days Paul called together those men who were the leaders among the Jews. When they had come together, he said to them, "Brothers, although I have done nothing wrong against the people or the customs of our fathers, I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 After they questioned me, they wished to set me free, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But when the Jews spoke against their desire, I was forced to appeal to Caesar, although it is not as if I were bringing any accusation against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I called upon you that I might see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am now wearing this chain."
21 Then they said to him, "We neither received letters from Judea about you, nor did any of the brothers come and report or say anything bad about you. 22 But we want to hear from you what you think about this sect, because it is known by us that it is spoken against everywhere."
23 When they had appointed a day for him, more people came to him at his dwelling place. He presented the matter to them, and testified about the kingdom of God. He tried to persuade them about Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning until evening. 24 Some were convinced about the things which were said, while others did not believe. 25 When they did not agree with one another, they left after Paul had spoken this one word: "The Holy Spirit spoke well through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers.
26 He said, 'Go to this people and say,
"Hearing you will hear, but you will never understand;
seeing, you will see, but you will never know.
27 For the heart of this people has become dull,
and with their ears they hardly hear,
and they have shut their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
and hear with their ears,
and understand with their heart and turn again,
and I would heal them."'
28 Therefore, you should know that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen." 29[1]
30 Paul lived for two whole years in his own rented house, and he welcomed all who came to him. 31 He was proclaiming the kingdom of God and was teaching the things about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness without being hindered.
No one knows for sure why Luke ends his history without telling what happened to Paul after he had been in Rome for two years.
The Jewish leaders were surprised that Paul wanted to speak with them, because they had received no letters from the high priest in Jerusalem telling them that Paul was coming.
When the Jewish leaders spoke of "brothers," they were referring to fellow Jews, not to Christians.
The native people believed that Paul was a god, but they did not believe that he was the one true God. We do not know why Paul did not tell the native people that he was not a god.
Here the word "we" refers to Paul, the writer, and those who traveled with them, but not to the reader.
After the shipwreck, people on the island of Malta helped Paul and everyone on the ship. They stay there for 3 months.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When we arrived safely"
Paul and Luke learned the name of the island. Alternate translation: "we learned from the people" or "we found out from the residents"
Malta is an island located south of the modern-day island of Sicily.
"The local people"
Being kind to someone is spoken of as if it were an object that someone offers. Alternate translation: "were not only very kind to us"
This phrase is used to emphasize the opposite of what is said. Alternate translation: "a great deal of kindness"
"they put together twigs and branches and burned them"
Possible meanings are 1) "welcomed all of the people from the ship" or 2) "welcomed Paul and all his companions."
"a poisonous snake came out of the bundle of sticks"
"bit Paul's hand and did not let go"
"For sure, this man is a murderer" or "This man is truly a murderer"
"Justice" was the name of a goddess that the people on the island worshiped. Alternate translation: "the goddess called Justice"
"shook his hand so that the snake fell from his hand into the fire"
"Paul was not hurt at all"
They they that his body would swell because of the snake venom.
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "everything about him was as it should be"
To think differently about a situation is spoken of as if a person is changing his mind. Alternate translation: "they thought again"
Perhaps the people believed that someone who lived after a poisonous snake bite was divine or a god. This can be stated as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: "said, 'This man must be a god.'"
Here the words "us" and we" refer to Paul, Luke, and those traveling with them, but not to the reader.
"Now" is used to introduce a new person or event in the account.
Possible meanings are 1) the main leader of the people or 2) someone who was the most important person on the island, perhaps because of his wealth.
This is background information about Publius' father that is important to understanding the story.
"was in bed, ill"
Dysentery is an infectious disease of the intestines.
"touched him with his hands"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he healed them too"
Probably they honored Paul and those with him by giving them gifts.
Paul's journey to Rome continues.
"that the crew left at the island for the cold season"
Possible meanings are this refers to 1) a ship that came from Alexandria, or 2) a ship that was registered or licensed in Alexandria.
On the bow of the ship, there was a carving of the two idols called "the twin gods." Their names were Castor and Pollux.
Syracuse is a city on the southeast coast of the modern-day island of Sicily, just southwest of Italy.
This is the port city located at the southwestern tip of Italy.
"the wind began to blow from the south"
Puteoli is located in modern-day Naples on the west coast of Italy.
"There we met"
These were followers of Jesus, including both men and women. Alternate translation: "fellow believers"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they invited us"
Once Paul reached Puteoli, the rest of the journey to Rome was on land. Alternate translation: "And after we stayed seven days with them, we went to Rome"
The Market of Appius was a popular market village about 60 kilometers south of the city of Rome on a road called the Appian Way. The Three Taverns was another village about 50 kilometers south of Rome.
"after they heard we were coming"
Courage is spoken of as if it were an object that a person could take. Alternate translation: "this encouraged him, and he thanked God"
Here the word "we" refers to the writer, Paul, and those traveling with them, but not to the reader.
Paul arrives in Rome as a prisoner but with the freedom to stay in his own place. He calls the local Jews together to explain what has happened to him.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "After we had arrived in Rome, the Roman authorities gave Paul permission to"
This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
These are the Jewish civil or religious leaders present in Rome.
Here this means "Fellow Jews."
"against our people" or "against the Jews"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "some of the Jews arrested me in Jerusalem and placed me in the custody of the Roman authorities"
Here "hands" stands for power or control.
"there was no reason for them to execute me" or "I had done nothing to cause them to kill me"
This does not mean all of the Jews. Alternate translation: "the Jewish leaders"
"complained about what the Roman authorities wanted to do"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I had to ask for Caesar to judge me"
The abstract noun "accusation" can be stated as the verb "accuse." Here "nation" stands for the people. Alternate translation: "but it was not because I wanted to accuse the people of my nation before Caesar"
Here the word "hope" is what a person desires to happen and is confident will happen. In this case it is what the people of Israel hope for. Alternate translation: "what Israel joyfully waits for" or "what the people of Israel confidently expect"
Paul did not state clearly what Israel hoped for. He may have been referring 1) to their hope that the Messiah would come or 2) to their hope that God would cause those who have died to live again.
Here "Israel" stands for the people. Alternate translation: "the people of Israel" or "the Jews"
Here "wearing this chain" stands for being a prisoner. Alternate translation: "that I am a prisoner"
Here the word "We" refers to the Jewish leaders in Rome.
The Jewish leaders respond to Paul.
Here "brothers" stands for fellow Jews. Alternate translation: "nor did any of our fellow Jews"
Here the words "we" and "us" refer to the Jewish leaders in Rome.
A sect is a smaller group within a larger group. Here it refers to those who believe in Jesus. Alternate translation: "you think about this group to which you belong"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because we know"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "many Jews all over the Roman Empire are saying bad things about it"
Here all instances of "they" and "them" refer to the Jewish leaders in Rome. All instances of "him," "his," and "He" refer to Paul (Acts 28:17).
"had chosen a time for him to speak to them"
Here "kingdom of God" stands for God's rule as king. Alternate translation: "told them about God's rule as king" or "told them how God would show himself as king"
Here "the prophets" refers to what they wrote. Alternate translation: "from what the prophets wrote"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Paul was able to convince some of them"
Here the word "they" refers to the Jewish leaders in Rome (Acts 28:17). The word "your" refers to the people to whom Paul had been speaking.
As the Jewish leaders were ready to leave, Paul quoted the Old Testament scriptures that were appropriate for this time.
Here "word" stands for a message or statement. Alternate translation: "after Paul had said one more thing" or "after Paul had made this statement"
This sentence contains quotations within quotations.
Paul begins to quote the book that the prophet Isaiah wrote.
This is the end of the sentence that begins with the words "The Holy Spirit spoke" in verse 25 and that contains quotations within quotations. You can translate one of the inner quotations as an indirect quotation, or you can translate two of the inner quotations as indirect quotations. Alternate translation: "The Spirit told Isaiah to go tell them that they will hear but will not understand and they will see but they will not know"
The words "hear" and "see" are repeated for emphasis. "You will listen carefully ... you will look intently"
Both of these phrases mean basically the same thing. They emphasize that the Jewish people will not understand God's plan.
Translate Paul's quotation of Isaiah as a direct quotation or an indirect quotation according to how you translated it in Acts 28:25-26.
Paul finishes quoting Isaiah the prophet.
People who stubbornly refuse to understand what God is saying or doing are spoken of as if their heart is dull. Here "heart" is a metonym for the mind.
People who stubbornly refuse to understand what God is saying or doing are spoken of as if they are unable to hear and are shutting their eyes so that they will not see.
Here "heart" stands for the mind.
To start obeying God is spoken of as though the person were physically turning toward God.
This does not mean God would only heal them physically. He would also heal them spiritually by forgiving their sins.
Paul finishes speaking to the Jewish leaders in Rome.
God's message about how he saves people is spoken of as if it were an object that is sent. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God is sending his messengers to the Gentiles to tell them about how he will save them"
"some of them will listen." This response of the Gentiles is in contrast to the way the Jews of that time responded.
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Luke ends the story of Paul in the book of Acts.
Here "kingdom of God" refers to God's rule as king. Alternate translation: "He was preaching about God's rule as king" or "He was preaching about how God will show himself as king"
1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand by his prophets in the holy scriptures, 3 concerning his Son who was a descendant of David according to the flesh. 4 Through the Spirit of holiness he was declared with power to be the Son of God by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience of faith among all the nations, for the sake of his name. 6 Among these nations, you also have been called to belong to Jesus Christ.
7 To all in Rome who are beloved of God and called to be his holy people: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the gospel of his Son, of how continually I make mention of you. 10 I always request in my prayers that by any means I may at last be successful now by the will of God in coming to you. 11 For I desire to see you, that I may give you some spiritual gift, in order to strengthen you. 12 That is, I long to be mutually encouraged among you, through each other's faith, yours and mine. 13 Now I do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, that I often intended to come to you (but I was hindered until now), in order to have some fruit among you also, just as I have had among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am a debtor both to Greeks and to foreigners, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So, as for me, I am ready to proclaim the gospel also to you who are in Rome.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and for the Greek. 17 For in it God's righteousness is revealed from faith to faith, as it has been written, "The righteous will live by faith."
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who through unrighteousness hold back the truth. 19 This is because that which is known about God is visible to them. For God has enlightened them. 20 For ever since the creation of the world, his invisible qualities, namely his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, having been discerned in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 This is because, although they knew about God, they did not glorify him as God, nor did they give him thanks. Instead, they became foolish in their thoughts, and their senseless hearts were darkened. 22 They claimed to be wise, but they became foolish. 23 They exchanged the glory of the imperishable God for the likenesses of an image of perishable man, of birds, of four-footed beasts, and of creeping things.
24 Therefore God delivered them over to the lusts of their hearts for uncleanness, for their bodies to be dishonored among themselves. 25 It is they who exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and who worshiped and served the creation instead of the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 Because of this, God delivered them over to dishonorable lusts, for their women exchanged natural relations for those that were unnatural. 27 In the same way, the men also left their natural relations with women and burned in their lust for one another. These were men who committed shameless acts with men and received in themselves the penalty they deserved for their error.
28 And just as they did not approve of having God in their awareness, he gave them up to a corrupted mind, for them to do those things that are not proper. 29 They have been filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, and malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and evil intentions. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventing ways of doing evil; they are disobedient to parents. 31 They are senseless, faithless, heartless, and unmerciful. 32 They understand the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death. But not only do they do these things, they also approve of others who do them.
The first verse is a type of introduction. People in the ancient Mediterranean region often started their letters this way. Sometimes this is called a "salutation."
When Paul writes of "the gospel" in this chapter (verses 1, 2, 9, 15, 16, 17), he is referring to the message about God's salvation for people through Jesus's sacrifice on the cross.
This chapter uses the image of a harvest (1:13) to speak of the Roman Christians doing good works because they believe what Paul has told them about Jesus. (See: fruit and faith and righteous)
This chapter explains that everyone is without excuse. We all know about the true God, Yahweh, from his creation all around us. Because of our sin and our sinful nature, every person justly deserves the wrath of God. This wrath was satisfied by Jesus dying on a cross for those who believe in him. (See: believe and sin)
Many scholars view the phrases "God gave them over" and "God gave them up" as theologically significant. In both cases, it means that God had stopped trying to teach the people the right way and had allowed them to do whatever they want, even though everything they wanted to do was evil.
This chapter has many difficult ideas in it. The way Paul writes makes many of the phrases in this chapter difficult to translate. The translator may need to use the UDB to understand the meaning of the phrases and then translate them in a way that is easy for people to understand. Some of the difficult phrases include: "obedience of faith," "whom I serve in my spirit," "from faith to faith" and "exchanged the glory of the imperishable God for the likenesses of an image of perishable man."
Your language may have a particular way of introducing the author of a letter. You may also need to tell in this same verse who the people are to whom Paul wrote the letter
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "Christ. God called me to be an apostle and chose me to tell people about the gospel"
appointed or chosen by God to be his child, to be his servant and proclaimer of his message of salvation through Jesus
God promised his people that he would set up his kingdom. He told the prophets to write these promises in the Scriptures.
This refers to "the gospel of God," the good news that God promised to send his Son into the world.
This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
Here the word "flesh" refers to the physical body. Alternate translation: "who is a descendant of David according to the physical nature" or "who was born into the family of David"
The word "he" refers to Jesus Christ. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God declared him with power to be the Son of God"
"by raising him from among the people who are dead." This expression speaks of all dead people together in the underworld, and coming alive again is spoken of as resurrection from among them.
This refers to the Holy Spirit.
Paul talks here about his obligation to preach.
God has given Paul the gift of being an apostle. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God caused me to be an apostle. This is a special privilege"
Paul uses the word "name" as a metonym to refer to Jesus. Alternate translation: "in order to teach all nations to obey because of their faith in him"
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You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "I am writing this letter to all of you in Rome whom God loves and has chosen to become his people"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "May God give you grace and peace" or "May God bless you and give you inner peace"
The word "Father" is an important title for God.
the world Paul and his readers knew and could travel in, which was the Roman Empire
Paul emphasizes that he earnestly prays for them and that God has seen him praying. The word "for" is often left untranslated.
A person's spirit is the part of him that can know God and believe in him.
The good news (gospel) of the Bible is that the Son of God has given himself as the Savior of the world.
This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
"I talk to God about you"
"Every time I pray, I ask God that ... I may succeed ... in coming to visit you"
"in whatever way God allows"
"eventually" or "finally"
"now, because God desires it,"
Paul continues his opening statements to the people in Rome by stating his desire to see them in person.
"Because I really want to see you"
Paul wants to strengthen the Roman Christians spiritually. Alternate translation: "some gift that will help you to grow spiritually"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "I mean that I want us to encourage each other by sharing our experiences of faith in Jesus"
Paul is emphasizing that he wanted them to have this information. You can translate this double negative in a positive form. Alternate translation: "I want you to know"
Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "something has always prevented me"
The word "fruit" is a metaphor that represents people in Rome whom Paul wants to believe the gospel. Alternate translation: "that more people among you might trust in Jesus"
the Gentiles in the other regions where he had gone
Using the metaphor "debtor," Paul speaks of his duty to serve God as if he owed God a financial debt. Alternate translation: "I must take the gospel to"
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You can translate this in a positive form. Possible meanings are that 1) Paul is not ashamed of believing the gospel because he knows it is true. Alternate translation: "I am confident in the gospel" 2) Paul is not ashamed of preaching the gospel because he knows that is true. Alternate translation: "I confidently preach the gospel"
Here "believes" means that one puts his trust in Christ. Alternate translation: "it is through the gospel that God powerfully saves those who put their trust in Christ"
"for Jewish people and also for Greek people"
Here "first" means coming before all others in order of time.
Here "it" refers to the gospel. Paul explains why he completely trusts in the gospel.
Paul speaks about the gospel message as if it were an object that God could physically show to people. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God has told us that it is by faith from beginning to end that people become righteous"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "as someone has written in the Scriptures"
Possible meanings are 1) the words "by faith" describe "righteous," and those who by faith are righteous will live, or 2) the words "by faith" describe "will live," and those who are righteous will live by faith.
The word "righteous" can be written as an adjective. Alternate translation: "Righteous people" or "A person who is righteous"
Paul reveals God's great anger against sinful man.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "For God shows how angry he is"
Paul uses the word "for" to show he is about to tell why people know that what he has said in Romans 1:17 is true.
The words "ungodliness" and "unrighteousness" are abstract nouns that can be expressed using the adjectives "ungodly," which describes the people, and "unrighteous," which describes their deeds. These nouns are metonyms for the people with whom God is angry. You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: "God reveals from heaven how angry he is with people because they are ungodly and do unrighteous deeds"
Here "truth" refers to true information about God. Alternate translation: "hide the true information about God"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "they can know about God because of what they can plainly see"
Here "enlightened them" means God has shown them the truth about him. Alternate translation: "Because God has shown everyone what he is like"
This refers to the heavens and the earth, as well as everything in them.
Paul speaks of people understanding God's invisible qualities as if people have seen those qualities. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "people have clearly understood God's invisible qualities, namely his eternal power and divine nature"
"all the qualities and characteristics of God" or "the things about God that make him God"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "because people have discerned them" or "because people have understood them"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "in the things that God has made"
"people do not have an excuse" or "these people can never say that they did not know"
"began to think foolish things"
Here "darkness" is a metaphor that represents the people's lack of understanding. Here "hearts" is a metonym for a person's mind or inner being. Alternate translation: "they became unable to understand what God wanted them to know"
"While they were claiming that they were wise, they became foolish"
the people in Romans 1:18
"traded the truth that God is glorious and will never die"
"stopped loving the glory of the God who never dies and instead chose to worship idols that looked like"
"human beings, who will die"
"or that looked like birds, four-footed beasts, or creeping things"
"Because what I have just said is true"
"God allowed them to indulge in"
These words refer to the "people" of Romans 1:18.
Here "lusts of their hearts" is a synecdoche that represents the evil things they wanted to do. Alternate translation: "the morally impure things they desired greatly"
This is a euphemism that means they committed immoral sexual acts. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "and they committed sexually immoral and degrading acts"
This word refers to the "people" of Romans 1:18.
Here "creation" refers to what God created. Alternate translation: "They worshiped things that God created"
"rather than"
"Because of idolatry and sexual sin"
"God allowed them to do all the dishonorable things they very much wanted to do"
"shameful sexual desires"
"lusts. For example, their women"
The idea of relations "that were unnatural" is a euphemism for immoral sexuality. Alternate translation: "started practicing sexuality in a way God did not design"
Here "natural relations" is a euphemism for sexual relationships. Alternate translation: "many men stopped having natural sexual desire for women"
"experienced strong sexual desire for other men"
"committed acts with men for which they should have been ashamed. But they were not ashamed, and they"
"men, and God has punished them justly for the error they committed"
moral wrong, not a mistake about facts
"They did not think it was necessary to know God"
Possible meanings are 1) God "gave them up to a corrupted mind ... proper" (see the words in this verse) because they not only "exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and ... worshiped and served the creation" (Romans 1:25), but they also "did not approve ... awareness," or 2) God "gave them up ... proper" because "they did not approve ... awareness," in which case "And just as" should be translated "Because."
These words refer to the "people" of Romans 1:18.
Here "a corrupted mind" means a mind that thinks only about immoral things. Alternate translation: "God allowed their minds, which they had filled with worthless and immoral thoughts, to completely control them"
"disgraceful" or "sinful"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "They have in them a strong desire for all" or "They strongly desire to do deeds of"
"Many are constantly envying other people ... Many constantly desire to murder people ... to cause arguments and quarrels among people ... to deceive others ... to speak hatefully about others"
A slanderer says false things about another person in order to damage that person's reputation.
"thinking of new ways to do evil things to others"
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"They know how God wants them to live and that"
Here "practice" refers to continually or habitually doing things that are evil. Alternate translation: "that those who keep on doing wicked things"
"deserve to die"
"these kinds of evil things"
Here the verb "do" refers to continuing to do things that are evil. Alternate translation: "who keep on doing evil things"
1 Therefore you are without excuse, you person, you who judge, for in things for which you judge the other person, you condemn yourself. For you who judge practice the same things. 2 But we know that God's judgment is according to truth when it falls on those who practice such things. 3 But consider this, you person, you who judge those who practice such things although you do the same things. Will you escape from the judgment of God? 4 Or do you think so little of the riches of his kindness, his delayed punishment, and his patience? Do you not know that his kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 5 But it is to the extent of your hardness and unrepentant heart that you are storing up for yourself wrath on the day of wrath, that is, the day of the revelation of God's righteous judgment. 6 He will pay back to every person according to his actions: 7 to those who according to the perseverance of good deeds have sought glory, honor, and incorruptibility, he will give eternal life. 8 But to those who are self-seeking, who disobey the truth but obey unrighteousness, wrath and fierce anger will come. 9 God will bring tribulation and distress on every human soul that has practiced evil, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 10 But glory, honor, and peace will come to everyone who practices good, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 11 For there is no partiality with God. 12 For as many as have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and as many as have sinned with respect to the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but it is the doers of the law who will be justified. 14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature the things of the law, they are a law to themselves, although they do not have the law. 15 By this they show that the actions required by the law are written in their hearts. Their conscience also bears witness to them, and their own thoughts either accuse or defend them 16 on the day when God will judge the secrets of all people, according to my gospel, through Jesus Christ.
17 But if you say that you are a Jew and rest upon the law and boast in God, 18 and know his will and approve of what is excellent because you have been instructed from the law; 19 and if you are convinced that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, and that you have in the law the form of knowledge and of the truth, then how does this affect the way you live your life? 21 You who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who hate idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by transgressing the law? 24 For "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you," just as it has been written. 25 For circumcision is profitable to you if you obey the law, but if you are a transgressor of the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. 26 If, then, the uncircumcised person keeps the requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be considered as circumcision? 27 And will not the one who is naturally uncircumcised condemn you if he fulfills the law? This is because you have the written law and circumcision, yet you are a transgressor of the law! 28 For he is not a Jew who is merely one outwardly; neither is circumcision that which is merely outward in the flesh. 29 But he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter. The praise of such a person comes not from people but from God.
This chapter shifts its audience from Roman Christians to those who "judge" other people and do not believe in Jesus. (See: judge and believe)
This phrase looks back at Chapter 1. In some ways, it actually concludes what Chapter 1 teaches. This phrase explains why everyone in the world must worship the true God.
Those who try to obey the law will not be justified by trying to obey it. Those who are justified by believing in Jesus show that their faith is real by obeying God's commands. (See: justice and lawofmoses)
Paul uses several rhetorical questions in this chapter. It appears the intent of these rhetorical questions is to make the readers see their sin so they will trust in Jesus. (See:, guilt and sin and faith)
At times, this could be translated in a simpler way. But it is translated in this relatively awkward way because when Paul refers to "people who judge" he is also saying that everyone judges. It is possible to translate this as "those who judge (and everyone judges)."
Paul has stated that all people are sinners and continues to remind his readers that all people are wicked.
The word "therefore" marks a new section of the letter. It also makes a concluding statement based on what Paul has said in [Romans 1:1-32]
Paul is writing here as if he were addressing a Jewish person who is arguing with him. Paul is doing this to teach his audience that God will punish everyone who continually sins, whether Jew or Gentile.
Here the pronoun "you" is singular.
"excuse. You are just a human being, yet you judge others and say they deserve God's punishment. But you are only judging yourself because you do the same wicked deeds that they do"
Another possible meaning is "whoever you are."
Here the pronoun "we" may include Christian believers and also Jews who are not Christians.
Here Paul speaks of "God's judgment" as if it were alive and could "fall" on people. Alternate translation: "God will judge those people truly and fairly"
"the people who do those wicked deeds"
"So consider this" or "Therefore, consider this"
"think about what I am going to tell you"
Use the phrase "you, whoever you are" or use "you," (with the comma), followed by a general word for a human being.
"you who say someone deserves God's punishment while you do the same wicked deeds"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. You can also translate this question as a strong negative statement. Alternate translation: "You will certainly not escape God's judgment!"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. You can also translate this as a strong statement. Alternate translation: "You should not act like it does not matter that God is good and that he patiently waits a long time before he punishes people so that his goodness will cause them to repent!"
"consider the riches ... patience unimportant" or "consider ... patience not good"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. You can also translate this as a strong statement. Alternate translation: "You must know that God shows you he is good so that you might repent!"
Paul continues to remind the people that all people are wicked.
Paul uses a metaphor to compare a person who refuses to obey God to something hard, like a stone. He also uses the metonym "heart" to represent the person's mind or inner being. Alternate translation: "It is because you refuse to listen and repent"
This is a doublet that you can combine as "unrepentant heart."
The phrase "storing up" implies a metaphor that usually refers to a person gathering his treasures and putting them in a safe place. Paul says, instead of treasures, that the person is gathering God's punishment. The longer they go without repenting, the more severe the punishment. Alternate translation: "you are making your punishment worse"
Both of these phrases refer to the same day. Alternate translation: "when God will show everyone that he is angry and that he judges all people fairly"
"give a fair reward or punishment"
"each person according to what that person has done"
who, by persevering and doing good deeds, have
have tried to get
They want God to praise and honor them, and they want to never die.
This refers to physical, not moral, decay.
"selfish" or "only concerned with what makes themselves happy"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second intensifies the first.
The words "wrath" and "fierce anger" mean basically the same thing and emphasize God's anger. Alternate translation: "God will show his terrible anger"
Here the word "wrath" is a metonym that refers to God's severe punishment of wicked people.
Though this section is speaking to the non-religious wicked person, Paul sums it up by stating both non-Jews and Jews are wicked before God.
The words "tribulation" and "distress" mean basically the same thing here and emphasize how bad God's punishment will be. Alternate translation: "awful punishments to"
Here, Paul uses the word "soul" as a synecdoche that refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "upon every person"
"has continually done evil things"
"evil. He will judge the Jewish people first, and then those people who are not Jewish"
Possible meanings are 1) "first in order of time" or 2) "most certainly"
"But God will praise, honor, and give peace"
"continually does what is good"
"good. God will reward the Jewish people first, and then those people who are not Jewish"
You should translate this the same way you did in Romans 2:9.
You can translate this in a positive form. Alternate translation: "For God treats all people the same"
"For all those who have sinned"
Paul repeats "without the law" to emphasize that it does not matter if people do not know the law of Moses. If they sin, God will judge them. Alternate translation: "without knowing the law of Moses will certainly still die spiritually"
"all those who have sinned"
God will judge sinful people according to his law. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "and who do know the law of Moses, God will judge them according to that law"
Paul continues to let the reader know that perfect obedience to God's law is required even for those who never had God's law.
Here "the law" refers to the law of Moses. Alternate translation: "it is not those who only hear the law of Moses"
"whom God considers righteous"
"but it is those who obey the law of Moses"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "whom God will accept"
This verse is the beginning of an interruption of Paul's main argument, in which he gives the reader extra information. If you have a way to mark an interruption like this in your language, you can use it here.
This is an idiom that means that these people naturally obey God's laws. Alternate translation: "have God's laws already inside them ... actually do not have the law"
Here "the law" refers to the law of Moses." Alternate translation: "they do not actually have the laws that God gave to Moses"
This verse is the end of an interruption of Paul's main argument, in which he gives the reader extra information. If you have a way to mark an interruption like this in your language, you can use it here.
"By naturally obeying the law they show"
Here "hearts" is a metonym for the person's thoughts or inner person. The phrase "written in their hearts" is a metaphor for knowing something in their mind. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "that God has written on their hearts what the law requires them to do" or "that they know the actions that God wants them to do according to his law"
Here "bears witness" refers to the knowledge they gain from the law that God has written in their hearts. Alternate translation: "tells them if they are disobeying or obeying God's law"
This finishes Paul's thought from Romans 2:13. You can put a period at the end of 2:15 and start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: "This will happen when God judges"
Here begins Paul's discussion that the law the Jews possess actually condemns them because they do not obey it.
"since you call yourself a Jew" or "if you want people to think of you as a Jew"
The phrase "rest upon the law" represents believing that they can become righteous by obeying the law. Alternate translation: "rely on the law of Moses"
"and know God's will"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because people have taught you what is right from the law" or "because you have learned from the law"
Here "the blind" and "those who walk in darkness" represent people who do not understand the law. Alternate translation: "that because you teach the law, you yourself are like a guide to blind people, and you are like a light to people who are lost in the dark"
"you correct those who do wrong"
Here Paul compares those who do not know anything about the law to very small children. Alternate translation: "you teach those who do not know the law"
The knowledge of the truth that is in the law comes from God. Alternate translation: "and you are sure you understand the truth that God has given in the law"
Paul is using a question to scold his listeners. You can translate this as a strong statement. Alternate translation: "You teach others, but you do not teach yourself!" or "You teach others, but you do not do what you teach!"
Paul is using a question to scold his listeners. You can translate this as a strong statement. Alternate translation: "You tell people not to steal, but you steal!"
Paul is using a question to scold his listeners. You can translate this as a strong statement. Alternate translation: "You tell people not to commit adultery, but you commit adultery!"
Paul is using a question to scold his listener. You can translate this as a strong statement. Alternate translation: "You say you hate idols, but you rob temples!"
Possible meanings are 1) "do you steal items from local pagan temples to sell and make a profit" or 2) "do you keep back from the Jerusalem temple all the money that is due to God"
Paul uses a question to scold his listener. You can translate this as a strong statement. Alternate translation: "It is wicked that you claim to be proud of the law while at the same time you disobey it and bring shame to God!"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "many Gentiles blaspheme the name of God"
The word "name" is a metonym that refers to the entirety of God, not just his name.
Paul continues to show that God, by his law, condemns even the Jews who have God's law.
"I say all of this because it is good for you to be circumcised"
"if you do not obey the commandments found in the law"
"it is as though you were no longer circumcised"
"the person who is not circumcised"
"obeys what God commands in the law"
This is the first of two questions Paul asks here to emphasize that circumcision is not what makes one right before God. You can translate this question as a statement in an active form. Alternate translation: "God will consider him as circumcised."
This is the second of two questions that Paul asks here
This refers to Jewish rituals, such as circumcision, which people can see.
This refers to the physical change to a man's body when someone circumcises him.
This is a synecdoche for the whole body. Alternate translation: "body"
These two phrases have similar meanings. The first phrase, "he is a Jew who is one inwardly," explains the second phrase, "circumcision is that of the heart."
This refers to the values and motivations of the person whom God has transformed.
Here "heart" is a metonym for the inner person.
Here "letter" is a synecdoche that refers to written Scripture. Alternate translation: "through the work of the Holy Spirit, not because you know the Scriptures"
This refers to the internal, spiritual part of a person that the Holy Spirit changes.
1 Then what advantage does the Jew have? And what is the benefit of circumcision? 2 It is great in every way. First of all, the Jews were entrusted with revelation from God.
3 For what if some Jews were without faith? Will their unbelief nullify God's faithfulness? 4 May it never be. Instead, let God be found to be true, even though every man is a liar. As it has been written,
"That you might be shown to be righteous in your words,
and that you might prevail when you come into judgment."
5 But if our unrighteousness shows the righteousness of God, what can we say? Can we say that God is unrighteous to bring his wrath upon us? (I am using a human argument.) 6 May it never be! For then how would God judge the world? 7 But if through my lie the truth of God increases his glory, why am I still being judged as a sinner? 8 Why not say, as we are slandered as saying, and as some affirm that we say, "Let us do evil, so that good may come"? Their condemnation is just.
9 What then? Are we excusing ourselves? Not at all. For we have already accused both Jews and Greeks, all of them, of being under sin. 10 This is as it is written:
“No one is righteous, not one;
11 there is no one who understands;
there is no one who seeks God.
12 They have all turned away;
together they have become useless.
There is no one who does good, no,
not even one.”
13 "Their throat is an open grave.
Their tongues have deceived.
The poison of snakes is under their lips.”
14 "Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”
15 "Their feet are swift to pour out blood.
16 Destruction and suffering are in their paths.
17 These people have not known a way of peace."
18 "There is no fear of God before their eyes."
19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to the ones who are under the law, so that every mouth may be shut, and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 For no flesh will be justified by the works of the law in his sight. For through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been revealed, to which the Law and the Prophets bear witness— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe. For there is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, 24 and they are freely justified by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. 25 For God provided Christ Jesus as an atoning sacrifice through faith in his blood. He offered Christ as proof of his justice, because of his disregard of previous sins 26 in his patience. This was to show his righteousness at this present time, so he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
27 Where then is boasting? It is excluded. Through what kind of law? Of works? No, but through a law of faith. 28 We conclude then that a person is justified by faith without works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not also the God of Gentiles? Yes, of Gentiles also. 30 If, indeed, God is one, he will justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith.
31 Do we then nullify the law through faith? May it never be! Instead, we uphold the law.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verses 4 and 10-18 of this chapter, which is from the Old Testament.
Chapter 3 answers the question, "What advantage does being a Jew have over being a Gentile?" (See: lawofmoses and save)
Because God is holy, anyone with him in heaven must be perfect. Any sin at all will condemn a person. (See: heaven and condemn)
Obeying the law cannot make a person right with God. Obeying God's law is a way a person shows they believe in God. People have always been justified only by faith. (See: justice and faith)
Paul frequently uses rhetorical questions in this chapter. It appears the intent of these rhetorical questions is to make the readers see their sin so they will trust in Jesus. (See: and guilt)
Paul proclaims the advantage that Jews have because God gave them his law.
Paul presents ideas that people might have after they hear what he wrote in chapter 2. He does this in order to respond to them in verse 2. Alternate translation: "Some people might say, 'Then what advantage does the Jew have? And what is the benefit of circumcision?'" or "Some people might say, 'If that is true, then the Jews do not have any advantage, and there is no benefit in being circumcised.'"
Paul now responds to the concerns brought up in verse 1. Here "It" refers to being a member of the Jewish people. Alternate translation: "But there is great advantage to being a Jew"
Possible meanings are 1) "First in order of time" or 2) "Most certainly" or 3) "Most importantly."
Here "revelation" refers to God's words and promises. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God gave his words that contain his promises to the Jews"
Paul uses these questions to make people think. Alternate translation: "Some Jews have not been faithful to God. We should not conclude from this that God will not fulfill his promise."
This expression strongly denies that this could happen. You may have an expression in your language that you could use here. "That is not possible!" or "Certainly not!"
"We should say this instead, let"
God will always be true and will keep his promises. Alternate translation: "God always does what he has promised"
The words "every" and "liar" are exaggerations here to add emphasis that God alone is always true to his promises. Alternate translation: "even if every man were a liar"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "The Scriptures themselves agree with what I am saying"
These two phrases have very similar meanings. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "Everyone must acknowledge that what you say is true, and you will always win your case when anyone accuses you"
Paul uses these questions to present what some people were arguing and to get his readers to think about whether or not this argument is true. Alternate translation: "Some people say that since our unrighteousness shows God's righteousness, then God is unrighteous when he punishes us."
Here "wrath" is a metonym for punishment. Alternate translation: "to bring his punishment upon us" or "to punish us"
"I am saying here what some people say" or "This is what some people say"
"We must never say that God is unrighteous"
Paul uses this question to show that the arguments against the gospel are not valid, since the Jews believe that God will judge all people. Alternate translation: "We all know that God will in fact judge the world!"
The "world" is a metonym for the people who live in the world. Alternate translation: "the people who live in the world"
Here Paul imagines someone continuing to reject the Christian gospel. That adversary argues that his sin shows that God is righteous, so God should not declare that person guilty of sin on judgment day.
"causes people to praise God for his glory"
Here Paul raises a question of his own, to show how ridiculous the argument of his imaginary adversary is. Alternate translation: "I might as well be saying ... come!'"
"as some lie to others, claiming that this what we are saying"
These Greek words are plural: "evil deeds ... good things"
You may need to make explicit that the speakers expect to receive good things. Alternate translation: "good things may come to us" or "we may receive good things"
God will be acting justly when he condemns these enemies of Paul for telling lies about what Paul has been teaching.
Paul sums up that all are guilty of sin, none are righteous, and no one seeks God.
Paul asks these questions to emphasize his point. Alternate translation: "We Jews should not try to imagine we are going to escape God's judgment, just because we are Jewish!"
These words are stronger than a simple "no," but not as strong as "absolutely not!"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "This is as the prophets have written in the Scriptures"
There is no one who understands what is right. Alternate translation: "no one really understands what is right"
Here the phrase "seeks after God" means tries to have a relationship with God. Alternate translation: "no one sincerely tries to have a right relationship with God"
This is an idiom that means the people do not even want to think about God. They want to avoid him. Alternate translation: "They have all turned away from God"
Since no one does what is good, they are useless to God. Alternate translation: "Everyone has become useless to God"
The word "their" refers to the "Jews and Greeks" of Romans 3:9.
The word "throat" is a metonym for everything that people say. Here "open grave" is a metaphor that refers to the stench of dead bodies, a metaphor for the evil words of the people.
The word "tongues" is a metonym for the false words that people speak. Alternate translation: "People speak lies"
Here "poison of snakes" is a metaphor that is used to represent the great harm of the evil words that the people speak. The word "lips" refers to the words of the people. Alternate translation: "Their evil words injure people just like the poison of a venomous snake"
Here "mouths" is a metonym that represents the evil words of the people. The word "full" exaggerates how often people speak bitterly and curse. Alternate translation: "They often speak curses and cruel words"
Here "feet" is a synecdoche that represents the people themselves. The word "blood" is a metaphor that refers to killing people. Alternate translation: "They are in a hurry to harm and murder people"
The word "their" refers to the Jews and Greeks in Romans 3:9.
The word "their" refers to the Jews and Greeks in Romans 3:9.
Here "destruction and suffering" are metonyms that represent the harm that these people cause others to suffer. Alternate translation: "They try to destroy others and cause them to suffer"
These words refer to the Jews and Greeks in Romans 3:9.
"how to live at peace with others." A "way" is a road or path.
This word refers to the Jews and Greeks in Romans 3:9.
Here "fear" is a metonym that represents respect for God and willingness to honor him. Alternate translation: "They refuse to give God the respect he deserves"
Paul speaks of the law here as if it were alive and had its own voice. Alternate translation: "everything that the law says people should do is for" or "all the commands that Moses wrote in the law are for"
"those who must obey the law"
Here "mouth" is a synecdoche that means the words people speak. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "so that no people will be able to say anything valid to defend themselves"
Here "world" is a synecdoche that represents all the people who live in the world. Alternate translation: "that God can declare everyone in the world guilty"
Here "flesh" refers to all human beings.
Possible meanings are 1) "Therefore, through the law" or 2) "This is because through the law"
"when someone knows God's law, he realizes that he has sinned"
The word "but" here shows Paul has completed his introduction and is now beginning to make his main point.
The word "now" refers to the time since Jesus came to the earth.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God has made known a way to be right with him without obeying the law"
The words "the Law and the Prophets" refer to the parts of scripture that Moses and the prophets wrote. Paul describes them here as if they were people testifying in court. Alternate translation: "What Moses and the prophets wrote confirms this"
Here "righteousness" means being right with God. Alternate translation: "being right with God through trusting Jesus Christ"
Paul implies that God accepts all people in the same way. Alternate translation: "There is no difference at all between the Jews and the Gentiles"
Here the "glory of God" is a metonym that refers to the image of God and his nature. Alternate translation: "have failed to be like God"
Here "justified" refers to being made right with God. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God makes them right with himself as a free gift, because Christ Jesus sets them free"
This means that they are justified without having to earn or merit being justified. God freely justifies them. Alternate translation: "they are made right with God without earning it"
This is a metonym for the death of Jesus as a sacrifice for sins. Alternate translation: "in his death as a sacrifice for sins"
Possible meanings are 1) his ignoring or 2) his forgiving.
"God did this to show at this present time that he is righteous"
"By this he shows that he is both just and the the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus"
"the one who declares everyone righteous who has faith in Jesus"
Paul asks this question to show that there is no reason for people to boast about obeying the law. Alternate translation: "So there is no way that we can boast that God favors us because we obeyed those laws. Boasting is excluded"
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "God does not allow it"
You may need to fill in the words omitted in the ellipsis. Alternate translation: "Through what kind of law is boasting excluded? Is it excluded through a law of works? No, it is excluded through a law of faith" You can also translate using active forms. Alternate translation: "On what grounds does God exclude boasting? Does he exclude it through a law of works? No, he excludes it through a law of faith" or "Why does God exclude boasting? Is it because of something that we have done? No, it is because we have believed"
"On what grounds? ... on the grounds of"
Paul asks these questions to get his readers ready to receive the point he is making. Alternate translation: "Let me tell you what kind of law he excludes it through. It is not through a law of works."
This can be translated in active form. Here the words "by faith" refers to either 1) the means by which God justifies a person. Alternate translation: "God justifies a person through that person's faith" Or 2) the reason for which God justifies a person. Alternate translation: "God justifies a person because he has faith" Faith is not the actor that justifies a person.
"even if he has done no works of the law"
Paul asks this question for emphasis. Alternate translation: "You who are Jews certainly should not think that you are the only ones whom God will accept!"
Paul asks this question to emphasize his point. Alternate translation: "He will also accept non-Jews, that is, Gentiles"
Here "circumcision" is a metonym that refers to Jews and "uncircumcision" is a metonym that refers to non-Jews. Alternate translation: "God will make both Jews and non-Jews right with himself through their faith in Christ"
Paul confirms the law though faith.
Paul asks a question that one of his readers might have. Alternate translation: "Someone might say that we can ignore the law because we have faith."
This expression gives the strongest possible negative answer to the preceding rhetorical question. You may have a similar express in your language that you could use here. Alternate translation: "This is certainly not true" or "Certainly not"
"we obey the law"
This pronoun refers to Paul, other believers, and the readers.
1 What then will we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, found? 2 For if Abraham had been justified by works, he would have had a reason to boast, but not before God. 3 For what does the scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness."
4 Now for him who labors, his wage is not counted as a gift, but as what is owed. 5 But for him who does not work but instead believes in the one who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness. 6 David also pronounces blessing on the man to whom God counts righteousness without works.
7 He says,
"Blessed are those
whose lawless deeds are forgiven,
and whose sins are covered.
8 Blessed is the man
against whom the Lord will not count sin."
9 Then is this blessing pronounced only on those of the circumcision, or also on those of the uncircumcision? For we say, "Faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness." 10 How was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before! 11 Abraham received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe but have not been circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them. 12 He is also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.
13 For the promise to Abraham and to his descendants that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if those who live by the law are to be the heirs, faith is made empty, and the promise does nothing. 15 For the law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, there is no transgression. 16 For this reason it is by faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all of Abraham's descendants—not only to those who are under the law, but also to those who share the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all, 17 as it is written, "I have appointed you the father of many nations." Abraham was in the presence of him whom he trusted, that is, God, who gives life to the dead and calls the things that do not exist into existence. 18 In hope he believed against hope, that he would become the father of many nations, according to what he had been told, "So will your descendants be." 19 Without becoming weak in faith, he considered his own body as dead (because he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb. 20 But because of God's promise, Abraham did not hesitate in unbelief. Instead, he was strengthened in faith and gave glory to God. 21 He was fully convinced that what God had promised, he was also able to accomplish. 22 Therefore this was also "counted to him as righteousness." 23 But the words "it was counted to him" were not written for his sake alone. 24 They were written also for us, and it will be counted to us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 This is the one who was delivered up for our trespasses and was raised for our justification.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verses 7-8 of this chapter, which is from the Old Testament.
Paul builds upon material from chapter 3. He explains how Abraham, the father of Israel, was justified. Even Abraham could not be justified by what he did. Obeying the law of Moses does not make a person right with God. Obeying God's commands is a way a person shows they believe in God. People have always been justified only by faith. (See: justice and lawofmoses and faith)
Circumcision was important to the Israelites. It identified a male as a descendant of Abraham. It was also a sign of the covenant between Abraham and Yahweh. However, no person was justified only by being circumcised. (See: circumcise and covenant)
Paul uses rhetorical questions in this chapter. It appears the intent of these rhetorical questions is to make the readers see their sin so they will trust in Jesus. (See: and guilt and sin)
Paul uses the question to catch the attention of the reader and to start talking about something new. Alternate translation: "This is what Abraham our physical ancestor found."
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Paul uses this question to call attention to what he is about to say, not to receive an answer. He speaks of the Scriptures as if they were alive and could talk. Alternate translation: "For this is what is in the scripture:"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God considered Abraham to be a righteous person because he believed"
"no one counts what his employer pays him as a gift from his employer"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "but as what his employer owes him"
"in God, who justifies"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God considers that person's faith as righteousness" or "God considers that person righteous because of his faith"
"David also wrote about how God blesses the man whom God makes righteous without works"
The same concept is stated in two different ways. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "who have broken the law, but the Lord has forgiven ... whose sins the Lord has covered"
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This remark appears in the form of a question to show that Paul is beginning a discussion about the relationship between blessing and circumcision. Alternate translation: "I want to show you how it is that God blesses not only those who are circumcised, but also those who are not circumcised"
This is a metonym that refers to the Jewish people. Alternate translation: "the Jews"
This is a metonym that refers to the people who are not Jews. Alternate translation: "the Gentiles"
Paul is going to show that because God counted Abraham as righteous by faith, we can infer that it is people who have faith that God counts righteous.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God considered the faith of Abraham as righteousness"
Paul asks two questions to introduce the third sentence. If your language does not allow speakers to use questions to introduce what they are talking about, you may need to translate these all as statements. Alternate translation: "This is when righteousness was counted to him: it was not after he had been circumcised, but before!"
Paul is asking in a general way about the circumstances in which God considered Abraham righteous. He is not asking what procedure God followed to consider Abraham righteous. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "How did God consider Abraham to be righteous?"
This can be stated with the words that have been omitted in the ellipsis. Alternate translation: "It happened before he was circumcised, not after he was circumcised"
Here "righteousness that he had by faith" means that God considered him to be righteous because he had faith. Alternate translation: "a visible sign that God considered him righteous because he had believed in God before he was circumcised"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "so that God would consider them righteous"
Paul is saying that circumcision alone does not make a man a descendant of Abraham, that is, a true Jew. A true Jew is one who has been circumcised and who lives by faith the way Abraham did.
Here "the circumcision" refers to Jews.
Here "walk in the footsteps of the faith" is an idiom that means to follow someone's example. Alternate translation: "who follow our father Abraham's example in the faith that he had" or "who have faith as our father Abraham did"
Paul confirms that even in the past believers were made right with God by faith and not by the law.
The words "the promise came" are understood from the first phrase. You can translate this by adding these implied words. Alternate translation: "law, but the promise came through faith, which God considers as righteousness"
The people to whom God has made promises are spoken of as if they were to inherit property and wealth from a family member.
Here "live by the law" refers to obeying the law. Alternate translation: "if those who obey the law are the ones who will inherit the earth"
"faith has no value, and the promise is meaningless"
This can be restated to remove the abstract noun "transgression." Alternate translation: "no one has disobeyed the law" or "it is impossible to disobey the law"
"So"
The word "it" refers to receiving what God had promised. Alternate translation: "it is by faith that we receive the promise" or "we receive the promise by faith"
Here "the promise may rest on grace" represents God giving what he promised because of his grace. Alternate translation: "so that what he promised might be a free gift" or "so that his promise would be because of his grace"
This refers to the Jewish people, who were obligated to obey the law of Moses.
This refers to those who have faith as Abraham did before he was circumcised. Alternate translation: "those who believe as Abraham did"
Here the word "us" refers to Paul and includes all Jewish and non-Jewish believers in Christ. Abraham is the physical ancestor of the Jewish people, but he is also the spiritual father of those who have faith.
Where it is written can be made explicit. You can also translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "as someone has written in the Scriptures"
Here the word "you" is singular and refers to Abraham.
Here "of him whom he trusted" refers to God. Alternate translation: "Abraham was in the presence of God whom he trusted, who gives life to those who have died"
"creates everything from nothing"
This idiom means that Abraham hoped and believed even though what he hoped for seemed to be impossible. That is, Abraham trusted God to give him many descendants, even though it seemed to be impossible for him to have children. Alternate translation: "Even though it seemed that there was no reason to hope, Abraham hoped and believed" or "Even though it seemed to be impossible for him to have descendants, Abraham believed God and confidently expected"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "just as God said to Abraham"
The full promise God gave to Abraham can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "You will have more descendants than you can count"
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You can translate this double negative in a positive form. Alternate translation: "kept on acting in faith. He"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "he became stronger in his faith"
"Abraham was completely sure"
"God was able to do"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "Therefore God counted Abraham's belief as righteousness" or "Therefore God considered Abraham righteous because Abraham believed him"
"also, as the scripture says, 'counted to him as righteousness.'"
"for Abraham only"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God counted righteousness to him" or "God considered him righteous"
The word "us" refers to Paul and includes all believers in Christ.
You can translate this without the passive form "written." Alternate translation: "Those words were also for us"
The word "it" refers to righteousness. You can translate this with an active form. Alternate translation: "God will count righteousness to us who believe in him" or "God will consider us righteous if we believe in him"
"Raised ... from the dead" here is an idiom for "caused to live again." Alternate translation: "him who caused Jesus our Lord to live again"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "whom God gave over to enemies for our trespasses and whom God brought back to life so he could make us right with him"
1 Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we also have our access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only this, but we also boast in our tribulations. We know that tribulation brings about perseverance. 4 Perseverance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not make ashamed because the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who was given to us. 6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will hardly die for a righteous person, though perhaps someone would dare to die for a good person. 8 But God proves his own love toward us, because while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more, then, now that we are justified by his blood, we will be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, after having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. 11 Not only this, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we now have received this reconciliation.
12 So then, as through one man sin entered into the world, in this way death entered through sin. And death spread to all people, because all sinned. 13 For until the law, sin was in the world, but there is no accounting for sin when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who did not sin like Adam's disobedience, who is a pattern of him who was to come.
15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if by the trespass of one the many died, how much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abound for the many! 16 For the gift is not like the outcome of that one man's sin. The judgment followed one trespass and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. 17 For if, by the trespass of the one, death ruled through the one, how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ. 18 So then, as one trespass led to condemnation for all people, so also through the one act of righteousness came justification and life for all people. 19 For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the one will the many be made righteous. 20 But the law came in to increase the trespass. But where sin abounded, grace abounded even more. 21 This happened so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness for everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Many scholars view verses 12-17 as some of the most important, but difficult, verses in Scripture to understand. Some of their richness and meaning has likely been lost while being translated from how the original Greek was constructed.
How Paul explains the results of our being justified is an important part of this chapter. These results include having peace with God, having access to God, being confident about our future, being able to rejoice when suffering, being eternally saved, and being reconciled with God. (See: justice)
Scholars are divided over what Paul meant in verse 12: "And death spread to all people, because all sinned." Some believe that all of mankind was present in the "seed of Adam." So, as Adam is the father of all mankind, all of mankind was present when Adam sinned. Others believe that Adam served as a representative head for mankind. So when he sinned, all of mankind "fell" as a result. Whether people today played an active or passive role in Adam's original sin is one way these views differ. Other passages will help one decide.
Adam was the first man and the first "son" of God. He was created by God. He brought sin and death into the world by eating the forbidden fruit. Paul describes Jesus as the "second Adam" in this chapter and the true son of God. He brings life and overcame sin and death by dying on the cross. (See: sonofgod and death)
Paul begins to tell many different things that happen when God makes believers right with him.
"Because we are justified"
All occurrences of "we" and "our" refer to all believers and should be inclusive.
"because of our Lord Jesus Christ"
Here "Lord" means that Jesus is God.
Here "by faith" refers to our trust in Jesus, which allows us to stand before God. Alternate translation: "Because we trust in Jesus, God allows us to come into his presence"
Here the word "hope" is a person's confident expectation that what he desires really will happen. The abstract noun "hope" can be translated here with the verbs "confidently expect" or "confidently wait" or "trust." Alternate translation: "we rejoice because we confidently expect to share in the glory of God"
The word "this" refers to the ideas described in Romans 5:1-2.
These words refer to all believers and should be inclusive.
"suffering helps us learn to endure"
Perseverance is an abstract noun that can be translated as a verb. Here it is a metonym for the person who endures. You may need to make explicit what it is that a person endures. Alternate translation: "We develop character when we endure hardship"
the desire and ability to do what is right
"having characer helps us to hope." Here the word "hope" is a person's confident expectation that what he desires really will happen, and it refers to the confident expectation that God will fulfill all his promises. The abstract noun "hope" can be translated here with the verbs "wait confidently" or "trust". Alternate translation: "character helps us to wait confidently" or "character helps us to trust God"
These words refer to all believers and should be inclusive.
Paul uses personification here as he speaks of "hope" as if it were alive. "Hope" is an abstract noun that can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "we are very confident that we will receive the things that we wait for"
"make us ashamed"
Here "hearts" represents a person's thoughts, feelings, or inner person. The phrase "the love of God has been poured into our hearts" is a metaphor for God showing love to his people. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because he has loved us greatly" or "because God has shown us how much he loves us"
The word "we" here refers to all believers and so should be inclusive.
"It is hard to find someone who is willing to die, even for a righteous person"
"but you might find someone who is willing to die for such a good person"
You can translate this verb in past tense using "demonstrated" or "showed."
All occurrences of "us" and "we" refer to all believers and should be inclusive.
Paul is saying that because we are justified by Christ's blood, we can be much more certain that Christ will save us. Alternate translation: "Now that we are justified by his blood, we will more certainly be saved"
Here "justified" means that God puts us in a right relationship with himself. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "now that God has made us right with himself because of Christ's death"
This is a metonym for the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross.
God forgives us and rescues us from being punished in hell for our sin.
Here "wrath" is a metonym that refers to God's punishment of those who have sinned against him. Alternate translation: "God's punishment"
All occurrences of "we" refer to all believers and should be inclusive.
"God's Son ... the life of God's Son"
The death of the Son of the God has provided eternal forgiveness and made all who believe in Jesus friends with God. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God allowed us to have a peaceful relationship with him because his Son died for us"
This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "now that God has made us his friends again"
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Paul explains why death happened even before God gave the law to Moses.
Paul describes sin as a dangerous thing that came into the world through the actions of "one man," Adam. This sin then became an opening through which death, pictured here as another dangerous thing, also came into the world.
This means that the people sinned before God gave the law. Alternate translation: "People in the world sinned before God gave his law to Moses"
This means that God did not charge the people with sinning before he gave the law. Alternate translation: "but God recorded no sin against the law before he gave the law"
"Even though what I have just said is true, death" or "There was no written law from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, but death" (Romans 5:13).
Paul is speaking of death as if it were a king who ruled. Alternate translation: "people continued to die from the time of Adam until the time of Moses as a consequence of their sin"
"Moses. Even people whose sins were different from Adam's continued to die, Adam being"
Adam was a pattern of Christ, who appeared much later. He had much in common with him.
Here "grace" refers to God's free gift that he made available to everyone through Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: "even more through the man Jesus Christ, who died for us all, did God kindly offer us this gift of everlasting life, although we do not deserve it"
Here "the gift" refers to God's freely erasing the record of our sins. Alternate translation: "The gift is not like the result of Adam's sin"
The abstract nouns "judgment," "trespass," and "condemnation," can be expressed with verbs. Alternate translation: "After one man trespassed, God judged all people and condemned them to be punished" or "God declared that all people deserved to have him punish them because one man committed one sin"
The abstract nouns "gift," "trespass," and "justification" can be expressed as verbs. It is implied that God's gift of justification is greater than his judgement. Alternate translation: "but after people trespassed many times, God gave the gift and justified them" or "but the gift is greater because he gave it after many people had committed many sins, and by giving the gift he justified them"
This refers to the sin of Adam.
Here Paul speaks of "death" as a king who ruled. The "rule" of death causes everyone to die. Alternate translation: "everyone died"
The abstract nouns "trespass" and "condemnation" can be expressed with the verbs "sin" and "condemn." Alternate translation: "as one trespass caused all people to be condemned" or "as all people are condemned because one person sinned against God"
This refers to Adam's sin.
Here "condemnation" refers to God's punishment. Alternate translation: "all people deserve God's punishment for sin"
The abstract nouns "justification" and "life" can be expressed with the verbs "justify" and "live." Alternate translation: "one act of righteousness allows all people to be justified and live" or "all people can be justified and live because one person did that one righteous act"
This refers to Jesus's obedience to God in dying for our sins.
the disobedience of Adam
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "many people sinned"
the obedience of Jesus
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "of the one, God will make many people right with him"
Here Paul speaks of the law as if it were a person. Alternate translation: "God gave his law to Moses"
"sin increased"
Here "grace" refers to God's undeserved blessings. Alternate translation: "God continued to act even more kindly toward them, in a way that they did not deserve"
Here Paul speaks of sin as if it were a king who ruled over people and made them unable to obey God and ultimately killing them, and he speaks of grace as if it were a king who might rule over people and enable them to be right with God. Alternate translation: "as people obeyed their desire to sin and therefore had to die ... God might show grace to people and allow them to be right with him, resulting in everlasting life"
Paul includes himself, his readers, and all believers.
1 What then will we say? Should we continue in sin so that grace may abound? 2 May it never be. We who died to sin, how can we still live in it? 3 Do you not know that as many as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried, then, with him through baptism into death. This happened in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so also we might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will also be united with his resurrection. 6 We know this, that our old man was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be destroyed. This happened so that we should no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 He who has died is declared righteous with respect to sin. 8 But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live together with him. 9 We know that since Christ has been raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer rules over him. 10 For in regard to the death that he died to sin, he died once for all. However, the life that he lives, he lives for God. 11 In the same way, you also must consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
12 Therefore do not let sin rule in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts. 13 Do not present the members of your bodies to sin, to be tools used for unrighteousness. But present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present the members of your bodies to God as tools to be used for righteousness. 14 Do not allow sin to rule over you. For you are not under law, but under grace.
15 What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law, but under grace? May it never be. 16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey? You are either slaves to sin, which leads to death, or slaves to obedience, which leads to righteousness. 17 But thanks be to God! For you were slaves of sin, but you have obeyed from the heart the pattern of teaching that you were given. 18 You have been made free from sin, and you have been made slaves of righteousness. 19 I speak like a man because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented the members of your bodies as slaves to uncleanness and to lawlessness, resulting in more lawlessness, in the same way, now present the members of your bodies as slaves to righteousness for sanctification. 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free from righteousness. 21 At that time, what fruit then did you have of the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been made free from sin and are enslaved to God, you have your fruit for sanctification. The result is eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin are death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Paul begins this chapter by answering how someone might object to what he taught in Chapter 5.
In this chapter, Paul refutes the teaching that Christians can live however they want after they are saved. Scholars call this "antinomianism" or being "against the law." To motivate godly living, Paul recalls the great price Jesus paid for a Christian to be saved. (See: save and godly)
Before they believe in Jesus, people are servants of sin, that is, they are unable to resist their desire to sin. God frees Christians from serving sin. They are able to choose to serve Christ in their lives. Paul explains that when Christians choose to sin, they willingly choose to sin. (See: faith and sin)
This chapter uses the imagery of fruit. The image of fruit usually refers to a person's faith producing good works in their life. (See: fruit and righteous)
Paul uses rhetorical questions in this chapter. It appears the intent of these rhetorical questions is to make the readers see their sin so they will trust in Jesus. (See: and guilt and sin)
Paul uses "death" to refer to many different things in this chapter: physical death, spiritual death, sin reigning in the heart of man, and the end of something. He contrasts sin and death with the new life provided by Christ and the new way Christians are supposed to live after they are saved. (See: death)
Under grace, Paul tells those who believe in Jesus to live a new life as though dead to sin and alive to God.
Paul asks these rhetorical questions to get the attention of his readers. Alternate translation: "So, what should we say about all of this? We certainly should not keep on sinning so that God will give us more and more grace!
The pronoun "we" refers to Paul, his readers, and other people.
Here "We who died to sin" refers to those who follow Jesus, who are now like dead people who cannot be affected by sin. Paul uses this rhetorical question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "We are now like dead people on whom sin has no effect! So we certainly should not keep on sinning!"
Paul uses this question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "Remember, when someone baptized us to show that we have a relationship with Christ, this also shows that we died with Christ on the cross!
Here Paul speaks of a believer's baptism in water as if it were a death and burial. Alternate translation: "When someone baptized us, it is just like that person buried us with Christ in the tomb"
To raise from the dead is an idiom for causing a person to live again. This compares a believer's new spiritual life to Jesus coming back to life physically. The believer's new spiritual life enables that person to obey God. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "just as the Father brought Jesus back to life after he died, we might have new spiritual life and obey God"
All those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld. To be raised from among them speaks of becoming alive again.
Paul compares our union with Christ to death. Those who are joined with Christ in death will share in his resurrection. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "died with him ... come back to life with him"
The "old man" is a metaphor that refers to the person before he believes in Jesus. Paul describes our old sinful person as dying on the cross with Jesus when we believe in Jesus. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "our sinful person died on the cross with Jesus"
This means the person who once was, but who does not exist now.
This is a metonym that refers to the whole sinful person. Alternate translation: "our sinful nature"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "might die"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "sin should no longer enslave us" or "we should no longer be slaves to sin"
Slavery to sin is a metaphor meaning having such a strong desire to sin that one is unable to stop himself from sinning. It is as if sin controls the person. Alternate translation: "we should no longer be controlled by sin"
Here "righteous" refers to being right with God. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "When God declares a person right with him, that person is no longer controlled by sin"
Here "died" refers to the fact that believers are no longer controlled by sin.
Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "We know since God brought Christ back to life after he died"
All those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld. To be raised from among them is to become alive again.
Here "death" is described as if it were a king or ruler that has power over people. Alternate translation: "He cannot ever die again"
Possible meanings are 1) he died once, and he will not die again, nor will anyone else need to die, or 2) it is true now and will be true for all time that he died.
"For this reason consider"
"think of yourselves as" or "see yourselves as"
Just as one cannot force a corpse to do anything, sin has no power to force believers to dishonor God. Alternate translation: "as if you were dead to the power of sin"
"dead to the power of sin, but living to honor God"
"living to honor God through the power Christ Jesus gives you"
Paul reminds us that grace rules over us, not the law; we are not sin's slaves, but God's slaves.
Paul speaks of people sinning as if sin were their master or king that controlled them. Alternate translation: "Do not let sinful desires control you"
This phrase refers to the physical part of a person, which will die. Alternate translation: "you"
Obeying the mortal body's lusts would be the result of letting sin rule in the body. That is why Paul commands people not to let sin rule in their mortal body—so they they do not obey its lusts. Paul speaks of people doing the evil things they desire as if the body had evil desires and commanded people to do what it desires.
The picture is of the sinner offering his "members," the parts of his body to his master or king. One's "members" are a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "Do not offer yourselves to sin so that you do what is not right"
Here the words "brought ... to life" refer to the believer's new spiritual life. Alternate translation: "But offer yourselves to God because he has given you new spiritual life" or "But offer yourselves to God as those who had died and are now alive"
Here "members" is a synecdoche that refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "let God use you for what is pleasing to him"
Paul speaks of "sin" here as if it were a king who rules over people. Alternate translation: "Do not let sinful desires control what you do" or "Do not allow yourselves to do the sinful things you want to do"
To be "under law" means to be subject to its limitations and weaknesses. You can make the full meaning explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: "For you are no longer bound to the law of Moses, which could not give you the power to stop sinning"
To be "under grace" means that God's free gift provides the power to keep from sinning. You can make the full meaning explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: "but you are bound to God's grace, which does give you the power to stop sinning"
Paul is using a question to emphasize that living under grace is not a reason to sin. Alternate translation: "However, just because we are bound to grace instead of the law of Moses certainly does not mean we are allowed to sin"
"We would never want that to happen!" or "May God help me not to do that!" This expression shows an extremely strong desire that this does not take place. You may have a similar expression in your language that you could use here. See how you translated it in Romans 3:31.
Paul uses a question to scold anyone who may think God's grace is a reason to keep sinning. You can translate this as a strong statement. Alternate translation: "You should know that if you present yourselves as slaves to anyone, you are slaves to whomever you obey!"
"which results in death ... which results in righteousness"
"But I thank God!"
Being "slaves of sin" is a metaphor meaning they have such a strong desire to sin that they are unable to keep from sinning. It is as if sin controls the person. Alternate translation: "you were like slaves of sin" or "you were unable to keep from sinning"
Here the word "heart" refers to having sincere or honest motives for doing something. Alternate translation: "but you truly obeyed"
Here "pattern" refers to the way of living that leads to righteousness. The believers change their old way of living to match this new way of living that Christian leaders teach to them. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "the teaching that Christian leaders gave you"
Here "free from sin" is a metaphor for them no longer having a strong desire to sin and therefore being able to stop themselves from sinning. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "Christ has freed you from sin" or "Your strong desire to sin has been taken away" or "You have been made free from sin's control over you" (See: and )
Slavery of righteousness is a metaphor meaning having a strong desire to do what is right. It is as if righteousness controls the person. Alternate translation: "you have been made like slaves of righteousness" or "you are now controlled by righteousness"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Christ has made you slaves of righteousness" or "Christ has changed you so that now you are controlled by righteousness"
Paul may have expected his readers to wonder why he was speaking of slavery and freedom. Here he is saying that he is using these ideas from their everyday experience to help them understand that people are controlled either by sin or by righteousness. Alternate translation: "I am speaking about this in human terms" or "I am using examples from everyday life"
Often Paul uses the word "flesh" as the opposite of "spirit." Alternate translation: "because you do not fully understand spiritual things"
Here, the word "members" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "offered yourselves as slaves to everything that is evil and not pleasing to God"
Here the word "members" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "offer yourselves as slaves to what is right before God so that he might set you apart and give you the power to serve him"
Here "free from righteousness" is a metaphor for not having to do what is righteous. The people were living as though they thought that they did not have to do what was right. Alternate translation: "it was as though you were free from righteousness" or "you behaved as though you did not have to do what was right" or
"Fruit" here is a metaphor for "result" or "outcome." Paul is using a question to emphasize that sinning results in nothing good. Alternate translation: "Nothing good came from those things that now cause you shame." or "You gained nothing by doing those things that now cause you shame."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But now that you have become free from sin and have become God's slaves" or "But now that God has freed you from sin and made you his slaves"
Being "free from sin" is a metaphor for being able not to sin. Alternate translation: "But now that God has made you able not to sin"
Being "enslaved" to God is a metaphor for being able to serve and obey God. Alternate translation: "and God has made you able to serve him"
Here "fruit" is a metaphor for "result" or "benefit." Alternate translation: "the benefit is your sanctification" or "the benefit is that you live in a holy way"
"The result of all of this is that you will live forever with God"
The word "wages" refers to a payment given to someone for their work. "For if you serve sin, you will receive spiritual death as payment" or "For if you continue sinning, God will punish you with spiritual death"
"but God gives eternal life to those who belong to Christ Jesus our Lord"
1 Or do you not know, brothers (for I am speaking to people who know about law), that the law rules over a person for whatever time he lives? 2 For the married woman is bound by law to the husband while he lives, but if the husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. 3 So then, while her husband is living, if she lives with another man, she will be called an adulteress. But if the husband dies, she is free from the law, so she is not an adulteress if she lives with another man. 4 Therefore, my brothers, you were also made dead to the law through the body of Christ. This is so that you could be joined to another, that is, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might produce fruit for God. 5 For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in the members of our bodies to bear fruit for death. 6 But now we have been released from the law. We have died to that by which we were bound. This is so that we might serve in newness of the Spirit, and not in oldness of the letter.
7 What will we say then? Is the law itself sin? May it never be. However, I would never have known sin, if it were not through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law said, "You must not covet." 8 But sin took the opportunity through the commandment and produced every kind of coveting in me. For apart from the law, sin was dead. 9 At one time I was alive without the law, but when the commandment came, sin regained life 10 and I died. The commandment that was to bring life turned out to be death for me. 11 For sin took the opportunity through the commandment and deceived me. Through the commandment it killed me. 12 So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good.
13 So did what is good become death to me? May it never be. But sin, in order that it might be shown to be sin, brought about death in me through what was good, and through the commandment sin might become sinful beyond measure. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh. I have been sold under slavery to sin. 15 For what I do, I do not really understand. For what I want to do, I do not do, and what I hate, I do. 16 But if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law that the law is good. 17 But now it is no longer I who do it, but the sin that lives in me. 18 For I know that in me, that is in my flesh, lives no good thing. For the desire for good is with me, but I cannot do it. 19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but the evil that I do not want, that I do. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, then it is no longer I who am acting, but rather sin that lives in me. 21 So, I find this law: When I want to do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I rejoice in the law of God with my inner person. 23 But I see a different law in the members of my body. It fights against that new law in my mind. It takes me captive by the law of sin that is in the members of my body. 24 I am a miserable man! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 But thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind. However, with the flesh I serve the law of sin.
Paul uses this phrase to discuss a new topic and connects what follows with the previous teaching.
Paul explains that the law of Moses is no longer in effect. While this is true, the timeless principles behind the law reflect the character of God. (See: lawofmoses)
Scripture commonly uses marriage as a metaphor. Here Paul uses it to describe how the church relates to the law of Moses and now to Christ.
This is a complex issue. "Flesh" is possibly a metaphor for our sinful nature. Paul is not teaching that our physical bodies are sinful. Paul appears to be teaching that as long as Christians are alive ("in the flesh"), we will continue to sin. But our new nature will be fighting against our old nature. (See: flesh and sin)
Paul explains how the law controls those who want to live under the law.
Paul asks this question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "So you certainly know brothers ... that people have to obey laws only while they are alive"
Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
This verse begins a description of what Paul means by "the law controls a person for as long as he lives" (Romans 7:1).
Here "bound by law to the husband" is a metaphor for a woman being united to her husband according to the law of marriage. Alternate translation: "according to the law, the married woman is united to the husband"
This refers to any woman who is married.
This verse ends a description of what Paul means by "the law controls a person for as long as he lives" (Romans 7:1).
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God will consider her an adulteress" or "people will call her an adulteress"
Here being free from the law means not having to obey the law. In this case, the woman does not have to obey the law that says that a married woman cannot marry another man. Alternate translation: "she does not have to obey that law"
This relates back to Romans 7:1.
Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "you also died to the law when through Christ you died on the cross"
"Raised" here is an idiom for "caused to live again." This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "to him who was caused to live again" or "to him whom God raised from the dead" or "to him whom God caused to live again"
Here "fruit" is a metaphor for actions that please God. Alternate translation: "we might be able to do things pleasing to God"
Here "fruit" is a metaphor for a "result of one's actions" or "outcome of one's actions." Alternate translation: "which resulted in spiritual death" or "the outcome of which was our own spiritual death"
Paul reminds us that God does not make us holy by the law.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God has released us from the law"
This pronoun refers to Paul and the believers.
This refers to the law. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "to the law, which bound us"
This refers to the law of Moses. Alternate translation: "the law of Moses"
Paul is introducing a new topic.
"Of course that is not true!" This expression gives the strongest possible negative answer to the preceding rhetorical question. You may have a similar expression in your language that you could use here. See how you translated this in Romans 9:14.
Paul is speaking of sin as if it were a person who can act.
"my desire to sin"
Paul continues comparing sin to a person who can act.
This word includes both the desire to have what belongs to other people and wrong sexual desire.
"if there were no law, there would be no breaking of the law, so there would be no sin"
This can mean 1) "I realized that I was sinning" or 2) "I strongly desired to sin"
Paul speaks of God's condemnation as if it resulted primarily in physical death. Alternate translation: "God gave me the commandment so I would live, but it killed me instead"
As in [Romans 7:7-8]
"my desire to sin"
Paul is comparing sin to a person who can act. See how you translated this in [Romans 7:8]
Paul speaks of God's condemnation on sinners as if it resulted primarily in physical death. Alternate translation: "it separated me from God"
Possible meanings are that it is holy because 1) it comes from God or 2) it reveals God's true nature.
Paul talks about the struggle inside his inner man between sin in his inner man and his mind with the law of God—between sin and good.
Paul is introducing a new topic.
Paul uses this question to add emphasis.
This refers to God's law.
"cause me to die"
This expression gives the strongest possible negative answer to the preceding rhetorical question. You may have a similar expression in your language that you could use here. Alternate translation: "Of course that is not true"
Paul speaks of sin as though it were a person who could act.
Paul speaks of being separated from God as if he were literally dead. Alternate translation: "separated me from God"
"because I disobeyed the commandment"
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Paul talks about the struggle inside his inner man between his flesh and the law of God—between sin and good.
"I am not sure why I do some of the things that I do"
"Because what I do"
The words "I do not do" are an exaggeration to emphasize that Paul does not do what he wants to do as often as he would like or that he does what he does not want to do too often. Alternate translation: "I do not always do what I want to do"
The words "I do," which implies that he always does what he hates to do, are an exaggeration to emphasize that Paul does what he does not want to do too often. Alternate translation: "the things that I know are not good are the things that I sometimes do"
"However, if I do"
To agree with the law here is to agree with God about the law. Alternate translation: "I agree with God that the law is good"
Paul describes sin as a living being that has the power to influence him.
Here "flesh" is a metonym for the sinful nature. Alternate translation: "my sinful nature"
"the good deeds" or "the good actions"
"the evil deeds" or "the evil actions"
Paul speaks of "sin" as if it were alive and living inside him.
The words "this law" refer to the natural human desire to rebel against God and disobey him. Paul calls this a law because he has observed that this is the way people live. It is not a collection of written commands.
Paul speaks of evil here as if it were alive and living with him.
Here the phrase "inner person" refers to the personality, heart, or soul. Alternate translation: "with my heart" or "with my soul"
Paul has a desire to obey God, but at times he also has a desire to do things that God hates. He writes of the two desires he has as if they were two men fighting each other.
These words refer to the natural human desire to rebel against God and disobey him. Paul calls this a law because he has observed that this is the way people live. It is not a collection of written commands.
The phrase "the members of my body" is another way of saying "my flesh"
These words refer to the law of Moses, which was God's commands in written form (Romans 7:22).
This "law of sin" is the same as the "different law," the natural human desire to rebel against God and disobey him. Paul calls this a law because he has observed that this is the way people live. It is not a collection of written commands.
Paul uses this question to express great emotion. If your language has a way of showing great emotion through an exclamation or a question, use it here. Alternate translation: "I want someone to set me free from the control of what my body desires!"
"rescue me"
This is a metaphor that means a body that will experience physical death.
This is the answer to the question in 7:24.
The law of God and the law of sin are spoken of as if they were masters whom Paul serves as a slave. With the mind or intellect Paul chooses to please and obey God, and with the flesh or physical nature he chooses to disobey God and to sin. Alternate translation: "My mind chooses to please God by obeying the law of Moses, but my flesh chooses to disobey God and sin"
These words refer to the law of Moses, which was God's commands in written form.
These words refer to the natural human desire to rebel against God and disobey him. Paul calls this a law because he has observed that this is the way people live. It is not a collection of written commands.
1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was unable to do because it was weak through the flesh, God did. He sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be an offering for sin, and he condemned sin in the flesh. 4 He did this in order that the requirements of the law might be fulfilled in us, we who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 5 Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God, for it does not submit to God's law, nor is it able to do so. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed God's Spirit lives in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him. 10 If Christ is in you, the body is dead with respect to sin, but the spirit is alive with respect to righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life also to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, but not to the flesh to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you are about to die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the body's actions, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 You did not receive a spirit of slavery so that you live in fear again; but you received the Spirit of adoption, by which we cry, "Abba, Father!" 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. 17 If we are children, then we are also heirs, heirs of God. And we are joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed to us. 19 For the eager expectation of the creation waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be delivered from slavery to decay, and that it will be brought into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors in pain together even now. 23 Not only that, but even we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly, as we wait eagerly for our adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he can see? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
26 In the same way, the Spirit also helps in our weakness. For we do not know how we should pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groans. 27 He who searches out the hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes on behalf of God's holy people according to the will of God. 28 We know that for those who love God, he works all things together for good, [1] for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 Because those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 Those whom he predestined, these he also called. Those whom he called, these he also justified. Those whom he justified, these he also glorified.
31 What, therefore, can we say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but delivered him up on behalf of us all, how will he not also with him freely give us all things? 33 Who will bring any accusation against God's chosen ones? God is the one who justifies. 34 Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, and who also is interceding for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 Just as it is written,
"For your benefit we are killed all day long.
We were considered as sheep for the slaughter."
37 In all these things we are more than conquerors through the one who loved us. 38 For I have been convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor governments, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The first verse of this chapter is a transitional sentence. Paul concludes his teaching of Chapter 7 and leads into the words of Chapter 8.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with verse 36. Paul quotes these words from the Old Testament.
The Holy Spirit is said to live inside a person or inside their heart. If the Spirit is present, this signifies that a person is saved. (See: save)
Jesus is the Son of God in a unique way. God also adopts Christians to be his children. (See: sonofgod and adoption)
Twice in verses 29-30 Paul uses the word "predestined." Some take this to indicate that God has, from before the foundation of the world, chosen his own people to be eternally saved. Christians have different views on what the Bible teaches on this subject. So translators need to take extra care when translating this chapter, especially with regards to elements of causation. (See: predestine and save)
Paul poetically presents his teaching in verses 38 and 39 in the form of an extended metaphor. He explains that nothing can separate a person from the love of God in Jesus.
This phrase must be translated carefully to avoid doctrinal confusion. People are still guilty of their sin. God disapproves of sinful acts, even those that believers in Jesus commit. God still punishes the sins of believers, but Jesus has paid the punishment for their sin. This is what Paul expresses here. The word "condemn" has several possible meanings. Here Paul emphasizes that people who believe in Jesus are no longer punished eternally for their sin by being "condemned to hell." (See: guilt and faith and condemn)
This is a complex issue. "Flesh" is possibly a metaphor for our sinful nature. Paul is not teaching that our physical bodies are sinful. Paul appears to be teaching that as long as Christians are alive ("in the flesh"), we will continue to sin. But our new nature will be fighting against our old nature. (See: flesh)
Paul gives the answer to the struggle he has with sin and good.
Here "condemnation" refers to the punishment of people. Alternate translation: "God will not condemn and punish those who are joined to Christ Jesus"
"For that reason, there is now" or "Because what I have just told you is true, there is now"
This refers to God's Spirit. Alternate translation: "God's Spirit in Christ Jesus"
Being free from the law of sin and death is a metaphor for not being controlled by the law of sin and death. Alternate translation: "has caused the law of sin and death to no longer control you"
Possible meanings are that this refers to 1) the written law, which provokes people to sin, which in turn causes them to die. Alternate translation: "the law which causes sin and death" or 2) the "different law" (see Romans 7:23) that people sin and die.
Here the law is described as a person who could not break the power of sin. Alternate translation: "For the law did not have the power to stop us from sinning, because the power of sin within us was too strong. But God did stop us from sinning"
"because of people's sinful nature"
The Son of God forever satisfied God's holy anger against our sin by giving his own body and human life as the eternal sacrifice for sin.
This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
"who looked like a sinful human being"
"so that he could die as a sacrifice for our sins"
Possible meanings are 1) "flesh" refers to our human nature or lives. Alternate translation: "he destroyed sin in our human nature" or 2) "flesh" refers to Christ's body, and "in the flesh" refers to Christ's death. Alternate translation: "in Christ's flesh God condemned sin" or "by Christ's death God condemned sin."
In this verse, "condemned" is a metonym for "destroyed." Alternate translation: "he destroyed sin" or "he broke the power of the sin"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "we might fulfill what the law requires"
Walking on a path is a metaphor for how a person lives his life. The flesh is an idiom for sinful human nature. Alternate translation: "we who do not obey our sinful desires"
"but who obey the Holy Spirit"
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Paul continues to contrast the flesh with the Spirit we now have.
Here Paul speaks of both the "flesh" and the "spirit" as if they were living persons. Alternate translation: "the way sinful people think ... the way people who listen to the Holy Spirit think"
Here this means the separation of a person from God.
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This refers to people who do what their sinful nature tells them to do.
"acting according to your sinful natures." See how "the flesh" was translated in Romans 8:5.
"acting according to the Holy Spirit"
These all refer to the Holy Spirit.
This phrase does not mean Paul doubts that some of them have God's Spirit. Paul wants them to realize that they all have God's Spirit. Alternate translation: "since" or "because"
How Christ lives in a person could be made explicit. Alternate translation: "If Christ lives in you through the Holy Spirit"
Possible meanings are 1) a person is spiritually dead to the power of sin or 2) the physical body will still die because of sin.
Possible meanings are 1) a person is spiritually alive because God has given him power to do what is right or 2) God will bring the person back to life after he dies because God is righteous and gives believers eternal life.
Paul assumes that the Holy Spirit lives in his readers. Alternate translation: "Since the Spirit ... lives in you"
"of God, who raised ... from the dead, lives"
Here to raise is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: "caused Jesus to live again"
"physical bodies through his Spirit" or "bodies, which will die someday, through his Spirit"
"Because what I have just told you is true"
Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
Paul is speaking of obedience as if it were paying back a debt. Alternate translation: "we need to obey, but not"
Again Paul speaks of obedience as if it were paying back a debt. You can include the implied word "debtors." Alternate translation: "but we are not debtors to the flesh, and we do not have to obey our sinful desires"
"Because if you live only to please your sinful desires"
"you will certainly be separated from God"
Paul speaks of the "old man," crucified with Christ, as the person who is responsible for his sinful desires. Alternate translation: "but if by the power of the Holy Spirit you stop obeying your sinful desires"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "For all the people whom the Spirit of God leads"
Here this means all believers in Jesus and is often translated as "children of God."
"who causes us to cry out"
"Abba" is "Father" in the Aramaic language.
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Paul speaks of the Christian believers as if they will inherit property and wealth from a family member. Alternate translation: "and we also will one day receive what God has promised us"
Paul speaks of the Christian believers as if they will inherit property and wealth from a family member. God will give to us what he gives to Christ. Alternate translation: "we will also receive what God has promised us and Christ together"
God will honor Christian believers when he honors Christ. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "that God may glorify us along with him"
Paul begins to remind the believers in Rome that sometime in the future, God will change their bodies in a glorious way.
This emphasizes "I consider." It does not mean "because."
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "I cannot compare ... with"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God will reveal" or "God will make known"
Paul continues to remind the believers in Rome that sometime in the future, God will change their bodies in a glorious way.
Paul describes everything that God created as a person who eagerly waits for something.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "for the time when God will reveal his children"
Here this means all believers in Jesus. You can also translate this as "children of God."
Paul continues to remind the believers in Rome that sometime in the future, God will change their bodies in a glorious way.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "For God caused what he had created to be unable to achieve what he intended"
Here Paul describes "creation" as a person who can desire. Alternate translation: "not because this is what the created things wanted, but because it is what God wanted"
Here the word "hope" is confident expectation that what one desires really will happen. The abstract noun "hope" can be translated here with the verbs "confidently expect" or "confidently wait." God could be absolutely sure that what he intended would happen. Alternate translation: "confidently expecting" or "confidently waiting"
Paul continues to remind the believers in Rome that sometime in the future, God will change their bodies in a glorious way.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God will save creation"
Here being in slavery to decay is a metaphor for being certain to decay. Alternate translation: "from being like a slave to decay"
"Freedom" here is in contrast with slavery to decay. It is a metaphor meaning that the creation will not decay. Alternate translation: "that it will become gloriously free from decay like the children of God"
Paul continues to remind the believers in Rome that sometime in the future, God will change their bodies in a glorious way.
The creation is compared to a woman groaning while giving birth to a baby. Alternate translation: "For we know that everything that God created wants to be free and groans for it the way a woman giving birth groans for her baby to be born"
Paul continues to remind the believers in Rome that sometime in the future, God will change their bodies in a glorious way.
The abstract nouns "adoption" and "redemption" can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: "as we wait eagerly for God to adopt us and redeem our bodies"
Paul continues to remind the believers in Rome that sometime in the future, God will change their bodies in a glorious way.
This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) "For God saved us so that we might have this hope" 2) "For God saved us because we have this hope"
Here the word "hope" is a person's confident expectation that what he desires really will happen. The abstract noun "hope" can be translated here with the verbs "confidently expect" or "confidently wait" or "trust." Alternate translation: "it was so that we might confidently wait for this that we were saved" or "we were saved that we might trust God to do this"
The phrase "this hope" refers to the hope of our adoption, the redemption of our bodies (8:23).
"Hope that is seen" is hope that has already been fulfilled. Alternate translation: "If we already have what we hope for, that is not hope" or "If we have what we want, we would not say that we hope for it"
Paul uses a question to help his audience understand what "hope" is. Alternate translation: "No one hopes for what he already has." or "No one waits for what has already happened."
Paul finishes reminding the believers in Rome that sometime in the future, God will change their bodies in a glorious way.
Here the word "hope" means confidently expect that what one desires will happen. The person who hopes in this way believes that what he desires will happen. Alternate translation: "If we confidently expect to receive what we do not see" or "if we trust God for what we do not see"
Not seeing what we hope for represents not yet having it or experiencing it. Alternate translation: "what we do not yet have" or "what has not yet happened"
"we wait for it patiently"
Though Paul has been emphasizing that there is a struggle in believers between the flesh and the Spirit, he affirms that the Spirit is aiding us.
"groanings that we cannot express in words"
Here "He" refers to God. Here "hearts" is a metonym for a person's thoughts and emotions. The phrase "searches out the hearts" is a metaphor for examining thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: "God, who knows what all our thoughts and feelings are, knows"
Paul reminds the believers that nothing can separate them from God's love.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "for those whom God chose"
"those whom he knew before he even created them"
"he also planned in advance that they would be conformed"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "that he would change them to be like his Son"
This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
"so that his Son would be the firstborn"
Here "brothers" refers to all believers, both male and female. Alternate translation: "among many brothers and sisters who belong to the family of God"
"Those whom God made plans for in advance"
Here "justified" is in the past tense to emphasize that this will certainly happen. Alternate translation: "these he also put right with himself"
The word "glorified" is in the past tense to emphasize that this will certainly happen. Alternate translation: "these he will also glorify"
Paul uses questions to emphasize the main point of what he said previously. Alternate translation: "This is what we should know from all of this: since God is helping us, no one can defeat us."
God the Father sent the Son of God, Jesus Christ, to the cross as the holy, infinite sacrifice necessary to satisfy God's infinite, holy nature against the sin of humanity. Here "Son" is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
"but put him under the control of his enemies"
Paul is using a question for emphasis. Alternate translation: "he will certainly and freely give us all things!"
"kindly give us all things"
Paul uses a question for emphasis. Alternate translation: "No one can accuse us before God because he is the one who makes us right with him"
Paul uses a question for emphasis. He does not expect an answer. Alternate translation: "No one will condemn us!"
To be at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "who is at the place of honor beside God"
Paul uses this question to teach that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Alternate translation: "No one will ever separate us from the love of Christ!" or "Nothing will ever separate us from the love of Christ!"
The words "shall separate us from the love of Christ" are understood from the previous question. Alternate translation: "Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or sword separate us from the love of Christ?"
Paul uses this question to emphasize that even these things cannot separate us from the love of Christ. Alternate translation: "Even tribulation, distress, persecution, hunger, nakedness, danger, and sword cannot separate us from the love of Christ."
The abstract nouns can be expressed with verb phrases. Here "sword" is a metonym that represents being killed violently. Alternate translation: "Even if people cause us trouble, hurt us, take away our clothes and food, or kill us, they cannot separate us from the love of Christ."
These words both mean the same thing.
Here "your" is singular and refers to God. Alternate translation: "For you"
Here "we" refers to the writer and to other people, but not his audience, who was God. The phrase "all day long" is an exaggeration to emphasize how much danger they are in. Paul uses this part of Scripture to show that all who belong to God should expect difficult times. This can be translated in an active form. Alternate translation: "our enemies continually seek to kill us"
Here Paul compares to livestock those whom people kill because they are loyal to God. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "Our lives have no more value to them than the sheep they kill"
"we have complete victory"
You can make explicit the kind of love that Jesus showed. Alternate translation: "because of Jesus, who loved us so much he was willing to die for us"
"I am convinced" or "I am confident"
Possible meanings are 1) demons or 2) human kings and rulers.
Possible meanings are 1) spiritual beings with power or 2) human beings with power.
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1 I tell the truth in Christ. I do not lie, and my conscience bears witness with me in the Holy Spirit 2 that for me there is great sorrow and unceasing pain in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself would be cursed and set apart from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. 4 They are Israelites. They have adoption, the glory, the covenants, the gift of the law, the ministry in the temple, and the promises. 5 Theirs are the patriarchs from whom Christ has come with respect to the flesh—he who is God over all. May he be praised forever. Amen.
6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For it is not everyone in Israel who truly belongs to Israel. 7 Neither are all Abraham's descendants truly his children. But, "It is through Isaac that your descendants will be called." 8 That is, the children of the flesh are not the children of God. But the children of the promise are regarded as descendants. 9 For this is the word of promise: "At this time I will come, and a son will be given to Sarah." 10 Not only this, but after Rebekah also had conceived by one man, our father Isaac— 11 for the children were not yet born and had not yet done anything good or bad, so that the purpose of God according to choice might stand, 12 not because of actions, but because of him who calls—it was said to her, "The older will serve the younger." 13 It is just as had been written: "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."
14 What then will we say? Is there unrighteousness with God? May it never be. 15 For he says to Moses,
"I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy,
and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion."
16 So then, it is not because of him who wills, nor because of him who runs, but because of God, who shows mercy. 17 For the scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I raised you up, so that I might demonstrate my power in you, and so that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." 18 So then, God has mercy on whom he wishes, and whom he wishes, he makes stubborn.
19 You will say then to me, "Why does he still find fault? For who has ever withstood his will?" 20 On the contrary, man, who are you who answers against God? Will what has been molded say to the one who molds it, "Why did you make me this way?" 21 Does the potter not have the right over the clay to make from the same lump a container for honorable use, and another container for dishonorable use? 22 What if God, who is willing to show his wrath and to make his power known, endured with much patience containers of wrath prepared for destruction? 23 What if he did this in order that he might make known the riches of his glory upon containers of mercy, which he had previously prepared for glory? 24 What if he did this also for us, whom he also called, not only from among the Jews, but also from among the Gentiles? 25 As he says also in Hosea:
"I will call them 'my people' who were not my people,
and her 'beloved' who was not beloved.
26 Then it will be that where it was said to them,
'You are not my people,'
there they will be called 'sons of the living God.'"
27 Isaiah cries out concerning Israel,
"Though the number of the sons of Israel were as the sand of the sea,
it will be a remnant that will be saved,
28 for the Lord will execute his word
on the earth completely and without delay."
29 As Isaiah had said previously,
"If the Lord of hosts
had not left us descendants,
we would be like Sodom,
and we would have become like Gomorrah."
30 What will we say then? That the Gentiles, who were not pursuing righteousness, laid hold of righteousness, the righteousness by faith. 31 But Israel, who did pursue a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law. 32 Why not? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if by works. They stumbled over the stone of stumbling, 33 as it has been written,
"Look, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling
and a rock of offense.
He who believes in it will not be ashamed."
In this chapter, Paul changes what he is teaching about. In Chapters 9-11, he focuses on the nation of Israel.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verses 25-29 and 33 of this chapter. Paul quotes all of these words from the Old Testament.
Paul uses the word "flesh" in this chapter only to refer to Israelites, people physically descending from Abraham through Jacob, whom God named Israel. (See: flesh)
In other chapters, Paul uses the word "brother" to mean fellow Christians. However, in this chapter, he uses "my brothers" to mean his kinsmen the Israelites.
Paul refers to those who believe in Jesus as "children of God" and "children of the promise."
Paul explains that while some Gentiles accepted Jesus as their savior by believing in him, most Jews were trying to earn their salvation and so rejected Jesus. Paul, quoting the Old Testament, describes Jesus as a stone that the Jews stumble over when walking. This "stone of stumbling" causes them to "fall."
Paul uses the word "Israel" in this verse with two different meanings. The first "Israel" means the physical descendants of Abraham through Jacob. The second "Israel" means those who are God's people through faith. The UDB reflects this.
Paul tells of his personal desire that the people of the nation of Israel will be saved. Then he emphasizes the different ways in which God has prepared them to believe.
These two expressions mean basically the same thing. Paul uses them to emphasize that he is telling the truth.
"the Holy Spirit controls my conscience and confirms what I say"
Here "unceasing pain in my heart" is an idiom that Paul uses to share his emotional distress. Alternate translation: "that I grieve very greatly and deeply"
These two expressions mean basically the same thing. Paul uses them together to emphasize how great his emotions are.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "I personally would be willing to let God curse me and keep me apart from Christ forever if that would help my fellow Israelites, my own people group, to believe in Christ"
"They, like me, are Israelites. God chose them to be Jacob's descendants"
Here Paul uses the metaphor of "adoption" to indicate that the Israelites are like God's children. Alternate translation: "They have God as their father, and they have the glory"
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Paul emphasizes that those who are born in the family of Israel can really only be a true part of Israel through faith.
The word "word" is a metonym for the promise that God used the words to make. Alternate translation: "But we should not think that God has failed to keep his promises" or "We should know that God has kept his promises"
God did not make his promises to all the physical descendants of Israel (or Jacob), but to his spiritual descendants, that is, those who trust in Jesus.
"Nor are they all children of God just because they are Abraham's descendants"
Here "children of the flesh" is a metonym that refers to the physical descendants of Abraham. Alternate translation: "not all of Abraham's descendants are"
This is a metaphor that refers to people who are spiritual descendants, those who have faith in Jesus.
This refers to people who will inherit the promises that God gave to Abraham.
"these are the words God used when he made the promise"
You can translate this in an active form to express that God will give a son to Sarah. Alternate translation: "I will give Sarah a son"
Paul refers to Isaac as "our father" because Isaac was the ancestor of Paul and of the Jewish believers in Rome.
"had become pregnant"
"before the children were born and before they had done anything, whether good or bad"
"so that what God wants to happen according to His choice will happen"
"before the children were born"
It may be necessary in your language to place this verse between verse 10 and verse 11: "... our father Isaac, it was said to her, 'The older will serve the younger.' For the children were not yet born and had not yet done anything good or bad, but so that the purpose of God according to choice might stand—not because of actions, but because of him who calls. It is just...."
because of God
"God said to Rebekah, 'The older son will serve the younger son'"
The word "hated" is an exaggeration. God loved Jacob much more than he loved Esau. He did not literally hate Esau.
Paul is using the question to get the attention of his readers.
"Is God unrighteous?" or "Is God unjust?"
"That is not possible!" or "Certainly not!" This expression strongly denies that this could happen. You may have a similar expression in your language that you could use here.
Paul speaks about God's talking with Moses as if it is being done in the present time. Alternate translation: "For God said to Moses"
"it is not because of what people want or because they try hard"
Paul speaks of a person who does good things in order to gain God's favor as if that person were running a race.
Here the scripture is personified as if God were talking to Pharaoh. Alternate translation: "The scripture records that God said"
God is referring to himself.
The word "you" in this verse is singular.
"Raised" here is an idiom for "caused something to be what it is." Alternate translation: "I made you the powerful man that you are"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "that people might proclaim my name"
This metonym refers either 1) to God in all of his being. Alternate translation: "who I am" or 2) To his reputation. Alternate translation: "how great I am"
"wherever there are people"
God makes stubborn whomever he wishes to make stubborn.
Paul is talking to the critics of his teaching as though he were only talking to one person. You may need to use the plural here.
These rhetorical questions are complaints against God. You can translate them as strong statements. Alternate translation: "He should not find fault with us. No one has ever been able to withstand his will."
The words "he" and "his" here refer to God.
"has ... stopped him from doing what he wanted to do"
Paul uses the potter's right to make any kind of container he wants from the clay as a metaphor for the creator's right to do whatever he wants with his creation. Paul asks questions to emphasize his point. This can be translated as a strong statement. Alternate translation: "What a person has molded should never say to the one who molds it, 'Why ... way?'"
This question is a rebuke and can be translated as a strong statement. Alternate translation: "You should not have made me this way!"
This rhetorical question is a rebuke. Alternate translation: "The potter certainlly has the right ... for dishonorable use."
Some modern translations read, "special use ... daily use."
Paul speaks of people as if they were containers. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "people to whom he would show wrath and whom he will certainly destroy"
The words "he" and "his" here refer to God.
Paul speaks of people as if they were containers. Alternate translation: "those to whom he would show mercy, whom"
Paul compares God's wonderful actions here to great "riches." Alternate translation: "his glory, which is of great value, upon"
Here "glory" refers to life in heaven with God. Alternate translation: "whom he prepared ahead of time in order that they might live with him"
The word "us" here refers to Paul and fellow believers.
Here "called" means God has appointed or chosen people to be his children, to be his servants and proclaimers of his message of salvation through Jesus.
In this section Paul explains how Israel's unbelief as a nation was told ahead of time by the prophet Hosea.
Here "he" refers to God. Alternate translation: "As God says also in the book that Hosea wrote"
Hosea was a prophet.
"I will choose those who were not my people to be my people"
Here "her" refers to Hosea's wife, Gomer, who represents the nation of Israel. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "I will choose her whom I did not love to be one whom I love"
The word "living" may refer to the fact that God is the only true God, and not like the false idols. Alternate translation: "children of the true God"
"calls out"
Here Paul compares the number of the people of Israel to the number of grains of sand in the sea. Alternate translation: "too many to count"
Paul uses the word "saved" in a spiritual sense. If God saves a person, it means that through believing in Jesus's death on the cross, God has forgiven him and rescued him from being punished for his sin. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God will save"
"the Lord will punish people on the earth as he has said he will"
Here the words "us" and "we" refer to Isaiah and those to whom he spoke.
God killed all of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah because of their sin. Alternate translation: "we all would have been destroyed like the people of Sodom and Gomorrah" or "God would have destroyed all of us as he destroyed the people in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah"
Paul uses this question to get the attention of his readers. Alternate translation: "So this is what we must say."
"We will say that the Gentiles"
"who were not trying to get righteousness" or "who were not trying to be righteous"
Here "by faith" refers to placing one's trust in Christ. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: "righteousness because God made them right with him when they trusted in Christ"
"who tried to obey a law in order to get righteousness" or "who tried to be righteous by obeying a law"
"could not keep that law" or "did not succeed at keeping that law"
You can translate this rhetorical question as a statement and include the words from the ellipsis in your translation. Paul asks this question to get the attention of his readers. Alternate translation: "Why could they not attain righteousness? Because they" or "This is why they could not attain righteousness: they"
This refers to things that people do to try to please God. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: "by trying to do things that would please God" or "by keeping the Law"
You can indicate that Isaiah wrote this. You can also translate it in an active form. Alternate translation: "as Isaiah the prophet wrote"
Here Zion is a metonym that represents Israel. Alternate translation: "in Israel"
These phrases mean basically the same thing and are metaphors that refer to Jesus and his death on the cross. It was as if the people stumbled over a stone because they were disgusted when they considered Jesus's death on the cross.
Because the words "stone" and "rock" are a metaphors for a person, you may need to translate this as "believes in him."
1 Brothers, my heart's desire and my plea to God is for them, for their salvation. 2 For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For, failing to understand the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. 4 For Christ is the fulfillment of the law for righteousness for everyone who believes. 5 For Moses writes about the righteousness that comes from the law: "The man who does these things will live by them." 6 But the righteousness that comes from faith says this: "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?' (that is, to bring Christ down); 7 and do not say, 'Who will descend into the abyss?'" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart." That is the word of faith, which we proclaim. 9 For if with your mouth you confess Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and has righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For scripture says, "Everyone who believes on him will not be put to shame." 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Greek. For the same Lord is Lord of all, and he is rich to all who call upon him. 13 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. 14 How then can they call on him in whom they have not believed? How can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? How can they hear without a preacher? 15 Then how can they preach, unless they are sent?—As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who proclaim good news!"
16 But not all of them obeyed the good news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?" 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. 18 But I say, "Did they not hear?" Yes, most certainly.
"Their sound has gone out into all the earth,
and their words to the ends of the world."
19 Moreover, I say, "Did Israel not know?" First Moses says,
"I will provoke you to jealousy by what is not a nation.
By means of a nation without understanding, I will stir you up to anger."
20 Then Isaiah was very bold when he says,
"I was found by those who did not seek me.
I appeared to those who did not ask for me."
21 But to Israel he says,
"All the day long I reached out my hands
to a disobedient and stubborn people."
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verses 18-20 of this chapter. These lines of poetry are from the Old Testament.
Some translations also set prose quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right than the rest of the text. The ULB does this with the quoted words in verse 8.
Paul teaches here that while many Jews earnestly tried to be righteous, they did not succeed. We cannot earn God's righteousness. God gives us Jesus's righteousness when we believe in him. (See: righteous and faith)
Paul uses many rhetorical questions in this chapter. He does this to convince his readers that God does not save only the Hebrew people, so Christians must be ready to go and share the gospel with the whole world. (See: and save)
Paul uses this prophecy to explain that God will use the church to make the Hebrew people jealous. This is so they will seek God and believe the gospel.
Paul continues stating his desire for Israel to believe but emphasizes that both those who are Jews and those who are not can only be saved by faith in Jesus.
Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's emotions or inner being. Alternate translation: "my greatest desire"
"is that God will save the Jews"
"I declare truthfully about them"
Here "righteousness refers to the way God puts people right with himself. You can make this explicit in the translation. Alternate translation: "For because they did not know how God puts people right with himself"
"they did not accept God's way of putting people right with himself"
"For Christ completely fulfilled the law"
Here "believes" means "trusts." Alternate translation: "law, and he makes everyone who trusts in him right before God"
Paul speaks of "righteousness" as if it were alive and able to move. Alternate translation: "how the law makes a person right before God"
In order to be made right with God through the law, a person would have to keep the law perfectly, which is not possible. Alternate translation: "The person who perfectly obeys the law will live because the law will make him right before God"
The words "will live" can refer to 1) eternal life or 2) mortal life in fellowship with God.
Here "righteousness" is described as a person who can speak. Alternate translation: "But Moses writes this about how faith makes a person right before God"
Moses was addressing the people as if he were speaking to only one person. Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's mind or inner being. Alternate translation: "Do not say to yourself"
Moses uses a question to teach his audience. His previous instruction of, "Do not say" requires a negative answer to this question. You can translate this question as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one is able to go up to heaven"
"in order that they might have Christ come down to earth"
Moses uses a question to teach his audience. His previous instruction of, "Do not say" requires a negative answer to this question. You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: "No person can go down and enter the place where the spirits of dead persons are."
All those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld. To be brought up from among them is to become alive again.
This word speaks of physical death.
The word "it" refers to the scripture. Alternate translation: "But this is what Moses says"
Paul speaks of God's message as if it were a person who can move. The word "mouth" is a metonym that refers to what a person says. The phrase "in your heart" is metonym that refers to what a person thinks and believes. Alternate translation: "You have heard the message. You know how to speak it, and you know what it means"
"God's message that tells us that we must believe in him"
"if you confess that Jesus is Lord"
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's mind or inner person. Alternate translation: "believe in your mind" or "truly believe"
"Raised" here is an idiom for "caused to live again." Alternate translation: "caused him to live again"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God will save you"
Here "heart" is a metonym that represents the mind or will. Alternate translation: "For it is with the mind that a person trusts and is right before God, and it is with the mouth that a person confesses so that God saves him"
Here "mouth" is a synecdoche that represents a person's capacity to speak.
Paul speaks of the scripture as if it were alive and had a voice. You can make explicit who wrote the scripture that Paul uses here. Alternate translation: "For Isaiah wrote in the scripture"
This is equivalent to: "If a person believes, then that person will not be shamed." The negative is used here for emphasis. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God will honor everyone who believes in him" or "God will shame only those who do not believe in Jesus"
Paul implies that God will treat all people the same. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: "In this way, God treats the Jews and the non-Jews the same"
Here "he is rich" means that God blesses richly. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: "he richly blesses all who trust in him"
Here the word "name" is a metonym for Jesus. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "The Lord will save everyone who trusts in him"
Paul uses a question to emphasize the importance of taking the good news of Christ to those who have not heard. The word "they" refers to those who do not yet belong to God. Alternate translation: "Those who do not believe in God cannot call on him!"
Paul uses another question for the same reason. Alternate translation: "And they cannot believe in him if they have not heard his message!" or "And they cannot believe in him if they have not heard the message about him!"
trust and desire to obey
Paul uses another question for the same reason. Alternate translation: "And they cannot hear the message if someone does not tell them!"
Paul uses "feet" to represent those who travel and take the message to those who have not heard it. The feet were considered a dirty and ugly part of the body, so the idea of beautiful feet would have seemed odd to Paul's readers. Alternate translation: "How beautiful are even the feet of those who proclaim good news" or "It is wonderful when messengers go and tell others the good news"
Here "they" refers to the Jews. "not all of the Jews obeyed"
Paul is using this question, which Isaiah prophesied in the Scriptures, to emphasize that many Jews would not believe in Jesus. You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: "Lord, so many of them do not believe our message!"
Here, "our" refers to God and Isaiah and so is inclusive.
The abstract noun "faith" can be stated as the verb "believes." There are also words that Paul left out, but they are understood. Alternate translation: "So a person believes in Christ by hearing the message about Christ
Here "word" is a metonym that means "message." There are also words that Paul left out, but they are understood. Alternate translation: "and a person hears the message by someone preaching the message about Christ"
Paul uses a question for emphasis. You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: "But, I say the Jews certainly have heard the message about Christ"
Both of these statements mean basically the same thing and Paul uses them for emphasis. The word "their" refers to the sun, moon, and stars. Here they are described as human messengers that tell people about God. This refers to how their existence shows God's power and glory. You can make explicit that Paul is quoting Scripture here. Alternate translation: "As the Scriptures record, 'The sun, moon, and the stars are proof of God's power and glory, and everyone in the world sees them and knows the truth about God.'"
Paul uses a question for emphasis. The word "Israel" is a metonym for the people who lived in the nation of Israel. Alternate translation: "Again I tell you the people of Israel did know the message."
This means that Moses wrote down what God said. "I" refers to God, and "you" refers to the Israelites. Alternate translation: "First Moses says that God will provoke you ... God will stir you up"
"by those you do not consider to be a real nation" or "by people who do not belong to any nation"
Here "without understanding" means that the people do not know God. Alternate translation: "By a nation with people who do not know me or my commands"
"I will make you angry" or "I will cause you to become angry"
This refers to the nation of Israel.
Here the words "I" and "me" refer to God.
This means the prophet Isaiah wrote what God had said.
Prophets often speak of things in the future as if they have already happened. This emphasizes that the prophecy will certainly come true. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "Even though the Gentile people will not look for me, they will find me"
"I made myself known"
"He" refers to God, who is speaking through Isaiah.
Here the word "my" refers to God.
This phrase is used to emphasize God's continual effort. "I continually"
"I tried to welcome you and to help you, but you refused my help and continued to disobey"
1 I say then, did God reject his people? May it never be. For I also am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the scripture says about Elijah, how he pleaded with God against Israel? 3 "Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have broken down your altars. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life." 4 But what does God's answer say to him? "I have reserved for myself seven thousand men who have not bent the knee to Baal." 5 Even so then, at this present time also there is a remnant because of the choice of grace. 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer based on works. Otherwise grace would no longer be grace. [1]7 What then? The thing that Israel was seeking, it did not obtain, but the chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened. 8 It is just as it is written:
"God has given them a spirit of dullness,
eyes so that they should not see,
and ears so that they should not hear,
to this very day."
9 Then David says,
"Let their table become a snare and a trap,
a stumbling block and a retribution for them.
10 Let their eyes be darkened so that they may not see,
and bend their backs continually."
11 I say then, "Did they stumble so as to fall?" May it never be. Instead, by their trespass, salvation has come to the Gentiles, in order to provoke them to jealousy. 12 Now if their trespass is the riches of the world, and if their loss is the riches of the Gentiles, how much greater will their fulfillment be? 13 But now I am speaking to you Gentiles, and as long as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I take pride in my ministry. 14 Perhaps I will provoke to jealousy those who are of my own flesh. Perhaps we will save some of them. 15 For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? 16 If the firstfruits are holy, so is the lump of dough. If the root is holy, so are the branches. 17 But if some of the branches were broken off, if you, a wild olive branch, were grafted in among them, and if you shared with them in the rich root of the olive tree, 18 do not boast over the branches. But if you do boast, it is not you who supports the root, but the root that supports you. 19 You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in." 20 That is true. Because of their unbelief they were broken off, but you stand firm because of your faith. Do not be arrogant in your thoughts, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22 Look at, then, the kind actions and the severity of God: severity came on the Jews who fell, but God's kindness comes on you, if you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. 23 And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in. For God is able to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut out of what is by nature a wild olive tree, and contrary to nature were grafted into a good olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree?
25 For I do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, of this mystery, so that you may not be wise in your own thinking: A partial hardening has come upon Israel until the full number of the Gentiles comes in. 26 Thus all Israel will be saved, just as it is written:
"Out of Zion will come the Deliverer.
He will remove ungodliness from Jacob,
27 and this will be my covenant with them,
when I will take away their sins."
28 As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake. But as far as election is concerned, they are beloved because of the patriarchs. 29 For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. 30 For just as you were formerly disobedient to God, now you have received mercy because of their disobedience. 31 In the same way, now these Jews have been disobedient. The result was that by the mercy shown to you they may also now receive mercy. 32 For God has shut up all into disobedience in order that he might show mercy on all.
33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are his judgments,
and his ways beyond discovering!
34 "For who has known the mind of the Lord
or who has become his advisor?
35 Or who has first given anything to God,
that God must repay him?"
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever. Amen.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verses 9-10, 26-27, and 34-35, which is from the Old Testament.
Paul uses the image of "grafting" to refer to the place of the Gentiles and Jews in the plans of God. Making one plant to be permanently part of another plant is called "grafting." Paul uses the picture of God grafting the Gentiles as a wild branch into his saving plans. But God has not forgotten about the Jews, who are spoken of as the natural plant. God will also save Jews who believe in Jesus.
Though Israel as a nation has rejected God, God wants them to understand salvation comes by grace without works.
"I, Paul, say then"
Paul asks this question so that he can answer the questions of other Jews who are upset that God has included the Gentiles among his people, while the hearts of the Jewish people have been hardened.
"That is not possible!" or "Certainly not!" This expression strongly denies that this could happen. You may have a similar expression in your language that you could use here. See how you translated this in Romans 9:14.
This refers to the tribe descended from Benjamin, one of the 12 tribes into which God divided the people of Israel.
"whom he knew ahead of time"
You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: "Surely you know what the Scriptures record about when Elijah pleaded with God against Israel."
Paul is referring to the scripture as if they were able to speak.
"They" refers to the people of Israel.
The pronoun "I" here refers to Elijah.
"desiring to kill me"
Paul is using this question to bring the reader to his next point. Alternate translation: "But this is God's answer to him:"
The pronoun "him" refers to Elijah.
"7,000 men"
Here this means a small part of people whom God chose to receive his grace.
Paul continues to explain how God's mercy works. Alternate translation: "But since God's mercy works by grace"
"What should we conclude?" Paul asks this question to move his reader to his next point. You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: "This is what we need to remember" or "So"
This is a metaphor about the fact that the people are spiritually dull. They are not able to hear or receive spiritual truth.
Here this means "having the characteristics of," such as the "spirit of wisdom."
The concept of seeing with one's eyes was considered to be equivalent to gaining understanding.
The concept of hearing with the ears was considered to be equivalent to obedience.
"Table" here is a metonym that represents feasting, and "snare" and "trap" are metaphors that represent punishment. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "Please, God, make their feasts like a trap that catches them"
A "stumbling block" is anything that causes a person to trip so that he falls down. Here it represents something that tempts a person to sin. Alternate translation: "something that tempts them to sin"
"something that allows you to take revenge on them"
Here "bend their backs" is a metonym for forcing slaves to carry heavy loads on their backs. This is a metaphor for making them suffer. Alternate translation: "make them suffer like people carrying heavy loads"
With Israel as a nation rejecting God, Paul warns the Gentiles to be careful they do not make the same mistake.
Paul uses this question to add introduce the next thing he wants to say. If your language uses a different way to introduce new topics, you can use it here. Here the words "stumble" and "fall" are metaphors for sinning and having God reject the sinner. Alternate translation: "Has God rejected them forever because they sinned?"
"That is not possible!" or "Certainly not!" This expression strongly denies that this could happen. You may have a similar expression in your language that you could use here. See how you translated this in Romans 9:14.
See how you translated this phrase in Romans 10:19.
Both of these phrases mean basically the same thing. If you need to, you can combine them in your translation. Alternate translation: "when the Jews trespassed, the result was that God abundantly blessed the non-Jews"
Because the Jews rejected Christ, God richly blessed the Gentiles by giving them the opportunity to receive Christ.
Here the "world" is a metonym that refers to the people who live in the world, especially the Gentiles.
This can be translated as a statement. The words "their fulfillment" refer to either 1) the time when God blesses the Jews 2) when the Jews believe in Jesus. Alternate translation: "their fulfillment will be much greater." or "how much better will it be for the non-Jews when all the Jews believe in Jesus?" or "how much better will it be for the non-Jews when God fully blesses the Jews?"
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See how you translated this phrase in Romans 10:19.
This refers to "my fellow Jews."
God will save those who believe. Alternate translation: "Perhaps some will believe and therefore God will save them"
"For if because God rejected them, he will reconcile the rest of the world to himself"
The pronoun "their" refers to Jewish unbelievers.
Here "the world" is a metonym for the people who live in the world. Alternate translation: "the people in the world"
Paul asks this question to emphasize that when God accepts the Jews, it will be a wonderful thing. The abstract noun "acceptance" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "how will it be when God accepts them? It will be like they have come back to life from among the dead!" or "then when God accepts them, it will be like they have died and become alive again!"
These words speak of all dead people together in the underworld.
Paul is speaking of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the Israelites' ancestors, as if they were the first grain or "firstfruits" to be harvested. He is also speaking of the Israelites who are descendants of those men as if they were a "lump of dough" made from the grain. Alternate translation: "If Abraham is counted as the first of what has been offered to God, all of our ancestors who followed should also be counted as God's possession"
The people always dedicated to God the first crops that they harvested. Here "firstfruits" stands for the first people to believe in Christ.
Paul is speaking of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the Israelites' ancestors, as if they were the root of a tree, and the Israelites, who are descendants of those men, as if they were the tree's "branches."
Here Paul refers to the Jews who rejected Jesus as "broken branches." You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "But if someone broke off some of the branches"
Here Paul speaks of the Gentile Christians as if they were "grafted branches." You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "if God grafted you, a wild olive branch, among them"
The pronoun "you" is singular. Here "you" and the phrase "a wild olive branch," refer to a Gentile person, in general, who has accepted salvation through Jesus.
Here "the rich root" is a metaphor that refers to the promises of God.
Here "the branches" is a metaphor that stands for the Jewish people. Alternate translation: "do not say you are better than the Jewish people God has rejected"
Again Paul implies that the Gentile believers are branches. God saves them only because of the covenant promises that he made to the Jews.
Here "branches" refers to the Jews who rejected Jesus and whom God has now rejected. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God broke branches off"
Paul uses this phrase to refer to the Gentile believers whom God has accepted. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "he might attach me in"
The pronouns "their" and "they" refer to the Jewish people who did not believe.
Paul speaks of the Gentile believers remaining faithful as if they were standing firm and no one could move them. Alternate translation: "but you remain because of your faith"
"think that you are better than you are" or "be proud"
Here the "natural branches" refers to the Jewish people who rejected Jesus. Alternate translation: "Since God did not spare those unbelieving Jews, who grew up like a tree's natural branches that came from the root, then know that if you do not believe, he will not spare you either"
Paul is reminding the Gentile believers that although God may act very kindly toward them, he will not hesitate to judge and punish them.
This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns "severity" and "kindness." Alternate translation: "God dealt harshly with the Jews who fell ... God acts kindly toward you"
Here "fell" is a metaphor that means to have done something wrong. Alternate translation: "the Jews who have done wrong" or "the Jews who have refused to trust in Christ"
This can be restated to remove the abstract noun "kindness." Alternate translation: "if you continue doing what is right so that he continues being kind to you"
Paul again uses the metaphor of a branch, which God can "cut off" if he needs to. Here "cut off" is a metaphor for rejecting someone. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "Otherwise God will also cut you off" or "Otherwise God will also reject you"
The phrase "do not continue in their unbelief" is a double negative. You can translate this in a positive form. Alternate translation: "if they start believing"
Paul speaks of the Jews as if they were branches that could be grafted back into a tree if they start to believe in Jesus. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God will graft back in"
This is a common process in which the end of a live branch of one tree is inserted into another tree so that the new branch will continue to grow in that tree.
All occurrences of "they" or "them" refer to the Jews.
Paul continues speaking of the Gentile believers and Jews as if they were branches of a tree. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "For if God had cut you out of what is by nature a wild olive tree, and contrary to nature had grafted you into a good olive tree, how much more will he graft these Jews, who are the natural branches, into their own olive tree?"
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "then these Jews, who are the natural branches, will certainly be grafted back into their own olive tree."
Paul is speaking of the Jews and Gentiles as if they were branches. The "natural branches" represent the Jews, and the "grafted branches" represent the Gentile believers.
Here Paul uses a double negative to emphasize the positive. You can translate this in a positive form. Alternate translation: "I very much want you to be informed"
Here "brothers" means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
The pronoun "I" refers to Paul.
The pronouns "you" and "your" refer to the Gentile believers.
Paul does not want the Gentile believers to think they are wiser than the Jewish unbelievers. Alternate translation: "so that you will not think you are wiser than you are"
This is the mystery that Paul referred to earlier in the sentence. This can be made a explicit. "A partial hardening" is a metaphor for many of the people remaining stubborn. Paul said this because some of the Jews stubbornly refused to trust Jesus. Alternate translation: "This mystery is that a partial hardening has come upon Israel" or "Many people of Israel remain stubborn"
Here "full number" means the amount determined by God. It does not mean all Gentiles. Alternate translation: "until the number of Gentiles determined by God"
This is a metaphor meaning to be saved or to become a Christian. Alternate translation: "is saved" or "believes in Christ"
Paul says that, to the glory of God, a deliverer will come out of Israel.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Thus God will save all Israel"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "just as the scriptures record"
Here "Zion" is used as a metonym for the place where God dwells. Alternate translation: "From where God is among the Jews"
"the one who brings his people to safety"
Paul speaks of ungodliness as if it were an object that someone could remove, such as a garment..
Here "Jacob" is used as a metonym for Israel. Alternate translation: "from the Israelite people"
Here Paul speaks of sins as if they were objects that someone could take away. Alternate translation: "I will remove the burden of their sins"
You can make explicit why Paul mentions the gospel. Alternate translation: "Because the Jews rejected the gospel"
You can make explicit whose enemies they are, and how this was for the Gentiles' sake. Alternate translation: "they are God's enemies for your sake" or "God has treated them as enemies in order that you also might hear the gospel"
You can make explicit why Paul mentions election. Alternate translation: "because God has elected the Jews" or "because God has chosen the Jews"
You can make explicit who loves the Jews and why Paul mentions their forefathers. You can also translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God still loves them because of what he promised to do for their ancestors"
Paul speaks of the spiritual and material blessings that God promised to give his people as if they were gifts. The call of God refers to the fact that God called the Jews to be his people. Alternate translation: "For God will never change his mind about what he has promised to give them, and about how he has called them to be his people" or "God will never take back his gifts or his call"
"can never be taken back"
"you did not obey God in the past"
Here mercy means God's undeserved blessings. Alternate translation: "because the Jews have rejected Jesus, you have received blessings that you did not deserve"
This refers to Gentile believers, and is plural.
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God has treated people who disobey him like prisoners who are unable to escape from prison. Alternate translation: "God has made prisoners of those who disobey him. Now they cannot stop disobeying God"
Here "wisdom" and "knowledge" mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: "How amazing are the many benefits of both God's wisdom and knowledge"
"We are completely unable to understand the things that he has decided and to find out the ways in which he acts toward us"
Paul uses this question to emphasize that no one is as wise as the Lord. You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one has ever known the mind of the Lord, and no one has become his advisor."
Here "mind" is a metonym for knowing things or thinking about things. Alternate translation: "all that the Lord knows" or "what the Lord thinks about"
Paul uses this question to emphasize his point. Alternate translation: "No one has ever given anything to God that he did not first receive from God"
Here, all occurrences of "him" refers to God.
This expresses Paul's desire for all people to honor God. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: "May all people honor him forever"
1 I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God. This is your reasonable service. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. Do this so that you can test and approve what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.
3 For by the grace that was given to me I say to everyone among you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather, think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has given you. 4 For we have many members in one body, but not all the members have the same function. 5 In the same way, we who are many are one body in Christ, and are individually members of each other. 6 We have different gifts according to the grace that was given to us. If one's gift is prophecy, let it be done according to the proportion of his faith. 7 If one's gift is service, let him serve. If one has the gift of teaching, let him teach. 8 If one's gift is encouragement, let him encourage. If one's gift is giving, let him do it generously. If one's gift is leading, let it be done with diligence. If one's gift is in showing mercy, let it be done with cheerfulness.
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; hold on to that which is good. 10 Concerning love of the brothers, be affectionate to one another. Concerning honor, respect one another. 11 Concerning diligence, do not be hesitant. Concerning the spirit, be eager. Concerning the Lord, serve him. 12 Rejoice in hope, endure tribulation, be faithful in prayer. 13 Share in the needs of God's holy people. Find many ways to show hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not think in proud ways, but accept lowly people. Do not be wise in your own thoughts. 17 Repay no one evil for evil. Do good things in the sight of all people. 18 If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with all people. 19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but give way to the wrath of God. For it is written, "'Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay,' says the Lord."
20 But "if your enemy is hungry, feed him.
If he is thirsty, give him a drink.
For if you do this, you will heap coals of fire on his head."
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verse 20, which is from the Old Testament.
Many scholars believe Paul uses the word "therefore" in Romans 12:1 to refer back to all of Chapters 1-11. Having carefully explained the Christian gospel, Paul now explains how Christians should live in light of these great truths. Chapters 12-16 focus on living out one's Christian faith. Paul uses many different commands in these chapters to give these practical instructions. (See: faith)
Under the law of Moses, people were required to offer temple sacrifices of animals or grain. Now Christians are required to live their lives as a type of sacrifice to God. Physical sacrifices are no longer required. (See: lawofmoses)
The body of Christ is an important metaphor or image used in Scripture to refer to the church. Each church member has a unique and important function. Christians need each other.
Paul tells what the life of a believer should be and how believers should serve.
Here "brothers" refers to fellow believers, both male and female. Alternate translation: "Fellow believers, because of the great mercy that God has given you I very much want you to present"
Here Paul uses the word "bodies" to refer to the entire beings of all those he is addressing. Paul is comparing a believer in Christ who completely obeys God to the animals that the Jews killed and then offered to God. Alternate translation: "to offer yourselves completely to God while you are alive as if you were a dead sacrifice on a temple altar"
Possible meanings are 1) "a sacrifice that you give to God alone and that pleases him" or 2) "acceptable to God because it is morally pure"
"This is the right way to worship God"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Do not behave as this world behaves" or "Do not do what this world does"
This refers to unbelievers who live in the world.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "but let God change the way you think and behave"
Here "grace" refers to God's choosing Paul to be an apostle and leader of the church. You can make this explicit in your translation. You can also translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "because God freely chose me to be an apostle, I can say"
"Do not think you are better than other people"
"instead, you should be wise in how you think about yourselves"
Paul implies here that believers have different abilities that correspond to their faith in God. Alternate translation: "since God has given each of you different abilities because of your trust in him"
Paul uses this word to show that he will now explain why some Christians should not think they are better than others.
Paul refers to all the believers in Christ as if they were different parts of the human body. He does this to illustrate that although believers may serve Christ in different ways, each person belongs to Christ and serves in an important way.
Such parts of the body as eyes, ears, and hands.
Paul speaks of the believers as if God had physically joined them together like the parts of the human body. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God has joined each believer together with all other believers"
Paul speaks of believers' different abilities as being free gifts from God. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God has freely given each of us different abilities to do things for him"
Possible meanings are 1) "let him speak prophecies that do not go beyond the amount of faith God has given us" or 2) "let him speak prophecies that agree with the teachings of our faith."
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Here "giving" refers to giving money and other things to people. You can make this meaning explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: "If one has the gift of giving money or other goods to people in need, let him give"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "You must love people sincerely and truly"
The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves.
Here Paul begins a list of nine items, each of the form "Concerning ... be" to tell the believers what kind of people they should be. You may need to translate some of the items as "Concerning ... do." The list continues to Romans 12:13.
"As for how you love your fellow believers"
In the original language a different word is used for "love" here than is used in 12:9. This word means brotherly love or love for a friend or family member. This is natural human love between friends or relatives.
"show affection"
"Honor and respect one another" or "Honor your fellow believers by respecting them"
"Do not be lazy in your duty, but be eager to follow the Spirit and to serve the Lord"
"Rejoice because of your hope" or "Rejoice as you hope." Here the word "hope" is a person's confident expectation that what he desires really will happen. The abstract noun "hope" can be translated here with the verbs "confidently expect" or "confidently wait" or "trust." Alternate translation: "Rejoice because of what you confidently wait for" or "Rejoice as you confidently wait"
"be patient when you suffer" or "wait patiently whenever you have troubles"
"pray faithfully"
This is the last item in the list that began in Romans 12:9.
"When fellow Christians are in trouble, help them with what they need"
"Always welcome Christians into your home when they need a place to stay"
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This is an idiom that means to live in unity. Alternate translation: "Agree with one another" or "Live in unity with each other"
"Do not think that you are more important than others"
"welcome people who do not seem important"
"Do not think of yourselves as having more wisdom than everyone else"
"Do not do evil things to anyone who has done evil things to you"
"Do things that everyone considers to be good"
"do whatever you can to live in peace with everyone"
Here "wrath" is a metonym for God's punishment. Alternate translation: "allow God to punish those who harm you"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "For someone has written"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that God will avenge his people. Alternate translation: "I will certainly avenge you"
All forms of "you" and "your" are addressed as to one person.
Paul quotes another part of scripture. Alternate translation: "But the scripture also says, 'If your enemy is hungry ... his head.'"
"give him some food"
Paul speaks of the blessings that the enemies will receive as if someone were pouring hot coals on their heads. Possible meanings are 1) "you will make the person who harmed you feel ashamed about how he has mistreated you" or 2) "you will give God a reason to judge your enemy more harshly"
Paul describes "evil" as though it were a person. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "Do not let those who are evil defeat you, but defeat those who are evil by doing what is good"
These verbs are addressed as to one person and so are singular.
1 Let every soul be subject to higher authorities, for there is no authority unless it comes from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. 2 Therefore he who rebels against that authority opposes the command of God; and those who oppose it will receive judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to those who do good deeds, but to those who do evil deeds. Do you desire to have no fear of the one in authority? Do what is good, and you will receive his praise. 4 For he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for he does not carry the sword for no reason. For he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath on the one who does evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of the wrath, but also because of conscience. 6 Because of this you pay taxes also. For authorities are servants of God, who attend to this very thing continually. 7 Pay to everyone what is owed to them: tax to whom tax is due, toll to whom toll is due, fear to whom fear is due, honor to whom honor is due.
8 Owe no one anything, except to love one another. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, "Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not covet," and if there is any other commandment it is summed up in this, "Love your neighbor as yourself." 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.
11 Because of this, you know the time, that it is already the hour for you to awake out of sleep. For now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night has advanced, and the day is near. Let us therefore put aside the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk appropriately, as in the day, not in drunken celebrations or drunkenness; and let us not walk in sexual immorality or in uncontrolled lust, and not in strife or jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its lusts.
In the first part of this chapter, Paul teaches Christians to obey rulers who govern them. At that time, ungodly Roman rulers governed the land. (See: godly)
Some readers will find it difficult to understand what Paul teaches about obeying rulers, especially if they are in places where rulers persecute the church. Christians must obey their rulers as well as obey God, unless the rulers do not allow Christians to do something God explicitly commands them to do. There are times when a believer must submit to these rulers and suffer at their hands. Christians understand that this world is temporary and they will ultimately be with God forever. (See: eternity)
This is a complex issue. "Flesh" is possibly a metaphor for our sinful nature. Paul is not teaching that our physical bodies are sinful. Paul appears to be teaching that as long as Christians are alive ("in the flesh"), we will continue to sin. But our new nature will be fighting against our old nature. (See: flesh and sin)
Paul tells believers how to live under their rulers.
Here "soul" is a synecdoche for the whole person. "Every Christian should obey" or "Everyone should obey"
"government officials"
because
"all authority comes from God"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "And the people who are in authority are there because God put them there"
"that government authority" or "the authority that God placed in power"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God will judge those who oppose government authority"
Paul uses this word to begin his explanation of Romans 13:2 and to tell about what will result if the government condemns a person.
"rulers do not cause terror for those who do good deeds, but for those who do evil deeds"
Paul uses this question to get people to think about what they need to do in order not to be afraid of rulers. Alternate translation: "Let me tell you how you can be unafraid of the ruler."
"the one in authority will say good things about you"
You can translate this in a positive form. Alternate translation: "he carries the sword for a very good reason" or "he has the power to punish people, and he will punish people"
Roman governors carried a short sword as a symbol of their authority.
Here "wrath" represents the punishment people receive when they do evil deeds. Alternate translation: "a person who punishes, on God's behalf, those who do evil"
"not only so the government will not punish you, but also so you will have a clear conscience before God"
"Because the government punishes evildoers"
Paul is addressing the believers here, so this is plural.
"This is why you should pay taxes: authorities"
"administer" or "work on"
Paul is addressing the believers here, so this is plural.
The word "pay" is understood from the previous phrase in the general sense of "give." Alternate translation: "pay tax to whom tax is due, pay toll to whom toll is due, pay fear to whom fear is due, and pay honor to him to whom honor is due"
Here paying fear and honor is a metaphor for fearing and honoring those who deserve to be feared and honored. Alternate translation: "fear those who deserve to be feared, and honor those who deserved to be honored" or "respect those whom you ought to respect, and honor those whom you ought to honor"
This is a kind of tax.
Paul tells believers how to act toward neighbors.
This is a double negative. You can translate it in a positive form. Alternate translation: "Pay all you owe to everyone, and love one another"
This verb is plural and applies to all the Roman Christians.
This elliptical command includes the idea of "owe" from earlier in the sentence. Owing things or service to other people is a metaphor for the duty Christians have, in this case to love one another. Alternate translation: "anything, but remember that God has given you the duty to love one another"
The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves.
To covet is to desire to have or possess something that another person possesses.
This phrase portrays love as a person who is being kind to other people. Alternate translation: "People who love their neighbors do not harm them"
Paul speaks of the need for the Roman believers to change their behavior as if they needed to wake up from being asleep.
"time"
Paul speaks of the time when people do evil deeds as night. Alternate translation: "The sinful time is almost over" or "It is as though the night is almost finished"
Paul speaks of the time when people do what is right as the day. Alternate translation: "the time of righteousness will begin soon" or "it is as though it will soon be day"
Paul speaks of of "works of darkness" as if they are clothing that a person puts aside. Here to "put aside" means to stop doing something. Here "darkness" is a metaphor for evil. Alternate translation: "Let us therefore stop doing the evil things that people do in the dark"
Here "light" is a metaphor for what is good and right. Paul speaks of people who are doing what is right as if they were putting on armor to protect themselves. Alternate translation: "let us start doing what is right. Doing this will protect us from what is evil, like armor protects a solider"
Paul includes his readers and other believers with himself.
Paul speaks of people living as true believers as if they were walking while it is day. Alternate translation: "Let us walk in a visible way knowing, that everyone can see us"
These concepts mean basically the same thing. You can combine them in your translation. Alternate translation: "sexually immoral acts"
This refers to plotting against and arguing with other people.
This refers to negative feelings against another person's success or advantage over others.
Paul speaks of accepting the moral nature of Christ as if he were our outer clothing that people can see.
If your language has a plural form for commands, use it here.
Here the "flesh" refers to the self-directed nature of people who oppose God. This is the sinful nature of human beings. Alternate translation: "do not allow your old evil heart any opportunity at all for doing wicked things"
1 Receive anyone who is weak in faith, without giving judgment about arguments. 2 One person has faith to eat anything, another who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 May the one who eats everything not despise the one who does not; and may the one who does not eat everything not judge the other who eats everything. For God has accepted him. 4 Who are you, you who judge a servant belonging to someone else? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. But he will be made to stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. 5 One person values one day above another. Another has concluded that every day is equal. Let each person be convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord; and he who eats, eats for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God. He who does not eat, refrains from eating for the Lord; he also gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives for himself, and none dies for himself. 8 For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. Then whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. 9 For to this purpose Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and those who are living. 10 But you, why do you judge your brother? And you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11 For it is written,
"As I live," says the Lord, "
to me every knee will bend,
and every tongue will confess to God."
12 So then, each one of us will give an account of himself to God.
13 Therefore, let us no longer judge one another, but instead decide this, that no one will place a stumbling block or a snare for his brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean by itself. Only for him who considers anything to be unclean, for him it is unclean. 15 If because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not allow what you consider to be good to be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not about food and drink, but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For the one who serves Christ in this way is acceptable to God and approved by people. 19 So then, let us pursue the things of peace and the things that build up one another. 20 Do not destroy the work of God on account of food. All things are clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone to stumble. 21 It is good not to eat meat, nor to drink wine, nor to do anything over which your brother stumbles. 22 The faith you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23 He who doubts is condemned if he eats, because it is not from faith. And whatever is not from faith is sin.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verse 11 of this chapter, which Paul quotes from the Old Testament.
Paul teaches that Christians can have real faith and at the same time be "weak in faith" in a given situation. This describes Christians whose faith is immature, not strong, or misunderstood. (See: faith)
Many religions in the ancient Near East restricted what was eaten. Christians have freedom to eat what they want. But they need to use this freedom wisely, in a way that honors the Lord and does not cause others to sin. (See: sin)
The judgment seat of God or Christ represents a time when all people, including Christians, will be held accountable for the way they lived their lives.
Paul encourages believers to remember that they are answerable to God.
This refers to those who felt guilty over eating and drinking certain things.
"and do not condemn them for their opinions"
Here "faith" refers to doing what a person believes God is telling him to do.
This describes a person who believes God does not want him to eat meat.
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Paul is using a question to scold those who are judging others. You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: "You are not God, and you are not allowed to judge one of his servants!"
The form of "you" here is singular.
Paul speaks of God as if he were a master who owned servants. Alternate translation: "Only the master can decide if he will accept the servant or not"
Paul speaks of the servant who is acceptable to God as if he were being "made to stand" instead of falling. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "But the Lord will accept him because he is able to make the servant acceptable"
"One person thinks one day is more important than some of the others, but another person thinks that all days are the same"
You can make the full meaning explicit. You can also translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "Let each person be sure what he is doing is to honor the Lord"
Here "observes the day" refers to considering a day as a special day on which to worship the Lord. Alternate translation: "Whoever treats a day as special does so to honor the Lord" or "The person who worships on a certain day does it to honor the Lord"
The word "everything" is understood from [Romans 14:3]
"eats to honor the Lord" or "eats that way in order to honor the Lord"
The word "everything" is understood from [Romans 14:3]
His purpose in refraining from eating certain foods is to honor the Lord. Alternate translation: "refrains from eating certain foods in order to honor the Lord"
Here "lives for himself" means to live only to please oneself. Alternate translation: "None of us should live merely to please himself"
Paul is including his readers, so this is inclusive.
Here "dies for himself" means to die only to please oneself. Alternate translation: "None of us should die merely to please himself"
Paul is speaking of both himself and his readers, so all instances of "we" are inclusive.
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By using these questions, Paul is demonstrating how he might need to scold individuals among his readers. Alternate translation: "it is wrong for you to judge your brother, and it is wrong for you to despise your brother!" or "stop judging and despising your brother!"
Here this means a fellow Christian, male or female.
The "judgment seat" refers to God's authority to judge. Alternate translation: "For God will judge us all"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "For someone has written in the Scriptures: 'As"
This phrase is used to start an oath or solemn promise. Alternate translation: "You can be certain that this is true"
Paul uses the words "knee" and "tongue" to refer to the whole person. Also, the Lord uses the word "God" to refer to himself. Alternate translation: "every person will bow and give praise to me"
"will have to explain his actions to God"
Here "stumbling block" and "snare" mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: "but instead make it your goal not to do or say anything that might cause a fellow believer to sin"
Here this means a fellow Christian, male or female.
Here the words "know" and "am persuaded" mean basically the same thing; Paul uses them to emphasize his certainty. Alternate translation: "I am certain because of my relationship with the Lord Jesus"
You can translate this in a positive form. Alternate translation: "everything by itself is clean"
"by its nature" or "because of what it is"
Paul implies here that a person should stay away from anything that he thinks is unclean. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: "But if a person thinks something is unclean, then for that person it is unclean and he should stay away from it"
"If you hurt your fellow believer's faith over the matter of food." Here the word "your" refers to those who are strong in faith and "brother" refers to one who is weak in faith.
Here this means a fellow Christian, male or female.
Paul speaks of the behavior of believers as if it were a walk. Alternate translation: "then you are no longer showing love"
"If someone thinks that something is evil, do not do it, even if you consider it to be good"
Paul argues that God set up his kingdom so he could give us a right relationship with himself, and could provide peace and joy. Alternate translation: "For God did not set up his kingdom so that he could rule over what we eat and drink. He set up his kingdom so we could have a right relationship with him, and so he could give us peace and joy"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "people will approve of him" or "people will respect him"
Here "build up one another" refers to helping each other grow in faith. Alternate translation: "let us seek to live peacefully together and help one another grow stronger in faith"
You can make explicit the full meaning of this sentence. Alternate translation: "Do not undo what God has done for a fellow believer just because you want to eat a certain kind of food"
Here anything that "causes someone to stumble" means it causes a weaker brother to do something that is against his conscience. Alternate translation: "but it would be a sin for someone to eat food that another brother thinks is wrong to eat, if by eating this causes the weaker brother to do something that is against his conscience"
"It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that might cause your brother to sin"
Here this means a fellow Christian, male or female.
This refers to the strong in faith and "brother" refers to the weak in faith.
This refers back to the beliefs about food and drink.
singular. Because Paul is addressing the believers, you may have to translate this using plural.
"Blessed are those who do not feel guilty for what they decide to do"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God will say that a person does wrong if he is not sure if it is right to eat a certain food, but he eats it anyway" or "A person who is not sure if it is right to eat a certain food, but then eats it anyway, will have a troubled conscience"
Anything that is "not from faith" is something that God does not want you to do. You can make explicit the full meaning here. Alternate translation: "and God will say that he is wrong because he is eating something he believes God does not want him to eat"
Anything that is "not from faith" is something that God does not want you to do. You can make explicit the full meaning here. Alternate translation: "you are sinning if you do something that you do not believe God wants you to do"
1 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of the weak, and ought not to please ourselves. 2 Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good, in order to build him up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself. Instead, it was just as it is written, "The insults of those who insulted you fell on me." 4 For whatever was previously written was written for our instruction in order that through patience and through encouragement of the scriptures we would have hope. 5 Now may the God of patience and of encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with each other according to Christ Jesus. 6 May he do this in order that with one mind you may glorify with one mouth the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Therefore receive one another, even as Christ also received you, to the glory of God. 8 For I say that Christ has been made a servant of the circumcision on behalf of God's truth, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and for the Gentiles to glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
"Therefore I will give praise to you among the Gentiles
and sing praise to your name."
10 Again it says,
"Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people."
11 And again,
"Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
let all the peoples praise him."
12 Again, Isaiah says,
"The root of Jesse will come,
the one who rises to rule over the Gentiles;
in him the Gentiles will have hope."
13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
14 I myself am also convinced about you, my brothers. I am convinced that also you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge. I am convinced that you are also able to instruct one another. 15 But I am writing more boldly to you about some things in order to remind you again, because of the grace given me by God. 16 This grace was that I should be a servant of Christ Jesus sent to the Gentiles, to offer as a priest the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles might become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 In Christ Jesus I have reason to boast of my service for God. 18 For I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me for the obedience of the Gentiles. These are things done by word and action, 19 by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. This was so that from Jerusalem, and round about as far as Illyricum, I might fully carry out the gospel of Christ. 20 In this way, my desire has been to proclaim the gospel, but not where Christ is known by name, in order that I might not build upon another man's foundation. 21 It is as it is written:
"Those to whom no report of him came will see him,
and those who have not heard will understand."
22 Therefore I was also hindered many times from coming to you. 23 But now, I no longer have any place in these regions, and I have been longing for many years to come to you. 24 I hope to see you when I pass through there on my way to Spain, and to be helped by you on my journey there, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 But now I am going to Jerusalem, serving God's holy people. 26 For it was the good pleasure of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution to the poor among God's holy people who are in Jerusalem. 27 Yes, it was their good pleasure, and they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they owe it to the Jews to minister to them with their material things. 28 Therefore, when I have completed this task and have made sure that they receive all that was collected, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. 29 I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.
30 Now I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me. 31 Pray that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to God's holy people. 32 Pray that I may come to you in joy through the will of God, and that I may, together with you, find rest. 33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verses 9-11 and 21 of this chapter. These lines of poetry are from the Old Testament.
Some translations also set prose quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right than the rest of the text. The ULB does this with the quoted words in verse 12.
In Romans 15:14, Paul begins to speak more personally. He shifts from teaching to telling of his personal plans.
These terms are used to refer to people who are mature and immature in their faith. Paul teaches that those who are strong in faith need to help those who are weak in faith. (See: faith)
Paul concludes this section about believers' living for others by reminding them how Christ lived.
Translate this using the words your language uses to introduce a new idea into an argument.
Here "strong" refers to the people who are strong in their faith. They believe that God allows them to eat any kind of food. Alternate translation: "we who are strong in faith"
This refers to Paul, his readers, and other believers.
Here "the weak" refers to the people who are weak in their faith. They believe that God does not allow them to eat some kinds of food. Alternate translation: "those who are weak in faith"
By this, Paul means to strengthen someone's faith. Alternate translation: "to strengthen his faith"
Here Paul refers to a scripture where Christ
Those who blasphemed God insulted Christ. This is an indirect way of saying that those who slandered Christ were blaspheming God.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "For in times past, the prophets wrote everything in the Scriptures to teach us"
Paul includes his readers and other believers.
The meanings in the abstract nouns "patience" and "encouragement" can be expressed with the verbs "endure" and "encourage." Alternate translation "in order that by enduring and by being encouraged by the scriptures" or "in order that as we endure and as the scriptures encourage us"
Here the word "hope" is a person's confident expectation that what he desires really will happen. The abstract noun "hope" can be translated here with the verbs "confidently expect" or "confidently wait" or "trust." What the hope is about can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "we would confidently wait for God" or "we would confidently expect that God will do what he has promised"
This word is used here to mark a break in the main teaching. Here Paul starts to tell a new part of the teaching.
"I pray that ... God ... will grant"
Here to be of the "same mind" is a metonym that means to be in agreement with each other. Alternate translation: "to be in agreement with each other" or "to be united"
The phrases "one mind" and "one mouth" both represent people being united together. Alternate translation: "you may be united when you praise"
This phrase translates a word that speaks of people who agree with each other and who work together to accomplish a common purpose.
"accept one another ... accepted you"
The word "I" refers to Paul.
Here "the circumcision" is a metonym that refers to the Jews. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "Jesus Christ has become a servant of the Jews"
This is one of the two purposes for which Christ became a servant of the circumcision.
Here "the fathers" refers to the ancestors of the Jewish people. You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: "the promises that God gave to the ancestors of the Jews"
This is the second reason for which Christ became a servant of the circumcision. Alternate translation: "and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "As someone has written in the Scriptures"
Here "your name" is a metonym that refers to God. Alternate translation: "sing praise to you"
"Again the scripture says"
This refers to God's people. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: "with the people of God"
"praise the Lord"
Jesse was the physical father of King David. Alternate translation: "descendant of Jesse"
Here "him" refers to the descendant of Jesse and King David, the Messiah. The Gentiles will trust him to fulfill his promises. The abstract noun "hope" can be translated here with the verbs "trust" or "confidently wait" or confidently expect." Alternate translation: "the Gentiles will trust in him" or "the Gentiles will confidently wait for him to fulfill his promises"
"the God who gives hope" or "the God who causes us to hope." The abstract noun "hope" can be translated here with the verbs "confidently expect" or "confidently wait" or "trust." Alternate translation: "the God who causes us to confidently wait for him to fulfill his promises" or "the God who helps us to trust in him"
Here "fill you" is a metaphor for "cause you to have." Alternate translation: "cause you to have great joy and peace" or "give you great joy and peace"
"as you believe in him"
Paul reminds the believers in Rome that God chose him to reach the Gentiles.
Paul is quite sure that the believers in Rome are honoring each other in their behavior. Alternate translation: "I myself am completely sure that you yourselves have acted toward others in a completely good way"
Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
Paul exaggerates here to emphasize his point. Alternate translation: "filled with sufficient knowledge to follow God"
Paul speaks of grace as if it were a physical gift that God had given him. God had appointed Paul an apostle even though he had persecuted believers before he decided to follow Jesus. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "the grace that God gave me"
Paul speaks of the Gentiles as if they were an offering brought to God. Alternate translation: "the Gentiles might be like an offering that pleases God"
"having been made holy by the Holy Spirit." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which the Holy Spirit made holy" or "which the Holy Spirit dedicated to God"
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This double negative emphasizes that what Christ has accomplished is the only thing that Paul wants to speak about. Alternate translation: "I will dare to speak only of what Christ has accomplished"
"so that the Gentiles will obey God"
This can be translated in active form: Alternate translation: Alternate translation: "These are things that Christ has accomplished through what I have said and done"
These two words mean basically the same thing and refer to various kinds of miracles.
This is from the city of Jerusalem as far as the province of Illyricum, a region close to Italy.
Paul only wants to preach to people who have never heard of Christ. Alternate translation: "And so, my desire has been to preach the good news in places where people have never heard of Christ"
Paul speaks of his ministry work as if he were building a house on a foundation. Alternate translation: "in order that I might not be simply continuing the work that someone else already started. I do not want to be like a man who builds a house on someone else's foundation"
Here Paul refers to what Isaiah wrote in the scriptures. You can translate this in an active form and make the meaning explicit. Alternate translation: "What is happening is like what Isaiah wrote in the scriptures"
Here Paul speaks of the "report" or message about Christ as if it were alive and able to move by itself. Alternate translation: "Those whom no one had told the news about him"
Paul tells the believers in Rome about his personal plans to visit them and asks the believers to pray.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "they also hindered me" or "people also hindered me"
Paul implies that the reason he no longer has any place is because the Gospel had been preached in all these regions. Alternate translation: "there are no more places in these regions where people have not heard about Christ"
Paul wanted to see the believers in Rome. He did not know if he actually would be able to see them. Alternate translation: "I want to see you" or "I plan to see you"
This is a roman province west of Rome that Paul desired to visit.
Here Paul implies that he wants the Roman believers to provide some financial assistance to him for his journey to Spain. You may have to translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "that you will help me on my journey"
"have enjoyed spending some time with you" or "have enjoyed visiting you"
You may need to make explicit how Paul was serving the people. Alternate translation: "bringing aid to God's holy people" )
Here the words "Macedonia" and "Achaia" are synecdoches for the people who live in those areas. Alternate translation: "the believers in the provinces of Macedonia and Achaia were happy"
"The believers in Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to do it"
"and the people of Macedonia and Achaia owe it to God's people in Jerusalem" or "and they are obligated to help them"
"since the Gentiles have shared in the spiritual things of the Jerusalem believers
The word "minister" here means to serve in a formal way as part of their service to God, much like the priests offered sacrifices in the temple.
"by giving them material things"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "and have safely delivered this offering to them"
This phrase means that Christ will bless Paul and the Roman believers. Alternate translation: "And I know that when I visit you, Christ will abundantly bless us"
If your language has a way to show that Paul has stopped talking about the good things he is confident of (Romans 15:29) and is now starting to talk about the dangers he faces, use it here.
"I encourage you"
Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
"you work hard" or "you struggle"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God may rescue me from those who are disobedient" or "God may keep those who are disobedient from harming me"
Here Paul expresses his desire that the believers in Jerusalem will gladly accept the money from the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. Alternate translation: "pray that the believers in Jerusalem will be glad to receive the money that I am bringing them"
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The "God of peace" means the God who causes believers to have inner peace. Alternate translation: "I pray that God, who causes all of us to have inner peace, will"
1 I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church that is in Cenchreae, 2 in order that you may receive her in the Lord. Do this in a manner worthy of God's holy people, and provide her with whatever help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many and to myself as well.
3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who for my life risked their own lives. I give thanks to them, and not only I, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
5 Greet the church that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus my beloved, who is the firstfruit of Asia to Christ.
6 Greet Mary, who has labored hard for you.
7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and fellow prisoners. They are well known among the apostles, and they were in Christ before me.
8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord.
9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved.
10 Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.
11 Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet those of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.
12 Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, laborers in the Lord. Greet Persis the beloved, who has labored much in the Lord.
13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them.
15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all God's holy people who are with them.
16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.
17 Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and stumbling contrary to the teaching that you have learned. Turn away from them. 18 For people such as these do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own stomach. By their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the innocent. 19 For your example of obedience reaches everyone. I rejoice, therefore, over you, but I want you to be wise as to that which is good, and innocent to that which is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
21 Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen. 22 I, Tertius, who write this epistle down, greet you in the Lord. 23 Gaius, the host for me and for the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, with Quartus the brother. 24[1]
25 Now to him who is able to make you strong according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ,
according to the revelation of the mystery that had been kept secret for long ages
26 but now has been revealed and made known through the prophetic writings to all nations,
by the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—
27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be glory forever. Amen.
In this chapter, Paul gives personal greetings to some of the Christians in Rome. It was common to end a letter in the ancient Near East with this type of personal greeting.
Because of the personal nature of this chapter, much of the context is unknown. This will make translation more difficult.
Paul now greets many of the believers in Rome by name.
"I want you to respect Phoebe"
This is a woman's name.
The word "our" refers to Paul and all believers. Alternate translation: "our sister in Christ"
This was a town in Greece.
Paul encourages the Roman believers to welcome Phoebe as a fellow believer. Alternate translation: "welcome her because we all belong to the Lord"
"in the way that believers should welcome other believers"
"help her by giving her whatever she needs"
"has supported many people, and she has also supported me"
Priscilla was the wife of Aquila.
Paul's "fellow workers" are people who also tell others about Jesus. Alternate translation: "who work with me to tell people about Christ Jesus"
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"Greet the believers who meet in their house to worship"
This is the name of a man.
Paul speaks of Epaenetus as if he were a fruit that he harvested. Alternate translation: "first person in Asia to believe in Jesus"
This is a woman's name.
This is a man's name.
"Junia" is a woman's name. Some versions have "Junias," which would be a man's name.
You can translate this in an active form. "The apostles Alternate translations: "The apostles know them very well"
This is a man's name.
"my dear friend and fellow believer"
These are the names of men.
These are the names of men.
The word "approved" refers to someone who has been tested and proved to be genuine. Alternate translation: "whom Christ has approved"
These are the names of men.
This refers to those who trust in Jesus. Alternate translation: "who are believers" or "who belong to the Lord"
These are women's names.
This is a man's name.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "whom the Lord has chosen"
Paul speaks of the mother of Rufus as if she were his own mother. Alternate translation: "his mother, whom I also think of as my mother"
These are men's names.
Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
These are men's names.
The name of a woman. Julia was probably the wife of Philologus.
an expression of affection for fellow believers
Here Paul speaks in a general manner concerning the churches of Christ. Alternate translation: "The believers in all the churches in this area send their greetings to you"
Paul gives one last warning to the believers about unity and living for God.
Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
This refers to those who argue and cause others to stop trusting in Jesus. Alternate translation: "who cause believers to argue with one another and to stop having faith in God"
"teaching things that do not agree with the truth you have already learned"
"Turn away" here is an metaphor for "refuse to listen." Alternate translation: "Do not listen to them"
The words "they serve" are understood from the previous phrase. This can be expressed as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: "Christ. Rather, they serve their own stomach"
Here "stomach" is a metonym that refers to physical desires. Serving there stomach represents satisfying their desires. Alternate translation: "but they only want to satisfy their own selfish desires"
The words "smooth" and "flattering" mean basically the same thing. Paul is emphasizing how these people are deceiving believers. Alternate translation: "By saying things that seem to be good and true"
Here "hearts" is a metonym for the minds and inner beings of people. Alternate translation: "they deceive the innocent believers"
This refers to those who are simple, inexperienced, and naive. Alternate translation: "those who innocently trust them" or "those who do not know these teachers are fooling them"
Here Paul speaks of the Roman believers' obedience as if it were a person who could go to people. Alternate translation: "For everyone has heard how you obey Jesus"
"not involved in doing evil things"
To say that a person will crush their enemy under their feet means that the person will have complete victory over their enemy. Here Paul speaks of the victory over Satan as if the Roman believers were trampling an enemy under their feet. Alternate translation: "Soon God will give you peace and complete victory over Satan"
Paul gives greetings from the believers who are with him.
These are men's names.
Tertius is the man who wrote down what Paul spoke.
"greet you as a fellow believer"
These are men's names.
This refers to Gaius, the person in whose house Paul and his fellow believers gathered for worship.
This is a person who takes care of the money for a group.
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Paul closes with a prayer of blessing.
Here the word "now" marks the closing section of the letter. If you have a way of doing this in your language, you can use it here.
"to make your faith strong"
"by the good news that I have preached about Jesus Christ"
Paul says that God has revealed previously hidden truths to the believers. He speaks of these truths as if they were a secret. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "because God has revealed to us believers the secret that he was keeping for long ages"
since the beginning of time
The verbs "revealed" and "made known" mean basically the same thing. Paul uses both of them to emphasize his point. You can combine these words and translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "but the eternal God has now made known to all the nations through the prophetic writings"
Here "obedience" and "faith" are abstract nouns. You can use the verbs "obey" and "trust" in your translation. You may need to make explicit who will obey and trust. Alternate translation: "so that all nations will obey God because they trust in him"
Here "through Jesus Christ" refers to what Jesus did. To give "glory" means to praise God. Alternate translation: "Because of what Jesus Christ has done for us, we will praise forever the one who alone is God and who alone is wise. Amen"
1 Paul, called by Christ Jesus to be an apostle by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
2 to the church of God at Corinth, those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy people, together with all those in every place who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is their Lord and ours.
3 May grace and peace be to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4 I always give thanks to my God for you because of the grace of God that Christ Jesus gave to you. 5 He has made you rich in every way, in all speech and with all knowledge, 6 just as the testimony about Christ has been confirmed as true among you. 7 Therefore you lack no spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, who called you into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
10 Now I urge you, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree, and that there be no divisions among you. I urge that you be joined together with the same mind and by the same purpose. 11 For I have been informed concerning you, my brothers, by Chloe's people that there are factions among you. 12 I mean this: Each one of you says, "I am with Paul," or "I am with Apollos," or "I am with Cephas," or "I am with Christ." 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, except Crispus and Gaius. 15 This was so that no one would say that you were baptized into my name. 16 (I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know if I baptized any others.) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel—not with clever speech, in order that the cross of Christ would not be emptied of its power.
18 For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing. But among those who are being saved, it is the power of God. 19 For it is written,
"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise.
I will set aside the understanding of the intelligent."
20 Where is the wise person? Where is the scholar? Where is the debater of this world? Has not God turned the wisdom of the world into foolishness? 21 Since the world in its wisdom did not know God, God was pleased to save those who believe through the foolishness of preaching. 22 For Jews ask for miraculous signs and Greeks seek wisdom. 23 But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. 24 But to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, we preach Christ as the power and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than people, and the weakness of God is stronger than people.
26 Look at your calling, brothers. Not many of you were wise according to the flesh. Not many of you were powerful. Not many of you were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. God chose what is weak in the world to shame what is strong. 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world. He even chose things that are regarded as nothing, to bring to nothing things that are held as valuable. 29 He did this so that no flesh would have a reason to boast before him. 30 Because of what God did, now you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God. He became our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. 31 As a result, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."
The first three verses are a greeting. In the ancient Near East, this was a common way of starting a letter.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verse 19, which is from the Old Testament.
In this chapter, Paul scolds the church for being divided and for following different apostles. (See: apostle)
Spiritual gifts are specific supernatural abilities to help the church. The Holy Spirit gives these gifts to Christians after they come to believe in Jesus. Paul lists spiritual gifts in Chapter 12. Some scholars believe the Holy Spirit gave some of these gifts only in the early church to help establish the developing church. Other scholars believe all the gifts of the Spirit are still available to help all Christians throughout the church history. (See: faith)
In this chapter, Paul refers to the return of Christ using two different phrases: "the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ" and "the day of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Paul uses rhetorical questions to scold the Corinthians for dividing into factions and for relying on human wisdom.
A stumbling block is a rock people stumble over. Here it represents the difficulty Jews have in believing that God allowed his Messiah to be crucified.
Your language may have a particular way of introducing the author of a letter. Alternate translation: "I, Paul"
This indicates that both Paul and the Corinthians knew Sosthenes. Alternate translation: "Sosthenes, the brother you and I know"
Your language may have a particular way of introducing the intended audience. Alternate translation: "am writing this letter to you in Corinth who believe in God"
Here "sanctified" refers to people who have been set apart as God's people. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to those whom Christ Jesus has set apart for God" or "to those whom God has set apart for himself because they belong to Christ Jesus"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom God has called to be holy people"
Possible meanings are 1) this phrase tells who else is called to be holy, or 2) this phrase tells who else this letter is written to.
The word "name" here is a metonym for person of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: "who call on the Lord Jesus Christ"
The word "ours" includes Paul's audience. Jesus is the Lord of Paul and the Corinthians and all the churches.
Paul and Sosthenes wrote this letter to the Christians who belonged to the church in Corinth. Unless otherwise noted, such words as "you" and "your" refer to Paul's audience and so are plural.
Paul describes the believers' position and fellowship in Christ as they wait for his coming.
Paul speaks of grace as though it were a physical object that Jesus gives Christians as a gift. Alternate translation: "because Christ Jesus has made it possible for God to be kind to you"
Possible meanings are 1) "Christ has made you rich" or 2) "God has made you rich."
Paul is speaking in general terms. Alternate translation: "made you rich with all kinds of spiritual blessings"
God has enabled you to tell others about God's message in many ways.
God has enabled you to understand God's message in many ways.
Possible meanings are 1) "you saw for yourselves that what we had said about Christ was true" or 2) "other people learned from seeing how you now live that what we and you say about Christ is true."
"Because what I have just said is true,"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "you have every spiritual gift"
Possible meanings are 1) "the time when God will reveal the Lord Jesus Christ" or 2) "the time when our Lord Jesus Christ will reveal himself."
There will be no reason for God to condemn you.
"God, who called ... our Lord, will do everything he has said he will do"
This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
Paul reminds the Corinthian believers that they are to live in unity with each other and that the message of the cross of Christ, not baptism by people, is what saves.
Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
"Name" here is a metonym for the person of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: "by means of our Lord Jesus Christ"
"that you live in harmony with one another"
"that you do not divide into separate groups among yourselves"
"live in unity, agree with other, and work together to accomplish the same things"
This refers to family members, servants, and others who are part of the household of which Chloe, a woman, is the head.
"you are in groups that quarrel one with another"
Paul is expressing a general attitude of division.
Paul used a question to emphasize that there is only Christ, so it does not make sense for Christians to be divided among themselves. Alternate translation: "Christ is certainly not divided!" or "There is only one Christ!"
Paul used a question to emphasize that it was Christ, not Paul or Apollos, who was crucified. This can also be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "It certainly was not Paul whom they put to death on the cross for your salvation!"
Paul used a question to emphasize that we all are baptized into the name of Christ. This can also be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "It was not into the name of Paul that people baptized you!"
"In the name of" here is a metonym for "by the authority of." Alternate translation: "by Paul's authority"
"among you I baptized only"
He was a synagogue ruler who became a Christian.
He traveled with the Apostle Paul.
Here "name" represents "authority." This means Paul did not baptize others because they may claim that they became Paul's disciples. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For some of you might have claimed that I baptized you to make you my disciples"
This refers to the family members and slaves in the house where Stephanas, a man, was the head.
This means that baptism was not the primary goal of Paul's ministry.
The phrase "in order ... would not" can be stated in positive form, and "be emptied" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "not with clever speech, because clever speech would empty the cross of its power" or "not with clever speech, because this would cause the cross of Christ to lose its power"
Paul speaks of God's power to save people who trust in Christ as if the cross on which Christ died had power. The cross being emptied of its power represents people not recognizing God's power to save them through Christ's death. If Paul were to use clever speech, people might pay more attention to his clever speech than to Christ's death. Alternate translation: "in order that people might recognize God's power to save them through Jesus's death on the cross" or "because clever speech would distract people from God's power as shown in the cross"
Paul emphasizes God's wisdom rather than man's wisdom.
"the preaching about the crucifixion" or "the message of Christ's dying on the cross"
"is senseless" or "is silly"
"dying." This refers to dying in rebellion against God.
"it is God working powerfully in us"
"I will confuse intelligent people" or "I will make the plans that intelligent people make completely fail"
Paul emphasizes that truly wise people are nowhere to be found. Alternate translation: "Compared with the wisdom of the gospel, there are no wise people, no scholars, no debaters!"
a person who is recognized as someone who has studied a great deal
a person who argues about what he knows or who is skilled in such arguments
Paul uses this question to emphasize what God has done to the wisdom of this world. Alternate translation: "God has shown that everything they call wisdom is really foolishness"
Possible meanings are 1) "all who believe the message" or 2) "all who believe in Christ."
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Here the word "we" refers to Paul and other Bible teachers.
"about Christ, who died on a cross"
Just as a person can stumble over a block on a road, so the message of salvation through the crucifixion of the Christ keeps Jews from believing in Jesus. Alternate translation: "not acceptable" or "very offensive"
"to the people God calls"
"we teach about Christ" or "we tell all people about Christ"
Possible meanings are 1) "we preach that God acted powerfully and wisely by sending Christ to die for us" or "we preach that through Christ God has shown how strong and wise he is."
Another possible meaning is that Christ is powerful and it is through Christ that God saves us.
Another possible meaning is that God shows the content of his wisdom through Christ.
Possible meanings are 1) Paul is speaking ironically about God's foolishness and weakness. Paul knows God is not foolish or weak. Alternate translation: "what seems to be the foolishness of God is wiser than people's wisdom, and what seems to be the weakness of God is stronger than the people's strength" or 2) Paul is speaking from the point of view of the Greek people who may think God is foolish or weak. Alternate translation: "what people call God's foolishness is really wiser than what people call wisdom, and what people call God's weakness is really stronger than people's strength"
Paul emphasizes the believer's position before God.
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Very few of you"
"wise according to human standards" or "what most people would call wise"
"special because your family is important"
Paul repeats many of the same words in two sentences that mean almost the same thing to emphasize the difference between God's way of doing things and how people think God should do them.
"God chose to use the things that the world thinks are foolish to shame those whom the world thinks are wise"
"God chose to use things that the world thinks are weak to shame the things that the world thinks are strong"
"the things that are humble and hated"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that which people usually regard as without value"
"nothing. He did this so he could show that the things that are held as valuable are really worthless"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "things that people think are worth money" or "things that people think are worth respect"
"God did this"
The word "flesh" here is a metonym for people, who are made of flesh. Alternate translation: "no people"
This refers to the work of Christ on the cross.
These words refer to Paul, those with him, and the Corinthians.
Possible meanings are 1) "Christ Jesus, who has made clear to us how wise God is" or 2) "Christ Jesus, who has given us God's wisdom."
"If a person boasts, he should boast about how great the Lord is"
1 When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence of speech or wisdom as I proclaimed hidden truths about God. [1]2 For I decided to know nothing when I was among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. 4 And my message and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with the demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not be in the wisdom of humans, but in the power of God.
6 Now we do speak wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this world, or of the rulers of this age, who are passing away. 7 Instead, we speak God's wisdom in hidden truth, the hidden wisdom that God predestined before the ages for our glory. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had understood it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written,
"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no human heart has imagined
what God has prepared for those who love him"—
10 For God has revealed these things to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything out, even the deep things of God. [2]11 For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of the person in him? So also, no one knows the deep things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 But we did not receive the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, so that we might know the things freely given to us by God. 13 We speak about these things in words not taught by human wisdom but by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to spiritual people. 14 The unspiritual person does not receive the things that belong to the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him. He cannot understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The one who is spiritual judges all things, but he is not judged by others.
16 "For who can know the mind of the Lord,
that he can instruct him?"
But we have the mind of Christ.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verses 9 and 16. These poetic lines are from the Old Testament.
Paul continues the discussion from the first chapter that contrasts human wisdom and God's wisdom. For Paul, human wisdom can be foolish. He says the wisdom from the Holy Spirit is the only true wisdom. Paul uses the phrase "hidden wisdom" when he refers to previously unknown truths. (See: wise and foolish)
Paul contrasts human wisdom and God's wisdom. He emphasizes that spiritual wisdom comes from God.
Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
When Paul said that he "decided to know nothing" he exaggerated to emphasize that he decided to focus on and teach about nothing other than Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: "I decided to teach nothing ... except Jesus Christ" or "I decided not to teach anything ... except Jesus Christ"
The double negative here emphasizes that Jesus Christ was the only thing Paul wanted to think about. Alternate translation: "when I was among you to know only Jesus Christ"
"I was visiting with you"
Possible meanings are: 1) "physically weak" or 2) "feeling like I could not do what I needed to do."
The ideas in the nouns "message" and "proclamation" can be expressed with the verbs "speak" and "preach." Alternate translation: "I did not speak and preach with persuasive words of wisdom"
These are words that sound wise and with which the speaker hopes to cause people to do or believe something. Alternate translation: "wise and pursuasive words"
"so that you will not trust in human wisdom"
"but your faith will be in the power of God" or "but you will trust in the power of God"
Paul interrupts his main argument to explain what he means by "wisdom" and to whom he desires to speak.
The word "Now" is used here to mark a break in the main teaching. Paul begins to explain that true wisdom is God's wisdom.
The abstract noun "wisdom" can be stated as the adjective "wise." Alternate translation: "speak wise words" or "speak a wise message"
"mature believers"
"before God created anything"
"in order to ensure our future glory"
"Jesus, the glorious Lord"
This is a triplet referring to all parts of a person to emphasize that no man has ever been aware of the things that God has prepared.
The Lord has created in heaven wonderful surprises for those who love him.
the truths about Jesus and his death on the cross
"the Spirit studies everthing accurately" or "the Spirit investigates everything." This implies that the Spirit knows everything.
Paul uses this question to emphasize that no one knows what a person is thinking except the person himself. Alternate translation: "No one knows what a person is thinking except that person's spirit"
This refers to a person's inner being, his own spiritual nature.
"only the Spirit of God knows the deep things of God"
Here the word "we" includes both Paul and his audience.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that God freely gave to us" or "that God has kindly given us"
The meaning of the original language here is uncertain. Other translations of the Bible translate this as "interpreting spiritual things with spiritual words."
Here "spiritual people" refers to those who are led by the Holy Spirit to obey God.
Here the word "we" includes both Paul and his audience.
the non-Christian person, who has not received the Holy Spirit
"because understanding these things requires the aid of the Spirit"
"The believer who has received the Spirit"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "others cannot judge him" or "no one can judge him"
Paul uses this question to emphasize that no one knows the mind of the Lord. No one is as wise as the Lord. Alternate translation: "No one can know the mind of the Lord, so no one can teach him anything he does not already know"
1 And I, brothers, could not speak to you as spiritual people, but instead as to fleshly people, as to little children in Christ. 2 I fed you milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it; and even now you are not yet ready. 3 For you are still fleshly. For where jealousy and strife exist among you, are you not living according to the flesh, and are you not walking by human standards? 4 For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another says, "I follow Apollos," are you not merely human beings? 5 Who then is Apollos? Who is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, just as the Lord gave tasks to each. 6 I planted and Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So then, neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything. But it is God who gives the growth. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his own wages according to his own labor. 9 For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's garden, God's building.
10 According to the grace of God that was given to me as a skilled master builder, I laid a foundation and another is building on it. But let each man be careful how he builds on it. 11 For no one can lay a foundation other than the one that has been laid, that is, Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13 his work will be revealed, for the day will reveal it. For it will be revealed in fire. The fire will test the quality of what each one has done. 14 If anyone's work remains, he will receive a reward; 15 but if anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, as though escaping through fire.
16 Do you not know that you are God's temple and that the Spirit of God lives in you? 17 If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person. For God's temple is holy, and so are you.
18 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks he is wise in this age, let him become a "fool" that he may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written,
"He catches the wise in their craftiness."
20 And again,
"The Lord knows that the reasoning of the wise is futile."
21 For this reason, let no one boast in men. All things are yours, 22 whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come. All things are yours, 23 and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's.
Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page to make them easier to read. The ULB does this with the quoted words of verses 19 and 20.
The Corinthian believers were immature because of their unrighteous actions. He calls them "fleshly," meaning acting as nonbelievers. This term is used in opposition to those who are "spiritual." Christians following their "flesh" are acting foolishly. They are following the wisdom of the world. (See: righteous, flesh, spirit and foolish and wise)
There are many metaphors in this chapter. Paul uses "little children" and "milk" to illustrate spiritual immaturity. He uses the metaphors of planting and watering to describe the roles he and Apollos played in growing the church in Corinth. Paul uses other metaphors to help teach spiritual truths to the Corinthians and to help them to understand his teachings.
Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
people who obey the Spirit
people who follow their own desires
The Corinthians are compared to children very young in age and understanding. Alternate translation: "as to very young believers in Christ"
Babies can only drink milk because they have not grown enough to eat solid food. Paul uses this image as a metaphor to mean that the Corinthians can only understand easy truths. They are not mature enough to understand greater truths.
It is implied that they are not ready to understand more difficult teachings. Alternate translation: "you still are not ready to understand the harder teachings about following Christ"
still behaving according to sinful or worldly desires
Paul uses questions to rebuke the Corinthians for their sinful behavior. Here "walking" is a metaphor for how a person lives or behaves. Alternate translation: "you should be ashamed because you are behaving according to your sinful desires and you are living according to human standards!"
Paul uses a question to rebuke the Corinthians. Alternate translation: "you should be ashamed because you are living the same way that people who do not have the Spirit live."
Paul is emphasizing that he and Apollos are not the original source of the gospel, and therefore the Corinthians should not follow them. Alternate translation: "It is wrong to form groups to follow Apollos or Paul!" or
Paul is speaking of himself as though he were speaking of someone else. Alternate translation: "I am not important!" or "Who am I?"
Paul answers his own question by saying that he and Apollos are God's servants. Alternate translation: "Paul and Apollos are servants of Christ, and you believed in Christ because we served him"
This can be stated with the understood information. Alternate translation: "We are servants through whom you believed, and to each of us the Lord gave different tasks"
The knowledge of God is compared to a seed which must be planted in order to grow. Alternate translation: "When I preached God's word to you, I was like one who plants seeds in a garden"
As seeds need water, faith needs further teaching in order for it to grow. Alternate translation: "and when Apollos continued to teach you God's word, he was like one who waters a garden"
As plants grow and develop, so faith and knowledge in God also grow and become deeper and stronger. Alternate translation: "but God caused you to grow" or "but just as God causes plants to grow, he caused you to grow spiritually"
Paul stresses that neither he nor Apollos is responsible for the believers' spiritual growth, but it is God's doing.
Here to give growth means to cause growth. The abstract noun "growth" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "it is God who causes you to grow"
Paul speaks of telling people the good news and teaching those who have accepted it as if they were planting and watering plants.
Possible meanings are "one" are 1) "united in purpose" or 2) "equal in importance."
an amount of money that a worker receives for his work
This refers to Paul and Apollos but not the Corinthian church.
Paul considers himself and Apollos as working together.
Possible meanings are 1) being God's garden represents belonging to God. Alternate translation: "You are like a garden that belongs to God" or 2) being God's garden represents God causing us to grow. Alternate translation: "You are like a garden that God makes grow"
Possible meanings are 1) being God's building represents belonging to God. Alternate translation: "and you are like a building that belongs to God" or 2) being God's building represents God causing us to become what he wants. Alternate translation: "and you are like a building that God is constructing"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "According to the task that God freely gave me to do"
Paul equates his teaching of faith and salvation in Jesus Christ to laying a foundation for a building.
Paul is referring to the person or people who are teaching the Corinthians at that time as if they are carpenters who are constructing the building above the foundation.
This refers to God's workers in general. Alternate translation: "let each person who serves God"
Paul continues his metaphor about a foundation.
The phrase "has been laid" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one can lay a foundation other than the one and only foundation"
Paul speaks of what builders usually do when constructing a building to describe what the teachers in Corinth are actually doing. Builders usually only use gold, silver, or precious stones as decorations on buildings.
The building materials used to build a new building are being compared to the spiritual values used to build a person's behavior and activities during his lifetime. Alternate translation: "Whether a person builds with valuable materials that will last or with cheap materials that burn easily"
"expensive stones"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will show everyone what the builder has done"
The "day" refers to the time when God will judge everyone. When God shows everyone what these teachers have done, it will be like the sun has come up to reveal what happened during the night.
Just as fire will reveal the strengths or destroy the weaknesses of a building, God's fire will judge man's efforts and activities. Alternate translation: "God will use fire to show the quality of his work"
"work lasts" or "work survives"
This is a metaphor for a person's work being shown to have no value. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if the fire destroys anyone's work" or "if the judgement shows that a person's work has no value"
The abstract noun "loss" can be expressed with the verb "lose." Alternate translation: "he will lose his reward"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but God will save him as though through fire"
This is a simile showing the danger that such a person is in if his works have no value. (See:
Paul uses a question to rebuke the Corinthians. Alternate translation: "You act as though you do not know that you are God's temple and the Spirit of God lives in you!"
All instances of "you" in this verse are plural.
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Nobody should believe the lie that he himself is wise in this world.
according to the way people who do not believe decide what is wise
"that person should be willing to have people who do not believe call him a fool"
God traps the people who think they are clever and uses their own schemes to trap them.
"The Lord knows that what people who think they are wise plan to do is futile"
useless
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"you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God"
1 This is how a person should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the hidden truths of God. 2 Now what is required of stewards is that they are found to be trustworthy. 3 But for me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. For I do not even judge myself. 4 I am not aware of any charge being made against me, but that does not justify me. The one who judges me is the Lord. 5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment about anything before the time, before the Lord comes. He will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his praise from God.
6 Now, brothers, I applied these principles to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that from us you might learn the meaning of the saying,
"Do not go beyond what is written."
This is so that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against the other. 7 For who sees any difference between you and others? What do you have that you did not receive? If you have received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? 8 Already you have all you could want! Already you have become rich! You began to reign—and that quite apart from us! Indeed, I wish you did reign, so that we could reign with you. 9 For I think God has put us apostles on display as the last in line, in a procession and like men sentenced to death. We have become a spectacle to the world—to angels, and to human beings. 10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we are held in dishonor. 11 Up to this present hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed, we are beaten, and we are homeless. 12 We labor hard, working with our own hands. When we are slandered, we bless. When we are persecuted, we endure. 13 When we are slandered, we speak with kindness. We have become as the refuse of the world and the filthiest of all things, even till now.
14 I do not write these things to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. 15 For even if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 16 So I urge you to be imitators of me. 17 That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of my ways in Christ, just as I teach them everywhere and in every church. 18 Now some of you have become puffed up, acting as though I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills. Then I will know not merely the words of these who are so puffed up, but I will see their power. 20 For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power. 21 What do you want? Should I come to you with a rod or with love and in a spirit of gentleness?
Paul contrasts the Corinthians' pride with the apostles' humility. The Corinthian believers had no reason to be proud. All that they had, and all they were, was a gift from God. (See: apostle)
Paul uses many metaphors in this chapter. He describes the apostles as servants. Paul speaks of a victory parade where the apostles are the prisoners who will be killed. He uses a rod to stand for punishment. He calls himself their father because he is their "spiritual father." (See: and spirit)
Paul uses irony to shame the Corinthians for being proud. The Corinthian believers are reigning but the apostles are suffering.
Paul uses several rhetorical questions in this chapter. He uses them to emphasize important points as he teaches the Corinthians.
Having just reminded the people not to be proud concerning who had taught them about the Lord and who had baptized them, Paul reminds the Corinthian believers that all believers are to be humble servants.
Paul is speaking of himself as if he were speaking about other people. Alternate translation: "of us stewards is that we"
Paul is comparing the difference between human judgment and God's judgment. Man's judgment is not important compared to God's true judgment upon man.
"I have not heard anyone accuse me of doing wrong"
It would still be possible for Paul to be guilty even if there were no charge against him. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that does not mean that God has declared me innocent"
"It is the Lord who will decide if I am innocent or guilty"
"Because what I have just said is true,"
Here "bring to light the hidden things of darkness" is a metaphor for making known to everyone things that were done in secret. Here "heart" is a metonym for people's thoughts and intentions. Alternate translation: "Like a light that shines on things in darkness, God will show what people have secretly done and what they secretly planned"
Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
"for your welfare"
Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so all instances of "you" here are singular.
Paul is rebuking the Corinthians who think they are better than those who heard the gospel from someone else. Alternate translation: "For there is no difference between you and others." or "For you are not superior to other people."
Paul uses this question to emphasize that they did not earn the things they have. Alternate translation: "Everything that you have is what you have received." or "God gave to you everything that you have!"
Paul was rebuking them for boasting in what they had. Alternate translation: "you should not boast as if you had not received it." or "you have no right to boast!"
Paul uses irony here to shame the Corinthians and make them realize that they are sinning when they are proud of themselves and their teachers.
Paul expresses two ways that God has put his apostles on display for the world to see.
God has displayed the apostles just like prisoners who are at the end of a Roman military parade and who are humiliated before their execution.
God put the apostles on display like men who are about to be executed.
Possible meanings are 1) "the world" consists of both supernatural
Paul uses irony to shame the Corinthians so they will think about what he is saying.
"People treat you Corinthians as though you were important people"
"people shame us apostles"
"Until now" or "Up to now"
This refers to hitting with the hand, not with whips or clubs. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people beat us"
Paul means that they have to move around from place to place. Although they have places to stay, they have no permanent home.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When people slander us, we bless them" or "When people scorn us, we bless them"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When people persecute us"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When people slander us"
"People began to consider us—and they still consider us—to be the garbage of the world"
"the worst kind of garbage in the world"
"I do not intend to shame you, but I want to correct you"
Because Paul had led the Corinthians to Christ, they are like his spiritual children.
This is an exaggeration of the number of people guiding them, to emphasize the importance of the one spiritual father. Alternate translation: "very many guardians" or "a large crowd of guardians"
Paul is emphasizing firstly that his relationship with the Corinthians is most importantly "in Christ," secondly that it came because he told them the good news, and thirdly that he is the one who is like a father to them. Alternate translation: "it was because God joined you to Christ when I told you the good news that I was the one who became your father"
Because Paul had led the Corinthians to Christ, he is like a father to them.
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"whom I love and whom I teach about the Lord as if he were my own child"
This word indicates that Paul is shifting his topic. Here he begins to rebuke the arrogant behavior of the Corinthian believers.
"I will visit you"
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Paul was making a last appeal to the Corinthians, as he has been rebuking them for the errors they had made. Alternate translation: "Tell me what you want to happen now."
Paul is offering the Corinthians two opposing attitudes he could use when approaching them. Alternate translation: "If you want, I can come to punish you, or I can come to show you how much I love you by being gentle with you."
"of kindness" or "of tenderness"
1 We heard a report that there is sexual immorality among you, a kind of immorality that is not even permitted among the pagans: A man has his father's wife. 2 You are puffed up! Should you not mourn instead, so that the one who did this deed might be removed from among you? 3 For even though I am absent in body, I am present in spirit. I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as though I were there. 4 When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, 5 deliver this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord. 6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little yeast leavens the whole loaf? 7 Cleanse yourselves of the old yeast so that you may be a new batch of dough, unleavened, just as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 8 So let us then celebrate the festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of bad behavior and wickedness. Instead, let us celebrate with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people. 10 In no way did I mean the immoral people of this world, or the greedy, or swindlers, or idolaters, since to stay away from them you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who is called a brother but who is living in sexual immorality, or who is greedy, or is an idolater, or is verbally abusive, or is a drunkard, or a swindler. Do not even eat a meal with such a person. 12 For how am I involved with judging those who are outside the church? Instead, are you not to judge those who are inside the church? 13 But God judges those who are on the outside.
"Remove the evil person from among you."
Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page to make them easier to read. The ULB does this with the quoted words of verse 13.
Paul uses euphemisms to describe sensitive topics. This chapter deals with sexual immorality of one church member. (See: and fornication)
Paul uses an extended comparison that contains many metaphors. Yeast represents evil. The loaf probably represents the whole congregation. The unleavened bread represents living purely. So the whole passage means: Don't you know that a little evil will affect the whole congregation? So get rid of the evil so you can live purely. Christ has been sacrificed for us. So let us be sincere and truthful and not wicked and behaving badly. (See:, evil, unleavenedbread, purify, and passover)
Paul uses rhetorical questions in this chapter. He uses them to emphasize important points as he teaches the Corinthians.
Paul now specifically states about what sin of theirs he has heard, and how the Corinthian believers are proud of their acceptance of that man and his sin.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that not even the Gentiles permit"
"A man among you is commiting adultery with his father's wife"
the wife of his father, but probably not his own mother
This rhetorical question is used to scold the Corinthians. Alternate translation: "You should mourn over this instead ... among you!"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you can remove from among you the one who did this deed"
"I am with you in spirit." Being with them in spirit represents caring about them or wanting to be with them. Alternate translation: "I care about you" or "I want to be with you"
Possible meanings are 1) "I have decided what you should do with the one who did this" or 2) "I have found the person who did this guilty"
"When you are together" or "When you meet together"
Possible meanings are 1) the name of the Lord Jesus is a metonym that represents his authority. Alternate translation: "with the authority of our Lord Jesus" or 2) being assembled in the Lord's name implies meeting together to worship him. Alternate translation: "to worship our Lord Jesus"
This means make the man leave the Christian community so that he will no longer be protected from Satan. Alternate translation: “hand this man over to Satan by sending him away from the Christian community”
Possible meanings are 1) "flesh" refers to his physical body. Alternate translation: "so that Satan may harm his body" or 2) "flesh" is a metaphor for the sinful nature. Alternate translation: "so that his sinful nature will be destroyed" or "so that he will not continue to live according to his sinful nature"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that God may save his spirit on the day of the Lord"
"Your boasting is bad"
Paul uses this proverb to mean that a small part of something affects the whole thing. In this case, one person who is sinning can harm the entire Christian community.
Here Paul uses a rhetorical question to teach his audience. Alternate translation: "You know that a little yeast ... loaf." or "A little yeast ... loaf."
Paul uses the proverb from 5:6 to teach his audience. Here "old yeast" is a metaphor for the sins that the people were committing. "Unleavened dough" is the type of bread that God told the Israelites was acceptable to eat when celebrating Passover. Paul is telling his audience to stop sinning so that they may be acceptable to God.
As the Passover lamb covered the sins of Israel by faith each year, so did Christ's death cover the sins of all who trust in Christ by faith for eternity. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Lord has sacrificed Christ, our Passover lamb"
Paul continues using the proverb from 5:6 to teach his audience. Here "yeast" is a metaphor for sin, and "unleavened bread" is metaphor for behaviors acceptable to God.
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This means unbelievers who have chosen to live immoral lives.
"those who are greedy" or "those who are willing to be dishonest to get what others have"
This means people who cheat to get others' property.
"you would need to avoid all people"
Paul tells them how to treat believers in the church who refuse to be corrected for their involvement in sexual immorality or other obvious sins.
"anyone who calls himself"
Here this means a fellow Christian, either a man or a woman.
Paul uses a question to emphasize that he is not the one to judge people outside the church. This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I am not the one who should judge people who do not belong to the church."
Paul is using a question to scold the Corinthians. Alternate translation: "you should know that you are the ones who should judge those who are inside the church."
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1 When one of you has a dispute against another, does he dare to bring a lawsuit before the unrighteous rather than before God's holy people? 2 Do you not know that God's holy people will judge the world? If then you will judge the world, are you not able to settle matters of little importance? 3 Do you not know that we will judge the angels? How much more, then, can we judge matters of this life? 4 If then you have to make judgments that pertain to daily life, why do you lay such cases as these before those who have no standing in the church? 5 I say this to your shame. Is there no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between brothers? 6 But one brother brings a lawsuit against another brother—and this before unbelievers! 7 The fact that you have lawsuits with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer the wrong? Why not rather allow yourselves to be cheated? 8 But you yourselves do wrong and you cheat, and you do this to your own brothers! 9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to homosexual acts, nor men who perform homosexual acts, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 That is what some of you were like. But you have been cleansed, you have been sanctified, you have been justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
12 "Everything is lawful for me," but not everything is profitable. "Everything is lawful for me," but I will not be mastered by any of them. 13 "Food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food," but God will do away with both of them. The body is not intended for sexual immorality. Instead, the body is for the Lord, and the Lord will provide for the body. 14 God both raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Should I then take the members of Christ and join them to a prostitute? May it not be! 16 Do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? As scripture says, "The two will become one flesh." 17 But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. 18 Run away from sexual immorality! Every other sin that a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives within you, whom you have from God? Do you not know that you are not your own? 20 For you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God with your body and in your spirit, which belong to God.
Paul teaches that a Christian should not take another Christian to court before a non-Christian judge. It is better to be cheated. Christians will judge the angels. So they should be able to solve problems among themselves. (See: judge)
The temple of the Holy Spirit is an important metaphor. It refers to the place where the Holy Spirit stays and is worshiped.
Paul uses several rhetorical questions in this chapter. He uses them to emphasize important points as he teaches the Corinthians.
Paul explains how believers are to settle disagreements with other believers.
in this case a legal complaint, argument, or disagreement
Paul is angry because the Corinthians are doing a great wrong by taking their disputes with each other to the civil court. Alternate translation: "it is wrong for him to dare ... holy people." or "he should fear God and not ... God's holy people."
to ask unrighteous people, rather than God's holy people, to judge who is right and who is wrong
Paul uses a question to shame the Corinthians for their behavior. Alternate translation: "You act like you do not know that God's holy people will judge the world."
Because they will be given greater responsibility later, they should be responsible for lesser things now. Alternate translation: "You will judge the world in the future, so you should be able to settle this small matter now."
"stop arguments about things that have to do with this life"
Paul is surprised that they do not seem to know. Alternate translation: "You know that we will judge the angels."
Paul includes himself and the Corinthians.
Because they will be given greater responsibility later, they should be responsible for lesser things now. Alternate translation: "Because we know we will judge the angels, we can also be sure that God will enable us to judge matters in this life."
"If you are called upon to make decisions about daily life" or "If you must settle matters that are important in this life"
Possible meanings are that 1) this is a rhetorical question and Paul is rebuking the Corinthians for laying their cases before people of no standing in the church. Alternate translation: "you should not lay such cases as these before those who have no standing in the church." or 2) this is a command to lay their cases before even people of no standing in the church, rather than to people outside of the church. Alternate translation: "lay cases such as these even before people in the church who have no standing, not before people outside of the church."
"to your dishonor" or "to show how you have failed in this matter"
Paul is shaming the Corinthians. Alternate translation: "You should be ashamed that you cannot find a wise believer to settle arguments between brothers"
Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
argument or disagreement
"But brothers who have disputes with each other ask judges who do not believe in Christ to make decisions for them" or "It is bad that brothers have such bad disputes with each other that they go to court; it is even worse that those courts are run by unbelievers"
Here "brother" means fellow Christian, including both men and women.
asks the civil court to judge the matter
Possible meanings are 1) "and the brothers have unbelieving judges make decisions for them" or 2) "and unbelievers in the community see brothers disputing with one another"
"is already a failure"
Paul continues to shame the Corinthians. Alternate translation: "It would be better to let others wrong you and cheat you than to take them to court."
Here "brothers" means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
Paul emphasizes that they should already know this truth. Alternate translation: "You already know that ... kingdom of God."
Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member.
God will not judge them as righteous at the judgment, and they will not enter eternal life.
Both of these phrases refer to men who have sex with other men.
people who steal from others
people who are willing to use evil means to take others' property
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has cleansed you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has set you apart for himself"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has made you right with him"
"Name" here is a metonym for the power and authority of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: "by the power and authority of our Lord Jesus Christ"
Paul reminds the Corinthian believers that God wants them pure because Christ has bought them with his death. Their bodies are now God's temple. He does so by saying what the Corinthians might say and then correcting them.
Possible meanings are 1) Paul is saying what some Corinthians might be thinking. Alternate translation: "People say, 'I am allowed to do anything,' but" or 2) Paul is saying what he thinks is true. Alternate translation: "I am allowed to do anything, but"
Paul is answering whoever says, "Everything is lawful for me." Alternate translation: "but not everything is good for me"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will not allow these things to rule over me like a master"
Possible meanings are 1) Paul is correcting what some Corinthians might be thinking, "food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food," by answering that God will do away with both the stomach and food or 2) Paul actually agrees that "food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food," but he is adding that God will do away with both of them.
One possible meanings is that the speaker is speaking indirectly of the body and sex, but you should translate this literally as "stomach" and "food."
"destroy"
"caused the Lord to live again"
The word translated as "members" refers to parts of a body. Our belonging to Christ is spoken of as if we were parts of his body. We belong to him so much that even our bodies belong to him. Paul uses this question to remind the people of something they should already know. Alternate translation: "You should know that your bodies belong to Christ."
Paul uses this question to emphasize how wrong it is for someone who belongs to Christ to go to a prostitute. Alternate translation: "I am part of Christ. I will not take my body and join myself to a prostitute!" or "We are parts of Christ's body. We must not take our bodies and join ourselves to prostitutes!"
"That should never happen!" or "We must never do that!"
Paul begins to teach the Corinthians by emphasizing a truth that they already know. "I want to remind you that ... her."
This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when a man joins his body to the body of a prostitute, it is as if their bodies become one body"
This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when the Lord joins his spirit to the spirit of a person, it is as if their spirits become one spirit"
Paul speaks of a person rejecting sexual sin as if that person were running away from danger. Alternate translation: "Get away from"
Possible meanings are 1) Paul is showing that sexual sin is especially bad because it is not only against others but against the sinner's own body or 2) Paul is quoting what some Corinthians were thinking. Alternate translation: "immorality! Some of you are saying, 'Every sin that a person commits is outside the body,' but I say that"
"evil deed that a person does"
Paul is continuing to teach the Corinthians by emphasizing what they already know. Alternate translation: "I want to remind you ... God and that you are not your own."
the body of each individual Christian is a temple of the Holy Spirit
A temple is dedicated to divine beings, and it is also where they dwell. In the same way, the bodies of believers are like temples because the Holy Spirit lives within them.
God paid for the freedom of the Corinthians from the slavery of sin. This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: "God paid for your freedom"
"Because what I have just said is true,"
1 Now concerning the issues you wrote about: "It is good for a man not to touch a woman." 2 But because of temptations for many immoral acts, each man should have his own wife, and each woman should have her own husband. 3 The husband should fulfill his duty to have sexual relations with his wife, and in the same way the wife to her husband. 4 It is not the wife who has authority over her own body, it is the husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 5 Do not deprive each other, except by mutual agreement and for a specific period of time. Do this so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then you should come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
6 But I say these things to you as a concession and not as a command. 7 I wish that everyone were as I am. But each one has his own gift from God. One has this kind of gift, and another that kind. 8 To the unmarried and to widows I say that it is good for them if they remain unmarried, as I am. 9 But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better for them to marry than to burn with passion. 10 Now to the married I give this command—not I, but the Lord—the wife should not separate from her husband 11 (but if she does separate from her husband, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife. 12 But to the rest I say—I, not the Lord—that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and if she is content to live with him, he should not divorce her. 13 If a woman has an unbelieving husband, and if he is content to live with her, she should not divorce him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is set apart because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is set apart because of the brother. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but actually they are set apart. 15 But if the unbeliever departs, let him go. In such cases, the brother or sister is not bound to their vows. God has called us to live in peace. 16 For how do you know, woman, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, man, whether you will save your wife? 17 However, as the Lord has given each one his portion, let each one walk as God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. 18 Was anyone circumcised when he was called to believe? He should not try to appear uncircumcised. Was anyone uncircumcised when he was called to faith? He should not be circumcised. 19 For it is neither circumcision nor uncircumcision that matters. What matters is obeying the commandments of God. 20 Each one should remain in the calling he was in when God called him to believe. 21 Were you a slave when God called you? Do not be concerned about it. But if you can become free, take advantage of it. 22 For someone who is called by the Lord as a slave is the Lord's freeman. In the same way, the one who was free when he was called to believe is Christ's slave. 23 You have been bought with a price, so do not become slaves of men. 24 Brothers, in whatever situation he was in when he was called, let each one remain with God in that.
25 Now concerning virgins, I have no commandment from the Lord. But I give my opinion as one who, by the Lord's mercy, is trustworthy. 26 Therefore, I think that because of the disaster that is coming, it is good for a man to remain as he is. 27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek a divorce. If you are free of a wife, do not seek a wife. 28 But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who do will have many kinds of fleshly trouble, and I want to spare you from this. 29 But this I say, brothers: The time is short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none. 30 Those who weep should act as though they were not weeping, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they did not possess anything, 31 and those who use the world should not act as though they are using it to the full. For the world in its present form is coming to an end. 32 I would like you to be free from worries. The unmarried man is concerned about the things of the Lord, how to please him. 33 But the married man is concerned about the things of the world, how to please his wife— 34 he is divided. The unmarried woman or the virgin is concerned about the things of the Lord, how to be set apart in body and in spirit. But the married woman is concerned about the things of the world, how to please her husband. 35 I say this for your own benefit, and not to put any constraint on you. I say this for what is right, so that you may be devoted to the Lord without any distraction. 36 But if anyone thinks that he is not treating his virgin with respect—if she is beyond the age of marriage and it must be so—he should do what he wants. He is not sinning. They should marry. 37 But if he is standing firm in his heart, if he is not under pressure but can control his own will, and if he has decided in his own heart to do this, to keep his own a virgin, he will do well. 38 So the one who marries his virgin does well, and the one who chooses not to marry will do even better. 39 A woman is bound to her husband while he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but only in the Lord. 40 Yet in my judgment she would be happier if she lives as she is. And I think that I also have the Spirit of God.
Paul begins to answer a series of questions that the Corinthians may have asked him. The first question is about marriage. The second question is about a slave trying to become free, a Gentile becoming a Jew, or a Jew becoming a Gentile.
Paul says married Christians should not divorce. A Christian married to an unbeliever should not leave their husband or wife. If the unbelieving husband or wife leaves, this is not a sin. Paul advises that, because of the difficult times and because it is near to the time that Jesus will return, it is good to remain unmarried. (See: believe and sin)
Paul uses many euphemisms to discreetly refer to sexual relations. This is often a sensitive topic. Many cultures do not wish to speak openly about these matters.
Paul gives the believers some specific instructions on marriage.
Paul is introducing a new topic in his teaching.
The Corinthians had written a letter to Paul to ask for answers to certain questions.
Possible meanings are 1) Paul is quoting what the Corinthians had written. Alternate translation: "you wrote, 'It is good for a man not to touch a woman.'" or 2) Paul is saying what he really thinks. Alternate translation: "my answer is that yes, it is good for a man not to touch a woman."
"It is most helpful"
Possible meanings are 1) "a man" refers to a married man. Alternate translation: "a husband" or 2) "a man" refers to any man.
Possible meanings are 1) "touch a woman" is a euphemism for having sexual relations. Alternate translation: "not to have sexual relations with his wife for a while" or 2) "touch a woman" is a metonym for marry. Alternate translation: "not to marry"
Possible meanings are 1) Paul is responding to what the Corinthians had written. Alternate translation: "That is true, but because" or 2) Paul is saying what he really thinks.
"But because Satan tempts people to commit sexual sin, each" or "But we desire to commit sexual sin because of our sinful nature, so each"
Husbands should regularly have sexual relations with their wives. Alternate translation: "should give to his wife her sexual rights"
The words "should fulfill" and "duty to have sexual relations" are understood from the previous phrase, as is the meaning of the euphemism. Alternate translation: "in the same way, the wife should fulfill her duty to have sexual relations with her husband" or "in the same way, the wife should give to her husband his sexual rights"
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This double negative emphasizes that mutual agreement is necessary. Alternate translation: "Only if you both agree to deprive each other should you do so, and even then only do so for"
The word "deprive" means to keep from someone something that the other person has the right to receive, in this case marital relations. "Do not refuse to have marital relations with your spouse"
in order to have a period of especially deep prayer
"commit yourselves"
"sleep together again"
"because after some days, your sexual desires will be harder to keep under control"
Possible meanings are Paul is telling the Corinthians that he is allowing them, but not commanding them, 1) to marry and sleep together or 2) to stop sleeping together for a time.
Either Paul had never married or his wife had died. It is unlikely that he had been through a divorce.
"But God enables people to do different things. He enables one person to do one thing and another person to do something different"
"those who are not married"
"to women whose husbands have died"
See how you translated this in 1 Corinthians 7:1.
"to live with the constant desire to sleep with someone"
Paul's readers knew no difference between separating and divorcing. To stop living with someone was to end the marriage. Alternate translation: "should not divorce"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "she should make peace with her husband and return to him"
Paul's readers knew no difference between divorcing and simply separating. To do either was to end the marriage. Alternate translation: "should not separate from"
willing or satisfied
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Possible meanings are 1) "For God has set apart the unbelieving husband for himself because of his believing wife" or 2) "God treats the unbelieving husband as he would treat a son for the sake of his believing wife"
Possible meanings are 1) "God has set apart the unbelieving wife for himself because of her husband who believes" or 2) "God treats the unbelieving wife as he would treat a daughter for the sake of her husband who believes"
the believing man or husband
Possible meanings are 1) "God has set them apart for himself" or 2) "God treats them as he would treat his own children"
Here "brother" and "sister" refers to a Christian husband or wife. Here "not bound to their vows" is a metaphor that mean the person is not obligated to do what they vowed to do. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "In such cases, God does not require the believing spouse to continue to obey the marriage vow"
Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so all instances of "you" and "your" here are singular.
Paul uses a question to cause women to think deeply about what he is saying. Alternate translation: "you cannot know if you will save your unbelieving husband."
Paul uses a question to cause men to think deeply about what he is saying. Alternate translation: "you cannot know if you will save your unbelieving wife."
No matter what is true for the people in any of the situations Paul has just been discussing, he addresses the following words to everyone.
God giving people skills and work to do and guiding the events of their lives is spoken of as if he were dividing physical objects and giving parts out to them. Alternate translation: "as the Lord has assigned each one his life"
"each believer"
The word "walk" is a metaphor for "live." Possible meanings of the word "called" are 1) it refers to people responding to the gospel. Alternate translation: "each one should live as he was when he became a Christian." Or 2) it is a metaphor for "commanded" or "instructed." Alternate translation: "each one should live as God has instructed him to" or "each one should follow God's commands as he lives his life"
Paul was teaching believers in all the churches to act in this manner.
Paul was addressing the circumcised ones
Paul was now addressing the uncircumcised ones. Alternate translation: "If someone was uncircumcised when God called him to believe, he"
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Here "calling" refers to the work or social position in which you were involved. Alternate translation: "live and work as you did"
Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so all instances of "you" and the command "be" here are singular.
This can be stated as a statement. Alternate translation: "To anyone who was a slave when God called you to believe, I say this: do not be concerned"
This freeman is forgiven by God and therefore free from Satan and sin.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Christ bought you by dying for you"
Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
"whether he was married or unmarried, slave or free, when he was called"
You may need to make explicit who called and use an active verb. Alternate translation: "God called him"
called to believe in Christians
"each one should remain." That is, each one should remain slave, free, married, or unmarried, as he was when he first believed in Christ.
"as a person responsible to God"
Paul knows no teaching of Jesus that speaks about this situation. Alternate translation: "The Lord has not commanded me to say anything to people who have never married"
This is probably a synecdoche for anyone who has never married. Alternate translation: "people who have never married"
"I tell you what I think"
"because, by the Lord's mercy, I am trustworthy"
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Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if he were speaking to each person, so all these instances of "you" and the command "do not seek" here are singular.
Paul uses this question to introduce a possible condition. The question can be translated as a phrase with "if." Alternate translation: "If you are bound to a wife, do not"
married
"Do not try to divorce her" or "Do try to separate from her"
"do not try to get married"
The word "fleshly" is a metonym for mortal life. Alternate translation: "trouble in this life"
The word "this" refers to the kinds of worldly trouble that married people might have. Alternate translation: "I want to help you not to have worldly trouble"
This is probably a synecdoche for anyone who has never married. See how you translated "virgins" in [1 Corinthians 7:25]
"There is little time" or "Time is almost gone"
cry or grieve with tears
"those who deal every day with unbelievers"
"should show by their actions that they have their hope in God"
Being "free from" something is an idiom which means having the ability to live without it." Alternate translation: "without needing to worry"
"focused on"
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"he is trying to please God and please his wife at the same time"
Possible meanings are 1) "virgin" refers only to virgins, while "unmarried woman" could be a divorcée or any other unmarried non-virgin, and 2) "unmarried woman" explains what Paul means by "virgin."
restriction
"can concentrate on"
"not being kind to his virgin" or "not honoring his virgin"
Possible meanings are 1) "the woman whom he promised to marry" or "his fiancée" or 2) "his virgin daughter."
Possible meanings are 1) "He should marry his fiancée" or 2) "He should let his daughter get married."
Here "standing firm" is a metaphor for deciding something with certainty. Here "heart" is metonym for a person's mind or thoughts. Alternate translation: "But if he has decided firmly in his own mind"
Or "So the one who allows his virgin daughter to marry does well, and the one who chooses not to have her marry will do even better." See how you translated "virgin" and "He should marry" in 1 Corinthians 7:36.
Here "bound" is a metaphor for a close relationship between people in which they support each other emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Here it means the union of marriage. Alternate translation: "A woman is married to her husband" or "A woman is united with her husband"
"for as long as he lives" or "until he dies"
"if the new husband is a believer"
"my understanding of God's word"
more contented, more joyful
"remains unmarried"
1 Now concerning food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. 2 If anyone thinks he knows something, that person does not yet know as he should know. 3 But if anyone loves God, that person is known by him. 4 Therefore, concerning the eating of food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol in this world is nothing and that there is no God but one. 5 For even if there were so-called gods, either in heaven or on earth (just as there are many "gods" and many "lords"), 6 yet for us there is only one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we live, and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom all things exist, and through whom we exist.
7 However, this knowledge is not in everyone. Instead, some previously practiced idol worship, and they eat this food as if it were something sacrificed to an idol. Their conscience is thereby defiled because it is weak. 8 But food will not present us to God. We are not worse if we do not eat, nor better if we do eat it. 9 But take care that your freedom does not become a reason for someone who is weak in faith to stumble. 10 For suppose that someone sees you, who have knowledge, eating a meal in an idol's temple. Is not his weak conscience emboldened to eat what is offered to idols? 11 So because of your understanding about the true nature of idols, the weaker one, the brother for whom Christ died, is destroyed. 12 Thus, when you sin against your brothers and wound their weak consciences, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I may not cause my brother to fall.
In Chapters 8-10, Paul answers the question: "Is it acceptable to eat meat that has been sacrificed to an idol?"
Paul answers the question about eating meat sacrificed to idols by saying that idols are supposed to be gods but that those gods do not really exist. Therefore nothing is wrong with the meat. Christians are free to eat it. However, someone who does not understand this may see a Christian eating it. They may then be encouraged to eat the meat as an act of worship to the idol.
"We" means Paul and, though specifically writing to the Corinthian believers, includes all believers.
Paul reminds the believers that though idols have no power, believers must be careful not to affect the weaker believers who might think that the believers care about idols if the believers eat food that was sacrificed to idols. He tells believers to be careful with the freedom that they have in Christ.
Paul uses this phrase to move on to the next question the Corinthians had asked him.
Gentile worshipers would offer grain, fish, fowl, or meat to their gods. The priest would burn a portion of it on the altar. Paul is speaking of the portion the priest would give back for the worshiper to eat or sell in the market.
"Knowledge puffs people up." Here "puffs up" is a metaphor for making someone proud. The abstract noun "knowledge" can be expressed with the verb "know." Alternate translation: "Knowledge makes people proud" or "People who think that they know a lot become proud"
The abstract noun "love" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "but when we love people, we build them up"
Building people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. Alternate translation: "love strengthens people" or "when we love people, we strengthen them"
"believes he knows everything about something"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God knows that person"
"We" here refers to all believers and include Paul's audience.
Paul is probably quoting phrases that some Corinthians used. Being "nothing" represents having no power. Alternate translation: "We all know, as you yourselves like to say, that an idol in this world has no power and that there is no God but one"
"things that people call gods"
Paul does not believe that many gods and many lords exist, but he recognizes that the pagans believe they do.
"Us" and "we" here refer to all believers and include Paul's audience.
"yet we know that there is only one God"
Paul is speaking here of "weak" brothers, people who cannot separate food sacrificed to idols from the worship of those idols. If a Christian eats food that has been sacrificed to an idol, weak brothers might think that God will allow them to worship the idol by eating the food. Even if the eater has not worshiped the idol and is simply eating the food, he has still corrupted his weak brothers' conscience.
"all people ... some people who are now Christians"
ruined or harmed, especially as regards the person's relationship with God
Paul speaks of food as though it were a person who could make God welcome us. Alternate translation: "food does not give us favor with God" or "the food we eat does not make God pleased with us"
"Some people might think that if we do not eat some things, God will love us less. But they are wrong. Those who think that God will love us more if we do eat those things are also wrong"
believers not strong in their faith
Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so these words are singular.
what he understands to be right and wrong
"encouraged to eat"
Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so the word "your" here is singular.
The brother or sister who is not strong in his or her faith will sin or lose his or her faith.
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"Because what I have just said is true"
"Food" here is a metonym for the eating of food. Alternate translation: "if by eating I cause" or "if I, because of what I eat, cause"
1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? 2 If I am not an apostle to others, at least I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. 3 This is my defense to those who examine me: 4 Do we not have the right to eat and drink? 5 Do we not have the right to take along a wife who is a believer, as do the rest of the apostles, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? 6 Or do only I and Barnabas not have the right to not work at a trade? 7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat its fruit? Or who shepherds a flock and does not drink milk from it? 8 Do I say these things based on human authority? Does not the law also say this? 9 For it is written in the law of Moses, "Do not put a muzzle on an ox when it is threshing the grain." Is it really the oxen that God cares about? 10 Is he not speaking about us? It was written for us, because the one who plows should plow in hope, and the one who threshes should thresh in the hope of sharing in the harvest. 11 If we sowed spiritual things among you, is it too much for us to reap physical things from you? 12 If others exercised this right from you, do we not have even more? But we did not claim this right. Instead we endured everything rather than be a hindrance to the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you not know that those who perform sacred duties get their food from the temple? Do you not know that those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? 14 In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living from the gospel. 15 But I have not claimed any of these rights. And I do not write this so something might be done for me. It would be better for me to die than—No one will make my boast empty! 16 For if I preach the gospel, I have no reason for boasting, because I must do this. And woe be to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this willingly, I have a reward. But if not willingly, I still have a stewardship that was entrusted to me. 18 What then is my reward? That when I preach, I may offer the gospel without charge and so not take full use of my right in the gospel. 19 For though I am free from all, I became a servant to all, in order that I might win more. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law, I became like one under the law in order to win those under the law. I did this even though I myself was not under the law. [1]21 To those outside the law, I became like one outside the law, although I was not outside the law of God myself, but under the law of Christ. I did this so that I may win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, so that I may win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by all means save some. 23 I do all things for the gospel's sake, so that I may participate in its blessings. 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run the race, but that only one receives the prize? So run to win the prize. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a wreath that is perishable, but we do it to receive one that is imperishable. 26 Therefore this is how I run, as not without purpose; this is how I box, not as one beating the air. 27 But I subdue my body and make it a slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself may not be disqualified.
Paul defends himself in this chapter. Some people claimed that he was trying to gain financially from the church.
People accused Paul of just wanting money from the church. Paul answered that he rightfully could get money from the church. The Old Testament taught that those who worked should get their living from their work. He and Barnabas purposefully never used this right and earned their own living.
Paul uses many metaphors in this chapter. These metaphors teach complex truths.
This passage is important because Paul "contextualizes" ministering the gospel to different audiences. This means that Paul makes himself and the gospel understandable without his actions hindering the gospel being received. The translator should take extra care to preserve aspects of this "contextualization" if possible. (See: goodnews)
Paul uses many rhetorical questions in this chapter. He uses them to emphasize various points as he teaches the Corinthians.
Paul explains how he uses the liberty he has in Christ.
Paul uses this rhetorical question to remind the Corinthians of the rights he has. Alternate translation: "I am a free person."
Paul uses this rhetorical question to remind the Corinthians of who he is and the rights he has. Alternate translation: "I am an apostle."
Paul uses this rhetorical question to remind the Corinthians of who he is. Alternate translation: "I have seen Jesus our Lord."
Paul uses this rhetorical question to remind the Corinthians of their relationship to him. Alternate translation: "You believe in Christ because I have worked the way the Lord wants me to."
"the result of the work that I have done"
The word "seal" here is a metaphor for the evidence needed to prove something. Alternate translation: "you are evidence I can use to prove that the Lord has chosen me to be an apostle"
Possible meanings are 1) the words that follow are Paul's defense or 2) the words in 1 Corinthians 9:1-2 are Paul's defense. Alternate translation: "This is my defense ... me."
Paul uses a rhetorical question to challenge what some people think about him and Barnabas. Alternate translation: "We have the right to receive food and drink from the churches."
Here "we" refers to Paul and Barnabas.
Paul uses a rhetorical question to challenge what some people think about him and Barnabas. Alternate translation: "We certainly have the right ... Cephas."
"a believing wife" or "a Christian wife"
Paul uses a rhetorical question to challenge what some people think about him and Barnabas. Alternate translation: "You seem to think that Barnabas and I are the only apostles who have no authority to not work at a trade"
If this double negative causes confusion in your language, you can state it as a simple positive. Alternate translation: "have to work at a trade" or "have to have another job"
Paul uses this rhetorical question as a part of his argument to show that he and Barnabas have the right to be supported by the church for their work. Alternate translation: "We all know that no soldier has to buy his own supplies." or "We all know that every soldier receives his supplies from the government."
Paul uses this rhetorical question as a part of his argument to show that he and Barnabas have the right to be supported by the church for their work. Alternate translation: "We all know that the one who plants a vineyard will be allowed to eat its fruit." or "No one expects that someone who plants a vineyard will be forbidden to eat its fruit."
Paul uses this rhetorical question as a part of his argument to show that he and Barnabas have the right to be supported by the church for their work. Alternate translation: "We all know that those who shepherd flocks may drink milk from the flocks"
Paul uses these rhetorical questions as a part of his argument to show that he and Barnabas have the right to be supported by the church for their work. Alternate translation: "I am not saying these things based on human authority. The law also says this."
Moses was speaking to the Israelites as if they were one person, so this command is singular.
Paul uses this rhetorical question as a part of his argument to show that he and Barnabas have the right to be supported by the church for their work. Alternate translation: "God does not only care about the oxen."
Paul uses this rhetorical question as a part of his argument to show that he and Barnabas have the right to be supported by the church for their work. Alternate translation: "Instead, God was certainly speaking about us."
"should plow, expecting to receive something for his work" or "should plow, expecting to share in the harvest"
"should thresh, expecting to share in the harvest"
"receiving some of the crop that is collected"
Here "sowed spiritual things" and "reap physical things" are metaphors meaning Paul and Barnabas taught the Corinthians about Christ and spiritual things, so they deserve for the church to support them for their work. Alternate translation: "If we taught you about Christ and spiritual truths, is it too much for us to receive money from you for our work?
Paul uses this rhetorical question as a part of his argument to show that he and Barnabas have the right to be supported by the church for their work. Alternate translation: "then it should not be too much for us to reap physical things from you."
Paul uses this rhetorical question as a part of his argument to show that he and Barnabas have the right to be supported by the church for their work. Alternate translation: "If others exercised ... you, then we have that right even more."
Paul and the Corinthians both know that others exercised the right. Alternate translation: "Since others exercised this right"
other workers of the gospel
the right to have the believers at Corinth provide for the living expenses of those who told them the good news
"be a burden to" or "stop the spread of"
Paul uses a rhetorical question to remind the Corinthians of what they know so he can add new information. Alternate translation: "I want to remind you that those who perform sacred duties get their food from the temple."
"perform sacred duties in the temple" or "work in the temple"
Paul uses a rhetorical question to remind the Corinthians of what they know so he can add new information. Alternate translation: "I want to remind you that those who serve at the altar get some of the foods and meat that people offer on the altar."
The words "the gospel" here are a metonym for 1) the people to whom they tell the gospel, "receive their food and other things they need from those to whom they teach the good news," or 2) the result of working to tell the gospel, "receive their food and other things they need because they work to tell the good news."
"these things that I deserve"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so you will do something for me"
Paul seems to have started a new sentence before finishing the first one. Some modern translations read, "It would be better for me to die than to have someone deprive me of this boast."
"I would rather." Paul is speaking of what he desires, not necessarily of what God thinks is best.
"take away this opportunity I have to boast" or "make it so I have nothing to boast about"
"I must preach the gospel"
"may I suffer misfortune if"
"if I preach willingly" or "if I preach because I want to"
The words "I do this" are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "But if I do this unwillingly" or "But if I do this even though I do not want to" or "But if I do this because I was forced to do it"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I still must complete this work that God entrusted to me" or "I still must do this work that God gave me to complete"
Paul is preparing them for the new information he is going to give them. Alternate translation: "This is my reward."
"My reward for preaching is that I can preach without receiving payment"
"preach the gospel"
"so not ask people to support me as I travel and preach"
Paul uses the image of freedom from slavery to talk about not being obligated to others. Alternate translation: "I am free of obligation to all" or "Though I am not obligated to anyone"
Paul uses the image of slavery to talk about his willingness to meet others' needs. Alternate translation: "I became like a servant to all" or "I became willing to serve all"
"persuade others to believe" or "help others trust in Christ"
"I acted like a Jew" or "I practiced Jewish customs"
"I became like one committed to following the demands of the Jewish leadership, accepting their understanding of the Jewish scriptures"
To be "outside the law" is a metaphor that means not to be obligated to obey the law. "The "law" refers to the law of Moses, and "those outside the law" refers to the Gentiles. Alternate translation: "To Gentiles, who are not obligated to follow the law of Moses, I became like them"
The phrases "not outside the law" and "under the law" are metaphors that mean to be obligated to obey the law. Alternate translation: "although I was not one of those who is not obligated to obey the law of God, but I was obligated to obey the law of Christ"
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Paul explains that he uses the liberty he has in Christ to discipline himself.
Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they know so he can add new information. Alternate translation: "Let me remind you that although all runners run the race, only one runner receives the prize."
Paul compares living the Christian life and working for God to running a race and being an athlete. As in a race, the Christian life and work require strict discipline on the part of the runner, and, as in a race, the Christian has a specific goal.
Paul is speaking of the reward God will give his faithful people as if it were a prize given for an athletic contest.
A wreath is a bunch of leaves twisted together. Wreaths were given as prizes to athletes who won games and races. Paul speaks of eternal life as if it were a wreath that would never dry up.
These are both metaphors for living the Christian life and serving God by working as hard as one can to succeed and so gain something good and to avoid failing and so losing something good.
This is running in a race to win a prize.
If this double negative would confuse the reader in your language, you can state it as a simple positive. Alternate translation: "run: with purpose"
to beat another person with the fists in a sporting contest
This passive sentence can be rephrased to an active form. The judge of a race or competition is a metaphor for God. Alternate translation: "the judge will not disqualify me" or "God will not say that I have failed to obey the rules"
1 I do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea. 2 All were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food. 4 All drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from a spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock was Christ. 5 But God was not well pleased with most of them, and their corpses were scattered about in the wilderness. 6 Now these things were examples for us, so we would not be those who lust for evil things as they lusted. 7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were. This is as it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play." 8 Let us not commit sexual immorality, as many of them did. In one day, twenty-three thousand people died because of it. 9 Neither let us put Christ to the test, as many of them tested him and were destroyed by snakes. 10 Also do not grumble, as many of them did and were destroyed by an angel of death. 11 Now these things happened to them as examples for us. They were written for our instruction—for us on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands be careful that he does not fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to all humanity. Instead, God is faithful. He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability. With the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, so that you may be able to endure it.
14 Therefore, my beloved ones, run away from idolatry. 15 I speak to you as people who have understanding, so you may judge what I say. 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one loaf of bread, we who are many are one body. We all take of one loaf of bread together. 18 Look at the Israel that is according to the flesh. Are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? 19 What am I saying then? That an idol is anything? Or that food sacrificed to an idol is anything? 20 But I say about the things they sacrifice, that they offer these things to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons! 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot participate at the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 22 Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he is?
23 "Everything is lawful," but not everything is profitable. "Everything is lawful," but not everything builds people up. 24 No one should seek his own good. Instead, each one should seek the good of his neighbor. 25 Eat everything sold in the market without asking questions of conscience. 26 For "the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness of it." 27 If an unbeliever invites you to eat a meal, and you wish to go, eat whatever is set before you without asking questions of conscience. 28 But if someone says to you, "This has been offered in sacrifice," then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience— [1]29 the conscience of the other man, I mean, and not yours. For why should my freedom be judged by another's conscience? 30 If I partake of the meal with gratitude, why am I being insulted for that for which I gave thanks? 31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Be blameless both to Jews and to Greeks, and to the church of God. 33 In the same way I try to please all people in all things. I do not seek my benefit, but that of the many. I do this so that they may be saved.
Chapters 8-10 together answer the question: "Is it acceptable to eat meat that has been sacrificed to an idol?"
In this chapter, Paul uses the exodus to warn people not to sin. Then he returns to discussing meat offered to idols. He uses the Lord's Supper as an example. (See: sin)
Paul uses the experiences of Israel leaving Egypt and roaming the desert as a warning to the believers. Although the Israelites all followed Moses, God did not allow most of them to enter the Promised Land. Some worshiped an idol, some tested God, and some grumbled. Paul warns Christians not to sin. We can resist temptation because God provides a way of escape. (See: promisedland)
Paul discusses meat offered to idols. Christians are allowed to eat, but doing so may hurt others. So when buying meat or eating meat with a friend, do not ask if it has been offered to idols. But if someone tells you it has been offered to idols, don't eat it for the sake of that person. Do not offend anyone. Seek to save them instead. (See: save)
Paul uses many rhetorical questions in this chapter. He uses them to emphasize important points as he teaches the Corinthians.
Paul reminds the Corinthians of the example of their ancient Jewish fathers' experiences with immorality and idolatry.
Paul is referring to the time of Moses in the book of Exodus when Israel fled through the Red Sea as the Egyptian army pursued them. Here "our" refers to Paul and includes the Corinthians. The Corinthians were not acutal descendants of the Israelites who escaped Egypt. Paul means that all Christians are spiritual descendants of Israel. Alternate translation: "our ancestors"
When the Israelites left Egypt, God traveled with them in a pillar of cloud. Alternate translation: "were all led by God who was in the cloud"
This sea is known by two names, the Red Sea and the Sea of Reeds.
"walked through" or "traveled through"
To be "baptized into Moses" means to become united with or to become a follower of Moses through baptism. The Israelites were not baptized in the way that Christians were baptized in the New Testament. Paul is comparing Christian being baptized as followers of Christ with the Israelites, who became followers of Moses as they walked across the Red Sea with God leading them in the cloud. Alternate translation: "It was like all of them were baptized when they followed Moses across the sea as God led them in the cloud"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "All received baptism"
Here "spiritual food" refers to the manna that God supernaturally supplied to the Israelites while they traveled in the wilderness. Alternate translation: "All ate the same food that God supernaturally provided from heaven"
Here "spiritual drink" refers to the water that God supernaturally caused to flow out of a rock. Alternate translation: "drank the same water that God supernaturally caused to come out of the rock ... supernatural rock"
The "rock" was a literal, physical rock, so it would be best to translate this literally. If your language cannot say that a rock "was" a person's name, treat the word "rock" as a metonym for the power of Christ that worked through the rock. Alternate translation: "it was Christ who worked through that rock"
"displeased" or "angry"
"most of the Israelite fathers" or "most of our ancestors"
"God scattered their dead bodies around" or "God killed them and scattered their bodies"
the desert land between Egypt and Israel through which the Israelites wandered for 40 years
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people who worship idols
"sat down to eat a meal"
Paul is quoting the Jewish scriptures. His readers would have understood from this one word that the people were worshiping an idol by singing and dancing and engaging in sexual activities, not simply enjoying innocent fun.
"God killed 23,000 people in one day"
"because they committed those unlawful sexual acts"
or "as many of them did"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "tested him. As a result, snakes destroyed them"
"complain"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "did. As a result, an angel of death destroyed them"
"God punished our ancestors"
Here "us" refers to all believers.
"the last days"
does not sin or reject God
This can be stated as a positive. Alternate translation: "Every temptation that has overtaken you is common to all humanity" or "The temptations that affect you are temptations that all people experience"
"He will only allow you to be tempted in ways that you are strong enough to resist"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "will not allow anyone to tempt you"
Paul continues to remind them to be pure and to stay away from idolatry and immorality as he talks about communion, which represents the blood and body of Christ.
Paul is speaking of the practice of worshiping idols as if it were a physical thing like a dangerous animal. Alternate translation: "do all you can to get away from worshiping idols"
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Paul is speaking of God's blessing as though it were the wine in the cup used in the ritual of the Lord's Supper.
"for which we thank God"
Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they already know, that the cup of wine that we share represents us sharing in the blood of Christ. Alternate translation: "we share in the blood of Christ."
Paul is reminding the Corinthians of what they already know. Alternate translation: "We share in the body of Christ when we share bread."
"taking part in" or "equally participating with others in"
a single unit of baked bread that is sliced or broken into pieces before it is eaten
This refers to people who belonged to Israel because they were descendants of Israel. Alternate translation: "the natural Israel" or "the physical Israel" or "the people of Israel"
Paul uses a question to remind the Corinthians of what they already know so that he can give them new information. Alternate translation: "Those who eat the sacrifices share in the activities and the blessings of the altar."
Paul uses these rhetorical questions to clear up any confusion the Corinthians might have about what he meant. The second and third questions are elliptical, and the understood words can be provided. Alternate translation: "I am not saying that an idol is anything or that food sacrificed to an idol is anything." or "I am not saying that an idol is a real god or that food that has been sacrificed to idols has any power." or "What am I saying then? Am I saying that an idol is anything? Or am I saying that food sacrificed to an idol is anything?"
You may need to make explicit that the word "they" refers to Gentile pagans. Alternate translation: "the things that the Gentile pagans sacrifice"
Drinking from the cup of the Lord is a symbol of being united to the Lord, and drinking from the cup of demons is a symbol of being united to demons. It is impossible to be united to both the Lord and demons. Alternate translation: "You cannot be united to the Lord by drinking from his cup and also be united to demons by drinking from their cup
Here "cup" is a metonym for the wine in the cup. Alternate translation: "You cannot drink from the cup" or "You cannot drink the wine from the cup"
This refers to the cup of wine that people drink from when celebrating the Lord's supper.
This refers to anything people might drink during a meal dedicated to demons.
Here "participate at the table" refers to eating a meal together. The "table of the Lord" refers to a meal that people eat to honor the Lord. Alternate translation: "You cannot eat together at the table of the Lord and at the table of demons" or "You cannot join in eating to honor the Lord and join in eating to honor demons"
Paul uses a rhetorical question to remind the people of what they already know. Alternate translation: "Surely you do not want to provoke the Lord to jealousy."
to anger or irritate
Paul uses a rhetorical question to remind the people of what they already know. Alternate translation: "You are not stronger than he is."
In the rest of this chapter, Paul reminds the Corinthians that though they are free, they must care about others and not do things that could lead others to sin.
Possible meanings are 1) Paul is saying what some Corinthians might be thinking. Alternate translation: "People say, 'I am allowed to do anything'" or 2) Paul is saying what he thinks is true. Alternate translation: "I am allowed to do anything." This should be translated as in 1 Corinthians 6:12.
"some things are not profitable" or "some things do not help people"
Building people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. See how you translated "builds up" in [1 Corinthians 8:1]
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Or "You may eat anything sold in the market." Paul is granting permission, not issuing a command.
Questions of conscience are questions that a person asks because he wants to know if something is sinful or not. In this case, a person might ask if the food at the market was offered to idols; if he thinks that it is sinful to eat food sacrificed to idols, he would feel guilty about eating it. Paul is saying that the person does not need to ask if the food has been sacrificed to an idol or not. Alternate translation: "without asking questions that could make the conscience feel guilty" or "without asking questions about whether it is sinful to eat it"
This quotation is from the Psalms in the Old Testament.
"and everything in it." This means that everything on the earth belongs to the Lord. By saying this, Paul shows that even meat at the market that was offered to idols belongs to the Lord.
See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Corinthians 10:25.
Some translations put verse 28 and the first part of verse 29 in parentheses because the second part of verse 29 appears to give a reason for what Paul taught in verses 25-27 about not asking questions of conscience.
Here being offered in sacrifice means that it was offered to idols. This was the part of the meat that the worshiper was allowed to bring home after killing an animal as a sacrifice to an idol.
This is the first reason not to eat the meat. Alternate translation: "for the good of the one who informed you"
This is the second reason not to eat the meat. Alternate translation: "and because of conscience" or "and in order not to cause concerns about whether or not it is sinful"
Some translations put verse 28 and the first part of verse 29 in parentheses because the second part of verse 29 appears to give a reason for what Paul taught in verses 25-27 about not asking questions of conscience.
Here Paul explains whose conscience he was writing about in verse 28.
This is a rhetorical question, and it can be expressed as a statement. The verb "be judged" can be translated with an active form. Alternate translation: "For another person's conscience should not judge my freedom."
The abstract noun "freedom" can be expressed with the adjective "free." Alternate translation: "my being free" or "what I do because I am free"
The meaning of the abstract noun "gratitude" can be expressed with the phrase "give thanks." It can be made explicit that the thanksgiving is to God. Alternate translation: "If I give thanks to God for the food when I share in the meal"
This is a rhetorical question, and it can be expressed as a statement. The verb "be insulted" can be translated with an active form. Alternate translation: "I should not be insulted for that for which I gave thanks." or "People should not be insult me for eating food that I have thanked God for." (See: and )
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"Be blameless in the opinion of both Jews and Greeks, and of the church of God" or "Make sure that neither Jews nor Greeks nor the church of God can accuse you of doing wrong"
"make all people glad"
"I do not do things I desire for myself, but things that help as many people as possible"
2 Now I praise you because you remember me in everything. I praise you because you hold firmly to the traditions just as I delivered them to you. 3 Now I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, that a man is the head of a woman, and that God is the head of Christ. 4 Any man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. 5 But any woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head. For it is the same thing as if her head were shaved. 6 For if a woman will not cover her head, she should cut her hair short. If it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or for her to shave her head, let her cover her head. 7 For a man should not have his head covered, since he is the image and glory of God. But the woman is the glory of the man. 8 For man was not made from woman. Instead, woman was made from man. 9 For neither was man created for woman. Instead, woman was created for man. 10 This is why the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless, in the Lord, the woman is not independent from the man, nor is the man independent from the woman. 12 For as the woman comes from the man, so does the man come from the woman. And all things come from God. 13 Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor for him? 15 Does not nature teach you that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair has been given to her as a covering. 16 But if anyone wants to argue about this, we do not have any other practice, nor do the churches of God.
17 But in the following instructions, I do not praise you. For when you come together, it is not for the better but for the worse. 18 For in the first place, I hear that when you come together in the church, there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. 19 For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you. 20 For when you come together, it is not the Lord's Supper that you eat. 21 When you eat, each one eats his own food before the others have their meal. One is hungry, and another becomes drunk. 22 Do you not have houses to eat and to drink in? Do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What should I say to you? Should I praise you? I will not praise you for this! 23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night when he was betrayed, took bread. 24 After he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you. Do this to remember me." 25 In the same way he took the cup after supper, and he said, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this as often as you drink it, to remember me." 26 For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself first, and in this way let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment to himself. 30 That is why many among you are weak and ill, and some of you have fallen asleep. 31 But if we examine ourselves, we will not be judged. 32 But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined, so that we may not be condemned along with the world. 33 Therefore, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. 34 If anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. And about the other things you wrote, I will give instructions when I come.
This is the beginning of a new section of the letter (Chapters 11-14). Paul now talks about proper church services. In this chapter, he deals with two different problems: women in the church services (verses 1-16) and the Lord's Supper (verses 17-34).
Paul's instructions here are debated among scholars. There may have been women who were abusing their Christian freedom and causing disorder in the church by going against established cultural customs. The disorder that their actions created would have caused him to be concerned.
There were problems in how the Corinthians were handling the Lord's Supper. They did not act in a unified manner. During the feast celebrated along with the Lord's Supper, some of them ate their own food without sharing. Some of them got drunk while the poor people remained hungry. Paul taught that the believers dishonored Christ's death if they participated in the Lord's Supper while they were sinning or while they were in broken relationships with each other. (See: sin and reconcile)
Paul uses rhetorical questions to scold the people for their unwillingness to follow the rules for worship he has suggested.
Paul uses "head" as a metonym for authority in verse 3 and also to refer to a person's actual head in verse 4 and following. Since the verses are so close together, it is likely that Paul intentionally used "head" in this way. This would show that the ideas in these verses are connected.
After reminding them to follow him in the same way that he follows Christ, Paul gives some specific instructions about how women and men are to live as believers.
"you think of me at all times" or "you always try act as I would want you to act" The Corinthians had not forgotten who Paul was or what he had taught them.
Paul speaks of the Corinthians believing what he taught them and obeying his commands as if he had given them a solid object that they were holding on to while someone tried to take it away. Alternate translation: "you believe and practice"
Possible meanings are 1) "Because of this, I want" or 2) "However, I want."
has authority over
Possible meanings are 1) "men are to have authority over women" or 2) "the husband is to have authority over the wife"
This means to have some kind of garment on his head that covers his hair.
Possible meanings are 1) "brings disgrace on himself" or 2) "brings disgrace on Christ, who is his head."
Possible meanings are 1) "woman who prays ... brings disgrace on herself" or 2) "wife who prays ... brings disgrace on her husband."
That is, without the cloth that was worn on the top of the head and that covered the hair and shoulders.
as if she had removed all the hair on her head with a razor
It was a mark of disgrace or humiliation for a woman to have her hair shaved off or cut short.
place on her head the cloth that was worn on the top of the head and that covered the hair and shoulders
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: Possible meanings are 1) "must not cover his head" or 2) "does not need to cover his head"
Just as man reflects God's greatness, the woman reflects the man's character.
God made the woman by taking a bone from the man and making the woman from that bone. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God did not make the man from the woman. Instead, he made the woman from the man"
These words and all of 1 Corinthians 11:8 could be put in parentheses so that the reader can see that the word "this" in "this is why ... the angels" clearly refers back to the words "the woman is the glory of the man" in 1 Corinthians 11:7.
Possible meanings are 1) "to symbolize that she has man as her head" or 2) "to symbolize that she has the authority to pray or prophesy."
"While what I have just said is all true, the most important thing is this: in the Lord"
Possible meanings are 1) "among Christians, who belong to the Lord" or 2) "in the world as created by God."
This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "the woman depends on the man, and the man depends on the woman"
This means that the first woman, Eve, was made from the rib of the first man, Adam, and since then all men have been born by women.
"God created everyone and everything" or "God created all"
"Judge this issue according to the local customs and church practices you know"
Paul expects the Corinthians to agree with him. This can be stated in active form. "To honor God as she prays to him, a woman should have a covering on her head."
Paul expects the Corinthians to agree with him. Alternate translation: "Nature itself even teaches you ... for him."
He is speaking of the way people in society normally act as if it were a person who teaches. Alternate translation: "You know just from looking at the way people normally act ... for him."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For God created woman with hair"
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As Paul talks about communion, the Lord's supper, he reminds them to have right attitudes as well as unity. He reminds them that if they fail in those things when taking communion, they will become sick and die, as has already happened to some of them.
Another possible meaning is "as I give you these instructions, there is something for which I cannot praise you: when"
"the instructions I am about to talk about"
"gather together" or "meet"
"you do not help each other; instead, you harm each other"
"as believers." Paul is not talking about being inside a building.
"you divide yourselves into opposing groups"
Possible meanings 1) Paul is being ironic to shame the Corinthians for dividing the people they thought were more important from those they thought were less important. Alternate translation: "For you seem to want to have factions among you so that everyone will know whom you consider to be most important" or 2) Paul means factions are necessary so that God can show those whom he approves. Alternate translation: "For it is necessary for there to be factions among you so that you will know which people God has approved"
opposing groups of people
"gather together"
"you may believe you are eating the Lord's Supper, but you are not, because you do not treat it with respect"
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"in which to gather for a meal"
hate or treat with dishonor and disrespect
embarrass or cause to feel shame
Paul is rebuking the Corinthians. Alternate translation: "I can say nothing good about this. I cannot praise you."
"For it was from the Lord that I heard what I told you, and it was this: the Lord"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "on the night that Judas Iscariot betrayed him"
"he pulled pieces from it"
"The bread I am holding is my body"
It is best to translate this literally. The Corinthians knew which cup he took, so it is not simply "a cup" or "some cup" or "any cup." Possible meanings are that it was 1) the cup of wine that one would expect him to use or 2) the third or fourth of the four cups of wine that the Jews drank at the Passover meal.
"Drink from this cup, and as often as you drink from it, remember me"
teach about the crucifixion and resurrection
Where Jesus comes to can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "until Jesus comes back to the earth"
"eats the bread of the Lord or drinks the cup of the Lord"
Paul speaks of a person looking at his relationship to God and how he has been living his life as if that person is looking over something he wants to buy. See how "test the quality" is translated in [1 Corinthians 3:13]
Possible meanings are 1) "and does not recognize that the church is the body of the Lord" or 2) "and does not consider that he is handling the Lord's body."
These words mean almost the same thing and can be combined, as in UDB.
"Sleep" here is a euphemism for death. Alternate translation: "and some of you have died" .
If this would sound like Paul is talking to those who have died, you may need to make explicit that he is not. Alternate translation: "some of the members of your group"
Paul speaks of a person looking at his relationship to God and how he has been living his life as if that person is looking over something he wants to buy. See how this is translated in [1 Corinthians 11:28]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will not judge us"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Lord judges us, he disciplines us, so that he will not condemn us"
"allow the others to arrive before beginning the meal"
"let him eat before attending this gathering"
"it will not be an occasion for God to discipline you"
1 About spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to idols who could not speak, in whatever ways you were led by them. 3 Therefore I want you to know that no one who speaks by the Spirit of God can say, "Jesus is accursed." No one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.
4 Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different ministries, but the same Lord; 6 and there are different kinds of work, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 Now to each one is given the outward display of the Spirit for the benefit of all. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom, and to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit. 9 To another is given faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit. 10 To another is given miraculous works, and to another prophecy. To another is given the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, giving the gifts to each one individually, as he chooses.
12 For as the body is one and has many members and all are members of the same body, so it is with Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slave or free, and all were made to drink of one Spirit. 14 For the body is not a single member, but many. 15 If the foot says, "Since I am not the hand, I am not part of the body," it is not any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, "Because I am not an eye, I am not part of the body," it is not any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But God has appointed each member, each one of them, into the body as he has desired. 19 If they were all the same member, where would the body be? 20 So now they are many members, but only one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you." Nor does the head say to the feet, "I have no need of you." 22 But the members of the body that appear to be weaker are essential, 23 and the parts of the body that we think are less honorable, we give them greater honor, and our unpresentable members have more dignity. 24 Now our presentable members have no such need. Rather, God has composed the body, giving greater honor to those members that lack it. 25 He did this so there may be no division within the body, but that the members should care for one another with the same affection. 26 So when one member suffers, all the members suffer together; or when one member is honored, all the members rejoice together. 27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then those who do miracles, then gifts of healing, those who provide helps, those who do the work of administration, and those who have various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all of them apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all do miracles? 30 Do all of them have gifts of healing? Do all of them speak with tongues? Do all of them interpret tongues? 31 Zealously seek the greater gifts. And now I will show you a more excellent way.
This chapter begins a new section. Chapters 12-14 discuss spiritual gifts within the church.
This is an important metaphor in Scripture. The church has many different parts. Each part has different functions. They combine to make one church. All of the different parts are necessary. Each part is to be concerned for all the other parts, even those that seem less important.
In reading the Old Testament, the Jews would have substituted the word "Lord" for the word "Yahweh." This sentence probably means that no one can say that Jesus is Yahweh, God in the flesh, without the Holy Spirit's influence drawing them to accept this truth. If this statement is translated poorly, it can have unintended theological consequences.
Paul lets the Corinthians know that God has given special gifts to believers. These gifts are to help the body of believers.
This can be stated as a positive. Alternate translation: "I want you to be informed"
Here "led astray" is a metaphor for being persuaded to do something wrong. Being led astray to idols represents being wrongly persuaded to worship idols. The phrases "were led astray" and "you were led by them" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you were persuaded in some way to worship idols who cannot speak" or "you believed lies somehow and so you worshiped idols who cannot speak"
Possible meanings are 1) "no Christian who has the Spirit of God in him can say" or 2) "no one who is prophesying by the power of the Spirit of God can say."
"God will punish Jesus" or "God will make Jesus suffer"
This double negative emphasizes that "by the Holy Spirit" is what makes it possible for one to say, "Jesus is Lord." Alternate translation: "One can say, 'Jesus is Lord,' only by the Holy Spirit"
"with the help of the Holy Spirit" or "by the power that the Holy Spirit gives him"
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Possible meanings are 1) "makes active all the gifts in everyone who has received them" or 2) "works all things in all people."
This can be stated in active form. God is the one who does the giving
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "by means of the Spirit God gives to one person the word"
"the message"
God gives the gifts through the work of the Spirit.
The difference between these two words is not as important here as the fact that God gives them both by the same Spirit.
Paul is communicating one idea through two words. Alternate translation: "wise words"
Paul is communicating one idea through two words. Alternate translation: "words that show knowledge"
This can be stated in active form. See how this is translated in [1 Corinthians 12:8]
The words "are given" are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit are given"
The phrase "is given by the same Spirit" is understood from the previous phrases. Alternate translation: "to another prophecy is given by the same Spirit"
The phrase "are given by the same Spirit" is understood from the previous phrases. Alternate translation: "to another various kinds of tongues are given by the same Spirit"
Here "tongues" represents languages. Alternate translation: "the ability to speak different languages"
The phrase "is given by the same Spirit" is understood from the previous phrases. Alternate translation: "to another the interpretation of tongues is given by the same Spirit"
This is the ability to listen to what someone says in one language and use another language to tell people what that person is saying. Alternate translation: "the ability to interpret what is said in other languages"
God gives the gifts through the work of the one and only Holy Spirit. See how this is translated in 1 Corinthians 12:8.
Paul continues to talk of the variety of gifts God gives believers. God gives different gifts to different believers, but Paul wants them to know that all believers are made into one body, which is called the body of Christ. For this reason believers should have unity.
Possible meanings are 1) the Holy Spirit is the one who baptizes us, "For one Spirit baptized us" or 2) that the Spirit, like the water of baptism, is the medium through which we are baptized into the body, "For in one Spirit we were all baptized"
This is a metaphor meaning everyone received and share in the same Spirit. The phrase "all were made" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God gave us all the same Spirit, which we share as people might share a drink"
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This can be made a statement. Alternate translation: "you could not hear anything. ... you could not smell anything."
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The word "member" is a general word for the parts of the body, like the head, arm, or knee. Alternate translation: "the same part of the body"
This can be made a statement. Alternate translation: "there would be no body."
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"I do not need you"
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"less important"
This probably refers to the private parts of the body, which people keep covered.
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"the body may be unified, and"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone gives honor to one member"
Here the word "now" is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
Possible meanings for "first" are 1) the first in the list or 2) the most important in the list.
"those who provide help to other believers"
"those who govern the church"
Here "tongues" represents languages. Alternate translation: "those who have the ability to speak different languages"
Paul is reminding his readers of what they already know.
The answer Paul expects to all of these rhetorical questions is no. You may need to translate them as statements. Alternate translation: "Not all of them are apostles, are they? Not all are prophets, are they? Not all are teachers, are they? Not all do miracles, do they?" or "You and I all know that not all of them are apostles, not all are prophets, not all are teachers, and not all do powerful deeds."
This can be a statement. Alternate translation: "Not all of them have gifts of healing."
This can be a statement. Alternate translation: "Not all of them speak with tongues."
Here "tongues" represents languages. Alternate translation: "speak different languages"
This can be a statement. Alternate translation: "Not all of them interpret tongues."
Here "tongues" represents languages. To "interpret tongues" means to listen to what someone says in one language and use another language to tell people what that person is saying. Alternate translation: "interpret what is said in other languages"
Possible meanings are 1) "You must eagerly seek from God the gifts that best help the church." or 2) "You are eagerly looking for gifts that you think are greater because you think they are more exciting to have."
1 Suppose that I speak with the tongues of men and of angels. But if I do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 Suppose that I have the gift of prophecy and understand all hidden truths and knowledge, and that I have all faith so as to remove mountains. But if I do not have love, I am nothing. 3 Suppose that I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and that I give my body to be burned. But if I do not have love, I gain nothing. [1]4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous and does not boast. It is not puffed up 5 or rude. It does not seek its own. It is not provoked, nor does it keep a count of wrongs. 6 It does not rejoice in unrighteousness. Instead, it rejoices in the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. 8 Love never ends. If there are prophecies, they will pass away. If there are tongues, they will cease. If there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when the perfect comes, that which is incomplete will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became an adult, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see indirectly in a mirror, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I have been fully known. 13 But now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Paul seems to interrupt his teaching about spiritual gifts to speak about love.
Love is the most important characteristic of the believer. This chapter fully describes love. Paul tells why love is more important than the gifts of the Spirit. (See: love)
Paul uses many different metaphors in this chapter. He uses these metaphors to instruct the Corinthians, especially on difficult topics. Readers often need spiritual discernment to understand these teachings.
Having just talked about the gifts that God gives to believers, Paul emphasizes what is more important.
Possible meanings are 1) Paul is exaggerating for the sake of effect and does not believe that people speak the language that angels use or 2) Paul thinks that some who speak in tongues actually speak the language that angels use.
I have become like instruments that make loud, annoying sounds
a large, thin, round metal plate that is hit with a padded stick to make a loud, low-pitched sound
a thin, round metal plate that is hit with a padded stick to make a loud, high-pitched sound
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The phrase "to be burned" can be made active. Alternate translation: "I allow those who persecute me to burn me to death"
Paul describes the characteristics of love by speaking about love as if it were a person. Alternate translation: "Whoever loves is ... He is not ... He is not"
Paul continues to describe the characteristics of love by speaking about love as if it were a person. Alternate translation: "He does not ... He does not ... does he keep"
The word "seek" here means to desire and work for something. The person who loves wants and works for what is good for others as much as or more than what is good for himself.
"It does not become angry easily." The person who loves controls his anger.
The person who loves others does not keep a record of the wrongs that people have done to him.
Paul continues to describe the characteristics of love by speaking about love as if it were a person. Alternate translation: "He does not ... he rejoices"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "rejoices only in righteousness and truth"
Paul continues speaking about love as if it were a person.
The phrase "all things" here appears to be an idiom meaning "always". Alternate translation: "always perseveres, always believes, always hopes, and always endures"
This means that whoever loves others always expects that what is good will happen.
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Mirrors in Paul's day were made of polished metal rather than glass and provided a dim, vague reflection.
Possible meanings are 1) "now we see Christ" or 2) "now we see God."
The understood words "we will see" can be supplied. Seeing face to face is a metaphor or synecdoche for being physically present with the one we will see. Alternate translation: "but then we will see face to face"
The word "Christ" is understood. Alternate translation: "I will know Christ fully"
This can be stated as active. Alternate translation: "just as Christ has known me fully"
These abstract nouns can be expressed in phrases with verbs. Alternate translation: "we must trust the Lord, be confident that he will do what he has promised, and love him and others"
1 Pursue love and be zealous for spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. 2 For the one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. For no one understands him because he speaks mysteries in the Spirit. 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people to build them up, to exhort them, and to comfort them. 4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. 5 Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues. But even more than that, I wish that you would prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues (unless someone interprets so that the church may receive edification). 6 But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you? I cannot, unless I speak to you with revelation, or knowledge, or prophecy, or teaching. 7 In the same way, when lifeless instruments are producing sounds—like the flute or the harp—if they do not produce different tones, how will anyone know what tune the flute or harp is playing? 8 For if the trumpet is played with an uncertain sound, how will anyone know when it is time to prepare for battle? 9 It is the same way for you with the tongue. If you utter speech that is not clear, how will what is said be understood? You will be speaking into the air. 10 There are doubtless many kinds of languages in the world, and none is without meaning. 11 But if I do not know the meaning of a language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker will be a foreigner to me. 12 So it is with you. Since you are eager for the manifestations of the Spirit, seek for the edification of the church so that you might abound. 13 So the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15 What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind. I will sing with my spirit, and I will also sing with my mind. 16 Otherwise, if you bless God with the spirit, how will the outsider say "Amen" when you are giving thanks if he does not know what you are saying? 17 For you certainly give thanks well enough, but the other person is not built up. 18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding so that I might instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
20 Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Rather, in regard to evil, be like infants. But in your thinking be mature. 21 In the law it is written,
"By men of strange tongues
and by the lips of strangers
I will speak to this people.
Even then they will not hear me,"
says the Lord.
22 So then, tongues are a sign, not to believers, but to unbelievers. But prophecy is for a sign, not for unbelievers, but for believers. 23 If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders and unbelievers come in, would they not say that you are insane? 24 But if you all were prophesying and an unbeliever or an outsider came in, he would be convicted by all he hears. He would be judged by all that is said. 25 The secrets of his heart would be revealed. As a result, he would fall on his face and worship God. He would declare that God is really among you.
26 What is next then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a psalm, a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Do everything so that you build up the church. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at most three, and each one in turn, and then someone should interpret what is said. 28 But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in the church. Let each one speak to himself alone and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others listen with discernment to what is said. 30 But if there is a revelation to one who is sitting, let the first be silent. 31 For each of you can prophesy one by one so that each one may learn and all may be exhorted. 32 For the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not a God of confusion, but of peace.
This is the rule in all the churches of God's holy people. 34 The women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak. Instead, they should be in submission, as also the law says. 35 If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church. 36 Did the word of God come from you? Are you the only ones it has reached?
37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I write to you are a command of the Lord. 38 But if anyone does not recognize this, let him not be recognized.
39 So then, brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid anyone from speaking in tongues. 40 But let all things be done properly and in order.
In this chapter, Paul returns to discussing spiritual gifts.
Some translations set what is quoted from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULB does this with the words of verse 21.
Scholars disagree on the exact meaning of the gift of tongues. Paul describes the gift of tongues as a sign for unbelievers. It does not serve the whole church, unless someone interprets what is spoken. It is very important that the church uses this gift properly.
Scholars disagree on the exact meaning of prophecy as a spiritual gift. Paul says prophets can build up the entire church. He describes prophecy as a gift for believers. (See: prophet)
Paul wants the Corinthians to know that though teaching is more important because it instructs people, it must be done with love.
Paul speaks of love as if it were a person. Alternate translation: "Follow after love" or "Work hard to love people"
"and work especially hard to be able to prophesy"
Possible meanings are 1) the person speaks by the power of the Holy Spirit or 2) he speaks in his own spirit.
Building people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. See how you translated "builds up" in [1 Corinthians 8:1]
or "to encourage them"
Building people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. See how you translated "builds up" in [1 Corinthians 8:1]
Here "tongues" represents languages. Alternate translation: "had the ability to speak different languages"
Paul is emphasizing that the gift of prophecy is greater than the gift of speaking in tongues. Alternate translation: "The one who prophesies has a greater gift"
This means to listen to what someone says in one language and use another language to tell people what that person is saying.
The abstract noun "edification" can be translated using the verb "edify," which means to build something up. This is a metonym for the words through which the people in the church learn God's word and love God more, and the word "church" here is a metonym for the people who make up the church. Alternate translation: "the people in the church may become stronger" or "the one who prophesies may help the people know and love God better"
This can be a statement. Alternate translation: "I will not benefit you." or "I will not have done anything that helps you."
This refers to sounds of different pitch that make up the melody, not to the difference between a flute sound and a harp sound.
Paul wants the Corinthians to answer this themselves. Alternate translation: "no one will know what tune the flute or harp is playing."
melody or song
Paul wants the Corinthians to answer this themselves. Alternate translation: "no one would know when it is time to prepare for battle."
or "you. If with the tongue you utter speech"
The word "tongue" here is a synecdoche for all the parts of the body which a person uses in order to speak.
Clear speech is language that people can understand. Paul was talking about people speaking in other languages during church services. Alternate translation: "If you speak in a language that people do not know"
These passive clauses can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "how will anyone understand what you have said"
This can be stated as a positive. Alternate translation: "they all have meaning"
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All instances of "you" and the imperatives are plural.
"to do things that show that the Spirit controls you"
Some modern translations read, "seek that you might abound in those things that edify the church." Paul speaks of the church as if it were a house that one could build. Alternate translation: "try to succeed greatly in making God's people more able to serve God so that things will go well with you"
This means to listen to what someone says in one language and use another language to tell people what that person is saying.
The mind not understanding what is being prayed and, therefore, receiving no benefit from the prayer is spoken of as if the "mind is unfruitful." Alternate translation: "I do not understand it in my mind" or "my mind does not benefit from the prayer, because I do not understand the words I am saying"
Paul is introducing his conclusion. Alternate translation: "This is what I will do."
Prayers and songs must be in a language that the people present can understand.
"with words that I understand"
Though "you" is singular here, Paul is addressing everyone who prays only in the spirit, but not with the mind.
This can be a statement. Alternate translation: "the outsider will never be able to say 'Amen' ... saying."
Possible meanings are 1) "another person" or 2) "people who are new to your group."
"agree"
Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so the word "you" here is singular.
Building people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. This can be stated in active form. See how you translated "builds up" in [1 Corinthians 8:1]
Here "tongues" represents languages. Alternate translation: "I speak different languages"
Paul was not counting words, but used exaggeration to emphasize that a few understandable words are far more valuable than even a great number of words in a language that people cannot understand. Also, here "tongue" represents a language. Alternate translation: "10,000 words in a different language" or "a great many words in a different language"
Paul tells the Corinthians that people being able to speak in different languages was told ahead of time by the prophet Isaiah, many years before such speaking happened at the start of Christ's church.
Here "children" is a metaphor for being spiritually immature. Alternate translation: "do not think like children"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The prophet wrote these words in the law:"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are used together for emphasis.
Paul gives specific instructions about an orderly way to use gifts in the church.
"sign only for believers"
This can be a statement. Alternate translation: "they would say that you are insane."
Paul says basically the same thing twice for emphasis. Alternate translation: "he would realize that he is guilty of sin because he hears what you are saying"
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's thoughts. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God would reveal to him the secrets of his heart" or "He would recognize his own private inner thoughts"
"Fall on his face" here is an idiom, meaning to bow down. Alternate translation: "He would bow down and worship God"
Paul uses a question to introduce the next part of his message. Alternate translation: "Because everything I have just told you is true, this is what you need to do, my fellow believers."
This is the ability to listen to what someone says in one language and use another language to tell people what that person is saying.
Here "tongue" represents a language. Alternate translation: "speaks in a different languages"
"and they should speak one after another" or "and they should speak one at a time"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "interpret what they said"
This means to listen to what someone says in one language and use another language to tell people what that person is saying.
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Possible meanings are 1) only two or three prophets speak at any one meeting or 2) only two or three prophets take turns speaking at any one time.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to what they say"
"God reveals something" or "God speaks"
"to one of the people sitting there listening to the prophets"
the person who has been speaking
Only one person should prophesy at a time.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you may exhort all"
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God does not create confusing situations by making people all speak at the same time.
Possible meanings are 1) stop speaking, 2) stop speaking when someone is prophesying, or 3) be absolutely silent during the church service.
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Paul emphasizes that the Corinthians are not the only ones who understand what God wants Christians to do. Alternate translation: "The word of God did not come from you in Corinth; you are not the only people who understand God's will."
"Word of God" here is a metonym for the message from God. Alternate translation: "God's message"
A true prophet or truly spiritual person will accept Paul's writings as coming from the Lord.
"if anyone ignores this, let him be ignored"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you should not recognize him"
Paul makes it clear that speaking in tongues at a church gathering is permissible and acceptable.
Paul is stressing that church gatherings should be held in an orderly manner. Alternate translation: "But do all things properly and in order" or "But do everything in an orderly, appropriate way"
1 Now I want to make known to you, brothers, the gospel I proclaimed to you, which you received and on which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, 4 that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the scriptures. 5 Christ appeared to Cephas, and then to the twelve; 6 then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once. Most of them are still alive, but some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, he appeared to me, as if to one born prematurely. 9 For I am the least of the apostles. I am unworthy to be called an apostle because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace in me was not in vain. Instead, I labored harder than all of them. Yet it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 11 Therefore whether it is I or they, so we preach and so you believed.
12 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised; 14 and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain, and your faith also is in vain. 15 Also, we are found to be false witnesses about God, because we testified that God raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him, if indeed the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; 17 and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is in vain and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those who have fallen asleep in Christ have also perished. 19 If only in this life we hope in Christ, of all people we are most to be pitied.
20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead as the firstfruits of those who sleep. 21 For since death came by a man, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ, who is the firstfruits, and then those who belong to Christ will be made alive at his coming. 24 Then will be the end, when he will hand over the kingdom to God the Father, when he will abolish all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For "he has put everything under his feet." But when it says "he has put everything," it is clear that this does not include the one who put everything in subjection under him. 28 When all things are subjected under him, then the Son himself will be subjected under the one who put all things into subjection under him, that God may be all in all.
29 Or else what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are they baptized for them? 30 Why then are we in danger every hour? 31 I die every day! This is as sure as my boasting in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord. 32 What do I gain, from a human point of view, if I fought with beasts at Ephesus, if the dead are not raised?
"Let us eat and drink,
for tomorrow we die."
33 Be not deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals." 34 Sober up! Live righteously! Do not keep sinning. For some of you have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.
35 But someone will say, "How are the dead raised, and with what kind of body will they come?" 36 You fool! What you sow will not come to life unless it dies. 37 What you sow is not the body that will be, but a bare grain. It may become wheat or something else. 38 But God will give it a body as he chooses, and to each seed its own body. 39 Not all flesh is the same. Instead, there is one flesh for human beings, and another flesh for animals, and another flesh for birds, and another for fish. 40 There are also heavenly bodies and earthly bodies. But the glory of the heavenly body is one kind and the glory of the earthly is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars. For one star differs from another star in glory. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable, and what is raised is imperishable. 43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 So also it is written, "The first man Adam became a living soul." The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 But the spiritual did not come first but the natural, and then the spiritual. 47 The first man is of the earth, made of dust. The second man is from heaven. 48 Just as the one made from dust is, so also are those who are made of the dust, and as the man of heaven is, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we will also bear the image of the man of heaven.
50 Now this I say, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. Neither does what is perishable inherit what is imperishable. 51 Look! I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed. 52 We will be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on what is imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 But when this perishable body has put on what is imperishable, and when this mortal body has put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, "Death is swallowed up in victory."
55 "Death, where is your victory?
Death, where is your sting?"
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! 58 Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always abound in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
This chapter includes a very important teaching about the resurrection of Jesus. The Greek people did not believe that people could live after they died. Paul defends the resurrection of Jesus. He teaches why it is important to all believers. (See: resurrection and believe)
Paul presents the resurrection as the ultimate proof that Jesus is God. Christ is the first of many whom God will raise to life. The resurrection is central to the gospel. Few doctrines are as important as this one. (See: goodnews and raise)
Paul uses many different figures of speech in this chapter. He uses them to express difficult theological teachings in a way that people can understand.
Paul reminds the Corinthians that it is the gospel that saves them and he tells them again what the gospel is. Then he gives them a short history lesson which ends with what will yet happen.
Possible meanings are 1) Paul wants to remind them by making the gospel known again, "help you remember, brothers, the gospel" or 2) he wants to make sure they understand the gospel, "make clear to you, brothers, the gospel."
Paul is speaking of the Corinthians as if they were a house and the gospel as if it were the foundation on which the house was standing.
This can be stated in active form. "God will save you"
"the message I preached to you"
Possible meanings are 1) as the most important of many things or 2) as the first in time of important things.
"to pay for our sins" or "so that God could forgive our sins"
"just as the propets predicted in the scriptures." Here "scriptures" means the Old Testament.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they buried him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God raised him"
"was caused to live again"
"showed himself to"
The information that is understood here can be included. Alternate translation: "and then he appeared to the twelve disciples"
Paul used the term "the twelve" to mean the original disciples, known as apostles, that followed Jesus. Although, when Jesus appeared to the apostles, Judas had already died, Paul still refers to the groups as "twelve." Alternate translation: "to the rest of the apostles"
500
"Sleep" here is a common euphemism for death. Alternate translation: "some have died"
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"Finally, after he had appeared to the others"
This is a simile, but its meaning is unclear. These words could refer to 1) a baby that is born unexpectedly early, in which case Paul means that he was unexpectedly called to be an apostle, or 2) a baby who is born early and is very small, in which case Paul means that he had not learned from Christ and grown spiritually as the other apostles had, or 3) a baby who is born dead, in which case Paul means that Christ appeared to him when he was spiritually dead.
"a baby born too early"
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God's grace or kindness has made Paul as he is now.
Paul is emphasizing through litotes that God worked through Paul. Alternate translation: "because he was kind to me, I was able to do much good work"
Paul speaks of the work he was able to do because God was kind to him as if grace were actually doing the work. Alternate translation: Possible meanings are 1) this is literally true, and God actually did the work and kindly used Paul as a tool or 2) Paul is using a metaphor and saying that God was kind to let Paul do the work and to make Paul's work have good results.
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Paul is using this question to begin a new topic. Alternate translation: "you should not be saying that there is no resurrection of the dead!"
made alive again
Paul uses this statement to argue that there is a resurrection of the dead. He knows that Christ has been raised and so infers that all who die will be resurrected. To say that there is no resurrection is to say that Christ has not been raised, but this is false because Paul has seen the resurrected Christ
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has not raised even Christ"
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Paul wants to assure the Corinthians that Christ rose from the dead.
Paul is arguing that if Christ did not rise from the dead, then they are bearing false witness or lying about Christ's coming alive again.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "everyone will realize that we are"
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Their faith is based on Christ having risen from the dead, so if that did not happen, their faith will do them no good.
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Here to hope in Christ is to confidently expect good from him. Alternate translation: "If only in this life we can confidently expect Christ to help us" or "If we can trust in Christ to save us only in this life"
"people should feel sorry for us more than they do for anyone else"
"as it is, Christ" or "this is the truth: Christ"
"Raised" here is an idiom for "caused to live again." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has raised Christ from the dead"
Here "firstfruits" is a metaphor, comparing Christ to the first of the harvest, which would be followed by the rest of the harvest. Christ was the first to be raised from the dead, and all who believe in him will also be raised from the dead. Alternate translation: "dead, like the first part of the harvest" or "dead; he is like the first part of the harvest"
Sleep here is a euphemism for death. Alternate translation: "those who have died"
The abstract noun "death" can be expressed with the verb "die." Alternate translation: "people die because of what one man did"
The abstract noun "resurrection" can be expressed with the verb "raise." Alternate translation: "people are raised from the dead because of another man" or "people will become alive again because of what one man did"
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Here "firstfruits" is a metaphor, comparing Christ to the first of the harvest, which would be followed by the rest of the harvest. Christ was the first to be raised from the dead. Alternate translation: "who is like the first part of the harvest"
Here the word "he" refers to Christ.
"he will stop those people who rule, who have authority, and who have power, from doing what they are doing"
Possible meanings are 1) all occurrences of "he" and "his" refer to Christ or 2) "For Christ must reign until God the Father has put all Christ's enemies under Christ's feet"
Kings who won wars would put their feet on the necks of those whom they had defeated to their power over their enemies. Alternate translation: "until he has put all his enemies under his power"
Paul speaks of death here as if it were a person who will be killed. The passive verb can be stated as active. Possible meanings are 1) Christ will destroy death or 2) God the Father will destroy death. Alternate translation: "The final enemy that he will destroy is death itself"
Possible meanings are 1) "God the Father has put everything under Christ's feet" or 2) "Christ has put everything under his own feet"
Kings who won wars would put their feet on the necks of those whom they had defeated to show they have power over their enemies. See how "put ... under his feet" is translated in [1 Corinthians 15:25]
"this does not include God the Father, who put everything in subjection under the Son"
This can stated as active. Alternate translation: "God the Father has made all things subject to the Son"
This can stated as active. Alternate translation: "the Son himself will become subject"
In the previous verses he was referred to as "Christ." Alternate translation: "Christ, that is, the Son himself,"
This is an important title that describes the relationship between Jesus and God.
Paul uses this question to teach the Corinthians. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Otherwise it would be useless for Christians to receive baptism for the dead."
Paul uses this question to argue that the dead are raised. Apparently some people, probably some members of the church in Corinth, were being baptized for the dead. Paul infers that those people did so because they believed that the dead would be raised.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "If God does not raise the dead at all"
"are not caused to live again"
Paul uses this question to teach the Corinthians. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "there would be no reason for them to have people baptize them on behalf of dead people."
Paul uses this question to teach the Corinthians. The reason he and others were in danger is that some people were angry that they taught that Jesus will raise people from death. Alternate translation: "If people will not rise from the dead, we gain nothing by being in danger every hour for teaching that people will rise."
This exaggeration means he was in danger of dying. He knew that some people wanted to kill him because they did not like what he was teaching. Alternate translation: "Every day I am in danger of dying" or "Every day I risk my life!"
Paul uses this statement as evidence that he faces death every day. Alternate translation: "You can know that this is true, because you know about my boasting in you" or "You can know that this is true, because you know about how much I boast in you"
Paul boasted in them because of what Christ Jesus had done for them. Alternate translation: "my boasting in you, which I do because of what Christ Jesus our Lord has done for you"
"the way I tell other people how good you are"
Paul wants the Corinthians to understand without him having to tell them. This can be a statement. Alternate translation: "I gained nothing ... by fighting with beasts at Ephesus ... not raised."
Paul is referring to something that he actually did. Possible meanings are 1) Paul was speaking figuratively about his arguments with learned pagans or other conflicts with people who wanted to kill him or 2) he was actually put into the arena to fight against dangerous animals.
Paul concludes that if there is no further life after death, it is better for us to enjoy this life as we can, for tomorrow our life will end without any further hope.
If you live with bad people, you will act like them. Paul is quoting a common saying.
"You must think seriously about this"
Paul gives some specifics about how the resurrection of the believers' bodies will take place. He gives a picture of natural and spiritual bodies (15:36-44) and compares the first man Adam with the last Adam, Christ (15:45-49).
Possible meanings are 1) The person is asking sincerely or 2) the person is using the question to mock the idea of a resurrection. Alternate translation: "But some will say that they cannot imagine how God will raise the dead, and what kind of body God would give them in the resurrection."
"someone will ask"
That is, will it be a physical body or a spiritual body? What shape will the body have? What will the body be made of? Translate using the most general question that someone who wants to know the answers to these questions would ask.
Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so both instances of "you" here are singular.
"unthinking person." Paul is accusing them of not thinking carefully, He is not accusing them of moral error.
A seed will not grow unless it is first buried underground. In the same way, a person has to die before God can resurrect him.
Paul uses the metaphor of the seed again to say that God will resurrect the dead body of the believer, but that body will not appear as it was.
Paul is speaking to the Corinthians as if they were one person, so the word "you" here is singular.
"God will decide what kind of body it will have"
"Not all kinds of bodies are the same ... there is one kind of body ... another kind of body"
"bodies in the sky"
"bodies on the earth." This refers to the kinds of bodies mentioned in 15:41.
"the glory that the bodies in the sky have is different from the glory that the bodies on the earth have"
Possible meanings are 1) "brightness" or "radiance" or 2) "beauty" or "splendor"
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The writer speaks of a person's body being buried as if it were a seed that is planted in the ground. And he speaks of a person's body being raised from the dead as if it were a plant growing from the seed. The passive verbs can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "What goes into the ground ... what comes out of the ground" or "What people bury ... what God raises"
"is caused to live again"
"can rot ... cannot rot"
The writer speaks of a person's body being buried as if it were a seed that is planted in the ground. And he speaks of a person's body being raised from the dead as if it were a plant growing from the seed. The passive verbs can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "It goes into the ground ... it comes out of the ground" or "People bury it ... God raises it"
The writer speaks of a person's body being buried as if it were a seed that is planted in the ground. And he speaks of a person's body being raised from the dead as if it were a plant growing from the seed. The passive verbs can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "It goes into the ground ... it comes out of the ground" or "People bury it ... God raises it"
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"The natural being came first. The spiritual being is from God and came later."
created by earthly processes, not yet connected to God
God made the first man, Adam, from the dust of the earth.
dirt
Jesus Christ
"those who belong to God"
"we have been just like the man of dust, we will also be just like the man of heaven"
Paul wants the Corinthians to realize that some believers will not die physically but will still get a resurrected body through Christ's victory.
Possible meanings are 1) the two sentences mean the same thing. Alternate translation: "human beings who will surely die cannot inherit the permanent kingdom of God" or 2) the second sentence finishes the thought begun by the first. Alternate translation: "weak human beings cannot inherit the kingdom of God. Neither can those who will certainly die inherit a kingdom that will last forever"
Those who inhabit a body that is doomed to die.
Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if property and wealth were being inherited from a family member.
"can rot ... cannot rot." See how these words are translated in 1 Corinthians 15:42.
We will not all sleep
Sleep here is a euphemism for death. Alternate translation: "We will not all die"
This can be stated as active. Alternate translation: "God will change us all"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will change us"
It will happen as fast as it takes for a person to blink his or her eye.
"when the last trumpet sounds"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will raise the dead"
"caused to live again"
"in a form that cannot rot." See how a similar phrase is translated in 1 Corinthians 15:42.
"this body that can rot ... cannot rot." See how similar phrases are translated in 1 Corinthians 15:42.
Paul is speaking of God making our bodies so they will never die again as if God were putting new clothes on us.
Here the body is spoken of as if it were a person, and becoming imperishable is spoken of as if being imperishable were clothing that a body would wear. Alternate translation: "when this perishable body has become imperishable" or "when this body that can rot can no longer rot"
Here the body is spoken of as if it were a person, and becoming immortal is spoken of as if being immortal was clothing that a body would wear. Alternate translation: "when this mortal body has become immortal" or "when this body that can die can no longer die"
Paul speaks as if death were a person, and he uses this question to mock the power of death, which Christ has defeated. Alternate translation: "Death has no victory. Death has no sting."
These are singular.
It is through sin that we are destined to face death, that is, to die.
God's law that was passed down by Moses defines sin and shows us how we sin before God.
"has defeated death for us"
Paul wants believers, while they work for the Lord, to remember the changed, resurrected bodies that God is going to give them.
Paul speaks of someone who lets nothing stop him from doing what he has decided to do as if he could not be physically moved. Alternate translation: "be determined"
Paul speaks of efforts made in working for the Lord as if they were objects that a person could acquire more of. Alternate translation: "Always work for the Lord faithfully"
1 Now concerning the collection for God's holy people: as I instructed the churches of Galatia, so you are to do. 2 On the first day of the week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up as he may prosper. Do this so that there will be no collections when I come. 3 When I arrive, to whomever you approve, I will give letters of introduction to them and will send them with your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me. 5 But I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia. For I will pass through Macedonia. 6 Perhaps I may stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my way, wherever I go. 7 For I do not wish to see you now for only a passing visit. For I hope to spend more time with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a wide door has opened for me, and there are many adversaries.
10 Now when Timothy comes, see that he is with you unafraid, for he is laboring at the work of the Lord, as I am doing. 11 Let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me. For I am expecting him to come along with the brothers. 12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly encouraged him to visit you with the brothers. But it was not at all his will that he come now. However, he will come when the time is right.
13 Be watchful, stand fast in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.
15 You know the household of Stephanas, that they were the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of God's holy people. Now I urge you, brothers, 16 to be in submission to such people and to everyone who helps in the work and labors with us. 17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus. They have made up for your absence. 18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. So then, acknowledge people like them.
19 The churches of Asia send greetings to you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you in the Lord, with the church that is in their home. 20 All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 I, Paul, write this with my own hand. 22 If anyone does not love the Lord, may he be accursed. Our Lord, come! 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. [1]
Paul briefly covers many topics in this chapter. It was common in the ancient Near East for the last part of letters to have personal greetings.
Paul gives practical instructions to help prepare the Corinthian church for his visit. He tells them to start collecting money every Sunday for the believers in Jerusalem. He hopes to come and spend the winter with them. He tells them to help Timothy when he comes. He had hopes Apollos would go to them, but Apollos did not think it was the right time. Paul also tells them to obey Stephanus. Finally, he sends his greetings to everyone.
In his closing notes, Paul reminds the Corinthian believers to collect money for the needy believers in Jerusalem.
Paul was collecting money from his churches for the poor Jewish Christians in Jerusalem and Judea.
Possible meanings are: 1) "keep it at home" or 2) "leave it with the church"
"according to how he prospers" or "according to how much he earns"
"so that you will not have to collect more money while I am with you"
Some modern translations read, "to whomever you have approved by letter of introduction, I will send"
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This means they might give Paul money or other things he needs so that he and his ministry team could continue to travel.
Paul wanted to see the believers in Corinth, but he did not know if he actually would be able to do that. Alternate translation: "I expect to spend more time with you, if the Lord permits" or "I plan to spend more time with you, if the Lord permits"
Paul would stay in Ephesus until this festival, which comes in May or June, 50 days after Passover. He would then travel through Macedonia, and later try to arrive in Corinth before winter started.
Paul speaks of the opportunity God has given him to win people to the gospel as if it were a door that God had opened so he could walk through it.
"Now" here marks a change in topic. Here Paul begins to talk about Timothy's visit to Corinth.
"see that he has no cause to fear being with you"
Because Timothy was much younger than Paul, sometimes he was not shown the respect he deserved as a minister of the gospel.
Here the word "our" refers to Paul and his readers, so it is inclusive.
Paul is describing what he wants the Corinthians to do as if he were giving four commands to soldiers in war. These four commands mean almost the same thing and are used for emphasis.
Paul speaks of people being aware of what is happening as if they were guards keeping watch over a city or vineyard. This can be stated more clearly. Alternate translation: "Be careful whom you trust" or "Watch out for danger"
Paul speaks of people continuing to believe in Christ according to his teaching as if they were soldiers refusing to retreat when the enemy attacks. Possible meanings are 1) "keep strongly believing what we have taught you" or 2) "keep strongly trusting in Christ"
In the society in which Paul and his audience lived, men usually provided for families by doing the heavy work and fighting against invaders. This can be stated more clearly. Alternate translation: "be responsible"
"Everything you do should show people that you love them"
Paul begins to close his letter and sends greetings from other churches, as well as from Prisca, Aquila, and Paul himself.
Stephanas was one of the first believers in the church at Corinth.
"the first people in Achaia to believe in Christ"
This is the name of a province in Greece.
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These men were either some of the first Corinthian believers or church elders who were co-workers with Paul.
These are men's names.
"They made up for the fact that you were not here."
Paul is saying he was encouraged by their visit.
The word "acknowledge" here might be an understatement. Paul wants the Corinthians to honor Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus
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Paul was making it clear that the instructions in this letter are from him, even though one of his co-laborers wrote what Paul was saying in the rest of the letter. Paul wrote this last part with his own hand.
"may God curse him." See how "accursed" was translated in 1 Corinthians 12:3.
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1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God that is in Corinth, and to all God's holy people in the entire region of Achaia.
2 May grace be to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be praised. He is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. 4 God comforts us in all our tribulation, so that we can comfort those who are in any tribulation. We comfort others with the same comfort that God used to comfort us. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ abound for our sake, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 6 But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort. Your comfort is working effectively in your endurance of the same sufferings that we also suffer. 7 Our hope concerning you is unshaken, for we know that as you share the sufferings, you also share our comfort. 8 For we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the tribulation we had in Asia. We were utterly burdened beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Indeed, we had the sentence of death on us. But that was to make us not put our trust in ourselves, but instead in God, who raises the dead. 10 He rescued us from such a deadly peril, and he will rescue us. On him we have set our hope that he will rescue us. 11 He will do this as you also help us by your prayer. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the favor given to us through the prayers of many.
12 Our boast is this: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world with integrity and godly sincerity, not relying on fleshly wisdom but on the grace of God. 13 We write to you nothing that you cannot read and understand, and I hope that you will fully understand 14 as you have understood us in part, that you can boast of us on the day of our Lord Jesus, just as we will boast of you.
15 Because I was confident about this, I wanted to come to you first, so that you might receive a second favor. 16 I was planning to visit you on my way to Macedonia. Then I wanted to visit you again on my trip from Macedonia, and then for you to send me on my way to Judea. 17 When I was thinking this way, was I hesitating? Do I plan things according to the flesh, so that I say "Yes, yes" and "No, no" at the same time? 18 But just as God is faithful, our word to you is not "Yes" and "No." 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom Silvanus, Timothy and I proclaimed among you, is not "Yes" and "No." Instead, he is always "Yes." 20 For all the promises of God are "Yes" in him. So also through him we say "Amen" to the glory of God. 21 Now it is God who confirms us with you in Christ, and he anointed us, 22 he set his seal on us and he gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee of what is to come.
23 But I call God as witness to my soul that the reason I did not come to Corinth was so that I might spare you. 24 This is not because we want to be lords over your faith. Instead, we are fellow laborers with you for your joy, as you stand firm in your faith.
The first paragraph reflects a common way to begin a letter in the ancient Near East.
People were criticizing Paul and saying he was not sincere. He refutes them by explaining his motives for what he was doing.
Comfort is a major theme of this chapter. The Holy Spirit comforts Christians. The Corinthians probably were afflicted and needed to be comforted.
Paul uses two rhetorical questions to defend himself against a charge of not being sincere.
Paul uses the pronoun "we". This likely represents at least Timothy and himself. It may also include other people.
Paul says the Holy Spirit is the guarantee, which means pledge or down payment, of a Christian's eternal life. Christians are securely saved. But they will not experience all of God's given promises until after they die. The Holy Spirit is a personal guarantee that this will happen. This idea comes from a business term. A person gives some valuable item to another person as a "guarantee" that they will repay money. (See: eternity and save)
Your language may have a particular way of introducing the author of a letter and its intended audience. Alternate translation: "I, Paul ... wrote this letter to you, the church of God that is in Corinth"
This indicates that both Paul and the Corinthians knew Timothy and considered him to be their spiritual brother.
This is the name of a Roman province in the southern part of modern-day Greece.
The word "you" throughout this letter refers to the people of the church in Corinth and to the rest of the Christians in that area.
This is a common greeting that Paul uses in his letters.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May we always praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ"
These two phrases express the same idea in two different ways. Both phrases refer to God.
Possible meanings are 1) that the words "mercies" and "all comfort" describe the character of "Father" and "God" or 2) that the words "Father" and "God" refer to one who is the source of "mercies" and "all comfort."
Here "us" and "our" include the Corinthians.
Paul speaks of Christ's sufferings as if they were objects that could increase in number. Alternate translation: "For just as Christ suffered greatly for our sake"
Possible meanings are 1) that this refers to the suffering that Paul and Timothy experience because they preach the message about Christ or 2) that this refers to the suffering that Christ experienced on their behalf.
Paul speaks of comfort as if it were an object that could increase in size.
Here the word "we" refers to Paul and Timothy, but not to the Corinthians. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But if people afflict us"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if God comforts us"
"You experience effective comfort"
Hope is spoken of here as if it were a building that could be shaken and destroyed. Paul means that his hope for the Corinthians is strong and he continues to have hope for them. Alternate translation: "Our hope concerning you is strong" or "We have not stopped having hope for you"
Paul was probably hoping that the Corinthian Christians would continue to have faith in God, even though they were suffering, and that they would be comforted. Alternate translation: "We continue to be confident concerning you" or "We continue to confidently expect good for you"
This can be stated in positive terms. Alternate translation: "we want you to know"
The word "burdened" is a metaphor for feeling stressed or overwhelmed. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "We felt so overwhelmed beyond our strength" or "The troubles we had caused us so much more stress than we could handle"
"we could not see any way we could stay alive" or "we were sure we would die"
Paul and Timothy are comparing their feeling of despair to that of someone condemned to die. Alternate translation: "we were in despair like someone who is condemned to die"
The words "put our trust" are left out of this phrase. Alternate translation: "but instead to put our trust in God"
Here to raise is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: "who causes the dead to live again"
"He saved us from such a dangerous situation where we could have died"
Paul and those with him hoped firmly in God. Alternate translation: "We trust in him to rescue us" or "We confidently expect that he will rescue us"
"God will rescue us from danger as you, the people of the church of Corinth, also help us"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the favor that God has given to us"
In this verse Paul uses the words "we," "our," and "ourselves" to refer to himself and Timothy and possibly others who served with them. These words do not include the people he was writing to.
Paul uses the word "boast" ironically here. Boasting is usually a bad thing, but Paul is confident that he has lived "with integrity and godly sincerity," and he is telling the Corinthians so.
Paul speaks of not being guilty as if his conscience were a person that could speak. Alternate translation: "We know by our conscience"
Here "fleshly" represents human. Alternate translation: "not relying on human wisdom but on the grace of God"
The double negative here emphasizes the positive. This can be stated in positive terms. Alternate translation: "Everything we write to you is something you can read and understand" or "You can read and understand everything we write to you"
Paul wanted them to understand, and he expected that they should be able to understand, but he didn't know for sure if they would. Alternate translation: "I expect that you will fully understand" or "I trust you will fully understand"
In this vers Paul uses the word "us" to refer to himself and Timothy and possibly others who served with them. This word does not include the people he was writing to.
The word "boast" here is used in the positive sense of feeling great satisfaction and joy in something.
Paul explains his sincere expectation with pure motives to come see the believers in Corinth after his first letter.
The word "this" refers to Paul's previous comments about the Corinthians.
Paul hoped to visit the Corinthians two times. Each visit would be a favor to the people. Alternate translation: "so that you might benefit from me visiting you twice"
"assist me on my way to Judea"
Paul uses this question to emphasize he was sure about his decision to visit the Corinthians. The expected answer to the question is no. Alternate translation: "I was not hesitating." or "I was confident in my decision."
Paul uses this question to emphasize that his plans to visit the Corinthians were sincere. Alternate translation: "I do not plan things according to the flesh ... at the same time"
This phrase is a metonym for the way mortal people do things. Alternate translation: "human standards" or "the way most people act"
This means that Paul did not say both that he would visit and that he would not visit at the same time. The words "yes" and "no" are repeated for emphasis. Alternate translation: "I do not plan things ... so that I say 'Yes, I will certainly visit' and 'No, I will definitely not visit' at the same time!"
"what we say to you"
Jesus says "Yes" concerning the promises of God, which means that he guarantees that they are true. Alternate translation: "For the Son of God ... does not say 'Yes' and 'No' concerning God's promises. Instead, he always says 'Yes.'"
This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God.
This means that Jesus guarantees all of God's promises. Alternate translation: "all the promises of God are guaranteed in Jesus Christ"
The word "him" refers to Jesus Christ.
Possible meanings are 1) "God who confirms our relationship with each other because we are in Christ" or 2) "God who confirms both our and your relationship with Christ."
Possible meanings are 1) "he sent us to preach the gospel" or 2) "he chose us to be his people."
Paul speaks of God showing that we belong to him as if God had put a mark on us as a sign that we belong to him. Alternate translation: "he has put his mark of ownership on us" or "he has shown that we belong to him"
The word "heart" is often used to refer to the innermost part of a person. Alternate translation: "gave us the Spirit to live within each of us"
The Spirit is spoken of as if he were a partial downpayment toward eternal life.
The word "soul" here is a metonym for the whole person. Alternate translation: "as witness for me" or "to testify for me"
"so that I might not cause you more suffering"
"control what your faith should be" or "control what you believe"
"we are working with you so that you may have joy"
The word "stand" can refer to not changing. Alternate translation: "remain firm in your faith"
1 So I decided for my own part that I would not again come to you in sorrow. 2 If I caused you sorrow, who could make me glad but the very one who was made sorrowful by me? 3 I wrote as I did in order that when I came to you I might not be hurt by those who should have made me rejoice. I have confidence about all of you that my joy is the same joy you all have. 4 For I wrote to you from great tribulation, with anguish of heart, and with many tears. I did not write you so that you would be made sorrowful. Instead, I wanted you to know the depth of the love that I have for you.
5 If anyone has caused sorrow, he has caused sorrow not only to me, but in some measure—not to burden you—to all of you. 6 This punishment of that person by the majority is enough. 7 So now rather than punish him, you should forgive and comfort him. Do this so that he is not overwhelmed by too much sorrow. 8 So I exhort you to confirm your love for him. 9 This was the reason I wrote, so that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything. 10 If you forgive anyone, I forgive that person as well. What I have forgiven—if I have forgiven anything—it is forgiven for your sake in the presence of Christ. 11 This is so that Satan will not trick us. For we are not ignorant of his schemes.
12 A door was opened to me by the Lord when I came to the city of Troas to preach the gospel of Christ there. 13 I had no relief in my spirit because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I left them and went on to Macedonia.
14 But may thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumph. Through us he reveals the sweet aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ, both among those who are saved and among those who are perishing. 16 To the people who are perishing, it is an aroma from death to death. To the ones being saved, it is an aroma from life to life. Who is worthy of these things? 17 For we are not like so many people who sell the word of God for profit. Instead, with purity of motives, we speak in Christ, as we are sent from God, in the sight of God.
In this chapter, Paul refers to a letter he previously wrote to the Corinthians. Some scholars believe this refers to the letter known as First Corinthians. Other scholars believe this refers to a letter Paul wrote after the letter known as First Corinthians and before this letter. In either case, Paul had told the church to rebuke an erring member. Paul is now encouraging them to be gracious to that person.
A sweet aroma is a pleasing smell. Scripture often describes things that are pleasing to God as having a pleasing aroma.
Because of his great love for them, Paul makes it clear that his rebuke in a previous letter to them caused him pain as well as pain to the church people in Corinth and the immoral man.
"I made the decision"
Possible meanings are 1) this is a metonym that refers to causing the Corinthians sorrow. Alternate translation: "in a way that would cause you sorrow" or 2) this refers to Paul's own sorrow. Alternate translation: "while I am sorrowful"
great sadness
Paul uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that neither he nor they would benefit if his coming to them would cause them pain. Alternate translation: "If I caused you sorrow, the only ones who could make me glad would be the very ones whom I had made sorrowful."
See how you translated "sorrow" in 2 Corinthians 2:1.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the very one whom I had hurt"
Paul is referring to a letter he wrote previously to the Corinthians. Alternate translation: "I wrote as I did in my previous letter"
Paul is speaking about the behavior of certain Corinthian believers who caused him emotional pain. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those who should have made me rejoice might not hurt me"
"what gives me joy is what gives you joy, too"
Here the word "tribulation" refers to emotional pain.
Here the word "heart" refers to the location of the emotions. Alternate translation: "with extreme sorrow"
"with much crying"
The "burden" here is the message. Possible meanings are 1) Paul does not want to say words that will make the Corinthians sad. Alternate translation: "not to say this too harshly" Or 2) Paul does not want to say more than is true. Alternate translation: "not to exaggerate"
This can be stated in active form. The word "punishment" can be translated using a verb. Alternate translation: "The way that the majority has punished that person is enough"
"is sufficient"
This means to have a strong emotional response of too much sorrow. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "too much sorrow does not overwhelm him"
Paul encourages the church in Corinth to show love and to forgive the person they have punished. He writes that he, also, has forgiven him.
"show him that you truly love him"
Possible meanings are 1) "you are obedient to God in everything" or 2) "you are obedient in everything that I have taught you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I have forgiven it for your sake"
Possible meanings are 1) "forgiven out of my love for you" or 2) "forgiven for your benefit."
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "For we know his schemes well"
Paul encourages the believers in Corinth by telling them of the opportunities he has had to preach the gospel in Troas and Macedonia.
Paul speaks of his opportunity to preach the gospel as if it were a door through which he was allowed to walk. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Lord opened a door to me ... to preach the gospel" or "The Lord gave me the opportunity ... to preach the gospel"
"My mind was troubled" or "I was worried"
Paul speaks of Titus as his spiritual brother.
"So I left the people of Troas"
Paul speaks of God as if he were a victorious general leading a victory parade, and of himself and his coworkers as those who take part in that parade. Possible meanings are 1) Paul and his coworkers are being led as prisoners in the parade. Alternate translation: "God, who leads us as prisoners in Christ's victory parade" or 2) Paul and his coworkers are led as victorious soldiers in the parade. Alternate translation: "God, who leads us as victorious soldiers in Christ's triumphal parade"
Paul speaks of people learning about Christ from Paul and his companions as if they were smoke from incense that has a pleasing smell spreading around so people could smell it. He mixes his metaphor by saying that God "reveals" that pleasing smell. Alternate translation: "He causes the knowledge of Christ to spread to everyone who hears us, just as the sweet smell of burning incense spreads to everyone near it"
"everywhere we go"
Paul speaks of his ministry as if it were an offering or incense that was being burned, creating a pleasant smell to God.
Possible meanings are 1) "the sweet aroma which is the knowledge of Christ" or 2) "the sweet aroma that Christ offers."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those whom God has saved"
"the knowledge of Christ is an aroma." This refers back to [2 Corinthians 2:14]
Possible meanings are 1) that the word "death" is repeated for emphasis and the phrase means "an aroma that causes death" or 2) "an aroma of death that causes people to die"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the ones whom God is saving"
Possible meanings are 1) that the word "life" is repeated for emphasis and the phrase means "an aroma that gives life" or 2) "an aroma of life that gives people life"
"Who is qualified to do these things?" The phrase "these things" refers to preaching God's message about Christ. Paul uses a rhetorical question to express amazement that anyone could be worthy of doing this. Alternate translation: 'Who is worthy to spread the knowledge of Christ?" or "It is amazing that anyone is worthy of these things!"
"Word" here is a metonym for "message." Alternate translation: "who sell God's message"
"pure motives"
"we speak as people who are joined to Christ" or "we speak with the authority of Christ"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as people whom God has sent"
This represents the presence of God. Paul and his coworkers preach the gospel with the awareness that God is watching them. Alternate translation: "speaking in the presence of God"
1 Are we beginning to praise ourselves again? We do not need letters of recommendation to you or from you, like some people, do we? 2 You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, known and read by all people. 3 You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry. It was written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God. It was not written on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human hearts. 4 And this is the confidence that we have through Christ before God. 5 We are not competent in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us. Rather, our competence is from God. 6 It is God who made us able to be servants of a new covenant. This is a covenant not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 7 Now the ministry of death—engraved in letters on stones—came in such glory that the sons of Israel could not look directly at Moses' face. This is because of the glory of his face, a glory that was fading. 8 How much more glorious will the ministry of the Spirit be? 9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, how much more does the ministry of righteousness abound in glory! 10 For indeed, that which was once made glorious is no longer glorious in this respect, because of the glory that exceeds it. 11 For if that which was passing away had glory, how much more will what is permanent have glory!
12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13 We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the sons of Israel were not able to look directly at the ending of a glory that was passing away. 14 But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15 But even today, whenever Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But when a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 Now all of us, with unveiled faces, see the glory of the Lord. We are being transformed into the same glorious likeness from one degree of glory into another, just as from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Paul continues his defense. Paul views the Corinthian Christians as the proof of his work.
Paul alludes to God giving the Ten Commandments on stone tablets. This represents the law of Moses. The law was good because it came from God. But God punished the Israelites because they disobeyed it. This chapter may be difficult for translators to understand if the Old Testament has not yet been translated. (See: lawofmoses and covenant and reveal)
Paul uses many metaphors in this chapter to explain complex spiritual truths. It is unclear whether this makes Paul's teachings easier or more difficult to understand.
Paul contrasts the old and new covenants. The new covenant is not a system of rules and regulations. Here "Spirit" probably refers to the Holy Spirit. It may also refer to the new covenant being "spiritual" in nature. (See: spirit)
Paul reminds the Corinthians that he is not boasting as he tells them about what he has done through Christ.
Paul uses this question to emphasize that they are not bragging about themselves. Alternate translation: "We are not beginning to praise ourselves again."
Paul says this to express that the Corinthians already know about Paul and Timothy's good reputation. The question prompts a negative answer. Alternate translation: "We certainly do not need letters of recommendation to you or from you, like some people do."
This is a letter that a person writes to introduce and give their approval of someone else.
Paul begins an extended metaphor that speaks of the way that the Corinthians have been obeying Christ as if it were a letter that Christ had written first to Paul and his companions and then to all the people in the world.
Paul speaks of the Corinthians as if they are a letter of recommendation. That they have become believers serves to validate Paul's ministry to others. Alternate translation: "You yourselves are like our letter of recommendation"
Here the word "hearts" refers to their thoughts and emotions. Possible meanings are 1) Paul and his coworkers are sure about the Corinthians being their letter of recommendation or 2) Paul and his coworkers care very deeply for the Corinthians.
This can be stated in active form with "Christ" as the implied subject. Alternate translation: "which Christ has written on our hearts"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that all people can know and read"
Paul continues the extended metaphor that he began in [2 Corinthians 3:2]
Paul clarifies that Christ is the one who has written the letter. Alternate translation: "you are a letter that Christ has written"
Because of the work Paul and his companions had done, the world could look at the Corinthians and see how Christ blesses people in this life. Some modern translations read, "delivered by us."
Paul clarifies that the Corinthians are like a spiritual letter, not like a letter that humans write with physical objects.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "It was written not with ink but it was written by the Spirit of the living God" or "It is not a letter that people wrote with ink but a letter that the Spirit of the living God wrote"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "It is not a letter that people engraved on stone tablets but a letter that the Spirit of the living God wrote on tablets of human hearts"
Paul speaks of their hearts as if they are flat pieces of stone or clay upon which people engraved letters.
This refers to what Paul has just said. His confidence comes from knowing that the Corinthians are the validation of his ministry before God.
"qualified in ourselves" or "sufficient in ourselves"
Here the word "anything" refers to anything pertaining to Paul's apostolic ministry. Alternate translation: "to claim that anything we have done in ministry comes from our own efforts"
"God gives us our sufficiency"
Here the word "letter" means letters of the alphabet and refers to words that people write down. The phrase alludes to the Old Testament law. Alternate translation: "a covenant not based on commands that men have written"
The Holy Spirit is the one who establishes God's covenant with people. Alternate translation: "but a covenant of the Spirit" or "but a covenant based on what the Spirit does"
Paul speaks of the Old Testament law as a person who kills. Following that law leads to spiritual death. Alternate translation: "the written law leads to death"
Paul contrasts the fading glory of the old covenant with the superiority and freedom of the new covenant. He contrasts the veil of Moses with the clarity of present revelation. During the time of Moses there was a less clear picture of what is now revealed.
Paul emphasizes that although the law leads to death, it was still very glorious.
This refers to the Old Testament law that God gave through Moses. Alternate translation: "the ministry that causes people to die because it is based on the law"
"carved in letters on stone." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that God carved in letters on stone"
"in so much glory"
"They could not look because"
Paul uses this question to emphasize that "the service that the ministry of the Spirit" must be more glorious than "the ministry of death" [2 Corinthians 3:7]
This refers to the new covenant, of which Paul is a minister. Alternate translation: "the ministry that gives life because it is based on the Spirit"
"the ministry of condemnation." This refers to the Old Testament law. Alternate translation: "the ministry that condemns people because it is based on the law"
Here the word "how" marks this phrase as an exclamation, not as a question. Alternate translation: "then the ministry of righteousness must abound in so much more glory!"
Paul speaks of "the ministry of righteousness" as if it were an object that could produce or multiply another object. He means that "the ministry of righteousness" is far more glorious than the law, which also had glory.
This refers to the new covenant, of which Paul is a minister. Alternate translation: "the ministry that makes people righteous because it is based on the Spirit"
The Old Testament law no longer appears glorious when compared with the new covenant, which is much more glorious.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the law which God once made glorious"
"in this way"
This refers to "the service of condemnation," which Paul speaks of as if it were an object capable of disappearing. Alternate translation: "that which was becoming useless"
This hope is a confident hope. It refers to what Paul has just said. His hope comes from knowing that the new covenant leads to an eternal glory. Alternate translation: "Since we confidently expect this" or "Since we confidently wait to receive this glory"
"such confidence"
The refers to the glory that shined on Moses's face. Alternate translation: "the glory on Moses's face as it faded away completely"
Paul speaks of the minds of the Israelite people as objects that could be made hard. This expression means that they were unable to understand what they saw. Alternate translation: "But the Israelites could not understand what they saw"
to the time at which Paul was writing to the Corinthians
Just as the Israelites could not see the glory on Moses's face because he covered his face with a veil, there is a spiritual veil that prevents people from understanding when they read the old covenant.
"when they hear someone read the old covenant"
Here both occurrences of the word "it" refer to "the same veil." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "No one removes the veil, because only in Christ does God remove it"
This phrase refers to the time at which Paul was writing to the Corinthians.
Here the word "Moses" refers to the Old Testament law. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whenever someone reads the Mosaic law"
Here the word "hearts" represents what people think, and the people being unable to understand the old covenant is spoken of as if they have a veil that covers their hearts the way a physical veil would cover their eyes. Alternate translation: "they are unable to understand what they are hearing"
Here "turns to" is a metaphor that means to become loyal to someone. Alternate translation: "when a person starts to worship the Lord" or "when a person starts to trust in the Lord"
God gives them the ability to understand. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God lifts the veil away" or "God gives them the ability to understand"
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Here the word "us" refers to all believers, including Paul and the Corinthians.
Unlike the Israelites who could not see God's glory reflected on Moses's face because he had covered it with a veil, there is nothing to prevent believers from seeing and understanding God's glory.
The Spirit is changing believers to be glorious like him. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Lord is transforming us into his same glorious likeness"
"from one amount of glory to another amount of glory." This means that the Spirit is constantly increasing the glory of believers.
"just as this comes from the Lord"
1 Therefore, because we have this ministry, and just as we have received mercy, we do not become discouraged. 2 Instead, we have rejected secret and shameful ways. We do not walk in craftiness, and we do not mishandle the word of God, but by presenting the truth, we recommend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God. 3 But if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. 4 In their case, the god of this world has blinded their unbelieving minds. As a result, they are not able to see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God is the one who said, "Light will shine out of darkness." He has shone in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the presence of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, so that it is clear that the exceedingly great power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not overwhelmed. We are perplexed but not filled with despair. 9 We are persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed; 10 always carrying around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be revealed in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. 13 But we have the same spirit of faith according to that which was written: "I believed, and so I spoke." We also believe, and so we also speak, 14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 15 For everything is for your sake, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to increase to the glory of God.
16 So we do not become discouraged. Even though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For this momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal burden of glory that exceeds all measurement. 18 For we are not watching for things that are seen, but for things that are unseen. The things that we can see are temporary, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
This chapter begins with the word "therefore." This connects it to what the previous chapter teaches. How these chapters are divided may be confusing to the reader.
Paul ministers to people by telling them about Christ. He does not try to trick people into believing. If they do not understand the gospel, it is because the problem is ultimately spiritual. (See: spirit)
The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: righteous)
Paul does not refer here to physical life and death. Life represents the new life a Christian has in Jesus. Death represents the old way of living before believing in Jesus. (See: life and death and faith)
Paul uses a repeated pattern in a purposeful way. He makes a statement. Then he denies a seemingly opposite or contradictory statement or gives an exception. Together these give the reader hope in difficult circumstances. (See: hope)
Paul writes that he is honest in his ministry by preaching Christ, not praising himself. He shows the death and the life of Jesus in how he lives so that life can work in the Corinthian believers.
Here the word "we" refers to Paul and his coworker, but not to the Corinthians.
This phrase explains how Paul and his coworkers "have this ministry." It is a gift that God has given to them through his mercy. Alternate translation: "because God has shown us mercy"
This means that Paul and his coworkers refuse to do "secret and shameful" things. It does not mean that they had done these things in the past.
The word "secret" describes the things that people do secretly. Things that are shameful should cause people who do them to feel ashamed. Alternate translation: "the things that people do secretly because they cause shame"
The word "walk" is a metaphor for the way a person lives his life. Alternate translation: "live by deceiving people"
The phrase "word of God" here is a metonym for the message from God. The words "we do not mishandle" use two negative thoughts to express a positive thought. Alternate translation: "we handle God's message correctly" or "we use the word of God properly"
This means that they provide enough evidence for each person who hears them to decide whether they are right or wrong.
This refers to God's presence. God's understanding and approval of Paul's truthfulness is referred to as God being able to see them. Alternate translation: "before God" or "with God as witness"
This refers back to what Paul said starting in [2 Corinthians 3:14]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if a veil covers our gospel, that veil covers it"
"the gospel that we preach"
Paul speaks of their minds as if they had eyes, and their inability to understand as their minds being unable to see. Alternate translation: "the god of this world has prevented unbelievers from understanding"
"the god who rules this world." This phrase refers to Satan.
As the Israelites could not see God's glory that shined on Moses's face because he covered it with a veil (2 Corinthians 3:13), unbelievers are not able to see Christ's glory that shines in the gospel. This means that they are unable to understand "the gospel of the glory of Christ"
"the light that comes from the gospel"
"the gospel about Christ's glory"
You can supply the verb for these phrases. Alternate translation: "but we proclaim Christ Jesus as Lord, and we proclaim ourselves as your servants"
"because of Jesus"
With this sentence, Paul refers to God creating light, as described in the book of Genesis.
Here the word "light" refers to the ability to understand. Just as God created light, he also creates understanding for believers. Alternate translation: "He has shone ... to enable us to understand the glory of God"
Here the word "hearts" refers to the mind and thoughts. Alternate translation: "in our minds"
"the light, which is the knowledge of the glory of God, in the presence"
"the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." Just as God's glory shone upon Moses's face (2 Corinthians 3:7), it also shines upon Jesus's face. This means that when Paul preaches the gospel, people are able to see and understand the message about God's glory.
Here the word "we" refers to Paul and his coworkers, but not to the Corinthians.
Paul speaks of the gospel as if it were a treasure and their bodies as if they were breakable jars made out of clay. This emphasizes that they are of little value compared to the worth of the gospel that they preach.
"so that it is clear to people" or "so that people clearly know"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People afflict us in every way"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People persecute us, but God does not abandon us" or "People persecute us, but God does not stop caring for us"
This can be stated in active form and as a new sentence. Alternate translation: "abandoned. People strike us down but do not destroy us"
"hurt badly"
Paul speaks of his sufferings as if they are an experience of the death of Jesus. Alternate translation: "often in danger of dying, as Jesus died" or "always suffering in such a way that we experience the death of Jesus"
This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) "people can see that we will live in bodies again because Jesus is alive" or 2) "we can show other people in our bodies the spiritual life that Jesus gives."
Carrying the death of Jesus represents being in danger of dying because of being loyal to Jesus. Alternate translation: "God is always leading those of us who are alive to face death because we are joined to Jesus" or "People are always causing us who are alive to be in danger of dying because we are joined to Jesus"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that God may reveal the life of Jesus in our mortal flesh"
Possible meanings are 1) Paul is referring to the life that Jesus lives. Alternate translation: "God may reveal that Jesus is alive" 2) Paul is referring to the life that Jesus gives to his people. Alternate translation: "God may reveal the life that Jesus gives to his people"
Paul is referring to our physical bodies, which will die someday.
Paul speaks of death and life as if they are persons who can work. This means that they are always in danger of physical death so that the Corinthians can have spiritual life.
"the same attitude of faith." Here the word "spirit" refers a person's attitude and temperament.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as the one who wrote these words"
This is a quote from the Psalms.
Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: "that the one who caused the Lord Jesus to live again will" or "God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will"
Here the word "everything" refers to all of the sufferings that Paul has described in previous verses.
Paul speaks of more and more people experiencing God's grace as if grace were "reaching" people. And, Paul speaks of more and ore people giving thanks to God as if thanksgiving were an object that could become larger by itself. Alternate translation: "God may show his grace to many people, causing more and more people to give thanks, to the glory of God"
Paul writes that the Corinthian difficulties are minor and do not last long when compared to the unseen eternal things.
This can be stated as a positive. Alternate translation: "So we remain confident"
This refers to their physical bodies decaying and dying. Alternate translation: "our physical bodies are getting weak and dying"
This refers to their inward, spiritual lives getting stronger. Alternate translation: "our spiritual beings are being strengthened day by day"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God is renewing our inward being more each day"
Paul speaks of his sufferings and the glory that God will give him as if they were objects that can be weighed. He uses irony to call affliction, which people usually think of as if it were a heavy burden, a light burden and glory, which people usually think of as relief from suffering, as if it were a heavy burden. Through this metaphor he is saying that the glory to come will be much greater than the affliction.
The glory that Paul will experience is so great that no one can measure it. The abstract noun "measurement" can be translated as the verb "measure." Alternate translation: "that no one can measure"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "things that we can see ... things that we cannot see ... things that we cannot see"
You can supply the verb for this phrase. Alternate translation: "but we are watching for things that are unseen"
1 We know that if our earthly house—the tent—is destroyed, we have a building from God. It is a house not made by human hands, but an eternal house, in heaven. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly residence. 3 We long for this because by putting it on we will not be found to be naked. 4 For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened. We do not want to be unclothed. Instead, we want to be clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 The one who prepared us for this very thing is God, who gave us the Spirit as a guarantee of what is to come. 6 Therefore always be confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body, we are away from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 So we have confidence. We would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So we make it our goal, whether we are at home or away, to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for the things done in the body, whether for good or for bad.
11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade people. What we are is clearly seen by God, and I hope that it is also clear to your conscience. 12 We are not commending ourselves to you again, but we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you may have an answer for those who boast about appearances but not about what is in the heart. 13 For if we are out of our minds, it is for God; and if we are in our right minds, it is for your sake. 14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: That one person died for all, and that therefore all have died. 15 He died for all, so that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. 16 For this reason, from now on we do not regard anyone according to the flesh, even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh. But now we no longer regard him that way. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. See, they have become new. 18 All these things are from God. He reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. 19 That is, in Christ God is reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them. He is entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
20 So we are appointed as representatives of Christ, as though God were making his appeal through us. We plead with you, for the sake of Christ: "Be reconciled to God!" 21 He made him who knew no sin to become sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him.
Paul knows that when he dies he will receive a much better body. Because of this, he is not afraid of being killed for preaching the gospel. So he tells others that they too can be reconciled to God. Christ will take away their sin and give them his righteousness. (See: goodnews, reconcile, sin, and righteous)
The old and new creation probably refer to how Paul illustrates the old and new self. These concepts are also the same as the old and new man. The term "old" probably does not refer to the sinful nature with which a person is born. It refers to the old way of living or the Christian formerly being bound to sin. The "new creation" is the new nature or new life that God gives a person after they come to believe in Christ. (See: faith)
The Christian's home is no longer in the world. A Christian's real home is in heaven. By using this metaphor, Paul emphasizes that the Christian's circumstances in this world are temporary. It gives hope to those who are suffering. (See: heaven and and hope)
This refers to the gospel. Paul calls for people who are hostile to God to repent and be reconciled to him. (See: repent and reconcile)
Paul continues by contrasting believers' earthly bodies to the heavenly ones God will give.
Here a temporary "house" or "tent" is a metaphor for a person's physical body and a permanent "building from God" is a metaphor for the new body that God will give believers after they die.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if people destroy our earthly house—the tent—we have" or "if people kill our bodies, we have"
"if the tent that is our home on earth is destroyed"
Here "house" means the same thing as "building from God." Here "hands" is a synecdoche that represents the human as a whole. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "It is a house that humans did not make"
Here "this tent" means the same thing as "the earthly dwelling that we live in." A groan is a sound that a person makes when they eagerly desire to have something that is good.
The words "our heavenly residence" means the same thing as "the place God will give us to live in." Paul speaks of the new body that believers receive after they die as if it were both a house to live in and a piece of clothing that a person can put on.
"by putting on our heavenly dwelling"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we will not be naked" or "God will not find us naked"
Paul speaks of the physical body as if it were a "tent."
The word "tent" refers to "the earthly dwelling that we live in." The word groan is a sound that a person makes when they eagerly desire to have something that is good. See how you translated this in 2 Corinthians 5:2.
Paul refers to the difficulties that the physical body experiences as if they were heavy objects that are difficult to carry.
Paul speaks of the body as if it were clothing. Here "to be unclothed" refers to the death of the physical body; "to be clothed" refers to having the resurrection body that God will give.
"to be without clothes" or "to be naked"
Paul speaks of life as if it were an animal that eats "what is mortal." The physical body that will die will be replaced by a resurrection body that will live forever.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that life may swallow up what is mortal"
The Spirit is spoken of as if he were a down payment toward eternal life. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Corinthians 1:22]
Because believers will have a new body and have the Holy Spirit as a pledge, Paul reminds them to live by faith so that they may please the Lord.
Paul speaks of the physical body as if it were a place where a person dwells. Alternate translation: "while we are living in this earthly body"
"we are not at home with the Lord" or "we are not in heaven with the Lord"
Here "walk" is a metaphor for "live" or "behave." Alternate translation: "we live according to faith, not according to what we see"
You may need to make explicit that they do not prefer to remain alive in this present world. Alternate translation: "We would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord than to remain in the body and away from the Lord"
Here the word "body" refers to the physical body.
"at home with the Lord in heaven"
Possible meanings are 1) "whether we are at home in the body or away from it" or 2) "whether we are at home with the Lord or away from him." Either way, Paul means that, whether in this life or in the next life, believers should try to please the Lord.
"to please the Lord"
Here "judgment seat of Christ" represents Christ himself, who will judge all people. Alternate translation: "we all must stand in the presence of Christ to be judged" or "Christ will judge all of us"
"go" or "be present" or "stand"
"each person may receive what he deserves"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the things he has done in the physical body"
"whether those things were good or bad"
"knowing what it means to fear the Lord"
Possible meanings are 1) "we persuade people of the truth of the gospel" or 2) "we persuade people that we are legitimate apostles."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God clearly sees what kind of people we are"
Paul wanted the the Corinthians to know what kind of people he and those with him were. "I expect that it is also clear to your conscience" or "I trust that it is also clear to your conscience"
"that you are also convinced of it"
"We are not recommending ourselves to you again" or "We are not trying to show you again that we are worthy"
"so you may have something to say to those"
Here the word "appearances" refers to outward expressions of things like ability and status. The word "heart" refers to the inward character of a person. Alternate translation: "those who praise their own actions, but do not care about what they really are in their inner being"
Paul is speaking about the way others think of him and his coworkers. Alternate translation: "if people think we are crazy ... if people think we are sane"
Possible meanings are 1) "our love for Christ" or 2) "Christ's love for us."
"died for all people"
"him who for their sake died and whom God caused to live again" or "Christ, who died for their sake and whom God raised"
Possible meanings are 1) these words refer only to "died" or 2) these words refer to both "died" and "was raised."
Because of Christ's love and death, we are not to judge by human standards. We are appointed to teach others how to be united with and have peace with God through Christ's death and to receive God's righteousness through Christ.
This refers to what Paul has just said about living for Christ instead of living for self.
"judge anyone" or "think about anyone"
This phrase is a metonym for the way mortal people do things. See how you translated it in [2 Corinthians 1:17]
Paul speaks of the person who believes in Christ as if that person were a new person that God had created. Alternate translation: "he is a new person"
Here "the old things" refers to the things that characterized a person before he trusted in Christ.
The word "See" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
"God has done all these things." This refers to what Paul has just said in the previous verse about new things replacing old things.
This can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "the ministry of reconciling people to him"
"This means that in Christ"
Here the word "world" refers to people in the world. Alternate translation: "in Christ, God is reconciling mankind to himself"
God has given Paul the responsibility to spread the message that God is reconciling people to himself.
"the message about reconciliation"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has appointed us as Christ's representatives"
"those who speak for Christ"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Let God reconcile you to himself"
The words "us" and "we" refer to Paul and his readers and so are inclusive.
"Christ new no sin, but God made him to become sin for us"
"never sinned"
The word "sin" is a metonym for the sacrifice that is offered so that God will forgive sin. Alternate translation: "to become the sacrifice for which God will forgive our sins"
"us. He did this so that"
The phrase "the righteousness of God" refers to the righteousness that God requires and that comes from God. Alternate translation: "so that through Christ we might have the righteousness that God requires"
1 Working together with him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For he says,
"In a favorable time I paid attention to you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you."
Look, now is the favorable time. Look, now is the day of salvation. 3 We do not place a stumbling block in front of anyone, for we do not wish our ministry to be discredited. 4 Instead, in every way we commend ourselves as God's servants in much endurance, in affliction, in distress, in hardship, 5 in beatings, in imprisonments, in riots, in hard labor, in sleepless nights, in hunger, 6 in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in sincere love, 7 in the word of truth, in the power of God; with the armor of righteousness for the right hand and the left. 8 We are God's servants in glory and dishonor, in slander and praise; regarded as deceivers and yet truthful; 9 as unknown, yet well known; as dying, yet, look, we live; as being disciplined, yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet rejoicing; as poor, yet many are enriched; as having nothing, yet possessing all things.
11 We have spoken the whole truth to you, Corinthians, and our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own hearts. 13 Now in fair exchange—I speak as to children—open yourselves wide also. 14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what association does righteousness have with lawlessness? For what fellowship does light have with darkness? 15 What agreement can Christ have with Belial? Or what share does a believer have together with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God, just as God said:
"I will dwell among them
and walk among them.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people."
17 Therefore,
"Come out from among them,
and be set apart," says the Lord.
"Touch no unclean thing,
and I will welcome you.
18 I will be a Father to you,
and you will be my sons and daughters,"
says the Lord Almighty.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verses 2 and 16-18, which are words from the Old Testament.
Paul refers to Christians as servants of God. God calls Christians to serve him in all circumstances. Paul describes some of the difficult circumstances in which he and his companions served God.
Paul uses four pairs of contrasts: righteousness versus lawlessness, light versus darkness, Christ versus Satan, and the temple of God versus idols. These contrasts show a difference between Christians and non-Christians. (See: righteous and light and darkness)
The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: righteous)
Paul uses a series of rhetorical questions to teach his readers. All of these questions make essentially the same point: Christians should not intimately fellowship with those who live in sin. Paul repeats these questions for emphasis. (See: and sin)
Paul likely uses the pronoun "we" to represent at least Timothy and himself. It may also include other people.
Paul summarizes how working together for God is supposed to be.
Paul is implying that he and Timothy are working with God. Alternate translation: "Working together with God"
"we beg you to make use of the grace that you have received from God"
In this verse, Paul quotes a portion from the prophet Isaiah.
"For God says." This introduces a quotation from the prophet Isaiah. Alternate translation: "For God says in scripture"
The word "Look" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
Paul speaks of anything that would prevent a person from trusting in Christ as if it were a physical object over which that person trips and falls. Alternate translation: "We do not want to do anything that will prevent people from believing our message"
The word "discredited" refers to people speaking badly about Paul's ministry, and working against the message he proclaims. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we do not want anyone to be able to speak badly about our ministry"
When Paul uses "we" here, he is referring to himself and Timothy.
Possible meanings are 1) "Because we are God's servants we recommend ourselves to you in every way" or 2) "in every way we show that we are God's servants"
This tells how they commend themselves. Alternate translation: "in everything we do"
Paul mentions various difficult situations in which they commend themselves as God's servants.
Paul continues to mention various difficult situations in which they commend themselves as God's servants.
Paul lists several moral virtues that they maintained in difficult situations, commending themselves as God's servants.
"by speaking God's message about truth" or "by speaking God's true message"
"by showing God's power to people"
Paul speaks of their righteousness as if it were weapons that they use to fight spiritual battles.
"righteousness as our armor" or "righteousness as our weapons"
Possible meanings are 1) that there is a weapon in one hand and a shield in the other or 2) that they are completely equipped for battle, able to fend off attacks from any direction.
"people regard us as deceivers" or "people say that we are liars"
You may need to fill in the words left out of the ellipsis. Alternate translation: "but we are truthful"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as if people did not know us, and yet people know us well"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as if people were punishing us for our actions, yet they have not killed us"
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"spoken honestly to you"
Paul speaks of his great affection for the Corinthians as having a heart that is open. Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's emotions. Alternate translation: "we love you very much"
Paul speaks of the Corinthians' lack of love for him as if their hearts were squeezed into a tight space. Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's emotions.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "We have not restrained you" or "We have not given you any reason to stop loving us"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "your own hearts are restraining you" or "you have stopped loving us for your own reasons"
Paul urges the Corinthians to love him as he has loved them. Alternate translation: "love us back" or "love us much as we have loved you"
Paul encourages the believers at Corinth to be separated from idols and live clean lives for God.
This can be stated in positive terms. Alternate translation: "Only be yoked together with believers"
Paul speaks of working together toward a common purpose as if it were two animals tied together to pull a plow or cart. Alternate translation: "team up with" or "have a close relationship with"
This is a rhetorical question that anticipates a negative answer. Alternate translation: "For righteousness can have no association with lawlessness."
Paul asks this question to emphasize that light and darkness cannot coexist since light dispels darkness. The words "light" and "darkness" refer to the moral and spiritual qualities of believers and unbelievers. Alternate translation: "Light can have no fellowship with darkness."
This is a rhetorical question that anticipates a negative answer. Alternate translation: "There is no agreement between Christ and Belial."
This is another name for the devil.
This is a rhetorical question that anticipates a negative answer. Alternate translation: "A believer shares nothing in common with an unbeliever."
Paul paraphrases portions from several Old Testament prophets: Moses, Zechariah, Amos, and possibly others.
This is a rhetorical question that anticipates a negative answer. Alternate translation: "There is no agreement between the temple of God and idols."
Paul refers to all Christians as forming a temple for God to dwell in. Alternate translation: "we are like a temple where the living God dwells"
This is an Old Testament quotation that speaks of God being with the people in two different ways. The words "dwell among" speak of living where others live, while the words "walk among" speak of being with them as they go about their lives. Alternate translation: "I will be with them and help them"
Paul quotes portions from the Old Testament prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "set yourselves apart" or "allow me to set you apart"
This can be stated in positive terms. Alternate translation: "Touch only things that are clean" or "Stay away from things that are unclean"
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1 Beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves of all defilement of flesh and spirit. Let us perfect holiness in the fear of God.
2 Make room for us! We have not wronged anyone. We have not corrupted anyone or taken advantage of anyone. 3 It is not to condemn you that I say this. For I have already said that you are in our hearts, for us to die together and to live together. 4 I have great confidence in you, and great is my boast about you. I am filled with comfort. I overflow with joy even in all our tribulation.
5 When we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest. Instead, we were troubled in every way by conflicts on the outside and fears on the inside. 6 But God, who comforts the lowly, comforted us by the arrival of Titus. 7 It was not only by his arrival that God comforted us. It was also by the comfort that Titus had received from you. He told us of your great affection, your sorrow, and your zeal for me. So I rejoiced even more. 8 Even though my letter made you sorrowful, I do not regret it. But I did regret it when I saw that my letter made you sorrowful, though only for a little while. 9 Now I rejoice, not because you were sorrowful, but because your sorrow brought you to repentance. You experienced a godly sorrow, so you suffered no loss because of us. 10 For godly sorrow brings about repentance that accomplishes salvation without regret. Worldly sorrow, however, brings about death. 11 See what great diligence this godly sorrow produced in you. How great was the determination in you to prove you were innocent. How great was your indignation, your fear, your longing, your zeal, and your desire to see that justice should be done! In everything you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. 12 Although I wrote to you, I did not write for the sake of the wrongdoer, nor for the one who suffered the wrong, but so that your earnestness toward us should be made known to you in the sight of God. 13 It is by this that we are encouraged.
In addition to our own comfort, we also rejoiced even more because of Titus' joy, because his spirit was refreshed by all of you. 14 For if I boasted to him about you, I was not put to shame. On the contrary, just as everything we said to you was true, our boasting about you to Titus proved to be true. 15 His affection for you is even greater as he remembers the obedience of all of you, how you welcomed him with fear and trembling. 16 I rejoice because I have complete confidence in you.
In verses 2-4, Paul finishes his defense. He then writes about Titus's return and the comfort it brought.
Christians are "clean" in the sense that God has cleansed them from sin. They do not need to be concerned with being clean according to the law of Moses. Ungodly living can still make a Christian unclean. (See: clean and lawofmoses)
The words "sad" and "sorrow" in this chapter indicate that the Corinthians were upset to the point of repenting. (See: repent)
Paul likely uses the pronoun "we" to represent at least Timothy and himself. It may also include other people.
This chapter discusses in detail a previous situation. We can figure out some aspects of this situation from the information in this chapter. But it is best not to include this type of implicit information in a translation.
Paul continues to remind the Corinthians to be separated from sin and to seek holiness purposefully.
"You whom I love" or "Dear friends"
Here Paul is saying to stay away from any form of sin that would affect one's relationship with God.
"of all things that defile our body and spirit" or "of all things in our body and spirit that make us unacceptable to God"
"Let us do all we can to be perfectly holy"
"out of deep respect for God" or "because we fear God"
Having already warned the people of Corinth about other leaders who were striving to get these Corinthian believers to follow them, Paul reminds the people of the way he feels about them.
This refers back to what Paul said starting in [2 Corinthians 6:11]
"I do not say this to accuse you of having done wrong." The word "this" refers to what Paul just said about not having wronged anyone.
Paul speaks of his and his associates' great love for the Corinthians as if they held them in their hearts. Alternate translation: "you are very dear to us"
This means that Paul and his associates will continue to love the Corinthians no matter what happens. Alternate translation: "whether we live or whether we die"
"us" includes the Corinthian believers.
"I boast much about you" or "I am very proud of you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You fill me with comfort"
Paul speaks of joy as if it is a liquid that fills him until he overflows. Alternate translation: "I am extremely joyful"
"even though we suffer greatly"
Here the word "we" refers to Paul and Timothy but not to the Corinthians or Titus.
The word "body" often refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "we had no rest" or "we were very tired"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we experienced trouble in every way"
Possible meanings for "outside" are 1) "outside of our bodies" or 2) "outside of the church." The word "inside" refers to their inward emotions. Alternate translation: "by conflicts with other people and by fears within ourselves"
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Paul received comfort from knowing that the Corinthians had comforted Titus. Alternate translation: "by learning about the comfort that Titus had received from you"
This refers to Paul's previous letter to these Corinthian believers where he rebuked them for their acceptance of a believer's sexual immorality with his father's wife.
Paul praises them for their godly sorrow, their zeal to do right, and the joy that it brought him and Titus.
"when I learned that my letter"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "not because what I said in my letter made you sorrowful"
or "distressed ... distress ... distress"
"so you suffered no loss because we rebuked you." This means that although the letter caused them sorrow, they eventually benefited from the letter because it led them to repentance. Alternate translation: "so that we did not harm you in any way"
The word "repentance" may be repeated to clarify its relationship to what precedes it and what follows it. "For godly sorrow produces repentance, and repentance leads to salvation"
Possible meanings are 1) Paul has no regret that he caused them sorrow because that sorrow led to their repentance and salvation or 2) the Corinthians will not regret experiencing sorrow because it led to their repentance and salvation.
This kind of sorrow leads to death instead of salvation because it does not produce repentance. Alternate translation: "Worldly sorrow, however, leads to spiritual death"
"Look and see for yourselves what great diligence"
Here the word "How" makes this statement an exclamation. Alternate translation: "Your determination to prove you were innocent was very great!"
"your anger"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that someone should carry out justice"
"the one who did wrong"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that you would know in the sight of God your earnestness toward us"
sincere, serious desire for what is good
This represents God's presence. See how you translated this in [2 Corinthians 4:2]
Here the word "this" refers to the way the Corinthians responded to Paul's previous letter, as he described in the previous verse. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "This is what encourages us"
Here the word "spirit" refers to a person's temperament and disposition. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all of you refreshed his spirit" or "all of you made him stop worrying"
"For although I boasted to him about you"
"you did not disappoint me"
"you proved that our boasting about you to Titus was true"
This noun "obedience" can be stated with a verb, "obey." Alternate translation: "how all of you obeyed"
Here "fear" and "trembling" share similar meanings and emphasize the intensity of fear. Alternate translation: "you welcomed him with great reverence"
Possible meanings are 1) "with great reverence for God" or 2) "with great reverence for Titus."
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1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given to the churches of Macedonia. 2 During a great test of tribulation, the abundance of their joy and the extremity of their poverty have produced great riches of generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond what they were able, and of their own free will 4 they begged us with much earnestness for the privilege of sharing in this service to God's holy people. 5 This did not happen as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and then to us by the will of God. 6 So we urged Titus, who had already begun this task, to complete among you this act of grace. 7 But you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us. So also make sure that you excel in this act of grace. [1]8 I say this not as a command but to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it to the eagerness of other people. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Even though he was rich, for your sakes he became poor, so that through his poverty you might become rich. 10 In this matter I will give you advice that will help you. One year ago, you not only started to do something, but you desired to do it. 11 Now finish it. Just as there was an eagerness and desire to do it then, may you also bring it to completion, as much as you can. 12 For if you are eager to do this deed, it is a good and acceptable thing. It must be based on what a person has, not on what he does not have. 13 For this is not to cause relief for others and tribulation for you, but for fairness. 14 Your abundance at the present time will supply what they need. This is also so that their abundance may supply your need, and so that there may be fairness. 15 It is as it is written:
"The one with much did not have anything left over,
and the one who had little did not have any lack."
16 But thanks be to God, who put into Titus' heart the same earnest care that I have for you. 17 For he not only accepted our appeal, but he was also very earnest about it. He came to you of his own free will. 18 We have sent with him the brother who is praised among all of the churches for his work in proclaiming the gospel. 19 Not only this, but he also was chosen by the churches to be our traveling companion with this act of grace, which is being administered by us for the glory of the Lord himself and our good will. 20 We are avoiding the possibility that anyone should complain about this act of generosity that we are carrying out. 21 We take care to do what is good, not only before the Lord, but also before people. 22 We are also sending another brother with them. We have tested him in many ways and found him diligent for many tasks. He is even more eager now because of the great confidence he has in you. 23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for you. As for our brothers, they are messengers from the churches. They are a glory to Christ. 24 So show them the proof of your love, and show to the churches the reason for our boasting about you.
Chapters 8 and 9 begin a new section. Paul writes about how churches in Greece helped needy believers in Jerusalem.
Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULB does this with the quoted words of verse 15.
The church in Corinth started preparing to give money to the poor believers in Jerusalem. The churches in Macedonia also had given generously. Paul sends Titus and two other believers to Corinth to encourage the Corinthians to give generously. Paul and the others will carry the money to Jerusalem. They want people to know it is being done honestly.
Paul likely uses the pronoun "we" to represent at least Timothy and himself. It may also include other people.
A "paradox" is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. These words in verse 2 are a paradox: "the abundance of their joy and the extremity of their poverty have produced great riches of generosity." In verse 3 Paul explains how their poverty produced riches. Paul also uses riches and poverty in other paradoxes. (2 Corinthians 8:2)
Having explained his changed plans and his ministry direction, Paul talks about giving.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the grace that God has given to the churches of Macedonia"
Paul speaks of "joy" and "poverty" as if they were living things that can produce generosity. Alternate translation: "because of the people's great joy and extreme poverty, they have become very generous"
Paul speaks of joy as if it were a physical object that could increase in size or quantity.
Though the churches of Macedonia have suffered testings of affliction and poverty, by God's grace they have been able to collect money for the believers in Jerusalem.
"a very great generosity." The words "great riches" emphasize the greatness of their generosity.
This refers to the churches in Macedonia.
"voluntarily"
Paul is referring to providing money to the believers in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "this ministry of providing for the believers in Jerusalem"
The Macedonians did even more than Paul and those with him had hoped for. Alternate translation: "This did not happen merely as we had thought it might" or "But even more than we had expected"
Paul is referring to the collection of money from the Corinthians for the believers in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "who had encouraged your giving in the first place"
Titus was to help the Corinthians to complete the collection of money. Alternate translation: "to encourage you to finish collecting and giving your generous gift"
Here "this act of grace" refers the gift that the Corinthians were to give. Alternate translation: "make sure that you are very generous in your giving"
Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to give generously by comparing their generosity with the generosity of the Macedonian churches.
In this context, the word "grace" emphasizes the generosity with which Jesus had blessed the Corinthians.
Paul speaks of Jesus before his incarnation as being rich, and of his becoming human as becoming poor.
Paul speaks of the Corinthians becoming spiritually rich as a result of Jesus becoming human.
This refers to their collecting money to give to the believers in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "With regard to the collection"
This can be stated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "you were eager and desired to do it"
"complete it" or "finish it"
Here the words "good" and "acceptable" share similar meanings and emphasize the goodness of the thing. Alternate translation: "a very good thing"
"Giving must be based on what a person has"
The word "this" refers to collecting money for the believers in Jerusalem. The abstract nouns "relief" and "tribulation" can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: "We are not asking you to give money to relieve others and make yourselves suffer"
"but so that there should be equality" or "but so that there might be equality between others and you." Paul is explaining why he is asking the Corinthians to give money to the believers in Jerusalem.
Since the Corinthians are acting in the present time, it is implied that the believers in Jerusalem will also help them at some time in the future. Alternate translation: "This is also so that in the future their abundance may supply your need"
Here Paul quotes from Exodus. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as Moses wrote"
"had all he needed"
Here the word "heart" refers to the emotions. This means that God caused Titus to love them. Alternate translation: "who made Titus care for you as much as I do"
"the same enthusiasm" or "same deep concern"
Paul is referring to his asking Titus to return to Corinth and complete the collection. Alternate translation: "For he not only agreed to our request that he help you with the collection"
"with Titus"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the brother whom believers among all of the churches praise"
"Not only do believers among all of the churches praise him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the churches also chose him"
"to travel with us as we carry out this act of generosity." This refers to taking the offering to Jerusalem.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "which we are taking care of"
You may need to fill in the ideas missing in the ellipsis. Alternate translation: "so that people will praise the Lord and so that they will see how eager we are to help"
This refers to taking the offering to Jerusalem. The abstract noun "generosity" can be translated with an adjective. Alternate translation: "concerning the way we are handling this generous gift"
"We are careful to do not only what the Lord thinks is good but also what people think is good"
"in the Lord's opinion ... in people's opinion"
The word "them" refers to Titus and the previously mentioned brother.
"he is my partner, who works with me to help you"
This refers to the two other men who will accompany Titus.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the churches have sent them as their messengers"
This can be stated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "They will cause people to see Christ's glory" or "They will cause people to honor Christ"
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1 Concerning the service for God's holy people, it is not necessary for me to write to you. 2 I know about your desire, which I boasted about to the people of Macedonia. I told them that Achaia has been getting ready since last year. Your eagerness has motivated most of them to action. 3 Now I have sent the brothers so that our boasting about you may not be futile, and so that you would be ready, as I said you would be. 4 Otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we would be ashamed—I say nothing about you—for being so confident in you. 5 So I thought it was necessary to urge the brothers to come to you and to make arrangements in advance for the gift you have promised. This is so that it might be ready as a blessing, and not as something extorted.
6 The point is this: The one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows for the purpose of a blessing will also reap a blessing. 7 Let each one give as he has planned in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace overflow for you, so that, always, in all things, you may have all you need. This will be so that you may multiply every good deed. 9 It is as it is written:
"He has distributed his riches and given them to the poor.
His righteousness lasts forever."
10 He who supplies seed to the farmer who sows and bread for food will also supply and multiply your seed for sowing. He will increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so you can be generous. This will bring about thanksgiving to God through us. 12 For carrying out this service not only meets the needs of God's holy people, but it also is overflowing into many acts of thanksgiving to God. 13 Because of your being tested and proved by this service, you will also glorify God by obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ. You will also glorify God by the generosity of your contribution to them and to everyone. 14 They long for you, and they are praying for you. They do this because of the very great grace of God that is on you. 15 May thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verse 9, which is quoted from the Old Testament.
Paul uses three agricultural metaphors. He uses them to teach about giving to needy believers. The metaphors help Paul explain that God will reward those who give generously. Paul does not say how or when God will reward them. (See: and reward)
When Paul refers to Achaia, he is talking about a Roman province located in southern Greece where Corinth is located.
Paul continues on the subject of giving. He wants to make sure that the collection of their offering for the needy believers in Jerusalem takes place before he comes so that it does not seem as though he takes advantage of them. He talks about how giving blesses the giver and glorifies God.
This refers to the collection of money to give to the believers in Jerusalem. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "the ministry for the believers in Jerusalem"
Here the word "Achaia" refers to the people who live in this province, and specifically to the people of the church in Corinth. Alternate translation: "the people of Achaia have been preparing"
This refers to Titus and the two men who accompany him.
Paul does not want others to think that the things that he had boasted about the Corinthians were false.
"find you unprepared to give"
From Paul's perspective, the brothers are going. Alternate translation: "the brothers to go to you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "not as something that we have extorted from you" or "not as something that you gave us because we forced you to give it to us"
Paul uses the image of a farmer sowing seeds to describe the results of giving. As a farmer's harvest is based on how much he sows, so will God's blessings be little or much, based on how generously the Corinthians give.
Here the word "heart" refers to the thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: "give as he has determined"
This can be translated with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: "not because he feels guilty or because someone is forcing him to give"
God wants people to give gladly to help provide for fellow believers.
Grace is spoken of as if it were a physical object of which a person can have more than he can use. As a person gives financially to other believers, God also gives to the giver everything he needs. Alternate translation: "God is able to give you many things" or "God is able to give you very much"
This refers here to the physical things a Christian needs, not to the need for God to save him from his sins.
"so that you may be able to do more and more good deeds"
"This is just as it is written." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "This is just as the writer wrote"
"God who supplies"
Here the word "bread" refers to food in general. Alternate translation: "food to eat"
Paul speaks of the Corinthians' possessions as if they were seeds and of giving to others as if they were sowing seeds. Alternate translation: "will also supply and multiply your possessions so that you can sow them by giving them to others"
Paul compares the benefits that the Corinthians will receive from their generosity to that of a harvest. Alternate translation: "God will bless you even more for your righteousness"
"the harvest that comes from your righteous actions." Here the word "righteousness" refers to the righteous actions of the Corinthians in giving their resources to the believers in Jerusalem.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will enrich you"
The word this refers to the Corinthian's generosity. Alternate translation: "Because of your generosity, those who receive the gifts we bring them will thank God" or "When we give your gifts to those who need them, they will give thanks to God"
Here the word "service" refers to Paul and his companions bringing the contribution to the believers in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "For our carrying out this service for the believers in Jerusalem"
Paul speaks of the Corinthian believers' act of service as if it were a liquid of which there is more than a container can hold. Alternate translation: "It also causes people to do many deeds for which people will thank God"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Because this service has tested and proven you"
Paul says that the Corinthians will glorify God both by being faithful to Jesus and by giving generously to other believers who have need.
The abstract nouns "generosity" and "contribution" can be stated respectively as an adverb and a verb. Alternate translation: "what you have contributed generously" (
This word refers here to a gift that is part of a larger gift that many people are giving.
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"for his gift, which words cannot describe." Possible meanings are 1) that this gift refers to "the very great grace" that God has given to the Corinthians, which has led them to be so generous or 2) that this gift refers to Jesus Christ, whom God gave to all believers.
1 I, Paul, myself urge you, by the humility and gentleness of Christ. I am meek when I am in your presence, but I am bold toward you when I am away. 2 I beg of you that, when I am present with you, I will not need to be bold with the confidence that I think I will need to be bold when I oppose those who think that we are walking according to the flesh. 3 For even though we walk in the flesh, we do not make war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons we fight with are not fleshly. Rather, they have divine power to destroy strongholds. They bring misleading arguments to nothing. 5 We also destroy every high thing that rises up against the knowledge of God. We take every thought captive into obedience to Christ. 6 And we are getting ready to punish every act of disobedience, as soon as your obedience is complete. 7 Look at what is clearly in front of you. If anyone is convinced that he is Christ's, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ's, so also are we. 8 For even if I boast a little too much about our authority, which the Lord gave for us to build you up and not to destroy you, I will not be ashamed. 9 I do not want it to appear that I am terrifying you by my letters. 10 For some people say, "His letters are serious and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak. His words are not worth listening to." 11 Let such people be aware that what we are in the words of our letters when we are absent is what we will be in our actions when we are there. 12 We are not so bold as to group ourselves or compare ourselves with those who praise themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with each other, they have no insight. 13 We, however, will not boast beyond limits. Instead, we will do so only within the limits of what God has assigned to us, limits that reach even as far as you. 14 For we are not overextending ourselves as though we did not reach you. We were the first to reach as far as you with the gospel of Christ. 15 We have not boasted beyond limits about the labors of others. Rather, our hope is that as your faith continues to grow, our work among you will greatly expand, 16 so that we may preach the gospel even in regions beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another's area.
17 "But let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."
18 For it is not the one who recommends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord recommends.
Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULB does this with the quoted words of verse 17.
In this chapter, Paul returns to defending his authority. He also compares the way he speaks and the way he writes.
"Boasting" is often thought of as bragging, which is not good. But in this letter "boasting" means confidently exulting or rejoicing.
In verses 3-6, Paul uses many metaphors from war. He probably uses them as part of a larger metaphor about Christians being spiritually at war.
"Flesh" is possibly a metaphor for a person's sinful nature. Paul is not teaching that our physical bodies are sinful. Paul appears to be teaching that as long as Christians are alive ("in the flesh"), we will continue to sin. But our new nature will be fighting against our old nature. (See: flesh)
Paul shifts the subject from giving to affirming his authority to teach as he does.
The word "humility" and "gentleness" are abstract nouns, and can be expressed in another way. Alternate translation: "by Christ, who is humble and gentle"
The word "walking" is a metaphor for the way a person lives his life. "we are acting"
The word "flesh" is a metonym for the mortal body, which in turn is a metaphor for the person himself. See how you translated it in [2 Corinthians 1:17]
Here "walk" is an metaphor for "live" and "flesh" is a metonym for physical life. Alternate translation: "we live our lives in physical bodies"
This phrase is a metonym for the way mortal people do things. See how you translated it in [2 Corinthians 1:17]
Paul speaks of his trying to persuade the Corinthians to believe him and not the false teachers as if he were fighting a physical war. These words should be translated literally.
Possible meanings are 1) the word "flesh" is a metonym for physical life. Alternate translation: "fight against our enemies using physical weapons" or 2) the word "flesh" is a metonym for sinful human nature. Alternate translation: "make war in sinful ways"
Paul speaks of godly wisdom that shows human wisdom to be false as if it were a weapon with which he is destroying an enemy stronghold. Alternate translation: "the weapons we fight with ... show people that what our enemies say is completely wrong"
Paul speaks of his trying to persuade the Corinthians to believe him and not the false teachers as if he were fighting a physical war. These words should be translated literally.
Possible meanings are 1) the word "fleshly" is a metonym for merely physical. Alternate translation: "are not physical" or 2) the word "fleshly" is a metonym for sinful human nature. Alternate translation: "are not sinful" or "do not enable us to do wrong"
Paul is still speaking with the metaphor of a war, as if "the knowledge of God" were an army and "every high thing" were a wall that people had made to keep the army out. Alternate translation: "every false argument that proud people think of to protect themselves"
"everything that proud people do"
Paul speaks of arguments as if they were a wall standing high against an army. The words "rises up" mean "stands tall," not that the "high thing" is floating up into the air. Alternate translation: "people use so they will not have to know who God is"
Paul speaks of people's thoughts as if they were enemy soldiers whom he captures in battle. Alternate translation: "We show how all the false ideas those people have are wrong and teach the people to obey Christ"
The words "act of disobedience" are a metonym for the people who commit those acts. Alternate translation: "punish every one of you who disobeys us"
Possible meanings are 1) this is a command or 2) this is a statement, "You are looking only at what you can see with your eyes." Some think this is a rhetorical question that may also be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Are you looking at what is clearly in front of you?" or "You seem unable to see what is clearly in front of you."
"he needs to remember"
"that we belong to Christ just as much as he does"
Paul speaks of helping the Corinthians to know Christ better as if he were constructing a building. Alternate translation: "to help you become better followers of Christ and not to discourage you so you stop following him"
"I am trying to frighten you"
"demanding and forceful"
"when he is here physically, he is not impressive"
"I want such people to be aware"
"we will do the same things when we are there with you that we have written about in our letters while we have been away from you"
All instances of these words refer to Paul's ministry team but not the Corinthians.
"Bold people would group themselves ... praise themselves, but we are not that bold, so we do not." Paul is using irony here: most people think of boldness as a good thing, but Paul is saying that those who have the boldness to praise themselves are doing wrong.
"to say we are as good as those"
Paul is saying much the same thing twice.
Paul is speaking of goodness as though it were something whose length people could measure. Alternate translation: "they look at each other and try to see who is better"
"show everyone that they do not know anything"
Paul speaks of the authority he has as if it were a land over which he rules, those things over which he has authority as being within the borders or "limits" of his land, and those things not under his authority as being beyond the "limits."
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "will not boast about things over which we have no authority. Instead" or "will boast only about things over which we have authority. And"
"about things under the authority that God"
Paul speaks of the authority he has as if it were a land over which he rules. Alternate translation: "and you are within the border of our authority"
"we are not doing more than we should." Possible meanings are 1) "we are not boasting more than we should" or 2) "we are not claiming to have more authority than we do."
This is an idiom. See how similar words were translated in [2 Corinthians 10:13]
"we hope that" or "we desire that" or "we trust that"
"an area God has assigned to someone else"
"boast about what the Lord has done"
This means that he provides enough evidence for each person who hears him to decide whether he is right or wrong. See how "recommend ourselves" is translated in 2 Corinthians 4:2.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom the Lord approves"
You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "but it is the one whom the Lord recommends who is approved"
1 I wish that you could put up with me in some foolishness. But you are indeed putting up with me! 2 For I am jealous about you. I have a godly jealousy for you, since I promised you in marriage to one husband. I promised to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. 3 But I am afraid that somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your thoughts might be led astray away from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4 For suppose that someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we preached. Or suppose that you receive a different spirit than what you received. Or suppose that you receive a different gospel than the one you received. You put up with these things well enough! 5 For I think that I am not in the least inferior to those so-called super-apostles. 6 But even if I am untrained in speech, I am not untrained in knowledge. In every way and in all things we have made this known to you. 7 Did I sin by humbling myself so you might be exalted? For I freely preached the gospel of God to you. 8 I robbed other churches by accepting support from them so that I could serve you. 9 When I was with you and I was in need, I did not burden anyone. For my needs were met by the brothers who came from Macedonia. In everything I have kept myself from being a burden to you, and I will continue to do that. 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the parts of Achaia. 11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows. 12 And what I do I will keep doing, so that I may cut off the opportunity of those who want an opportunity to be found to be like us in the things they boast about. 13 For such people are false apostles and deceitful workers. They disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And this is no surprise, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 It is no great surprise if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their fate will be what their deeds deserve.
16 I say again: Let no one think I am a fool. But if you do, receive me as a fool so I may boast a little. 17 What I am saying with this boastful confidence—I am not talking the way the Lord would—I am saying as a fool. 18 Since many people boast according to the flesh, I will also boast. 19 For you gladly put up with fools. You are wise yourselves! 20 For you put up with someone if he enslaves you, if he devours you, if he takes advantage of you, if he exalts himself, or if he slaps you in the face. 21 I will say to our shame that we were too weak to do that. Yet if anyone is bold—I am speaking like a fool—I too will be bold. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as though I were insane.) I am more: in harder labor, in more prisons, in beatings beyond measure, in facing many deadly dangers. 24 From Jews I received five times the "forty lashes minus one." 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. I have spent a night and a day on the open sea. 26 I have been on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, in danger from robbers, in danger from my own people, in danger from the Gentiles, in danger in the city, in danger in the wilderness, in danger at sea, in danger from false brothers. 27 I have served in labor and toil, in many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often in fasting, in cold and nakedness. 28 Apart from everything else, there is the daily pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who has been caused to stumble, and I do not burn? 30 If I must boast, I will boast about what shows my weaknesses. 31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, the one who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying!
32 At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus to arrest me. 33 But I was lowered in a basket through a window in the wall, and I escaped from his hands.
In this chapter, Paul continues defending his authority.
The Corinthians were quick to accept false teachers who taught things about Jesus and the gospel that were different from what Paul taught and that were not true. Unlike these false teachers, Paul sacrificially served the Corinthians. (See: goodnews)
Light is commonly used in the New Testament as a metaphor. Paul here uses light to indicate the revealing of God and his righteousness. Darkness describes sin. Sin seeks to remain hidden from God. (See: light, righteous and darkness and sin)
Paul begins this chapter with an extended metaphor. He compares himself to a father who is giving his daughter, a pure virgin, as a bride to her bridegroom. Wedding practices change depending on the cultural background. But the idea of helping to present someone as a grown and holy child is explicitly pictured in this passage.
This chapter is full of irony. Paul is hoping to shame the Corinthian believers with his irony.
"You tolerate these things well enough!" Paul thinks that they should not tolerate the way the false apostles treated them. Paul does not think they are really apostles at all.
The statement, "For you gladly put up with fools. You are wise yourselves!" means that the Corinthian believers think they were very wise but Paul does not agree.
"I will say to our shame that we were too weak to do that." Paul is speaking about behavior he thinks is very wrong in order to avoid it. He is speaking as if he thinks he is wrong for not doing it. He uses a rhetorical question also as irony. "Did I sin by humbling myself so you might be exalted?"
In refuting the false apostles, who claim to be superior, Paul uses a series of rhetorical questions. Each question is coupled with an answer: "Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as though I were out of my mind.) I am more."
He also uses a series of rhetorical questions to empathize with his converts: "Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who has been caused to stumble, and I do not burn?"
This is sarcasm, a special type of irony used to mock or insult. Paul does not believe these false teachers actually serve Christ, only that they pretend to do so.
A "paradox" is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. This sentence in verse 30 is a paradox: "If I must boast, I will boast about what shows my weaknesses." Paul does not explain why he would boast in his weakness until 2 Corinthians 12:9. (2 Corinthians 11:30)
Paul continues to affirm his apostleship.
"allow me to act like a fool"
These words speak of a good, strong desire that the Corinthians be faithful to Christ, and that no one should persuade them to leave him.
Paul speaks of his care for the Corinthian believers as if he had promised another man that he would prepare his daughter to marry him and he is most concerned that he be able to keep his promise to the man. Alternate translation: "I was like a father who promised to present his daughter to one husband. I promised to keep you as a pure virgin so I could give you to Christ"
"But I am afraid that somehow your thoughts might be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ just as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness"
Paul speaks of thoughts as if they were animals that people could lead along the wrong path. Alternate translation: "someone might cause you to believe lies"
Paul lists three situations that are likely to happen or may have actually happened. These sentences can be combined into one sentence. Alternate translation: "For when ... preached, or when ... received, or when ... received, you put"
"a different spirit than the Holy Spirit, or a different gospel than you received from us"
"deal with these things." See how these words were translated in 2 Corinthians 11:1.
Paul uses irony here to show that those teachers are less important then people say there are. Alternate translation: "those teachers whom some think are better than anyone else"
This negative phrase emphasizes the positive truth that he is trained in knowledge. The abstract noun "knowledge" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "I am certainly trained in knowledge" or "I am trained to know what they know"
Paul is beginning to claim that he treated the Corinthians well. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement, if necessary. Alternate translation: "I think we agree that I did not sin by humbling myself so you might be exalted"
"preached the gospel of God to you without expecting anything from you in return"
This is an exaggeration to emphasize that Paul received money from churches who were not obligated to give to him. Alternate translation: "In a way, I robbed other churches" or "It was as if I robbed other churches"
The full meaning of this can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "I could serve you at no cost"
"I have never in any way been a financial burden to you." Paul speaks of someone for whom one has to spend money as if they were heavy items that people have to carry. The full meaning of this can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "I have done all I can to make sure you do not have to spend money so that I can be with you"
These "brothers" were probably all male.
"I never will be a burden to you"
Paul is emphasizing that because his readers know that he tells the truth about Christ, they can know that he is telling the truth here. "As surely as you know that I truly know and proclaim the truth about Christ, you can know that what I am about to say is true. This"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one will be able to make me stop boasting and stay silent"
This refers to what Paul spoke about starting in (2 Corinthians 11:7).
"regions of Achaia." The word "parts" speaks of areas of land, not political divisions.
Paul uses rhetorical questions to emphasize love for the Corinthians. These questions can be combined or made into a statement. Alternate translation: "Is it because I do not love you that I do not want to be a burden to you?" or "I will continue to keep you from paying for my needs because this shows others that I love you"
You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "God knows I love you"
As Paul continues to affirm his apostleship, he talks about false apostles.
Paul speaks of a false claim that his enemies state as if it were something that he can cut off. Alternate translation: "so that they have no reason to boast that they are doing the same work that we are doing"
"to appear to be like us" or "to appear to be doing the same work we are doing"
"us, as they are boasting that they are"
"I do what I do because people like them"
"dishonest workers"
"are not apostles, but they try to make themselves look like apostles"
By stating this in a negative form Paul is emphasizing that the Corinthians should expect to meet many "false apostles"
"Satan is not an angel of light, but he tries to make himself look like an angel of light"
Here "light" is a metaphor for righteousness. Alternate translation: "an angel of righteousness"
By stating this in a negative form Paul is emphasizing that the Corinthians should expect to meet many "false apostles"
"his servants are not servants of righteousness, but they try to make themselves look like servants of righteousness"
"receive me as you would receive a fool: let me talk, and consider my boasting the words of a fool"
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These people "boast" in the bad sense of claiming to be better people than they really are.
Here the metonym "flesh" refers to man in his sinful nature and his achievements. Alternate translation: "about their own human achievements"
Paul uses the word "boast" ironically. See how you translated "boasting" in [2 Corinthians 1:12]
"accept fools." See how a similar phrase was translated in 2 Corinthians 11:1.
Paul is shaming the Corinthians by using irony. Alternate translation: "You think you are wise, but you are not!"
Paul uses exaggeration when he speaks of someone forcing others to obey rules as if he were forcing them to be slaves. Alternate translation: "makes you follow rules he has thought of"
Paul speaks of the super-apostles' taking people's material resources as if they were eating the people themselves. Alternate translation: "he takes all your property"
A person takes advantage of another person by knowing things that the other person does not and using that knowledge to help himself and harm the other person.
"I shamefully admit that we were not bold enough to treat you like that." Paul is using irony to tell the Corinthians that it was not because he was weak that he treated them well. Alternate translation: "I am not ashamed to say that we had the power to harm you, but we treated you well"
"Whatever anyone boasts about ... I will dare to boast about it also." Paul's boldness here is the boldness to boast.
Paul is asking questions the Corinthians might be asking and then answering them to emphasize that he is as much a Jew as the super-apostles are. You should keep the question-and-answer form if possible. Alternate translation: "They want you to think they are important and to believe what they say because they are Hebrews and Israelites and descendants of Abraham. Well, so am I."
As Paul continues to confirm his apostleship, he states specific things that have happened to him since he became a believer.
Paul is asking questions the Corinthians might be asking and then answering them to emphasize that he is as much a Jew as the super-apostles are. You should keep the question-and-answer form if possible. Alternate translation: "They say they are servants of Christ—I speak as though I were insane—but I am more"
"as though I were unable to think well"
You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "I am more a servant of Christ than they are"
"I have worked harder than they have"
"I have been in prison more often"
This is an idiom, and is exaggerated to emphasize that he had been beaten many, many times. Alternate translation: "I have been beaten very many times, and I have faced" or "I have been beaten too many times to bother counting, and I have faced"
"and I have almost died many times"
This was a common expression for being whipped 39 times. In Jewish law the most they were allowed to whip a person at one time was forty lashes. So they commonly whipped a person thirty-nine times so that they would not be guilty of whipping someone too many times if they accidentally counted wrong.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people beat me with wooden rods"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people threw stones at me until they thought I was dead"
Paul was referring to floating in the water after the ship he was on sank.
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "and in danger from people who claimed to be brothers in Christ, but who betrayed us"
The words "I have served" have been added to shorten the sentence that begins in 2 Corinthians 11:24. You can end 2 Corinthians 11:26 with a comma and begin this verse with the words "in labor."
This hendiadys emphasizes how hard Paul worked. Alternate translation: "extremely hard work"
Here Paul exaggerates to show his need of clothing. Alternate translation: "without enough clothing to keep me warm"
Here Paul's concern for the churches is spoken of as if it were a heavy object weighing him down. Alternate translation: "I am so concerned everyday for all the churches that I feel like I have a heavy object weighing me down"
The word "weak" may refer to a spiritual condition or to a physical condition. No one is sure what Paul is speaking of, so it is best to use the same word here. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Whenever anyone is weak, I feel that weakness also." or "I am weak whenever anyone else is weak."
Paul uses this question to express his anger when a fellow believer is caused to sin. Here his anger is spoken of as a burning inside him. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Whenever anyone causes a brother to sin, I am angry."
Paul speaks of sin as if it were tripping over something and then falling. Alternate translation: "has been led to sin" or "has thought that God would permit him to sin because of something that someone else did"
Paul speaks of being angry about sin as if he had a fire inside his body. Alternate translation: "I am not angry about it"
"what shows how weak I am"
Paul is using litotes to emphasize that he is telling the truth. Alternate translation: "I am telling the absolute truth"
"the governor whom King Aretas had appointed had told men to guard the city"
"so that they might catch and arrest me"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "some people put me in a basket and lowered me to the ground"
Paul uses the governor's hands as metonymy for the governor. Alternate translation: "from the governor"
1 I must boast, even if it is unprofitable. But I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago who—whether in the body or out of the body, I do not know, God knows—was caught up into the third heaven. 3 And I know that this man—whether in the body, or out of the body, I do not know, God knows— 4 was caught up into paradise and heard inexpressible words that people are not permitted to speak. 5 On behalf of such a person I will boast. But on behalf of myself I will not boast, except about my weaknesses. 6 If I should choose to boast, I will not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I will keep from boasting, so that no one will think more of me than what he sees in me or hears from me. 7 To keep me from exalting myself because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger from Satan to afflict me—so I would not exalt myself. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, for him to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, "My grace is enough for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." So I would much rather boast about my weakness, so that the power of Christ might reside on me. 10 Therefore I am content for Christ's sake in weaknesses, in insults, in troubles, in persecutions and distressing situations. For whenever I am weak, then I am strong.
11 I have become a fool! You forced me to this, for I should have been praised by you. For I was not at all inferior to the so-called super-apostles, even though I am nothing. 12 The true signs of an apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, signs and wonders and miracles. 13 For how were you less important than the rest of the churches, except that I was not a burden to you? Forgive me for this wrong!
14 Look! I am ready to come to you a third time. I will not be a burden to you, for I do not seek what is yours. I want you. For children should not save up for the parents. Instead, the parents should save up for the children. 15 I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? 16 But as it is, I did not burden you. But since I am so crafty, I am the one who caught you by deceit. 17 Did I take advantage of you by anyone I sent to you? 18 I urged Titus to go to you, and I sent the other brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps?
19 Do you think all of this time we have been defending ourselves to you? It is in the sight of God that we speak in Christ, and all for your strengthening, beloved. 20 For I fear that when I come I may not find you as I wish. I fear that you might not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, rivalries, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder. 21 I fear that when I come back, my God might humble me before you. I fear that I might be grieved by many of those who have sinned before now and who did not repent of the uncleanness and sexual immorality and lustful indulgence that they practiced.
Paul continues defending his authority in this chapter.
When Paul was with the Corinthians, he proved himself to be an apostle by his powerful deeds. He had not ever taken anything from them. Now that he is coming for the third time, he will still not take anything. He hopes that when he visits, he will not need to be harsh with them. (See: apostle)
Paul now defends his authority by telling about a wonderful vision of heaven. Although he speaks in the third person in verses 2-5, verse 7 indicates that he was the person who experienced the vision. It was so great a vision that God gave him a physical handicap to keep him humble. (See: heaven)
Many scholars believe the "third" heaven is the dwelling place of God. This is because Scripture also uses "heaven" to refer to the sky (the "first" heaven) and the universe (the "second" heaven).
Paul uses many rhetorical questions as he defends himself against his enemies who accused him: "For how were you less important than the rest of the churches, except that I was not a burden to you?" "Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same way? Did we not walk in the same steps?" and "Do you think all of this time we have been defending ourselves to you?"
Paul uses sarcasm, a special type of irony, when he reminds them how he had helped them at no cost. He says, "Forgive me for this wrong!" He also uses regular irony when he says: "But, since I am so crafty, I am the one who caught you by deceit." He uses it to introduce his defense against this accusation by showing how impossible it was to be true.
A "paradox" is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. This sentence in verse 5 is a paradox: "I will not boast, except about my weaknesses." Most people do not boast about being weak. This sentence in verse 10 is also a paradox: "For whenever I am weak, then I am strong." In verse 9, Paul explains why both of these statements are true. (2 Corinthians 12:5)
In defending the apostleship that God gave him, Paul continues to state specific things that have happened to him since he became a believer.
"even if boasting is does not do any good"
"I will continue talking, but now about"
Possible meanings are 1) Paul uses the words "visions" and "revelations" to mean the same thing in hendiadys for emphasis. Alternate translation: "things that the Lord has allowed only me to see" or 2) Paul is speaking of two different things. Alternate translation: "secret things that the Lord has let me see with my eyes and other secrets that he has told me about"
Paul is actually speaking of himself as if he were speaking of someone else, but this should be translated literally if possible.
Paul continues to describe himself as if this happened to another person. "I do not know if this man was in his physical body or in his spiritual body"
This refers to the dwelling place of God rather than the sky or outer space (the planets, stars, and the universe).
Paul continues to speak of himself as though he were speaking of someone else.
This continues Paul's account of what happened to "this man"
suddenly and forcefully held and taken
Possible meanings are 1) heaven or 2) the third heaven or 3) a special place in heaven.
Possible meanings of "inexpressible" are that 1) Paul means something other than "it is unlawful for people to speak" these words, and so people are unable to communicate the ideas expressed in the words or 2) Paul means the same thing as "it is unlawful for people to speak" these words, emphasizing that God does not permit people to speak the words.
"of that person"
This double negative emphasizes that Paul will boast only about his weaknesses. It can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "I will boast only of my weaknesses"
"no one will give me more credit than what he sees in me or hears from me"
This verse reveals that Paul was speaking about himself beginning in 2 Corinthians 12:2.
As Paul defends his apostleship, he tells of the weakness that God gave him to keep him humble.
"because those revelations were so much greater than anything anyone else had ever seen"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God gave me a thorn in the flesh" or "God allowed me to have a thorn in the flesh"
Here Paul's physical problems are compared to a thorn piercing his flesh. Alternate translation: "an affliction" or "a physical problem"
"a servant of Satan"
Paul put these words at the beginning of the sentence to emphasize that he had prayed many times about his "thorn" (2 Corinthians 12:7).
"Lord about this thorn in the flesh," or "Lord about this affliction"
"I will be kind to you, and that is all you need"
"for my power works best when you are weak"
Paul speaks of Christ's power as if it were a tent built over him. Possible meanings are 1) "people might see that I have the power of Christ" or 2) "I might truly have the power of Christ."
Possible meanings are 1) "I am content in weakness ... situations if these things come because I belong to Christ" or 2) "I am content in weakness ... if these things cause more people to know Christ."
"when I am weak"
"when people try to make me angry by saying that I am a bad person"
"when I am suffering"
"when there is trouble"
Paul is saying that when he is no longer strong enough to do what needs to be done, Christ, who is more powerful than Paul could ever be, will work through Paul to do what needs to be done. However, it would be best to translate these words literally, if your language allows.
To strengthen them, Paul reminds the believers in Corinth of the true signs of an apostle and of his humility while before them.
"I am acting like a fool"
"You forced me to talk this way"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "it is praise that you should have given me"
"commended"
By using the negative form, Paul is saying strongly that those Corinthians who think that he is inferior are wrong. Alternate translation: "For I am just as good as"
Paul uses irony here to show that those teachers are less important then people say they are. See how this is translated in [2 Corinthians 11:5]
This can be stated in active form, with emphasis on the "signs." Alternate translation: "It is the true signs of an apostle that I performed"
Use the same word both times.
"with as much perseverance as we had" or "with great perseverance"
These are the "true signs of an apostle" that Paul performed "with complete perseverance."
Paul is emphasizing that the Corinthians are wrong to accuse him of wanting to do them harm. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I treated you the same way I treated all the other churches, except that ... you."
"I did not ask you for money or other things I needed"
Paul is being ironic to shame the Corinthians. Both he and they know that he has done them no wrong, but they have been treating him as though he has wronged them.
not asking them for money and other things he needed
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "What I want is that you love and accept me"
Young children are not responsible for saving money or other goods to give to their healthy parents.
Paul speaks of his work and his physical life as if they were money that he or God could spend. Alternate translation: "I will gladly do any work and gladly allow God to permit people to kill me"
The word "souls" is a metonym for the people themselves. Alternate translation: "for you" or "so you will live well"
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "If I love you so much, you should not love me so little." or "If I love you so much, you should love me more than you do."
It is not clear what it is that Paul's love is "more" than. It is probably best to use "very much" or a "so much" that can be compared to "so little" later in the sentence.
Paul uses irony to shame the Corinthians who think he lied to them even if he did not ask them for money. Alternate translation: "But others think I was deceptive and used trickery"
Both Paul and the Corinthians know the answer is no. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one that I sent to you has taken advantage of you!"
Both Paul and the Corinthians know the answer is no. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Titus did not take advantage of you."
Paul speaks of living as if it were walking on a road. Possible meanings of "spirit" are 1) Paul and his companions acted rightly with the Corinthians, as had Titus. Alternate translation: "We all had the same attitude and acted the same way" Or 2) Paul, his companions, and Titus all obeyed the Holy Spirit as they served the Corinthians. Alternate translation: "We all lived in obedience to the same Spirit" This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement.
Paul speaks of living as if it were walking on a road. Both Paul and the Corinthians know the answer to the question is yes. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "We all did things the same way."
Paul uses this question to acknowledge something that the people may have been thinking. He does this so that he can assure them that it is not true. Alternate translation: "Perhaps you think that all of this time we have been defending ourselves to you."
This represents the presence of God. Paul and his coworkers are aware that God is watching them while they teach the Corinthians. Alternate translation: "before God" or "with God as witness" or "in the presence of God"
The reason Paul and his coworkers speak in Christ is so that the Corinthians might be strenthened. Paul speaks of knowing how to obey God and desiring to obey him as if it were physical growth. Alternate translation: "and we do all this in order to strengthen you" or "and we do all this so that you may know God and obey him better"
"I may not like what I find" or "I may not like what I see you doing"
"you might not like what you see in me"
The abstract nouns "quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, rivalries, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder" can be translated using verbs. Possible meanings are 1) "some of you will be arguing with us, jealous of us, suddenly becoming very angry with us, trying to take our places as leaders, speaking falsely about us, telling about our private lives, being proud, and opposing us as we try to lead you" or 2) "some of you will be arguing with each other, jealous of each other, suddenly becoming very angry with each other, quarreling with each other over who will be the leader, speaking falsely about each other, telling about each other's private lives, being proud, and opposing those whom God has chosen to lead you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will grieve because many of you have sinned before now and have not repented ... that you have practiced"
Possible meanings are 1) Paul is saying almost the same thing three times for emphasis. Alternate translation: "did not stop commiting the sexual sins that they practiced" or 2) Paul is speaking of three different sins.
The abstract noun uncleanness can be translated as "things that do not please God." Alternate translation: "of secretly thinking about and desiring things that do not please God"
The abstract noun "immorality" can be translated as "immoral deeds." Alternate translation: "of doing sexually immoral deeds"
The abstract noun "indulgence" can be translated using a verb phrase. Alternate translation: "of ... doing things that satisfy immoral sexual desire"
1 This is the third time that I am coming to you. "Every matter must be established by the mouth of two or three witnesses." 2 I have already said to those who sinned before and to all the rest when I was there the second time, and I say it again: When I come again, I will not spare them. 3 I tell you this because you are looking for proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak toward you. Rather, he is powerful in you. 4 For he was crucified in weakness, but he is alive by God's power. For we also are weak in him, but we will live with him by the power of God among you. 5 Examine yourselves, to see if you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless, of course, you have failed the test. 6 And I hope that you will recognize that we have not failed the test. 7 Now we pray to God that you may not do any wrong. I do not pray this so that we may appear to have passed the test. Rather, I pray that you may do what is proper, although we may seem to have failed the test. 8 For we are not able to do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9 For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. We also pray that you may be made complete. 10 I write these things while I am away from you so that when I am with you I do not have to deal harshly with you in the use of my authority—which the Lord gave to me so that I may build you up, and not tear you down.
11 Finally, brothers, rejoice! Work for restoration, be encouraged, think alike, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet each other with a holy kiss. All God's holy people greet you. [1]
13 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. [2]
In this chapter, Paul finishes defending his authority. He then concludes the letter with a final greeting and blessing.
Paul instructs the Corinthians as he prepares to visit them. He is hoping to avoid needing to discipline anyone in the church so he can visit them joyfully. (See: disciple)
Paul repeatedly uses the contrasting words "power" and "weakness" in this chapter. The translator should use words that are understood to be opposites of each other.
Scholars are divided over what these sentences mean. Some scholars say that Christians are to test themselves to see whether their actions align with their Christian faith. The context favors this understanding. Others say these sentences mean that Christians should look at their actions and question whether they are genuinely saved. (See: faith and save)
Paul establishes that Christ is speaking through him and that Paul is wanting to restore them, encourage them, and unify them.
Here a "matter" is an accusation and "mouth" is a metonym for the testimony a person gives through his mouth. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Believe that someone has done something wrong only after two or three people have given the same testimony"
"all you other people"
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This can be made active. Alternate translation: "they crucified him"
God gives us the power and ability to live life in and with him.
Possible meanings are 1) living inside each individual or 2) "among you," part of and the most important member of the group.
"you have examined and tested yourself and found that you are not in the faith and Jesus Christ is not in you"
"I desire that" or "I trust that"
"that you will not sin at all" or "that you will not refuse to listen to us when we correct you." Paul is emphasizing the opposite with his statement. Alternate translation: "that you will do everything right"
"to be great teachers and live the truth"
"we are not able to keep people from learning the truth"
"truth; everything we do will enable people to learn the truth"
"may become spiritually mature"
Paul speaks of helping the Corinthians to know Christ better as if he were constructing a building. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Corinthians 10:8]
Paul closes his letter to the Corinthian believers.
"Work toward maturity"
"agree with one another" or "live in harmony with one another"
"with Christian love"
"those whom God has set apart for himself"
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1 Paul, an apostle—not an apostle from men nor by human agency, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the brothers with me, to the churches of Galatia:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins so that he might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
6 I am amazed that you are turning away so quickly from him who called you by the grace of Christ. I am amazed that you are turning to a different gospel, 7 not that there is another gospel, but there are some men who cause you trouble and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should proclaim to you a gospel other than the one we proclaimed to you, let him be cursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, "If someone proclaims to you a gospel other than the one you received, let him be cursed." 10 For am I now seeking the favor of men or of God? Am I seeking to please men? If I am still trying to please men, I am not a servant of Christ.
11 For I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I proclaimed is not man's gospel. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it. Instead, it was by revelation of Jesus Christ to me. 13 You have heard about my former life in Judaism, how I was persecuting the church of God beyond measure and that I was trying to destroy it. 14 I advanced in Judaism beyond many of those who were my own age, from out of my own people. That is how extremely zealous I was for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when God, who had set me apart from my mother's womb, and who called me through his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me, so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood. 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to those who had become apostles before me. Instead, I went to Arabia and then returned to Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to get to know Cephas and I stayed with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord's brother. 20 In what I write to you, I assure you before God that I am not lying. 21 Then I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 I was still not known by face to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only heard it being said, "The man who once persecuted us is now proclaiming as good news the faith he once tried to destroy." 24 So they glorified God because of me.
Paul started this letter differently than his other letters. He adds that he was "not an apostle from men nor by human agency, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead ones." Paul probably included these words because false teachers were opposing him and trying to undermine his authority.
God eternally saves people only through the true, biblical gospel. God condemns any other version of the gospel. Paul asks God to curse those who teach a false gospel. They might not be saved. They should be treated as non-Christians. (See: save, eternity, goodnews and condemn and curse)
Some people in the early church were teaching that Gentiles needed to obey the law of Moses. To refute this teaching, in verses 13-16 Paul explains how he was formerly a zealous Jew. But God still needed to save him and show him the true gospel. As a Jew, and the apostle to Gentile people, Paul was uniquely qualified to address this issue. (See: lawofmoses)
The Book of Galatians is one of Paul's earliest letters in Scripture. It shows that heresies troubled even the early church.
Paul, an apostle, writes this letter to the churches in the area of Galatia. Unless noted otherwise, all instances of "you" and "your" in this letter refer to the Galatians and are plural.
"who caused him to live again"
Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women, since all believers in Christ are members of one spiritual family, with God as their heavenly Father. Alternate translation: "brothers and sisters"
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"Sins" is a metonym the punishment for sin. Alternate translation: "to take the punishment we deserved because of our sins"
Here "this ... age" represents the powers at work in the age. Alternate translation: "that he might bring us to a place of safety from the evil powers at work in the world today"
This refers to "God our Father." He is our God and our Father.
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Paul gives his reason for writing this letter: he reminds them to continue to understand the gospel.
"I am surprised" or "I am shocked." Paul was disappointed that they were doing this.
Here "turning away ... from him" is a metaphor for started to doubt or no longer trust God. Alternate translation: "you are so quickly starting to doubt him"
"God, who called you"
Here this means God has appointed or chosen people to be his children, to serve him, and to proclaim his message of salvation through Jesus.
"because of Christ's grace" or "because of Christ's gracious sacrifice"
Here "turning to" is a metaphor that means to start to believe something. Alternate translation: "you are instead starting to believe a different gospel"
"some people"
Paul said this to show how strongly he felt about anyone who might proclaim a gospel other than the one he had proclaimed. If anyone would do that, that person should be cursed. Alternate translation: "But even if we or an angel from heaven were to proclaim ... let him be cursed"
The word "even" shows that Paul did not believe that they or an angel from heaven would ever proclaim a different gospel. But he includes himself and angels in his statement to emphasize how wrong it would be for anyone to proclaim a different gospel.
"different from the gospel" or "different from the message"
"God should punish that person forever." If your language has a common way of calling a curse down on someone, you should use that.
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These rhetorical questions expect the answer "no." Alternate translation: "I do not seek the favor of men, but instead I seek the favor of God. I am not seeking to please men."
Both the "if" phrase and the "then" phrase are contrary to fact. "I am not still trying to please men; I am a servant of Christ" or "If I were still trying to please men, then I would not be a servant of Christ"
Paul explains that he did not learn the gospel from others; he learned it from Jesus Christ.
See how you translated this in Galatians 1:2.
By using this phrase, Paul was not trying to say that Jesus Christ is not himself human. Because Christ is both man and God, however, he is not a sinful human being. Paul is writing about where the gospel came from; it did not come from sinful human beings, but it came from Jesus Christ.
Possible meanings are 1) "Jesus Christ himself revealed the gospel to me" or 2) "God made me know the gospel when he showed me who Jesus Christ was."
"behavior at one time" or "prior life" or "earlier life"
This metaphor pictures Paul as being ahead of other Jews his age in their goal to be perfect Jews.
"the Jewish people who are the same age as I am"
"my ancestors"
Possible meanings of "through his grace" are 1) this tells why God called Paul. Alternate translation: "and who called me to serve him because he is gracious" or 2) this tells how God called Paul. Alternate translation: "and who called me by means of his grace."
Possible meanings are 1) "to allow me to know his Son" or 2) "to show the world through me that Jesus is God's Son."
This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
"proclaim that he is God's Son" or "preach the good news about God's Son"
This is an expression that means talking with other people. Alternate translation: "ask people to help me understand the message"
"go to Jerusalem." Jerusalem was in a region of high hills, making it necessary to climb many hills in order to get there, and so it was common to describe travel to Jerusalem as "going up to Jerusalem."
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This double negative emphasizes that James was the only apostle whom Paul saw. Alternate translation: "I saw only one of the other apostles, and that was James" or "the only other apostle I saw was James"
Paul wants the Galatians to understand that Paul is completely serious and that he knows that God hears what he says and will judge him if he does not tell the truth.
Paul uses litotes to emphasize that he is telling the truth. Alternate translation: "I am not lying to you in the messages I write to you" or "in the things I write to you I am telling you the truth"
"the parts of the world called Syria and Cilicia"
"No one in the churches of Judea that are in Christ knew what I looked like" or "None of the people in the churches of Judea that are in Christ had ever met me"
"They only knew what they heard others saying about me"
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1 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up because of a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I spoke privately to those who seemed to be important, in order to make sure that I was not running—or had not run—in vain. 3 But not even Titus, who was with me and who was a Greek, was forced to be circumcised. 4 The false brothers came in secretly to spy on the liberty we have in Christ Jesus. They desired to enslave us, 5 but we did not yield in submission to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you. 6 But those who seemed to be important (whatever they were does not matter to me, God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed important added nothing to me. 7 On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to those who are uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to those who are circumcised. 8 For God, who worked in Peter for the apostleship to those who are circumcised, also worked in me to the Gentiles. 9 When James, Cephas, and John, who had a reputation as pillars, recognized the grace that had been given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles and they should go to the circumcised. 10 They requested only that we remember the poor, the very thing that I was eager to do.
11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face because he stood condemned. 12 Before certain men came from James, Cephas was eating with the Gentiles. But when these men came, he stopped and kept away from the Gentiles. He was afraid of those who were demanding circumcision. 13 Also the rest of the Jews joined in this hypocrisy. Even Barnabas was led astray with them by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their behavior was not following the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of all of them, "If you are a Jew but are living like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?" 15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16 yet we know that no person is justified by the works of the law but through faith in Christ Jesus. So we also have believed in Christ Jesus so that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law. For by the works of the law no flesh will be justified. 17 But if, while we seek to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a minister of sin? Absolutely not! 18 For if I rebuild those things I once destroyed, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ. [1]20 It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, then Christ died for nothing!
Paul continues to defend the true gospel. This began in Galatians 1:11.
The law of Moses required Jewish males to be circumcised. The Jews called Gentiles "the uncircumcised."
Paul introduces these ideas in Galatians 2:4. He uses the metaphor of slavery for people who are obligated to obey the law of Moses. He uses the metaphor of freedom, or liberty, for people who are not obligated to obey the law of Moses because they trust in Jesus Christ to make them righteous.
When Paul says that false brothers wanted to make the believers slaves, he is referring to Jews who claimed to be Christians and who wanted to convince Gentile Christians to obey the law of Moses.
Jews normally did not eat with Gentiles because Gentiles did not obey the law of Moses. Cephas knew that Gentile Christians are not obligated to obey the law of Moses, and because of this, he knew that it was permissible to eat with them. However, when some men came saying that Gentile Christians are obligated to obey the law, Cephas stopped eating with the Gentiles Christians, as if he, too, believed that they need to obey the law of Moses. Paul rebuked Cephas for treating the Gentile Christians like that.
Paul continues to give the history of how he learned the gospel from God, not the apostles.
"traveled." Jerusalem is located in hilly country. The Jews also viewed Jerusalem as the place on earth that is closest to heaven, so Paul may have been speaking figuratively, or it may be that it was reflecting the difficult, uphill, journey to get to Jerusalem.
"the most important leaders among the believers"
Paul uses running as a metaphor for work. Alternate translation: "I was doing, or had done, profitable work"
"for no benefit" or "for nothing"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to have someone circumcise him"
"People who pretended to be Christians came into the church," or "People who pretended to be Christians came among us"
secretly watch people to see how they live in liberty
freedom
"These spies desired" or "These false brothers wanted"
"to make us slaves to the law." Paul is speaking about being forced to follow the Jewish rituals that the law commanded. He is speaking about this as if it were slavery. The most important ritual was circumcision. Alternate translation: "to force us to obey the law"
"submit" or "listen"
The word "me" here represents what Paul was teaching. Alternate translation: "added nothing to what I teach" or "did not tell me to add anything to what I teach"
"Instead" or "Rather"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God trusted me ... God trusted Peter"
"had been given the responsibility of preaching the gospel to those"
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A pillar is a post that supports a building. This is a metaphor meaning important leaders. Alternate translation: "who were known to be important leaders" or "who were known to be important leaders of the church"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "recognized the grace that God had given to me"
The abstract noun "grace" can be translated with the phrase "be kind." Alternate translation: "that God had been kind to me"
Grasping and shaking the right hand was a symbol of fellowship. Alternate translation: "welcomed ... as fellow workers" or "welcomed ... with honor"
You may need to make explicit what about the poor he was to remember. Alternate translation: "remember to take care of the needs of the poor"
The words "to his face" are a metonym for "where he could see and hear me." Alternate translation: "I confronted him in person" or "I challenged his actions in person"
in relation to time
"he stopped eating with them"
The reason Cephas was afraid can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "He was afraid that these men who required circumcision would judge that he was doing something wrong" or "He was afraid that these men who required circumcision would blame him for doing something wrong"
Jews who had become Christians, but who demanded that those who believe in Christ live according to Jewish customs
"stayed away from" or "avoided"
Paul calls Peter's staying away from the Gentiles "this hypocrisy" because Peter was pretending to be like those Jews who say that Gentile Christians have to be circumcised.
Here to be "led astray" is a metaphor for being persuaded to do something wrong. Alternate translation: "Even Barnabas was persuaded to be a hypocrite because of them"
"they were not living according to the truth of the gospel"
This rhetorical question is a rebuke and can be translated as a statement. The word "you" is singular and refers to Peter. Alternate translation: "you are wrong to force the Gentiles to live like Jews."
Possible meanings are 1) force by using words or 2) persuade.
Paul tells the believers that Jews who know the law, as well as Gentiles who do not know the law, are saved only by faith in Christ and not by keeping the law.
"not those whom the Jews call Gentile sinners"
This probably refers to Paul and others but not to the Galatians, who were primarily Gentiles.
The word "flesh" is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "no person"
The phrase "justified in Christ" means justified because we are united with Christ and justified by means of Christ.
The words "were found to be" are an idiom that emphasizes that "we are" certainly sinners. Alternate translation: "we see that we also certainly are sinners"
"Of course, that is not true!" This expression gives the strongest possible negative answer to the preceding rhetorical question "Does Christ become a servant of sin?" You may have a similar expression in your language that you could use here.
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This is an important title for Jesus.
"I do not reject the grace of God" or "I do not consider God's grace to be worthless"
Paul is speaking of God's kindness to us. Christ died for us so that we can be justified.
Paul uses this statement to argue that righteousness cannot be gained through the law. If it could be then there was no need for Christ to die to give us righteousness, because we could gain it ourselves by obeying the law.
"if people could become righteous by obeying the law"
"then Christ would have accomplished nothing by dying"
1 Foolish Galatians! Who has put a spell on you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly displayed as crucified. 2 This is the only thing I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now going to be perfected by the flesh? 4 Have you suffered so many things for nothing—if indeed it was for nothing? 5 Does he who gives the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by the works of the law or by the hearing of faith? 6 Just as Abraham "believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness," 7 in the same way, understand, then, that those of faith are the children of Abraham. 8 The scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "In you all the nations will be blessed." 9 So then, those of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. 10 All who rely on the works of the law are under a curse; and so it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all the things written in the book of the law, and do them." 11 Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because "the righteous will live by faith." 12 But the law is not of faith, rather, "The person who does the works of the law must live by them." 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"— 14 so that the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
15 Brothers, let me speak in human terms. Once a man-made contract is established by law, no one can set it aside or add to it. 16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his descendant. It does not say, "to descendants," referring to many, but instead to only one, "and to your descendant," who is Christ. 17 Now what I am saying is this: The law, which came 430 years afterward, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God, to nullify the promise. 18 For if the inheritance comes by the law, then it no longer comes by promise. But God freely gave it to Abraham by a promise. 19 What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions until the descendant of Abraham would come to whom the promise had been made. The law was ordained through angels by the hand of an intermediary. 20 Now an intermediary implies more than one person. But God is one. 21 So is the law against the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. 22 But the scripture imprisoned everything under sin so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until faith should be revealed. 24 So then the law became our guardian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. 26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 Then if you are Christ's, you are Abraham's descendants, and heirs according to promise.
All Christians are equally united to Christ. Ancestry, gender, and status do not matter. All are equal with each other. All are equal in the eyes of God.
Paul uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter. He uses them to convince the Galatians of their sin. (See: and sin)
This is a complex issue. "Flesh" is possibly a metaphor for our sinful nature. Paul is not teaching that the physical part of man is sinful. "Flesh" is used in this chapter to contrast with that which is spiritual. (See: flesh)
Scholars are divided on what this means. Some believe Christians inherit the promises that God gave to Abraham, so Christians replace the physical descendants of Israel. Others believe Christians spiritually follow Abraham, but they do not inherit the promises that God gave to Abraham. In light of Paul's other teachings and the context here, Paul is probably writing about the Jewish and Gentile Christians sharing the same faith as Abraham did.
Paul is rebuking the Galatians by asking rhetorical questions.
Paul reminds the believers in Galatia that God gave them his Spirit when they believed the gospel, not because they obeyed his law.
Paul is using irony and a rhetorical question to say that the Galatians are acting as though someone has put a spell on them. He does not really believe that someone has put a spell on them. Alternate translation: "You behave as if someone has put a spell on you!"
"done magic on you" or "done witchcraft on you"
Paul speaks of his clear teaching of Jesus being crucified as if he had put on public display a picture of Jesus being crucified. And he speaks of the Galatians having heard his teaching as if they had seen the picture. Alternate translation: "You yourselves heard the clear teaching about Jesus being crucified"
This continues the irony from verse 1. Paul knows the answers to the rhetorical questions he is about to ask.
Translate this rhetorical question as a question if you can, because the reader will be expecting a question here. Also, be sure that the reader knows that the answer to the question is "by the hearing of faith," not "by doing what the law says." Alternate translation: "You received the Spirit, not by doing what the law says, but by the hearing of faith."
"believing what you heard"
This rhetorical question shows that Paul is surprised and even angry that the Galatians are foolish. Alternate translation: "You are very foolish!"
The word "flesh" is a metonym for effort. Alternate translation: "by your own effort" or "by your own work"
Paul uses this question to rebuke the Galatians for behaving as though their faith in Christ and their suffering for it were for nothing. Alternate translation: "You have suffered so many things: Do not let it be for nothing!" or "You suffered so many things from those who opposed your faith in Christ. If you now think that righteousness comes by obeying the law, then your suffering was for nothing!"
The Galatians had believed that God makes people righteous because they trust in Jesus Christ, not because they obey the law. Because of this, they suffered many things from those who opposed their faith in Christ.
"uselessly" or "without benefit to you"
Paul asks another rhetorical question to remind the Galatians how people receive the Spirit. Alternate translation: "He ... does not do it by the works of the law; he does it by hearing with faith."
This represents people doing the works that the law requires. Alternate translation: "because you do what the law tells us to do"
Your language may require that what the people heard and whom they trusted be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "because you heard the message and had faith in Jesus" or "because you listened to the message and trusted in Jesus"
Paul reminds the Galatian believers that even Abraham received righteousness by faith and not by the law.
God saw Abraham's faith in God, so then God considered Abraham righteous.
"those who have faith." The meaning of the noun "faith" can be expressed with the verb "believe." Alternate translation: "those who believe"
This represents people whom God views as he viewed Abraham. Alternate translation: "righteous in the same way that Abraham was righteous"
Because God's promise to Abraham was written in the scripture before Christ fulfilled the promise, the scripture is like someone who knows the future before it happens and who preaches the gospel. Alternate translation: "In the scripture, God showed before it happened ... faith, and he presented the gospel"
The word "you" refers to Abraham. Ultimately God would bless the nations through one of Abraham's descendants. Alternate translation: "Because of you" or "Through you"
"all the people-groups in the world." God was showing that his plan of salvation was not only for the Jewish people, but for both Jews and non-Jews.
Possible meanings are 1) Abraham was the man who believed and trusted in God or 2) Abraham was faithful to God.
Being under a curse represents being cursed. Here it refers to being eternally punished. "Those who rely on ... the law are cursed" or "God will eternally punish those who rely on ... the law"
"what the law says we must do"
What is clear can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "The scriptures are clear" or "The scriptures teach clearly"
This can be stated with an active verb. Alternate translation: "God justifies no one by the law"
Paul is correcting their belief that if they obeyed the law, God would justify them. Alternate translation: "no one is justified before God by obeying the law" or "God does not justify anyone for their obedience to the law"
The nominal adjective "righteous" refers to righteous people. Alternate translation: "righteous people will live by faith"
Possible meanings are 1) "must obey them all" or 2) "will be judged by his ability to do what the law demands."
Paul reminds these believers again that keeping the law could not save a person and that the law did not add a new condition to the promise by faith given to Abraham.
The noun "curse" can be expressed with the verb "curse." Alternate translation: "from being cursed because of the law" or "from being cursed for not obeying the law"
The word "curse" here is a metonym for God condemning the person whom he has cursed. Alternate translation: "from us having God condemn us because we broke the law ... having God condemn him instead of us ... God condemns everyone"
Paul expected his audience to understand that he was referring to Jesus hanging on the cross.
"and because Christ became a curse for us, the blessing of Abraham will come"
Possible meanings are 1) this is because Christ became a curse for us. Alternate translation: "and because Christ became a curse for us, we will receive by faith" or 2) this is because the blessing in Abraham came in Christ Jesus. Alternate translation: "and because the blessing in Abraham came in Christ Jesus, we will receive by faith"
The word "we" includes the people who would read the letter and so is inclusive.
See how you translated this in Galatians 1:2.
"as a person" or "of things most people understand"
This word shows that Paul has stated a general principle and is now beginning to introduce a specific case.
"referring to many descendants"
The word "your" is singular and refers to a specific person, who is a particular descendant of Abraham
In some languages it might be strange to speak of a law coming or setting aside a covenant. It might be clearer to make explicit who gave the law. Alternate translation: "When God gave the law 430 years later, he did not set aside the covenant that he had previously established"
"cancel"
"four hundred and thirty years"
"God; that is, it does not nullify the promise"
"to make the promise worthless" or "to make things as if the promise had never been made"
Paul uses this argument to show that the inheritance does not come by obeying the law but by believing God's promise. Alternate translation: "If people could receive the inheritance by obeying the law, then it would no longer be true that people receive the inheritance by believing God's promise"
Paul speaks of what God has promised to give to believers as if it were an inheritance of property and wealth from a family member. Aternate translation: "the gift"
Paul tells the believers in Galatia why God gave the law.
Paul uses a rhetorical question to introduce the next topic he wants to discuss. It can also be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I will tell you what the purpose of the law is." or "Let me tell you why God gave the law."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God added it" or "God added the law"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God ordained the law through angels" or "God gave the law through angels"
The words "by the hand of" are a metonym for the intermediary himself. An intermediary represents one person to another. Paul was probably talking about Moses, who represented God to the people of Israel. Alternate translation "by an intermediary" or "by his representative, Moses"
An intermediary represents one person to another. Alternate translation: “Now if we say that there was an intermediary, that means that there must have been more than one person.”
representative
Paul uses this statement to contrast the law and the promise. Paul seems to be saying that the promise is superior to the law since God used an intermediary to give the law, but he did not use an intermediary when he made the promise. “God is one” is an important statement from the Old Testament, so it would be best to translate it as Paul wrote it. If this does not make sense in your language, you could translate it as "God is one God."
"opposed to the promises" or "in conflict with the promises"
This can be stated in active form, and the abstract noun "life" can be translated with the verb "live." Alternate translation: "if God had given a law that enabled those who kept it to live"
"we could have become righteous by obeying that law"
The idea of being imprisoned under sin represents being controlled by sin. Possible meanings are 1) “the scripture caused everyone to be controlled by sin” or 2) “the scripture says that everyone is controlled by sin.”
The word “promise” represents what God promised. Alternate translation: “what God promised to those who have faith in Christ”
Paul reminds those in Galatia that believers are free in God's family, not slaves under the law.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the law held us captive and we were in prison" or "the law held us captive in prison"
The way the law controlled us is spoken of as if the law were a prison guard holding us as captives. Alternate translation: "the law controlled us like a prison guard"
This can be stated in active form, and who this faith is in can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "until God would reveal that he justifies those who have faith in Christ" or "until God would reveal that he justifies those who trust in Christ"
More than simply "one who gives oversight to a child," this was usually a slave who was responsible for enforcing rules and behaviors given by the parent and would report to the parent on the child's actions.
"until the time when Christ came"
Before Christ came, God had planned to justify us. When Christ came, he carried out his plan to justify us. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that God would declare us to be righteous"
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"For all of you who were baptized into Christ"
Possible meanings are 1) this is a metaphor meaning that they have been united to Christ. Alternate translation: "have become united with Christ" or "belong to Christ" or 2) this is a metaphor meaning that they have become like Christ. Alternate translation: "have become like Christ"
"God sees no difference between Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female"
The people to whom God has made promises are spoken of as if they were to inherit property and wealth from a family member.
1 I am saying that the heir, for whatever time he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is owner of the entire estate. 2 But he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3 So also, when we were children, we were enslaved to the elemental principles of the world. 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent out his Son, born of a woman, born under the law 5 so that he might redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, who cries out, "Abba, Father." 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then you are also an heir through God.
8 But at that time, when you did not know God, you were made to be slaves to those who are, by their natural powers, not gods at all. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather that you are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to the weak and worthless elemental principles? Do you want to be enslaved all over again? 10 You observe days and new moons and seasons and years! 11 I am afraid for you that somehow my labor with you may have been for nothing.
12 I beg you, brothers, become like me, for I also have become like you. You did me no wrong. 13 But you know that it was because of a disease of the flesh that I proclaimed the gospel to you the first time, 14 and though my physical condition put you to the test, you did not despise or reject me. Instead you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. 15 Where then is your blessing now? For I testify to you that, if it were possible, you would have torn out your own eyes and given them to me. 16 So then, have I become your enemy because I am telling you the truth? 17 They are zealous to win you over, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out so you may be zealous for them. 18 It is always good to be zealous for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you. 19 My little children, again I am suffering the pains of childbirth for you until Christ is formed in you. 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you.
21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave girl and one by the free woman. 23 One was born by the slave girl according to the flesh, but the other was born by the free woman through promise. 24 These things may be interpreted as an allegory, for these women represent two covenants. One of them is from Mount Sinai and she bears children into slavery. This is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar represents Mount Sinai in Arabia; and she represents the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written,
"Rejoice, you barren one who does not give birth;
cry out and shout for joy,
you who are not suffering the pains of childbirth;
because the children of the desolate woman are more numerous
than those of the woman who has a husband."
28 But you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 At that time the one who was born according to the flesh persecuted the one born according to the Spirit. It is the same now. 30 But what does the scripture say? "Send away the slave girl and her son. For the son of the slave girl will not share in the inheritance with the son of the free woman." 31 Therefore, brothers, we are not children of a slave girl, but of the free woman.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verse 27, which is quoted from the Old Testament.
Sonship is a complex issue. Scholars have many views on Israel's sonship. Paul uses sonship to teach how being under the law differs from being free in Christ. Not all of Abraham's physical descendants inherited God's promises to him. Only his descendants through Isaac and Jacob inherited the promises. And God only adopts into his family those who follow Abraham spiritually through faith. They are children of God with an inheritance. Paul calls them "children of promise." (See: inherit, promise, spirit and faith and adoption)
"Abba" is an Aramaic word. In ancient Israel, people used it to informally refer to their fathers. Paul "transliterates" its sounds by writing them with Greek letters.
Paul continues to remind the Galatian believers that Christ came to redeem those who were under the law, and that he changed them from being slaves into being sons.
"the same as"
people with legal responsibility for children
people whom others trust to control what is valuable, in this case children
The word "we" here refers to all Christians, including Paul's readers.
Here "children" is a metaphor for being spiritually immature. Alternate translation: "when we were like children"
Here "enslaved" is a metaphor for being unable to stop one's self from doing something. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the elemental principles of the world controlled us" or "we had to obey the elemental principles of the world as if we were slaves"
These words could refer to 1) the laws or moral principles of the world, or 2) spiritual powers that some people thought control what happens on earth.
This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
Paul uses the metaphor of a person buying back lost property or buying the freedom of a slave as a picture of Jesus paying for his people's sins by dying on the cross.
Paul uses the word for male children here because the subject is inheritance. In his culture and that of his readers, inheritance passed most commonly, but not always, to male children. He was neither specifying nor excluding female children here.
By crying out "Abba, Father" the Spirit assures us that we are God's children and he loves us.
The heart is metonym for the part of a person that thinks and feels. Alternate translation: "God has sent his Son's Spirit to show us how to think and act"
This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
The Spirit is the one who cries.
This is the way a young child would address his father in Paul's home language, but not in the language of the Galatian readers. To keep the sense of a foreign language, translate this as a word that sounds as much like "Abba" as your language allows.
Paul uses the word for male child here because the subject is inheritance. In his culture and that of his readers, inheritance passed most commonly, but not always, to male children. He was neither specifying nor excluding female children here.
Paul is addressing his readers as though they are one person, so "you" here is singular.
The people to whom God has made promises are spoken of as if they were to inherit property and wealth from a family member.
Paul continues to rebuke the Galatians by asking rhetorical questions.
Paul reminds the Galatian believers that they are again trying to live under God's laws rather than living by faith.
"those things that are" or "those spirits who are"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God knows you"
Here "turning back to" is a metaphor for starting to pay attention to something again. This is the first of two rhetorical questions. Alternate translation: "you should not start paying attention to ... principles." or "you should not be concerned with ... principles."
See how you translated this phrase in Galatians 4:3.
Paul uses this question to rebuke the people for behaving in a way that would make them like slaves. Alternate translation: "It seems that you want to be slaves again." or "You behave as though you wanted to be like slaves again."
Here being "enslaved" is a metaphor for being obligated to obey certain rules or customs. Alternate translation: "Do you want to have to obey rules again like a slave has to obey his master?" or "It seems that you want to be controlled all over again!"
Paul is speaking of their being careful to celebrate certain times, thinking that doing that will make them right with God. Alternate translation: "You carefully celebrate days and new moons and seasons and years"
"may have been useless" or "has not had any effect"
Paul reminds the Galatian believers how kindly they treated him when he was with them, and he encourages them to continue to trust him while he is not there with them.
Here this means to ask or urge strongly. This is not the word used to ask for money or food or physical objects.
See how you translated this in Galatians 1:2.
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "You treated me well" or "You treated me as you should have"
"physical disease" or "disease of the body"
"and though it was difficult for you to see me so physically ill"
Paul was speaking about a health problem that he had. We do not know what the problem was.
hate very much
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"to convince you to join them"
"to shut you out from us" or "to make you stop being loyal to us"
"zealous to do what they tell you to do"
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Paul tells believers that grace and law cannot work together.
This is a metaphor for disciples or followers. Alternate translation: "You who are disciples because of me"
Paul uses childbirth as a metaphor for his concern about the Galatians. Alternate translation: "I am in pain as though I were a woman having to give birth to you, and I will continue to be in pain until Christ truly controls you"
Paul wishes he could sound happy instead of sounding angry or confused. Alternate Translation: "change the way I sound" or "change the way I am speaking to you" or "speak to you differently"
Paul is introducing what he will say next. Alternate translation: "I want to tell you something, you ... law; you need to learn what the law really says." or "Let me tell you who ... law what the law really says."
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Paul begins a story to illustrate a truth—that law and grace cannot exist together.
"This story of the two sons is like a picture of what I will tell you now"
An "allegory" is a story in which the people and things in it represent other things. In Paul's allegory, the two women referred to in Galatians 4:22 represent two covenants.
"women are a picture of"
"Mount Sinai" here is a synecdoche for the law that Moses gave to the Israelites there. Alternate translation: "Mount Sinai, where Moses gave the law to Israel"
Paul treats the law as if it were a person. Alternate translation: "the people under this covenant are like slaves who have to obey the law"
"she is a picture of"
Hagar is a slave and her children are slaves with her. Alternate translation: "Jerusalem, like Hagar, is a slave, and her children are slaves with her"
"is not bound" or "is not a slave"
be happy
Here "you" refers to the barren woman and is singular.
See how you translated this in Galatians 1:2.
Possible meanings are that the Galatians have become God's children 1) by believing God's promise or 2) because God worked miracles to fulfill his promises to Abraham, first by giving Abraham a son and then by making the Galatians children of Abraham and thus sons of God.
This refers to Abraham's becoming Ishmael's father by taking Hagar as a wife. Alternate translation: "by means of human action" or "because of what people did"
"because of something the Spirit did"
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See how you translated this in Galatians 1:2.
The words "we are children" are understood from the previous phrase. This can be translated as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: "of a slave girl. Rather, we are children of the free woman"
1 For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not again be subject to a yoke of slavery.
2 Look, I, Paul, say to you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will not benefit you in any way. 3 I testify again to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4 You are cut off from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you no longer experience grace. 5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6 In Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has value, but only faith working through love. 7 You were running well. Who prevented you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion does not come from him who calls you! 9 A little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough. 10 I have confidence in the Lord that you will think nothing different. The one who is troubling you will suffer the judgment, whoever he is. 11 Brothers, if I still proclaim circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the stumbling block of the cross has been removed. 12 As for those who are disturbing you, I wish they would cut themselves off!
13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. But do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You must love your neighbor as yourself." 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh. For these oppose each other, so that you cannot do the things you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, rivalry, dissension, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, drunken celebrations, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 gentleness, and self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26 Let us not become boastful, provoking one another, envying one another.
Paul continues writing about the law of Moses as if it were something that traps or enslaves a person. (See: lawofmoses)
The phrase "the fruit of the Spirit" is not plural, even though it begins a list of several things. Translators should keep the singular form if possible. (See: fruit)
Paul uses several metaphors in this chapter to illustrate his points and help explain complicated issues.
Some scholars think Paul teaches that being circumcised causes a person to lose their salvation. Other scholars think Paul means that obeying the law to try to get right with God will keep a person from being saved by grace. (See: grace)
Paul applies the allegory in the previous chapter by reminding the believers to use their liberty in Christ because all the law is fulfilled in loving neighbors as ourselves.
"It is so that we can be free that Christ has set us free." It is implied that Christ sets believers free from the old covenant. Here freedom from the old covenant is a metaphor for not being obligated to obey it. Alternate translation: "Christ has set us free from the old covenant so that we might be free" or "Christ has set us free so that we might live as free poeple"
Standing firm here represents being determined not to change. How they are not to change can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Do not give in to the arguments of people who teach something else" or "Be determined to stay free"
Here being under control of a yoke of slavery represents being obligated to obey the law. Alternate translation: "do not live like one who is under the control of a yoke of slavery to the law"
Paul is using circumcision as a metonym for Judaism. Alternate translation: "if you turn to the Jewish religion"
"I declare" or "I serve as a witness"
Paul is using circumcision as a metonym for being Jewish. Alternate translation: "to every person who has become a Jew"
"he must obey"
Here "cut off" is a metaphor for separation from Christ. Alternate translation: "You have ended your relationship with Christ" or "You are no longer united with Christ"
Paul is speaking ironically here. He actually teaches that no one can be justified by trying to do the deeds required by the law. Alternate translation: "all you who think you can be justified by doing the deeds required by the law" or "you who want to be justified by the law"
Who that grace comes from can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "God will not be gracious to you"
Here the word "we" refers to Paul and those who oppose the circumcision of Christians. He is probably including the Galatians.
"This is because through the Spirit"
Possible meanings are 1) "we are waiting by faith for the hope of righteousness" or 2) "we are waiting for the hope of righteousness that comes by faith."
"We wait with excitement" or "we wait with great desire"
They confidently expect that God will make them righteous. Alternate translation: "for the righteousness that we hope for" or "for the righteousness that we confidently expect to receive"
These are metonymy for being a Jew or a non-Jew. Alternate translation: "neither being a Jew nor not being a Jew"
"neither ... has value; rather, God is concerned with our faith in him, which we show by loving others"
"has meaning" or "gives value to a person" or "makes God think a person is important"
"You were practicing what Jesus taught"
"The one who persuades you to do that is not God, the one who calls you"
What he calls them to can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "the one who calls you to be his people"
To persuade someone is to get that person to change what he believes and so to act differently.
Paul uses this proverb to mean that a small part of something affects the whole thing. In this case, one person who is teaching something false can harm the entire Christian community.
"you will not believe anything different from what I am telling you"
"God will punish the one who is troubling you"
"is causing you to be uncertain about what is truth" or "stirs up trouble among you"
Possible meanings are 1) Paul does not know the names of the people who are telling the Galatians that they need to obey the law of Moses or 2) Paul does not want the Galatians to care about whether those who "confuse" them are rich or poor or great or small or religious or not religious.
Paul uses this rhetorical question to show the evidence that he is not proclaiming circumcision. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "Brothers, you can see that I am not proclaiming circumcision because I am still being persecuted."
See how you translated this in Galatians 1:2.
"if I still proclaim that men have to be circumcised"
This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "why are the Jews still persecuting me?" (See:
Paul is describing a situation that has not happened as evidence that he does not preach circumcision. Since the stumbling block of the cross has not been removed, that is evidence that Paul does not preach circumcision.
Paul had just said that he was still being persecuted. Here he implies that if the offense of the cross were removed, the Jews would have no reason to persecute him. The relationship between the two sentences can be made clearer by making this implied information explicit. Alternate translation: "If I am still preaching circumcision, then the stumbling block of the cross has been removed, and there is no reason for the Jews to persecute me"
"If I were still proclaiming circumcision" or "If I were still saying that people need to be circumcised"
This can be expressed without the passive form. Alternate translation: "the cross would no longer be a stumbling block" or "the cross would no longer cause people to stumble"
Here the words "stumbling block" are a metaphor for something that angers or offends some people and leads them to reject the truth. In this case, teaching that people are saved by "the cross" offends those who believe a person is saved by obeying the law. These people "stumble" when they reject the teaching about the cross.
Here "the cross" is a metonym for the teaching that because Jesus Christ died on the cross and is alive again, God saves people who believe in Christ. People do not have to be circumcised or become Jews. Alternate translation: "the message about the cross"
Possible meanings are 1) literal, to cut off their male organs so as to become eunuchs or 2) metaphorical, completely withdraw from the Christian community.
Paul is giving the reason for his words in Galatians 5:12.
This can be expressed in an active form. Alternate translation: "Christ has called you to freedom"
It is implied that Christ has set believers free from the old covenant. Here freedom from the old covenant is a metaphor for not being obligated to obey it. Alternate translation: "You were called to freedom from the old covenant" or "Christ has chosen you to not be obligated to the old covenant"
See how you translated this in Galatians 1:2.
The word "flesh" here is a metonym for people's sinful nature. The relationship between the opportunity and the sinful nature can be stated more clearly. Alternate translation: "an opportunity for you to behave according to your sinful nature"
The word "word" here is a metonym for a commandment. Possible meanings are 1) "you can state the whole law in just one commandment, which is this" or 2) "by obeying one commandment, you obey all the commandments, and that one commandment is this."
The words "you," "your," and "yourself" are all singular.
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Paul explains how the Spirit gives control over sin.
Walking is a metaphor for living. Alternate translation: "conduct your life in the power of the Holy Spirit" or "live your life in dependence on the Spirit"
"you will not do what your sinful nature desires" or "you will not do the sinful things that you, a sinner, want to do"
The word "flesh" here is a metonym for the sinful nature and is spoken of as if it were a person and wanted to sin. Alternate translation: "what you want to do because of your sinful nature" or "the things you want to do because you are sinful"
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"not obligated to obey the law of Moses"
The word "flesh" here is a metonym for the sinful nature. The sinful nature is spoken of as if it were a person who does things. The abstract noun "works" can be translated with the verb "does." Alternate translation: "the things the sinful nature does" or "the things people do because of their sinful nature" or "the things people do because they are sinful"
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Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member.
Here "fruit" here is a metaphor for "result" or "outcome." Alternate translation: "what the Spirit produces is love ... faith" or "the Spirit produces in God's people love ... faith"
The list of characteristics described as "the fruit of the Spirit," which begins in the previous verse with the words "love, joy, peace," ends here. The word "fruit" is a metaphor for "result" or "outcome."
Paul speaks of the sinful nature of Christians who have refused to live by it as if it were a person and they have killed it on a cross. Alternate translation: "refuse to live according the sinful nature with its passions and desires, as if they killed it on a cross"
The word "flesh" here is a metonym for the sinful nature. The sinful nature is spoken of as if it were a person that had passions and desires. Alternate translation: "their sinful nature and the things they strongly want to do because of it"
If your language does not have different words for "passions" and "desires," you can treat this as a hendiadys or doublet that simply emphasizes the idea of desires that are wrong, that harm the one who desires and if fulfilled would harm other people.
"Since God's Spirit has caused us to be alive"
"Walk" here is a metaphor for living every day. Alternate translation: "allow the Holy Spirit to guide us so we do things that please and honor God"
"We should"
1 Brothers, if someone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Be concerned about yourself, so you also may not be tempted. 2 Carry one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Each one should examine his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in someone else. 5 For each one will carry his own burden.
6 The one who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man plants, that he will also reap. 8 For he who plants seed to his own flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction. The one who plants seed to the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the right time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the household of faith.
11 See what large letters I write to you with my own hand. 12 Those who want to make a good impression in the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. They do this only to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For not even those who circumcised themselves keep the law, but they want you to be circumcised so that they may boast about your flesh. 14 But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but what counts is a new creation. 16 To all who walk according to this standard, peace and mercy be upon them, even upon the Israel of God.
17 From now on let no one trouble me, for I carry on my body the marks of Jesus.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.
This chapter concludes Paul's letter. His final words address some issues that do not seem to be connected to the rest of his letter.
Paul writes the words in this chapter to Christians. He calls them "brothers." This refers to Paul's Christian brothers and not his Jewish brothers.
People who are born again are a new creation in Christ. Christians have been given new life in Christ. They have a new nature in them after they come to faith in Christ. To Paul, this is more significant than a person's ancestry. (See: bornagain and faith)
This is a complex issue. "Flesh" is contrasted with "spirit." In this chapter, flesh is also used to refer to the physical body. (See: flesh and sin and spirit)
Paul teaches believers how they should treat other believers and how God rewards.
See how you translated this in Galatians 1:2.
"if anyone among you"
Possible meanings are 1) someone else found that person in the act. Alternate translation: "if someone is discovered in an act of sin" or 2) that person committed the sin without intending to do evil. Alternate translation: "if someone gave in and sinned"
"those of you who are guided by the Spirit" or "you who are living in the guidance of the Spirit"
"correct the person who sinned" or "exhort the person who sinned to return to a correct relationship with God"
Possible meanings are 1) that the Spirit is directing the one who is offering correction or 2) "with an attitude of gentleness" or "in a kind way."
These words treat the Galatians as though they are all one person to emphasize that he is talking to each of them. Alternate translation: "Be concerned about yourselves ... tempted." or "I say to each one of you, 'Be concerned about yourself, ... tempted.'"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that nothing will tempt you also to sin"
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"Because if." The words that follow tell why the Galatians should 1) "carry one other's burdens" (Galatians 6:2) or 2) be careful that they themselves are not tempted (Galatians 6:1) or 3) "not become conceited" (Galatians 5:26).
"he is someone important" or "he is better than others"
"he is not important" or "he is not better than others"
"Each person must"
"each person will be judged by his own work only" or "each person will be responsible for his own work only"
"each person will"
"The person"
"the message," everything God has said or commanded
Planting represents doing things that end in some kind of result, and gathering in represents experiencing the results of what one has done. Alternate translation: "for just as a farmer gathers in the fruit of whatever kind of seeds he plants, so everyone experiences the results of whatever he does"
Paul is not specifying males here. Alternate translation: "whatever a person plants" or "whatever someone plants"
Planting seeds is a metaphor for doing deeds that will have consequences later. In this case, the person is doing sinful actions because of his sinful nature. Alternate translation: "plants seed according to what he wants because of his sinful nature" or "does the things he wants to do because of his sinful nature"
God punishing the person is spoken of as if the person were harvesting a crop. Alternate translation: "will receive punishment for what he did"
Planting seeds is a metaphor for doing deeds that will have consequences later. In this case, the person is doing good actions because he is listening to God's Spirit. Alternate translation: "does the things God's Spirit loves"
"will receive eternal life as a reward from God's Spirit"
"We should continue to do good"
doing good to others for their well-being
"for in due time" or "because at the time God has chosen"
"As a result of this" or "Because of this"
"most of all to those" or "in particular to those"
"those who are members of God's family through faith in Christ"
As Paul closes this letter, he gives one more reminder that the law does not save and that the Galatians should remember the cross of Christ.
This can mean that Paul wants to emphasize 1) the statements that follow or 2) that this letter came from him.
Possible meanings are 1) Paul probably had a helper who wrote most of this letter as Paul told him what to write, but Paul himself wrote this last part of the letter or 2) Paul wrote the whole letter himself.
"cause others to think well of them" or "cause others to think that they are good people"
"with visible evidence" or "by their own efforts"
"to force" or "to strongly influence"
"so that the Jews will not persecute them for claiming that the cross of Christ alone is what saves people"
These words are a metonym for faith that Christ died on the cross so God would forgive his people's sins. Alternate translation: "believing that God forgives his people's sins because Jesus died on the cross"
"so that they may be proud that they have added you to the people who try to keep the law"
"I do not ever want to boast in anything other than the cross" or "May I boast only in the cross"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I think of the world as already dead" or "I treat the world like a criminal God has killed on a cross"
The words "have been crucified" are understood from the phrase before this. Alternate translation: "and I have been crucified to the world"
Possible meanings are 1) "the world thinks of me as already dead" or 2) "the world treats me like a criminal that God has killed on the cross"
Possible meanings are 1) the people of the world, those who care nothing for God or 2) the things that those who care nothing for God think are important.
"neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is important to God"
Possible meanings are 1) a new believer in Jesus Christ or 2) the new life of a believer.
The word "walk" here is a metaphor for living life, and a standard is something against which people measure other things. Alternate translation: "live this way"
Possible meanings are 1) that believers in general are the Israel of God or 2) "may peace and mercy be upon Gentile believers and upon the Israel of God" or 3) "may peace be upon those who follow the rule, and may mercy be upon even the Israel of God."
This can also mean "Lastly" or "As I end this letter."
Possible meanings are 1) Paul is commanding the Galatians not to trouble him, "I am commanding you this: do not trouble me," or 2) Paul is telling the Galatians that he is commanding all people not to trouble him, "I am commanding everyone this: do not trouble me," or 3) Paul is expressing a desire, "I do not want anyone to trouble me."
Possible meanings are 1) "speak of these matters to me" or 2) "cause me hardship" or "give me hard work."
These marks were scars from people who beat and whipped Paul because they did not like him teaching about Jesus. Alternate translation: "for the scars on my body show that I serve Jesus"
The word "your" here refers to the Galatians and so is plural. The words "your spirit" are a synecdoche and represent the people themselves. Alternate translation: "May our Lord Jesus Christ be kind to you"
See how you translated this in Galatians 1:2.
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, to God's holy people in Ephesus, who are faithful in Christ Jesus. [1]
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be praised, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. 4 God chose us in him from the foundation of the world, that we may be holy and blameless in his sight in love. 5 God predestined us [2] for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will. 6 Our adoption results in the praise of his glorious grace that he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In Jesus Christ we have redemption through his blood and the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. 8 He multiplied this grace to us with all wisdom and understanding. 9 God made known to us the mystery of his will, according to what pleased him, and which he demonstrated in Christ, 10 with a view to a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things together, all things in heaven and on earth, under one head, even Christ. 11 In Christ we were given an inheritance, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything according to the purpose of his will. 12 God appointed us as heirs so that we, who are the first to hope in Christ, would be for the praise of his glory. 13 In Christ, you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, you believed in him and were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.
15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God's holy people, 16 I have not stopped thanking God for you as I mention you in my prayers. 17 I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, will give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, that you may know the hope to which he has called you and the riches of his glorious inheritance among all God's holy people. 19 In my prayers I ask that you may know the incomparable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of the strength of his might. 20 This is the same power that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places. 21 He seated Christ far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named. Christ will rule, not only in this age, but also in the age to come. 22 God subjected all things under Christ's feet and gave him to the church as head over all things. 23 The church is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Paul structures part of this chapter like a prayer of praise to God. But Paul is not just talking to God. He is teaching the church in Ephesus. He also tells the Ephesians how he is praying for them.
Many scholars believe this chapter teaches on a subject known as "predestination." This is related to the biblical concept of "predestine." Some scholars take this to indicate that God has, from before the foundation of the world, chosen some people to eternally save. Christians have different views on what the Bible teaches on this subject. So translators need to take extra care when translating this chapter. (See: predestine)
Paul names himself as the writer of this letter to the believers at the church at Ephesus. Except where noted, all instances of "you" and "your" refers to the Ephesian believers as well as all believers and so are plural.
Your language may have a particular way of introducing the author of a letter and its intended audience. Alternate translation: "I, Paul, an apostle ... write this letter to you, God's holy people Ephesus"
"In Christ Jesus" and similar expressions are metaphors that frequently occur in the New Testament letters. They express the strongest kind of relationship possible between Christ and those who believe in him.
This is a common greeting and blessing that Paul often uses in his letters.
In this book, unless otherwise stated, the words "us" and "we" refer to Paul and the believers in Ephesus, as well as all believers.
Paul opens his letter by talking about the believers' position and their safety before God.
This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: "Let us praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ"
"for God has blessed us"
"every blessing coming from the Spirit of God"
"in the supernatural world." The word "heavenly" refers to the place where God is.
Possible meanings 1) the phrase "in Christ" refers to what Christ has done. Alternate translation: "through Christ" or "through what Christ has done" or 2) "in Christ" is a metaphor referring to our close relationship with Christ. Alternate translation: "by uniting us with Christ" or "because we are united with Christ"
The author speaks of the world as if it were a building set on a foundation. Alternate translation: "from the time he created the world"
Paul uses two similar words to emphasize moral goodness.
The word "us" refers to Paul, the Ephesian church, and all believers in Christ. Alternate translation: "God planned long ago to adopt us"
"God chose us ahead of time" or "God chose us long ago"
Here "adoption" refers to becoming part of God's family. Here the word "sons" refers to males and females. Alternate translation: "to be adopted as his children"
God brought believers into his family by the work of Jesus Christ.
"God's will"
The words "his" and "he" refer to God.
"he has kindly given to us by means of the One he loves"
"the One he loves, Jesus Christ" or "his Son, whom he loves"
Paul speaks of God's grace as if it were material wealth. Alternate translation: "greatness of God's grace" or "abundance of God's grace"
"He gave us this great amount of grace" or "He was extremely kind to us"
Possible meanings are 1) "because he has all wisdom and understanding" 2) "so that we might have great wisdom and understanding"
Possible meanings are 1) "because he wanted to make it known to us" or 2) "which was what he wanted."
"he demonstrated this purpose in Christ"
"by means of Christ"
A new sentence can be started here. If you start a new sentence here, you will need to end 1:9 with a period instead of a comma. Alternate translation: "He did this with a view to a plan" or "He did this, thinking about a plan"
"for when the time is right" or "for the time that he has appointed"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God gave us an inheritance, having predestined us according to his plan. For he works"
The pronoun "we" refer to Paul and the other Jewish believers, not to the Ephesian believers.
"the first people to hope in Christ." They confidently expected that Christ would fulfill God's promises. Alternate translation: "the first to trust in Christ"
Possible meanings are 1) other people would praise God because of the grace he had shown the believers (Ephesians 1:6). Alternate translation: "we, ... Christ, would live in a way that brings glory to God." or "people would praise God because of the glorious grace he showed us who ... Christ." Or 2) believers would praise God for his glory. Alternate translation: "so that we, ... Christ, would praise him for his glory as long as we live."
Paul has been speaking in the previous two verses about himself and the other Jewish believers, but now he begins speaking about the Ephesian believers.
Possible meanings are 1) "the message about the truth" or 2) "the true message."
Wax was placed on a letter and stamped with a symbol representing the person who wrote the letter. Paul uses this custom as a picture to show how God has used the Holy Spirit to assure us that we belong to him. Alternate translation: "God has sealed you with the Holy Spirit that he promised"
What God has promised and will provide is spoken of as though it were property or wealth that one would inherit from a family member. Alternate translation: "the guarantee that we will receive what God has promised"
The abstract nouns "redemption" and "possession" can be translated using the verbs "redeem" and "possess," respectively. Possible meanings of "possession" are 1) God possesses. Alternate translation: "God redeems us as his own people" Or 2) Christians possess. Alternate translation: "we take possession of our inheritance"
Paul prays for the Ephesian believers and praises God for the power that believers have through Christ.
Paul uses "not stopped" to emphasize that he continues to thank God. Alternate translation: "I continue to thank God"
"spiritual wisdom to understand his revelation"
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's mind. The phrase "eyes of your heart" is a metaphor for one's ability to gain understanding. Alternate translation: "that you may gain understanding and be enlightened"
This may be stated in the active tense. Alternate translation: that God may enlighten your heart" or "that God may enlighten your understanding"
"may be made to see"
Here "the hope" refers to what God wants us to confidently expect. Alternate translation: "what he has called you to confidently expect" or "what he has called you to confidently wait for"
to which he has invited you
What God has promised and will provide is spoken of as though it were property or wealth that one would inherit from a family member. Alternate translation: "the riches of all the glorious things he has promised to give to all God's holy people"
"all those whom he has set apart for himself" or "all those who belong completely to him"
God's power is far beyond all other power.
"for us who believe"
"the strength of his might that is at work for us"
"his mighty strength" or "his very great strength"
"made him alive again"
Here "the dead" is a nominal adjective that means all dead people together in the underworld. To be raised from among them means to become alive again. Alternate translation: "when he brought him back to life" or " when he caused him to be alive again"
The person who sits "at the right hand" of a king sits at his right side and rules with all the authority of the king at whose right hand or side he sits. This is a metonym of location that represents the authority that the person in that location possesses. Alternate translation: "gave him all authority to rule from heaven"
To sit at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "seated him in the place of honor and authority beside him"
"in the supernatural world." The word "heavenly" refers to the place where God is. See how you translated this in Ephesians 1:3.
Rulers, authorities, dominions, and powers are different terms for the ranks of supernatural beings, both angelic and demonic. Alternate translation: "far above all types of supernatural beings"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: Possible meanings are 1) "every name that man gives" or 2) "every name that God gives"
Possible meanings are 1) title or 2) position of authority.
"at this time"
"in the future"
Here "feet" represents Christ's lordship, authority, and power. Alternate translation: "put all things under Christ's power" or "made all things subject to Christ"
Here "head" refers to the leader or the one who is in charge. Alternate translation: "ruler over all things"
Just as with a human body, the head
Possible meanings are 1) the body is the fullness of Christ. This means Christ fills or gives to the church everything that he has to give, and Christ also fills all things in every way or 2) "the fullness" refers back to "him," that is, Christ in 1:22, and "him" in 1:23 refers to God the Father. This means the full deity of the Father dwells within Christ, and the Father fills all things in every way or 3) the body is the completion of Christ. This means that Christ as the "head" is completed by the church, which is "his body," and Christ fills all things in every way.
1 And as for you, you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked, according to the ways of this world. You were living according to the ruler of the authorities of the air, the spirit that is working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Once we all lived among these people, fulfilling the evil desires of our flesh, and carrying out the desires of the flesh and of the mind. We were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of humanity. 4 But God is rich in mercy because of his great love with which he loved us. 5 While we were dead in trespasses, he made us alive together in Christ—by grace you have been saved. 6 God raised us up together with Christ, and God made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come he might show to us the immeasurably great riches of his grace expressed in his kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this did not come from you, it is the gift of God, 9 not from works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good deeds that God planned long ago for us, so that we would walk in them.
11 Therefore remember that once you were Gentiles in the flesh. You are called "uncircumcision" by what is called the "circumcision" in the flesh made by human hands. 12 For at that time you were separated from Christ, foreigners to citizenship in Israel, strangers to the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away from God have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, because he made us both one. By his flesh he broke down the dividing wall of hostility. 15 He set aside the law with its commands and ordinances so that he might create in himself one new man out of two, so making peace. 16 Christ reconciles both peoples into one body to God through the cross, putting to death the hostility. 17 Jesus came and proclaimed the good news of peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through Jesus we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then, now you Gentiles are no longer foreigners and strangers. Rather you are fellow citizens with God's holy people and members of the household of God. 20 You have been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and Christ Jesus himself is the cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building fits together and grows as a holy temple in the Lord. 22 It is in him that you also are being built together as a dwelling place for God in the Spirit.
This chapter focuses on a Christian's life before coming to believe in Jesus. Paul then uses this information to explain how a person's former way of living is distinct from a Christian's new identity "in Christ." (See: faith)
Paul teaches about the church in this chapter. The church is made of two different groups of people (Jews and Gentiles). They are now one group or "body." The church is also known as the body of Christ. Jews and Gentiles are united in Christ.
Paul teaches that those who are not Christians are "dead" in their sin. Sin binds or enslaves them. This makes them spiritually "dead." Paul writes that God makes Christians alive in Christ.
Paul uses many different ways to describe how non-Christians act. They "lived according to the ways of this world" and are "living according to the ruler of the authorities of the air," "fulfilling the evil desires of our sinful nature," and "carrying out the desires of the body and of the mind."
Some scholars believe "it" here refers to being saved. Other scholars believe that it is faith that is the gift of God. Because of how the Greek tenses agree, "it" here more likely refers to all of being saved by God's grace through faith.
This is a complex issue. "Flesh" is possibly a metaphor for a person's sinful nature. The phrase "Gentiles in the flesh" indicates the Ephesians once lived without any concern for God. "Flesh" is also used in this verse to refer to the physical part of man. (See: flesh)
Paul reminds the believers of their past and the way they now are before God.
This speaks of sinful people being unable to obey God as if they were people who were physically dead.
The words "trespasses" and "sins" have similar meanings. Paul uses them together to emphasize the greatness of the people's sin. They can also be translated using the verbs "trespass" and "sin," respectively. Alternate translation: "because you had trespassed and sinned"
The word "walked" is a metaphor for the way they lived their lives. To say that they "walked in" their trespasses and sins [Ephesians 2:1]
The apostles also used "world" to refer to the selfish behaviors and corrupt values of the people living in this world. Alternate translation: "according to the values of people living in the world" or "following the principles of this present world"
"doing what the ruler of the authorities of the air wants them to do." These words expand upon "according to the age of this world." The "ruler of the authorities of the air" is the devil or Satan.
These words expand upon "the ruler of the authorities of the air." This is another way of speaking of the devil or Satan.
The words "flesh" and "mind" represent the entire person.
This word is a metonym for the body, which is made of flesh. Alternate translation: "body"
people with whom God is angry
"God is abundant in mercy" or "God is very kind to us"
"because of his great love for us" or "because he loves us very much"
This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: "God saved us because of his great kindness toward us"
Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Possible meanings are 1) because God has caused Christ to come alive again, God has already given Paul and the believers in Ephesus new spiritual life. Alternate translation: "God has given us new life because we belong to Christ" or 2) because God has caused Christ to come alive again, the believers in Ephesus can know that after they die they will live with Christ, and Paul can speak of the believers living again as if it has already happened. Alternate translation: "We can be sure that God will give us life as he has caused Christ to come alive again"
"in the supernatural world." The word "heavenly" refers to the place where God is. See how this is translated in Ephesians 1:3.
"In Christ Jesus" and similar expressions are metaphors that frequently occur in the New Testament letters. They express the strongest kind of relationship possible between Christ and those who believe in him.
"in the future"
God's kindness to us is the reason he made it possible for us to be saved from judgment if we simply trust in Jesus. Alternate translation: "God saved you by grace because of your faith in him"
The word "this" refers back to "by grace you have been saved by faith."
You may want to start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: "Salvation does not come from works, so that no one may boast" or "God does not save a person because of what that person does, so no one can boast and say that he earned his salvation"
"In Christ Jesus" and similar expressions are metaphors that frequently occur in the New Testament letters. They express the strongest kind of relationship possible between Christ and those who believe in him.
Walking on a path is a metaphor for how a person lives his life. Here "in them" refers to the "good deeds." Alternate translation: "we would always and continually do those good deeds"
Paul reminds these believers that God has now made Gentiles and Jews into one body through Christ and his cross.
This refers to people who were not born Jewish.
Non-Jewish people were not circumcised as babies and thus the Jews considered them people who do not follow any of God's laws. Alternate translation: "uncircumcised pagans"
This was another term for Jewish people because all male infants were circumcised. Alternate translation: "circumcised people"
Possible meanings are 1) "Jews, who are circumcised by humans" or 2) "Jews, who circumcise the physical body."
This can be translated with an active form. Alternate translation: "by what people call" or "by those whom people call"
"not knowing Christ" or "not belonging to Christ"
"foreigners, not citizens of Israel"
Paul speaks to the Gentile believers as if they had been foreigners, kept out of the land of God's covenant and promise. Alternate translation: "not belonging to those with whom God made the covenants of the promise"
They had no reason to confidently expect anything good to happen. Specifically, they had no hope that God would save them and give them eternal life with him. Alternate translation: "not hoping in God" or "not confidently waiting for eternal life with God"
Paul is marking a contrast between the Ephesians before they believed in Christ and after they believed in Christ.
Not belonging to God due to sin is spoken of as being far away from God. Belonging to God because of the blood of Christ is spoken of as being brought near to God. Alternate translation: "you who once did not belong to God now belong to God because of the blood of Christ"
The blood of Christ is a metonym for his death. Alternate translation: "by Christ's death" or "when Christ died for us"
The word "himself" here emphasizes that Jesus alone is the reason that Jews and Gentiles can worship God as one peaceful community. Alternate translation: "he is the one who enables us to live in peace with each other"
The word "our" refers to Paul and his readers and so is inclusive.
"he made the Jews and Gentiles one"
The words "his flesh," his physical body, are a metonym for his body dying. Alternate translation: "By the death of his body on the cross" or "By dying on the cross" or "By his actions as a mortal man"
Paul is speaking of Jews and Gentiles being hostile to each other and unable to worship God together as if they were on different sides of a wall. Because Jesus died, Gentiles as well as Jews can now worship God. Alternate translation: "he made it possible for Jews and Gentiles not to be hostile to each other anymore"
Jesus's blood satisfied the law of Moses so that both the Jews and Gentiles can live at peace in God.
a single new people, the people of redeemed humanity
It is union with Christ that makes reconciliation possible between Jews and Gentiles.
"Christ brings the Jews and the Gentiles together in peace"
The cross here represents Christ's death on the cross. Alternate translation: "by means of Christ's death on the cross"
Stopping their hostility is spoken of as if he killed their hostility. By dying on the cross Jesus eliminated the reason for Jews and Gentiles to be hostile toward each other. Neither are now required to live according to the law of Moses. Alternate translation: "stopping them from hating one another"
Paul tells the Ephesian believers that present Gentile believers are also now made one with the Jewish apostles and prophets; they are a temple for God in the Spirit.
"proclaimed the good news that tells that God and people can be at peace with each other" or "proclaimed the good news that is itself the way that people can be at peace with each other"
This refers to the Gentiles or non-Jews.
This refers to the Jews.
Here "we both" refers the believing Jews
All believers, both Jewish and Gentile, are given the right to enter into the presence of God the Father by the same Holy Spirit.
Paul is using a metaphor to tell his Gentile readers that though God formerly did not consider them part of his people, God now considers them part of his people.
The words "foreigners" and "strangers" mean almost the same thing, so "strangers and foreigners" may be a doublet. However, Paul is contrasting "foreigners and strangers" with "fellow citizens ... and members." The word "citizens" refers to having political rights, so here "foreigners" probably refers to people living in a country not their own and having no political rights. The word "members" refers to being part of a family, so "strangers" probably refers to people who are not part of a family.
Paul speaks of God's people as if they were a building. Christ is the cornerstone, the apostles are the foundation, and the believers are the structure.
This can be stated in the active tense. Alternate translation: "God has built you"
Paul continues to speak of Christ's family as if it were a building. In the same way a builder fits stones together while building, so Christ is fitting us together.
"In Christ ... in the Lord Jesus" These metaphors express the strongest kind of relationship possible between Christ and those who believe in him.
"in Christ" This metaphor expresses the strongest kind of relationship possible between Christ and those who believe in him.
This describes how believers are being put together to become a place where God will permanently live through the power of the Holy Spirit.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God is also building you together"
1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles— 2 I assume that you have heard of the stewardship of the grace of God that was given to me for you. 3 The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read about this, you will be able to understand my insight into this mystery about Christ. 5 In other generations this mystery was not made known to the sons of men. But now it has been revealed by the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets. 6 This hidden truth is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members of the body, and they share the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
7 For I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given to me through the working of his power. 8 To me—although I am the least of all God's holy people—this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ 9 and to bring to light for everyone the plan—the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things. 10 This plan was made known through the church so the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places would come to know the many-sided nature of the wisdom of God. 11 This happened according to the eternal plan that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 For in Christ we have boldness and access with confidence because of our faith in him. 13 Therefore I ask you not to be discouraged because of my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
14 For this reason I bend my knees to the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. 16 I pray that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power through his Spirit, who is in your inner person. 17 I pray that Christ may live in your hearts through faith and that you may be rooted and founded in his love, 18 in order that you might be able to understand, along with all God's holy people, what is the width, the length, the height, and the depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ, which goes beyond knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think, according to his power that works in us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
Paul structures part of this chapter as a prayer to God. But Paul is not just talking to God. He is both praying for and instructing the church in Ephesus.
Paul refers to the church as a "mystery." The role of the church in the plans of God was once not known. But God has now revealed it. Part of this mystery involves the Gentiles having equal standing with the Jews in the plans of God.
Paul started a sentence, but he did not finish it.
This refers to what Paul was speaking about in chapter 2. Alternate translation: "Because of God's grace to you Gentiles" or "Because God has made you Gentiles members of his household"
Paul was in prison because people did not like him preaching about Christ Jesus. Alternate translation: "the prisoner for Christ Jesus" or "the prisoner for preaching about Christ Jesus"
"the responsibility that God gave me to bring his grace to you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I learned about the mystery by revelation" or "God revealed the mystery to me"
The mystery is God's plan, which God had not clearly told people about earlier. Alternate translation: "God's secret plan" or "The hidden truth"
Paul refers to another letter he had written to these people.
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God did not make this truth known to people in the past"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But now the Spirit has revealed it" or "But now the Spirit has made it known"
"the apostles and prophets whom God set apart to do this work"
This is the hidden truth Paul began to explain in the previous verse. The Gentiles who receive Christ also receive the same things as the Jewish believers.
The church is often referred to as the body of Christ.
"In Christ Jesus" and similar expressions are metaphors that frequently occur in the New Testament letters. They express the strongest kind of relationship possible between Christ and those who believe in him.
Possible meanings are 1) because of the gospel the Gentiles are fellow sharers in the promise or 2) because of the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs and members of the body and fellow sharers in the promise.
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unable to be completely known
Paul speaks of the truth about Christ and the blessings he brings as if they were material wealth.
This can be stated in active form. "God, who created all things, kept this plan hidden for long ages in the past"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God made this plan known by means of the church"
These words share similar meanings. Paul uses them together to emphasize that every spiritual being will know God's wisdom. See how you translated similar words in [Ephesians 1:21]
"in the supernatural world." The word "heavenly" refers to the place where God is. See how this is translated in Ephesians 1:3.
God's great and complex wisdom is spoken of as if it were an object with many sides. Alternate translation: "the great and complex wisdom of God"
"in keeping with the eternal plan" or "consistent with the eternal plan"
Paul praises God in his sufferings and prays for these Ephesian believers.
"we are without fear" or "we have courage"
It may be helpful to state explicitly that this access is into God's presence. Alternate translation: "access into God's presence with confidence" or "freedom to enter into God's presence with confidence"
"certainty" or "assurance"
Here "your glory" is a metonym for the pride they should feel or will feel in the future kingdom. The Christians in Ephesus should be proud of what Paul is suffering in prison. This can be stated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: "for you. This is for your benefit" or "for you. You should be proud of this"
You may need to make explicit what the reason is. Alternate translation: "Because God has done all this for you"
Bowed knees are a picture of the whole person in an attitude of prayer. Alternate translation: "I bow down in prayer to the Father" or "I humbly pray to the Father"
The act of naming here probably also represents the act of creating. Alternate translation: "who created and named every family in heaven and on earth"
"I pray that God, because he is so great and powerful, would allow you to become strong with his power." This is the first item for which Paul bends his knees and prays.
"would give" or "would cause"
Here the phrase "inner person" refers to the personality, heart, or soul. Alternate translation: "in your heart" or "in your soul"
Paul continues the prayer he began in Ephesians 3:14.
This is the second item which Paul prays that God will "grant" the Ephesians "according to the riches of his glory." The first is that they would "be strengthened" (Ephesians 3:16).
Here "heart" represents a person's inner being, and "through" expresses the means by which Christ lives within the believer. Christ lives in the hearts of believers because God graciously allows them to have faith. Alternate translation: "that Christ may live within you because you trust in him"
Paul speaks of their faith as if it were a tree that has deep roots or a house built on a solid foundation. Alternate translation: "that you will be like a firmly rooted tree and a building built on stone because of his love"
This is the first item which Paul says will be the result of the Christians being rooted and grounded in Christ's love (Ephesians 3:17).
"all believers in Christ" or "all the saints"
Possible meanings are 1) these words describe the greatness of God's wisdom, Alternate translation: "how very wise God is" or 2) these word describe the intensity of Christ's love for us. Alternate translation: "how much Christ loves us"
This is the second item which Paul says will be the result of the Christians being rooted and grounded in Christ's love (Ephesians 3:17).
This is the third item for which Paul bends his knees and prays (Ephesians 3:14). The first is that they would "be strengthened" (Ephesians 3:16), and the second is that they "can understand" (Ephesians 3:18).
The words "we" and "us" in this book continue to include Paul and all believers.
Paul concludes his prayer with a blessing.
"Now to God, who"
"to do much more than all that we ask or think" or "to do things that are much greater than all that we ask him for or think about"
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1 I, therefore, as the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk worthily of the calling by which you were called. 2 I urge you to live with great humility and gentleness and patience, bearing with one another in love. 3 Do your best to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling. 5 And there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 and one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 To each one of us grace has been given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 It is as scripture says:
"When he ascended on high,
he led the captives into captivity,
and he gave gifts to the people."
9 What is the meaning of "he ascended," except that he also descended into the lower regions of the earth? 10 He who descended is the same person who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things. 11 Christ gave some to be apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers 12 to equip God's holy people for the work of service, for the building up of the body of Christ, 13 until we all reach the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, so that we become mature and reach the measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Christ builds us up so that we should no longer be children who are tossed back and forth by the waves, carried away by every wind of doctrine and by the trickery of people in their deceitful schemes. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 Christ builds the whole body, and it is joined and held together by every supporting ligament, and when each part works together, that makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
17 Therefore, I say and insist on this in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their hearts. 19 They have become shameless and have committed themselves to sensuality, and they practice every kind of uncleanness with greed. 20 But that is not how you learned about Christ. 21 I assume that you have heard about him, and that you were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus. 22 You were taught to put off what belongs to your former manner of life, to put off the old man. It is the old man that is corrupt because of its deceitful desires. 23 You were taught to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new man that is created in the image of God—in true righteousness and holiness.
25 Therefore, get rid of lies, and let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, because we are members of one another. 26 Be angry and do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your anger. 27 Do not give an opportunity to the devil. 28 The one who had been stealing must steal no longer. Instead, he must labor, working at what is good with his hands, so that he may have something to share with those who are in need. 29 Do not let any harmful talk come out of your mouth. Use only words that are good for the edification of those who need it, so that your words give grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, for it is by him that you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Put away all bitterness, rage, anger, quarreling, and insults, along with every kind of evil. 32 Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verse 8, which is quoted from the Old Testament.
Spiritual gifts are specific supernatural abilities that the Holy Spirit gives to Christians after they come to believe in Jesus. These spiritual gifts were foundational to developing the church. Paul lists here only some of the spiritual gifts. (See: faith)
Paul considers it very important that the church is united. This is a major theme of this chapter.
The term "old man" probably refers to the sinful nature with which a person is born. The "new man" is the new nature or new life that God gives a person after they come to believe in Christ.
Because of what Paul has been writing to the Ephesians, he tells them how they should live their lives as believers and again emphasizes that believers are to agree with each other.
"as someone who is in prison because of his choice to serve the Lord"
Walking is a common way to express the idea of living one's life.
"to always be very humble, gentle, and patient"
Here Paul speaks of "peace" as if it were a bond that ties people together. This is a metaphor for being united with other people by living peacefully with them. Alternate translation: "to live peacefully with one another and remain united, as the Spirit made possible"
The church is often referred to as the body of Christ.
"one Holy Spirit"
Here the word "call" means "invite" or "choose." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God invited you to one hope when he invited you" or "God chose you to hope for one thing when he chose you"
Here the word "hope" refers to the thing to hope for. Alternate translation: "one thing to hope for" or "one thing to confidently wait for"
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The word "all" here means "everything."
Paul reminds believers of the gifts that Christ gives believers to use in the church, which is the whole body of believers.
This can be stated using an active form. Alternate translation: "God has given grace to each one of us" or "God gave a spiritual gift to each believer"
Here grace refers to a spiritual gift or ability. Alternate translation: "a spiritual gift has been given" or "ability has been given"
Here "the gift of Christ" refers to a gift that Christ has given. Alternate translation: "according to the amount that Christ has given us"
The quotation here is from the book of Psalms in the Old Testament. King David wrote this psalm.
"When he went up to the very high place"
"he went up"
"he also came down"
Possible meanings are 1) the lower regions are a part of the earth. Alternate translation: "into the lowest place on earth" or 2) "the lower regions" is another way of referring to the earth. Alternate translation: "into the lower regions, the earth"
"so that he might be present everywhere in his power"
"complete" or "satisfy"
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"to prepare the people he has set apart" or "to provide the believers with what they need"
"so they can serve others"
Paul is speaking of people who grow spiritually as if they were doing exercises to increase the strength of their physical bodies.
"improvement" or "strengthening"
The "body of Christ" refers to all of the individual members of Christ's Church.
The believers need to know Jesus as the Son of God if they are to be united in faith and mature as believers.
"become equally strong in faith" or "become united together in faith"
This is an important title for Jesus.
"become mature believers"
"fully developed" or "grown up" or "complete"
Paul refers to believers who have not grown spiritually as if they were children who have had very little experience in life. Alternate translation: "be like children"
This speaks of a believer who has not become mature and follows wrong teaching as if that believer were a boat that the wind is blowing in different directions on the water.
"by crafty people who trick believers with clever lies"
Paul uses the human body to describe how Christ causes believers to work together in harmony as the head of a body causes the body parts to work together to grow healthy.
Paul uses the human body to describe how Christ causes believers to work together in harmony as the head of a body causes the body parts to work together to grow healthy.
A "ligament" is a strong band that connects bones or holds organs in place in the body.
Paul tells the Ephesians what they should no longer do now that they as believers are sealed by the Holy Spirit of God.
"Because what I have just said, I will say something more to strongly encourage you because we all belong to the Lord"
The word "walk" here is a metaphor for the way a person lives his life, especially whether he does right or does wrong. Alternate translation: "stop living the way the Gentiles live, with their worthless thoughts"
Here "darkened in their understanding" is a metaphor that means not to be able to understand the truth. And "alienated from the life of God" is a metaphor that means to not have the life that God gives. Alternate translation: "They do not understand what is true, and they do not have the life that God gives to people"
"because they refuse to learn what is true"
Here "hearts" is a metonym for people's minds. The phrase "hardness of their hearts" is a metaphor that means "stubbornness." Alternate translation: "because they are stubborn" or "because they refuse to listen to God"
Paul speaks of these people as if they were objects that they themselves were giving to other people, and he speaks of the way they want to satisfy their physical desires as if it were the person to whom they give themselves. Alternate translation: "only want to satisfy their physical desires"
"they are continually practicing every kind of uncleanness"
This word for ritual uncleanness is a metaphor for the guilt that comes from sinful acts. It can be translated using the word "unclean." Alternate translation: "sinful act"
The word "that" refers to the way the Gentiles live, as described in Ephesians 4:17-19. This emphasizes that what the believers learned about Christ was the opposite of that. Alternate translation: "But what you learned about Christ was not like that"
Paul knows that the Ephesians have heard and been taught.
Possible meanings are 1) "Jesus's people have taught you" or 2) "someone has taught you because you are Jesus's people."
"as everything about Jesus is true"
Paul is speaking of moral qualities as if they were pieces of clothing. Alternate translation: "to stop living according to your former manner of life"
Paul is speaking of moral qualities as if they were pieces of clothing. Alternate translation: "to stop living as your former self did"
The "old man" refers to the "old nature" or "former self."
Paul speaks of the sinful human nature as if it were a dead body falling apart in its grave.
This may be translated with an active form. Alternate translation: "to allow God to change your attitudes and thoughts" or "to allow God to give you new attitudes and thoughts"
"truly righteous and holy"
"stop telling lies"
"we belong to one another" or "we are members of God's family"
"You may get angry, but do not sin" or "If you become angry, do not sin"
The sun going down represents nightfall or the end of the day. Alternate translation: "You must stop being angry before night comes" or "Do not let the sun set while you are still angry with someone"
"Do not give the devil an opportunity to lead you into sin"
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This refers to speech that is cruel or rude.
"for encouraging those" or "for strengthening those"
"help those who hear you"
"do not distress" or "do not upset"
The Holy Spirit assures believers that God will redeem them. Paul speaks of the Holy Spirit as if he were a mark that God puts on believers to show that he owns them. Alternate translation: "for he is the seal that assures you that God will redeem you on the day of redemption" or "for he is the one who assures you that God will redeem you on the day of redemption" or
Here redemption is a metaphor for causing people to no longer be affected by sin. The idea in the noun "redemption" can be expressed with a phrase. Alternate translation: "the day when God will redeem his people" or "the day when God will free his people from sin"
Paul finishes his instructions on what believers should not do and ends with what they must do.
"Put away" here is a metaphor for not continuing to have certain attitudes or behaviors. Alternate translation: "You must not allow these things to be part of your life: bitterness, rage, anger"
intense anger
"Instead, be kind"
"gentle and compassionate towards others"
1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as also Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3 But sexual immorality or any kind of uncleanness or of greed must not even be named among you, for these are improper for God's holy people. 4 Let there be no filthiness, no foolish talk, and no crude jokes—all of which are improper. Instead there should be thanksgiving. 5 For you know and are certain that no sexually immoral, impure, or greedy person—that is, an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore, do not join in with them. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 and test and approve what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Do not associate with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is disgraceful even to mention the things they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible. 14 For anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
"Awake, you sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."
15 Look carefully how you walk—not as unwise but as wise. 16 Redeem the time because the days are evil. 17 Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that leads to reckless behavior. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 speaking to each other in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, 20 always giving thanks for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father, 21 being subject to one another in reverence for Christ.
22 Wives, submit to your husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ also is the head of the church, himself the Savior of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also wives to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 so that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself as glorious, without stain or wrinkle or any such thing, but holy and blameless. 28 In the same way husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and treats it with care, just as Christ nourishes and treats the church with care, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and will be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." 32 This hidden truth is great—but I am speaking about Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless, each of you also must love his own wife as himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verse 14.
In this chapter Paul teaches how God's people should live. He uses the image of darkness to represent sin and the image of light to represent righteousness.
Paul teaches husbands and wives to relate to each other as Christ and the church relate to each other.
Scholars are divided over how to understand this passage in its historical and cultural context. Some scholars believe men and women are perfectly equal in all things. Other scholars believe God created men and women to serve in distinctly different roles in marriage and the church. Translators should be careful not to let how they understand this issue affect how they translate this passage.
Paul continues to tell the believers how they should and should not live as God's children.
"Therefore you should do what God does." Therefore refers back to Ephesians 4:32 which tells why believers should imitate God, because Christ forgave believers.
God desires us to imitate or follow him since we are his children. Alternate translation: "as dearly loved children imitate their fathers" or "because you are his children and he loves you dearly"
Walking is a common way to express the idea of living one's life. Alternate translation: "live a life of love" or "always love each other"
"like a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God"
"Do not do anything that would let anyone think that you are are guilty of sexual immorality or any kind of uncleanness or greed"
"any moral uncleanness"
This word for ritual uncleanness is a metaphor for the guilt that comes from sinful acts. It can be translated using the word "unclean." Alternate translation: "sinful act"
"Instead you should thank God"
Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member.
words that have no truth to them
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Just as one cannot see in the dark, so people who love to sin lack spiritual understanding.
Just as one can see in the light, so people whom God has saved understand how to please God.
Walking on a path is a metaphor for how a person lives his life. Alternate translation: "Live as people who understand what the Lord wants them to do"
"Fruit" here is a metaphor for "result" or "outcome." Alternate translation: "the result of living in the light is good work, right living, and truthful behavior"
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Paul speaks of the useless, sinful things that unbelievers do as if they are evil deeds people do in the dark so no one will see them. Alternate translation: "Do not do useless, sinful things with unbelievers"
actions that do nothing good, useful, or profitable. Paul is comparing evil actions to an unhealthy tree that produces nothing good.
Speaking against the works of darkness is spoken of as bringing them out into the light so that people can see them. Alternate translation: "bring them out into the light" or "uncover them" or "show and tell people how wrong these actions are"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when the light shines on something"
It is unknown if this quotation is a combination of quotations from the prophet Isaiah or a quotation from a hymn sung by the believers.
"people can clearly see everything that comes into the light." Paul makes this general statement in order to imply that God's Word shows people's actions to be good or bad. The Bible often speaks of God's truth as if it were light that could reveal the character of something.
Possible meanings are 1) Paul is addressing unbelievers who need to wake up from being dead spiritually just as a person who has died must come alive again in order to respond, or 2) Paul is addressing the Ephesian believers and using death as a metaphor for their spiritual weakness.
All those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld. To arise from among them speaks of becoming alive again.
These instances of "you" refer to the "sleeper" and are singular.
Christ will enable an unbeliever to understand how evil his deeds are and how Christ will forgive him and give him new life, just as light shows what actually is there that darkness hid.
Wise people can identify sin, so they guard themselves from it and flee from it. Alternate translation: "Therefore you must be careful to live as a wise person rather than a foolish person"
Using time wisely is spoken of as if it were redeeming the time. Alternate translation: "Do the best things you can with your time" or "Use time wisely" or "Put time to its best use"
The word "days" is a metonym for what people do during those days. Alternate translation: "because the people around you are doing all kinds of evil things"
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Paul ends his instructions on how all believers should live.
"You should not get drunk from drinking wine"
"Instead, you should be controlled with the Holy Spirit"
Possible meanings are that 1) Paul is using these words as a merism for "all sorts of songs to praise God" or 2) Paul is listing specific forms of music.
These are probably songs from the Old Testament book of Psalms that Christians sang.
These are songs of praise and worship that may have been written specifically for Christians to sing.
Possible meanings are 1) these are songs that Holy Spirit inspires a person to sing right at that moment or 2) "spiritual songs" and "hymns" are doublets and mean basically the same thing.
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's thoughts or inner being. The phrase "with all your heart" means to do something with enthusiasm. Alternate translation: "with all of your being" or "enthusiastically"
"because you belong to our Lord Jesus Christ" or "as people who belong to our Lord Jesus Christ"
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Paul begins to explain how Christians are to submit themselves to one another (Ephesians 5:21). He starts with instructions to wives and husbands on how they should act toward each other.
The word "head" represents the leader.
"Christ, so also must wives be subject to their husbands" or "Christ. In the same way, wives also must be subject to their husbands"
"unselfishly serve your wives"
"allowed people to kill him"
Paul speaks of the assembly of believers as though it were a woman whom Jesus will marry. Alternate translation: "for us"
Paul speaks of the assembly of believers as though it were a woman whom Jesus will marry. Alternate translation: "sanctified us ... cleansed us"
Possible meanings are 1) Paul is referring to God making Christ's people clean by God's word and through water baptism in Christ or 2) Paul speaks of God making us spiritually clean from our sins by the message as if God were making our bodies clean by washing them with water.
Paul speaks of the church as though it were a garment that is clean and in good condition. He uses the same idea in two ways to emphasize the church's purity.
The word "blameless" means basically the same thing as "holy." Paul uses the two together to emphasize the church's purity.
That people love their own bodies may be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "as husbands love their own bodies"
The word "flesh" here is a metonym for the body that is made of flesh. Alternate translation: "his own body"
"but feeds"
Here Paul speaks of the close union of believers with Christ as if they were part of his own body, for which he would naturally care.
The quotation is from the writings of Moses in the Old Testament. The words "his" and "himself" refer to a male believer who marries.
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1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is proper. 2 "Honor your father and mother" (which is the first commandment with promise), 3 "so that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth." 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger. Instead, raise them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
5 Slaves, be obedient to your masters according to the flesh with deep respect and trembling, in the honesty of your heart. Be obedient to them as you would be obedient to Christ. 6 Be obedient not only when your masters are watching, in order to please them. Instead, be obedient as slaves of Christ, who do the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve with all your heart, as though you were serving the Lord and not people, 8 because we know that for whatever good deed each person does, he will receive a reward from the Lord, whether he is slave or free.
9 Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them. You know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with him.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the scheming plans of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand in the evil day, and after you have done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, by which you will be able to put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit. To this end, always be watching with all perseverance as you offer prayers for all God's holy people. 19 And pray for me, that a message might be given to me when I open my mouth. Pray that I might make known with boldness the hidden truth about the gospel. 20 It is for the gospel that I am an ambassador who is kept in chains, so that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
21 Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make everything known to you, so that you may know how I am doing. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are, and so that he may encourage your hearts.
23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be to all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an incorruptible love.
Paul does not write in this chapter about whether slavery is good or bad. Paul teaches about working to please God whether as a slave or as a master. What Paul teaches here about slavery would have been surprising. In his time, masters were not expected to treat their slaves with respect and not threaten them.
This extended metaphor describes how Christians can protect themselves when spiritually attacked.
Paul continues to explain how Christians are to submit themselves to each other. He gives instructions to children, fathers, workers, and masters.
"Children, as followers of the Lord, obey your parents" or "Children, it is your duty as Christians to obey your parents"
Here Paul quotes Moses. Moses was talking to the people of Israel as though they were one person, so "your" is singular. You may need to translate it as plural.
Here Paul continues quoting Moses. Moses was talking to the people of Israel as though they were one person, so "you" is singular. You may need to translate it as plural.
"do not make your children angry" or "do not cause your children to be angry"
The abstract nouns "discipline" and "instruction" can be expressed as verbs. Alternate translation: "teach them to become adults by making sure that they know and do what the Lord wants them to do"
"obey." This is a command.
The word "flesh" here is a metonym for the physical world. Alternate translation: "your human masters" or "your masters in this world"
The phrase "deep respect and trembling" uses two similar ideas to emphasize the importance of slaves honoring their masters.
Here "trembling" is an exaggeration used to emphasize how important it is that slaves obey their masters. Alternate translation: "and fear" or "as though you were shaking with fear"
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's mind or intentions. Alternate translation: "with honesty" or "with sincerity"
Serve your earthly master as though your earthly master were Christ himself.
Here "heart" is a metonym for "thoughts" or "intentions." Alternate translation: "with sincerity" or "enthusiastically"
Here "heart" is a metonym for "thoughts" or "inner being." Alternate translation: "Serve with all of your being" or "Be completely dedicated when you serve"
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"you also must treat your slaves well" or "just as slaves must do good to their masters, you also must do good to your slaves" (Ephesians 6:5)
"You know that Christ is the Master of both slaves and their masters, and that he is in heaven"
"he judges everyone the same way"
Paul gives instructions to make believers strong in this battle we live for God.
"his great power." See how "the strength of his power" is translated near the end of Ephesians 1:21.
Christians should use all the resources God gives to stand firmly against the devil just as a soldier puts on armor to protect himself from enemy attacks.
"the tricky plans"
This expression refers to people, not spirits who do not have human bodies.
Here it is implied that "the powers" refers to powerful spiritual beings. Here "darkness" is a metaphor for things that are evil. Alternate translation: "against the powerful spiritual beings that rule over people during this present evil time"
Christians should use the protective resources God gives them in fighting the devil in the same way a soldier puts on armor to protect himself against his enemies.
The words "stand" and "stand firm" represent successfully resisting or fighting something. Alternate translation: "so that you may be able to resist evil ... to remain strong"
Here the word "day" can refer to any short period of time, even a period longer than a day. Alternate translation: "at the evil time" or "when people do evil deeds"
Successfully resist or fight against something. You may need to make explicit what it is that the readers are to resist. See how you translated these words in [Ephesians 6:13]
Truth holds everything together for a believer just as a belt holds the clothing of a soldier together.
We are to know the truth and act in ways that please God.
Possible meanings are 1) the gift of righteousness covers a believer's heart just as a breastplate protects the chest of a soldier or 2) our living as God wants us gives us a clear conscience that protects our hearts the way a breastplate protects a soldier's chest.
Just as a soldier wears shoes to give him solid footing, the believer must have solid knowledge of the gospel of peace in order to be ready to proclaim it.
The believer must use the faith that God gives for protection when the devil attacks just as a soldier uses a shield to protect him from enemy attacks.
The attacks of the devil against a believer are like flaming arrows shot at a soldier by an enemy.
Salvation given by God protects the believer's mind just as a helmet protects the head of a soldier.
The writer speaks of God's instructions to his people as if they were a sword that his people could use to fight an enemy,
"Pray at all times in the Spirit as you pray and make specific requests"
"For this reason" or "Keeping this in mind." This refers to the attitude of taking God's armor.
"be watching, and even when it is difficult, keep praying for all the believers "
In his closing, Paul asks them to pray for his boldness in telling the gospel while he is in prison and says he is sending Tychicus to comfort the Corinthians (6:21).
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that God might give me the word" or "God might give me the message"
"when I speak. Pray that I boldly explain"
This is a metonym for speaking. Alternate translation: "speak"
The words "in chains" are a metonym for being in prison. Alternate translation: "I am now in prison because I am a representative of the gospel"
The word "pray" is understood from verse 19. Alternate translation: "so pray that whenever I teach the gospel, I will speak it as boldly as I should" or "pray that I may speak the gospel as boldly as I should"
Tychicus was one of several men who served with Paul.
"my beloved brother"
"will tell you everything about me"
Here "hearts" is a metonym for people's inner beings. Alternate translation: "so that he may encourage you"
Paul closes his letter to the Ephesian believers with a blessing of peace and grace on all believers who love Christ.
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1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all God's holy people in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons.
2 May grace be to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 I thank my God every time I remember you, 4 always, in every prayer of mine for all of you, making my prayer with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 I am confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 It is proper for me to feel this way about all of you because I have you in my heart. You all have been my partners in grace both in my imprisonment and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. 9 So this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and all understanding 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so you may be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.
12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, my chains in Christ came to light throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else. 14 Most of the brothers have far more confidence in the Lord because of my chains, and they have courage to fearlessly speak the word. 15 Some indeed even proclaim Christ out of envy and strife, and also others out of good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 But the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely. They think they will cause me distress while I am in chains. 18 What then? Only that in every way—whether from false motives or from true—Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that this will result in my deliverance through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 20 It is my eager expectation and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but with all boldness, now as always, Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 But if I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which to choose? I do not know. 23 For I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, which is far better, 24 yet to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25 Being convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have increasing reasons to boast in Christ Jesus when I come to you again. 27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come to see you or am absent, I may hear about you, that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. 28 Do not be frightened in any respect by those who are your opponents. This is a sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation—and this from God. 29 For it has been freely given to you for the sake of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for his sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me, and now you hear in me.
Paul includes a prayer in the beginning of this letter. At that time, religious leaders sometimes began informal letters with a prayer.
This probably refers to the day when Christ returns. Paul often connected the return of Christ with motivating godly living. (See: godly)
A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. This statement in verse 21 is a paradox: "to die is gain." In verse 23 Paul explains why this is true. (Philippians 1:21)
Paul and Timothy wrote this letter to the church at Philippi. Because Paul writes later in the letter saying "I," it is generally assumed that he is the author and that Timothy, who is with him, writes as Paul speaks. All instances of "you" and "your" in the letter refer to the believers in the Philippian church and are plural. The word "our" probably refers to all believers in Christ, including Paul, Timothy, and the Philippian believers.
If your language has a particular way of introducing the authors of a letter, use it here.
"Paul and Timothy, who are servants of Christ Jesus"
This refers to those whom God chose to belong to him by being united to Christ. Alternate translation: "all God's people in Christ Jesus" or "all those who belong to God because they are united with Christ"
"the leaders of the church"
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Here "remember you" means when Paul thinks about the Philippians while he is praying. Alternate translation: "every time I think of you"
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Paul is expressing thanks to God that the Philippians have joined him in teaching people the gospel. He may have been referring to them praying for him and sending money so that he could travel and tell others. Alternate translation: "because you are helping me proclaim the gospel"
"I am sure"
"God, who began ... you,"
"It is right for me" or "It is good for me"
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's emotions. This idiom expresses strong affection. Alternate translation: "I love you very much"
"have been partakers of grace with me" or "have shared in grace with me"
"God knows" or "God understands"
The abstract noun "compassion" can be translated with the verb "love." Alternate translation: "and I love you as Christ Jesus dearly loves us all"
Paul prays for the believers in Philippi and talks about the joy there is in suffering for the Lord.
Paul speaks of love as if it were objects that people could obtain more of. Alternate translation: "may increase"
Here "understanding" refers to understanding about God. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "as you learn and understand more about what pleases God"
This refers to examining things and taking only those that are good. Alternate translation: "test and choose"
"what is most pleasing to God"
The words "sincere" and "blameless" mean basically the same thing. Paul combines them to emphasize moral purity. Alternate translation: "completely blameless"
Being filled with something is a metaphor that represents being characterized by it or by habitually doing it. Possible meanings of "fruit of righteousness" are that 1) it is a metaphor that represents righteous behavior. Alternate translation: "habitually doing what is righteous because Jesus Christ enables you" or 2) it is a metaphor that represents good deeds as a result of being righteous. Alternate translation: "habitually doing good works because Jesus makes you righteous"
Possible meanings are 1) "Then other people will see how you honor God" or 2) "Then people will praise and give honor to God because of the good things they see you do." These alternate translations would require a new sentence.
Paul says that two things have happened because of "the progress of the gospel": many people inside and outside the palace have found out why he is in prison, and other Christians are no longer afraid to proclaim the good news.
Here the word "Now" is used to mark a new part of the letter.
Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women, because all believers in Christ are members of one spiritual family, with God as their heavenly Father.
Paul is talking about his time in prison. Alternate translation: "what I suffered because I was put into prison for preaching about Jesus"
"has caused more people to hear the gospel"
"Chains in Christ" here is a metonym for being in prison for the sake of Christ. "Came to light" is a metaphor for "became known." Alternate translation: "It became known that I am in prison for the sake of Christ"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the palace guards and many other people in Rome know that I am in chains for the sake of Christ"
Here Paul uses the preposition "in" to mean "for the sake of." Alternate translation: "my chains for the sake of Christ" or "my chains because I teach people about Christ"
Here the word "chains" is a metonym for imprisonment. Alternate translation: "my imprisonment"
This was a group of soldiers that helped protect the Roman emperor.
Some modern translations read, "Most of the brothers in the Lord have far more confidence."
"fearlessly speak God's message"
"Some people preach the good news about Christ"
"because they do not want people listening to me, and they want to cause trouble"
"but other people do it because they are kind and they want to help"
"Those who proclaim Christ out of good will"
This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) "God chose me to defend the gospel" or 2) "I am in prison because I defend the gospel."
"to teach everyone that the message of Jesus is true"
"But the others" or "But the ones who proclaim Christ out of envy and strife"
Here the phrase "in chains" is a metonym for imprisonment. Alternate translation: "while I am imprisoned" or "while I am in prison"
Paul uses this question to tell how he feels about the situation he wrote about in [Philippians 15-17]
"As long as people preach about Christ, it does not matter if they do it for good reasons or for bad reasons"
"I am happy because people are preaching about Jesus"
"I will celebrate" or "I will be glad"
"because people proclaim Christ, God will deliver me"
"Deliverance" here is an abstract noun that refers to one person bringing another person to a safe place. You may have to specify that it is God whom Paul expects to deliver him. Alternate translation: "in my being brought to a safe place" or "in God bringing me to a safe place"
"because you are praying and the Spirit of Jesus Christ is helping me"
"Holy Spirit"
Here the word "expectation" and the phrase "hope" mean basically the same thing. Paul uses them together to emphasize how strong his expectation is. Alternate translation: "I eagerly and confidently hope"
You may need to state explicitly the missing clause in this elliptical sentence, that Paul will act boldly. You may also need to translate the abstract noun "boldness" as a clause. Alternate translation: "because I act with all boldness" or "after I have acted boldly"
The phrase "in my body" is a metonym for what happens to Paul's body. This includes what he does if he lives and what others may do to him, even if they kill him. This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) "I will honor Christ no matter what happens to my body" or 2) "people will praise Christ no matter what I do or what others do to me"
"whether I live or die" or "if I go on living or if I die"
These words are emphatic. They indicate that this is Paul's personal experience.
Here pleasing and serving Christ is spoken of as Paul's only purpose for living. Alternate translation: "to go on living is an opportunity to please Christ"
Here death is spoken of as "gain." Possible meanings for "gain" are 1) Paul's death will help spread the message of the gospel or 2) Paul will be in a better situation.
The word "flesh" here is a metonym for the body, and "living in the flesh" is a metonym for being alive. Alternate translation: "But if I am to remain alive in my body" or "But if I continue to live"
The words "fruitful labor" here refer to work that has good results. Alternate translation: "that means I will be able to do work that produces good results"
"But which should I choose?"
Paul speaks of how hard it is for him to choose between living and dying as if two heavy objects, like rocks or logs, were pushing on him from opposite sides at the same time. Your language might prefer the objects to pull rather than push. Alternate translation: "I am under tension. I do not know if I should choose to live or to die"
Paul uses a euphemism here to show that he is not afraid of dying. Alternate translation: "I would like to die because I would go to be with Christ"
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"Since I am sure that it is better for you that I stay alive"
"I know that I will continue to live" or "I know that I will keep on living"
"so that because of me" or "so that because of what I do"
The phrases "standing firm in one spirit" and "with one mind striving together" share similar meanings and emphasize the importance of unity.
"striving together with one mind." Agreeing with one another is spoken of as having one mind. Alternate translation: "agreeing with one another and striving together"
"working hard together"
Possible meanings are 1) "to spread the faith that is based on the gospel" or 2) "to believe and live as the gospel teaches us"
This is a command to the Philippian believers. If your language has a plural command form, use it here.
"Your courage will show them that God will destroy them. It will also show you that God will save you"
"and this is from God." Possible meanings are the word "this" refers to 1) the believers' courage or 2) the sign or 3) destruction and salvation.
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"suffering in the same way that you saw me suffer, and that you hear I am still suffering"
1 If there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any comfort provided by love, if there is any fellowship in the Spirit, if there are any tender mercies and compassions, 2 then make my joy full by being of the same mind, having the same love, being united in spirit, and having one purpose. 3 Do nothing out of ambition or empty conceit. Instead with humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this mind in yourselves which also was in Christ Jesus,
6 who, though he existed in the form of God,
did not consider his equality with God as something to hold on to.
7 Rather, he emptied himself,
taking the form of a servant,
and he was born in the likeness of men.
And being found in the form of a man,
8 he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death,
even death on a cross!
9 Therefore also God highly exalted him
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
12 So then, my beloved, as you always obey, not only in my presence but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without complaining or arguing 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without blemish in the middle of a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine as lights in the world. 16 Hold on to the word of life so that on the day of Christ I may boast that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out as an offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 In the same manner you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
19 But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I may also be encouraged when I know the things about you. 20 For I have no one else like him, who is truly concerned for you. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not the things of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know his proven worth, because as a son with his father, so he served with me in the gospel. 23 So I hope to send him as soon as I see how things will go with me. 24 But I am confident in the Lord that I myself will also come soon. 25 But I think it is necessary to send Epaphroditus back to you. He is my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and servant for my needs. 26 For he was very distressed, and he longed to be with you all, because you heard that he was sick. 27 For indeed he was so sick that he almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but also on me, so that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 So it is all the more eagerly that I am sending him, so that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I can have less sorrow. 29 Therefore, welcome him in the Lord with all joy. Honor people like him. 30 For it was for the work of Christ that he came near death. He risked his life so that he could bring to completion what was lacking in your service to me.
Some translations, like the ULB, set apart the lines of verses 6-11. These verses describe the example of Christ. They teach important truths about the person of Jesus.
In this chapter Paul gives many practical instructions to the church in Philippi.
This appears to be a type of statement that expresses something that may or may not be true. However, in this chapter it expresses something that is true. The translator may also translate this phrase as "Since there is."
Paul advises the believers to have unity and humility and reminds them of Christ's example.
"If Christ has encouraged you" or "If you are encouraged because of Christ"
The phrase "by love" probably refers to Christ's love for the Philippians. Alternate translation: "if his love has given you any comfort" or "if his love for you has comforted you in any way"
"if you have fellowship with the Spirit"
"if you have experienced many of God's acts of tender mercy and compassion"
Paul speaks here of joy as if it were a container that can be filled. Alternate translation: "cause me to rejoice greatly"
"Do not serve yourselves or think of yourselves as better than others"
"selfish ambition"
"Do not care only about what you need and desire, but also about what others need and desire"
"Have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had" or "Think about one another the way Christ Jesus thought of people"
"everything that is true of God was true of him"
Here "equality" refers to "equal status" or "equal honor." Holding onto equality with God represents demanding that he continue to be honored as God is honored. Christ did not do that. Though he did not cease to be God, he ceased to act as God. Alternate translation: "did not think that he had to have the same status as God"
Paul speaks of Christ as if he were a container in order to say that Christ refused to act with his divine powers during his ministry on earth.
"he was born a human being" or "he became a human being"
Paul speaks of death here in a figurative way. The translator can understand "to the point of death" either as a metaphor of location
“death, that is, death on a cross” or “death—more specifically, death on a cross”
Here "name" is a metonym that refers to rank or honor. Alternate translation: "the rank that is above any other rank" or "the honor that is above any other honor"
The name is more important, more to be praised than any other name.
Here "knee" is a synecdoche for the whole person. Bowing, or kneeling, is a symbolic act of worship. Alternate translation: "at the name of Jesus everyone will bow to worship him" )
Possible meanings are 1) the place where people go when they die or 2) the place where demons dwell.
Here "tongue" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "every person" or "every being"
Here the word "to" expresses result: "with the result that they will praise God the Father"
Paul encourages the Philippian believers and shows them how to live the Christian life before others and reminds them of his example.
"my dear fellow believers"
"when I am there with you"
"when I am not there with you"
To "work out" one's salvation means to work in a way that is appropriate to one's salvation or to work in a way that shows one's salvation. The abstract noun "salvation" can be expressed with a phrase about God saving people. Alternate translation: "work in a way that is appropriate because you have been saved" or "work hard to do the good things that show that God has saved you"
Paul uses the words "fear" and "trembling" together to show the attitude of reverence that people should have for God. Alternate translation: "salvation, trembling with fear" or "salvation with deep reverence"
"so that you will want to do what pleases him and will be able to do what pleases him"
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The words "blameless" and "pure" are very similar in meaning and are used together to strenghten the idea. Alternate translation: "completely innocent"
The words "crooked" and "depraved" are used together to emphasize that the people are very sinful. Alternate translation: "among very sinful people"
Shining as lights in the world represents living in a good and righteous way so that people in the world can see that God is good and true. Alternate translation: "among whom your righteous lives are like lights in the world"
"Hold on to" here means "firmly believe." Alternate translation: "Continue to firmly believe the word of life"
"the message that brings life" or "the message that shows how to live the way God wants you to"
This refers to when Jesus comes back to set up his kingdom and rule over the earth. Alternate translation: "when Christ returns"
The phrases "run in vain" and "labor in vain" here mean the same thing. Paul uses them together to emphasize how hard he has worked to help people believe in Christ. Alternate translation: "I did not work so hard for nothing"
The scriptures often use the image of walking to represent conducting one's life. Running is living life intensely.
Paul speaks of his death as if he were a drink offering which is poured upon the animal sacrifice to honor God. What Paul means is that he would gladly die for the Philippians if that would make them more pleasing to God. Alternate translation: "But, even if the Romans kill me and it is as if my blood pours out as an offering, I will be glad and rejoice with you all if my death will make your faith and obedience more pleasing to God"
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Paul tells the Philippian believers about his plan to send Timothy soon and that they should treat Epaphroditus as special.
Paul wanted to send Timothy to them, but he would do so only if the Lord Jesus wanted him to do that. Alternate translation: "But I plan to send Timothy to you soon, as long as that is what the Lord Jesus wants me to" or "But if it is the will of the Lord Jesus, I expect to send Timothy to you soon"
"No one else here loves you as much as he does: he"
Here the word "they" refers to a group of people Paul does not feel he can trust to send to Philippi. Paul is expressing his displeasure with those who should have been able to go but are not going because Paul does not trust them to fulfill their mission.
Fathers and sons love each other and work together. Timothy was not really Paul's son, but he worked with Paul as a son works with his father.
Here "the gospel" stands for the activity of telling people about Jesus. Alternate translation: "in telling people about the gospel"
Paul wanted to send Timothy soon, but he would wait until he saw how things would go with himself. He would send Timothy immediately after that. Alternate translation: "I hope to send him immediately after I see how things will go with me"
"I plan to send him" or "I expect to send him"
"I find out what happens concerning me" or "I learn what will happen to me"
"I am sure, if it is the Lord's will, that I will also come soon"
This is the name of a man sent by the Philippian church to minister to Paul in prison.
Here Paul is speaking of Epaphroditus as if he were a soldier. He means that Epaphroditus is trained and is dedicated to serving God, no matter how great the hardship he must suffer. Alternate translation: "fellow believer who works and struggles along with us"
"who brings your messages to me and helps me when I am in need"
"he was very worried and wanted to be with you all"
The cause of the sorrow can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "the sorrow of losing him added to the sorrow I already have from being in prison"
"I will not be as sad as I have been"
The word "him" refers to Epaphroditus. Alternate translation: "gladly receive Epaphroditus"
"as a fellow believer in the Lord with all joy" or "with the great joy we have because the Lord Jesus loves us"
"he almost died." Paul speaks of dying as if death were a place that people could go to.
The meanings of the abstract nouns "completion" and "service" can be expressed as verbs. Alternate translation: "so that he could complete what you could not do in serving me"
1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write these same things again to you is no trouble for me, and it keeps you safe. 2 Watch out for the dogs. Watch out for those evil workers. Watch out for the mutilation. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision—the ones who worship by the Spirit of God, and take pride in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. 4 Even so, I myself could have confidence in the flesh. If anyone thinks he has confidence in the flesh, I could have even more. 5 I was circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; with regard to the law, a Pharisee. 6 As for zeal, I persecuted the church; as for righteousness under the law, I was blameless. 7 But whatever things were a profit for me, I have considered them as loss because of Christ. 8 In fact, now I count all things to be loss because of the surpassing value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. For him I have given up all things—and I consider them rubbish—so that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God that is by faith. 10 So now I want to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 so somehow I may experience the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained these things, or am already perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brothers, I do not think that I myself have yet taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining forward to what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal with a view to the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 All of us who are mature, let us think this way; and if you think differently about anything, God will also reveal that to you. 16 Nevertheless, let us live up to what we have already attained.
17 Be imitators of me, brothers. Closely watch those who are walking by the example that you have in us. 18 Many are walking—those about whom I have often told you, and now I am telling you with tears—as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction. For their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. They think about earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will transform our lowly bodies into bodies formed like his glorious body, formed by the might of his power to subject all things to himself.
In verses 4-8, Paul lists how he qualifies for being considered a righteous Jew. In every way, Paul was an exemplary Jew. But he contrasts this with the greatness of knowing Jesus. (See: righteous)
The people of the ancient Near East used dogs as an image to refer to people in a negative way. Not all cultures use the term "dogs" in this way.
We know very little about what people will be like in heaven. Paul teaches here that Christians will have some kind of glorious body and will be free from sin. (See: heaven and sin)
Paul uses an extended illustration to describe the Christian life. The goal of the Christian life is attempting to grow to be like Christ until a person dies. We can never achieve this goal perfectly, but we must strive for it.
In order to warn his fellow believers about Jews who would try to get them to follow the old laws, Paul gives his own testimony about when he persecuted believers.
"Now moving along, my brothers" or "Concerning other matters, my brothers"
See how you translated this in Philippians 1:12.
"be happy because of all the Lord has done"
"It is no trouble for me to write these things again to you"
Here "it" refers to Paul's writing the same things twice. Alternate translation: "doing this keeps you safe because these teachings will protect you from those who teach what is not true"
Paul begins to warn the Philippians against people who say that Christians have to obey the Jewish ceremonial law. Obedience to this law is symbolized by the synecdoche of circumcision.
"Beware of" or "Be on guard against"
These are three different ways of describing the same group of false teachers. Paul is using strong expressions to show how he feel about these Jewish teachers who claim to be Christians.
The word "dogs" was used by the Jews to refer to those who were not Jews. They were considered unclean. Paul speaks of the false teachers as though they were dogs, to insult them. If you have a different animal in your culture that is considered unclean or whose name is used as an insult, you could use this animal instead.
This exaggeration plays on the idea of circumcision. Paul speaks of those who wanted to trim off the foreskin as if they were totally mutilating the body. The action of mutilation is a metonym for the people who would perform the action. Alternate translation: "those who mutilate the body"
Paul continues warning the Philippians against people who say that Christians have to obey the Jewish ceremonial law. Obedience to this law is symbolized by the synecdoche of circumcision.
Paul uses "we" to refer to himself and all true believers in Christ, including the Philippian believers.
Paul uses this phrase to refer to believers in Christ who are not physically circumcised but are spiritually circumcised, which means they have received the Holy Spirit through faith. Alternate translation: "the truly circumcised ones" or "truly God's people"
Here "flesh" is a metonym for anything concerning one's body, such as his ancestry, whether or not he has been circumcised, and what he does. To have no confidence in the flesh means to understand that those things cannot make a person right with God. Alternate translation: "do not trust in anything about ourselves to make us right with God"
Here Paul describes a situation that could be true but is not. Here "flesh" is a metonym for anything concerning one's body, such as one's ancestry, whether or not one has been circumcised, and what one does. To have confidence in the flesh means to believe that those things can make a person right with God. See how you translated a similar phrase in 3:3. Alternate translation: "However, I could trust in something about myself to make me right with God. If anyone thinks he can trust in anything about himself, I could trust in myself even more"
Paul uses "myself" for emphasis. Alternate translation: "certainly I"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "A priest circumcised me"
"seven days after I was born"
Possible meanings are 1) "a Hebrew son with Hebrew parents" or 2) "the purest Hebrew."
The Pharisees were committed to obeying all of the law. Being a Pharisee showed that Paul was committed to obeying all of the law. Alternate translation: "as a Pharisee, I was committed to obeying all of the law"
Paul's zeal was his enthusiasm for honoring God. He believed that by persecuting the church he proved how zealous he was for God. Alternate translation: "I had so much zeal for God that I persecuted the church" or "Because I wanted so much to honor God, I persecuted the church"
"I attacked Christians"
"Righteousness under the law" refers to being righteous by obeying the law. Paul obeyed the law so carefully that he believed that no one could find any part of it that he disobeyed. Alternate translation: "I was so righteous by obeying the law that I was blameless"
Paul is referring here to the praise he received for being an eager Pharisee. He speaks of this praise as if he had viewed it in the past as a businessman's profit. Alternate translation: "anything that other Jews praised me for"
These are common business terms. If many people in your culture do not understand formal business terms, you could translate these terms as "things that made my life better" and "things that made my life worse."
Paul speaks of that praise as if he were now viewing it as a business loss instead of a profit. In other words, Paul says that all his religious acts of righteousness are worthless before Christ.
"Really" or "Truly"
The word "now" emphasizes how Paul has changed since he quit being a Pharisee and became a believer in Christ. Alternate translation: "now that I have trusted in Christ, I count"
Paul is continuing the business metaphor from [Philippians 3:7]
"because knowing Christ Jesus my Lord is worth so much more"
"so that I may have only Christ"
The phrase "be found" is an idiom that emphasizes the idea of "be." Alternate translation: "be truly united with Christ"
Paul knows that he cannot become righteous by obeying the law.
The word "that" refers to righteousness. Paul knows that he can become righteous only by believing in Christ. Alternate translation: "but having the righteousness that comes by believing in Christ"
"his power that gives us life"
"what it is like to suffer as he suffered" or "what it is like to participate in suffering with him"
Possible meanings are 1) Paul wants to be like Christ by dying as Christ died or 2) Paul wants his desire to sin to become as dead as Jesus was before he was raised.
The word "somehow" means Paul does not know what is going to happen to him in this life, but whatever happens, it will result in eternal life. Alternate translation: "so that no matter what happens to me now, I will come back to life after I die"
Paul urges the believers at Philippi to follow his present example because of heaven and the new bodies that wait for believers. He speaks of how he works as hard as he can to be like Christ, knowing that God will allow him to live forever in heaven, as if he were a runner racing for the finish line.
These include knowing Christ, knowing the power of his resurrection, sharing in Christ's suffering, and being united with Christ in his death and resurrection (Philippians 3:8-11).
"so I am not yet perfect" or "so I am not yet mature"
"but I keep trying"
Receiving spiritual things from Christ is spoken of as if Paul could grasp them with his hands, and Jesus choosing Paul to belong to him is spoken of as if Jesus grasped Paul with his hands. This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: "to receive these things for which Jesus claimed me as his own"
See how you translated this in Philippians 1:12.
Receiving spiritual things from Christ is spoken of as if Paul could grasp them with his hands. Alternate translation: "all these things belong to me yet"
Like a runner in a race is no longer concerned about the part of the race that is completed but only focuses on what is ahead, Paul speaks of setting aside his religious works of righteousness and only focusing on the race of life that Christ has set before him to complete. Alternate translation: "I do not care what I have done in the past; I only work as hard as I can on what is ahead."
Paul speaks of the way he does all he can to serve Christ and live in obedience to him as if he were a racer running as fast as he can to win a race. Alternate translation: "I do all I can to be like Christ, like a runner racing to the finish line, so that I may belong to him, and God may call me to himself after I die"
Possible meanings are that Paul speaks of living eternally with God as if God were to call Paul to ascend 1) to heaven as Jesus did or 2) the steps to the podium where winners of races received prizes, as a metaphor for meeting God face to face and receiving eternal life.
Paul wants his fellow believers to have the same desires he listed in Philippians 3:8-11. Alternate translation: "I encourage all of us believers who are strong in the faith to think the same way"
"God will also make it clear to you" or "God will make sure you know it"
Paul uses "we" to include the Philippian believers.
"However, let us keep living by the same standard we have achieved."
"No matter what else is true"
"Do what I do" or "Live as I live"
See how you translated this in Philippians 1:12.
"those who already are living as we live" or "those who already are doing what we do"
These words are Paul's main thought for this verse.
A person's behavior is spoken of as if that person were walking along a path. Alternate translation: "Many are living" or "Many are conducting their lives"
Paul interrupts his main thought with these words that describe the "many." You can move them to the beginning or end of the verse if you need to.
"I have told you many times"
"am telling you with great sadness"
Here "the cross of Christ" refers to Christ's suffering and death. The enemies are those who say they believe in Jesus but are not willing to suffer or die like Jesus did. Alternate translation: "in a way that shows they are actually against Jesus, who was willing to suffer and die on a cross"
"Someday God will destroy them." The last thing that happens to them is that God will destroy them.
Here "stomach" refers to a person's desires for physical pleasure. Calling it their god means that they want these pleasures more than they want to obey God. Alternate translation: "they desire food and other physical pleasures more than they desire to obey God"
Here "shame" stands for the actions that the people should be ashamed about but are not. Alternate translation: "they are proud of the things that should cause them shame"
Here "earthly" refers to everything that gives physical pleasure and does not honor God. Alternate translation: "All they think about is what will please themselves rather than what will please God"
By Paul's use of "our" and "we" here, he includes himself and the believers in Philippi.
Possible meanings are 1) "we are citizens of heaven" or 2) "our homeland is heaven" or 3) "our true home is heaven."
"He will change our weak, earthly bodies"
"into bodies like his glorious body"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "body. He will change our bodies with the same power he uses to control all things"
1 Therefore, my beloved brothers whom I long for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved friends.
2 I am pleading with Euodia, and I am pleading with Syntyche, be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you, my true companion, to help these women who labored with me in spreading the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your gentleness be known to all people. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in everything by prayer and earnest appeal with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God, 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is anything excellent, if there is anything to be praised, think about these things. 9 The things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
10 I greatly rejoice in the Lord because now at last you have renewed your concern for me. You had indeed been concerned for me before, but there was no opportunity for you to help. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need. For I have learned to be content in all circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be poor, and I also know what it is to have plenty. In every way and in all things I have learned the secret of how to be well fed or to be hungry, and how to have an abundance or to be in need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 However, you did well to share with me in my difficulties. 15 You Philippians know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church supported me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. 16 Even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent help for my needs more than once. 17 It is not that I seek the gift. Instead, I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received everything in full, and even more. I have been well supplied now that I have received from Epaphroditus the things you sent. They are a sweet-smelling aroma, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 My God will meet all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
21 Greet all God's holy people in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All God's holy people who are here greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. [1]
Paul had helped the Philippians become spiritually mature. As a result, Paul rejoiced and God honored him and his work. He considered discipling other Christians and encouraging them to grow spiritually as important to Christian living. (See: spirit and disciple)
Apparently these two women disagreed with each other. Paul was encouraging them to agree.
Paul continues with some specific instructions to the believers in Philippi on unity and then gives instructions to help them live for the Lord.
"So, my fellow believers whom I love and greatly desire to see"
See how you translated this in Philippians 1:12.
Paul uses the word "joy" to mean that the Philippian church is the cause of his happiness. A "crown" was made of leaves, and a man wore it on his head as a sign of honor after he won an important game. Here the word "crown" means the Philippian church brought honor to Paul before God. Alternate translation: "You give me joy because you have believed in Jesus, and you are my reward and honor for my work"
"continue living for the Lord in the way that I have taught you, dear friends"
These are women who were believers and helped Paul in the church at Philippi. Alternate translation: "I beg Euodia, and I beg Syntyche"
The phrase "be of the same mind" means to have the same attitude or opinion. Alternate translation: "agree with each other because you both believe in the same Lord"
When Paul says, "my true companion," the word "you" is singular. Paul does not say the name of the person. He calls him that to show he worked with Paul to spread the gospel.
Here "you" refers to the "true fellow worker" and is singular.
This metaphor is from farming, where two animals would be bound to the same yoke, and so they work together. Alternate translation: "fellow worker"
Clement was a man who was a believer and worker in the church at Philippi.
"whose names God has written in the Book of Life"
"Be happy because of all the Lord has done." See how you translated this in Philippians 3:1.
Possible meanings are 1) The Lord Jesus is near to the believers in spirit or 2) the day the Lord Jesus will return to the earth is near.
"whatever happens to you, ask God for everything you need with prayer and thanks"
"the peace that God gives"
"which is more than we can understand"
This presents God's peace as a soldier who protects our hearts and thoughts from worrying. Here "hearts" is a metonym for a person's emotions. Alternate translation: "will be like a soldier and guard your emotions and thoughts in Christ" or "will protect you in Christ and will keep you from worrying about the troubles of this life"
The word translated "thoughts" can also be translated "minds," referring to the part of the person that thinks.
As Paul ends his letter, he gives a summary of how believers should live to have peace with God.
See how you translated this in Philippians 1:12.
"whatever things are pleasing"
"whatever thing people admire" or "whatever things people respect"
"if they are morally good"
"and if they are things that people praise"
"that I have taught and shown you"
Paul begins to thank the Philippians for a gift that they have sent him.
Paul begins to explain that he is thanking them for this gift simply because he is grateful, not because he needs them to give him anything more.
"to be satisfied" or "to be happy"
"no matter what my situation is"
Paul knows how to live happily having either no possessions or many possessions.
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Paul uses them to emphasize that he has learned how to be content in any situation.
"I can do all things because Christ gives me strength"
Paul speaks of his hardships as if they were a place that he is in. Alternate translation: "when things became difficult"
Paul uses the word "gospel" here to mean his preaching of the gospel. Alternate translation: "as I began to preach the gospel"
This double negative emphasizes that the Philippians were unique. Alternate translation: "the only church that supported me in the matter of giving and receiving was you" or "you were the only church that sent me money or helped me"
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Paul continues explaining that he is thanking the Philippians for their gift to him simply because he is grateful, not because he needs them to give him anything more (see Philippians 3:11).
Paul is explaining that his reason for writing about gifts is not that he hopes that they will give him more gifts. Alternate translation: "My reason for writing this is not that I want you to give me more"
Paul explains his reason for writing about gifts. Here "fruit that increases to you credit" is a metaphor for either 1) more good deeds that can be recorded for the Philippians. Alternate translation: "Rather I want God to recognize the increasing good deeds that you do" or 2) more blessings for the good things that the Philippians do. Alternate translation: "Rather I want God to bless you more because of the good deeds that you do"
Paul finishes thanking the Philippians for their gift (see Philippians 3:11) and assures them that God will take care of them.
Possible meanings are 1) Paul has received everything that the Philippians sent or 2) Paul is using humor to continue the business metaphor from Philippians 3:8 and saying that this part of the letter is a receipt for commercial goods that Epaphroditus delivered.
"even more than necessary"
Paul speaks of the gift from the Philippian church as if it were a sacrifice offered to God on an altar. Paul implies that the church's gift is very pleasing to God, like the sacrifices that the priests burned, which had a smell that pleased God. Alternate translation: "I assure you these gifts are very pleasing to God, like an acceptable sacrifice"
This phrase translates the same word that is translated "have been well supplied" in verse 18. It is an idiom meaning "will provide everything you need"
"from his glorious riches that he gives through Christ Jesus"
The word "Now" marks the closing prayer and the end of this section of the letter.
This refers to those people who were either ministering with or to Paul.
See how you translated this in Philippians 1:12.
Some versions translate this as "every holy person" or "every saint."
Some versions translate this as "All the believers" or "All of the saints."
This refers to servants who worked in Caesar's palace. "especially the fellow believers who work in the palace of Caesar"
Paul refers to the believers by using the word "spirit," which is the part of a person that can relate to God. Alternate translation: "with you"
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
2 to God's holy people and faithful brothers in Christ who are at Colossae. May grace be to you, and peace from God our Father. [1]
3 We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and we always pray for you. 4 We have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all God's holy people, 5 because of the hope reserved for you in heaven, which you heard about in the word of truth, the gospel 6 which has come to you. In the same way this gospel is bearing fruit and is growing in all the world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth. 7 This is the gospel as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf. [2]8 Epaphras has made known to us your love in the Spirit.
9 Because of this love, from the day we heard this we have not stopped praying for you. We pray that you will be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, 10 so that you will walk in a manner that is worthy of the Lord and that pleases him in every way: by bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God, 11 by being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, so that you may have great endurance and patience, and by joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who made you able [3] to have a share in the inheritance of God's holy people in light. 13 He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. [4]15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For in him all things were created, those in the heavens and those on the earth, the visible and the invisible things. Whether thrones or dominions or governments or authorities, all things were created through him and for him. 17 He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from among the dead, so he has first place among all things. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in the Son, 20 and through the Son to reconcile all things to himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross, whether things on earth or things in heaven. 21 At one time you also were alienated and hostile in mind and in evil deeds. 22 But now he has reconciled you by his physical body through death to present you holy, blameless, and above accusation before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, established and firm, not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which was proclaimed to every person created under heaven. This is the gospel of which I, Paul, became a servant.
24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking of the afflictions of Christ for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 It is of this church that I am a servant, according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God. 26 This is the mystery that was hidden for ages and for generations but now has been revealed to God's holy people. 27 It is to them that God wanted to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 We proclaim him, warning every person and teaching every person with all wisdom, so that we may present every person mature in Christ. 29 For this I labor and strive according to his energy that is at work in me in power.
As in a typical letter, Paul begins his letter in verses 1-2 by introducing Timothy and himself to the Christians in Colossae.
Paul writes much of this chapter around two subjects: who Christ is, and what Christ has done for the Christian.
Paul refers to a "secret truth" in this chapter. The role of the church in the plans of God was once unknown. But God has now revealed it. Part of this involves the Gentiles having equal standing with the Jews in the plans of God. (See: reveal)
Paul uses many different images to describe Christian living. In this chapter, he uses the images of "walking" and "bearing fruit." (See: fruit)
A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. Verse 24 is a paradox: "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you." People do not usually rejoice when they suffer. But in verses 25-29 Paul explains why his suffering is good. (Colossians 1:24)
Though this letter is from Paul and Timothy to the Colossian believers, later in the letter Paul makes it clear that he is the writer. Most likely Timothy was with him and wrote the words down as Paul spoke. Throughout this letter the words "we," "our," and "ours" include the Colossians unless noted otherwise. The words "you," "your," and "yours" refer to the Colossian believers and so are plural unless noted otherwise.
"whom God chose to be an apostle of Christ Jesus"
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These words do not include the Colossians.
Paul is excluding his audience.
"your belief in Christ Jesus"
Here "hope" stands for what the believer can confidently expect, that is, the things that God has promised to do for all believers. These things are spoken of as if they were physical objects that God was keeping in heaven for the believers to possess later. Alternate translation: "because of what you hope for that is reserved for you in heaven" or "because you are confident that God, who is in heaven, will do the many good things that he has promised you"
Possible meanings are 1) "the message about the truth, the gospel" or 2) "the true message, the gospel."
"Fruit" here is a metaphor for "result" or "outcome." Alternate translation: "This gospel is having good results, more and more" or "This gospel is having increasing results"
This is a generalization referring to the part of the world that they knew about. Alternate translation: "throughout the world"
"the true grace of God"
The word "our" does not include the Colossians.
"gospel. It is exactly what you learned from Epaphras, who is our beloved fellow servant and who" or "gospel. It is exactly what Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, taught you. He"
Here "on our behalf" means that Epaphras was doing work for Christ that Paul himself would have done if he were not in prison.
the man who preached the gospel to the people in Colossae
The word "us" does not include the Colossians.
Paul speaks of the Holy Spirit as if he were a place in which the believers were located. Alternate translation: "how the Holy Spirit has enabled you to love believers"
Because the Spirit has enabled them to love others, Paul prays for them and tells them here how he prays for them.
"Because the Holy Spirit has enabled you to love other believers"
The word "we" does not include the Colossians.
"from the day Epaphras told us these things"
Paul speaks of the Colossian believers as though they were containers. Alternate translation: "that God will fill you with what you need to know so that you can do his will"
"so that the Holy Spirit will make you wise and able to understand what God wants you to do"
Walking here signifies behavior in life. Alternate translation: "that you will live as God expects you to and so please him"
Paul is speaking of the Colossian believers as if they were trees or plants that grow and bear fruit. Alternate translation: "by making sure that all of your good works please God and people and growing"
"always getting to know God better" or "always learning more about God"
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"allowed you to share"
Here Paul is focusing on his readers as receivers of God's blessings. But he does not mean that he himself has no share in those blessings.
Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member.
This idea is opposite to the idea of the dominion of darkness in the next verse. Alternate translation: "in the glory of his presence"
Paul talks about the ways in which Christ is excellent.
"God has rescued us"
"Darkness" here is a metaphor for evil. Alternate translation: "the evil forces that controlled us"
"Son" is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
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"His Son is the image of the invisible God." Here "image" does not mean a representation of something that is visible. Instead, "image" here means that by knowing the Son, we learn what God the Father is like.
The expression "firstborn" does not refer to when Jesus was born. Instead, it refers to his position as the eternal Son of God the Father. In this sense, "firstborn" is a metaphor meaning "most important." Jesus is the most important and the unique Son of God. Alternate translation: "God's Son, the most important one over all creation"
The noun "creation" can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: "over all that God created"
Here "him" refers to the Son. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For in him God created all things"
Here "him" refers to the Son. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God created all things through him and for him"
"It is he who existed before all things"
Paul is speaking here of the Son controlling all things as if he were physically holding them together. "he holds everything together"
"Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the head"
Paul speaks of Jesus's position over the church as if he were the head on the human body. As the head rules the body, so does Jesus rule the church.
"the originating authority." He is the first chief or founder.
Jesus is the first person to die and come back to life, never to die again.
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This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
"by means of the blood Jesus shed on the cross"
Here "blood" stands for the death of Christ on the cross.
This phrase explains what "all things" means. Some languages might prefer to put it closer to "all things."
Paul makes it clear that God has now revealed that Christ exchanges the sin of Gentile believers for his holiness.
"There was a time when you Colossian believers also"
were no longer living in loving relationship with God
Paul uses two concepts, "blameless" and "above accusation," that mean almost the same thing to emphasize the idea of perfection. Alternate translation: "holy and perfect"
This expression of location stands for "in God's view" or "in God's mind"
To be moved away from the hope of the gospel is a metaphor meaning to stop hoping in what God promised in the gospel. Alternate translation: "continuing in the hope of the gospel that you heard" or "continuing to hope in the promises of God that you heard about in the gospel"
The hope of the gospel is the confident expectation that God will do what the gospel teaches he will do. Alternate translation: "continuing to confidently expect what is promised in the gospel"
This can be translated with an active phrase. Alternate translation: "which believers proclaimed"
God created everyone. The phrase "under heaven" is a metonym for in the world. Alternate translation: "to every person in the world"
Paul was a servant of God. Alternate translation: "the gospel that I, Paul, serve God by proclaiming"
Paul speaks about the suffering that he continues to experience. He may be acknowledging here that there is much suffering that he and all other Christians must endure before Christ comes again, and that Christ in a spiritual sense joins with them in experiencing these hardships. Paul certainly does not mean that Christ's sufferings alone were not enough to provide salvation for the believers.
Paul speaks of his body as if it were a container that could hold suffering.
Paul often speaks of the church, the group of all Christian believers, as if it were Christ's body.
This means to bring about the purpose of God's gospel message, which is that it be preached and believed. "Word of God" here is a metonym for the message from God. Alternate translation: "to be obedient to what God has instructed"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "This is the mystery that God had hidden"
The words "ages" and "generations" refer to the time period from the creation of the world until the time when the gospel was preached.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "now God has revealed it to his holy people"
Paul speaks of the value of this mystery about God as if it were a treasure of material wealth. Alternate translation: "the greatness of the glory of this mystery"
The mystery that God has made known is "Christ in you." Paul speaks of believers as if they were containers in which Christ is present. This is one of his ways of expressing the union of the believers with Christ. Alternate translation: "which is that Christ is in you" or "which is that Christ is united to you"
The fact that Christ is in believers gives believers hope that they will share in God's glory. Alternate translation: "so you can confidently expect to share in God's glory" or "so you can confidently wait for God's glory"
These instances of "we" include Paul and his companions but do not include the Colossians.
You may need to make explicit to whom they will present every person. Alternate translation: "so that we may present to God every person"
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1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have had for you, for those at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh. 2 I work so that their hearts may be encouraged by being brought together in love and into all the riches of full assurance of understanding, into the knowledge of the mystery of God, that is, Christ. 3 In him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden. 4 I say this so that no one may trick you with persuasive speech. 5 Although I am not with you in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit. I rejoice to see your good order and the strength of your faith in Christ.
6 As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him. 7 Be rooted in him, be built on him, be established in faith just as you were taught, and abound in thanksgiving.
8 See that no one captures you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, conforming to the elemental spirits of the world, and not conforming to Christ. 9 For in him all the fullness of God lives in bodily form. 10 You have been filled in him, who is the head over every ruler and authority. 11 In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not done by humans in the removal of the body of flesh, but in the circumcision of Christ. 12 You were buried with him in baptism, and in him you were raised up through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 When you were dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he made you alive together with him and forgave us all of our trespasses. [1]14 He blotted out the written record of debts that was hostile to us with its regulations. He took it away by nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
16 So then, let no one judge you in eating or in drinking, or about a festival or a new moon, or about Sabbath days. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance is Christ. 18 Let no one who wants humility and the worship of angels judge you out of your prize. Such a person enters into the things he has seen and becomes puffed up for no reason by his fleshly thinking. 19 He does not hold on to the head. It is from the head that the whole body throughout its joints and ligaments is supplied and held together; it grows with the growth given by God.
20 If you died together with Christ to the elemental spirits of the world, why do you live as obligated to the world: 21 "Do not handle, nor taste, nor touch"? 22 All these things will perish with use, according to the commandments and teachings of men. 23 These rules have the appearance of wisdom, with their self-made religion and humility and severe treatment of the body. But they have no value against the indulgence of the flesh.
In verses 11-12, Paul uses both the old covenant sign of circumcision and the new covenant sign of baptism to show how Christians are united with Christ and freed from sin.
This is a complex issue. "Flesh" is possibly a metaphor for our sinful nature. Paul is not teaching that the physical part of man is sinful. Paul appears to be teaching that, while Christians are alive ("in the flesh"), we will continue to sin. But our new nature will be fighting against our old nature. Paul also uses "flesh" in this chapter to refer to the physical body.
Paul mentions several issues in this chapter that imply information about the context of the church in Colossae. It is best to allow the text to remain uncertain over the actual details.
Paul continues to encourage the believers in Colossae and Laodicea to understand that Christ is God and that he lives in believers, so they should live in the same way they received him.
Paul has exerted much effort in developing their purity and their understanding of the gospel.
This was a city very close to Colossae where there was another church for which Paul was praying.
Here "face in the flesh" represents the person as a whole. Alternate translation: "all those who have never seen me personally" or "all those whom I have never met face to face"
Paul includes the Colossians even though he uses a different pronoun. Alternate translation: "so that their hearts and yours"
This means brought together in a close relationship.
Paul speaks of a person who is completely sure that the good news is true as though that person were rich in physical things.
This is knowledge that can be revealed only by God.
Jesus Christ is the mystery revealed by God.
Only Christ can reveal God's true wisdom and knowledge. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge in Christ"
Paul speaks of God's wisdom and knowledge as if they were material wealth. Alternate translation: "the very precious wisdom and knowledge"
These words mean basically the same thing here. Paul uses them together to emphasize that all spiritual understanding comes from Christ.
This means to cause someone to believe something that is not true, so he acts on that belief, and suffers harm as a result.
speech that will make people change what they believe
The person's flesh, or physical body, is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: "not physically present with you"
Being with someone in spirit is a metaphor for thinking continually about that person. Alternate translation: "I continually think about you"
the proper way of doing things
"how nothing and no one can cause you to stop believing"
Walking on a path is a metaphor for how a person lives his life. The words "in him" refer to being in close relationship with Christ and so doing what pleases him. Alternate translation: "live your lives the way he wants you to" or "live so that people can see that you belong to him"
These words explain what it means to "walk in him."
Paul speaks of a person with true faith in Christ as if that person were a tree growing in solid ground with deep roots.
Paul speaks of a person with true faith in Christ as if that person were a building that has a strong foundation.
"trust in Jesus for everything"
This is best stated without naming or otherwise calling attention to the teacher, who was Epaphras (Colossians 1:7). Alternate translation: "just as you learned" or "just as they taught you" or "just as he taught you"
Paul speaks of thanksgiving as if it were objects that a person could obtain more of. Alternate translation: "be very thankful to God"
Paul urges the believers to be careful not to turn to the words and rules of others because nothing can add to the fullness of God that believers have in Christ.
"Make sure that"
Paul speaks of the way a person can believe false teachings
religious doctrines and beliefs that are not from God's word but are based on man's thoughts about God and life
Paul speaks of false ideas that produce nothing and so are without value as though they are containers with nothing in them.
The "tradition of men" may refer to Jewish traditions, while "the elemental spirits of the world" refers to pagan (Gentile) belief systems. Both of these are worthless.
Possible meanings are 1) spiritual powers that some people thought control what happens on earth, or 2) the laws or moral principles of the world.
"God's total nature lives in physical form in Christ"
Paul speaks of people as though they were containers into which God has placed Christ. Alternate translation: "You are made complete in Christ"
Christ is the ruler over every other ruler
Paul is speaking of those who belong to Christ as if they were inside Christ's body. This can also be made active. Alternate translation: "When you joined the church in baptism, God circumcised you"
With this metaphor, Paul says that God has made Christian believers acceptable to himself in a way that reminded him of circumcision, the ceremony through which Hebrew male babies were added to the community of Israel.
Paul speaks of being baptized and joining the assembly of believers as if it were being buried with Christ. This can be made active. Alternate translation: "God buried you with Christ when you joined the church in baptism"
With this metaphor, Paul speaks of the new spiritual life of believers that God made possible by making Christ come alive again. This can be made active. Alternate translation: "because you have joined yourself to Christ, God raised you up" or "in him God caused you to live again"
Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God raised you up" or "God caused you to live again"
Paul speaks of unresponsiveness to God as if it were death. Alternate translation: "When you Colossian believers were unable to respond to God"
With this metaphor Paul speaks of coming into new spiritual life as if it were coming back to life physically.
You were dead on two accounts: 1) you were spiritually dead, living a life of sin against Christ and 2) you were not circumcised according to the law of Moses.
"he forgave us, both us Jews and you Gentiles, of all our trespasses"
Paul speaks of God forgiving our sins as if God were forgiving a debt that we owe him.
When someone blots out words, they cover the words with ink so that no one can read them.
"that was opposed to us"
In Roman times, it was common practice for the Roman armies to have a victory parade when they returned home, displaying all the prisoners they had captured and goods they had obtained. God was victorious over the evil powers and authorities.
Here "the cross" stands for Christ's death on the cross.
The law of Moses included what one could eat and drink. "for what you eat or what you drink"
The law of Moses specified the days to celebrate, to worship, and to offer sacrifice. "for the way you celebrate festivals or new moons or the Sabbath"
A shadow shows the shape of an object, but it is not the object itself. In a similar way, the festivals, celebrations, and Sabbaths show us something about how God would save people, but those things do not save people. The savior is Christ. Alternate translation: "These are like a shadow of what would happen, but the reality is Christ" or "These are like a shadow of the savior who would come, but the savior is Christ"
Here Paul refers to false teachers as if they were corrupt judges at an athletic contest who would unjustly disqualify the believers from winning the prizes they deserve, and he speaks of Christ saving a person as if Christ were giving a prize to the winner of such a contest. Alternate translation: "Let no one ... disqualify you from winning a prize"
The word "humility" is a metonym for actions one does to make others think that one is humble. Alternate translation: "who wants you to do things to show that you are humble"
Here Paul speaks about people who claim to have dreams and visions from God and who talk proudly about them.
Here Paul says that sinful ways of thinking make a person arrogant. Alternate translation: "puffs himself up for no reason by means of his fleshly thinking"
Here a person who boasts is spoken of as if he were an object into which someone had blown air to make it larger than it should be.
Here the idea of flesh stands for the sinful human nature. "the sinful thoughts he naturally thinks"
A person not trusting in Christ is spoken of has if they do not hold firmly to the head. Christ is spoken of as if he were the head of a body. Alternate translation: "He does not firmly grasp Christ, who is like the head of a body" or "He does not cling to Christ, who is like the head of a body"
Paul speaks of the church, which is ruled and empowered by Christ, as if it were a human body. Alternate translation: "It is from the head that God supplies the whole body throughout its joints and ligaments and holds it together"
A believer is spiritually united with Christ. As Christ died, the believer has died to the elemntal spirits of the world. This is a metaphor for no longer responding to the elemenatry spirits of the world. The believer is no longer controlled by them.
Possible meanings are 1) spiritual powers that some people thought control what happens on earth, or 2) the laws or moral principles of the world. See how you translated this in Colossians 2:8.
"think you must obey the desires of the world"
the thoughts, desires, and assumptions of the sinful majority of the world's people
The rhetorical question that begins with the words "why do you live as obligated to the world" in verse 20 ends here. Paul uses this question to rebuke the Colossians for following the false beliefs of the world. "you should not live as obligated to the world: 'Do ... touch'!"
Paul is quoting what other people have been telling the Colossians and using a rhetorical question to challenge them. Alternate translation: "why do you believe them when they say, 'Do not handle, nor taste, nor touch'?" or "you should not obey them when they say, 'Do not handle, nor taste, nor touch'"
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"These rules seem wise to unbelieving people because they allow those who follow them to appear humble because they hurt their own bodies"
"do not help you stop following your human desires"
1 If then God has raised you with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Think about the things above, not about the things on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ appears, who is your life, then you will also appear with him in glory. [1]
5 Put to death, then, the members that are on earth—sexual immorality, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry. 6 It is for these things that the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. [2]7 It is in these things that you also once walked when you lived in them. 8 But now you must get rid of all these things—wrath, anger, evil intentions, slander, and obscene speech from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old man with its practices, 10 and you have put on the new man that is being made new in knowledge according to the image of the one who created it, 11 where there is no Greek or Jew, circumcision or uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, freeman, but Christ is all, and is in all.
12 Therefore, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, put on a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Bear with one another. Be gracious to each other. If someone has a complaint against someone else, forgive in the same way that the Lord has forgiven you. 14 Above all these things, have love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. It was for this peace that you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ live in you richly, teaching and instructing one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. Give thanks to God the Father through him.
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as it is appropriate in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be bitter against them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is pleasing in the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, so that they will not be discouraged. 22 Slaves, obey your masters according to the flesh in all things, not with eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with a sincere heart. Fear the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work from the soul as to the Lord and not as to people. 24 You know that you will receive from the Lord the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. 25 For anyone who does unrighteousness will receive the penalty for the unrighteousness that he did, and there is no partiality.
The second part of this chapter parallels Ephesians 5 and 6.
The old and new self mean the same as the old and new man. The term "old man" probably refers to the sinful nature with which a person is born. The "new man" is the new nature or new life that God gives a person after they come to believe in Christ. (See: sin and faith)
Many of the things Paul encourages his readers to pursue or avoid are not actions but character qualities. Because of this, they may be difficult to translate.
Where God dwells is often pictured as being located "above." Paul says to "seek the things above" and to "think about the things above." He is implying Christians should seek and think about heavenly and godly things.
Paul warns the believers that because they are one with Christ, they ought not do certain things.
This is an idiom that means "because."
Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Possible meanings are 1) because God has caused Christ to come alive again, God has already given the believers in Colossae new spiritual life. Alternate translation: "God has given you new life because you belong to Christ" or 2) because God has caused Christ to come alive again, the believers in Colossae can know that after they die they will live with Christ, and Paul can speak of the believers living again as if it has already happened. Alternate translation: "you can be sure that God will give you life as he has caused Christ to come alive again"
"things in heaven"
To sit at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "where Christ is sitting in the place of honor beside God" or "where Christ is sitting in the place of honor at God's right side"
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As Christ actually died, so God counts the Colossian believers as having died with Christ.
Paul speaks of people's lives as if they were objects that can be hidden in containers and speaks of God as if he were a container. Alternate translation: Possible meanings are 1) "it is as though God has taken your life and concealed it with Christ in God's presence" or 2) "only God knows what your true life really is, and he will reveal it when he reveals Christ"
Another possible meaning is "Christ is revealed ... you will also be revealed," which can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "God reveals Christ ... he will also reveal you"
Christ is the one who gives spiritual life to the believer.
The word "members" here refers to parts of a person's nature. Being "on earth" or being worldly is a metaphor for being sinful. The rest of the verse is a list of sinful "members" or behaviors. Alternate translation: "the earthly parts of your nature" or "the parts of your nature that are worldly"
"impure behavior"
"lust" or "extremely strong desires"
"greed, which is the same thing as idolatry" or "do not be greedy because that is the same as worshiping idols"
God's anger against those who do evil as shown by what he does to punish them.
This is an idiom that means they were characterized by disobedience. The abstract noun "disobedience" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "disobedient people" or "people who disobey him"
Paul speaks of the way a person behaves as if it were a road or path a person walks on. Alternate translation: "These are the things you used to do"
Possible meanings are 1) "when you practiced these things" or 2) "when you lived among the people who disobey God"
"desire to do wicked deeds"
speech used to hurt others by saying untrue things about them
words that do not belong in polite conversation
Here "mouth" is a metonym for talk. "in your talk"
Paul continues to tell the believers how to live and reminds them that Christians should treat everyone according to the same standard.
Here Paul is speaking of a Christian's rejecting his old sinful life as if it were an old garment that he takes off in order to put on a new garment. It was very common for Israelites such as Paul to speak of moral qualities as if they were pieces of clothing.
Here Paul is speaking of a Christian's rejecting his old sinful life as if it were an old garment that he takes off
This refers to Jesus Christ.
These terms are examples of the categories of people that Paul says do not matter for God. God sees every person alike, not by race, religion, nationality, or social status. Alternate translation: "race, religion, culture, and social status do not matter"
a foreigner who does not know local customs
This is someone from the land of Scythia, which was outside the Roman Empire. Greeks and Romans used this word for someone who grew up in a place where everyone did wicked things all the time.
Nothing is excluded or left out of the rule of Christ. Alternate translation: "Christ is all important and lives in all his people"
This can be made active. Alternate translation: "as those whom God has chosen for himself, whom he desires to see live for him alone, and whom he loves"
The "heart" is a metaphor for feelings and attitudes. Here it is spoken of as if it had certain feelings and attitudes, and as if it were clothing to wear. Alternate translation: "have a merciful, kind, humble, gentle, and patient heart" or "be merciful, kind, humble, gentle, and patient"
"Be patient with one another" or "Accept each other even when you disappoint each other"
"Treat others better than they deserve to have you to treat them"
The abstract noun "complaint" can be stated as "complain." Alternate translation: "has a reason to complain against"
Here "bond of perfection" is a metaphor for something that causes perfect unity among people. Alternate translation: "love one another because doing so will unite you perfectly together.
Paul speaks of the peace that Christ gives as if it were a ruler. Possible meanings are 1) "Do everything so that you can have peaceful relationships with each other" or 2) "Allow God to give you peace in your heart"
Here "hearts" is a metonym for a people's minds or inner beings. Alternate translation: "in your minds" or "inside of you"
Paul speaks of Christ's word as if it were a person capable of living inside other people. "Word of Christ" here is a metonym for the teachings of Christ. Alternate translation: "Be obedient to the instructions of Christ" or "Always trust Christ's promises"
"singing all sorts of songs to praise God." Some interpreters believe that "psalms," "hymns," and "spiritual songs" all refer to different psalms in the book of Psalms.
These are probably songs from the Old Testament book of Psalms that Christians sang.
Here "hearts" is a metonym for people's minds or inner beings. Alternate translation: "with thankfulness in your minds" or "being thankful"
"in speaking or in acting"
Acting in the name of a person here is a metonym for acting to help other people think well of that person. Alternate translation: "to honor the Lord Jesus" or "so that others will know you belong to the Lord Jesus and will think well of him" or "as if the Lord Jesus himself were doing it"
Possible meanings are 1) because he has done great deeds or 2) because he has made it possible for people to speak to God and so give him thanks.
Paul begins to give special instructions to wives, husbands, children, fathers, slaves, and masters.
"Wives, obey"
"it is proper" or "it is right"
"do not be harsh with" or "do not be angry at"
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"do not needlessly make your children angry"
"obey your human masters"
"things. Do not obey only when your master is watching, as though you need only to please people, but be sincere"
"Heart" here is a metonym for a person's thoughts or intentions. Alternate translation: "with all honest intentions" or "with sincerity"
"as you would work for the Lord"
"the inheritance as your reward"
Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member.
The phrase "receive the penalty" means to be punished. Alternate translation: "anyone who does unrighteousness will be punished" or "God will punish anyone who does what is unrighteous"
who actively does wrong of any kind
The abstract noun "partiality" can be expressed with the verb "favor." To favor some people is to judge them by different standards so the result is better for them than for others who do the same actions. Alternate translation: "God does not favor anyone" or "God judges everyone by the same standard"
1 Masters, give to slaves what is right and fair, knowing you also have a Master in heaven.
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, staying alert in it in thanksgiving, 3 praying together for us also, that God would open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which also I have been in chains. 4 Pray that I may make it clear, as I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward those outside, and redeem the time. 6 Let your words always be with grace. Let them be seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.
7 As for all the things concerning me, Tychicus will make them known to you. He is a beloved brother, a faithful servant, and fellow slave in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this, that you might know the matters about us, and so that he may encourage your hearts. [1]9 I have sent him together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you everything that has happened here.
10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, as well as Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received orders; if he comes to you, receive him), 11 and also Jesus who is called Justus. These alone of the circumcision are my fellow workers for the kingdom of God. They have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras greets you. He is one of you and a slave of Christ Jesus. He always strives for you in prayer, so that you may stand complete and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I can testify that he works hard for you, for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. 15 Greet the brothers in Laodicea, and Nympha, and the church that is in her house. 16 When this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 Say to Archippus, "Look to the ministry that you have received in the Lord, that you should fulfill it."
18 This greeting is with my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. May grace be with you.
Colossians 4:1 appears to belong with the topics of Chapter 3 instead of Chapter 4.
It was common in the ancient Near East for the author to speak and someone else to write down the words. Many of the New Testament letters were written this way. Paul wrote the final greeting himself.
Paul refers to a "secret truth" in this chapter. The role of the church in the plans of God was once unknown. But God has now revealed it. Part of this involves the Gentiles having equal standing with the Jews in the plans of God. (See: reveal)
After speaking to masters, Paul ends his special instructions to the different kinds of believers in the church at Colossae.
These words mean almost the same thing and are used to emphasize the things that are morally correct.
Paul implies that God, as the Master in heaven, will give his servants what is right and fair. This could be blessing for the earthly master who treats his servants kindly or punishment for the earthly master who treats his servants unkindly. Alternate translation: "you also have a Master, who is God in heaven"
Paul continues to give instructions to believers on how to live and speak.
"Keep praying faithfully" or "Keep praying consistently"
Here the word "us" refers to Paul and Timothy but not the Colossians.
Opening a door for someone is a metaphor for giving that person the opportunity to do something. Alternate translation: "God would provide opportunities for us"
"make an opportunity for us to preach his message"
This refers to the gospel of Jesus Christ, which was not understood before Christ came.
Here "in chains" is a metonym for being in prison, though Paul probably also was physically attached to a chain. Paul was in chains because he told people about the mystery of Christ. Alternate translation: "It is for proclaiming the message of Jesus Christ that I am now in prison"
"Pray that I might be able to speak the message of Jesus Christ clearly"
The idea of walking is often used for the idea of conducting one's life. Alternate translation: "Live in such a way that those who are not believers will see that you are wise"
To "redeem" something means to restore it to its rightful owner. Here time is spoken of as something that can be restored and used to serve God. Alternate translation: "do the best things you can with your time" or "put the time to its best use"
Food with salt is a metaphor for words that teach others and that others enjoy hearing. Alternate translation: "Let your conversation always be gracious and attractive"
"so that you may know how to answer questions from anyone about Jesus Christ" or "so that you may be able to treat every person well"
Paul closes with special instructions about certain people as well as greetings to and from individual believers.
"everything that has been happening to me"
"fellow servant." Though Paul is a free man, he sees himself as a servant of Christ and sees Tychicus as a fellow servant.
These words do not include the Colossians.
The heart was thought to be the center of many emotions. Alternate translation: "may encourage you"
Onesimus was a slave of Philemon in Colossae. He had stolen money from Philemon and run away to Rome where he became a Christian through the ministry of Paul. Now Tychicus and Onesimus are the ones bringing Paul's letter to Colossae along with a letter from Paul to Philemon asking him to send Onesimus back to Paul.
Paul calls Onesimus a fellow Christian and servant of Christ.
"Tychicus and Onesimus will make known"
All that is taking place where Paul is currently living. Tradition says Paul was in Rome under house arrest or in prison at this time.
He was in prison with Paul in Ephesus when Paul wrote this letter to the Colossians.
"if Mark comes"
This is a man who also worked with Paul.
Paul uses "circumcision" here to refer to Jews because, under the Old Testament law, all male Jews had to be circumcised. Alternate translation: "These three men are the only Jewish believers working with me to proclaim God as king through Christ Jesus"
"These men—Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus—alone of the circumcision"
Epaphras was the man who had preached the good news to the people in Colossae (Colossians 1:7).
"from your city" or "your fellow townsman"
"a committed disciple of Christ Jesus"
"earnestly prays for you"
"you may stand mature and confident"
Laodicea and Hierapolis were towns close to Colossae.
This man was one of Paul's co-workers.
Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
a city very close to Colossae where there was also a church
A woman named Nympha hosted a house church. Alternate translation: "Nympha and the group of believers that meets in her house"
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Paul reminds Archippus of the task God had given him and that he, Archippus, was under obligation to the Lord to fulfill it. The words "Look," "you have received," and "you should fulfill" all refer to Archippus and should be singular.
Paul closes his letter with a greeting written in his own handwriting.
The word "chains" is a metaphor that Paul uses to indicate that he is in prison, but it is also likely that he was literally attached to a chain. Alternate translation: "Remember me and pray for me while I am in prison"
Here "grace" stands for God, who shows grace or acts kindly to believers. Alternate translation: "I pray that our Lord Jesus Christ would continue to act graciously toward you all"
1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May grace and peace be to you. [1]
2 We always give thanks to God for all of you as we mention you continually in our prayers. 3 We remember before our God and Father your work of faith, labor of love, and patient endurance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 Brothers loved by God, we know he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance. In the same way, you also know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord when you received the word in much tribulation with joy from the Holy Spirit. 7 As a result, you became an example to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 8 For from you the word of the Lord has rung out, and not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone out everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it. 9 For they themselves report concerning us what kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from the idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.
Verse 1 formally introduces this letter. Letters in the ancient Near East commonly had introductions of this type.
Other people persecuted the Christians in Thessalonica. But the Christians there handled it well.
Paul identifies himself as the writer of the letter and greets the church at Thessalonica.
The UDB makes clear that it was Paul who wrote this letter.
The terms "grace" and "peace" are metonyms for the person who acts toward people in a kindly and peaceful manner. Alternate translation: "May God be kind to you and give you peace"
The word "you" refers to the Thessalonian believers.
In this letter the words "we" and "us" refer to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, unless otherwise noted. Also, the word "you" is plural and refers to the believers at the church of Thessalonica.
Here "always" suggests that when Paul prays to God, he consistently presents the Thessalonians to God in his prayers.
"we continually pray for you"
"what you have done because you have faith in God, the hard work you have done because you love others, and how you always continued to hope in our Lord Jesus Christ"
The Thessalonians confidently expected that Jesus would do all that he promised to do. Alternate translation: "firmness of your trust in our Lord Jesus Christ" or "continual trust in our Lord Jesus Christ"
Paul continues to give thanks for the believers at Thessalonica and praises them for their faith in God.
Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
The word "we" refers to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy but not the Thessalonian believers.
"not only in what we said"
Possible meanings are 1) the Holy Spirit gave Paul and his companions the ability to preach the gospel powerfully or 2) the Holy Spirit made the preaching of the gospel have a powerful effect among the Thessalonian believers or 3) the Holy Spirit demonstrated the truth of the gospel preaching by means of miracles, signs, and wonders.
The abstract noun "assurance" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "power and in the Holy Spirit, and God made you sure that it was true"
"how we conducted ourselves when"
To "imitate" means to act like or to copy the behavior of another.
"welcomed the message" or "accepted what we had to say"
"during a time of great suffering" or "in much persecution"
This is an ancient district in what is present-day Greece.
"Word" here is a metonym for "message." Alternate translation: "the Lord's teachings have rung out"
Here Paul speaks of the Christian witness produced by the Thessalonian believers as if it were a bell that was rung or a musical instrument that was being played.
Paul is referring to the churches that already existed in the surrounding regions, who have heard about the Thessalonian believers.
Here "themselves" is used to emphasize those people who had heard about the Thessalonian believers.
The abstract noun "reception" can be expressed as the verb "receive" or "welcome." Alternate translation: "how warmly you received us" or "how warmly you welcomed us"
Here "turned to ... from" is a metaphor that means to start being loyal to one person and stop being loyal to someone else. Alternate translation: "you stopped worshiping idols and started serving the living and true God"
This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God.
"whom God caused to live again so that he was no longer dead." The expression "the dead" describes all dead people together in the underworld. To come back from among them speaks of becoming alive again.
Here Paul includes the Thessalonian believers.
1 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not useless. 2 Rather, as you know, though we previously suffered and were shamefully treated at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much struggling. 3 For our exhortation was not from error, nor from uncleanness, nor from deceit. 4 Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be trusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please men, but God. He is the one who examines our hearts. 5 For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from people, either from you or from others. 7 We could have claimed privileges as apostles of Christ. [1] Instead, we were as gentle among you as a mother comforting her own children. [2]8 In this way we had affection for you. We were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives. For you had become very dear to us. 9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil. Night and day we were working so that we might not be a burden to any of you as we preached to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy, righteous, and blameless was our behavior toward you who believe. 11 In the same way you know how we were with each one of you, as a father with his own children, 12 exhorting you and comforting you and urging you to walk in a manner that is worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
13 For this reason we also thank God constantly, that when you received God's message that you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of man, but just as it truly is, the word of God, which is also at work in you who believe. 14 For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God that are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, as they did from the Jews 15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and who drove us out. They do not please God. Instead, they are hostile to all people. 16 They forbid us to speak to the Gentiles for them to be saved. The result is that they always fill up their sins to the limit. But wrath will overtake them in the end.
17 But we, brothers, were separated from you for a short time, in person not in heart. We were especially eager, with great desire, to see your faces. 18 For we wished to come to you—indeed I, Paul, once and again—but Satan stopped us. 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of pride in front of our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy.
Paul values his "Christian witness" as evidence that the gospel is true. Paul says that being godly or holy bears witness to the non-Christian. Paul defends his character so that his witness is not affected. (See: testimony and godly and holy)
Paul begins to remind the Thessalonians of how he behaved when he was with them.
The words "you" and "yourselves" refer to the Thessalonian believers.
Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
The word "our" refers to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy but not the Thessalonian believers.
This can be expressed in a positive manner. Alternate translation: "was very worthwhile"
"were mistreated and insulted"
"while struggling under great opposition"
"was truthful, pure, and honest"
Ritual uncleanness here is a metaphor for guilt from having committed sin.
Paul was tested and proven trustworthy by God.
Paul is referring to preaching the gospel message.
The word "hearts" is a metonym for a person's desires and thoughts. Alternate translation: "who knows our desires and thoughts"
Paul tells the Thessalonian believers that his conduct was not based in flattery, greed, or self glory.
"we never spoke to you with false praise"
"And we did not try to make people praise us"
Just as a mother gently comforts her children, so Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy spoke gently to the Thessalonian believers.
"This is how we demonstrated our affection for you"
"we loved you"
Paul speaks of the gospel message and his life and the lives of those with him as if they were a physical object that one could share with others. Alternate translation: "We were pleased not only to tell you the gospel of God but also to spend time with you and to help you"
"we cared for you deeply"
Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
The words "labor" and "toil" mean basically the same thing. Paul uses them to emphasize how hard they worked. Alternate translation: "how hard we worked"
"We worked hard to make our own living so you would not need to support us"
Paul uses three words that describe their good behavior toward the Thessalonian believers.
Paul compares how he encouraged the Thessalonians to a father gently teaching his children how to behave.
The words "exhorting," "comforting," and "urging" are used together to express how passionately Paul's group exhorted the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: "strongly exhorted you"
The word "glory" describes the word "kingdom." Alternate translation: "into his own glorious kingdom"
"Walk" here is an metaphor for "live." Alternate translation: "to live so that people will think well of God"
Paul continues to use "we" to refer to himself and his traveling companions and "you" to the Thessalonian believers.
Paul often thanks God for their acceptance of the gospel message he shared with them.
"Word of man" here is a synecdoche for "a message that comes simply from a man." Alternate translation: "not a message that is made up by a man"
"Word" here is a metonym for "message." Alternate translation: "the message that comes from God"
Paul speaks of God's gospel message as if it were a person who was doing work. Alternate translation: "which those of you who believe are listening to and beginning to obey"
Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
"became like the churches." The Thessalonian believers endured persecutions similar to those of the Judean believers.
"from other Thessalonians"
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"They try to make us stop speaking"
Paul speaks as though someone can fill a container with his sins as with liquid.
This refers to God finally judging and punishing people for their sins.
This means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
Here "heart" represents thoughts and emotions. Though Paul and those traveling with him were not present physically in Thessalonica, they continued to care and think about the believers there. Alternate translation: "in person, but we continued to think about you"
Here "face" represents the entire person. Alternate translation: "to see you" or "to be with you"
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Paul uses rhetorical questions to emphasize the reasons he wants to come see the Thessalonian believers. Alternate translation: "For you are our hope, our joy, and our crown of pride in front our Lord Jesus at his coming."
The Thessalonians are the reason that Paul and his fellow workers have hope and joy. Here "hope" means "certain expectation." Paul is certain that his work among them will be succesful and that they will be with him at Christ's return. Alternate translation: "For what is the reason that we can be hopeful or joyful? What is our crown of pride in front of our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?" or "For you are the reason that we are hopeful and joyful. You are our crown of pride in front of our Lord Jesus at his coming."
Here "crown" refers to a laurel wreath awarded to victorious athletes. Here it is a metaphor meaning that the Thessalonians are the the symbol that Paul's work was successful. Paul will be proud of them when they stand before Christ. Alternate translation: "For what is the reason we are hopeful and joyful. What is the reason that we can be proud of what we accomplished when we stand before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?" or "For you are the reason that we are hopeful and joyful. You are our reason for being proud of what we accomplished when we stand before our Lord Jesus at his coming."
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1 Therefore, when we could no longer bear it, we thought it was good to be left behind at Athens alone. 2 We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and comfort you regarding your faith, [1]3 so that no one would be shaken by these tribulations. For you yourselves know that for this we have been appointed. 4 Truly, when we were with you, we told you in advance that we were about to suffer affliction, and it happened just so, as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent that I might know about your faith. Perhaps the tempter had somehow tempted you, and our labor was in vain. 6 But Timothy came to us from you and brought us the good news of your faith and love. He told us that you always have good memories of us, and that you long to see us just as we also long to see you. 7 Because of this, brothers, we were comforted by you because of your faith, in all our distress and affliction. 8 For now we live, if you stand firm in the Lord. 9 For what thanks can we give to God for you, for all the joy that we have before our God over you? 10 Night and day we pray very hard that we may see your face and provide what is lacking in your faith.
11 May our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you. 12 May the Lord make you increase and abound in love one for another and toward all people, as we also do for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that they will be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy people.
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"we could no longer endure worrying about you"
"good for Silvanus and me to stay behind in Athens"
"it was proper" or "it was reasonable"
Athens was a city in the the Roman province of Achaia [1 Thessalonians 1:7-8]
Paul tells the believers he has sent Timothy to strengthen their faith.
These two expressions both describe Timothy.
To be shaken is an idiom for being afraid. Alternate translation: "no one would be frightened away from trusting in Christ"
Paul assumes that everyone knows that it was God who appointed them. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "God has appointed us"
This word marks that there is more to the truth than what has just been said. Alternate translation: "Moreover"
"to be mistreated by others"
Paul is describing his own emotions by using an idiom. Alternate translation: "I could not continue to wait patiently"
It is implied that Paul sent Timothy. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "I sent Timothy"
"our hard work among you" or "our teaching among you"
"useless"
Paul tells his readers what Timothy reported when he returned from visiting them.
The word "us" refers to Paul and Silvanus.
It is understood that this refers to faith in Christ. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "a good report of your faith"
When they think of Paul, they always have good thoughts about him.
"you desire to see us"
Here "brothers" means fellow Christians.
This refers to faith in Christ. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "because of your faith in Christ"
The word "affliction" explains why they are in "distress." Alternate translation: "in all our distress caused by our afflictions"
This is an idiom that expresses living a satisfied life. Alternate translation: "we are very encouraged"
To "stand firm" is an idiom meaning to continue being faithful. Alternate translation: "if you continue to trust in the Lord"
This rhetorical question can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "We cannot thank God enough for what he has done for you! We greatly rejoice over you when we pray to our God!"
Paul speaks as if he and his companions were physically in God's presence. He is probably referring to the activity of praying.
"fervently"
The word "face" refers to their whole person. Alternate translation: "visit you"
Paul includes the Thessalonian believers with his ministry team.
"We pray that our God"
Paul speaks as if he wants God to show him and his companions the route to take to visit the Thessalonian Christians. He means that he wants God to make it possible for them to do so.
The word "our" refers to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy but not the Thessalonian believers.
Here "himself" refers back to "Father" for emphasis.
Paul speaks of love as an object that one could obtain more of.
Here "heart" is a metonym for one's beliefs and convictions. Alternate translation: "strenghten you so that you will be"
"when Jesus comes back to earth"
"with all those who belong to him"
1 Finally, brothers, we earnestly appeal to you and exhort you in the Lord Jesus. As you received instructions from us about how you must walk and please God, also in this way walk, so that you do so even more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification, that you avoid sexual immorality, 4 that each of you knows how to possess his own vessel in holiness and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust (as the Gentiles who do not know God). 6 Let no man transgress and wrong his brother in this matter. For the Lord is an avenger in all these things, just as we forewarned you and testified. 7 For God did not call us to uncleanness, but to holiness. 8 Therefore, he who rejects this rejects not people, but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.
9 Regarding brotherly love, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another. 10 Indeed, you do this for all the brothers who are in all Macedonia. But we exhort you, brothers, to do this even more. 11 We also exhort you to aspire to live quietly, take care of your own responsibilities, and labor with your hands, just as we commanded you, 12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and not be in any need.
13 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who sleep, so that you do not grieve like the rest, who do not have hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left at the coming of the Lord, will surely not go before those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven. He will come with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will together with them be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. In this way we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore, comfort one another with these words.
Different cultures have different standards of sexual morality. These different cultural standards may make translating this passage difficult. Translators must also be aware of cultural taboos. These are topics considered improper to discuss.
In the early church, people apparently wondered what would happen if a believer died before Christ returned. They may have worried whether those dying before Christ returned would be part of the kingdom of God. Paul answers that concern.
This passage refers to a time when Jesus calls to himself those who have believed in him. Scholars differ on whether or not this refers to Christ's final glorious return. (See: believe)
Here "brothers" means fellow Christians.
Paul uses "earnestly appeal to" and "exhort" to emphasize how strongly they exhort the believers. Alternate translation: "we strongly exhort you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we taught you"
Here "walk" is an expression for the way one is to live. Alternate translation: "you ought to live"
Paul speaks of his instructions as if they were given by Jesus himself.
"you stay away from sexually immoral acts"
Possible meanings are 1) "know how to live with his own wife" or 2) "know how to control his own body"
"with wrongful sexual desire"
Here "man" refers to a man or a woman. "no one" or "no person"
Possible meanings: 1) The words "transgress" and "wrong" are a doublet that emphasizes the idea of harming the brother. Alternate translation: "do very wrong things to his brother" 2) The word "transgress" refers to sinning against God, and "wrong his brother" refers to harming the brother. Alternate translation: "do what God had forbidden and wrong his brother"
This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "the Lord will punish the one who transgressed and will defend the one who was wronged"
"told you beforehand and strongly warned against"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "God called us to cleanness and holiness"
The word "us" refers to all believers.
"whoever disregards this teaching" or "whoever ignores this teaching"
Paul stresses that this teaching is not from man, but from God.
"love for fellow believers"
"you show love to the believers throughout Macedonia"
Here "brothers" means fellow Christians.
"to try to"
Paul uses the word "quietly" as a metaphor to describe living at peace in one's community and not causing strife. Alternate translation: "live in a calm and orderly way"
"do your own work" or "take care of the things that you are responsible for" or "do the things that you are responsible to do." This may also imply that we should not gossip and interfere in other people's concerns.
This is a metaphor for living a productive life. Alternate translation: "work at your own jobs to earn what you need to live"
Here "walk" is a metaphor for "live" or "behave." Alternate translation: "behave properly"
in a way that shows respect to others and earns their respect
Paul speaks of those who do not believe in Christ as if they are outside, in a place away from the believers. Alternate translation: "in the sight of those who do not believe in Christ"
Paul talks about believers who have died, those who are now alive, and those who will be alive when Christ returns.
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "We want you to be informed" or "We want you to know"
Here "brothers" means fellow Christians.
Here "sleep" is a euphemism for being dead. Alternate translation: "those who have died"
"because we do not want you grieve like the rest"
mourn, be sad about something
Here "hope" means a certainty about the future. What those people do not have confidence about can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "like people who do not have confidence in the future promise" or "like the people who are not sure that they will rise from the dead"
Here "we" refers to Paul and his audience.
"rose to live again"
Here "fallen asleep" is a polite way to refer to having died.
"Word" here is a metonym for "message." Alternate translation: "by means of understanding the teachings of the Lord"
"when the Lord returns"
"the Lord himself will come down"
"the chief angel"
The "dead in Christ" are those believers who have passed away. Alternate translation: "those who believe in Jesus Christ, but who have already died, will rise first"
Here "we" refers to all believers who have not died.
The word "them" refers to the dead believers who were made alive again.
"meet the Lord Jesus in the sky"
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1 Now concerning the times and seasons, brothers, you have no need that anything be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the Lord is coming like a thief in the night. 3 When they say, "Peace and safety," then sudden destruction will come on them. It will be like birth pains in a pregnant woman. They will in no way escape. 4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that the day would overtake you like a thief. 5 For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We are not sons of the night or the darkness. 6 So then, let us not sleep as the rest do. Instead, let us keep watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep do so at night, and those who get drunk do so at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, we must stay sober and put on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation for our helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore comfort one another and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
12 We earnestly appeal to you, brothers, to acknowledge those who labor among you and who rule over you in the Lord and who instruct you, 13 and to esteem them highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 We exhort you, brothers: Warn those who are lazy, encourage the discouraged, help the weak, and be patient toward all. 15 See that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone. Instead, pursue what is good for one another and for all. 16 Rejoice always. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In everything give thanks. For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things. Hold firmly to what is good. 22 Keep away from every kind of evil.
23 May the God of peace sanctify you completely. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he who calls you, the one who will also do it.
25 Brothers, pray also for us.
26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 27 I command you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Paul concludes his letter in a way that was typical of letters in the ancient Near East.
The exact time of the coming day of the Lord will be a surprise to the world. This is what the simile "like a thief in the night" means. Because of this, Christians are to live prepared for the coming of the Lord.
To quench the Spirit is to ignore or work against the Holy Spirit's guidance and work.
In this chapter the words "we" and "us" refer to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, unless otherwise noted. Also, the word "you" is plural and refers to the believers at the church of Thessalonica.
Paul continues talking about the day Jesus will come back.
This is a figurative expression which states the same idea twice. It refers to the time when the Lord Jesus will return. Alternate Translation: "the exact time that the Lord will return."
Here "brothers" means fellow Christians.
"very well" or "accurately"
Just as one does not know which night a thief may come, we do not know when the day of the Lord will come. Alternate translation: "unexpectedly"
"When the people say"
"then unexpected destruction"
Just as a pregnant woman's birth pains come suddenly and do not stop until the birth is complete, the destruction will come, and people will not escape.
Here "brothers" means fellow Christians.
Paul speaks of evil and ignorance about God as if they were darkness. Alternate translation: "you are not unknowing, like people who live in the dark"
The Lord will come on a day when believers will not expect him to come, but that day will not "overtake" them—God will not destroy them on that day—because they will be ready for Jesus to return.
Paul speaks of the truth as if it were light and day. Alternate translation: "For you know the truth, like people who live in the light, like people during the day"
Paul speaks of evil and ignorance about God as if they were darkness. Alternate translation: We are not unknowing, like people who live in the darkness, like people at night"
Paul speaks of spiritual unawareness as if it were sleep. Alternate translation: "let us not be like others who are not aware that Jesus is coming back"
The word "us" refers to all believers.
Paul describes spiritual awareness as the opposite of sleep and drunkenness.
Just as when people sleep and do not know what is happening, so the people of this world do not know that Christ will return.
Paul is stating that it is at night when people become drunk, so when people are unaware of Christ's return they do not live a self-controlled life.
In verses 8-10 the word "we" refers to all believers.
Paul speaks of knowing the truth about God as belonging to the day. Alternate translation: "we know the truth" or "we have received the light of truth"
Paul compares being sober to exercising self-control. Alternate translation: "let us exercise self-control"
As a soldier would put on a breastplate to protect his body, a believer who lives by faith and love will find protection. Alternate translation: "protect ourselves with faith and love" or "protect ourselves by trusting Christ and loving him"
Here "hope of salvation" means a certainty that Jesus will save his people. Here "helmet" is a metaphor. As a helmet protects a soldier's head, assurance of salvation protects the believer. Alternate translation: "protect ourselves by being certain that Christ will save us"
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These are polite ways of saying alive or dead. Alternate translation: "whether we are alive or dead"
Here "build" is a metaphor that means encourage. Alternate translation: "encourage each other"
Paul begins to give his final instructions to the church in Thessalonica.
Here "brothers" means fellow believers.
"to esteem and appreciate those who are involved in leading"
This refers to people God appointed to serve as leaders of the local group of believers.
Paul exhorts the believers to respect and love their church leaders.
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Paul is exhorting the believers to maintain a spiritual attitude of rejoicing in all things.
Paul is exhorting the believers to be vigilant in prayer.
Paul is exhorting the believers to express thankfulness in all things.
In all circumstances
Paul is referring to the behavior he just mentioned as being God's will for the believers.
"Do not stop the Holy Spirit from working among you"
"Do not have contempt for prophecies" or "Do not hate anything the Holy Spirit tells someone"
"Make sure that all messages that seem to come from God truly come from him"
Paul speaks of messages from the Holy Spirit as if they were objects that one could grasp in his hands.
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This refers to God making a person sinless and perfect in his sight.
Here the phrase "spirit, soul, and body" represents the whole person. If your language does not have three words for these parts you can state it as "your whole life" or "you." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May God make your whole life without sin" or "May God keep you completely blameless"
"He is faithful who calls you"
"he will be helping you"
Paul gives his closing statements.
Here "brothers" means fellow Christians.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I urge you, as if the Lord were speaking to you, to have people read this letter" or "With the authority of the Lord, I direct you to read this letter"
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1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 We should always give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is appropriate, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love each of you has for one another increases. 4 So we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions, and in the tribulations that you are enduring. 5 This is evidence of God's righteous judgment, so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering. 6 For indeed, it is righteous for God to return affliction to those who afflict you, 7 and relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels 8 in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power. 10 He will do this when he comes on that day to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at by all those who believed, because our testimony to you was believed. 11 Because of this we also pray continually for you, that our God may consider you worthy of your calling and with his power he may fulfill every good purpose and every work of faith. 12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Verses 1-2 formally introduce this letter. Letters in the ancient Near East commonly had introductions of this type.
A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. A paradox occurs in verses 4-5: "We talk about your patience and faith in all your persecutions. We talk about the afflictions that you endure. This is a sign of God's righteous judgment." People would not normally think that believing in God while being persecuted is a sign of God's righteous judgment. But in verses 5-10, Paul explains how God will reward those who believe in him and how he will judge those who afflict them. (2 Thessalonians 1:4-5)
Paul is the author of this letter, but he includes Silvanus and Timothy as senders of the letter. He begins by greeting the church at Thessalonica. The words "we" and "us" refer to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, unless otherwise noted. Also, the word "you" is plural and refers to the believers at the church of Thessalonica.
This is the Latin form of "Silas." He is the same person listed in the book of Acts as Paul's fellow traveler.
Paul commonly uses this greeting in his letters.
Paul gives thanks for the believers in Thessalonica.
Paul uses "always" as a generalization meaning "often" or "regularly. The sentence emphasizes the greatness of what God is doing in the lives of the Thessalonian believers. Alternate translation: "We should often give thanks to God"
Here "brothers" means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: "brothers and sisters"
"you sincerely love one another"
Here "one another" means fellow Christians.
Here "ourselves" is used to emphasize Paul's boasting.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will consider you worthy to be part of his kingdom"
As Paul continues, he talks about God being just.
"God is right" or "God is just"
Here "to return" is a metaphor that means to cause someone to experience the same thing they did to someone else. Alternate translation: "for God to afflict those who afflict you"
These words continue the description of what God is right "to return" to people
"for God to provide relief to you"
"punishing with blazing fire those who do not know God and those who"
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Here "that day" is the day when Jesus will return to the world.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that his holy people will glorify him and all those who believed will marvel at him" or "so that his people will glorify him and all those who believed will stand in awe of him"
Paul is emphasizing how often he prays for them. Alternate translation: "we also pray regularly for you" or "we continue to pray for you"
Here "calling" refers to God appointing or choosing people to be his children and servants and to proclaim his message of salvation through Jesus.
"make you able to do good in every way that you desire"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you may glorify the name of our Lord Jesus"
You may need to make explicit who will glorify the readers. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "and Jesus will glorify you"
"because God and the Lord Jesus Christ have given grace to you"
1 Now about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to be with him, we earnestly appeal to you, brothers, 2 that you not be easily disturbed or troubled, either by a spirit or by a message, or by a letter that seems to be coming from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has already come. 3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For it will not come until after the falling away comes and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction. [1]4 This is he who opposes and exalts himself against all that is called God or that is worshiped. As a result, he sits in the temple of God and exhibits himself as God. 5 Do you not remember that when I was with you I told you these things? 6 Now you know what restrains him, so that he will be revealed only at the right time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already working, only there is someone who restrains him now until he is taken out of the way. 8 Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring him to nothing by the revelation of his coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one will be due to the work of Satan with all power, signs, and false wonders, 10 and with every kind of evil that deceives those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 For this reason God is sending them a powerful delusion so that they will believe a lie 12 and so that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but instead took pleasure in unrighteousness.
13 But we should always give thanks to God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved through the sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. [2]14 He called you to this through our gospel, so that you might obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold tightly to the traditions that you were taught, whether by word or by our letter.
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, 17 comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.
This passage refers to a time when Jesus calls to himself those who have believed in him. Scholars differ on whether or not this refers to Christ's final glorious return. (See: believe)
This is the same as "son of destruction" and "lawless one" in this chapter. Paul associates him with Satan, who is actively working in the world. (See: antichrist)
Paul could be referring to the Jerusalem temple that the Romans destroyed several years after he wrote this letter. Or he could be referring to a future physical temple, or to the church as the spiritual temple of God.
Paul exhorts believers not to be deceived about the day Jesus will come back.
The word "Now" marks a change of topic in Paul's instructions.
Here "brothers" means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: "brothers and sisters"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that no spirit or person easily disturb or trouble you, either by a message"
"by spoken word or by written letter that pretends to be coming from us"
"saying that"
This refers to the time when Jesus will come back to the earth for all believers.
Paul teaches about the man of lawlessness.
"the day of the Lord will not come"
This refers to a future time when many people will turn away from God.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God reveals the man of lawlessness"
Paul speaks of destruction as a person who bore a son whose goal is to totally destroy everything. Alternate translation: "the one who destroys everything he can"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "everything that people consider to be God or everything that people worship"
"shows himself as God"
Paul uses a rhetorical question to remind them of his teaching when he was with them previously. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "I am sure you remember ... these things."
This refers to the return of Jesus, the day of the Lord, and the man of lawlessness.
"what holds him back" or "what keeps him from doing what he wants to do"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will reveal the man of lawlessness when the time is right"
This refers to a sacred secret that only God knows.
To restrain someone is to hold him back or to keep him from doing what he wants to do.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then God will allow the lawless one to show himself"
Here "breath" represents the power of God. Alternate translation: "by the power of his spoken word"
When Jesus returns to earth and shows himself, he will defeat the lawless one.
"with all kinds of power, signs, and false wonders"
This man who is given power by Satan will deceive everyone who does not believe in Jesus.
Here "perishing" has the concept of everlasting or eternal destruction.
This metaphor speaks of these people as if someone had offered them a physical object, like good food, and they had refused to accept or receive it. The abstract noun "love" can be translated as a verb.
"Because the people do not love the truth"
The powerful delusion is a metonym for the person who will delude the people. Alternate translation: "God is sending the man of lawlessness to delude them"
a lie that sounds so true that many people believe it
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will judge all of them"
"who took pleasure in unrighteousness because they did not believe the truth" or "who enjoyed doing evil deeds because they did not believe the truth"
Paul gives thanks to God for the believers and encourages them.
Paul now changes topics.
Paul uses this word here to mark a change in topic.
The word "always" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "we should continually give thanks"
Here "we" refers to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for the Lord loves you, brothers"
Here "brothers" means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: "brothers and sisters"
Being among the first people to be saved is spoken of as if the Thessalonian believers were "firstfruits." This can also be stated to remove the abstract nouns "salvation," "sanctification," "belief," and "truth." Alternate translation: "to be among the first people who believe what is true, whom God has saved and set apart for himself by his Spirit"
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Paul exhorts the believers to hold fast to their faith in Jesus.
Here "traditions" refers to the truths of Christ that Paul and the other apostles taught. Paul speaks of them as if his readers could hold on to them with their hands. Alternate translation: "remember the traditions" or "believe the truths"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we have taught you"
"By word" here is a synecdoche for "by instructions" or "by teachings." You can make clear the implicit information. Alternate translation: "whether by what we taught you in person or by what we wrote to you in a letter"
Paul ends with a blessing from God.
Paul uses this word here to mark a change in topic.
Here "himself" gives additional emphasis to the phrase "Lord Jesus Christ."
The words "our" and "us" refer to all believers.
"caused us to have eternal comfort and good hope through grace"
"comfort that never ends" or "unceasing encouragement"
Here "hope" means a "certain expectation." Alternate translation: "certainty that we will receive good things from him" or "confidence that we will good things from him"
"because of his kindness"
Here "hearts" represents the seat of emotions. Alternate translation: "comfort you and strengthen you for"
"every good thing you do and say"
1 Now, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may rush and be glorified, as it also is with you, 2 and that we may be delivered from unrighteous and evil people, for not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord about you, that you both do and will continue to do the things that we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the endurance of Christ.
6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you avoid every brother who is idle and does not live according to the traditions you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know it is proper for you to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you. 8 We did not eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but we worked night and day in labor and toil, so we might not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this not because we have no authority, but we did this in order to be an example to you, so that you may imitate us. 10 For when we were with you, we commanded you, "The one who is unwilling to labor must not eat." 11 For we hear that some among you are idle, not busy at labor, but busybodies. 12 Now such ones we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that they should labor with quietness and eat their own bread. 13 But you, brothers, do not become tired of doing well. 14 And if anyone does not obey our word in this letter, take note of him and have no association with him, so that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet do not consider him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all. 17 I, Paul, write this with my own hand, which is the mark on every letter I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
In Thessalonica, there apparently was a problem with people in the church who were able to work but refused to do so.
In this chapter, Paul teaches that Christians need to live in a way that honors God. Christians should also encourage one another and hold each other accountable for what they do. The church is also responsible for encouraging believers to repent if they sin. (See: repent and sin)
Paul asks the believers to pray for him and his companions.
Paul uses the word "now" to mark a change in topic.
Here "brothers" means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: "brothers and sisters"
Paul speaks of God's word spreading as if it were running from place to place. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that more and more people will soon hear our message about our Lord Jesus and honor it, as happened with you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that God may save us" or "that God may rescue us"
"for many people do not believe in Jesus"
"Satan"
"We have faith" or "We trust"
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's thoughts or mind. Alternate translation: "cause you to understand"
Paul speaks of God's love and Christ's endurance as if they were destinations on a path. Alternate translation: "how much God loves you and how much Christ has endured for you"
Paul gives the believers some final instructions about working and not being idle.
Paul uses this word to mark a change in topic.
Here "brothers" means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: "brothers and sisters"
"Name" here is a metonym for the person of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: "as if our Lord Jesus Christ himself were speaking"
Here "our" refers to all believers.
This person is not working hard, but is lazy. Alternate translation: "does not do what is right"
"to act the way that my fellow workers and I act"
"we lived disciplined lives"
Bread here is a synecdoche for any kind of food. Alternate translation: "anyone's food"
"we worked during the night and during the day." Here "night" and "day" are a merism and they mean "all the time." Alternate translation: "we worked all the time"
Paul emphasizes how hard his circumstances were. The words "difficult labor" imply that Paul and his companions did work that requires great effort. The word "hardship" implies they endured pain and suffering. Alternate translation: "in very difficult circumstances"
Paul uses a double negative to correct a misunderstanding that his readers may have had. It can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "Even though we have authority, we did this"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Only the one who is willing to work should eat" or "Only people who are willing to work should eat"
"live a lazy life"
Busybodies are people who interfere in the affairs of others without being asked to help.
"in a quiet, peaceful, and mild manner." Paul exhorts the meddlers to stop getting involved in other people's affairs.
Bread here is a synecdoche for any kind of food. See how "bread" is translated in [2 Thessalonians 3:8]
Paul uses this word to contrast the lazy believers with the hardworking believers.
The word "you" refers to all the Thessalonian believers.
Here "brothers" means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: "brothers and sisters"
"if anyone does not obey our instructions"
Notice who he is. Alternate translation: "publicly identify that person"
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Paul makes closing remarks to the believers at Thessalonica.
You can make explicit that this is Paul's prayer for the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: "I pray that the Lord of peace himself gives you"
Here "himself" emphasizes that the Lord will personally give peace to believers.
Paul makes it clear that this letter is from him and is not a forgery.
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1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior and Christ Jesus our hope,
2 to Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 As I urged you to do when I was leaving for Macedonia, remain in Ephesus so that you can command certain people not to teach a different doctrine. 4 Neither should they pay attention to stories and endless genealogies. These promote arguments rather than the plan of God, which is by faith. 5 Now the goal of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from a sincere faith. 6 Some people have gone astray from these things and have turned to worthless talk. 7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or what they so confidently affirm. 8 But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully. 9 We know this, that law is not set in place for a righteous man, but for lawless and rebellious people, for ungodly people and sinners, and for those who are unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 for sexually immoral people, for those who practice homosexuality, for those who kidnap people for slaves, for liars, for false witnesses, and for whatever else is opposed to truthful teaching. 11 This instruction is according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord. He strengthened me, for he considered me faithful, and he appointed me to service. 13 I was a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man. But I received mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord overflowed with the faith and the love that is in Christ Jesus. 15 This message is reliable and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 But for this reason I was given mercy, so that in me, the chief, Christ Jesus might demonstrate all patience. He did this as an example for those who would believe in him for eternal life. 17 Now to the king of the ages, the immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
18 I am placing this command before you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that you might fight the good fight, 19 holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have shipwrecked their faith. 20 Such are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered over to Satan so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.
Paul formally introduces this letter in verses 1-2. Writers often began letters in this way in the ancient Near East.
In this chapter, Paul calls Timothy a "son" and his "child." Paul discipled Timothy as a Christian and a church leader. Paul may also have led him to believe in Christ. Therefore, Paul called Timothy his "son in the faith."
Genealogies are lists that record a person's ancestors or descendants. Jews used genealogies to choose the right man to become king. They did this because only a son of a king could normally become king. They also showed from what tribe and family they came. For example, priests came from the tribe of Levi and the family of Aaron. Most important people had records of their genealogies.
The phrase "the law is good if one uses it lawfully" (1 Timothy 1:8) is a play on words. The English words "law" and "lawfully" come from the same root, and they translate words that come from the same root in the original language, so it would be well to translate the clause so as to preserve this word play.
In this book, unless otherwise noted, the word "our" refers to Paul and Timothy
"I, Paul, wrote this letter. I am an apostle." Your language may have a particular way of introducing the author of a letter. Immediately after introducing the writer, you may want to indicate to whom the letter was written, as in the UDB.
"by the command of" or "by the authority of"
"God who saves us"
Here "our hope" refers to the person in whom we have confidence. Alternate translation: "Christ Jesus, who is the one in whom we have confidence" or "Christ Jesus, whom we trust"
Paul speaks of his close relationship to Timothy as though they were father and son. This shows Paul's sincere love and approval of Timothy. It is also likely that Timothy was converted to Christ by Paul, and so this is why Paul considers him like his own child. Alternate translation: "who is truly like a son to me"
"May grace, mercy, and peace be yours," or "May you experience kindness, mercy, and peace"
"God, who is our Father, and." Here "Father" is an important title for God.
"Christ Jesus, who is our Lord"
The word "you" in this letter is singular and refers to Timothy.
Paul encourages Timothy to reject the wrong use of the law and instead to use good teaching from God.
"As I pleaded with you" or "As I asked you very strongly"
"wait for me there in the city of Ephesus"
The implied information can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "a different doctrine from what we teach"
"And I also want you to command them not to pay attention"
These may have been stories about their ancestors.
With the word "endless" Paul uses exaggeration to emphasize that the genealogies are very long.
the written or verbal record of a person's parents and ancestors
"These make people angrily disagree." The people debated about stories and genealogies about which no one could know the truth for certain.
Possible meanings are 1) "rather than helping people to understand God's plan to save us, which we learn by faith" or 2) "rather than helping us to do God's work, which we do by faith."
This word is used here to mark a break in the main teaching. Here Paul explains the purpose of what he is commanding Timothy.
Here this does not mean the Old Testament or the Ten Commandments but rather the instructions that Paul gives in 1 Timothy 1:3 and 1 Timothy 1:4.
Possible meanings are 1) "is to love God" or 2) "is to love people."
Here "pure" means the person does not have hidden motives to do wrong. Here "heart" refers to a person's mind and thoughts. Alternate translation: "from a mind that is honest"
"a conscience that chooses right instead wrong"
"genuine faith" or "a faith without hypocrisy"
Paul speaks of people who no longer try to "love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from a sincere faith"
"begun to have useless discussions"
Here "law" refers to the law of Moses.
"even though they do not understand" or "and yet they do not understand"
"what they so confidently state is true"
"we understand that the law is useful" or "we understand that the law is beneficial"
"if a person uses it correctly" or "if a person uses it the way God intended"
"Because we realize this" or "We also know this"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that God did not set the law in place for the righteous man"
Here "man" includes both male and female. Alternate translation: "a righteous person" or "a good person"
This refers to anyone who sleeps with someone to whom they are not married.
"sexual activity with other members of the same sex." The Greek word specifies males, but it probably is intended here to includes females as well.
"those who kidnap people to sell as slaves" or "those who take people to sell as slaves"
The Greek has "healthy" but that term is a figure for "truthful" here. It is a dead metaphor for true, trustworthy, and morally good. Alternate translation: "whatever other things people do that we teach is wrong"
"the gospel about the glory that belongs to the blessed God" or "the gospel of the glorious and blessed God"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which God has given me and made me responsible for"
"he considered me trustworthy" or "he regarded me as reliable"
"he assigned me to serve him" or "he appointed me as his servant"
Paul begins to tell how he acted in the past.
"I was a person who spoke evil against Christ." Paul is referring to his character before he was a Christian.
"a person who persecuted those who believed in Christ"
"a person who was cruel to other people" or "a person who believed I had the right to hurt others"
"But because I did not believe in Jesus, and I did not know what I was doing, I received mercy from Jesus"
"Jesus showed me mercy" or "Jesus had mercy on me"
Paul speaks of God's grace as if it were a liquid that could fill a container and spill out of the top when the container is full. Alternate translation: "God showed me much grace"
This is the result of God showing much grace to Paul. Alternate translation: "overflowed, which caused me to trust in Christ Jesus and love him"
This speaks about Jesus as if he were a container that holds a liquid. Here "in Christ Jesus" refers to having a relationship with Jesus. Alternate translation: "that Christ Jesus enables me to give to God because I am united to him"
"This statement is true"
"we should receive it without any doubt" or "deserves for us to accept it with full confidence"
"sinners, of whom I am the chief sinner" or "sinners, of whom I am the worst." Paul is saying that he has sinned more than any other sinner, not that he has been the leader of a group of sinners.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God showed me mercy" or "I obtained mercy from God"
"the chief sinner" or "the worst sinner." Paul is saying that he has sinned more than any other sinner, not that he has been the leader of a group of sinners. See how you translated this in 1 Timothy 1:15.
The word "Now" is used here to mark a break in the main teaching. Here Paul praises God.
"the eternal king" or "the chief ruler forever"
The abstract nouns "honor" and "glory" can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: "Now may people forever honor and glorify the king of the ages, who is immortal, invisible, and the only God"
Paul begins to encourage Timothy to trust God.
Paul speaks of his instructions as if he could physically put them in front of Timothy. Alternate translation: "I am entrusting you with this command" or "This is what I am commanding you"
Paul speaks of his close relationship to Timothy as though Paul is the father and Timothy is the child. It is also likely that Timothy was converted to Christ by Paul, and so this is why Paul considered him like his own child. Alternate translation: "who is truly like my child"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "in agreement with what other believers prophesied about you"
Paul speaks about Timothy working for the Lord as if he were a soldier fighting a battle. Alternate translation: "continue to work hard for the Lord"
"a conscience that chooses right instead wrong." See how you translated this in 1 Timothy 1:5.
Paul speaks of these people's faith as if it were a ship that could be wrecked at sea. He means that they have ruined their faith and no longer believe in Jesus. You should use this or a similar metaphor if it will be understood in the project language.
These are names of men.
Paul has cast the men out of the community, so Satan now has power over them and can harm them.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God may teach them"
1 Therefore, first of all, I urge that humble requests, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable before God our Savior. 4 He desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator for God and man, the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave himself as a ransom for all, as the testimony at the right time. 7 For this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
8 Therefore, I want men in every place to pray and to lift up holy hands without anger or arguing. 9 In the same way, the women are to dress with proper clothing, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothing, 10 but with what is proper for women who proclaim godliness through good works. 11 A woman should learn in silence and with all submission. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, but to live in quietness. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15 However, she will be saved through bearing children, if they continue in faith and love and sanctification with self-control.
Paul encourages Christians to pray for everyone. They should pray for rulers so that Christians can live peacefully, in a godly and dignified way.
Scholars are divided over how to understand this passage in its historical and cultural context. Some scholars believe men and women are perfectly equal in all things. Other scholars believe God created men and women to serve in distinctly different roles in marriage and the church. Translators should be careful not to let how they understand this issue affect how they translate this passage.
These terms overlap each other in what they mean. It is not necessary to view them as distinct categories.
Paul encourages Timothy to pray for all people.
"most importantly" or "before anything else"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I urge all believers to make requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving to God"
"I plead" or "I ask"
Here "peaceful" and "quiet" mean the same thing. Paul wants all believers to be able to live calm lives without trouble from the authorities.
"that honors God and that other people will respect"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God desires to save all people and for them to come to the knowledge of the truth"
Paul speaks of learning the truth about God as if it were a place to which people could go. Alternate translation: "to know and accept what is true"
A mediator is a person who helps negotiate a peaceful settlement between two parties who disagree with each other. Here Jesus helps sinners enter into a peaceful relationship with God.
"died willingly"
"as a price of freedom" or "as a payment to obtain freedom"
It can be made explicit that this was the testimony that God wants to save all people. Alternate translation: "as the proof at the right time that God wants to save all people"
This means that this was the time that God had chosen.
"For this" or "For this reason"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Christ appointed me to be a herald and an apostle" or "Christ made me a preacher and an apostle"
"an official messenger." A herald is an official messenger who is sent to bring news.
With these two comments Paul emphasizes that he is telling the truth when he says that he was appointed to be a herald, an apostle, and a teacher. Some translators may prefer to put these comments at the end of the verse.
This probably refers to what Paul was to teach about. He may be using "faith" and truth" to express one idea. Alternate translation: "about the message of faith and truth" or "about the true faith"
Paul finishes his instructions on prayer and then gives some special instructions for women.
Here "holy hands" is a metonym for a holy person. Alternate translation: "I want holy men in every place to lift up their hands and pray"
"the males in all places" or "the males everywhere." Here the word "men" refers specifically to males.
It was a normal posture for people to raise their hands while praying.
Both of these words mean basically the same thing. Paul is emphasizing that women should wear clothes that are appropriate and do not attract improper attention from men.
During Paul's time, many Roman women braided their hair to make themselves attractive. Braiding is only one way a woman can give undue attention to her hair. If braided hair is unknown, it can be stated in a more general way. Alternate translation: "not having fancy hairstyles" or "not having elaborate hairstyles that attract attention"
These are beautiful and valuable white balls that people use as jewelry. They are formed inside the shell of a certain kind of small animal that lives in the ocean.
Possible meanings of this verse are 1) the words "through good works" tell how the women Paul is talking about "proclaim godliness" or 2) those words tell how women are to "dress," a metaphor that refers to what people are to see and think about when they look at the women to whom Paul is writing. Alternate translation: "but with good works, as is proper for women who proclaim godliness"
"who want to show that they honor God by doing good deeds"
"in quietness"
"and submit to what is taught"
"I do not allow a woman"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Adam is the one God formed first" or "God created Adam first"
The understood information can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "and then God formed Eve" or "and then God created Eve"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "And Adam was not the one whom the serpent deceived"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but it was the woman who disobeyed God when the serpent deceived her"
Here "she" refers to women in general. Possible meanings are 1) God will keep women physically safe as they give birth to children, or 2) God will save women from their sins through their role as child bearers.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will save her" or "God will save women"
"if they remain" or "if they continue living." Here "they" refers to women.
The abstract nouns here can be translated with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: "in trusting Jesus and loving others and living a holy life"
Other possible meanings are 1) "with good judgment" or 2) "with modesty."
1 This saying is trustworthy: If someone desires to be an overseer, he desires a good work. 2 Therefore the overseer must have a good reputation. He must be a husband of one wife. He must be moderate, sensible, orderly, and hospitable. He must be able to teach. 3 He must not be addicted to wine, not a brawler, but instead, gentle, peaceful. He must not be a lover of money. 4 He should manage his own household well, and he should make sure his children obey and respect him in every way. 5 For if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for a church of God? 6 He should not be a new convert, so that he does not swell with pride and might fall into condemnation as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with those outside, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the trap of the devil. 8 In the same way, deacons should be dignified, not double-talkers. They should not drink too much wine or be greedy. 9 They should keep the mystery of the faith with a clean conscience. 10 They should also be approved first, and then they should serve because they are blameless. 11 In the same way, their wives should be dignified, not slanderers, but sober and faithful in all things. 12 Deacons must be husbands of one wife. They must manage well their children and household. 13 For those who have served well acquire for themselves a good standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
14 As I write these things to you, I hope to come to you soon. 15 But if I delay, I am writing so that you may know how to conduct yourself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. 16 We all agree that the mystery of godliness is great:
"He was revealed in the flesh,
was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was proclaimed among nations,
was believed on in the world,
and was taken up in glory."
1 Timothy 3:16 was probably a song, poem, or creed the early church used to list important doctrines that believers all shared.
The church has used different titles for church leaders. Some titles include elder, pastor, and bishop. The word "overseer" reflects the meaning of the original language in verses 1-2. Paul writes about "deacons" in verses 8 and 12 as another kind of church leader.
This chapter lists several qualities that a man must have if he is to be an overseer or deacon in the church.
Paul gives some special instructions on how the overseers of the church should act and be.
"an honorable task"
An overseer must have only one wife. It is unclear if this excludes men who have been previously widowed or divorced, or never married.
"He must not do anything to excess, must be reasonable and behave well, and must be friendly to strangers"
"He must neither drink too much alcohol nor like to fight and argue, but instead he must be gentle and peaceful"
"greedy for money"
"He should lead" or "He should take care of"
Possible meanings are 1) the overseer's children should obey and show respect to their father or 2) the overseer's children should show respect to everyone or 3) the overseer should show respect to those in his household as he leads them.
"For when a man cannot manage"
Paul uses a question to teach Timothy. Alternate translation: "he cannot take care of a church of God." or "he will not be able to lead a church of God."
Here "church" refers to a local group of God's people. Alternate translation: "a group of God's people" or "the believers over whom he is in charge"
"He should not be a new believer" or "He must be a mature believer"
Paul speaks of a person being condemned for having done wrong as if he were falling into a hole. Alternate translation: "have God condemn him as he condemned the devil"
"those outside of the church." Paul speaks of the church as though it were a place, and of unbelievers as though they were physically outside of it. Alternate translation: "those who are not Christians"
Paul speaks of disgrace and the devil causing someone to sin as if they were a hole or a trap into which a person falls. Here "fall into" means to experience. Alternate translation: "nothing causes him shame before the unbelievers and so that the devil does not cause him to sin"
Paul gives some special instructions on how the deacons of the church and their wives should act and be.
"Deacons, like overseers,"
Paul speaks about some people as if they were "double-talkers" who could say two things at once. He is talking about people who say one thing but mean something else. Alternate translation: "should act properly and mean what they say"
"They must continue to believe, with a clean conscience, the true message God has revealed to us." This refers to a truth that had existed for some time but that God was showing to them at that moment. Paul speaks of true teaching about God as if it were an object that a person could keep with himself.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the truth of the faith that God revealed"
Paul speaks of a person's knowledge that he has done no wrong as if that knowledge or conscience were clean. Alternate translation: "faith, knowing they have tried their hardest to do what is right"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Other believers should approve of them first" or "They should prove themselves first"
This means other believers should evaluate those who want to be a deacon and determine if they are fit to serve in the church.
Possible meanings of "their wives" are 1) the wives of deacons or 2) female deacons or 3) women in general.
"act properly" or "be worthy of respect"
"should be dignified; they should not speak evil about other people, and they should not do anything to excess; rather, they should be faithful"
"moderate." See how you translated "moderate" in 1 Timothy 3:2.
A man must have only one wife. It is unclear if this excludes men who have been previously widowed, divorced, or never married. See how you translated this in 1 Timothy 3:2.
"properly take care of and lead their children and others who live in their homes"
"For those deacons" or "For these church leaders"
"receive for themselves" or "gain for themselves"
The implied meaning may be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "a good reputation among other believers"
Possible meanings are 1) they will trust in Jesus with even more confidence or 2) they will speak confidently to other people about their faith in Jesus.
Paul tells Timothy the reason he wrote to him and then describes Christ's godliness.
Paul expected that his desire to visit them soon would happen. Alternate translation: "I expect to come to you soon"
"But in case I cannot go there soon" or "But if something prevents me for being there soon"
Paul speaks of the group of believers as if they were a family. Possible meanings are 1) Paul is referring only to Timothy's behavior in the church. Or 2) Paul is referring to believers in general. Alternate translation: "so that you all may know how to conduct yourselves as members of God's family"
This phrase gives us information about "the household of God" rather than making a distinction between a household of God which is the church and one that is not the church. This can be stated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: "household of God. Those who belong to the family of God are the community of believers in the living God"
Paul speaks of the believers bearing witness to the truth about Christ as if they were a pillar and a base supporting a building. This can be stated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: "which is the church of the living God. And, by keeping and teaching God's truth, these members of the church support the truth just as a pillar and base support a building"
Here this expression may be speaking of God as the one who gives life to all, as in the UDB.
"No one can deny"
"that the truth that God has revealed is great"
This is most likely a song or poem that Paul is quoting. If your language has a way of indicating that this is poetry you could use it here. If not, you could translate this as regular prose rather than poetry.
Some modern translations read, "God was revealed" or "God appeared." If Paul is quoting a song or poem, the word "he" refers to Jesus Christ. If he is not quoting, the word "he" could refer to either God or Jesus Christ.
Paul uses "flesh" here to mean a human being. Alternate translation: "as a true human being"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Holy Spirit confirmed that he was who he said he was"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the angels saw him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people in many nations told others about him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people in many parts of the world believed in him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God the Father took him up to heaven in glory"
This means he received power from God the Father and he is worthy of honor.
1 Now the Spirit clearly says that in later times some people will leave the faith and pay attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons 2 by the hypocrisy of liars, their own consciences having been seared. 3 They will forbid people to marry and require them to abstain from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creation of God is good, and nothing received with thanksgiving is to be rejected. 5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
6 If you place these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Jesus Christ. For you are being nourished by the words of faith and by the good teaching that you have followed. 7 But reject profane stories loved by old women. Instead, train yourself in godliness. 8 For bodily training is a little useful, but godliness is useful for all things. It holds promise for this life now and the life to come. 9 This message is trustworthy and worthy of full acceptance. 10 For it is for this that we labor and struggle. For we hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, but especially of believers. 11 Instruct the people and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example for the believers in speech, conduct, love, faithfulness, and purity. 13 Until I come, attend to the reading, to the exhortation, and to the teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the elders. 15 Care for these things. Be in them, so that your progress may be evident to all people. 16 Give careful attention to yourself and to the teaching. Continue in these things. For by doing so, you will save yourself and those who listen to you.
1 Timothy 4:1 is a prophecy. (See: prophet)
This is another way of referring to the last days. (See: lastday)
Paul tells Timothy what the Spirit says will happen and encourages him in what he should teach.
This word is used here to mark a break in the main teaching. Here Paul starts to tell a new part of the teaching.
These words could refer to 1) a time after Paul dies or 2) a later time in Paul's own life.
Paul speaks of people ceasing to trust in Christ as if they were physically leaving a place or an object. Alternate translation: "stop trusting in Jesus"
"and give attention" or "because they are paying attention"
"spirits who trick people and the things that demons teach"
This can be stated as a separate sentence if verse 1 is ended with a period. Alternate translation: "They will learn these things by the hypocrisy of liars" or "They will learn these things from hypocrital liars"
Possible meanings are 1) Paul is speaking of people who can no longer tell that they are doing wrong as if their minds were ruined. He speaks of their minds being ruined as if their minds were skin that someone had burned with a hot iron. Or 2) Paul is speaking of these people as if Satan had put a mark on them with a hot iron to indicate that they belong to him.
touched with a hot object until it burns brown or black
"These people will"
It is implied that they will forbid believers to marry. Alternate translation: "forbid believers to marry"
It is implied that they will forbid only certain foods. Alternate translation: "they will not allow people to eat certain foods"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "everything that God has created is good"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we should not refuse anything for which we give thanks to God" or "everything that we eat with thanksgiving is acceptable"
Here "word of God" and "prayer" are used together to express one idea. The prayer is in agreement with the truth that God has revealed. Alternate translation: "it is dedicated for God's use by praying in agreement with his word"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we sanctify it" or "we have set it apart"
Here "word" refers to God's message or what he has revealed.
Paul speaks of his instructions as if they were objects that could be physically presented to the believers. Here, to place before means to instruct or to remind. Alternate translation: "If you help the believers remember these things"
This refers to the teaching that started in 1 Timothy 3:16.
This refers to all believers whether male or female.
Paul speaks of God's word and its teaching as if it could physically feed Timothy and make him strong. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the words of faith and the good teaching that you have followed are causing you to trust more strongly in Christ"
"words that cause people to believe"
"ungodly stories and old wives' tales." "Profane" here refers to stories that purposely dishonor God. Translate "stories" as you did in 1 Timothy 1:4.
This is probably an expression that means "silly" or "absurd." Paul is not purposely insulting women in his reference to "old women." Instead, he and his audience knew that men die younger than women, so there are more women than men whose minds have become feeble due to old age.
"train yourself to honor God" or "train yourself to act in ways that please God"
"physical exercise"
"is beneficial to this life"
"worthy of your complete belief" or "worthy of your full trust"
"This is the reason"
The word "labor" here refers to working very hard, and "struggle" is a metaphor for dealing with difficulties and dangers.
Paul and his fellow workers confidently expect that God will do all that he has promised to do. Alternate translation: "For we confidently expect that the living God... believers, will do what he promised to do" or "For we fully trust in the living God ... believers"
Possible meanings are 1) "the God who is alive," as opposed to idols, who are not alive, or 2) "God, who acts," as opposed to idols that do nothing, or 3) "God, who gives life to all living beings."
The ellipsis can be filled in. Alternate translation: "but he is especially the Savior of those people who believe"
"Command and teach these things" or "Instruct and teach these things I just mentioned"
"Do not let anyone consider you less important because you are young"
Paul wanted Timothy to be an example in these things. Alternate translation: "by speaking and doing what is right, by loving others, and by being faithful and pure"
The words "reading," "exhortation," and "teaching" can be translated with verbal phrases. The implied information can also be supplied in translation Alternate translation: "continue reading the scripture to the people, exhorting the people, and teaching the people"
Paul speaks of Timothy as if he were a container that could hold God's gifts. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Do not neglect your spiritual gift"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Be sure to use"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which you received when leaders of the church spoke God's word"
This was a ceremony in which the church leaders put their hands on Timothy and prayed that God would enable him to do the work he had commanded him to do.
Paul speaks of God's gifts to Timothy as if he could physically be in them. Alternate translation: "Do all these things and live according to them"
Paul speaks of Timothy's increasing ability to serve God as if it were a physical object that others could look at. Alternate translation: "so other people will know that you are serving God better and better"
"Conduct yourself carefully and give attention to the teaching" or "Control your own behavior and give attention to the teaching"
"Continue to do these things"
Possible meanings are 1) Timothy will save himself and those who hear him from God's judgment or 2) Timothy will save himself and those who hear him from the influence of false teachers.
1 Do not rebuke an older man. Instead, exhort him as if he were a father. Exhort younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, in all purity. 3 Honor widows, the real widows. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show honor in their own household. Let them repay their parents, because this is pleasing to God. 5 But she who is a real widow, who is left all alone, has set her hope in God and continues in offering earnest appeals and prayers night and day, 6 but the woman who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. 7 Instruct them in these things as well, so that they may be blameless. 8 But if someone does not provide for his own relatives, especially for those of his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 Let a woman be enrolled as a widow who is not younger than sixty years old, a wife of one husband. 10 She must have a reputation for doing good deeds, whether it is that she has cared for children, or has been hospitable to strangers, or has washed the feet of God's holy people, or has relieved the afflicted, or has been devoted to every good work. 11 But as for younger widows, refuse to enroll them in the list. For when they give in to bodily desires against Christ, they want to marry. 12 In this way they incur condemnation because they set aside their first commitment. 13 At the same time, they also learn to be lazy and they go around from house to house. They not only become lazy, but they also talk nonsense and are busybodies, saying things they should not say. 14 I therefore want younger widows to marry, to bear children, to manage the household, and to give no opportunity for the enemy to slander us. 15 For some have already turned aside after Satan. 16 If any believing woman has widows, let her help them, so that the church will not be burdened, so that it might help the real widows.
17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor with the word and in teaching. 18 For the scripture says, "You must not put a muzzle on an ox while it threshes the grain" and "The laborer is worthy of his wages." 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder unless there are two or three witnesses. 20 Correct sinners before all so that the rest may be afraid. 21 I solemnly command you, before God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels, to keep these commands without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism. 22 Place hands hastily on no one. Do not share in the sins of another person. You should keep yourself pure. 23 You should no longer drink water. Instead, you should take a little wine for the stomach and your frequent sicknesses. 24 The sins of some people are openly known, and they go before them into judgment. But some sins follow later. 25 In the same way, some good works are openly known, but even the others cannot be hidden.
Paul encourages younger Christians to honor and respect older Christians. Cultures honor and respect older people in different ways.
In the ancient Near East, it was important to care for widows, because they could not provide for themselves.
Paul was giving these commands to one person, Timothy. Languages that have different forms of "you" or different forms for commands would use the singular form here.
Paul continues to tell Timothy how to treat the men, women, widows, and younger women in the church.
"Do not speak harshly to an older man"
"Instead, encourage him"
Paul uses these similes to tell Timothy that he should treat fellow believers with sincere love and respect.
You can state clearly the understood information. Alternate translation: "exhort older women ... exhort younger women" or "encourage older women ... encourage younger women"
"with pure thoughts and actions" or "in a holy way"
"Respect and provide for widows"
"widows with no one to provide for them"
"first of all they should learn" or "let them make it a priority to learn"
"to their own family" or "to those living in their homes"
"Let them do good to their parents in return for the good things their parents have given them"
"But one who is truly a widow, who has no family"
The widow confidently expected that God would do what he promised to do. Alternate translation: "confidently expects that God will do what he promised to do" or "fully trusts in God"
"continues to make requests and prayers"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Paul uses them together to emphasize how much these widows pray.
The words "night" and "day" are used together to mean "at all times." Alternate translation: "all the time"
Paul speaks about people who do not seek to please God as if they were dead. Alternate translation: "is like a dead person; she does not respond to God"
This refers to physical life.
"Teach them these things, too" or "Command them to do these things, too"
"so that no one can find fault with them." Possible meanings of "they" are 1) "these widows and their families" or 2) "the believers." It might be best to leave the subject as "they."
"does not help with his relatives' needs, especially for those family members living in his home"
"he has acted contrary to the truth we believe"
"is worse than those who do not believe in Jesus." Paul means this person is worse than an unbeliever because even unbelievers take care of their relatives. Therefore, a believer should certainly take care of his relatives.
There seems to have been a list, written or not, of widows. The church members met these women's needs for shelter, clothing, and food, and these women were expected to devote their lives to serving the Christian community.
As Paul will explain in 5:11-16, widows who were younger than 60 years old might get married again. Therefore the Christian community was to care only for widows who were older than 60.
Possible meanings are 1) she was always faithful to her husband or 2) she had not divorced her husband and then married another man.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People must be able to tell others about her good deeds"
"has welcomed strangers into her home"
Washing the dirty feet of people who have been walking in the dirt and mud is one way of meeting other people's needs and making life more enjoyable for them. This probably means she did humble work in general. Alternate translation: "has done common work to help other believers"
Some versions translate this word as "the believers" or "saints." The essential idea is to refer to Christian believers.
Here "the afflicted" is a nominal adjective that can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "has helped those who are suffering"
"has given herself to doing all kinds of good deeds"
"But do not include younger widows in the list." The list was of widows aged 60 years and older whom the Christian community would help.
"For when they prefer to fulfill their sensual desires and get married, they go against their promise to serve Christ as widows"
"do not keep their prior commitment" or "do not do what they promised before to do"
The commitment of the widows was their agreement to serve the Christian community for the rest of their lives if the community would supply the widows' needs.
"get into the habit of doing nothing"
These three phrases are probably three ways of speaking of the same activity. These people should not be looking into other people's private lives and telling about them to others who are no better off after hearing.
words that do not help those who hear them
people who look into other people's private lives for their own good and not for the good of the other people
"to take care of everyone in her house"
These words could refer to 1) Satan or 2) unbelievers who are hostile to Christians.
Here "us" refers to the entire Christian community, including Timothy.
Paul speaks of living in faithfulness to Christ as if it were a path to be followed. This means the women stopped obeying Jesus and started obeying Satan. Alternate translation: "left the path of Christ to follow Satan" or "decided to obey Satan instead of Christ"
"any Christian woman" or "any woman who believes in Christ"
"has widows among her relatives"
Paul speaks of the community having to help more people than they are able as if they were carrying too much weight on their backs. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that the church will not have more work to do than they can" or "so that the Christian community will not have to help widows whose families could provide for them"
"those women who have no one to provide for them"
Paul again talks of how elders (overseers) should be treated and then gives Timothy some personal instructions.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "All believers should think of the elders who are good leaders as worthy"
Possible meanings are 1) "respect and payment" or 2) "more respect than others receive"
Paul speaks about the word as if it is an object that a person can work with. Alternate translation: "those who work hard preaching and those who teach God's word"
This is personification that means that this is what someone has written in the scriptures. Alternate translation: "For we read in the scriptures that"
Paul is using this quotation as a metaphor meaning that church leaders deserve to receive payment from the Christian community for their work.
place a sleeve over an animal's snout and mouth to prevent it from eating
An ox "threshes the grain" when it walks on or pulls a heavy object over the cut grain to separate the grain from the stalks. The ox was allowed to eat some of the grain as it worked.
"deserves"
Paul speaks of accusations as if they were objects that could be physically accepted by people. Alternate translation: "Do not accept as true any accusation that someone speaks"
"at least two" or "two or more"
This refers to anyone doing anything that disobeys or displeases God, even things that other people do not know about.
"where everyone can see"
"so that others will be afraid to sin"
This means the angels whom God and Jesus have chosen to serve them in a special way.
The words "partiality" and "favoritism" mean basically the same thing. Paul is emphasizing that Timothy must judge honestly and be fair to everyone. Alternate translation: "to keep these rules without being partial or showing favor to anyone"
The phrase "these commands" could refer to 1) the rules Paul just told Timothy or 2) the rules Paul is about to tell Timothy.
The placing of hands was a ceremony in which one or more church leaders would place their hands on people and pray that God would enable those people to serve the church in a way that would please God. Timothy was to wait until the person had shown good character for a long time before officially setting that person apart to serve the Christian community.
Paul speaks of someone's sin as if it were an object that could be shared with others. Alternate translation: "do not join in another person's sin" or "do not participate when another person sins"
Possible meanings are 1) if Timothy chose someone who was guilty of sin to be a church worker, God would hold Timothy responsible for that person's sin or 2) Timothy should not commit sins he saw others committing.
It is implied that Timothy should not drink only water. Paul is telling Timothy to use wine as medicine. The water in that area often caused sickness.
"because of your stomach and your frequent sicknesses" or "to help your stomach and to stop your frequent illnesses"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The sins of some people are very obvious"
"their sins go before those people into judgment." Paul speaks of sins as if they were moving. Possible meanings are 1) Their sins are so obvious that everyone will know they are guilty even before anyone testifies against them or 2) Their sins are evident, and God judges them now.
"But some sins follow people later." Paul speaks of sins as if they were moving. Possible meanings are 1) Timothy and the Christian community will not know about certain sins until later or 2) God will not judge some sins until the final judgment.
"some good works are obvious"
The works are considered "good" because they fit with God's character, purposes, and will.
Paul speaks of good works as if they were objects that someone cannot hide. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but people will later find out about even the good deeds that are not obvious"
1 Let all who are under the yoke as slaves regard their own masters as worthy of all honor. They should do this so that the name of God and the teaching might not be blasphemed. 2 The slaves who have believing masters should not show them disrespect because they are brothers. Instead, they should serve them all the more. For those who receive the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and declare these things.
3 If anyone teaches false doctrine and does not agree with the truthful words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching, 4 he is proud and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and arguments about words that result in envy, strife, insults, evil suspicions, 5 and constant conflict between people who have morally corrupt minds. They have lost the truth and they think that godliness is a way to get more money. [1]6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 Instead, let us be satisfied with food and clothing. 9 Now those who desire to become wealthy fall into temptation, into a trap. They fall into many foolish and harmful desires, and into whatever else sinks people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people who desire it have been misled away from the faith and have pierced themselves with much grief.
11 But you, man of God, flee from these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the everlasting life to which you were called, and about which you gave the good confession before many witnesses. 13 I give these orders to you before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who testified before Pontius Pilate and made the good confession, 14 to keep the command without spot or blame until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 God will reveal Christ's appearing at the right time—God, the blessed and only Sovereign, the King who reigns and the Lord who rules. 16 Only he has immortality and dwells in inapproachable light. No man sees him or is able to view him. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
17 Instruct the rich in this world not to be proud and not to hope in riches, which are uncertain. Instead, they should hope in God. He offers to us all the true riches to enjoy. 18 Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In that way they will store up for themselves a good foundation for what is to come, so that they will take hold of real life.
20 Timothy, protect what was given to you. Avoid the profane and empty talk and the conflicting ideas of what is falsely called knowledge. 21 Some men proclaim these things and so they have gone astray from the faith. May grace be with you.
Paul does not write in this chapter about whether slavery is good or bad. Paul teaches about honoring, respecting, and diligently serving masters. Paul teaches all believers to be godly and content in every situation.
Paul gives some specific instructions to slaves and masters and then continues with instructions on living in a godly way.
Paul speaks of people working as slaves as if they are oxen carrying a yoke. Alternate translation: "Let all who are working as slaves"
It is implied that Paul is speaking about believers. Alternate translation: "Let all who are believers"
This can be stated in active and positive form. Alternate translation: "the unbelievers might always speak respectfully about the name of God and the teaching"
Here "name" refers to God's nature or character. Alternate translation: "the character of God" or "God"
"the faith" or "the gospel"
Possible meanings are 1) it is because the believing masters are brothers that their slaves should not show them disrespect or 2) slaves should not think that because their masters are believers they can therefore show them disrespect.
Here "brothers" means "fellow believers."
You may need to add the words omitted by the ellipsis. Alternate translation: "the masters whom the slaves help with their good work"
This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) "and the slaves should love them" or 2) "whom God loves"
The word "truthful" is a figure of speech from the Greek word for "healthy."
The word translated as "truthful" comes from the term "healthy" here, and it is a dead metaphor for true, trustworthy, and morally good. See how you translated the word "healthy" in [1 Timothy 1:10]
Here "he" refers to anyone in general that teaches what is not correct. To make this clear, you can translate "he" as "they."
"understands nothing about God's truth"
Paul speaks of people who feel compelled to engage in useless arguments as if they were ill. Such people greatly desire to argue, and they do not really want to find a way to agree. Alternate translation: "All he wants to do is argue" or "He craves arguments"
"controversies and arguments about words, and these controversies and arguments result in envy"
"about the meanings of words"
arguments, fights
bad things that people falsely say about each other
evil beliefs that innocent people have done something wrong or are planning on doing something wrong
"wicked minds"
Here the word "They" refers to anyone who teaches anything that does not agree with the teaching of Jesus. The phrase "have lost the truth" represents ignoring it or forgetting it. Alternate translation: "They have ignored the truth" or "They have forgotten the truth"
This marks a break in the teaching. Here Paul begins to contrast the kind of riches the wicked people seek through godliness (1 Timothy 6:5) and the true kind of gain people receive through godliness. Alternate translation: "Of course"
The words "godliness" and "contentment" are abstract nouns. Alternate translation: "it is great gain for people to do what is godly and to be content with what they have"
"provides great benefits" or "does many good things for us"
"we brought nothing into the world when we were born"
"we can take nothing out of the world when we die"
"we should"
This word marks a break in the teaching. Here Paul returns to the topic about those who think being godly will make them wealthy (1 Timothy 6:5).
Paul speaks about those who let the temptation of money cause them to sin as if they were animals that fall into holes that hunters use as traps. Alternate translation: "to become wealthy will encounter more temptation than they can resist, and they will be like an animal in a trap"
Paul continues the trap metaphor and speaks of people who give in to their foolish and harmful desires and do evil as if they were animals who fall into a trap. Alternate translation: "They desire many foolish and harmful things and then do things that sink"
These are probably desires to do things that will harm those who do them as much as or more than they will harm other people.
Paul speaks about people who suffer because of their sins as if sin were a person who had put them under water or in mud. Alternate translation: "into other kinds of evil that ruin and destroy people"
Paul speaks of the love of money as if it were the root of a plant whose fruit is all kinds of evil. Alternate translation: "This happens because loving money is a cause of all kinds of evil"
"who desire money"
Paul speaks of wrong desires as if they were evil guides who intentionally guide people down the wrong path. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "have let their desires lead them away from the truth" or "have stopped believing the truth"
Paul speaks about grief as if it were swords that people have used to stab themselves. Alternate translation: "have caused themselves to be very sorrowful"
Here "you" is singular and refers to Timothy.
"servant of God" or "person who belongs to God"
Paul speaks of these temptations and sins as if they were things that a person could physically run away from. Alternate translation: "completely avoid these things"
Possible meanings of "these things" are 1) the "love of money" or 2) the different teachings, pride, arguments, and the love of money.
"Run after righteousness" or "Chase righteousness." Paul speaks of righteousness and other good qualities as if they were things that a person could run after. This metaphor is the opposite of "flee from." It means to try your best to obtain something. Alternate translation: "Seek to gain" or "Do your best to act in"
Here Paul speaks about a person continuing in faith as if he were an athlete fighting to win a contest or a warrior fighting a battle. Alternate translation: "Try your hardest to obey Christ's teachings with as much energy as an athlete uses in a contest"
This continues the metaphor. Paul speaks about a person receiving eternal life as if he were a victorious athlete or warrior taking their prize. Alternate translation: "Take eternal life as your reward as a victorious athlete takes his prize"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to which God has called you"
"you confessed what is good" or "you confessed the truth"
Paul expresses the idea of location in order to signal the idea of the people to whom Timothy was speaking. Alternate translation: "to many witnesses"
Paul talks of Christ's coming, gives specific instructions to the rich, and lastly closes with a special message to Timothy.
"This is what I command you"
"in the presence of God, who causes all things to live." It is implied that Paul as asking God to be his witness. Alternate translation: "with God, who causes all things to live, as my witness"
"in the presence of Christ Jesus, who spoke ... Pilate." It is implied that Paul is asking Jesus to be his witness. Alternate translation: "with Christ Jesus, who spoke ... Pilate, as my witness"
The phrase "without spot" is a metaphor for being without moral fault. Possible meanings are 1) Jesus will not find fault with Timothy or blame him for doing wrong or 2) other people will not find fault with Timothy or blame him for doing wrong.
"until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again"
It is implied that God will reveal Jesus. Alternate translation: "God will reveal Jesus"
"the One worthy of praise who rules over the world"
"Only he has the power to live forever"
"dwells in a light so bright that no one can approach him"
Here "rich" is a nominal adjective. It can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "Solemnly charge those who are rich in this world"
Paul tells rich people not to confidently expect that their wealth will always provide what they need. Alternate translation: "not to confidently expect that they will always have what they need, because it is uncertain how long they may have their many possession"
Paul tells rich people that they should confidently expect God to do what he has promised to do. Alternate translation: "they should confidently expect that God will do what he has promised to do" or "they should fully trust in God"
"all the things that will make us truly happy." The reference here may include physical objects, but it more likely refers to states like love, joy, and peace that people try to obtain by means of physical objects.
Paul speaks of spiritual blessings as if they were earthly wealth. Alternate translation: "serve and help others in many ways"
Here Paul speaks about the blessings that God gives in heaven as if they were riches that a person is storing away for later use. Also, the certainty of these blessings that people will never lose is spoken of as if it were the foundation of a building. Alternate translation: "it will be as though they were storing up for themselves many things that God will give them"
This recalls the sports metaphor of 1 Timothy 6:12, where the prize is something that the winner can actually hold in his hands. Here the "prize" is "real" life.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "faithfully proclaim the true message that Jesus has given to you"
"Do not pay attention to the ungodly and useless talk"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "of what some people falsely call knowledge"
Paul speaks of those who stop obeying Christ as if they were children or animals who have gone away from where they belong and are safe. Alternate translation: "they have stopped believing the truth"
"May God give grace to all of you." The "you" is plural and refers to the whole Christian community.
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus,
2 to Timothy, beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers, with a clean conscience, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day. 4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5 I have been reminded of your genuine faith, which lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced that it lives in you also. 6 This is the reason I am reminding you to rekindle the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me, Paul, his prisoner. Instead, share in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us with a holy calling. He did this, not according to our works, but according to his own plan and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before times ever began. 10 But now God's salvation has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who put an end to death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 Because of this, I was appointed a herald, an apostle, and a teacher. [1]12 For this cause I also suffer these things. But I am not ashamed, for I know him whom I have believed. I am convinced that he is able to keep that which I have entrusted to him until that day. 13 Keep the example of the truthful words that you heard from me, with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 The good thing that God committed to you, guard it through the Holy Spirit, who lives in us.
15 You know this, that all who live in Asia turned away from me. In this group are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chain. 17 Instead, when he was in Rome, he sought me diligently, and he found me. 18 May the Lord grant to him to find mercy from him on that day. All the ways he served me in Ephesus, you know very well.
Paul formally introduces this letter in verses 1-2. Writers often began letters in this way in the ancient Near East.
Paul discipled Timothy as a Christian and a church leader. Paul may also have led him to believe in Christ. Therefore, Paul calls Timothy "beloved child." (See: disciple and spirit)
Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter. Paul encourages Timothy to be willing to suffer for the gospel.
In this book, unless otherwise noted, the word "our" refers to Paul and Timothy
Your language may have a particular way of introducing the author of a letter. Also, immediately after introducing the author, you may need to tell to whom the letter is written, as in the UDB.
"because of God's will" or "because God wanted it." Paul became an apostle because God wanted him to be an apostle and not because a human being chose him.
Possible meanings are 1) "for the purpose of." This means that God appointed Paul to tell others about God's promise of life in Jesus or 2) "in keeping with." This means that just as God promises that Jesus gives life, he has made Paul an apostle.
Paul speaks of "the life" as if it were an object inside of Jesus. This refers to the life people receive as a result of belonging to Christ Jesus. Alternate translation: "of the life that we receive as a result of belonging to Christ Jesus"
Your language may have a particular way of introducing the person who receives a letter. Also, immediately after introducing the author, you may need to tell to whom the letter is written.
"dear child" or "child whom I love."" Here "child" is a term of great love and approval. It is also likely that Timothy was converted to Christ by Paul, and so this is why Paul considered him like his own child. Alternate translation: "who is like my beloved child"
"May grace, mercy, and peace be yours from" or "May you experience kindness, mercy, and peace within from"
"God, who is our Father, and." This is an important title for God.
"Christ Jesus, who is our Lord"
"whom I serve as my ancestors did"
Paul speaks of his conscience as if it could be physically clean. This means that a person does not feel guilty because he has always tried to do what was right. Alternate translation: "knowing I have tried my hardest to do what is right"
"when I remember you continually" or "while I remember you all the time"
Here "night and day" are used together to mean "always." Alternate translation: "always" or "constantly"
"I want very much to see you"
Paul speaks of himself as if he were a container that someone could fill. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I may be full of joy" or "I may have complete joy"
Here "tears" represents crying. Alternate translation: "I remember how you cried for me"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I also remember your" or "I also recall your"
"your faith that is real" or "your faith that is sincere"
Paul is speaking of their faith as if it were something that is alive and lives in them. Paul means they have the same sort of faith. This can be stated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: "faith. Lois, your grandmother, and Eunice, your mother, first had genuine faith, and I am confident that you have genuine faith as well"
These are names of women.
Paul encourages Timothy to live in power, love, and discipline and not to be ashamed because of Paul's suffering in prison because of his (Paul's) faith in Christ.
"For this reason I am" or "Because of your sincere faith in Jesus, I am"
Paul speaks about Timothy's need to start using his gift again as if he were restarting a fire. Alternate translation: "to start using again the gift"
"the gift of God that you received when I laid my hands on you." This refers to a ceremony in which Paul placed his hands on Timothy and prayed that God would enable him to do the work he had commanded him to do.
Possible meanings are 1) "spirit" refers to the "Holy Spirit." Alternate translation: "God's Holy Spirit does not cause us to be afraid. He causes us to have power and love and discipline" or 2) "spirit" refers to a characteristic. Alternate translation: "God does not cause us to be afraid but to have power and love and discipline"
Possible meanings are 1) the power to control ourselves or 2) the power to correct other people who are doing wrong.
"of testifying" or "of telling others"
"a prisoner for his sake" or "a prisoner because I testify about the Lord"
Paul speaks of suffering as if it were an object that could be shared or distributed among people. Alternate translation: "suffer with me for the gospel"
"gospel, allowing God to make you strong"
"with a calling that set us apart as his people" or "to be his holy people"
"He saved and called us"
"not because we did anything to deserve it"
"but because he planned to show us kindness"
"through our relationship to Christ Jesus"
"before the world began" or "before time began"
Paul speaks of salvation as if it were an object that could uncovered and shown to people. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has shown how he will save us by sending our Savior Christ Jesus"
Paul speaks of death as if it were an independent process instead of the event of people dying. Alternate translation: "who destroyed death" or "who made it possible for people not to remain dead forever"
Paul speaks of teaching about eternal life as if it were an object that could be brought from darkness into light so that people could see it. Alternate translation: "taught what life that never ends is by preaching the gospel"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God chose me to be a herald"
a person who proclaims important or official messages
"Because I am an apostle"
Paul is referring to being a prisoner.
Paul is using a metaphor of a person leaving something with another person who is supposed to protect it until he gives it back to the first person. Possible meanings are 1) Paul is trusting Jesus to help him remain faithful, or 2) Paul is trusting that Jesus will ensure that people continue spreading the gospel message.
"I am certain" or "I know for sure"
This refers to the day when God judges all people.
"Keep teaching the correct ideas I have taught you" or "Use how I taught you as a pattern for what and how you should teach"
The Greek word translated "truthful, is a word meaning "healthy" and here is a dead metaphor for true, trustworthy, and morally good. Alternate translation: "trustworthy words"
"as you trust in Jesus Christ and love him"
This refers to the work of proclaiming the gospel correctly.
Timothy needs to be alert because people will oppose his work, try to make him stop, and distort what he says.
"with the power of the Holy Spirit"
This is a metaphor that means they stopped helping Paul. They abandoned Paul because the authorities had thrown him into prison. Alternate translation: "have stopped helping me"
These are names of men.
This is the name of a man.
"to the family"
Here "chain" is a metonym for being in prison. Onesiphorus was not ashamed that Paul was in prison but came to visit him frequently. Alternate translation: "was not ashamed that I was in prison"
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"May Onesiphorus receive mercy from the Lord" or "May the Lord show him mercy"
Paul speaks of mercy as if it were an object that could be found.
This refers to the day when God will judge all people.
1 You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 The things you heard from me among many witnesses, entrust them to faithful people who will be able to teach others also. 3 Suffer hardship with me as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier serves while entangled in the affairs of this life, so that he may please his superior officer. 5 Also, if someone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes by the rules. 6 It is necessary that the hard-working farmer receive his share of the crops first. 7 Think about what I am saying, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. 8 Remember Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, who was raised from the dead. This is according to my gospel message, 9 for which I am suffering to the point of being bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound. 10 Therefore I endure all things for those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 11 This is a trustworthy saying:
"If we have died with him, we will also live with him.
12 If we endure, we will also reign with him.
If we deny him, he also will deny us.
13 If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny himself."
14 Keep reminding them of these things. Command them before God not to quarrel about words; it is of no value and only ruins those who listen. [1]15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a laborer who has no reason to be ashamed, who accurately teaches the word of truth. 16 Avoid profane and empty talk, which leads to more and more godlessness. 17 Their talk will spread like cancer. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have gone astray from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already happened, and they destroy the faith of some. 19 However, the firm foundation of God stands. It has this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his" and "Everyone who names the name of the Lord must depart from unrighteousness." 20 In a wealthy home there are not only containers of gold and silver. There are also containers of wood and clay. Some of these are for honorable use, and some for dishonorable. 21 If someone cleans himself from dishonorable use, he is an honorable container. He is set apart, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work. 22 Flee youthful lusts. Pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a clean heart. 23 But refuse foolish and ignorant questions. You know that they give birth to quarrels. 24 The Lord's servant must not quarrel. Instead he must be gentle toward all, able to teach, and patient, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God may give them repentance for the knowledge of the truth. 26 They may become sober again and leave the devil's trap, after they have been captured by him for his will.
Some translations set words farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULB does this with verses 11-13. Paul may be quoting a poem or hymn in these verses.
Faithful Christians will reign with Christ in the future. (See: faithful)
In this chapter, Paul makes several analogies to teach about living as a Christian. He uses analogies of soldiers, athletes, and farmers. Later in the chapter, he uses the analogy of different kinds of containers in a house.
Paul pictures Timothy's Christian life as a soldier's life, as a farmer's life, and as an athlete's life.
Here "child" is a term of great love and approval. It is also likely that Timothy was converted to Christ by Paul, and so this is why Paul considered him like his own child. Alternate translation: "who is like my child"
Paul speaks about the motivation and determination that God's grace allows believers to have. Alternate translation: "let God use the grace he gave you through your relationship to Christ Jesus to make you strong"
"with many witnesses there to agree that what I said is true"
Paul speaks of his instructions to Timothy as if they were objects that Timothy could give to other people and trust them to use correctly. Alternate translation: "commit them" or "teach them"
Possible meanings are 1) "Endure suffering as I do" or 2) "Share in my suffering"
Paul compares suffering for Christ Jesus to the suffering that a good soldier endures.
"No soldier serves when he is involved in the everyday business of this life" or "When soldiers are serving, they do not get distracted by the ordinary things that people do." Christ's servants should not allow everyday life to keep them from working for Christ.
Paul speaks of this distraction as if it were a net that tripped people up as they were walking.
"his leader" or "the one who commands him"
Paul is implicitly speaking of Christ's servants as if they were athletes.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they will crown him as winner only if he competes by the rules"
"he does not win the prize." Athletes in Paul's time were crowned with wreaths made from the leaves of plants when they won competitions.
"competes according to the rules" or "strictly obeys the rules"
This is the third metaphor Paul gives Timothy about working. The reader should understand that Christ's servants need to work hard.
Paul gave Timothy word pictures, but he did not completely explain their meanings. He expected Timothy to figure out what he was saying about Christ's servants.
"about everything"
Paul gives Timothy instructions on how to live for Christ, how to suffer for Christ, and how to teach others to live for Christ.
Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom God caused to live again" or "whom God raised from the dead"
Paul speaks of the gospel message as if it were especially his. He means that this is the gospel message that he proclaims. Alternate translation: "according to the gospel message that I preach"
Here "being chained" represents being a prisoner. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to the point of wearing chains as a criminal in prison"
Here "bound" speaks of what happens to a prisoner, and the phrase is a metaphor that means no one can stop God's message. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one can put the word of God in prison" or "no one can stop the word of God"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for the people whom God has chosen"
Paul speaks of salvation as if it were an object that could be physically grasped. Alternate translation: "will receive salvation from Christ Jesus"
"and that they will be forever with him in the glorious place where he is"
"These are words you can trust"
This is most likely the beginning of a song or poem that Paul is quoting. If your language has a way of indicating that this is poetry, you could use it here. If not, you could translate this as regular prose rather than poetry.
Paul uses this expression to mean that people share in Christ's death when they trust in him, deny their own wants, and obey him.
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This is most likely the end of a song or poem that Paul is quoting. If your language has a way of indicating that this is poetry you could use it here. If not, you could translate this as regular prose rather than poetry.
"even if we fail God" or "even if we do not do what we believe God wants us to do"
"he must always act according to his character" or "he cannot act in ways that are the opposite of his real character"
The word "them" may refer to "the teachers" or "the people of the church"
Paul speaks of God's awareness of Paul as if he is in God's physical presence. This implies that God will be Timothy's witness. Alternate translation: "in God's presence" or "with God as your witness"
Possible meanings are 1) "not to argue about foolish things that people say" or 2) "not to quarrel about what words mean"
"this does not benefit anyone"
"to present yourself to God as a person who has proven to be worthy and has no cause for shame"
Paul presents the idea of Timothy correctly explaining God's word as if he were a skilled workman. Alternate translation: "like a workman" or "like a worker"
Possible meanings are 1) "explains the message about the truth correctly" or 2) "explains the true message correctly."
"Do not pay attention to ungodly and useless talk"
Paul speaks of this kind of talk as if it were something that could physically move to another location, and he speaks of godlessness as if it were that new location. Alternate translation: "which causes people to become more and more ungodly"
Cancer quickly spreads in a person's body and destroys it. This is a metaphor that means what those people were saying would spread from person to person and harm the faith of those who heard it. Alternate translation: "What they say will spread like an infectious disease" or "Their talk will spread quickly and cause destruction like cancer"
These are names of men.
Here "gone astray from the truth" is a metaphor for no longer believing or teaching what is true. Alternate translation: "who have started saying things that are not true"
"God has already raised dead believers to eternal life"
"they cause some people to stop believing"
Just as precious and common containers can be used for honorable ways in a wealthy house, any person who turns to God can be used by God in honorable ways in doing good works.
Possible meanings are 1) "God's truth is like a firm foundation" or 2) "God has established his people like a building on a firm foundation" or 3) "God's faithfulness is like a firm foundation." In any case, Paul speaks of this idea as if it were a building's foundation laid in the ground.
Possible meanings of "inscription" are 1) words written into stone with a chisel or 2) words impressed in wax by a king's ring.
"who calls on the name of the Lord." Here "name of the Lord" refers to the Lord himself. Alternate translation: "who calls on the Lord" or "who says he is a believer in Christ"
Paul speaks of unrighteousness as if it were a place from which one could leave. Alternate translation: "stop being evil" or "stop doing wrong things"
Here "containers" is a general word for bowls, plates, and pots, which people put food or drink into or on. If your language does not have a general word, use the word for "bowls" or "pots." Paul is using this as a metaphor to describe different types of people.
Possible meanings are 1) "special occasions ... ordinary times" or 2) "the kinds of activities people do in public ... the kinds of activities people do in private."
Possible meanings are 1) "separates himself from dishonorable people" or 2) "makes himself pure." In any case, Paul speaks of this process as if it were a person washing himself.
Paul speaks about this person as if he were an honorable container. Alternate translation: "he is like the container that is useful for special occasions" or "he is like the container that is useful for activities good people do in public"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Master sets him apart, and he is ready for the Master to use him for every good work"
He is not set apart physically or in the sense of location, but instead to fulfill a purpose. Some versions translate this "sanctified," but the text signals the essential idea of being set apart.
Paul speaks about youthful lusts as if they were a dangerous person or animal that Timothy should run away from. Alternate translation: "Completely avoid youthful lusts" or "Absolutely refuse to do the wrong things that young people strongly desire to do"
Here "Pursue" means the opposite of "Flee." Paul speaks of righteousness as if it were an object that Timothy should run towards because it will do him good. Alternate translation: "Try your best to obtain righteousness" or "Seek after righteousness"
Possible meanings are 1) Paul wants Timothy to join with other believers in pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace, or 2) Paul wants Timothy to be at peace and not argue with other believers.
Here "call on the Lord" is an idiom that means to trust and worship the Lord. Alternate translation: "those who worship the Lord"
Here "clean" is a metaphor for something pure or sincere. And, "heart" here is a metonym for "thoughts" or "emotions." Alternate translation: "with a sincere mind" or "with sincerity"
"refuse to answer foolish and ignorant questions." Paul means that the people who ask such questions are foolish and ignorant. Alternate translation: "refuse to answer the questions that foolish people who do not want to know the truth ask"
Paul speaks of ignorant questions as if they were women giving birth to children. Alternate translation: "they cause arguments"
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"gently correcting those who oppose him"
"people who say that what he teaches is not true"
Paul speaks of repentance as if it were an object that God could give people. Alternate translation: "God may give them the opportunity to repent"
"so that they will know the truth"
Paul speaks of sinners learning to think correctly about God as if they were drunk people becoming sober again. Alternate translation: "They may think correctly again"
Paul speaks of the devil's ability to convince Christians to sin as if it were a trap. Alternate translation: "stop doing what the devil wants"
Convincing Christians to sin is spoken of as if the devil had physically captured them and made them his slaves. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "after he has deceived them into obeying his will"
1 But know this: In the last days there will be difficult times. 2 For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, and unholy. 3 They will be without natural affection, unable to reconcile, slanderers, without self-control, violent, not lovers of good. 4 They will be betrayers, reckless, prideful, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. 5 They will have a shape of godliness, but they will deny its power. Turn away from these people. 6 For some of them are men who enter into households and captivate foolish women. These are women who are loaded up with sins and are led away by various desires. 7 These women are always learning, but they are never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 In the same way that Jannes and Jambres stood against Moses, these false teachers also stand against the truth. They are men corrupt in mind, and with regard to the faith they are rejected. 9 But they will not advance very far. For their foolishness will be obvious to all, just like that of those men. 10 But as for you, you have followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience, 11 persecutions, sufferings, and what happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra. I endured persecutions. Out of them all, the Lord rescued me. 12 All those who want to live in a godly manner in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13 Evil people and impostors will go from bad to worse, leading others astray and being led astray. 14 But as for you, remain in the things that you have learned and have firmly believed. You know from whom you have learned. 15 You know that from childhood you have known the sacred writings. These are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture has been inspired by God. It is profitable for doctrine, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness. 17 This is so that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
The "last days" could mean in the future just before Jesus returns. If so, Paul is prophesying in verses 1-9 and 13 about those days. The "last days" could also mean the Christian age, including Paul's time. If so, what Paul teaches about being persecuted applies to all Christians. (See: prophet and lastday)
Paul lets Timothy know that in the future people will stop believing the truth, but he should continue trusting God's word even when he is persecuted.
Possible meanings are 1) this is a time later than Paul's time. Alternate translation: "in the future just before Jesus returns" or 2) this refers to the Christian age, including Paul's time. Alternate translation: "during this period of time before the end"
These will be days, months, or even years when Christians will endure suffering and danger.
Here "lovers" refers to brotherly love or love for a friend or family member, a natural human love between friends or relatives. This is not the kind of love that comes from God. Alternate translation: "self-centered"
"unloving even to their own families"
"unwilling to live peacefully with others"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "haters of good"
doing things either without thinking about what bad things could happen or without even knowing that bad things could happen
thinking they are better than other people
Paul speaks of godliness, the habit of honoring God, as if it were a physical object that had a shape and had physical power. Alternate translation: "They will appear to honor God, but they way they act will show that they do not really believe in God's power"
"appear to have godliness" or "appear to honor God"
"Turn away" here is a metaphor for avoiding someone. Alternate translation: "Avoid these people"
"enter into houses and greatly influence"
"women who are spiritually weak." These women may be spiritually weak because they fail to work at becoming godly or because they are idle and have many sins.
Paul speaks of the attraction of sin as if sin were loaded on the backs of these women. Possible meanings are 1) "who sin often" or 2) "who feel terrible guilt because they continue to sin." The idea is that these men can easily influence these women because the women are unable to stop sinning.
Paul speaks about these various desires as if they could lead another person away. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they desire to sin in various ways rather than obey Christ"
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Paul gives an example of two false teachers from the time of Moses—men who are not mentioned in the Old Testament—and applies it to the way people will be. Paul encourages Timothy to follow his own example and stay in God's word.
These are names of men.
Paul speaks of those who argued against Moses as if they had stood against him. Alternate translation: "opposed"
"oppose the gospel of Jesus"
"Their minds are corrupt" or "They cannot think rightly"
Possible meanings are 1) here "the faith" represents the false teachers' personal faith in God. Alternate translation: "and they have shown that their faith is not sincere" or 2) here "the faith" represents the true Christian teachings about God. Alternate translation: "and, according to the true teachings of the Christian faith, God has rejected them"
Paul uses an expression about physical movement to mean that the false teachers will not have much success among the believers. Alternate translation: "they will not have much success"
"easily seen by all" or "something everyone will see"
"of Jannes and Jambres"
Paul speaks of giving close attention to these things as if one were physically following them as they moved. Alternate translation: "you have observed my teaching" or "you have paid close attention to my teaching"
"what I have taught you to do"
the way a person lives his life
one person being patient with those people who do things of which he does not approve
Paul speaks of God having stopped him from suffering these hardships and dangers as if God had carried him out of a physical location.
"to live godly lives as followers of Jesus"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "will certainly have to endure persecution"
An imposter is a person who wants other people to think he is someone other, usually more important, than who he is.
"will become even more evil"
Here, to lead someone astray is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate translation: "deceiving and being deceived" or "teaching lies and believing lies"
Paul speaks of biblical instruction as if it were a place that Timothy could stay in. Alternate translation: "do not forget what you learned" or "continue doing what you have learned"
Paul speaks of the message contained in the sacred writings as if it were the writings themselves and of those writings as if they were a person whose words could make a person wise. Alternate translation: "what is in the sacred writings. When you read the word of God, you can become wise so as to receive salvation from Christ Jesus by faith"
Some Bibles translate this as "All scripture is God-breathed." This means God produced the scripture through his Spirit by telling people what to write. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has spoken all scripture by his Spirit"
"It is useful" or "It is beneficial"
"for pointing out errors"
"for fixing errors"
"for training people to be righteous"
This means any believer in God whether male or female. Alternate translation: "all believers"
"may be completely prepared"
1 I give this solemn command before God and Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and because of his appearing and his kingdom: 2 Preach the word; be ready when it is convenient and when it is not. Reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all patience and teaching. 3 For the time will come when people will not endure sound teaching. Instead, they will heap up for themselves teachers according to their own desires, who say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their hearing away from the truth, and they will turn aside to myths. 5 But you, be sober-minded in all things. Suffer hardship; do the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry. 6 For I am already being poured out. The time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. 8 The crown of righteousness has been reserved for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day, and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.
9 Do your best to come to me quickly. 10 For Demas has left me. He loves this present world and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia, and Titus went to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you because he is useful to me in the service. 12 Tychicus I sent to Ephesus. 13 The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, bring it when you come, and the books, especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith displayed many evil deeds against me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15 You also should guard yourself against him, because he greatly opposed our words. 16 At my first defense, no one stood with me. Instead, everyone left me. May it not be counted against them. 17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me so that, through me, the proclamation of the message might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued out of the lion's mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and will save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
19 Greet Priscilla, Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus remained at Corinth, but Trophimus I left sick at Miletus. 21 Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, also Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.
22 May the Lord be with your spirit. May grace be with you.
Paul begins to give personal instructions to Timothy.
Scripture uses different kinds of crowns as images for different things. It appears Christ will award the crown in this chapter to believers as a reward for living rightly.
Paul continues to remind Timothy to be faithful and that he, Paul, is ready to die.
"this solemn command in the presence of God and Christ Jesus." It is implied that God and Jesus will be Paul's witnesses. Alternate translation: "this solemn command, having as my witnesses God and Christ Jesus"
"serious command"
Here "the living" and "the dead" are used together to mean all people. Alternate translation: "all people who have ever lived"
Here "kingdom" stands for Christ's rule as king. Alternate translation: "the dead when he returns to rule as king"
"Word" here is a metonym for "message." Alternate translation: "the message about Christ"
Here the word "convenient" is understood. Alternate translation: "when it is not convenient"
tell someone he is guilty of doing wrong
"exhort, and teach the people, and always be patient with them"
"Because at some time in the future"
The context indicates that these will be people who are a part of the community of believers.
"will no longer want to listen to true teaching" or "will not want to listen to reliable teaching"
Paul speaks of people obtaining many teachers as if they were putting them into a heap or pile. Alternate translation: "they will listen to many teachers who assure them that there is nothing wrong with their sinful desires"
Paul speaks of people strongly wanting to hear something as if their ears itched and could only be satisfied if teachers taught them what they wanted to hear. Alternate translation: "who say only what they want so much to hear"
Paul speaks about people no longer paying attention as if they were physically turning away so they cannot hear. Alternate translation: "They will no longer pay attention to the truth"
Paul speaks about people starting to pay attention to myths as if they were physically turning towards them to listen. Alternate translation: "they will pay attention to teachings that are not true"
Paul wants Timothy to think correctly about everything, and he speaks about him as if he wanted him to be sober, that is, not drunk with wine. Alternate translation: "think clearly"
This means to tell people about who Jesus is, what he did for them, and how they are to live for him.
Paul speaks of his readiness to die as if he were a cup of wine being poured out as a sacrifice to God.
Here "departure" is a polite way of referring to death. Alternate translation: "Soon I will die and leave this world"
Paul speaks of his hard work as if he had been an athlete competing for a prize. Alternate translation: "I have done my best"
Paul speaks of his life of service to God as if he had been running a race on foot. Alternate translation: "I have completed what I needed to do"
Paul speaks of his trust in Christ and his obedience to God as if they were a valuable object that he kept in his possession. Possible meanings are 1) "I have been faithful in doing my ministry" or 2) "I have kept the teachings about what we believe from any error"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has reserved the crown of righteousness for me"
Possible meanings are 1) the crown is the prize that God gives to people who have lived the right way or 2) the crown is a metaphor for righteousness. Just as the judge of a race gives a crown to the winner, when Paul finishes his life, God will declare that Paul is righteous.
a wreath made of laurel tree leaves that was given to winners of athletic contests
"on the day when the Lord comes again" or "on the day when God judges people"
Paul speaks about this event as if it has already happened. It can be stated as a future event. Alternate translation: "but also he will give it to those who are eagerly waiting for him to return"
Paul talks of specific people and how they behaved, of God's work for and to him, and then closes with greetings to and from certain people.
"come ... as soon as possible"
These are names of men.
Here "world" refers to worldly things as opposed to the things of God. Possible meanings are 1) he loves the temporary comforts of this world or 2) he is afraid he will die if he remains with Paul.
These two men had left Paul, but Paul is not saying that they also "love this present world" like Demas.
This is the name of a land region.
Possible meanings are 1) "he can help me in the ministry" or 2) "he can help me by serving me."
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a heavy garment worn over clothes
This is the name of a man.
This refers to scrolls. A scroll was a type of book made of one long sheet of papyrus or leather. After writing on a scroll or reading it, people rolled it up using rods on the ends
This may refer to a specific type of scroll. Alternate translation: "especially those made from animal skins"
"Alexander, who works with metal, displayed"
This is the name of a man.
Paul speaks of doing evil deeds as if they were put on display. Alternate translation: "did many evil things to me"
Paul speaks of punishment as if it were payment. Alternate translation: "The Lord will punish him for what he has done"
Alexander
Alexander.
Here "words" refers to a message or teaching. Alternate translation: "opposed the message that we teach"
"When I first appeared in court and explained my actions"
"no one stayed with me and helped me"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May God not count it against them" or "I pray that God does not punish those believers for leaving me"
Paul is speaking as if the Lord had physically stood with him. Alternate translation: "the Lord helped me"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that I was able to speak all of the Lord's message ... the Gentiles heard"
Paul is speaking about danger as if he had been threatened by a lion. This danger could have been physical, spiritual, or both. Alternate translation: "I was rescued from great danger"
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Here "house" stands for the people who live there. Alternate translation: "family of Onesiphorus"
This is the name of a woman.
This is the name of a man.
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this name in 2 Timothy 1:16.
These are names of men.
This is the name of a city to the south of Ephesus.
These are all names of men.
"Try hard to come"
"before the cold season"
This can be translated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: "greets you. Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers also greet you"
This is a female name.
Here "brothers" means all believers whether male or female. Alternate translation: "all the believers here"
"I pray that the Lord makes your spirit strong." Here "you" is singular and refers to Timothy.
"I pray that the Lord shows his grace to all of you there." Here "you" is plural and refers to all the believers there with Timothy.
1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's chosen people and the knowledge of the truth that agrees with godliness, 2 with the hope of everlasting life that God, who does not lie, promised before all the ages of time. 3 At the right time he revealed his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted according to the command of God our Savior.
4 To Titus, a true son in our common faith. Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
5 For this purpose I left you in Crete, that you might set in order things not yet complete and ordain elders in every city as I directed you. 6 An elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife, with faithful children not accused of being reckless or disobedient. 7 It is necessary for the overseer, as a manager of the household of God, to be blameless. He must not be arrogant, not be easily angered, not addicted to wine, not a brawler, and not a greedy man. 8 Instead, he should be hospitable, loving goodness, sensible, upright, holy, and self-controlled. 9 He should hold tightly to the trustworthy message that was taught, so that he may be able to encourage others with truthful teaching and correct those who oppose him.
10 For there are many rebellious people, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision. 11 It is necessary to stop them. They are upsetting whole families by teaching for disgraceful profit what they should not teach. 12 One of their own prophets has said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons." 13 This testimony is true. Therefore, correct them severely, so that they may be truthful in the faith, 14 not paying any attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of people who turn away from the truth. 15 To those who are pure, all things are pure. But to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their minds and their consciences have been corrupted. 16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their actions. They are detestable, disobedient, and worthless for any good work.
Paul formally introduces this letter in verses 1-4. Writers often began letters in this way in the ancient Near East.
In verses 6-9, Paul lists several qualities that a man must have if he is to be an elder in the church. Paul gives a similar list in 1 Timothy 3.
The church has used different titles for church leaders. Some titles include overseer, elder, pastor, and bishop.
The ULB uses different words that indicate requirements or obligations. These verbs have different levels of force associated with them. The subtle differences may be difficult to translate. The UDB translates these verbs in a more general way.
to strengthen the faith of
"that is suitable for honoring God"
Here "hope" means "a confident expectation." Alternate translation: "with the confidence of receiving everlasting life"
"before time began"
"At the proper time"
Paul speaks of God's message as if it were an object that could be visibly shown to people. Alternate translation: "He caused people to understand his message"
This can be translated in active form, and what God trusted Paul to do can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "that he trusted me to deliver"
"God, who saves us"
Though Titus was not Paul's biological son, they share a common faith in Christ. Thus, in Christ, Paul considers Titus as his own son. Alternate translation: "you who are like a son to me"
Paul expresses the same faith in Christ that they both share. Alternate translation: "the teachings that we both believe"
This was a common greeting Paul used. You can state clearly the understood information. Alternate translation: "May you experience kindness and peace within"
"Christ Jesus who is our Savior"
"This is the reason I left you in Crete: I wanted you to set"
"I told you to stay in Crete"
"finish arranging things that needed to be done"
"appoint elders" or "designate elders"
In the early Christian churches, Christian elders gave spiritual leadership to the assemblies of believers.
Having told Titus to ordain elders in every city on the island of Crete, Paul gives the requirements for elders.
To be "blameless" is to be known as a person who does not do bad things. Alternate translation: "An elder must not have a bad reputation and must be the husband"
This means that he has only one wife, that is, he does not have any other wives or concubines. It may also imply that he does not commit adultery and that he has not divorced a previous wife. Alternate translation: "a man who has only one woman" or "a man who is faithful to his wife"
Possible meanings are 1) children who believe in Jesus or 2) children who are trustworthy.
This is another name for the same position of spiritual leadership that Paul referred to as "elder" in 1:6.
Paul speaks of the church as if it were God's household and the overseer as if he were a servant in charge of managing the household.
"not an alcoholic" or "not one who drinks much wine"
"not one who is violent" or "not one who likes to fight"
Paul is changing his argument from what an elder is not to be to what an elder is to be.
Paul speaks of devotion to the Christian faith as if it were grasping the faith with one's hands. Alternate translation: "be devoted to" or "know well"
The Greek word translated "truthful" is a word meaning "healthy" and here is a dead metaphor for true, trustworthy, and morally good. Alternate translation: "trustworthy words"
Because of those that would oppose God's word, Paul gives Titus reasons to preach God's word and warns him about false teachers.
These are rebellious people who oppose Paul's gospel message.
This phrase describes the rebellious people mentioned in the previous phrase. Here "empty" is a metaphor for useless, and "empty talkers" are people who say useless or foolish things. Alternate translation: "people who say useless things and deceive others"
This refers to the Christian Jews who taught that men must be circumcised in order to follow Christ.
"They must be prevented from spreading their teachings" or "They must be stopped from influencing others by their words"
These are things that are not proper to teach regarding Christ and the Law because they are not true.
This refers to profit that people make by doing things that are not honorable.
"are ruining whole families." The issue was that they were upsetting families by destroying their faith. This may have caused the members of the families to argue with one another.
"A prophet from Crete itself" or "A Cretan that they themselves consider to be a prophet"
"Cretans lie all the time." This is an exaggeration that means that many Cretans lie often.
This metaphor compares the Cretans to dangerous wild animals.
"You must use strong language that the Cretans will understand when you correct them"
The Greek word translated "truthful" is a word meaning "healthy" and here is a dead metaphor for true, trustworthy, and morally good. Alternate translation: "trustworthy words"
This refers to the false teaching of the Jews.
Paul speaks of the truth as if it were an object that one could turn away from or avoid. Alternate translation: "reject the truth"
"If people are pure on the inside, everything they do will be pure"
"To those who are acceptable to God"
Paul speaks of sinners as if they were physically dirty. Alternate translation: "if people are morally defiled and do not believe, they cannot do anything pure"
"how they live proves that they do not know him"
"They are disgusting"
1 But you, speak what fits with truthful instruction. 2 Teach older men to be temperate, dignified, sensible, and sound in faith, in love, and in perseverance. 3 In the same way, teach older women to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or being slaves to much wine, but to be teachers of what is good, 4 and so train the younger women to love their husbands and to love their children, 5 to be sensible, pure, good housekeepers, and to be obedient to their own husbands, so that God's word may not be spoken of as evil. 6 In the same way, encourage the younger men to use good sense. 7 In all ways present yourself as an example of good works. In your teaching, show integrity, dignity, 8 and a truthful message that is above criticism, so that anyone who opposes you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. 9 Slaves are to be submissive to their masters in everything, to please them and not argue with them, 10 to not steal from them, but instead to demonstrate all good faith, so that in every way they may bring credit to the teaching about God our Savior. 11 For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all people. 12 It trains us to reject godlessness and worldly desires, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this age, 13 while we look forward to receiving our blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. 14 Jesus gave himself for us in order to redeem us from all lawlessness and to make pure for himself a special people who are eager to do good works.
15 Speak of these things, encourage people to do them, and give correction with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
Scholars are divided over how to understand this passage in its historical and cultural context. Some scholars believe men and women are perfectly equal in all things. Other scholars believe God created men and women to serve in distinctly different roles in marriage and the church. Translators should be careful not to let how they understand this issue affect how they translate this passage.
Paul does not write in this chapter about whether slavery is good or bad. Paul teaches slaves to faithfully serve their masters. He teaches all believers to be godly and live rightly in every situation.
Paul continues giving Titus reasons to preach God's word, and explains how the older men, older women, young men, and slaves or servants should live as believers.
Paul implies what is in contrast. Alternate translation: "But you, Titus, in contrast with the false teachers, be sure to say those things that fit"
The Greek word translated "truthful" is a word meaning "healthy" and here is a dead metaphor for true, trustworthy, and morally good. Alternate translation: "trustworthy words"
"to be sober-minded" or "to be self-controlled"
"temperate and dignified, to control their desires
The word "sound" means to be firm and unwavering. The abstract nouns "faith," "love," and "perseverance" can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: "and they must firmly believe the true teachings about God, truly love others, and continually serve God even when things are difficult"
This word refers to people who say bad things about other people whether they are true or not.
People who cannot control themselves and who drink too much wine are spoken of as if they were slaves to the wine. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "and not drinking too much wine" or "and not addicted to wine"
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"Word" here is a metonym for "message," which in turn is a metonym for God himself. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that no one insults God's word" or "so that no one insults God by saying bad things about his message"
"Also be sure to encourage"
"show yourself to be"
"an example of one who does right and proper things"
The Greek word translated "truthful, is a word meaning "healthy" and here is a dead metaphor for true, trustworthy, and morally good. Alternate translation: "trustworthy words"
"their own masters"
"in every situation" or "always"
"make their masters happy" or "satisfy their masters"
"show that they are worthy of their masters' trust"
"in everything they do"
"they may make the teaching about God our Savior attractive" or "they may cause people to understand that the teaching about God our Savior is good"
"our God who saves us"
Paul encourages Titus to look for Jesus's coming and remember his authority through Jesus.
Paul speaks of the grace of God as if it were a person who goes to other people.
Paul speaks of the grace of God
"teaches us not to dishonor God"
"strong desires for the things of this world" or "strong desires for sinful pleasures"
"as we live in this world" or "during this time"
"we eagerly wait to receive" or "we eagerly wait to welcome"
Here "glory" represents Jesus himself, who will appear gloriously. Here "hope" means "confidently expectation." Alternate translation: "the good thing for which we confidently wait, that is, the glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ"
This refers to Jesus dying willingly. Alternate translation: "gave himself to die for us"
Paul speaks of Jesus as if he were setting slaves free from their evil master.
A group of people that he treasures.
"have a strong desire"
This statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "correct with all authority those people who do not do these things"
"Do not allow anyone to"
This statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "refuse to listen to your words" or "refuse to respect you"
1 Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey them, to be ready for every good work, 2 to insult no one, to not be eager to fight, and to be gentle, showing all humility toward everyone. 3 For once we ourselves were thoughtless and disobedient. We were led astray and enslaved by various desires and pleasures. We lived in evil and envy. We were detestable and hated one another. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, 5 it was not by works of righteousness that we did, but by his mercy that he saved us, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom God richly poured on us through our Savior Jesus Christ, 7 so that having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This message is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to engage themselves in good works. These things are good and useful for everyone. 9 But avoid foolish debates and genealogies and strife and conflict about the law. Those things are unprofitable and worthless. 10 Reject anyone who is causing divisions among you, after one or two warnings, 11 knowing that such a person has turned from the right way and is sinning and condemns himself.
12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, hurry and come to me at Nicopolis, where I have decided to spend the winter. 13 Do everything you can to send on their way Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, so that they lack nothing. 14 Our people must learn to engage themselves in good works that provide for urgent needs, and so not be unfruitful.
15 All those who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith. Grace be with all of you.
Paul gives Titus personal instructions in this chapter.
Verse 15 formally concludes this letter. This is a common way of ending a letter in the ancient Near East.
Genealogies are lists that record a person's ancestors or descendants. Jews used genealogies to choose the right man to become king. They did this because only a son of a king could normally become king. They also showed from what tribe and family they came. For example, priests came from the tribe of Levi and the family of Aaron.
Paul continues giving Titus instructions on how to teach the elders and people under his care in Crete.
"Tell our people again what they already know, to submit" or "Keep reminding them to submit"
"do as the political rulers and government authorities say by obeying them"
These words have similar meanings and are used together to include everyone who holds authority in the government.
"be ready to do good whenever there is opportunity"
"to speak evil of no one"
"This is because we ourselves were once"
"formerly" or "at some time" or "previously"
"even we" or "we also"
"were foolish" or "were unwise"
Desires and pleasures are spoken of as if they were masters over people and had made those people into slaves by lying to them. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Various desires and pleasures had lied to us and so led us astray" or "We had allowed ourselves to believe the lie that various desires and pleasures could make us happy, and then we were unable to control our feelings or stop doing things we thought would give us pleasure"
"We were always doing evil things and not wanting others to have good things"
"We caused others to hate us"
Paul speaks of God's kindness and love as if they were people that came into our sight.
"because he had mercy on us"
Paul is probably speaking of God's forgiveness for sinners as if God were physically washing them. He is also speaking of sinners who become responsive to God as if they had been born again.
It is common for New Testament writers to speak of the Holy Spirit as a liquid that God can pour out in large amounts. Alternate translation: "whom God gave to us generously"
"when Jesus saved us"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "since God has declared us to be without sin"
The people to whom God has made promises are spoken of as if they were heirs, inheriting property and wealth from a family member. Here "hope" means "a confident expectation." Alternate translation: "we might become like God's heirs, confidently waiting to inherit eternal life" or "we might have the confident expectation that God will cause us to live forever"
This refers to God giving the believers the Holy Spirit through Jesus in Titus 3:7.
"may seek to do good works"
Paul explains what Titus should avoid.
"So avoid" or "Therefore, avoid"
"arguments concerning unimportant matters"
This is the study of family kinship relationships.
arguments or fights
"the law of Moses"
Paul explains how Titus should treat those who cause contention among the believers.
"Have everyone stay away from anyone"
"after you have warned that person once or twice"
"a person like that"
Paul speaks of someone who has rejected the truth as if he had left the correct path on which he had been walking.
"brings judgment on himself"
Paul closes the letter by telling Titus what to do after he appoints elders in Crete and by giving greetings from those with him.
"After I send"
These are men's names.
"come quickly"
"stay until winter has ended"
These are men's names.
Paul explains why it is important to provide for Zenas and Apollos.
Paul is referring to the believers in Crete.
"that help people who need important things immediately"
Paul speaks of people doing good work as if they were trees bearing good fruit. This double negative means they should be fruitful or productive. Alternate translation: "needs; in this way they will be fruitful" or "needs, and so they will do good works"
Paul ends his letter to Titus.
"All the people"
Possible meanings are 1) "the believers who love us" or 2) "the believers who love us because we share the same belief."
This was a common Christian greeting. Alternate translation: "May God's grace be with you" or "I ask that God will be gracious to all of you"
1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and the brother Timothy, to Philemon, our dear friend and fellow worker, 2 and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets in your home.
3 May grace be to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4 I always thank my God when I mention you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and the love you have for all his holy people. 6 I pray that the sharing of your faith may be effective, so you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. 7 For I have had much joy and comfort because of your love, because the hearts of God's holy people have been refreshed by you, brother.
8 Therefore, although I have all the boldness in Christ to command you to do what you should do, 9 yet because of love, I appeal to you instead—I, Paul, an old man, and now a prisoner for Christ Jesus. 10 I am appealing to you concerning my child Onesimus, whom I have fathered in my chains. 11 For he once was useless to you, but now he is useful both to you and to me. 12 I have sent him back to you, he who is my very heart. 13 I wish I could have kept him with me so he could serve me for you while I am in chains for the sake of the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent. I did not want your good deed to be from necessity but from good will. 15 Perhaps for this he was separated from you for a time, so that you might have him back forever. 16 No longer would he be a slave, but better than a slave, a beloved brother. He is beloved especially to me, and much more so to you, in both the flesh and in the Lord. 17 So if you have me as a partner, receive him as me. 18 If he has wronged you or owes you anything, charge that to me. 19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand. I myself will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your own self! 20 Yes, brother, let me benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.
21 Confident about your obedience, I am writing to you. I know that you will do even more than I ask. 22 At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be returned to you.
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you. 24 So do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.
25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Three times Paul identifies himself as the author of this letter. Evidently Timothy was with him and probably wrote the words down as Paul said them. Paul greets others who meet for church at Philemon's house. All instances of "I," "me," and "my" refer to Paul. Philemon is the main person to whom this letter is written. All instances of "you" and "your" refer to him and are singular unless otherwise noted.
Your language may have a particular way of introducing the authors of a letter. Alternate translation: "I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy, our brother, are writing this letter to Philemon"
"a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus." People who opposed Paul's preaching had punished him by putting him into prison.
Here this means a fellow Christian.
The word "our" here refers to Paul and those with him but not to the reader.
"who, like us, works to spread the gospel"
The word "our" here refers to Paul and those with him but not to the reader.
Here "sister" means she was a believer, and not a relative. Alternate translation: "Apphia our fellow believer" or "Apphia our spiritual sister"
Paul speaks here of Archippus as if they were both soldiers in an army. He means that Archippus works hard, as Paul himself works hard, to spread the gospel. Alternate translation: "Archippus our fellow spiritual warrior" or "Archippus, who also fights the spiritual battle with us"
This is the name of a man in the church with Philemon.
"May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace." This is a blessing.
The word "our" here refers to Paul, those with him, and the reader.
This is an important title for God.
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Possible meanings are 1) "the way you tell others what you believe may cause them to believe also" or 2) "the way you believe the same way we do will cause good things to happen."
"have a good result, and you will completely understand all the good things we have"
"because of Christ" or "because we are Christ's people"
Here "hearts" is a metonym for a person's emotions or inner being. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you have encouraged believers" or "you have helped the believers"
"you, dear brother" or "you, dear friend." Paul called Philemon "brother" because they were both believers and he was emphasizing their friendship.
Paul begins his plea and the reason for his letter.
Possible meanings are 1) "authority because of Christ" or 2) "courage because of Christ." Alternate translation: "courage because Christ has given me authority"
Possible meanings: 1) "because I know that you love God's people" 2) "because you love me" or 3) "because I love you"
Onesimus is the name of a man. He was apparently Philemon's slave and had stolen something and run away.
"my son Onesimus." Paul speaks of the way he is friends with Onesimus as if it were the way a father and his son love each other. Onesimus was not Paul's actual son, but he received spiritual life when Paul taught him about Jesus, and Paul loved him. Alternate translation: "my spiritual son Onesimus"
The name "Onesimus" means "profitable" or "useful."
Here "fathered" is a metaphor that means Paul converted Onesimus to Christ. Alternate translation: "who became my spiritual son when I taught him about Christ and he received new life while I was in my chains" or "who became like a son to me while I was in my chains"
Prisoners were often bound in chains. Paul was in prison when he taught Onesimus and was still in prison when he wrote this letter. Alternate translation: "while I have been in prison" or "while I was in prison"
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Paul was probably sending Onesimus with another believer who carried this letter.
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's emotions. The phrase "who is my very heart" is a metaphor for someone whom the speaker loves dearly. Paul was saying this about Onesimus. Alternate translation: "whom I love dearly"
"so that, since you cannot be here, he might help me" or "so that he could help me in your place"
Prisoners were often bound in chains. Paul was in prison when he taught Onesimus and was still in prison when he wrote this letter. Alternate translation: "while I am in prison"
Paul was in prison because he preached the gospel publicly. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "because I preach the gospel"
Paul states a double negative to mean the opposite. Alternate translation: "But I wanted to make sure that you approved of everything I did"
"I did not want you to do this good deed because I commanded you to do it, but because you wanted to do it"
"but because you freely chose to do the right thing"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Perhaps the reason God took Onesimus away from you for a time was so that"
"during this time"
"more valuable than a slave"
"a dear brother" or "a precious brother in Christ"
"he means even more to you"
"both as a man." Paul is referring to Onesimus' being a trustworthy servant.
"as a brother in the Lord" or "because he belongs to the Lord"
"if you think of me as a fellow worker for Christ"
"say that I am the one who owes you"
"I, Paul, write this myself." Paul wrote this part with his own hand so that Philemon would know that the words were really from Paul. Paul really would pay him.
"I do not need to remind you" or "You already know." Paul says he does not need to tell Philemon this, but then continues to tell him anyway. This emphasizes the truth of what Paul is telling him.
"you owe me your own life." Paul was implying that Philemon should not say that Onesimus or Paul owed him anything because Philemon owed Paul even more. The reason Philemon owed Paul his life can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "you owe me much because I saved your life" or "you owe me your own life because what I told you saved your life"
Here "refresh" is a metaphor for comfort or encourage. Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's feelings, thoughts, or inner being. How Paul wanted Philemon to refresh his heart can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "encourage me in Christ" or "comfort me in Christ" or "refresh my heart in Christ by accepting Onesimus kindly"
Here the words "your" and "you" are singular and refer to Philemon.
Paul closes his letter and speaks a blessing on Philemon and the believers that meet for church in Philemon's house.
"Because I am sure that you will do what I ask"
"Also"
"make a room in your house ready for me." Paul is addressing Philemon here, so the word "prepare" is singular.
Paul is confident that he will return to Philemon and the other Christians there. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for I confidently expect that God will answer your prayers and send me back to you"
These words are plural and refer to Philemon, Apphia, Archippus, and the other Christians that meet in their home.
This man is a fellow believer and prisoner with Paul.
"who is in prison with me because he serves Christ Jesus"
"Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers, also greet you"
These are names of men.
"the men who work with me" or "who all work with me."
The word "your" here refers to Philemon and all who met in his house and so is plural. The words "your spirit" are a synecdoche and represent the people themselves. Alternate translation: "May our Lord Jesus Christ be kind to you"
1 Long ago God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in many ways. 2 But in these last days, he has spoken to us through a Son, whom he appointed to be the heir of all things. It is through him that God also made the universe. 3 He is the brightness of God's glory, the exact representation of his being. He even holds everything together by the word of his power. After he had made cleansing for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. 4 He has become just as superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than their name. 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say,
"You are my Son,
today I have become your Father"?
Or to which of the angels did God ever say,
"I will be a Father to him,
and he will be a Son to me"?
6 But again, when God brings the firstborn into the world, he says,
"All God's angels must worship him."
7 About the angels he says,
"He is the one who makes his angels spirits,
and his servants flames of fire."
8 But to the Son he says,
"Your throne, God, is forever and ever.
The scepter of justice is the scepter of your kingdom.
9 You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness.
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of joy more than your companions."
10 "In the beginning, Lord, you laid the earth's foundation.
The heavens are the work of your hands.
11 They will perish, but you will continue.
They will all wear out like a piece of clothing.
12 You will roll them up like a cloak,
and they will be changed like a piece of clothing.
But you are the same,
and your years do not end."
13 But to which of the angels has God said at any time,
"Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet"?
14 Are not all angels spirits who serve, and who are sent to care for those who will inherit salvation?
This chapter describes how Jesus is more important to us than the angels are.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 1:5, 7-13, which is from the Old Testament.
The writer wrote this letter to Christians who had grown up as Jews. This is why the letter is called "Hebrews."
The author uses rhetorical questions as a way of proving Jesus is better than the angels. Both he and the readers know the answers to the questions, and the writer knows that as the readers think about the answers to the questions, they will realize that God's Son is more important than any of the angels.
Jewish teachers, like the Old Testament prophets, would put their most important teachings in the form of poetry so that the hearers would be able to learn and remember them.
Although this letter does not mention to whom it was sent, the author wrote particularly to Hebrews (Jews), who would have understood the many Old Testament references. This prologue provides the background for the whole book: the unsurpassing greatness of the Son, who is greater than all. The book begins by emphasizing that the Son is better than the prophets and the angels.
"in these final days." This phrase refers to the time when Jesus began his ministry, extending until God establishes his complete rule in his creation.
"Son" here is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
The author speaks of the Son as if he will inherit wealth and property from his Father. Alternate translation: "to possess all things"
"It is through the Son that God also made all things"
"the light of his glory." God's glory is associated with a very bright light. The author is saying that the Son embodies that light and fully represents God's glory.
"glory, the image of God's being." The phrase "the exact representation of his being" is similar in meaning to "the brightness of God's glory." The Son embodies the character and essence of God and fully represents everything that God is. Alternate translation: "glory and is just like God" or "glory, and what is true about God is true about the Son"
"his powerful word." Here "word" refers to a message or command. Alternate translation: "his powerful command"
The abstract noun "cleansing" can be expressed as a verb: "making clean." Alternate translation: "After he had finished making us clean from sins" or "After he had finished purifying us from our sins"
The author speaks of forgiving sins as if it were making a person clean. Alternate translation: "he had made it possible for God to forgive our sins"
To sit at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "he sat down at the place of honor and authority beside the Majesty on high"
Here "Majesty" refers to God. Alternate translation: "God Most High"
"The Son has become"
Here "name" refers to honor and authority. Alternate translation: "as the honor and authority he has inherited is superior to their honor and authority"
The author speaks of receiving honor and authority from his father as if it were inheriting wealth and property from his father. Alternate translation: "he has received"
The first prophetic quotation (You are my Son) comes from the Psalms. The prophet Samuel wrote the second one (I will be a Father to him). The words "You" and "he" refer to Jesus, and the words "I" and "me" refer to God the Father.
This question emphasizes that God does not call any angel his Son. Alternate translation: "For God never said to any of the angels, 'You are my Son ... a Son to me.'"
These two phrases mean essentially the same thing.
The quotation, "All God's angels ... him," comes from one of the books that Moses wrote.
This means Jesus. The author refers to him as the "firstborn" to emphasize the Son's importance and authority over everyone else. It does not imply that there was a time before Jesus existed or that God has other sons like Jesus. Alternate translation: "his honored Son, his only Son"
"God says"
The quotation, "He is the one who makes ... fire," is from the Psalms.
Possible meanings are 1) "God has made his angels to be spirits who serve him with power like flames of fire" or 2) God makes the wind and flames of fire his messengers and servants. In the original language the word for "angel" is the same as "messenger," and the word for "spirits" is the same as "wind." With either possible meaning, the point is that the angels serve the Son because he is superior.
This scriptual quotation comes from the Psalms.
"But God says this to the Son"
This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
The Son's throne represents his rule. Alternate translation: "You are God, and your reign will last forever and ever"
Here "scepter" refers to the Son's rule. Alternate translation: "And you will rule over your kingdom with justice" or "And you will rule over the people of your kingdom justly"
Here "oil of joy" refers to the joy that the Son felt when God honored him. Alternate translation: "has honored you and made you more joyful than anyone else"
This quotation comes from another Psalm.
The author continues explaining that Jesus is superior to the angels.
"Before anything existed"
The author speaks of God creating the earth as if he built a building on a foundation. Alternate translation: "you created the earth"
Here "hands" refer to God's power and action. Alternate translation: "You made the heavens"
"The heavens and earth will disappear" or "The heavens and earth will no longer exist"
The author speaks of the heavens and earth as if they were a piece of clothing that will get old and eventually become useless.
The author speaks of the heavens and earth as if they were a robe or another kind of outer garment.
The author speaks of the heavens and earth as if they were clothing that could be exchanged for other clothing.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will change them"
Periods of time are used to represent God's eternal existence. Alternate translation: "your life will never end"
This quotation comes from another Psalm.
The author uses a question to emphasize that God has never said this to an angel. Alternate translation: "But God has never said to an angel at any time ... feet.'"
To sit at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "Sit in the place of honor beside me"
Christ's enemies are spoken of as if they will become an object on which a king rests his feet. This image represents defeat and dishonor for his enemies.
The author uses this question to remind the readers that angels are not as powerful as Christ, but they have a different role. Alternate translation: "All angels are spirits who ... inherit salvation."
Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. Alternate translation: "for those whom God will save"
1 Therefore we must give far more attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. 2 For if the message that was spoken through the angels proved to be so reliable, and every transgression and disobedience receives just repayment, 3 how then can we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This is salvation that was first announced by the Lord and confirmed to us by those who heard it. 4 At the same time God testified to it by signs, wonders, and various miracles, and by distributing the gifts of the Holy Spirit according to his will.
5 For it was not to the angels that God subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. 6 But someone has somewhere testified, saying,
"What is man, that you are mindful of him?
Or a son of man, that you care for him?
7 You made man a little lower than the angels;
you crowned him with glory and honor. [1]
8 You put everything in subjection under his feet."
For it was to him that God has subjected all things. He did not leave anything not subjected to him. But now we do not yet see everything subjected to him. 9 But we see him who was made lower than the angels for a little while, Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of his suffering and death, so that by God's grace he might taste death for everyone. 10 For it was proper for God, because everything exists for him and through him, to bring many sons to glory. It was proper for him to make the founder of their salvation complete through his sufferings. 11 For both the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified have one source. So he is not ashamed to call them brothers. 12 He says,
"I will proclaim your name to my brothers,
I will sing about you from inside the assembly."
13 And again,
"I will trust in him."
And again,
"See, here am I and the children whom God has given me."
14 Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, he shared in those things in the same way, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil. 15 This was so that he would free all those who through fear of death lived all their lives subject to slavery. 16 For surely it is not the angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. 17 So it was necessary for him to become like his brothers in all ways, so that he could be a merciful and faithful high priest in relation to the things of God, and so that he could make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because Jesus himself has suffered and was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 2:6-8, 12-13, which is from the Old Testament.
The author probably uses the term "brothers" to refer to Christians who grew up as Jews.
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This is the first of five urgent warnings the author gives.
Here "we" refers to the author and includes his audience.
Possible meanings for this metaphor are 1) people who stop believing in God's word are spoken of as if they were drifting away, like a boat drifts from its position in the water. Alternate translation: "so that we do not stop believing it" or 2) people who stop obeying God's words are spoken of as if they were drifting away, like a boat drifts from its position in the water. Alternate translation: "so that we do not stop obeying it"
The Jews believed that God spoke his law to Moses through angels. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For if the message that God spoke through the angels"
The author is certain that these things are true. Alternate translation: "Because the message"
Here "transgression" and "disobedience" stand for the people who are guilty of these sins. Alternate translation: "every person who sins and disobeys will receive just repayment"
These two words mean basically the same thing.
This is a general term, but you may need to make explicit that the "repayment" here is just punishment. Alternate translation: "punishment"
The author uses a question to emphasize that the people will certainly receive punishment if they refuse God's salvation through Christ. Alternate translation: "then God will certainly punish us if we do not pay attention to his message about how God will save us!"
"pay no attention to" or "consider unimportant"
This can be stated in active form. The abstract noun "salvation" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "The Lord himself first announced the message about how God will save us and then those who heard the message confirmed it to us"
"in just the way he wanted to do it"
The writer reminds these Hebrew believers that the earth will one day be under the rule of the Lord Jesus.
"For God did not make the angels rulers over"
Here "world" refers to the people who live there. And "to come" means that this is the world in the next age after Christ returns. Alternate translation: "the people who will live in the new world"
The quotation here is from the book of Psalms in the Old Testament. It continues on through verse 8.
This rhetorical question emphasizes the insignificance of humans and expresses surprise that God would pay attention to them. Alternate translation: "Humans are insignificant, and yet you are mindful of them!"
The idiom "son of man" refers to human beings. This rhetorical question means basically the same thing as the first question. It expresses surprise that God would care for humans, who are insignificant. Alternate translation: "Human beings are of little importance, and yet you care for them!"
The verb may be supplied from the previous question. Alternate translation: "Or what is a son of man"
The author speaks of people being less important than angels as if the people are standing in a position that is lower than the angels' position. Alternate translation: "less important than the angels"
Here, these phrases do not refer to a specific person but to humans in general, including both males and females. Alternate translation: "made humans ... crowned them"
The gifts of glory and honor are spoken of as if they were a wreath of leaves placed on the head of a victorious athlete. Alternate translation: "you have given them great glory and honor"
Here, these phrases do not refer to a specific person but to humans in general, including both males and females. Alternate translation: "their feet ... to them"
The author speaks of humans having control over everything as if they have stepped on everything with their feet. Alternate translation: "You have given them control over everything"
This double negative emphasizes the positive. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "God made everything subject to him"
"we know that humans are not in control of everything yet"
The writer reminds these Hebrew believers that Christ became lower than the angels when he came to earth to suffer death for forgiveness of sins, and that he became a merciful high priest to believers.
"we know there is one"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom God made"
See how you translated these words in Hebrews 2:7.
The experience of death is spoken of as if it were food that people can taste. Alternate translation: "he might experience death" or "he might die"
The gift of glory is spoken of here as if it were a place to which people could be brought. Alternate translation: "save many sons"
Here this refers to believers in Christ, including males and females. Alternate translation: "many believers"
Possible meanings of this metaphor are 1) the author speaks of Jesus as the one who establishes salvation, or makes it possible for God to save people. Alternate translation: "the one who makes their salvation possible" or 2) the word translated here as "founder" can mean "leader" and the writer speaks of salvation as if it were a destination and of Jesus as the person who goes before the people on the road and leads them to salvation. Alternate translation: "the one who leads people to salvation"
Becoming mature and completely trained is spoken of as if a person were made complete, perhaps complete in all his body parts.
"the one who makes others holy" or "the one who makes others pure from sin"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those whom he makes holy" or "those whom he makes pure from sin"
Who that source is can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "have one source, God himself" or "have the same Father"
"Jesus is not ashamed"
This litotes means that he will claim them as his brothers. Alternate translation: "is pleased to call them brothers"
Here this refers to all who have believed in Jesus, including both men and women.
This prophetic quotation comes from a Psalm of King David.
Here "name" refers to the person's reputation and what they have done. Alternate translation: "I will proclaim to my brothers the great things you have done"
"when believers come together to worship God"
The prophet Isaiah wrote these quotations.
"And a prophet wrote in another scripture passage what Christ said about God:"
This speaks about those who believe in Christ as if they were children. Alternate translation: "those who are like my children"
This speaks about those who believe in Christ as if they were children. Alternate translation: "those who are like his children"
The phrase "flesh and blood" refers to people's human nature. Alternate translation: "are all human beings"
"Jesus in the same way shared in flesh and blood" or "Jesus became human in the same way they did"
Here "death" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "by dying"
Here "death" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "has the power to cause people to die"
The fear of death is spoken of as if it were making people live as slaves. Taking away someone's fear is spoken of as it were freeing that person from slavery. Alternate translation: "This was so he might free all people. For we lived like slaves because we were afraid of dying"
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"it was necessary for Jesus"
Here "brothers" refers to people in general. Alternate translation: "like human beings"
Christ's death on the cross means that God can forgive sins. Alternate translation: "he could make it possible for God to forgive people's sins"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Satan tempted him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom Satan is tempting"
1 Therefore, holy brothers, you share in a heavenly calling. Think about Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession. 2 He was faithful to God, who appointed him, just as Moses was also faithful in all the house of God. 3 For Jesus has been considered worthy of greater glory than Moses, because the one who builds a house has more honor than the house itself. 4 For every house is built by someone, but the one who built everything is God. 5 For Moses was faithful as a servant in God's entire house, bearing witness about the things that were to be spoken of in the future. 6 But Christ is faithful as a Son who is in charge of the house of God. We are his house if we hold firmly to our courage and the hope of which we boast. 7 Therefore, it is just as the Holy Spirit says:
"Today, if you hear his voice
8 do not harden your hearts
as in the rebellion,
in the time of testing in the wilderness.
9 This was when your ancestors rebelled by testing me,
after they had seen my deeds for forty years.
10 Therefore I was angry with that generation.
I said, 'They have always gone astray in their hearts.
They have not known my ways.'
11 It is just as I swore in my wrath:
'They will never enter my rest.'"
12 Be careful, brothers, that none of you has an evil heart of unbelief, a heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "today," so that no one among you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partners of Christ if we firmly hold to our confidence in him from the beginning to the end. 15 About this it has been said,
"Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts,
as in the rebellion."
16 Who was it who heard God and rebelled? Was it not all those who came out of Egypt through Moses? 17 With whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose dead bodies fell in the wilderness? 18 To whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, if it was not to those who disobeyed him? 19 We see that they were not able to enter his rest because of unbelief.
This chapter is about how Jesus is better than Moses, the greatest Israelite in the Old Testament.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 3:7-11,15, which is from the Old Testament.
The author probably uses the term "brothers" to refer to Christians who grew up as Jews.
A person who hardens his heart is a person who will not listen to or obey God.
The author uses rhetorical questions as a way of warning his readers. Both he and the readers know the answers to the questions, and the writer knows that as the readers think about the answers to the questions, they will realize that they need to listen to God and obey him.
This second warning is longer and more detailed and includes chapters 3 and 4. The writer begins by showing that Christ is better than his servant Moses.
Here "brothers" refer to fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: "holy brothers and sisters" or "my holy fellow believers"
Here "heavenly" represents God. Alternate translation: "God has called us together"
Here the word "apostle" means someone who has been sent. In this passage, it does not refer to any of the twelve apostles. Alternate translation: "the one whom God sent and is the high priest"
This can be reworded so that the abstract noun "confession" is expressed as the verb "confess." Alternate translation: "whom we confess" or "in whom we believe"
The Hebrew people to whom God revealed himself are spoken of as if they were a literal house. Alternate translation: "to all of God's people"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has considered Jesus"
God's acts of creating the world are spoken of as if they were the actions of building a house.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "every house has someone who built it"
The Hebrew people to whom God revealed himself are spoken of as if they were a literal house. See how you translated this in [Hebrews 3:2]
This phrase probably refers to all of Moses's work. This can be stated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: "house. Moses's life and work pointed to the things"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God would speak about in the future"
This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
This speaks about God's people as if they were a literal house. Alternate translation: "who rules over God's people"
This speaks of God's people as if they were a literal house. Alternate translation: "We are God's people"
Here "hope" means "a confident expectation." Here "courage" and "hope" are abstract nouns and can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: "if we continue to be courageous and joyfully expect God to do what he has promised"
This quotation comes from the book of Psalms in the Old Testament.
The warning here is a reminder that the Israelites' unbelief kept almost all of them from entering into the land that God had promised them.
God's "voice" represents him speaking. Alternate translation: "when you hear God speak"
Here "hearts" is a metonym for a person's mind. The phrase "harden your hearts" is a metaphor for being stubborn. Alternate translation: "do not be stubborn" or "do not refuse to listen"
Here "rebellion" and "testing" can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: "as when your ancestors rebelled against God and tested him in the wilderness"
This quotation is from the Psalms.
Here "your" is plural and refers to the people of Israel.
Here "me" refers to God.
"40 years"
"I was greatly unhappy"
Here "gone astray in their hearts" is a metaphor for not being loyal to God. Here "hearts" is a metonym for minds or desires. Alternate translation: "They have always rejected me" or "They have always refused to obey me"
This speaks of a manner of conducting one's life as if it were a way or a path. Alternate translation: "They have not understood how I want them to conduct their lives"
The peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were rest that he can give, and as if they were a place to which people could go. Alternate translation: "They will never enter the place of rest" or "I will never allow them to experience my blessings of rest"
Here this refers to fellow Christians, including males and females. Alternate translation: "brothers and sisters" or "fellow believers"
Here "heart" is a metonym that represents a person's mind or will. Refusing to believe and obey God is spoken of as if the heart did not believe and it physically turned away from God. Alternate translation: "that none of you refuses to believe the truth and stops obeying the living God"
"the true God who is really alive"
"while there is still opportunity,"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the deceitfulness of sin will not harden any of you"
Being stubborn is spoken of as being hard or having a hard heart. The hardness is a result of being deceived by sin. This can be reworded so that the abstract noun "deceitfulness" is expressed as the verb "deceive." Alternate translation: "no one among you will be deceived by sin and become stubborn" or "you do not sin, deceiving yourselves so that you become stubborn"
Here "we" refers to both the writer and the readers.
"if we continue to confidently trust in him"
"from when we first began to believe in him"
This is a polite way of referring to when a person dies. Alternate translation: "until we die"
This continues the quotation from the same psalm that was also quoted in Hebrews 3:7.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the writer wrote"
God's "voice" represents him speaking. See how you translated this in [Hebrews 3:7]
Here "rebellion" can be stated as a verb. See how you translated this in [Hebrews 3:8]
The author uses questions to teach his readers. These two questions can be joined as one statement, if needed. Alternate translation: "All those who came out of Egypt with Moses heard God, yet they still rebelled."
The author uses questions to teach his readers. These two questions can be joined as one statement, if needed. Alternate translation: "For forty years, God was angry with those who sinned, and he let them die in the wilderness."
"40 years"
The author uses this question to teach his readers. Alternate translation: "And it was to those who disobeyed that he swore they would not enter his rest."
The peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were rest that he can give, and as if they were a place to which people could go. Alternate translation: "they would not enter the place of rest" or "they would not experience his blessings of rest"
The word "they" refers to the disobedient Israelites.
Here "we" refers to the author and readers.
The abstract noun "unbelief" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "because they did not believe him"
1 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest is still allowed to stand, let us fear, so that none of you may seem to have fallen short of it. 2 For we were told the good news just as they were. But that message did not benefit those who did not unite in faith with those who obeyed. [1]3 For we who have believed enter that rest, just as he said,
"As I swore in my wrath,
They will never enter my rest."
Even so, his works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he has somewhere spoken about the seventh day:
"And God rested on the seventh day from all his works." 5 And again in this same passage he said,
"They will never enter my rest."
6 Therefore, it remains for some to enter that rest, and those who previously had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience. 7 So God again appointed a certain day, calling it "Today," when he spoke through David much later in words already quoted:
"Today if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts."
8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken about another day. 9 So there remains a Sabbath rest reserved for God's people. 10 For he who enters into God's rest has himself also rested from his deeds, just as God did from his. 11 Therefore let us be eager to enter that rest, so that no one will fall into the kind of disobedience that they did. 12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword. It pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 No thing that has been created is hidden before God, but everything is bare and open to the eyes of the one to whom we must give an account.
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us firmly hold to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot feel sympathy for our weaknesses. Rather, we have someone who has in all ways been tempted as we are, except that he is without sin. 16 Let us then go with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
This chapter tells why Jesus is the greatest high priest.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 4:3-4, 7, which is from the Old Testament.
The word "rest" seems to refer to at least two things in this chapter. It refers to a place or time when God will allow his people to rest from their work (Hebrews 4:3), and it refers to God resting on the seventh day (Hebrews 4:4).
Chapter 4 continues the warning to believers starting in Hebrews 3:7.
"Because what I have just said is true" or "Since God will certainly punish those who do not obey"
This is probably a hyperbole that refers to being very careful. Alternate translation: "we must be very careful"
The peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were rest that he can give, and as if they were a place to which people could go. Alternate translation: "to enter the place of rest" or "to experience God's blessings of rest"
God's promise is spoken of as if it were a place to which people were trying to go. Alternate translation: "none of you fail to enter into God's rest, which he promised to us" or "God allows you all to enter into his rest as he promised us"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For we heard the good news just as they did"
Here "they" refers to the Hebrews' ancestors who were alive during the time of Moses.
The author is talking about two groups of people, those who received God's covenant with faith, and those who heard it but did not believe. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "But that message benefited only those who believed and obeyed it"
join
Here the quotation, "As I swore ... rest," is from a psalm.
"we who believe"
The peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were rest that he can give, and as if they were a place to which people could go. Alternate translation: "we who have believed will enter the place of rest" or "we who have believed will experience God's blessings of rest"
"just as God said"
"As I swore when I was very angry"
The peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were rest that he can give, and as if they were a place to which people could go. Alternate translation: "They will never enter the place of rest" or "They will never experience my blessings of rest"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he finished creating" or "he finished his works of creation"
The author speaks of the world as if it were a building set on a foundation. Alternate translation: "at the beginning of the world" or "from the time he created the world"
The quotation, "God rested on ... works," is from Moses's writings.
The word "seventh" is the ordinal number for "seven."
This quotation, "They will never enter ... rest," is from a psalm.
The peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were rest that he can give, and as if they were a place to which people could go. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God still allows some people to enter his place of rest" or "God still allows some people to experience his blessings of rest"
Here we find out that this quotation from the Psalms was written by David (Hebrews 3:7-8).
God's commands to Israel are spoken of as if he had given them in an audible voice. See how you translated this in [Hebrews 3:7]
Here "hearts" is a metonym for a person's mind. The phrase "harden your hearts" is a metaphor for being stubborn. See how you translated this in [Hebrews 3:8]
Here the writer warns believers not to disobey but to enter into the rest God offers. He reminds them that God's word will convict them and that they can come in prayer with the confidence that God will help them.
A person causing someone to rest is spoken of as if the person were giving someone rest. Alternate translation: "if Joshua had been able to cause the people to rest" or "if the Israelites during the time of Joshua had experienced God's blessings of rest"
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The peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they are a place to enter. Alternate translation: "the person who enters into God's place of rest" or "the person who experiences God's blessings of rest"
The peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were a place to enter. Alternate translation: "we should also do everything we can to rest with God where he is"
Disobedience is spoken of as if it were a hole that a person could physically fall into by accident. This passage can be reworded so that the abstract noun "disobedience" is expressed as the verb "disobey." Alternate translation: "will disobey in the same way as they did"
Here "they" refers to the Hebrews' ancestors during the time of Moses.
Here "word of God" refers to anything that God has communicated to humanity, whether through speech or through written messages. Alternate translation: "the words of God are living ... They pierce ... are able"
This speaks about God's word as if it were alive. It means when God speaks, it is powerful and effective.
A two-edged sword can easily cut through a person's flesh. God's word is very effective in showing what is in a person's heart and thoughts.
a sword with a blade that is sharp on both edges
This continues speaking about God's word as if it were a sword. Here the sword is so sharp that it can cut through and divide parts of the human that are very difficult or even impossible to divide. This means that there is nothing inside us that we can hide from God.
These are two different but closely related nonphysical parts of a human. The "soul" is what causes a person to be alive. The "spirit" is the part of a person that causes him to be able to know and believe in God.
The "joint" is what holds two bones together. The "marrow" is the center part of the bone.
This speaks about God's word as if it were a person who could know something. Alternate translation: "exposes"
"Heart" here is a metonym for "inner self." Alternate translation: "what a person is thinking and intends to do"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Nothing that God has created can hide from him"
This speaks about all things as if they were a person standing bare, or a box that is open. Alternate translation: "everything is completely exposed"
These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize that nothing is hidden from God.
God is spoken of as if he had eyes. Alternate translation: "to God, who will judge how we have lived"
"who has entered where God is"
This is an important title for Jesus.
The word "confession" is a metonym for what a person believes and confesses. This is spoken of as if it were an object that a person could grasp firmly. Alternate translation: "let us continue to believe confidently in him, as we say that we do"
This double negative is used to correct an incorrect idea that the reader might have, that the high priest cannot feel sympathy. Alternate translation: "we have a high priest who can feel sympathy ... Rather, we have"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "who has endured temptation in every way that we have" or "whom the devil has tempted in every way that he tempts us"
"he did not sin"
"to God's throne, where there is grace." Here "throne" refers to God ruling as king. Alternate translation: "to where our gracious God is sitting on his throne"
Here "mercy" and "grace" are spoken of as if they were objects that can be given or can be found. Alternate translation: "God may be merciful and gracious and help us in time of need"
1 For every high priest, chosen from among people, is appointed to act on the behalf of people in the things concerning God, so that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He can deal gently with those who are ignorant and who have been deceived, because he himself is subject to weakness. 3 Because of this, he also is required to offer sacrifices for his own sins, just as he does for the people's sins. 4 No one takes this honor for himself. Rather, he is called by God, just as Aaron was. 5 In the same way, neither did Christ glorify himself by making himself high priest. Instead, the one speaking to him said,
"You are my Son;
today I have become your Father."
6 It is just as he also says in another place,
"You are a priest forever
after the manner of Melchizedek."
7 During the days of his flesh, Christ offered up both prayers and requests with loud cries and tears to God, the one able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his godly life. 8 Even though he was a Son, he learned obedience from what he suffered. 9 He was made perfect and became, for everyone who obeys him, the cause of eternal salvation. 10 He was designated by God as high priest after the manner of Melchizedek.
11 We have much to say about Jesus, but it is hard to explain since you have become dull in hearing. 12 For though by this time you should be teachers, you still have need for someone to teach you the elementary principles of God's messages. You need milk, not solid food! 13 For anyone who only takes milk is inexperienced with the message of righteousness, because he is still a little child. 14 But solid food is for the mature. These are those who because of their maturity have their understanding trained for distinguishing good from evil.
This chapter is a continuation of the teaching of the previous chapter.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 5:5-6.
Only a high priest could offer sacrifices so that God could forgive sins, so Jesus had to be a high priest. The law of Moses commanded that the high priest be from the tribe of Levi, but Jesus was from the tribe of Judah. God made him a priest like the priest Melchizedek, who lived at the time of Abraham, before there was a tribe of Levi.
The writer speaks of Christians who are only able to understand simple things about Jesus as if they were babies, who drink only milk and cannot eat solid food.
The writer describes the sinfulness of the Old Testament priests, and then he shows that Christ has a better kind of priesthood, one not based on Aaron's priesthood but on the priesthood of Melchizedek.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom God chooses from among the people"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God appoints"
"to represent the people"
The word "he" refers to a high priest.
"The high priest can deal gently"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those ... whom others have deceived" or "those ... who believe what is false"
"who believe false things and so behave badly"
The high priest's own weakness is spoken of as if it were a another person who rules over him. Alternate translation: "is spiritually weak" or "is weak against sin"
the desire to sin
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God also requires him"
Honor is spoken of as if it were an object that a person could grasp in his hands.
The "honor" or praise and respect that people gave to the high priest stand for his task.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God calls him, just as he called Aaron"
This quotation is from the Psalms in the Old Testament.
"God said to him"
These two phrases mean essentially the same thing. See how you translated them in [Hebrews 1:5]
These are important titles that describe the relationship between Jesus and God the Father.
This prophecy is from a Psalm of David.
To whom God is speaking can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "he also says to Christ"
"in another place in the scriptures"
This means that Christ as a priest has things in common with Melchizedek as a priest. Alternate translation: "in the same way that Melchizedek was a priest"
Here "the days" stands for a period of time. And, "flesh" stand for Jesus's earthly life. Alternate translation: "While he lived on earth"
Both of these words mean basically the same thing.
Possible meanings are 1) God was able to save Christ so that he would not die. Alternate translation: 'to save him from dying" or 2) God was able to save Christ after Christ's death by making him alive again. If possible, translate this in a way that allows both interpretations.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God heard him"
This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God made him perfect"
Here this means being made mature, able to honor God in all aspects of life.
The abstract noun "salvation" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "now he saves all who obey him and causes them to live forever"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God designated him" or "God appointed him"
This means that Christ as a priest has things in common with Melchizedek as a priest. Alternate translation: "to be the sort of high priest that Melchizedek was"
Here the writer begins his third warning. He warns these believers that they are still not mature and encourages them to learn God's word so they can understand right from wrong.
Even though the author uses the plural pronoun "we," he is most likely referring only to himself. Alternate translation: "I have much to say"
The ability to understand and obey is spoken of as if it were the ability to listen. And the ability to listen is spoken of as if it were a metal tool that becomes dull with use. Alternate translation: "you have trouble understanding it"
Here "elementary principles" refers to the first things people should be able to understand. Alternate translation: "basic truths of God's messages" or "beginnning lessons of God's word"
Truths about God that are easy to understand are spoken of as if they were milk, the only food that infants can take. Alternate translation: "You have become like babies and can drink only milk"
Truths about God that are difficult to understand are spoken of as if they were solid food, suitable for adults. Alternate translation: "milk instead of solid food that adults can eat"
Here "takes" stands for "drinks." Alternate translation: "drinks milk"
Spiritual maturity is compared with the kind of food that a growing child eats. Solid food is not for a tiny baby, and that is a figure describing a young Christian who only learns simple truths; but later, more solid food is given to the little child, just as when a person matures he can learn about matters that are more difficult.
People trained to understand something are spoken of as if their ability to understand had been trained. Alternate translation: "who are mature and can distinguish between good and evil"
1 So then, let us leave the beginning of the message of Christ and move forward to maturity. Let us not lay again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith in God, 2 nor the foundation of teaching about baptisms, laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 We will also do this if God permits. 4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, who tasted the heavenly gift, who were sharers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and who tasted God's good word and the powers of the age to come, 6 but who then fell away—it is impossible to restore them again to repentance. This is because they crucify the Son of God for themselves again, and publicly shame him. 7 For the land that drinks in the rain that often comes on it, and that gives birth to the plants useful to those for whom the land was worked—this is the land that receives a blessing from God. 8 But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and is near to a curse. Its end is in burning.
9 But we are convinced about better things concerning you, beloved ones, things that concern salvation, even though we speak like this. 10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you showed for his name, because you served his holy people, and you are still serving them. 11 We greatly desire that each of you may show the same diligence to the end, in order to make your hope certain. 12 This is so that you will not become lazy, but imitators of those who by faith and patience inherit the promises.
13 For when God made his promise to Abraham, he swore by himself, since he could not swear by anyone greater. 14 He said, "I will certainly bless you and give you many descendants." 15 In this way, Abraham obtained what was promised after he had patiently waited. 16 For people swear by someone greater than themselves. At the end of each of their disputes, an oath serves as confirmation. 17 When God decided to show more clearly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable quality of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath. 18 He did this so that by two unchangeable things—with which it is impossible for God to lie—we, who have fled for refuge, will have a strong encouragement to hold firmly to the hope set before us. 19 We have this as a secure and reliable anchor for the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus, who went before us, has entered into that place on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
In the covenant that God made with Abraham, God promised to make Abraham's descendants into a great nation. He also promised to protect Abraham's descendants and to give them land of their own. (See: covenant)
The writer continues with what immature Hebrew believers need to do to become mature Christians. He reminds them of the foundational teachings.
This speaks about the basic teachings as if they were the beginning of a journey and the mature teachings as if they were the end of a journey. Alternate translation: "let us stop only discussing what we first learned and start understanding more mature teachings as well"
The teachings of the faith are spoken of as if they were a building, and the basic, elementary teachings are the foundation. Alternate translation: "Let us not repeat the basic teachings"
Sinful deeds are spoken of as if they belonged to the world of the dead.
The teachings of the faith are spoken of as if they were a building, and the basic, elementary teachings are the foundation. Alternate translation: "nor the basic teachings"
This practice was done to set someone apart for special service or position.
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Understanding is spoken of as if it were illumination. Alternate translation: "those who once understood the message about Christ"
Experiencing salvation is spoken of as if it were tasting food. Alternate translation: "who experienced God's saving power"
The Holy Spirit, who comes to believers, is spoken of as if he were an object that people could share. Alternate translation: "who received the Holy Spirit"
Learning God's message is spoken of as if it were tasting food. Alternate translation: "who learned about God's good message"
This means the power of God when his kingdom is fully present in all the world. In this sense, "the powers" refer to God himself, who holds all power. Alternate translation: "how God will work powerfully in the future"
"it is impossible to bring them back to repent again"
When people turn away from God, it is as though they crucify Jesus again. Alternate translation: "it is like they crucify for themselves the very Son of God again"
This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God.
Farmland that benefits from much rain is spoken of as if it were a person who drinks in the rainwater. Alternate translation: "the land that absorbs the rain"
Farmland that produces crops is spoken of as if it gives birth to them. Alternate translation: "that produces plants"
Rain and crops are seen as proof that God has helped the farmland. The farmland is spoken of as if it were a person who could receive God's blessing.
Here "blessing" means help from God, not spoken words.
This speaks of "curse" as if it were a place to which a person could draw near. Alternate translation: "is in danger of God cursing it"
The farmer will burn everything in the field.
Even though the author uses the plural pronoun "we," he is most likely referring only to himself. Alternate translation: "I am convinced" or "I am certain"
This means they are doing better than those who have rejected God, disobeyed him, and now can no longer repent so that God will forgive them (Hebrews 6:4-6). Alternate translation: "that you are doing better things than what I have mentioned"
The abstract noun "salvation" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "things that concern God saving you"
This double negative can mean that God in his justice will remember what good things his people have done. Alternate translation: "For God is just. He will certainly remember"
God's "name" is a metonym that stands for God himself. Alternate translation: "for him"
Even though the author uses the plural pronoun "we," he is most likely referring only to himself. Alternate translation: "I greatly desire"
careful, hard work
The implicit meaning can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "to the end of your lives"
Here "hope" means "a confident expectation." Alternate translation: "in order to have complete certainty that you will receive what God has promised you"
An "imitator" is someone who copies the behavior of someone else.
Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. Alternate translation: "receive what God promised them"
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God said
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "what God promised him"
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The people to whom God has made promises are spoken of as if they were to inherit property and wealth from a family member. Alternate translation: "to those who would receive what he promised"
"that his purpose would never change" or "that he would always do what he said he would do"
Believers, who trust in God for him to protect them, are spoken of as if they were running to a safe place. Alternate translation: "we, who have trusted him"
The phrase "to hold firmly to the hope set before us" is a metaphor meaning to continue to hope in what God has promised to do. Here "hope" means "a confident expectation." Alternate translation: "will continue to trust in God just has he encouraged us to do"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that God has placed before us"
Having finished his third warning and encouragement to the believers, the writer of Hebrews continues his comparison of Jesus as priest to Melchizedek as priest.
Just as an anchor keeps a boat from drifting in the water, Jesus keeps us secure in God's presence. Alternate translation: "that causes us to live securely in God's presence"
Here the words "secure" and "reliable" mean basically the same thing and emphasize the complete reliability of the anchor. Alternate translation: "a completely reliable anchor"
Confidence is spoken of as if it were a person who could go into the most holy place of the temple.
This was the most holy place in the temple. It was thought to be the place where God was most intensely present among his people. In this passage, this place stands for heaven and God's throne room.
This means that Christ as a priest has things in common with Melchizedek as a priest. Alternate translation: "in the same way that Melchizedek was a priest"
1 It was this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him. 2 It was to him that Abraham gave a tenth of everything. First, the translation of his name means, "king of righteousness"; then he is also "king of Salem," that is, "king of peace." 3 He is without father, without mother, without ancestors, with neither beginning of days nor end of life. And resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.
4 See how great this man was to whom the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the things that he had taken in battle. 5 The descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a command according to the law to collect tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers, even though they, too, are descended from Abraham. 6 But Melchizedek, whose descent was not traced from them, received tithes from Abraham, and blessed him, the one who had the promises. 7 There is no denying that the lesser person is blessed by the greater person. 8 In this case, mortal men receive tithes, but in that case it is testified that he lives on. 9 And, in a manner of speaking, Levi, who received tithes, also paid tithes through Abraham, 10 because Levi was in the body of his ancestor when Melchizedek met Abraham.
11 Now if perfection were possible through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the manner of Melchizedek, and not be considered to be after the manner of Aaron? 12 For when the priesthood is changed, the law must also be changed. 13 For the one about whom these things are said belongs to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. 14 Now clearly it is from Judah that our Lord was born, a tribe that Moses never mentioned concerning priests. 15 What we say is even clearer when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek. 16 This one became a priest, not based on a law of physical requirement, but by the power of an everlasting life. 17 For scripture witnesses about him:
"You are a priest forever
according to the order of Melchizedek."
18 For not only has the former command been set aside because it is weak and useless— 19 for the law made nothing perfect—but also a better hope is introduced, through which we come near to God. 20 And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath, 21 but he became a priest with an oath by the one who said to him,
"The Lord has sworn and he will not change his mind:
'You are a priest forever.'"
22 By this also Jesus has given the guarantee of a better covenant. 23 The former priests were many in number, since death prevented them from continuing in office. 24 But because Jesus continues to live forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is also able to save completely those who approach God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. 26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, who is holy, innocent, pure, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27 He does not need, unlike the high priests, to offer up daily sacrifices, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He did this once for all when he offered himself. 28 For the law appoints as high priests men who have weaknesses. But the word of the oath, which came after the law, appointed a Son, who has been made perfect forever.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 7:17, 21, which is from the Old Testament.
Only a high priest could offer sacrifices so that God could forgive sins, so Jesus had to be a high priest. The law of Moses commanded that the high priest be from the tribe of Levi, but Jesus was from the tribe of Judah. God made him a priest like the priest Melchizedek, who lived at the time of Abraham, before there was a tribe of Levi.
The writer of Hebrews continues his comparison of Jesus as priest to Melchizedek as priest.
This is the name of a city.
This is refers to when Abraham and his men went and defeated the armies of four kings in order to rescue his nephew, Lot, and his family.
"It was to Melchizedek"
"righteous king ... peaceful king"
It is possible to think from this passage that Melchizedek was neither born nor did he die. However, it is likely that all the writer means is that the Scriptures provide no information about Melchizedek's ancestry, birth, or death.
The writer states that the priesthood of Melchizedek is better than Aaron's priesthood and then reminds his readers that the priesthood of Aaron did not make anything perfect.
"Melchizedek was"
The author says this because not all of Levi's sons became priests. Alternate translation: "the descendants of Levi who become priests"
"from the people of Israel"
Here "brothers" means they are all related to each other through Abraham. Alternate translation: "from their relatives"
"who was not a descendant of Levi"
The things that God promised to do for Abraham are spoken of as if they were objects that he could possess. Alternate translation: the one to whom God had spoken his promises"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the more important person blesses the less important person"
These phrases are used to compare the Levite priests with Melchizedek. Your language may have a way to emphasize that the author is making a comparison.
It is never explicitly written in scripture that Melchizedek dies. The author of Hebrews speaks of this absence of information about Melchizedek's death in scripture as if it were a positive statement that he is still alive. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "scripture shows that he lives on"
Since Levi had not been born yet, the author speaks of him as still being in Abraham's body. In this way, the author argues that Levi paid tithes to Melchizedek through Abraham.
Since Levi had not been born yet, the author speaks of him as still being in Abraham's body. In this way, the author argues that Levi paid tithes to Melchizedek through Abraham.
This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
This question emphasizes that it was unexpected that priests come after the order of Melchizedek. Alternate translation: "no one would have needed another priest, one who was like Melchizedek and not like Aaron, to arise."
"to come" or "to appear"
This means that Christ as a priest has things in common with Melchizedek as a priest. Alternate translation: "in the same way that Melchizedek was a priest"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "not be after the manner of Aaron" or "who is not a priest like Aaron"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For when God changed the priesthood, he also had to change the law"
This refers to Jesus.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "about whom I am speaking"
This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
The words "our Lord" refer to Jesus.
"from the tribe of Judah"
"when another priest comes"
This means that Christ as a priest has things in common with Melchizedek as a priest. Alternate translation: "in the same way that Melchizedek was a priest"
The words "This one" refer to the one who became priest in the likeness of Melchizedek.
He became priest, but it was not because he met the physical requrement.
This physical requirement is that only the descendants of priests could become priests. Alternate translation: "a law of human descent" or "a law that required priests to be descendants of priests"
This quote comes from a psalm of King David.
This speaks about scripture as if it were a person who could witness about something. Alternate translation: "For God witnesses about him through the scriptures" or "For this is what was written about him in the scripture"
There were two groups of priests. One was made up of the descendants of Levi. The other was made up of Melchizedek and Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: "according to the line of Melchizedek" or "according to the priesthood of Melchizedek"
The writer gives the first of two statements that explain Hebrews 7:17.
Here "set aside" is a metaphor for making something invalid. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "has God made the commandment invalid"
After a short statement that explains Hebrews 7:18, the writer gives the second of two statements that explain Hebrews 7:17.
The law is spoken of as if it were a person who could act. Alternate translation: "no one could become perfect by obeying the law"
Here "hope" means "a confident expectation." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has introduced a better hope" or "God has given us reason for a more confident hope"
Worshiping God and having his favor are spoken of as coming near to him. Alternate translation: "and because of this hope we approach God" or "and because of this hope we worship God"
The word "it" refers to the act of God choosing Jesus to be the eternal priest. This can be stated in positive form, and it can be stated clearly who made the oath. Alternate translation: "And God did not choose this new priest without swearing an oath!" or "And God showed how important it was by swearing an oath!"
This quote comes from the same psalm of David as Hebrews 7:17.
"has told us that we can be sure that there will be a better covenant"
The writer then assures these Jewish believers that Christ has the better priesthood because he lives forever and the priests that descended from Aaron all die, stopping them from continuing to be priests.
A priest's work is spoken of as if it were an object that the priest possesses. This can be worded to avoid the abstract noun. Alternate translation: "he is a priest permanently"
You can make explicit what "Therefore" implies. Alternate translation: "Because Christ is our high priest who lives forever, he"
"those who come to God because of what Jesus has done"
"whom God has raised up to the highest heavens." The author speaks of possessing more honor and power than anyone else as if it were a position that is up above all things. Alternate translation: "whom God has given more honor and power than anyone else"
Here the words "He," "his," and "himself" refer to Christ.
Here "the law" is a metonym for the men who appointed the high priests according to the law of Moses. The focus is not on the men who did this, but on the fact that they did this according to the law. Alternate translation: "according to the law, men appoint as high priests men who have weaknesses" or "for according to the law, men who have weaknesses are appointed as high priests"
"men who are spiritually weak" or "men who are weak against sin"
The "word of the oath" represents God, who made the oath. Alternate translation: "God appointed a Son by his oath, which he made after he gave the law, a Son" or "after he had given the law, God swore an oath and appointed his Son"
This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "who has completely obeyed God and become mature"
1 Now the point of what we are saying is this: We have a high priest who has sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens. 2 He is a servant in the holy place, the true tabernacle that the Lord, not a man, set up. 3 For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary to have something to offer. 4 Now if Christ were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer the gifts according to the law. 5 They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. It is just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to construct the tabernacle: God said, "See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown to you on the mountain." 6 But now Christ has received a much better ministry, just as he is also the mediator of a better covenant, which is based on better promises. 7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, no occasion for a second would have been sought. 8 For when God found fault with the people, he said,
"See, the days are coming—says the Lord—
when I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel
and with the house of Judah.
9 It will not be like the covenant
that I made with their ancestors
on the day that I took them by their hand
to lead them out of the land of Egypt.
For they did not carefully obey my covenant,
and I disregarded them—
says the Lord.
10 This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel
after those days says the Lord.
I will put my laws into their minds,
and I will also write them on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
11 They will not teach each one his fellow citizen
and each one his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord.'
For they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest.
12 For I will be merciful toward their evil deeds,
and their sins I will not remember any longer."
13 By calling this covenant "new," he declared the first covenant to be obsolete, and what has become obsolete and old will soon disappear.
The author finishes describing how and why Jesus is the most important high priest. Then he begins to speak about how the new covenant is better to the covenant God made with Moses. (See: covenant)
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 8:8-12, which is from the Old Testament.
The author tells how Jesus has established a new covenant that is better than the covenant that God established with the Israelites. (See: covenant)
The writer, having shown that Christ's priesthood is better than the earthly priesthood, shows that the earthly priesthood was a pattern of heavenly things. Christ has a superior ministry, a superior covenant.
This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
Even though the author uses the plural pronoun "we," he is most likely referring only to himself. Because the writer does not include his readers here, the word "we" is exclusive. Alternate translation: "I am saying" or "I am writing"
The author is including the readers here, so the word "we" is inclusive.
To sit at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Hebrews 1:3]
People built the earthly tabernacle out of animal skins fastened to a wooden framework, and they set it up in the manner of a tent. Here "true tabernacle" means the heavenly tabernacle that God created.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For God appoints every priest"
This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
"as God requires in the law"
The words "copy" and "shadow" have similar meanings and are metaphors meaning that something is not the real thing but it is similar to the real thing. These words emphasize that the priesthood and the earthly temple were images of Christ, the true high priest, and the heavenly temple. Alternate translation: "They serve what is a vague image of the heavenly things" or "They serve what is only similar to the heavenly things"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "It is just as God warned Moses when Moses was"
Moses did not construct the tabernacle himself. He ordered the people to construct it. Alternate translation: "was about to command the people to construct the tabernacle"
"Make sure that"
"to the design"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that I showed you"
You can make explicit that "mountain" refers to Mount Sinai. Alternate translation: "on Mount Sinai"
This section begins to show that the new covenant is better than the old covenant with Israel and Judah.
"God has given Christ"
A mediator is a person who helps two parties come to an agreement. Christ, as mediator, made it possible for a better covenant between God and humans to exist.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "covenant. It was this covenant that God made based on better promises" or "covenant. God promised better things when he made this covenant"
The words "first" and "second" are ordinal numbers. Alternate translation: "old covenant ... new covenant"
"had been perfect"
The word "second" also describes a "covenant." Alternate translation: "no one would have sought a way to establish a second covenant" or "there would have been no reason to establish a second covenant"
In this quotation the prophet Jeremiah foretold of a new covenant that God would make.
"with the people of Israel"
"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
The people of Israel and Judah are spoken of as if they were houses. Alternate translation: "the people of Israel and with the people of Judah"
This metaphor represents God's great love and concern. Alternate translation: "I led them out of Egypt like a father leads his young child"
This continues the quotation from the prophet Jeremiah.
The people of Israel are spoken of as if they were a house. Alternate translation: "the people of Israel"
"after that time"
God's requirements are spoken of as if they were objects that could be placed somewhere. People's ability to think is spoken of as if it were a place. Alternate translation: "I will enable them to understand my laws"
Here "hearts" is a metonym for a person's inner being. The phrase "write them on their hearts" is a metaphor for enabling people to obey the law. Alternate translation: "I will also put them in their hearts" or "I will enable them to obey my law"
"I will be the God they worship"
"they will be the people for whom I care"
This continues the quotation from the prophet Jeremiah.
This direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "They will not need to teach their neighbors or brothers to know me"
Both of these refer to a fellow Israelite.
"Know" here stands for acknowledge.
This stands for the people who committed these evil deeds. Alternate translation: "to those who did evil deeds"
Here "remember" stands for "think about."
"he declared that the first covenant was no longer useful"
"what is no longer useful"
Something that is obsolete is no longer useful because people can now use something better.
1 Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary. 2 For a tabernacle was prepared. The first room, in which were the lampstand, the table, and the bread of the presence, was called the holy place. 3 Behind the second curtain was another room in the tabernacle, called the most holy place. 4 It had a golden altar for incense. It also had the ark of the covenant, which was completely overlaid with gold. Inside it was a golden jar that held the manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. 5 Above the ark of the covenant, glorious cherubim overshadowed the atonement lid, which we cannot now talk about in detail. 6 After these things were prepared, the priests always entered the outer room of the tabernacle to perform their services. 7 But only the high priest entered the second room, once each year, and not without blood that he offered for himself and for the people's unintentional sins. 8 The Holy Spirit showed that as long as the first tabernacle was still standing the way into the most holy place had not yet appeared. 9 This was an illustration for the present time. Both the gifts and sacrifices that are now being offered are not able to perfect the worshiper's conscience. 10 They are only concerned with food and drink and various ceremonial washings, regulations for the body until the time of the new order.
11 Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come. He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that was not made by human hands, one not belonging to this created world. [1]12 It was not by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood that he entered into the most holy place once for all and secured our eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the sprinkling of a heifer's ashes on those who have been defiled sanctifies them for the cleansing of their flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 For this reason, he is the mediator of a new covenant. This is so that, since a death has taken place to redeem those under the first covenant from their transgressions, those who are called will receive the promise of an eternal inheritance. 16 For where there is a will, the death of the person who made it must be proven. 17 For a will is only valid when there has been a death, because it has no force while the one who made it is still alive. 18 So not even the first covenant was established without blood. 19 For when Moses had given every command in the law to all the people, he took the blood of the calves and the goats, with water, red wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the scroll itself and all the people. 20 Then he said, "This is the blood of the covenant that God has commanded for you." 21 In the same manner, he sprinkled the blood on the tabernacle and all the containers used in the ministry. 22 According to the law, almost everything is cleansed with blood. Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
23 Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in heaven should be cleansed with these animal sacrifices. However, the heavenly things themselves had to be cleansed with much better sacrifices. 24 For Christ did not enter into the most holy place made with hands, which is only a copy of the true one. Rather he entered into heaven itself, to appear now in God's presence for us. 25 He did not go there in order to offer himself many times, as does the high priest, who enters the most holy place year by year with the blood of another. 26 If that had been the case, then he would have had to suffer many times since the foundation of the world. But now he has appeared at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that comes judgment, 28 so also, Christ was offered once to take away the sins of many, and will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but for the salvation of those who are waiting for him.
This chapter describes how Jesus is better than the tabernacle and all its laws and rules. This chapter will be difficult to understand if the first five books of the Old Testament have not yet been translated.
A will is a legal document that describes what will happen to a person's property after he dies.
In the Old Testament, God had commanded the Israelites to offer sacrifices so that he would forgive their sins. Before they could offer these sacrifices, they had to kill animals and then offer not only the animal's body but also its blood. Shedding blood is a metaphor for killing an animal or person. Jesus offered his life, his blood, as a sacrifice when he allowed men to kill him. The writer of the Book of Hebrews is saying in this chapter that this sacrifice is better than the sacrifices of the Old Testament. (See: and covenant)
Jesus will return to finish the work that he began when he died so that God would forgive his people's sins. He will finish saving those people who are waiting for him. (See: save)
This refers to the covenant that God made with Moses. However, before he made this covenant, God had made a covenant with Abraham. But this was the first covenant that God had made with the people of Israel. You may decide to translate "the first covenant" as "the earlier covenant."
The author begins a description of the place in which God's faithful people worshiped during the time of the old covenant. He is describing a "tabernacle," a place where people dwell, in which there are two sections, each of which he also calls a tabernacle.
The writer makes clear to these Jewish believers that the laws and the tabernacle of the old covenant were only pictures of the better, new covenant.
This word marks a new part of the teaching.
See how you translated this in Hebrews 8:7.
"had detailed instructions" or "had rules"
The author is continuing the discussion from Hebrews 8:7.
A tabernacle was constructed and made ready for use. This idea can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Israelites prepared a tabernacle"
Or "tent." This is perhaps a metaphor for a place in which the priests set the lampstand and other items.
"The first room." Some modern translations read the ellipsis as "The first room in the tabernacle" or "The first section of the tabernacle."
These objects are all accompanied by the definite article "the," because the author assumes that his readers already know about these things.
This can be reworded so that the abstract noun "presence" is expressed as the verb "display" or "present." Alternate translation: "bread on display before God" or "bread the priests presented to God"
The first curtain was the outer wall of the tabernacle, so the "second curtain" was the curtain between the "holy place" and the "most holy place."
This is the ordinal word for the number two.
"Inside the ark of the covenant"
This was the rod Aaron had when God proved to the people of Israel that he had chosen Aaron as his priest by making Aaron's rod bud.
"from which leaves and flowers had grown"
Here "tablets" are flat pieces of stone that had writing on them. This refers to the stone tablets on which the ten commandments were written.
When the Israelites were making the ark of the covenant, God commanded them to carve two cherubim facing each other, with their wings touching, over the atonement lid of the ark of the covenant. Here they are spoken of as providing shade for the ark of the covenant. Alternate translation: "glorious cherubim covered the atonement lid with their wings"
Here "cherubim" means figures of two cherubim.
Even though the author uses the plural pronoun "we," he is most likely referring only to himself. Alternate translation: "which I cannot"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "After the priests prepared these things"
Another possible meaning is "not without blood, which he offered."
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "always with blood"
This is the blood of the bull and goat that the high priest had to sacrifice on the Day of Atonement.
Possible meanings are 1) the inner room of the tabernacle on earth or 2) God's presence in heaven.
Possible meanings are 1) "the outer room of the tabernacle was still standing" or 2) "the earthly tabernacle and the sacrificial system still existed."
"This was a picture" or "This was a symbol"
"for now"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the priests now offer"
The writer speaks of a person's conscience as if it were an object that could be made better and better until it was without fault. A person's conscience is his knowledge of right and wrong. It is also his awareness of whether or not he has done wrong. If he knows he has done wrong, we say that he feels guilty. Alternate translation: "are not able to make the worshiper free from guilt"
The writer appears to refer to only one worshiper, but he means all those who go to worship God at the tabernacle.
"until God creates the new order"
"new covenant"
Having described the service of the tabernacle under God's law, the writer makes clear that Christ's service under the new covenant is better because it is sealed with his blood. It is better also because Christ has entered the true "tabernacle," that is, God's own presence in heaven, instead of entering, as other high priests, into the earthly tabernacle, which was only an imperfect copy.
This does not refer to material things. It means the good things that God promised in his new covenant.
This refers to the heavenly tent or tabernacle, which is more important and more perfect than the earthly tabernacle.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that humans hands did not make"
Here "hands" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "humans"
This means the most holy place in the heavenly tabernacle. It is most holy because God himself lives there.
The priest would drop small amounts of the ashes on the people who were defiled.
Here "flesh" refers to the entire body. Alternate translation: "for the cleansing of their bodies"
The author uses this question to emphasize that Christ's sacrifice was the most powerful. Alternate translation: "then certainly Christ's blood will cleanse our conscience even more from dead works to serve the living God! Because, through the eternal Spirit, he offered himself unblemished to God."
The "blood" of Christ stands for his death.
A small, unusual spot or defect on a person's body is a metaphor for a small sin or moral fault. Alternate translation: "without even the smallest fault"
Here "conscience" refers to a person's feeling of guilt. Believers no longer have to feel guilty for the sins they have committed because Jesus sacrificed himself and has forgiven them.
Here "cleanse" stands for the action of relieving our consciences from guilt for the sins we have committed.
Sinful deeds are spoken of as if they belonged to the world of the dead.
"As a result" or "Because of this"
A mediator is a person who helps two parties come to an agreement. Christ, as mediator, made it possible for a better covenant between God and humans to exist. See how you translated a similar phrase in Hebrews 8:6.
See how you translated this in Hebrews 8:7.
"to take away the transgressions of those who were under the first covenant." The abstract noun "transgressions" can be translated using the verb "transgress." Possible meanings are 1) here "their transgressions" is a metonym for the guilt of their transgressions. Alternate translation: "to take away the guilt of those who were under the first covenant." Or 2) here "their transgressions" is a metonym for the punishment for their transgressions. Alternate translation: "to take away the punishment that those who were under the first covenant deserved because they had transgressed"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those whom God has called" or "those whom God has chosen to be his children"
Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member.
a legal document in which a person states who should receive his possessions when he himself dies
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone must prove that the person who made the will has died"
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This can be stated in active and positive form. Alternate translation: "So God established even the first covenant with blood"
See how you translated this in Hebrews 8:7.
The death of animals sacrificed to God is spoken of as if it were nothing but blood. Alternate translation: "the death of animals sacrificed to God"
The priest dipped the hyssop in the blood and the water and then shook the hyssop so drops of blood and water would fall on the scroll and on the people. Sprinkling was a symbolic action done by the priests by which they applied the benefits of the covenant to people and to objects. Here the scroll and the people's acceptability to God are renewed.
a woody shrub with flowers in summer, used in ceremonial sprinkling
Here "blood" refers to the death of the animals sacrificed to carry out the covenant's requirements. Alternate translation: "the blood that brings into effect the covenant"
"Moses sprinkled"
Sprinkling was a symbolic action done by the priests by which they applied the benefits of the covenant to people and to objects. See how you translated this in [Hebrews 9:19]
A container is an object that can hold things. Here it may refer to any kind of utensil or tool. Alternate translation: "all the utensils used in the ministry"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the priests used in their work"
Here the animal "blood" represents the animal's death.
Making something acceptable to God is spoken of as if it were cleansing that thing. This idea can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the priests use blood to cleanse almost everything"
Here "shedding of blood" refers to something dying as a sacrifice to God. This double negative can mean that all forgiveness comes through the shedding of blood. Alternate translation: "Forgiveness only comes when something dies as a sacrifice" or "God only forgives when something dies as a sacrifice"
You can state explicitly the implied meaning. Alternate translation: "forgiveness of the sins of the people"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the priests should use these animal sacrifices to cleanse what are copies of things that are in heaven"
That is, better than the sacrifices used to cleanse the earthly copies. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as for the heavenly things themselves, God had to cleanse them with much better sacrifices"
Here "with hands" means "by humans." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the most holy place, which humans made, and which"
"of the true most holy place"
The writer emphasizes that Christ (now in heaven interceding for us) had to die only once for sins and that he will return to earth a second time.
"He did not enter heaven"
"every year" or "each year"
This means with the blood of an animal victim, not with his own blood.
"If he had had to offer himself often"
The author speaks of the world as if it were a building set on a foundation. Alternate translation: "since the creation of the world" or "since God created the world"
Doing away with sin represents having God forgive it. Alternate translation: "to cause God to forgive sins by sacrificing himself" or "to sacrifice himself so that God can forgive sin"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Christ offered himself once"
The act of making us innocent rather than guilty for our sins is spoken of as if our sins were physical objects that Christ could carry away from us. Alternate translation: "so that God would forgive the sins"
Here "sins" mean the guilt that people have before God because of the sins they committed.
1 For the law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the real forms of those things themselves. Those who approach God can never be made perfect by the same sacrifices that the priests continually bring year after year. 2 Otherwise, would the sacrifices not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed one time and would no longer have any consciousness of sin. 3 But with those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year after year. 4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 5 When Christ came into the world, he said,
"Sacrifices and offerings you did not desire,
but a body you have prepared for me;
6 with burnt offerings and sin offerings
you did not take pleasure.
7 Then I said, 'See, here I am—as it is written about me in the scroll—
to do your will, God.'"
8 First he said, "It was neither sacrifices, nor offerings, nor whole burnt offerings, nor sin offerings that you desired. Nor did you take pleasure in them." These are sacrifices that are offered according to the law. 9 Then he said, "See, here I am to do your will." He takes away the first practice in order to establish the second practice. 10 By that will, we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 Day after day every priest stands and ministers, offering the same sacrifices again and again—sacrifices that can never take away sins. 12 But when Christ offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. 13 He is waiting until his enemies are made a footstool for his feet. 14 For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. 15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us. First he says,
16 "This is the covenant that I will make with them
after those days, says the Lord.
I will put my laws in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds."
17 Then he adds,
"Their sins and lawlessness
I will remember no longer."
18 Now where there is forgiveness for these, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin.
19 Therefore, brothers, we have confidence to enter into the most holy place by the blood of Jesus. 20 That is the new and living way that he has established for us through the curtain, that is, by means of his flesh. 21 Because we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us approach with true hearts in the full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us also hold firmly to the hope we confess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 Let us think carefully about how to motivate one another to love and good deeds. 25 Let us not abandon meeting together, as some have done. Instead, encourage one another, and all the more as you see the day coming closer.
26 For if we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, a sacrifice for sins no longer remains. 27 Instead, there is only a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume God's enemies. 28 Anyone who has rejected the law of Moses dies without mercy at the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse punishment do you think one deserves who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, who regarded the blood of the covenant as unholy—the blood by which he was sanctified—and insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know the one who said, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will pay back." And again, "The Lord will judge his people." 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God!
32 But remember the former days, after you were enlightened, how you endured a great struggle in suffering. 33 Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution, and other times you shared with those who were so treated. 34 For you had compassion on those who were prisoners, and you accepted with joy the seizure of your possessions. You knew that you yourselves had a better and everlasting possession. [1]35 So do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you need perseverance so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
37 "For in a very little while,
the one who is coming will indeed come and not delay.
38 My righteous one will live by faith.
If he shrinks back, my soul will not be pleased with him."
39 But we are not any of those who turn back to destruction, but we are among those who have faith and preserve their souls.
In this chapter, the writer finishes describing how Jesus's sacrifice was better than the sacrifices offered in the Temple. (See: lawofmoses)
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 10:5-7, 15-17, 37-38, which is from the Old Testament.
Holy living is important for Christians. God will hold people accountable for how they lived their Christian lives. Even though there will not be eternal condemnation for Christians, ungodly actions do and will have consequences. In addition, faithful living will be rewarded. (See: holy, godly and faithful and reward)
The sacrifices themselves had no redeeming power. They were effective because they were a display of faith, which was credited to the person offering the sacrifice. It is ultimately the sacrifice of Jesus that "takes away sins." (See: redeem and faith)
It is unclear whether this prophecy was being fulfilled as the author was writing or whether it was to occur later. The translator should try to avoid making a claim about the time this covenant begins. (See: prophet and covenant)
The writer shows the weakness of the law and its sacrifices, why God gave the law, and the perfection of the new priesthood and Christ's sacrifice.
This speaks about the law as if it were a shadow. The author means the law is not the good things that God had promised. It only hints at the good things that God is going to do.
"not the real things themselves"
"every year"
The author uses a question to state that the sacrifices were limited in their power. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they would have ceased offering those sacrifices."
"stopped being"
Here being cleansed represents no longer being guilty of sin. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the sacrifices would have taken away the worshipers' sin once, and they would" or "God would have made the worshipers no longer guilty of sin once, and they would"
"would no longer think that they are guilty of sin" or "would know that they are no longer guilty of sin"
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Sins are spoken of as if they were objects that animal blood could sweep away as it flowed. Alternate translation: "For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to cause God to forgive sins"
Here "blood" refers to these animals dying as sacrifices to God.
Christ's words when he was on earth were foretold in this quotation from a psalm of David.
Here "you" is singular and refers to God.
"you have made a body ready"
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Here "I" refers to Christ.
Though changing the wording slightly, the author repeats these quotations from a psalm of David for emphasis.
See how you translated these words in Hebrews 10:5.
See how you translated similar words in Hebrews 10:6.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that priests offer"
"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
The abstract noun "practice" here refers to a way of atoning for sins. Stopping doing it is spoken of as if it were an object that could be taken away. Starting the second way of atoning for sins is spoken of as establishing that practice. Alternate translation: "He stops people atoning for sins the first way in order to atone for sins the second way"
The words "first" and "second" are ordinal numbers. Alternate translation: "old practice ... the new practice"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has sanctified us" or "God has dedicated us to himself"
The abstract noun "offering" can be expressed with the verb "offer" or "sacrifice." Alternate translation: "because Jesus Christ offered his body as a sacrifice" or "because Jesus Christ sacrificed his body"
"Day by day" or "Every day"
This speaks of "sins" as if they are an object that a person can take away. Alternate translation: "can never cause God to forgive sins"
To sit at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Hebrews 1:3]
Christ's enemies being humiliated is spoken of as if they were made a place for him to rest his feet. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until God humiliates Christ's enemies and they become like a footstool for his feet"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those whom God is sanctifying" or "those whom God has dedicated to himself"
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This is a quotation from the prophet Jeremiah in the Old Testament.
"with my people"
"when the time of the first covenant with my people has finished"
Here "hearts" is a metonym for a person's inner being. The phrase "put my laws in their hearts" is a metaphor for enabling people to know his laws. Alternate translation: "I will enable them to know my laws"
The phrase "write them on their minds" is a metaphor for causing people to remember his laws. Alternate translation: "I will cause them to remember my laws"
This continues the quotation from the prophet Jeremiah in the Old Testament.
"I will no longer remember their sins and lawlessness.'" or "I will no longer think about their sins and lawlessness.'" This is the second part of the Holy Spirit's testimony
The words "sins" and "lawlessness" mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize how bad the sin is. Alternate translation: "The things they did that were forbidden and how they broke the law"
This is used to draw attention to the important point that follows. It does not mean "at this moment."
This can be reworded so that the abstract noun "forgiveness" is expressed as the verb "forgive." Alternate translation: "when God has forgiven these things"
This can be reworded so that the abstract noun "sacrifice" is expressed as the verb "make offerings." Alternate translation: "people no longer need to make offerings for sin"
Having made it clear that there is only one sacrifice for sin, the writer continues with the picture of the most holy place in the temple, where only the high priest could enter each year with the blood of the sacrifice for sins. He reminds the believers that they now worship God in his presence as if they were standing in the most holy place.
Here this means all believers in Christ, whether male or female. Alternate translation: "brothers and sisters" or "fellow believers"
This means the presence of God, not the most holy place in the old tabernacle.
Here "blood of Jesus" refers to the death of Jesus.
Possible meanings are 1) this new way to God that Jesus has provided results in believers living forever or 2) Jesus is alive, and he is the way believers enter into the presence of God.
The curtain in the earthly temple represents the separation between people and God's true presence.
Here "flesh" stands for the body of Jesus, and his body stands for his sacrificial death. Alternate translation: "by means of his death"
This must be translated in such a way as to make it clear that Jesus is this "great priest."
"in charge of the house"
This speaks about God's people as if they were a literal house. Alternate translation: "all the people of God"
Here "approach" stands for worshiping God, as a priest would go up to God's altar to sacrifice animals to him.
"with faithful hearts" or "with honest hearts." Here "hearts" stands for the genuine will and motivation of the believers. Alternate translation: "with sincerity" or "sincerely"
"and with a confident faith" or "and trusting completely in Jesus"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as if had he made our hearts clean with his blood"
Here "hearts" is a metonym for the conscience, the awareness of right and wrong. Being made clean is a metaphor for being forgiven and being given the status of righteousness.
Sprinkling blood of a sacrifice was a symbolic action done by the priests by which they applied the benefits of the covenant to people and to objects. See how you translated this in [Hebrews 9:19]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as if he had washed our bodies in pure water"
Possible meanings are 1) "bodies" is a metonym that represents peoples' entire beings, and "washed with pure water" is a metaphor representing Christ making a person spiritually pure or 2) this is literal and it refers to Christian baptism.
Here "hold firmly" is a metaphor that refers to a person determining to do something and refusing to stop. Here "hope" means "a confident expectation." The abstract noun "hope" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "Let us be determined to continue confessing the things that we confidently expect from God"
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You can make explicit that the people met to worship. Alternate translation: "Let us not stop coming together to worship"
A future time is spoken of as if it were an object coming closer to the speaker. Here "the day" refers to when Jesus will return. Alternate translation: "as you know that Christ will return soon"
The writer now gives his fourth warning.
"we know we are sinning but we do it again and again"
Knowledge of the truth is spoken of as if it were an object that could be given by one person to another. Alternate translation: "after we have learned the truth"
The truth about God.
No one is able to give a new sacrifice because Christ's sacrifice is the only one that works. Alternate translation: "no one can offer a sacrifice for which God will forgive our sins"
Here "sacrifice for sins" stands for "an effective way to sacrifice animals to take away sins"
Of God's judgment, that is, that God will judge.
God's fury is spoken of as if it were fire that would burn up his enemies.
It is implied that this means "of at least two or three witness."
The author is emphasizing the greatness of the punishment for those who reject Christ. Alternate translation: "This was severe punishment. But the punishment will be even greater for anyone ... grace!"
Someone who has disregarded Christ and scorned him is spoken of as if that person had walked on him. Alternate translation: "who has rejected the Son of God"
This is an important title for Jesus.
This shows how the person has trampled the Son of God. Alternate translation: "by regarding the blood of the covenant as unholy"
or "treated"
Here "blood" stands for Christ's death, by which God established the new covenant.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the blood by which God sanctified him"
"the Spirit of God, who provides grace"
The word "we" here refers to the writer and all believers. These two quotations come from the law that Moses gave in the Old Testament.
Vengeance is spoken of as if it were an object that belongs to God, who has the right to do as he wishes with what he owns. God has the right to take vengeance on his enemies.
God taking vengeance is spoken of as if he were paying back the harmful things that someone has done to others.
Receiving God's full punishment is spoken of as if the person falls into God's hands. Here "hands" refers to God's power to judge. Alternate translation: "to receive the full punishment"
"the time in the past"
Learning the truth is spoken of as if God shined a light on the person. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "after you learned the truth about Christ"
"how much suffering you had to endure"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People ridiculed you by insulting you and persecuting you in public"
"you joined those"
God's eternal blessings are spoken of as a "possession."
A person no longer having confidence is spoken of as if the person were to throw confidence away, like a person would discard something worthless. The abstract noun "confidence" can be translated with the adjective "confident" or the adverb "confidently." Alternate translation: "do not stop being confident, because you will receive a great reward for being confident" or "do not stop confidently trusting in God, who will reward you greatly"
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This is a quotation from the prophet Isaiah in the Old Testament.
You can make this explicit. Alternate translation: "As God said in the scriptures, 'For in a very little while"
"very soon"
Here the author quotes from the prophet Habakkuk. This directly follows the quotation from the prophet Isaiah in the previous verse.
These refer to any of God's people in general. Alternate translation: "My faithful people ... If any one of them shrinks ... with that person" or "My faithful people ... If they shrink ... with them"
Here "My" and "my soul" refer to God.
The soul is a metonym for the whole being.
stops doing the good thing he is doing
A person who loses courage and faith are spoken of as if he were stepping back in fear from something. And "destruction" is spoken of as if it were a destination. Alternate translation: "who stop trusting God, whom God will destroy"
Living eternally with God is spoken of as if it were preserving one's soul. Here "soul" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "who have faith, which will result in our living with God forever"
1 Now faith is being sure of the things hoped for and certain of things that are not seen. 2 For because of this the ancestors were approved for their faith. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by God's command, so that what is visible was not made out of things that were visible.
4 It was by faith that Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he was attested to be righteous, and God spoke well of him because of his offerings, and by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.
5 It was by faith that Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death. "He was not found, because God took him away." For before he was taken up, it was testified that he had pleased God. 6 Now without faith it is impossible to please him. For it is necessary that anyone coming to God must believe that he exists and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him.
7 It was by faith that Noah, having been given a divine message about things not yet seen, with godly reverence built an ark to save his household. By doing this, he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that is according to faith.
8 It was by faith that Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went out to the place that he was to receive as an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 It was by faith that he lived in the land of promise as a foreigner. He lived in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11 It was by faith, even though Sarah herself was barren, that she received ability to conceive. This happened even though she was too old, since she considered as faithful the one who had given the promise. 12 Therefore, from this one man—and he was almost dead—were born descendants as many as the stars in the sky and as countless as sand by the seashore.
13 It was in faith that all these died without receiving the promises. Rather, they saw and greeted them from far off, and they acknowledged that they were foreigners and exiles on earth. 14 For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of the country from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, since he has prepared a city for them.
17 It was by faith that Abraham, when he was tested, offered Isaac. It was his only son whom he offered, he who had received the promises. 18 It was Abraham to whom it had been said, "It is through Isaac that your descendants will be named." 19 Abraham reasoned that God was able to raise up Isaac from the dead, and figuratively speaking, it was from them that he received him back. 20 It was also by faith about things to come that Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau. 21 It was by faith that Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons. Jacob worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. 22 It was by faith that Joseph, when his end was near, spoke of the departure of the children of Israel from Egypt and instructed them about his bones.
23 It was by faith that Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents because they saw he was a beautiful child. They were not afraid of the king's command. 24 It was by faith that Moses, after he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter. 25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a while. 26 He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as greater value than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward. 27 It was by faith that Moses left Egypt. He did not fear the king's anger, for he endured as if he were seeing the one who is invisible. 28 It was by faith that he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch the Israelites' firstborn sons.
29 It was by faith that they passed through the Sea of Reeds as if over dry land. When the Egyptians tried to do this, they were swallowed up. 30 It was by faith that Jericho's walls fell down, after they had been circled around for seven days. 31 It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute did not die with those who were disobedient, because she had received the spies in peace.
32 What more can I say? For the time will fail me if I give a full account of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and about the prophets. 33 It was through faith that they conquered kingdoms, committed righteousness, and received promises. They stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong when they were weak, became mighty in battle, and defeated foreign armies. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, not accepting release, so that they might experience a better resurrection. 36 Others experienced mocking and whippings, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned. They were sawn in two. They were killed with the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins. They were destitute, oppressed, mistreated. [1]38 The world was not worthy of them. They were always wandering about in the deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.
39 Although all these people were approved by God because of their faith, they did not receive the promise. 40 God planned something better for us, so that without us, they would not be made perfect.
The writer begins this chapter by telling what faith is. Then he gives many examples of people who had faith and how they lived.
In both the old and new covenants, God required faith. Some people with faith performed miracles and were very powerful. Other people with faith suffered greatly.
The author tells three things about faith in this brief introduction.
This word is used here to mark a break in the main teaching. Here the author starts to explain the meaning of "faith."
Here "hope" refers to having the confident expectation that God will do what he promised to do. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "faith is being sure of the things we hope for" or "when we have faith, we are sure that we will receive from God the things we confidently wait for"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that we still have not seen" or "that still have not happened"
"Because they were certain about events that had not happened"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God approved of our ancestors because they had faith"
The author is speaking to the Hebrews about Hebrew ancestors. Alternate translation: "our ancestors"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God created the universe by commanding it to exist"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God did not create what we see out of things that were visible"
The writer then gives many examples (mostly from Old Testament writings) of people who lived by faith even though they did not receive what God had promised while they lived on the earth.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God declared him to be righteous" or "God declared that Abel was righteous"
Reading the scriptures and learning about Abel's faith is spoken of as if Abel himself were still speaking. Alternate translation: "we still learn from what Abel did"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "It was by faith that Enoch did not die because God took him"
This speaks of death as if it were an object that people can see. It means to experience death. Alternate translation: "die"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "before God took him"
This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) "God said that Enoch had pleased him" or 2) "people said that Enoch pleased God."
Here "Now" does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "a person can please him only if he has faith"
Wanting to worship God and belong to his people is spoken of as if the person is literally coming to God. Alternate translation: "that anyone who wants to belong to God"
"he rewards those"
Those who learn about God and make an effort to obey him are spoken of as if they were seeking to find him.
This can be stated in active form and in other terms. Alternate translation: "because God told him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "about things no one had ever seen before" or "about events that had not happened yet"
Here "world" refers to the world's human population. Alternate translation: "the people living in the world at that time"
Noah is spoken of as if he were to inherit property and wealth from a family member. Alternate translation: "received from God the righteousness"
"that God gives to those who have faith in him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when God called him"
"left his home to go to the place"
The land that God promised to give Abraham's descendants is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that Abraham was to receive. Alternate translation: "that God would give him"
"He left his home"
This can be reworded so that the abstract noun "promise" is expressed as the verb "promised." Alternate translation: "he lived as a foreigner in the land God had promised to him"
"heirs together." This speaks about Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as if they were heirs that would receive an inheritance from their father.
"the city that has foundations." Having foundations indicates that the city is permanent. Alternate translation: "the eternal city"
"which is designed and built by God" or "which God would design and build"
a person who designs buildings and cities
Many versions interpret this verse as referring to Sarah, and others interpret it as referring to Abraham.
The abstract noun "faith" can be expressed with the verb "believe." Possible meanings are 1) it was by Sarah's faith. Alternate translation: "It was because Sarah believed God ... she" or 2) it was by Abraham's faith. Alternate translation: "It was because Abraham believed God ... he"
Sarah was not able to have children.
Possible meanings are 1) Sarah received the ability to conceive a child. Alternate translation "she became able to bear a child" or 2) Abraham received the ability to father a child. Alternate translation: "he became able to have a child"
Possible meanings are that 1) Sarah was too old or 2) Abraham was too old.
"because she believed God, who had given the promise, to be faithful." Possible meanings are 1) Sarah considered God to be faithful or 2) Abraham considered God to be faithful.
This simile means that Abraham had very many descendants.
This means that just as there are so many grains of sand on the seashore that no one can count them all, Abraham had so many descendants that no one can count them all.
This speaks of promises as if they are objects that a person receives. Alternate translation: "without receiving what God had promised them"
Future promised events are spoken of as if they were travelers arriving from far away. Seeing and greeting the promised events is a metaphor for believing and being glad that the events will happen. Alternate translation: "they believed and were glad about what God would do in the future"
Here "foreigners" and "exiles" mean basically the same thing. This emphasizes that this earth was not their true home. They were waiting for their true home that God would make for them.
"a country for them to belong to"
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"heavenly country" or "country in heaven"
This can be expressed in active and positive form. Alternate translation: "God is happy to have them call him their God" or "God is proud to have them say that he is their God"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when God tested him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to whom God said"
Here "named" means assigned or designated. This sentence can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that I will designate your descendants"
"God was able to cause Isaac to live again"
In this verse, "to raise up" is to make alive again. The words "the dead" speak of all dead people together in the underworld.
"in a manner of speaking." This means that what the author says next is not to be understood literally. God did not bring Isaac back from death literally. But because Abraham was about to sacrifice Isaac when God stopped him, it was as if God brought him back from the dead.
"it was from the dead"
"Abraham received Isaac back"
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"Jacob worshiped God"
Here "his end" is a polite way of referring to death. Alternate translation: "when he was about to die"
"spoke of when the children of Israel would leave Egypt"
"the Israelites" or "the descendants of Israel"
Joseph died while in Egypt. He wanted his people to take his bones with them when they left Egypt so they could bury his bones in the land that God promised them.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses's parents hid him for three months after he was born"
"had become an adult"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "refused to allow people to call him"
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This can be reworded so that the abstract noun "disgrace" is expressed as the verb "disrespect." Alternate translation: "being disrespected for the sake of Christ" or "the experience of people disrespecting him because he did what Christ would want"
Thinking about something that will happen in the future is spoken of as looking ahead to it. Alternate translation: "he was thinking about the reward he would receive"
Moses is spoken of as if he saw God, who is invisible.
"the one no one can see"
This was the first Passover. Moses kept it by obeying God's commands concerning the Passover and by commanding the people to obey them every year. Alternate translation: "he commanded the people to obey God's commands concerning the Passover and to sprinkle blood on their doors" or "he established the Passover and the sprinkling of blood"
This refers to God's command to the Israelites to kill a lamb and spread its blood on the doorposts of every house where Israelites lived. This would prevent the destroyer from harming their firstborn sons. This was one of the Passover commands.
Here "touch" refers to harming or to killing someone. Alternate translation: "would not harm" or "would not kill"
"the Israelites passed through the Sea of Reeds"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the water swallowed up the Egyptians"
The water is spoken of as if it were an animal. Alternate translation: "the Egyptians drowned in the water"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Israelites had marched around the walls for seven days"
"7 days"
"had peacefully received the spies"
The writer continues to speak of what God did for the ancestors of the people of Israel.
The author uses a question to emphasize that there are many examples that he could have quoted. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "And there are many more examples."
"I will not have enough time"
This is the name of a man.
Here "they" does not mean that each person listed in 11:32 did all the things the author is about to mention. The author means in general these are the kinds of things that those with faith were able to do. Alternate translation: "It was through faith that men like these"
Here "kingdoms" refers to the people who lived there. Alternate translation: "they defeated the people of foreign kingdoms"
Possible meanings are 1) "did righteous deeds" or "did what was right" or 2) "judged others fairly" or "administered justice."
These words begin a list of some of the ways God saved believers from death. Alternate translation: "They kept lions from eating them"
These are some of the ways God saved believers from death. Alternate translation: "they kept fire from burning them, they kept their enemies from killing them"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they received strength from God when they were weak"
"and they became mighty in battle and defeated"
This can be restated to remove the abstract noun "resurrection." The word "dead" is a nominal adjective. It can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "Women received back alive those who had died"
It is implied that their enemies would have released them from prison under certain conditions. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Others accepted torture rather than release from prison" or "Others allowed their enemies to torture them rather than doing what their enemies required of them in order to release them"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Others allowed those who imprisoned them to torture them" or "Others endured terrible pain"
Possible meanings are 1) these people will experience a better life in heaven than what they experienced in this world or 2) these people will have a better resurrection than those who did not have faith. Those with faith will live forever with God. Those without faith will live forever separated from God.
This can be reworded so that the abstract nouns are expressed as verbs. Alternate translation: "People afflicted others by mocking and whipping them and even putting them in chains and imprisoning them"
These can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People threw stones at others. People sawed others in two. People killed others with the sword"
"went from place to place" or "lived all the time"
"wearing only the skins of sheep and goats"
"They had nothing" or "They were very poor"
Here "world" refers to the people. Alternate translation: "The people of this world were not worthy"
This was because they had no place to live.
"some lived in caves or in holes in the ground"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God honored all these because of their faith, but they did not themselves receive what God had promised"
This expression stands for "what God had promised them."
This can be stated in positive and active form. Alternate translation: "in order that God would perfect us and them together"
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a large cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and easily entangling sin. Let us run with perseverance the race that is placed before us. 2 Let us pay attention to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of the faith. For the joy that was placed before him, he endured the cross, despised its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 So think about him, the one who has endured such opposition from sinners against himself, so that you do not become weary and lose heart.
4 You have not yet resisted or struggled against sin to the point of blood; 5 and you have forgotten the encouragement that instructs you as sons:
"My son, do not think lightly of the Lord's discipline,
nor grow weary when you are corrected by him.
6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and he punishes every son he receives."
7 Endure suffering as discipline. God deals with you as with sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 But if you are without discipline, which all people share in, then you are illegitimate and not his sons. 9 Furthermore, we had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best. But God disciplines us for our benefit, so that we can share in his holiness. 11 No discipline at the time seems to give joy, but to give sorrow. But later it produces the peaceful fruit of righteousness for those who have been trained by it. 12 So strengthen your hands that hang down and your weak knees. 13 Make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame will not be sprained but rather be healed.
14 Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, for without it no one will see the Lord. 15 Be careful so that no one lacks God's grace, and that no root of bitterness grows up to cause trouble, so that many do not become defiled by it, 16 and that there is no one who is sexually immoral or profane, such as Esau, who for one meal sold his own birthright. 17 For you know that afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, because he found no opportunity for repentance, even though he sought it with tears.
18 For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched, a mountain of burning fire, darkness, gloom, and storm. 19 You have not come to a trumpet blast, nor to a voice that speaks words whose hearers begged that not another word be spoken to them. 20 For they could not endure what was commanded: "If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned." [1]21 So fearful was this sight that Moses said, "I am terrified and am trembling." 22 Rather, you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to tens of thousands of angels in joyful assembly. 23 You have come to the congregation of the firstborn, who have been registered in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous ones who have been made perfect. 24 And you have come to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks better than Abel's blood. 25 See that you do not refuse the one who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused the one who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we turn away from the one who is warning from heaven. 26 At one time, his voice shook the earth. But now he has promised and said, "One more time I will shake not only the earth, but also the heavens." 27 These words, "One more time," mean the removal of those things that can be shaken, that is, of the things that have been created, so that the things that cannot be shaken will remain. 28 Therefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful and in this manner worship God with reverence and awe. 29 For our God is a consuming fire.
After telling of the value of discipline, the author begins a series of exhortations. (See; exhort)
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 12:5-6, which is from the Old Testament.
God wants his people to do what is right. When they do what is wrong, he needs to correct or punish them. He does this just as earthly fathers correct and punish children whom they love. (See: discipline)
The words "we" and "us" refer to the author and his readers.
Because of this great number of Old Testament believers, the author talks of the life of faith that believers should live.
The writer speaks about the Old Testament believers as if they were a cloud that surrounds the present-day believers. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "such a large cloud of witnesses surrounds us" or "there are so many examples of faithful people about whom we learn in the scriptures"
Here "witnesses" refers to the Old Testament believers in chapter 11 who lived before the race of faith that believers now run.
Here "weight" and "easily entangling sin" are spoken of as if a person could take them off himself and put them down.
Attitudes or habits that keep believers from trusting and obeying God are spoken of as if they were loads that would make it difficult for a person to run while carrying.
Sin is spoken of as if it were a net or something else that can trip people up and make them fall. Alternate translation: "sin that makes obeying God difficult"
Following Jesus is spoken of as if it were running a race. Alternate translation: "Let us continue obeying what God has commanded us, just like a runner keeps going until the race is over"
Jesus gives us faith and makes our faith perfect by causing us to reach our goal. Alternate translation: "creator and finisher of our faith" or "the one who enables us to have faith from beginning to end"
The joy that Jesus would experience is spoken of as if God the Father had placed it before him as a goal to reach.
This means he was not concerned about the shame of dying on a cross.
To sit at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Hebrews 1:3]
The word "your" is plural and here refers to the readers.
Here "heart" represents a person's thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: "become tired and discouraged"
The author of Hebrews has been comparing the Christian life to a race.
Here "sin" is spoken of as if it were a person whom someone fights in a battle. Alternate translation: "You have not yet had to endure attacks of sinners"
Resisting opposition so much that one dies for it is spoken of as if one reached a certain place where he would die.
Here "blood" refers to death. Alternate translation: "of death"
Old Testament scripture is spoken of as if it were a person who could encourage others. Alternate translation: "what God has instructed you in the scriptures to encourage you"
The word translated "sons" and "son" is specifically the word for a male child. In that culture the family line continued through the sons, not normally through the daughters. However, as stated by the UDB and some English versions, the author is directing his words to both males and females.
Here the author is quoting from the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament, which was the words of Solomon to his male children.
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "take it very seriously when the Lord disciplines you, and do not grow weary"
"and do not become discouraged"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he corrects you"
The word translated "son" is specifically the word for a male child. In that culture the family line continued through the sons, not normally through the daughters.
"Understand that during suffering God teaches us discipline"
The readers are God's sons, and so God deals with them the way a father properly deals with sons.
All occurrences of these words may be stated to include males and females. Alternate translation: "children ... child"
The author makes the point throught this question that every good father disciplines his children. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "every father disciplines his children!"
You can restate the abstract noun "discipline" as the verb "disciplining." Alternate translation: "So if you have not experienced God disciplining you like he disciplines all his children"
Those whom God does not discipline are spoken of as if they are sons born to a man and a woman who are not married each other.
The author uses an exclamation to emphasize that we should obey God the Father. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "Therefore even more so, we should obey the Father of spirits and live."
This idiom contrasts with "fathers in the flesh." Alternate translation: "our spiritual Father" or "our Father in heaven"
"so that we will live"
This metaphor speaks of "holiness" as if it were an object that can be shared among people. Alternate translation: "so that we may become holy, as God is holy"
"At the time, it seems that no discipline brings joy; rather, discipline always brings sorrow"
"Fruit" here is a metaphor for "result" or "outcome." Alternate translation: "it produces the peaceful result of righteousness" or "it produces righteousness, which results in peace"
"who have been trained by discipline." The discipline or correction done by the Lord is spoken of as if it were the Lord himself. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom God has trained by disciplining them"
Possibly this continues the metaphor about the race in [Hebrews 12:1]
Possibly this continues the metaphor about the race in [Hebrews 12:1]
Living so as to honor and please God is spoken of as if it were a straight path to follow.
In this metaphor of running a race, "lame" represents another person in the race who is hurt and wants to quit. This, in turn, represent the Christians themselves. Alternate translation: "whoever is weak and wants to quit will not sprain his ankle"
Someone who stops obeying God is spoken of as if he injured his foot or ankle on a path. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "will not sprain his ankle"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "instead become strong" or "instead God will heal him"
Here the abstract noun "peace" is spoken of as if it were something that a person must chase after and can be translated with an adverb. Alternate translation: "Try to live peacefully with everyone"
This can be expressed as a positive encouragement. Alternate translation: "and work hard to be holy, because only holy people will see the Lord"
You can state clearly the understood information. Alternate translation: "and pursue holiness"
"no one receives God's grace and then lets go of it" or "no one rejects God's grace after first trusting in him"
Hateful or resentful attitudes are spoken of as if they were a plant bitter to the taste. Alternate translation: "that no one becomes like a bitter root, which when it grows causes trouble and harms many people"
The man Esau, who was told about in the writings of Moses, refers to Isaac's first son and Jacob's brother.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "his father, Isaac, refused to bless him"
The abstract noun "repentance" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "because it was not possible for him to repent" or "because it was not possible for him to change his decision"
Here "he" refers to Esau.
Here "you" and refers to the Hebrew believers to whom the author wrote.
The author gives a contrast between what believers in Moses's time had while living under the law and what present day believers have after coming to Jesus under the new covenant. He illustrates the experience of the Israelites by describing how God appeared to them at Mount Sinai.
The implicit information can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "For you have not come, as the people of Israel came, to a mountain that can be touched"
This means that believers in Christ have not come to a physical mountain like Mount Sinai that a person can touch or see. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that a person can touch" or "that people can perceive with their senses"
"You have not come to a place where there is the loud sound of a trumpet"
Here "voice" refers to someone speaking. The phrase "be spoken" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "or where God was speaking in such a way that those who heard him begged him not to speak another word to them"
The quotation comes from the writings of Moses.
"For the Israelites could not endure"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "what God commanded"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must stone it"
God reveals in this passage in Hebrews that Moses said he shook at seeing the mountain.
The writer speaks of Mount Zion, the temple mount in Jerusalem, as if it were heaven itself, the residence of God.
"an uncountable number of angels"
This speaks of believers in Christ as if they were firstborn sons. This emphasizes their special place and privilege as God's people.
"whose names are written in heaven." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whose names God has written in heaven"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom God has made perfect"
The man Abel was the son of the first man and woman, Adam and Eve. Cain, also their son, murdered Abel.
A mediator is a person who helps two parties come to an agreement. Christ, as mediator, made it possible for a better covenant between God and humans to exist. See how you translated this phrase in Hebrews 9:15.
The blood of Jesus and the blood of Abel are spoken of as if they were people calling out. Alternate translation: "the sprinkled blood of Jesus that says better things than the blood of Abel"
Here "blood" stands for Jesus's death, as Abel's blood stands for his death.
The word "you" continues to refer to believers. The word "we" continues to refer to the writer and the readers who are believers.
Having contrasted the Israelites' experience at Mount Sinai with the believers' experience after Christ died, the writer reminds believers that they have the same God who warns them today. This is the fifth main warning given to believers.
"you pay attention to the one who is speaking"
The implicit information can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "if the people of Israel did not escape judgment"
Possible meanings are 1) "Moses, who warned them here on earth" or 2) "God, who warned them at Mount Sinai"
Disobeying God is spoken of as if it were changing direction and walking away from him. Alternate translation: "if we disobey the one who is warning"
This quotation is from the prophet Haggai in the Old Testament.
"when God spoke, the sound of his voice caused the earth to shake"
Use the word for what an earthquake does in moving the ground. This refers back to Hebrews 12:18-21 and what happened when the people saw the mountain where Moses received the law from God.
Here the quotation from the prophet Haggai is repeated from the previous verse.
The abstract noun "removal" can be translated with the verb "remove." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "mean that God will remove the things that he can shake, that is, the things"
Use the word for what an earthquake does in moving the ground. This refers back to Hebrews 12:18-21](./18.md) and what happened when the people saw the mountain where Moses received the law from God. See how you translated "shook" and "shake" in [Hebrews 12:26.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that God has created"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the things that do not shake" or "the things that cannot shake"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that do not shake"
You can add the words "because we are" to make clear the logical connection between this statement and the next statement. Alternate translation: "because we are receiving a kingdom" or "because God is making us members of his kingdom"
"let us give thanks"
The words "reverence" and "awe" share similar meanings and emphasize the greatness of reverence due to God. Alternate translation: "with great respect and dread"
God is spoken of here as if he were a fire that can burn up anything.
1 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not forget hospitality for strangers. For through this, some have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. 3 Remember prisoners as if you were bound with them. Remember those who are mistreated since you yourselves also are in the body. 4 Let marriage be held in honor by all, and let the marriage bed be kept pure, for God will judge sexually immoral people and adulterers. 5 Let your conduct be free from the love of money. Be content with the things you have, for God himself has said,
"I will never leave you,
nor will I abandon you."
6 Let us be content so that we may have courage to say,
"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can a man do to me?"
7 Consider your leaders, those who spoke God's word to you, and consider the result of their conduct. Imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 Do not be carried away by various strange teachings. For it is good that the heart should be strengthened by grace, not by foods that do not help those who walk by them. 10 We have an altar from which those who serve in the tabernacle have no right to eat. 11 For the blood of the animals killed for sins is brought by the high priest into the holy place, while their bodies are burned outside the camp. 12 So Jesus also suffered outside the city gate, in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 13 Let us therefore go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he endured. 14 For we do not have a permanent city here. Rather, we are looking for the one that is to come. 15 Through him, then, let us always offer up sacrifices of praise to God, praise that is the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16 Let us not forget doing good and sharing, for it is with such sacrifices that God is very pleased. 17 Obey and submit to your leaders, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give account. Obey so that your leaders will do this with joy, and not with groaning, which would be useless to you.
18 Pray for us, for we are convinced that we have a good conscience and that we desire to live rightly in all things. 19 I encourage you even more to do this, so that I will be returned to you sooner.
20 Now may the God of peace, who brought back from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good to do his will, working in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
22 Now I encourage you, brothers, to bear with the word of encouragement that I have briefly written to you. 23 Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I will see you if he comes soon.
24 Greet all your leaders and all God's holy people. Those from Italy greet you.
25 May grace be with you all.
The author finishes the list of exhortations he began in chapter 12. Then he asks the readers to pray for him and ends the letter.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 13:6, which is from the Old Testament.
God wants his people to invite other people to come to their homes to eat food and even to sleep. His people should do this even if they do not know well the people they are inviting. In the Old Testament, Abraham and his nephew Lot both showed hospitality to people they did not know. Abraham served a costly meal to them, and then Lot invited them to sleep in his house. They learned later that those people were actually angels.
In this closing section, the author gives specific instructions to believers on how they are supposed to live.
"Continue to show your love for other believers as you would for a member of your family"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Be sure to remember"
"to welcome and show kindness to strangers"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as if you were tied up along with them" or "as if you were in prison with them"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom others are mistreating" or "who are suffering"
Possible meanings are 1) because you are human and can suffer likewise, or 2) as if you too were being mistreated.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Everyone should hold marriage in honor"
This refers to the act of sexual union as if it were the bed on which that act takes place. Alternate translation: "Let husbands and wives honor their marriage relationship to one another and engage in sexual activity with other people"
Here "conduct" refers to a person's character or the way he lives, and "free from the love of money" refers to not greatly desiring to have more money. A person who loves money is not content with the amount of money he has. Alternate translation: "Let your conduct not be affected by the love of money" or "Do not greatly wish to have more money"
"Be satisfied"
This is a quotation from the book of Psalms in the Old Testament.
The author uses a question to emphasize that he does not fear people because God is helping him. Here "man" means any person in general. Alternate translation: "I will not fear what any person can do to me!"
"told you what God has said"
"the outcome of the way they behave"
Here the trust in God and the way of life led by these leaders are spoken of as "their faith." Alternate translation: "Trust and obey God in the same way they do"
Here "yesterday" means all times in the past. Alternate translation: "is the same in the past, the present, and in the future forever"
Being persuaded by various teachings is spoken of as if a person were being carried away by a force. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Do not let others persuade you to believe their various strange teachings"
"many, different teachings that are not the good news we told you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we become stronger when we think of how God has been kind to us, but we do not become stronger by obeying rules about food"
Here "heart" is a metonym for the "inner being." Alternate translation: "we should be strengthened inwardly"
Here "foods" stands for rules about food.
Living is spoken of as if it were walking. Alternate translation: "those who live by them" or "those who regulate their lives by them"
Here, "altar" is a metaphor. The Christians did not literally have an altar, nor did they offer animal sacrifices. The author means that Christians have a relationship with God that the Jews who work in the tabernacle do not know about. Alternate translation: "We have an altar, so to speak, from which" or "What we have is like an altar from which"
This verse refers to animal sacrifices made by believers in God in Old Testament times, which covered their sins temporarily until the death of Christ came about.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the high priest brings into the holy place the blood of the animals that the priests killed for sins"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "while the priests burn the animals' bodies"
"away from where the people live"
There is a comparison here between Jesus's sacrifice and the tabernacle sacrifices of the Old Testament.
"In the same way" or "Because the bodies of the sacrifices were burned outside the camp" (Hebrews 13:11)
This stands for "outside the city."
Obeying Jesus is spoken of as if a person were leaving the camp to go out where Jesus is.
Reproach is spoken of as if it were an object that has to be carried in one's hands or on one's back. Alternate translation: "while allowing others to treat us with disgust just like people insulted him"
"waiting for"
"for the city that will come" or "the permananent city that will come"
Praise is spoken of as if it were incense or sacrifices of animals.
Praise is spoken of as if it were fruit produced by the lips of people. Alternate translation: "praise that is produced by the lips of those who acknowledge his name"
Here "lips" represents people who speak. Alternate translation: "the lips of those who acknowledge his name" or "those who acknowledge his name"
A person's name represents that person. Alternate translation: "him"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Let us always remember to do good and share our goods with one another"
Doing good and helping others is spoken of as if they were sacrifices on an altar.
The believers' souls, that is, the believers' spiritual well-being, are spoken of as if they were objects or animals that guards could keep watch over.
Here "groaning" stands for sadness or grief.
Here "us" refers to the author and his companions, but not to the readers.
Here "good" stands for being free from guilt. Alternate translation: "we are certain that we have no guilt"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that God will return me to you sooner" or "that God will quickly remove the things that stop my coming to you"
The author closes with a blessing and greetings.
This marks a new section of the letter. Here the author praises God and gives a final prayer for his readers.
"raised the great shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus, to life"
"from among all those who have died." The expression "the dead" describes all dead people together in the underworld. To raise someone from among them speaks of causing that person to become alive again.
Christ in his role of leader and protector of those who believe in him is spoken of as if he were a shepherd of sheep.
Here "blood" stands for the death of Jesus, which is the basis for the covenant that will last forever between God and all believers in Christ.
"give you every good thing you need in order to do his will" or "make you capable of doing every good thing according to his will"
The word "us" refers to the author and the readers.
"whom all people will praise forever"
This marks a new section of the letter. Here the author gives his final comments to his audience.
This refers to all the believers to whom he is writing, whether male or female. Alternate translation: "fellow believers"
"to patiently consider what I have just briefly written to encourage you"
Here "word" stands for a message. Alternate translation: "the encouraging message"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "is no longer in prison"
Possible meanings are 1) the author is not in Italy, but there is a group of believers with him who have come from Italy or 2) the author is in Italy while writing this letter.
This is the name of a region at that time. Rome is the capital city of Italy.
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1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the dispersion: Greetings! 2 Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you experience various troubles. 3 You know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 Let endurance complete its work so that you may become fully developed and complete, not lacking anything. 5 But if any of you needs wisdom, let him ask for it from God, the one who gives generously and without rebuke to all who ask, and he will give it to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, doubting nothing. For anyone who doubts is like a wave in the sea that is driven by the wind and tossed around. 7 For that person must not think that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. 9 Let the lowly brother boast of his high position, 10 but the rich man of his low position, because he will pass away as a wild flower in the grass. 11 For the sun rises with burning heat and dries up the grass. The flower falls off, and its beauty perishes. In the same way, the rich man will fade away in the middle of his journey. 12 Blessed is the man who endures testing. For after he has passed the test, he will receive the crown of life, which has been promised to those who love God. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God," because God is not tempted by evil, nor does he himself tempt anyone. 14 But each person is tempted by his own desire, which drags him away and entices him. 15 Then after the desire conceives, it gives birth to sin, and after the sin is full grown, it gives birth to death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above. It comes down from the Father of lights. With him there is no changing or shadow because of turning. 18 God chose to give us birth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of firstfruits of all his creatures. 19 You know this, my beloved brothers: Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. 20 For the anger of man does not accomplish the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore take off all sinful filth and abundant amounts of evil. In humility receive the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 Be doers of the word and not only hearers, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word but not a doer, he is like a man who examines his natural face in a mirror. 24 He examines himself and then goes away and immediately forgets what he was like. 25 But the person who looks carefully into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so, not just being a hearer who forgets, this man will be blessed in his actions. 26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not control his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and unspoiled before our God and Father is to help the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
James formally introduces this letter in verse 1. Writers often began letters in this way in the ancient Near East.
These two words occur together in (James 1:12-13). Both words speak of a person who is able to choose between doing something good and doing something evil. The difference between them is important. God is testing the person and wants him to do what is good. Satan is tempting the person and wants him to do what is evil.
The crown that a man who passes the test receives is a reward, something that people who do something especially good receive. (See: reward)
James uses many metaphors in this chapter, and you will need to understand the material on the metaphor page before you can translate them well.
It is not clear to whom James wrote this letter. He calls himself a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, so he was probably writing to Christians. But he calls his readers "the twelve tribes in the dispersion," words which usually refer to Jews. It is possible that he is using the words as a metaphor for "all people whom God has chosen" or that he wrote the letter at a time when most Christians had grown up as Jews.
The apostle James writes this letter to all the Christians. Many of them were Jews, and they lived in many different places.
The phrase "this letter is from" is implied. Alternate translation: "This letter is from James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ"
Possible meanings are 1) this is a synecdoche for Jewish Christians, or 2) this is a metaphor for all Christians. Alternate translation: "to God's faithful people"
The term "dispersion" normally referred to the Jews who were scattered in other countries, away from their homeland, Israel. This abstract noun can be expressed with a phrase with the verb "scattered." Alternate translation: "who are scattered around the world" or "who live in other countries"
This is a basic greeting, such as "Hello!" or "Good day!"
"My fellow believers, think of all your different kinds of troubles as things to celebrate"
The expressions "the testing," "your faith," and "endurance" are nouns that stand for actions. God does the testing, that is, he finds out how much the believers trust and obey him. Believers
Here endurance is spoken of as if it were a person at work. Alternate translation: "Learn to endure any hardship"
able to trust in Christ and obey him in all circumstances
This can be stated in the positive. Alternate translation: "having all that you need" or "being all that you need to be"
"ask God for it. He is the one who gives"
"gives generously and does not rebuke any"
"God will give it to him" or "God will answer his prayer"
"with complete certainty that God will answer"
Anyone who doubts that God will help him is said to be like the water in the ocean or in a large lake, which keeps moving in different directions.
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The word "double-minded" refers to a person's thoughts when he is unable to make a decision. Alternate translation: "cannot decide if he will follow Jesus or not and is unstable"
Here this person is spoken of as if he cannot stay on one path but instead goes from one to another.
"the believer who does not have much money" or "the believer whom other people consider unimportant"
Someone whom God has honored is spoken of as if he were standing in a high place.
The words "let" and "boast" are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "but let the rich man boast of his low position"
"but the man who has a lot of money"
A rich believer should be happy if God causes him to suffer. Alternate translation: "should be happy that God has given him difficulties"
Rich people are spoken of as being similar to wild flowers, which are alive for only a short time.
A flower that is becoming less beautiful because it is decaying is spoken of as if its beauty were dying. Alternate translation: "it is no longer beautiful"
Here the flower simile is probably continued. As flowers do not die suddenly but instead fade away over a short time, so also the rich people may not die suddenly but instead take a little time to disappear.
A rich man's activities in daily life are spoken of as if they are a journey that he is making. This metaphor implies that he is giving no thought to his coming death, and that it will takes him by surprise.
James reminds the believers who have fled that God does not cause temptation; he tells them how to avoid temptation.
"The man who endures testing is fortunate" or "The man who endures testing is well off"
remains faithful to God during hardships
he has been approved by God
Eternal life is spoken of as if it were a wreath of leaves placed on the head of a victorious athlete. Alternate translation: "receive eternal life as his reward"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has promised to those who love him"
"when he desires to do something evil"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God is trying to make me do something evil"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "No one can make God desire to do evil"
"and God himself does not try to persuade anyone do evil"
A person's desire is spoken of as if it were someone else who was tempting him to sin.
Evil desire continues to be spoken of as if it were a person who could drag away someone else.
attracts, persuades someone to do evil
Desire continues to be spoken of as a person, this time clearly as a woman who becomes pregnant with a child. The child is identified as sin. Sin is a female baby that grows up, becomes pregnant, and gives birth to death. This chain of metaphors is a picture of someone who ends up dying both spiritually and physically because of his evil desires and his sin.
"Do not let anyone deceive you" or "Stop deceiving yourselves"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. James uses them to emphasize that anything good that a person has comes from God.
God, the creator of all the lights in the sky
This expression pictures God as an unchanging light. This is in contrast to the sun, moon, and stars that appear to move in the sky and sometimes are darkened. Alternate translation: "God always stays the same. He does not change like shifting shadows"
The word "us" refers to James and his audience.
God, who brought us eternal life, is spoken of as if he had given us birth.
Possible meanings are 1) "the message about the truth" or 2) "the true message."
James is using the traditional Hebrew idea of firstfruits as a way to describe the value of the Christian believers to God. He implies that there will be many more believers in the future. Alternate translation: "so that we would be like an offering of firstfruits"
Possible meanings are 1) "Know this" is a command to pay attention to what I am about to write or 2) "You know this" is a statement saying that I am about to remind you of something that you already know.
These sayings are idioms that mean people should first listen intently, and then consider carefully what they say. Here "slow to speak" does not mean speaking slowly.
"not get angry quickly"
When a person is always angry, he cannot do God's work, which is righteous.
Sin and evil are spoken of here as if they were clothing that could be taken off. Alternate translation: "stop doing all filthy sins and stop doing abundant amounts of evil"
Here the expressions "sinful filth" and "evil" share similar meanings. James uses them to emphasize how bad sin is. Alternate translation: "stop doing every kind of sinful behavior"
Here "filth," that is, dirt, stands for sin and evil.
"Without pride" or "Without arrogance"
The expression "implant" means to place one thing inside of another. Here God's word is spoken of as if it were a plant made to grow inside believers. Alternate translation: "obey the message God has spoken to you"
What a person is saved from can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "save you from God's judgment"
Here the word "souls" refers to persons. Alternate translation: "yourselves"
"Be people who follow God's instructions"
"fooling yourselves"
In the phrase "but not a doer" the words "is" and "of the word" are understood from the previous phrase. The noun "doer" can also be expressed with the verbs "do" or "obey." Alternate translation: "For if anyone listens to God's word in the scriptures but does not obey the word"
"the message"
A person who hears God's word is like someone who looks in the mirror.
The word "natural" clarifies that James is using the ordinary meaning of the word "face." Alternate translation: "his face"
It is implied that though he may see that he needs to do something, such as wash his face or fix his hair, he walks away and forgets to do it. This what a person who does not obey God's word is like. Alternate translation: "then goes away and immediately forgets to do what he saw he needed to do"
This expression continues the image of the law as a mirror.
The relationship between the law and freedom can be expressed clearly. Here "freedom" probably refers to freedom from sin. Alternate translation: "the perfect law that gives freedom" or "the perfect law that makes those who follow it free"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will bless this man as he obeys the law"
"thinks he worships God correctly"
Controlling one's tongue stands for controlling one's speech. Alternate translation: "what he says"
gets someone to believe something that is not true
Here "heart" refers to his belief or thoughts. Alternate translation: "himself"
"he worships God uselessly"
James speaks of religion, the way one worships God, as if it could be physically pure and unspoiled. These are traditional ways for Jews to say that something is acceptable to God. Alternate translation: "completely acceptable to our God and Father"
"the orphans"
The fatherless and widows are suffering because their fathers or husbands have died.
Sin in the world is spoken of as something dirty that can stain a person. Alternate translation: "to not allow the evil in the world to cause oneself to sin"
1 My brothers, do not hold to faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality toward certain people. 2 Suppose that someone enters your meeting wearing gold rings and splendid clothes, and there also enters a poor man in dirty clothes. 3 If you look at the person wearing fine clothes and say, "You sit here in a good place," but you say to the poor man, "You stand over there" or "Sit by my footstool," 4 are you not judging among yourselves? Have you not become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers, did not God choose the poor of the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor! Is it not the rich who oppress you? Are they not the ones who drag you to court? 7 Do they not insult the good name by which you have been called? 8 If, however, you fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you do well. 9 But if you favor certain people, you are committing sin, and you are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever obeys the whole law, except that he stumbles in just a single way, has become guilty of breaking the whole law. 11 For the one who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery, but if you do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and act as those who will be judged by means of the law of freedom. 13 For judgment comes without mercy to those who have shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
14 What profit is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? 15 Suppose that a brother or sister is badly clothed and lacks food for the day. 16 Suppose that one of you says to them, "Go in peace, stay warm and be filled." If you do not give them the things necessary for the body, what profit is that? 17 In the same way faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 Yet someone may say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God; you do well. But even the demons believe that, and they tremble. 20 Do you want to know, foolish man, that faith without works is useless? [1]21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? 22 You see that faith worked with his works, and that by works his faith was completed. 23 The scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness," and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that it is by works that a man is justified, and not only by faith. 25 In the same way also, was not Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them away by another road? 26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead.
Some of James's readers treated rich and powerful people well and treated poor people badly. This is called favoritism, and James tells them that this is wrong. God wants his people to treat both rich people and poor people well.
Justification is what happens when God makes a person righteous. James says here that God makes righteous or justifies people who do good works along with having faith. (See: justice and righteous and faith)
The words "Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works" are hard to understand. Some people think that they are what "someone may say," like the words in the quotation marks. Most versions translate them as words that James is saying back to that "someone."
Some people think that the words "you" and "I" are metonyms for "some people" and "other people." If they are correct, verse 18 could be translated, "Someone may say, 'Some people have faith and other people have works. Not everyone has both.'" If the next sentence is also what "someone may say," it could be translated "Some people show their faith without works, and other people show their faith by their works. Both have faith." In both cases, the reader will understand only if you add the extra sentence. It is probably best to translate as the ULB does.
James continues to tell the scattered Jewish believers how to live by loving one another and reminds them not to favor rich people over poor people.
James considers his audience to be Jewish believers. Alternate translation: "My fellow believers" or "My brothers and sisters in Christ"
James wanted them to hold to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, but he did not want them to show partiality to people. Alternate translation: "as you hold to faith in our Lord Jesus Christ ... do not show partiality toward certain people"
Believing in Jesus Christ is spoken of as if it were an object that one could hold onto.
The word "our" includes James and his fellow believers.
the act of treating some people better than others
James starts to describe a situation where the believers might give more honor to a rich person than to a poor person.
"dressed like a wealthy person"
sit in this place of honor
move to a place with less honor
move to a humble place
James is using rhetorical questions to teach and possibly scold his readers. Alternate translation: "you are making judgments among yourselves and becoming judges with evil thoughts."
James is exhorting his readers as if they were his family. Alternate translation: "Pay attention, my dear fellow believers"
Here James uses a rhetorical question to teach his readers not to show favoritism. It can be made a statement. Alternate translation: "God has chosen ... love him"
This refers to poor people in general. Alternate translation: "poor people"
Having much faith is spoken of as being wealthy or rich. The object of faith may have to be specified. Alternate translation: "have strong faith in Christ"
The people to whom God has made promises are spoken of as if they were to inherit property and wealth from a family member.
James is speaking to his whole audience.
"you have shamed poor people"
Here James uses a rhetorical question to correct his readers. Alternate translation: "It is rich people who oppress you."
This refers to rich people in general. Alternate translation: "rich people"
"who treat you badly"
Here James uses a rhetorical question to correct his readers. It can be made a statement. Alternate translation: "The rich people are the ones ... to court."
"forcibly take you to court to accuse you in front of judges"
Here James uses a rhetorical question to correct and teach his readers. It can be made a statement. Alternate translation: "The rich people insult ... have been called."
Here "name" represents "Christ." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Christ, who called you" or "Christ, to whom you belong"
The word "you" refers to the Jewish believers.
"obey God's law." The law is "royal" becuase God, the true king, is the one who gave it to people.
James is quoting from the book of Leviticus.
"all people" or "everyone"
"you are doing well" or "you are doing what is right"
"give special treatment to" or "give honor to"
"sinning." That is, breaking the law.
Here the law is spoken of as if it were a human judge. This can be translated using an active verb. Alternate translation: "the law itself convicts you of transgressing it" or "you are guilty of breaking God's law"
"For anyone who obeys"
Stumbling is falling down while one is trying to walk. Disobeying one point of the law is spoken of as if it were stumbling while walking.
because of disobedience to just one requirement of the law
This refers to God, who gave the law to Moses.
To "commit" is to do an action.
Here "you" means "each one of you." Although James was writing to many Jewish believers, in this case, he used the singular form as if he was writing to each person individually.
"So you must speak and obey." James commands the people to do this.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "who know that God will judge them by means of the law of freedom"
This passage implies that it is God who will judge according to his law.
"the law that gives true freedom"
"Mercy is better than" or "Mercy defeats." Here mercy and justice are spoken of as if they were persons.
James encourages the scattered believers to show their faith before others, just as Abraham showed others his faith by his works.
James is using a rhetorical question to teach his audience. Alternate translation: "Fellow believers, if someone says he has faith but he has no works, that does him no good at all." or "Fellow believers, someone who has no works is no better if he says he has faith than someone who does not say he has faith."
Here, it is implied that "works" refers to things people do because they believe in God, such as obeying God and doing good to others. The abstract nouns "faith" and "works" can be expressed with the verbs "believe" and "do." Alternate translation: "he believes in God but does not do anything ... what he believes" or "he believes in God but does not do anything as a result of his belief ... that belief"
James is using a rhetorical question to teach his audience. This can be restated to remove the abstract noun "faith." Alternate translation: "That faith cannot save him." or "Just saying he believes in God will not save him."
"spare him from God's judgment"
a fellow believer in Christ, whether male or female
This means either "have enough clothes to wear" or "have a place to sleep."
The thing that fills them is food. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "be filled with food" or "have enough to eat"
to eat, to wear, and to live comfortably
James uses a rhetorical question to teach his audience. Alternate translation: "how does that help them?" or "that does nothing good for them." or "your speech by itself does not help them."
Here, it is implied that "works" refers to things people do because they believe in God, such as obeying God and doing good to others. James speaks of faith as if it were alive if one does good works, and of faith as if it were dead if one does not do good deeds. This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns "faith" and "works." Alternate translation: "a person who says he believes in God but does not do anything, does not really believe in God" or "a person who says he believes in God but does not do anything as a result of his belief, does not really believe in God"
Possible meanigs are 1) James describes how someone might argue against his teaching and how he would respond to that person or 2) James describes how someone might support his teaching. If the speaker is supporting James, then the quotation would end at the end of the verse.
The meanings in the abstract nouns "faith" and "works" can be expressed with "believe in God" and "do good things." Alternate translation: "'You believe in God and I do good things.' Prove to me that you can believe in God without doing anything, and I will prove to you that I believe in God by what I do"
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James uses this question to introduce the next part of his teaching. Alternate translation: "Listen to me, foolish man, and I will show that faith without works is useless."
The meanings in the abstract nouns "faith" and "works" can be expressed with "believe in God" and "do good things." Alternate translation: "that saying that you believe in God without doing good things is useless" or "that if you do not do good things, it is useless to say that you believe"
Since these are Jewish believers, they know the story of Abraham, about whom God had told them long ago in his word.
This rhetorical question is used to rebut the foolish man's arguments from [James 2:18]
This can be restated to remove the abstract noun "works." This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Did not God justify Abraham our father because of what he did ... on the altar?" or "God certainly justified Abraham our father because of what he did ... on the altar."
Here "father" is used in the sense of "ancestor."
The word "see" is a metonym. Alternate translation: "You understand"
James speaks as if "faith" and "works" were things that can work together and help each other. The meanings in the abstract nouns "faith" and "works" can be expressed with "believe God" and "do what God commanded." Alternate translation: "that because Abraham believed God, he did what God commanded him to do. And Abraham doing what God commanded showed that he truly believed"
James again addresses his audience directly by using the plural form of "you."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "This fulfilled the scripture"
"God regarded his faith as righteousness." Abraham's faith and righteousness were treated as if they were able to be counted as having value.
Here, it is implied that "works" refers to things people do because they believe in God, such as obeying God and doing good to others. This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns "faith" and "works." This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God justifies a man because of what he does, and not just because he believes in God" or "God justifies a man because of what he does as a result of his belief, and not just because he believes in God"
James says that what was true of Abraham was also true of Rahab. Both were justified by works.
James is using this rhetorical question to instruct his audience. Alternate translation: "it was what Rahab the prostitute did that justified her ... another road."
This can be restated to remove the abstract noun "works." This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "did God not justify Rahab the prostitute because of what she did ... another road?" or "God justified Rahab the prostitute because of what she did ... another road."
James expects his audience to know the Old Testament story about the woman Rahab.
people who bring news from another place
"then helped them escape and leave the city"
James is speaking of faith without works as if it were a dead body without the spirit. Here, it is implied that "works" refers to things people do because they believe in God, such as obeying God and doing good to others. This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns "faith" and "works." Alternate translation: "For just as the body is useless without the spirit, even so it is useless for a person to believe in God if he does not do anything" or "For just as the body is useless without the spirit, even so it is useless for a person to believe in God if he does not do anything as a result of his belief"
1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in words, he is a perfect man, able to control even his whole body. 3 Now if we put bits into horses' mouths for them to obey us, we can also direct their whole bodies. 4 Notice also that ships, although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, are steered by a very small rudder to wherever the pilot desires. 5 In this way, the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts great things. Notice also how small a fire sets on fire a large forest. 6 The tongue is also a fire, a world of evil set among our members. The tongue defiles the whole body, sets on fire the course of life, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of wild animal, bird, reptile, and sea creature is being tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we praise the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things should not happen. 11 Does a spring pour out from its opening both sweet and bitter water? 12 Does a fig tree, my brothers, make olives? Or a grapevine, figs? Neither can salty water produce sweet water.
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let that person show a good life by his works in the humility of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and ambition in your heart, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above. Rather, it is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where there are jealousy and ambition, there is confusion and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace among those who make peace.
James teaches his readers that they should live to please God by reminding them of things that they know from everyday life.
James is making a generalized statement.
"my fellow believers"
"God will judge us who teach more severely." This probably because those whom they teach trust them to know the truth and teach it correctly.
James includes himself and other teachers, but not the readers, so the word "we" is exclusive.
James speaks of himself, other teachers, and the readers, so the word "we" is inclusive.
Sinning is spoken of as if it were stumbling while walking. Alternate translation: "fail" or "sin"
"does not sin by saying wrong things"
"he is spiritually mature"
James is referring to one's heart, emotions, and actions. Alternate translation: "control all his behavior" or "control all his actions"
James is developing an argument that small things can control big things.
James speaks about horses' bits. A bit is a small piece of metal that is placed into a horse's mouth to control where it goes.
"If" or "When"
A horse is a large animal used to carry things or people.
A ship is like a truck that floats on water. A rudder is a flat piece of wood or metal at the back of the ship, used to control where it goes. The word "rudder" could also be translated as "tool."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "strong winds push them, they"
"have a small tool that a person can use to control where the ship goes"
It can be stated explicitly what the tongue is a member of. Alternate translation: "the tongue is a small member of the body" or "the tongue is a small part of the body"
Here "things" is a general word for everything about which these people are proud.
"Think about"
In order to help people understand the harm that the tongue can cause, James speaks of the harm that a small flame can cause. Alternate translation: "how a small flame can start a fire that burns many trees"
The tongue is a metonym for what people say. James calls it a fire because of the great damage it can do. Alternate translation: "The tongue is like a fire"
The enormous effects of sinful speaking are spoken of as if they were a world by themselves.
"the members of our bodies" or "the parts of our bodies"
The tongue here is a metonym for the words of the person whose tongue it is, and the body is a synecdoche for the whole person. The words defiling the person is a metaphor for God rejecting a person who speaks evil words.
The phrase "course of life" refers to a person's entire life. Alternate translation: "it ruins a person's entire life"
The word "itself" refers to the tongue. Also, here "hell" refers to the powers of evil or to the devil. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "life because the devil uses it for evil"
The phrase "every kind" is a general statement referring to all or many kinds of wild animals. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People have learned to control many kinds of wild animals, birds, reptiles, and sea creatures"
This is an animal that crawls on the ground.
an animal that lives in the sea
James speaks of the tongue as if it were a wild animal. Here "tongue" represents a person's desire to speak evil thoughts.
James speaks of the harm that people can cause by what they say as if the tongue were an evil and poisonous creature that can kill people. Alternate translation: "It is like a restless and evil creature, full of deadly poison" or "It is like a restless and evil creature that can kill people with its venom"
"We use the tongue to say words that"
"we ask God to harm men"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom God made in his likeness"
The nouns "blessing" and "cursing" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "With the same mouth, a person blesses people and curses people"
"Fellow Christians"
"these things are wrong"
After James stresses that the words of believers should not both bless and curse, he gives examples from nature to teach his readers that people who honor God by worshiping him should also live in right ways.
James uses a rhetorical question to remind believers about what happens in nature. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "You know that a spring does not pour out both sweet water and bitter water."
James uses another rhetorical question to remind the believers about what happens in nature. Alternate translation: "Brothers, you know that a fig tree cannot grow olives."
"my fellow believers"
The word "make" is understood from the previous phrase. James uses another rhetorical question to remind the believers about what happens in nature. Alternate translation: "Or does a grapevine make figs?" or "And a grapevine cannot grow figs."
James uses this question to teach his audience about proper behavior. The words "wise" and "understanding" are similar. Alternate translation: "I will tell you how a wise and understanding person is to act."
This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns "humility" and "wisdom." Alternate translation: "That person should live a good life by doing the kind of deeds that come from being humble and wise"
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's emotions or thoughts. This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns "jealousy" and "ambition." Alternate translation: "if you are jealous and selfish" or "if you desire what other people have and you want to succeed even if it harms others"
The abstract noun "truth" can be stated as "true." Alternate translation: "do not boast that you are wise, because that is not true"
Here "This" refers to the "bitter jealousy and strife" described in the previous verses. The phrase "from above" is a metonym that represents "heaven" which represents God himself. Alternate translation: "This is not the kind of wisdom that God teaches us from heaven"
The abstract noun "wisdom" can be stated as "wise." Alternate translation: "Whoever acts like this is not wise according to what God in heaven teaches us. Rather, this person is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic"
The word "earthly" refers to the values and behaviors of the people who do not honor God. Alternate translation: "not honoring to God"
"not from the Holy Spirit" or "not spiritual"
"from demons"
This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns "jealousy," "ambition," and "confusion." Alternate translation: "For when people are jealous and selfish, this causes them to act in disorderly and evil ways"
"there is disorder" or "there is chaos"
"every kind of sinful behavior" or "every kind of wicked deed"
Here "from above" is metonym that represents "heaven," which represents God himself. The abstract noun "wisdom" can be stated as "wise." Alternate translation: "But when a person is wise according to what God in heaven teaches, he acts in ways that are first pure"
"is first holy"
Here "good fruits" refer to kind things that people do for others as a result of having wisdom from God. Alternate translation: "full of mercy and good deeds"
"and honest" or "and truthful"
Making peace is spoken of as if they were sowing seeds, and righteousness is spoken of as if it were the fruit that grows up as a result of making peace. Alternate translation: "The result of making peace is righteousness" or "Those who work peacefully to help people live in peace produce righteousness"
The abstract noun "peace" can be expressed by using the word "peacefully." Alternate translation: "cause people to live peacefully" or "help people not to be angry with each other"
1 Where do quarrels and disputes among you come from? Do they not come from your desires that fight among your members? 2 You desire, and you do not have. You murder and covet, and you are not able to obtain. You fight and quarrel. You do not possess because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly, in order that you may use it for your desires. 4 You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility against God? So whoever desires to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think the scripture says in vain, "The Spirit he caused to live in us is deeply envious"? 6 But God gives more grace, so the scripture says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
7 So submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and he will come close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded people. 9 Grieve, mourn, and cry! Let your laughter turn into mourning and your joy into gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
11 Do not speak evil about another, brothers. The person who speaks evil about a brother or judges his brother speaks evil about the law and judges the law. If you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge. 12 Only one is the lawgiver and judge. He is the one who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you, you who judge your neighbor?
13 Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into this city, spend a year there, trade, and make a profit." 14 Who knows what will happen tomorrow, and what is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then disappears. 15 Instead, you should say, "If the Lord wishes, we will live and do this or that." 16 But now you are boasting about your arrogant plans. All such boasting is evil. 17 So for anyone who knows to do good but does not do it, for him it is sin.
Writers in the Bible often speak of adultery as a metaphor for people who say they love God but do things that God hates. (See: and godly)
James probably uses this word in James 4:11 to refer to "the royal law" (James 2:8).
James asks many questions because he wants his readers to think about how they are living. He wants to correct and teach them.
This word probably usually refers to people who are not proud. James uses the word here to refer to people who are not proud and who also trust in Jesus and obey him.
In this chapter, the words "yourselves," "your," and "you" are plural and refer to the believers to whom James writes.
James rebukes these believers for their worldliness and their lack of humility. He again urges them to watch how they speak to and about each other.
The abstract nouns "quarrels" and "disputes" mean basically the same thing and can be translated with verbs. Alternate translation: "Why do you quarrel and dispute among yourselves?" or "Why do you fight among yourselves?"
James uses this question to rebuke his audience. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "They come from your evil desires for things, desires that fight among your members." or "You quarrel and have disputes because of your desires that fight among your members."
James writes of the tension or conflict that people feel because of their different desires as if those desires were fighting. Alternate translation: "Do they not come because of the conflict you feel because of your different desires? " or "You quarrel and argue because of the tension caused by your different desires."
Possible meanings are 1) "members" refers to the parts of a person: his body, feelings, and thoughts. Each person wants more than one thing, but he cannot have them all. Alternate translation: "your conflicting desires within you" 2) "members" refers to the individual people in the church. Different members want different things. Alternate translation: "the conflicting desires among you all"
The phrase "You murder" is probably a hyperbole. The words "murder" and "covet" are used to express how badly the people behave in order to get what they want. Alternate translation: "You do all kinds of evil things to get what you cannot have"
The words "fight" and "quarrel" mean basically the same thing. James uses them to emphasize how much the people argue among themselves. Alternate translation: "You constantly fight"
Possible meanings are 1) "you ask with wrong motives" or "you ask with bad attitudes" or 2) "you are asking for wrong things" or "you are asking for bad things"
James speaks of believers as being like wives who sleep with men other than their husbands. Alternate translation: "You are not being faithful to God!"
James uses this question to teach his audience. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You know ... God!"
This phrase refers to identifying with or participating in the world's value system and behavior.
Here the world's value system is spoken of as if it were a person that others could be friends with.
One who is friends with the world is an enemy of God. Here "friendship with the world" stands for being friends with the world, and "hostility against God" stands for being hostile against God. Alternate translation: "friends of the world are enemies of God"
This is a rhetorical question James uses to exhort his audience. To speak in vain is to speak uselessly. Alternate translation: "There is a reason that scripture says ... envious.'"
Some versions, including the ULB and UDB, understand this as a reference to the Holy Spirit. Other versions translate this as "the spirit" and mean by it the human spirit that each person has been created to have. We suggest that you use the meaning that is presented in other translations used by your readers.
How this phrase relates to the previous verse can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "But, even though our spirits may desire what we cannot have, God gives us even more grace if we will humble ourselves"
"that is why the scripture"
This refers to proud people in general. Alternate translation: "proud people"
This refers to humble people in general. Alternate translation: "humble people"
"Because God gives grace to the humble, submit"
"obey God"
"Oppose the devil" or "Do not do what the devil wants"
"he will run away"
Here this pronoun is plural and refers to James's audience.
The word "you" here is plural and refers to the scattered believers to whom James writes.
Here the idea of coming close stands for becoming honest and open with God.
These are two phrases in parallel with each other.
This expression is a command for people to do righteous acts instead of unrighteous acts. Alternate translation: "Behave in a way that honors God"
Here "hearts" refers to a person's thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: "make your thoughts and intentions right"
The word "double-minded" refers to a person who cannot make a firm decision about something. Alternate translation: "you people who cannot decide if you want to obey God or not"
These three words have similar meanings. James uses them together to emphasize that the people should be truly sorry for not obeying God.
This is saying the same thing in different ways for emphasis. The abstract nouns "laughter," "mourning," "joy," and "gloom" can be translated as verbs or adjectives. Alternate translation: "Stop laughing and mourn. Stop being joyful and be gloomy"
"Be humble toward God." Actions done with God in mind are often spoken of as being done in his physical presence.
James indicates that God will honor the humble person by saying God will pick that person up off the ground physically from where that person had prostrated himself in humility. Alternate translation: "he will honor you"
James speaks of the believers as if they are biological brothers. The term here includes women as well as men. Alternate translation: "fellow believers"
"but you are acting like the person who gives the law"
This refers to God. "God is the only one who gives laws and judges people"
This is a rhetorical question James uses to scold his audience. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "You are just a human and cannot judge another human."
James speaks of spending time as if it were money. "stay there for a year"
James uses these questions to correct his audience and to teach these believers that physical life is not that important. They can be expressed as statements. Alternate translation: "No one knows what will happen tomorrow, and your life does not last very long!"
James speaks of people as if they were a mist that appears and then quickly goes away. Alternate translation: "You live for only a short amount of time, and then you die"
"Instead, your attitude should be"
"we will live long enough to do what we have planned to do." The word "we" does not directly refer to James or his audience but is part of the example of how James's audience should consider the future.
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Anyone who fails to do the good he knows he should do is guilty of sin.
1 Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail because of the miseries coming on you. 2 Your riches have rotted, and your clothes have become moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and your silver have become tarnished and their rust will be a witness against you. It will consume your flesh like fire. You have stored up your treasure for the last days. 4 Look, the wages you kept back from the laborers who mowed your fields is crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. 5 You have lived in luxury on the earth and indulged yourselves. You have fattened your hearts for a day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not oppose you.
7 Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit from the ground and he is patient about it, until it receives the early and late rains. 8 You, too, be patient. Strengthen your hearts because the Lord's coming is near. 9 Do not complain, brothers, against one another, so that you will not be condemned. See, the judge is standing at the door. 10 Take an example, brothers, from the suffering and patience of the prophets, those who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 See, we regard those who endured as blessed. You have heard of the endurance of Job, and you know the purpose of the Lord, how he is very compassionate and merciful.
12 Above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by the earth, or by any other oath. Rather, let your "Yes" mean "Yes" and your "No" mean "No," so you do not fall under judgment.
13 Is anyone among you suffering hardship? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him. Let them anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 The prayer of faith will heal the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed sins, God will forgive him. 16 So confess your sins to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very strong in its working. 17 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain in the land for three years and six months. 18 Then Elijah prayed again. The heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.
19 My brothers, if anyone among you strays from the truth, and someone brings him back, 20 that person should know that whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and will cover over a great number of sins.
This chapter contrasts living for things of this world, which will not last, with living for things that will last for eternity. It is also important to live with the expectation that Jesus will return soon. (See: eternity)
Scholars are divided over whether this passage teaches all oaths are wrong. Most scholars believe some oaths are permissible and James instead is teaching Christians to have integrity.
This story will be difficult to understand if the books of 1 and 2 Kings and 1 and 2 Chronicles have not yet been translated.
This probably teaches that the person who stops their sinful lifestyle will not be punished with physical death as a consequence of their sin. On the other hand, some scholars believe this passage teaches about eternal salvation. (See: sin and death and save)
James warns rich people about their focus on pleasure and riches.
Possible meanings are 1) James is giving a strong warning to wealthy believers or 2) James is talking about wealthy unbelievers. Alternate translation: "you who are rich and say you honor God"
James states that these people will suffer terribly in the future and writes as if their sufferings were objects that were coming toward them. The abstract noun "miseries" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "because you will suffer terribly in the future"
Earthly riches do not last nor do they have any eternal value. James speaks of these events as if they had already happened. Alternate translation: "Your riches will rot, and your clothes will be eaten by moths."
These things are mentioned as examples of things that are valuable to wealthy people.
Earthly riches do not last nor do they have any eternal value. James speaks of these events as if they had already happened. Alternate translation: "Your gold and silver will become tarnished"
These things are mentioned as examples of things that are valuable to wealthy people.
Gold does not actually tarnish, and gold and silver do not actually rust. James wants to emphasize that these precious metals will be ruined. Alternate translation: "are ruined ... their ruined condition"
James wrote of their valuable things being ruined as if they were a person in a courtroom accusing the wicked of their crimes. Alternate translation: "and when God judges you, your ruined treasures will be like someone who accuses you in court. Their corrosion" (See: and )
Here the corrosion is spoken of as if it were a fire that will burn up their owners.
Here "flesh" stands for the physical body.
The idea of fire here is meant to lead people to remember that fire often stands for God's punishment that will come on all the wicked.
This refers to the time right before God comes to judge all people. The wicked think they are storing up riches for the future, but what they are doing is storing up judgment. Alternate translation: "for when God is about to judge you"
James continues to warn rich people about thier focus on pleasure and riches.
The money that should have been paid is spoken of as a person who is shouting because of the injustice done to him. Alternate translation: "God can see that you kept back the wages you should have given to those who mowed your fields"
The shouts of the harvesters are spoken of as if they could be heard in heaven. Alternate translation: "The Lord of hosts has heard the cries of the harvesters"
God is spoken of as if he had ears as humans have.
Here people are viewed as if they were cattle, luxuriously fed on grain so they would become fattened to be slaughtered for a feast. However, no one will feast at the time of judgment. Alternate translation: "Your greed has only prepared you for harsh eternal judgment"
The "heart" was considered to be the center of human desire, and here stands for the entire person.
This is probably not "condemned" in the legal sense of a judge passing a sentence of death on a criminal. Instead, it probably refers to the wicked and powerful people who decide to mistreat the poor until they die.
"the people who do what is right. They do not." Here "the righteous person" refers to righteous people in general and not to a specific person. Alternate translation: "righteous people. They do not"
In closing, James reminds the believers about the Lord's coming and gives several short lessons on how to live for the Lord.
James changes topics from a rebuke of the rich people to an exhortation to the believers.
"Because of this, wait and be calm"
This phrase refers to the return of Jesus, when he will begin his kingdom on the earth and judge all people. Alternate translation: "until Christ's return"
James makes an analogy using farmers and believers to teach what it means to be patient.
James is equating the believers' hearts to their will to remain committed. Alternate translation: "Stay committed" or "Keep your faith strong"
"the Lord will return soon"
James is writing to all the scattered Jewish believers.
"about each other"
This can be stated in the active. Alternate translation: "Christ will not condemn you"
"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: the judge"
James compares Jesus, the judge, to a person about to walk through a door to emphasize how soon Jesus will return to judge the world. Alternate translation: "the judge is coming soon"
"how the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord suffered persecution with patience"
"Name" here is a metonym for the person of the Lord. Alternate translation: "spoke by the authority of the Lord" or "spoke for the Lord to the people"
"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: we regard"
"those who continued obeying God even through hardship"
"This is important, may brothers:" or "Especially, my brothers,"
This refers to all believers including women. Alternate translation: "my fellow believers"
To "swear" is to say that you will do something, or that something is true, and to be held accountable by a higher authority. Alternate translation: "do not make an oath" or "do not make a vow"
The words "heaven" and "earth" refer to the spiritual or human authorities that are in heaven and earth.
James is telling people to speak the truth without making an oath. Alternate translation: "If you say "Yes" or "No," say it truthfully"
Being condemned is spoken of as if one had fallen, crushed by the weight of something heavy. Alternate translation: "so God will not punish you"
James uses this question to cause the readers to reflect on their need. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "If anyone is enduring troubles, he should pray"
James uses this question to cause the readers to reflect on their blessings. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "If anyone is happy, he should sing songs of praise"
James uses this question to cause the readers to reflect on their need. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "If anyone is sick, he should call"
"Name" is a metonym for the person of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: "by the authority of the Lord" or "with the authority that the Lord has given hthem"
The writer speaks of God hearing believers pray for sick people and healing those people as if the prayers themselves healed the people. Alternate translation: "The Lord will hear the prayer of faith and will heal the sick person"
"The prayer made by believers" or "The prayer that people pray believing God will do as they ask"
"the Lord will make him well" or "the Lord will enable him to resume his normal life"
As these are Jewish believers, James reminds them to pray by recalling one of the prophets of old and that prophet's practical prayers.
Admit to other believers things you did wrong so that you can be forgiven.
"to each other"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that God may heal you"
Prayer is presented as if it were an object that was strong or powerful. Alternate translation: "When the person who obeys God prays, God will do great things"
"prayed eagerly" or "prayed passionately"
There may have been rain in lands other than Israel, but it did not rain in Israel.
"3 ... 6"
"The heavens" probably refers to the sky, which is presented as the source of the rain. Alternate translation: "Rain fell from the sky"
Here the earth is presented as the source of the crops.
Here "fruit" stands for all the crops of the farmers.
Here this word probably refers to both men and women. Alternate translation: "fellow believers"
A believer who stops trusting in God and obeying him is spoken of as if he were a sheep that wandered away from the flock. The person who persuades him to trust in God again is spoken of as if he were a shepherd who goes to search for the lost sheep. Alternate translation: "whenever anyone stops obeying God, and another person helps him start obeying again"
James means that God will use the actions of this person to persuade the sinner to repent and be saved. But James speaks as if it were this other person who actually saved the sinner's soul from death.
Here "death" refers to spiritual death, eternal separation from God. Alternate translation: "will save him from spiritual death, and God will forgive the sinner for all of his sins"
Possible meanings are 1) the person who brings back the disobedient brother will have his sins forgiven or 2) the disobedient brother, when he returns to the Lord, will have his sins forgiven. Sins are spoken of as if they were objects that God could cover so that he would not see them, so that he would forgive them.
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the foreigners of the dispersion, the chosen ones, throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. 2 This is according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience and for the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. May grace be to you, and may your peace increase.
3 May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be praised! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 4 This is for an inheritance that will not perish, will not become stained, and will not fade away. It is reserved in heaven for you. 5 You are protected by God's power through faith for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now, for a little while, you may have to suffer all kinds of trials. 7 This is for the proving of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes, even though it is tested by fire. This happens so that your faith will be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revealing of Jesus Christ. 8 You have not seen him, but you love him. You do not see him now, but you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory. 9 You are now receiving for yourselves the result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to come to you, searched diligently and examined carefully, 11 inquiring into what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he testified beforehand about the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told to you by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look.
13 So gird up the loins of your mind. Be sober. Put your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14 As obedient children, do not conform yourselves to the desires that you followed when you were ignorant. 15 But as the one who called you is holy, you, too, be holy in your whole behavior. 16 For it is written, "Be holy, because I am holy." 17 So if you call "Father" the one who judges impartially and according to each person's work, conduct yourselves in fear during your time here as foreigners. 18 You know that it was not with perishable silver or gold that you have been redeemed from the futile behavior that you inherited from your ancestors, 19 but by the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 Christ was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but now he has been revealed to you in these last times. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 22 You made your souls pure by obedience to the truth. This was for the purpose of sincere brotherly love; so love one another earnestly from a pure heart. [1]23 You have been born again, not from perishable seed, but from imperishable seed, through the living and remaining word of God. 24 For,
"All flesh is like grass,
and all its glory is like the wild flower of the grass.
The grass dries up, and the flower falls off,
25 but the word of the Lord remains forever."
This word is the gospel that was preached to you.
Peter formally introduces this letter in verses 1-2. Writers often began letters in this way in the ancient Near East.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 1:24-25.
When Jesus comes again, everyone will see how good God's people were to have faith in Jesus. Then God's people will see how gracious God has been to them, and all people will praise both God and his people.
God wants his people to be holy because God is holy. (See: holy)
Peter tells Christians to live for things that will last forever and not to live for the things of this world, which will end. (See: eternity)
A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. Peter writes that his readers are glad and sad at the same time (1 Peter 1:6). He can say this because they are sad because they are suffering, but they are glad because they know that God will save them "in the last time" (1 Peter 1:5)
Peter identifies himself as the writer and identifies and greets the believers to whom he is writing.
Peter speaks of his readers as people who live away from their homes in many different countries.
Along with the other places that Peter mentions, "Cappadocia" and "Bithynia" were Roman provinces located in what is now the country of Turkey.
"the ones whom God the Father has chosen." God has chosen them according to his own foreknowledge.
The abstract noun "foreknowledge" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Possible meanings are 1) God had determined what would happen ahead of time. Alternate translation: "what God the Father decided previously" or 2) God knew what would happen ahead of time. Alternate translation: "what God the Father knew beforehand"
Here "the blood" refers to the death of Jesus. Just as Moses sprinkled blood on the people of Israel to symbolize their covenant with God, believers are in covenant with God because of Jesus's death.
This passage speaks of grace as if it were an object that believers could possess, and of peace as if it were something that could increase in amount. Of course, grace is in reality the kind way God acts toward believers, and peace is how believers live in safety and joy with God.
Peter begins to talk about the believers' salvation and faith.
The words "our" and "us" refer to Peter and those to whom he is writing.
Here "new birth" is a metaphor meaning that God has changed people so that they live their lives in a new way. Here "living hope" is a metaphor meaning an enduring, confident expectation." Alternate translation: "he has caused us to live in a new way, having an enduring, confident hope"
"he has caused us to be born again"
You can translate this using a verb. Alternate translation: "We confidently expect to receive an inheritance"
Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member.
Peter uses three similar phrases to describe the inheritance as something that is perfect and eternal.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God is reserving it in heaven for you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God is protecting you"
Here "power" is a way of saying that God is strong and able to protect believers.
Here "faith" refers to the fact that the believers trust in Christ. Alternate translation: "because of your faith"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that God is ready to reveal"
This refers to a particular time, not to an extended period of time. This particular time is as the world as we know it is ending, before the age to come begins.
The word "this" refers to all the blessings that Peter mentions in the previous verses.
In the same way in which fire refines gold, hardships test how well believers trust in Christ.
God wishes to test how well believers trust in Christ.
Faith is more valuable than gold, because gold does not last forever, even if it is refined in fire.
Possible meanings are 1) that "God will honor you very highly" because of your faith or 2) that "your faith will bring praise, glory, and honor" to God.
"when Jesus Christ is revealed." This refers to the return of Christ. This can also be expressed with an active form. Alternate translation: "when Jesus Christ appears to all people"
"wonderful joy that words cannot describe"
Here "soul" refers to the whole person. The abstract noun "salvation" can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: "your salvation" or "God saving you"
These words present two ideas as if they were things or objects. In reality, "salvation" refers to the action of God saving us, or to what happens as a result. Similarly, "grace" refers to the kind way in which God deals with believers.
The words "searched diligently" and "examined carefully" mean basically the same thing. Together these words emphasize how hard the prophets tried to understand this salvation. Alternate translation: "carefully searched to know all about this salvation" or "carefully examined everything about this salvation"
Peter continues talking about the prophets' search for salvation.
Possible meanings are 1) "trying to learn" or 2) "trying to make known."
This is a reference to the Holy Spirit.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God revealed to the prophets"
"that angels want to understand"
"Because of this, gird." Peter uses the word "So" here to refer back to everything he has said about salvation, their faith, and the Spirit of Christ giving revelations to the prophets.
Girding up the loins refers to preparing to work hard. It comes from the custom of tucking the bottom of one's robe into a belt around the waist in order to move with ease. Alternate translation: "get your minds ready"
Here the word "sober" refers to mental clarity and alertness. Alternate translation: "Control your thoughts" or "Be careful about what you think"
Peter tells Christians to confidently wait to receive God's grace. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Confidently wait for the grace that God will bring to you" or "Fully trust in the grace that God will bring to you"
God's way of dealing kindly with believers is spoken of as if it were an object that he will bring to them. Alternate translation: "the good things that God will kindly give to you"
This refers to when Christ returns. This can also be expressed with an active form. See how you translated this in 1 Peter 1:7. Alternate translation: "when Jesus Christ appears to all people"
"do not desire the same things" Alternate translation: "do not live to gratify the desires"
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This refers to God's message in the scripture. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For as God said"
Here the word "I" refers to God.
Christians living their lives on earth is spoken of as if they were living in a land far away from their home. Alternate translation: "be reverent while you are living your life on earth"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has redeemed you"
Here "blood" stands for Christ's death on the cross.
Jesus died as a sacrifice so that God would forgive people's sins. This phrase shows that Jesus was perfect by comparing his blood to the blood of a spotless lamb. Alternate translation: "like the blood of the spotless lambs that the Jewish priests sacrificed"
Peter expresses the same idea in two different ways to emphasize Christ's purity. Alternate translation: "with no imperfections"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God knew Christ" or "God chose Christ"
You can translate this with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "before God created the world"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has revealed him to you"
Peter does not mean that his readers have actually seen Christ, but that they have learned the truth about him.
Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: "who caused him to live again so that he was no longer among the dead"
"and glorified him" or "and showed that he is glorious"
Here "hope" means "a confident expectation." Alternate translation: "your faith and trust are in God" or "you believe in God and trust him"
Here the word "soul" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "You made yourselves pure"
Here the idea of cleanliness refers to being acceptable to God.
You can translate this using a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "by obeying the truth"
This refers to love between fellow believers.
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's thoughts or emotions. To love someone "from a pure heart" means to love some one completely with total commitment. Alternate translation: "love one another earnestly and completely"
Possible meanings are that Peter speaks of the word of God either 1) as the seed of a plant that grows and produces new life in believers or 2) as the tiny cells inside a man or woman that combine to cause a baby to grow inside the woman.
seed that will not rot or dry up or die
Peter speaks of God's word as if it were alive forever. In reality, it is God who lives forever, and whose instructions and promises last eternally.
In these verses Peter quotes a passage from the prophet Isaiah relating to what he has just said about them being born of imperishable seed.
The word "flesh" refers to humanity. The prophet Isaiah compares humanity to grass that grows and dies quickly. Alternate translation: "All people will die like grass dies, and all their"
Here the word "glory" refers to beauty or goodness. Isaiah compares the things that people consider to be good or beautiful about humanity to flowers that die quickly. Alternate translation: "goodness soon stops, just as flowers soon die"
"the message that comes from the Lord"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the gospel that we preached"
1 Therefore put aside all evil, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander. 2 As newborn infants, long for pure spiritual milk, so that through it you may grow in salvation, 3 if you have tasted that the Lord is kind. 4 Come to him who is a living stone that has been rejected by people, but that has been chosen by God as valuable to him. 5 You also are like living stones that are being built up to be a spiritual house in order to be a holy priesthood that offers the spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 Scripture contains this:
"See, I am laying in Zion a cornerstone,
chosen and valuable.
Whoever believes in him
will not be ashamed."
7 The value, then, is to you who believe. But to those who do not believe,
"The stone that was rejected by the builders,
this has become the head of the corner,"
8 and,
"A stone of stumbling
and a rock that makes them fall."
They stumble because they disobey the word—which is what they were appointed to do. 9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's possession, so that you would announce the wonderful actions of the one who called you out from darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God. You did not receive mercy, but now you have received mercy.
11 Beloved, I exhort you as foreigners and exiles to abstain from fleshly desires, which fight against your soul. 12 Your conduct among the Gentiles should be honorable, so that when they slander you as evildoers, they may be eyewitnesses of your good deeds and give glory to God on the day when he appears.
13 Be subject to every human authority for the Lord's sake. Obey both the king as supreme 14 and also the governors, who are sent for the punishment of evildoers and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is God's will, that in doing good you silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 As free people, do not use your freedom as a covering for wickedness, but be like servants of God. 17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect. Be subject not only to the good and gentle masters, but also to the malicious ones. 19 For it is praiseworthy if, because he is conscious of God, a person endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For how much credit is there if you sin and then endure while being afflicted? But if you have done good and then you suffer while being punished, this is worthy of praise from God. 21 For it is to this that you were called, because Christ also suffered for you. He left an example for you to follow in his steps.
22 "He committed no sin,
neither was any deceit found in his mouth."
23 When he was insulted, he gave no insult in return. When he suffered, he did not threaten back, but he gave himself over to the one who judges justly. 24 He himself carried our sins in his body on the tree so that we would die to sin and live for righteousness. By his bruises you have been healed. 25 All of you had been straying like lost sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and overseer of your souls.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 2:6, 7, 8, and 22.
Peter uses a building made of large stones as a metaphor for the church. Jesus is the cornerstone, the most important stone. The apostles and prophets are the foundation, the part of the building on which all the other stones rest. In this chapter, Christians are the stones that make up the walls of the building. (See: and cornerstone and foundation)
When Peter tells his readers to "long for pure spiritual milk," he is using the metaphor of a baby craving his mother's milk. Peter wants Christians to crave God's word the same way a baby craves milk.
Peter continues teaching his readers about holiness and obedience.
These sinful actions are spoken of as if they were objects that people could throw away. The word "Therefore" here refers back to everything that Peter has said about being holy and obedient. Alternate translation: "So then, stop being evil, deceptive, hypocritical, envious, and slanderous"
Peter speaks of his readers as if they were babies. Babies requires very pure food that they can digest easily. In the same way, believers need pure teaching from God's word. Alternate translation: "Just as babies long for their mother's breast milk, so you must yearn for pure spiritual milk"
"desire intensely" or "yearn for"
Peter speaks of the word of God as if it were spiritual milk that nourishes children.
Here the word "salvation" refers to when God brings the salvation of his people to completion when Jesus returns
Peter speaks of believers advancing in knowledge of God and faithfulness to him as if they were children growing up.
Here to taste means to experience something personally. Alternate translation: "if you have experienced the Lord's kindness toward you"
Peter begins to tell a metaphor about Jesus and the believers being living stones.
Peter speaks of Jesus as if he were a stone in a building. Alternate translation: "Come to him who is like a stone in a building, but alive, not a dead stone"
Possible meanings are 1) "who is a stone that is alive" or 2) "who is a stone that gives life."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that people have rejected"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but that God has chosen"
Just as people used stones to build the temple in the Old Testament, believers are the materials that God is using to build a house in which he will live.
Peter compares his readers to stones that are alive.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that God is building into a spiritual house"
Here the position of priesthood stands for the priests who fulfill its duties.
The scriptures are spoken of as if they were a container. This passage refers to the words that a person reads in scripture. Alternate translation: "This is what a prophet wrote in the scriptures long ago"
The word "see" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
God is the one who chose the stone. Alternate translation: "a most important cornerstone, which I have chosen"
The prophet speaks of the Messiah as the most important stone in a building.
Peter continues quoting from the scriptures.
You may need to make explicit that the value is of the "cornerstone"
This is a metaphor that means people, like builders, rejected Jesus, but God has made him the most important stone in a building.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The stone that the builders rejected"
This refers to the most important stone in a building and means basically the same thing as "cornerstone" in 1 Peter 2:6.
These two phrases share similar meanings. Together they emphasize that people will take offense at this "stone," which refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: "a stone or a rock over which people will stumble"
Here "the word" refers to the gospel message. To disobey means to not believe. Alternate translation: "stumble because they do not believe the message about Jesus"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for which God also appointed them"
You can clarify that God is the one who has chosen them. Alternate translation: "a people whom God has chosen"
Possible meanings are 1) "a group of priests who are also kings" or 2) "a group of priests who serve the king."
"a people who belong to God"
"who called you to come out"
Here "darkness" refers to their condition as sinful people who did not know God, and "light" refers to their condition as people who do know God and practice righteousness. Alternate translation: "from a life of sin and ignorance of God to a life of knowing and pleasing him"
Here Peter quotes a verse from the prophet Hosea. Some modern versions do not format this as a quote, which is also acceptable.
Peter begins to talk about how to live Christian lives.
These two words mean basically the same thing. Peter speaks of his readers as people who are living in foreign lands away from their home. See how you translated "foreigners" in [1 Peter 1:1]
Here the idea of flesh refers to the sinful nature of humanity in this fallen world. Alternate translation: "to not to give in to sinful desires"
Here the word "soul" refers to a person's spiritual life. Peter speaks of sinful desires as soldiers that are trying to destroy the spiritual life of believers. Alternate translation: "seek to destroy your spiritual life"
The abstract noun "conduct" can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: "When you are with the Gentiles, you should always act in an honorable way"
morally good
The abstract noun "deeds" can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: "they may be eyewitnesses of the good things that you do"
"on the day when he comes." This refers to the day when God will judge all people. Alternate translation: "when he comes to judge everyone"
"every person who is in authority" or "everyone who has authority"
Possible meanings are 1) that by obeying human authorities, they are obeying the Lord who established those authorities or 2) that by obeying human authorities, they will honor Jesus who also obeyed human authorities.
"the king as the highest human authority"
The abstract noun "punishment" can be translated using the verb "punish," and the idea can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom the king has sent to punish"
"by doing good you stop foolish people from speaking about things that they do not know"
Peter speaks of their condition as free people as something that they should not use to hide sinful behavior. Alternate translation: "as an excuse to do wicked things"
This refers to all Christian believers.
Peter begins to speak specifically to people who are servants of other people.
Here the words "good" and "gentle" share similar meanings and emphasize that such masters treat their servants kindly. Alternate translation: "the very kind masters"
"the cruel ones" or "the mean ones"
"it is deserving of praise" or "it is pleasing to God"
This person accepts unjust suffering because he knows that he is obeying God.
Peter asks this question to emphasize that there is nothing praiseworthy about suffering for doing something wrong. Alternate translation: "For there is no credit ... while being afflicted."
Here the word "afflicted" is a metonym for "punished." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "while someone afflicts you" or "while someone punishes you"
Peter continues speaking to people who are servants of other people.
Here the word "this" refers to believers enduring while suffering for doing good, as Peter has just described. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has called you to this"
"so that you would follow his footprints." Peter speaks of following Jesus's example in the way that they suffer as if one were walking on the same path that Jesus had taken. Alternate translation: "so that you would imitate his behavior"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "neither did anyone find deceit in his mouth"
Here "deceit" refers to words that a person speaks that are intended to deceive other people. Alternate translation: "neither did he speak any lies"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When people insulted him, he did not insult them back"
"he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly." This means that he trusted God to take away his shame, which had been put on him by those who treated him harshly.
Peter continues talking about Jesus Christ. He is still speaking to people who are servants.
This refers to Jesus, with emphasis.
Here "carried our sins" means he suffered the punishment for our sins. Alternate translation: "suffered the punishment for our sins in his body on the tree"
This is a reference to the cross on which Jesus died, which was made of wood.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has healed you because people bruised him"
Peter compares his readers' actions before they had believed in Christ to the way lost sheep wander away from their shepherd.
The word "shepherd" is a metaphor for a person who protects another, and the word "souls" is a metonym for the people themselves. Alternate translation: "your shepherd..."
1 In the same way, you who are wives should submit to your own husbands. Do this so even if some men are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word, through their wives' behavior, 2 having been eyewitnesses of your respectful, pure behavior. 3 Do not let your adornment be outward—the braiding of hair, and putting on of gold ornaments, or the clothing you wear. 4 Instead, let your adornment be the inner person of the heart with the lasting beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious before God. 5 For this is how holy women long ago who hoped in God adorned themselves, by submitting to their husbands. 6 In this way Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are now her children if you do what is good and if you are not afraid of trouble.
7 In the same way, you husbands should live with your wives according to understanding, as with a weaker container, a woman. You should give them honor as fellow heirs of the grace of life. Do this so that your prayers will not be hindered.
8 Finally, all of you, be likeminded, compassionate, loving as brothers, tenderhearted, and humble. 9 Do not pay back evil for evil or insult for insult. On the contrary, continue to bless, because for this you were called, that you might inherit a blessing.
10 "The one who wants to love life
and see good days
should stop his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit.
11 Let him turn away from what is bad and do what is good.
Let him seek peace and pursue it.
12 The eyes of the Lord see the righteous,
and his ears hear their prayers.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
13 Who is the one who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? 14 But even if you suffer because of righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats. Do not be troubled. 15 Instead, set apart the Lord Christ in your hearts as holy. Always be ready to give an account to anyone who asks about the hope you have— 16 however, with meekness and respect. Have a good conscience so that in whatever you are spoken of as evil the people who slander your good life in Christ may be put to shame. 17 It is better, if it should be God's will, that you suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 Christ also suffered once for sins. He who is righteous suffered for us, who were unrighteous, so that he would bring us to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but he was made alive by the Spirit. 19 By the Spirit, he went and preached to the spirits who are now in prison. 20 They were disobedient when the patience of God was waiting in the days of Noah, in the days of the building of an ark, and God saved a few people—eight souls—by means of the water. 21 This is a symbol of the baptism that saves you now—not as a washing away of dirt from the body, but as the appeal of a good conscience to God—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 22 Christ is at the right hand of God. He went into heaven. Angels, authorities, and powers must submit to him.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 3:10-12.
Most people want to look good so other people will like them and think they are good people. Women are especially careful to look good by wearing nice clothes and jewels. Peter is saying that what a woman thinks and says and does are more important to God than how she looks.
Peter wanted his readers to agree with each other. More importantly, he wanted them to love each other and be patient with each other.
Peter quotes a psalm that describes God as if he were a person with eyes, ears, and a face. However, God is a spirit, so he does not have physical eyes or ears or a physical face. But he does know what people do, and he does act against wicked people.
Peter begins to speak specifically to women who are wives.
Just as believers are to "Obey every human authority" (1 Peter 2:13) and servants are to "be subject" to their masters (1 Peter 2:18), wives are to submit to their husbands. The words "Obey," "be subject," and "submit" translate the same word.
Here "the word" refers to the gospel message. To disobey means that they do not believe. See how you translated a similar phrase in [1 Peter 2:8]
"they may be persuaded to believe in Christ." This means that the unbelieving husbands will become believers. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they may become believers"
"without the wife saying a word." Here "a word" refers to anything the wife might speak about Jesus.
The abstract noun "behavior" can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: "having seen for themselves that you behave sincerely and respectfully"
Possible meanings are 1) "your sincere behavior toward them and the way that you honor them" or 2) "your pure behavior toward them and the way that you honor God."
Peter continues speaking to women who are wives.
"the things that make you beautiful" or "your beauty"
Here the words "inner person" and "heart" refer to the inward character and personality of a person. Alternate translation: "what you really are on the inside"
"a gentle and peaceful attitude." Here the word "quiet" means "peaceful" or "calm." The word "spirit" refers to a person's attitude or temperament.
Peter speaks of God's opinion of a person as if that person were standing directly in front of him. Alternate translation: "which God considers to be precious"
The holy women confidently expected that God would do what he promised to do. Alternate translation: "who fully trusted God"
said that he was her lord, that is, her master
Peter says that believing women who act as Sarah acted can be thought of as if they were her actual children.
Peter begins to speak specifically to men who are husbands.
This refers back to how Sarah and other godly women obeyed their husbands in 1 Peter 3:5 and 1 Peter 3:6.
Peter speaks of women as if they were containers, as men are sometimes also spoken of. The abstract noun "understanding" can also be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "wives, understanding that the woman is the weaker partner"
You can translate this using verbal phrases. Alternate translation: "honor them because they will also receive by grace the eternal life that God gives"
Eternal life is often spoken of as if it were something that people inherit.
Here "this" refers to the ways husbands should treat their wives. Alternate translation: "Live with your wives in this way"
To "hinder" is to prevent something from happening. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that nothing will hinder your prayers" or "so that nothing will keep you from praying as you should"
Peter begins to speak again to all of the believers.
"have the same opinion and be compassionate" or "have the same attitude and be compassionate"
being gentle and compassionate towards others
Peter speaks of responding to the actions of another person as remitting payment for those actions. Alternate translation: "Do not do evil to someone who does evil to you or insult someone who insults you"
You can clarify the object of blessing. Alternate translation: "continue to bless those who do evil to you or insult you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God called you for this"
Peter speaks of receiving God's blessing as receiving an inheritance. Alternate translation: "that you might receive God's blessing as your permanent possession"
In these verses Peter quotes from the Psalms.
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the desire to have a good life.
Here experiencing good things is spoken of as seeing good days. The word "days" refers to one's lifetime. Alternate translation: "experience good things during life"
The words "tongue" and "lips" refer to the person who is speaking. The phrases "his tongue from evil" and "his lips from speaking deceit" mean basically the same thing and emphasize the command not to lie. Alternate translation: "stop himself from saying evil and deceitful things"
Here "turn away" is a metaphor that means to stop doing something. Alternate translation: "Let him stop doing what is bad"
The word "eyes" refers to the Lord's ability to know things. The Lord's approval of the righteous is spoken of as his seeing them. Alternate translation: "The Lord sees the righteous" or "The Lord approves of the righteous"
The word "ears" refers to the Lord's awareness of what people say. That the Lord hears their prayers implies that he also responds to them. Alternate translation: "he hears their prayers" or "he grants their prayers"
The word "face" refers to the Lord's will to oppose his enemies. Opposing someone is spoken of as setting one's face against that person. Alternate translation: "the Lord opposes"
Peter continues teaching the believers how to live Christian lives.
Peter asks this question to emphasize that it is unlikely that someone would harm them if they do good things. Alternate translation: "No one will harm you if you do good things."
You can translate this with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "suffer because you do what is right"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will bless you"
These two phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that believers should not be afraid of those who persecute them. Alternate translation: "Do not be afraid of what people might do to you"
Here the word "their" refers to anyone who might try to harm those to whom Peter is writing.
"Instead of being troubled, set apart"
The phrase "set apart the Lord Christ ... as holy" is a metaphor for acknowledging Christ's holiness. Here "hearts" is a metonym for the "inner person." Alternate translation: "acknowledge within yourselves that the Lord Christ is holy" or "honor the Lord Christ as holy within yourselves"
Here "hope" means "a confident expectation." Alternate translation: "about why you have confidence in God" or "about what you are confidently expecting God to do for you"
This describes how Christias should answer people who ask about their hope. Alternate translation: "but do this with gentleness and respect"
This statement is hypothetical. Peter is saying that it is sometimes God's will that his people suffer, but it is not always God's will.
Peter explains how Christ suffered and what Christ accomplished by suffering.
The word "us" includes the people Peter was writing to.
Peter probably means here that Christ died in order to create a close relationship between us and God.
Here "flesh" refers to Christ's body; Christ was physically put to death. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People put Christ to death physically"
Possible meanings are 1) the Holy Spirit made Jesus alive. Alternate translation: "the Spirit made him alive" or 2) Jesus now had a spiritual body that would never die. Alternate translation: "he was made alive in the spirit" or "he was made alive with a spiritual body"
Possible meanings are 1) "By the Holy Spirit's power, he went" or 2) "In his spiritual existence, he went."
Possible meanings of the word "spirits" are 1) "evil spirits" or 2) "spirits of the dead people."
God's patience is a metonym for God himself. Peter writes of God's patience as if it were a person. Alternate translation: "when God was waiting patiently"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "during the time of Noah, when he was building an ark"
"because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ." This phrase completes the thought, "This is a symbol of the baptism that saves you now."
To be at the "right hand of God" is a symbol that God has given Jesus the greatest honor and authority over all others. Alternate translation: "Christ is beside God in the place of honor and authority"
"submit to Jesus Christ"
1 Therefore, because Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same intention. For whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin. 2 As a result, such a person, for the rest of his time in the flesh, no longer lives for men's desires, but for God's will. 3 For the time that has passed is enough for you to do the desire of the Gentiles, living in sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, drunken celebrations, having wild parties, and committing lawless acts of idolatry. 4 They think it is strange that you do not join with them in these floods of reckless behavior, so they speak evil about you. 5 They will give an account to the one who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this purpose the gospel was preached also to the dead, so that, although they have been judged in the flesh as humans, they may live in the spirit the way God does.
7 The end of all things is coming near. Therefore be of sound mind, and be sober in your thinking for the sake of prayers. 8 Above all things, have fervent love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 10 As each one of you has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, let it be with God's words. If anyone serves, let it be from the strength that God supplies. Do these things so that in all ways God would be glorified through Jesus Christ. May there be to Jesus Christ glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
12 Beloved, do not regard as strange the testing in the fire that has come upon you, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, however much you experience the sufferings of Christ, rejoice, so that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for Christ's name, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; instead, let him glorify God with that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God. If it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who disobey God's gospel?
18 And
"If it is difficult for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
19 Therefore let those who suffer because of God's will commit their souls to the faithful Creator in well-doing.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 4:18.
This passage uses the term "Gentiles" to refer to all ungodly people who are not Jews. It does not include Gentiles who have become Christians. "Sensuality, passion, drunkenness, drunken celebrations, having wild parties, and committing disgusting acts of idolatry" were actions that characterized or typified the ungodly Gentiles. (See: godly)
It is apparent that Peter is speaking to many Christians who are experiencing great persecution and are facing death for their beliefs.
Peter uses these phrases to tell his readers what he wants them to do. They are like commands because he wants his readers to obey. But it is as if he is telling one person what he wants other people to do.
Peter continues to teach the believers about Christian living. He begins by giving a conclusion to his thoughts from the previous chapter about Christ's sufferings.
Here "flesh" means "body." Alternate translation: "in his body" or "while here on earth"
The phrase "arm yourselves" makes readers think of soldiers who get their weapons ready for battle. It also pictures "the same intention" as a weapon or perhaps as a piece of armor. Here this metaphor means that believers should be determined in their mind to suffer as Jesus did. Alternate translation: "prepare yourselves with the same thoughts that Christ had"
"has stopped sinning"
for the things that sinful people normally desire
Peter wanted the believers to stop doing the sinful things the Gentiles did. He was not praising them for doing those things enough. Alternate translation: "you have been doing for too long the things that the Gentiles like to do"
These terms refer to activities in which people gather to drink too much alcohol and behave in a shameful manner.
These examples of wild, boundless sin are spoken of as if they were great floods of water that sweep over people.
doing everything they can to satisfy the desires of their bodies
Possible meanings are 1) "God, who is ready to judge" or 2) "Christ, who is ready to judge"
This means all people, whether they are still alive or have died. Alternate translation: "every person"
Possible meanings are 1) "the gospel was preached also to people who had already died" or 2) "the gospel was preached also to those who were alive but are now dead"
This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) Christ preached. Alternate translation: "Christ preached the gospel" or 2) men preached. Alternate translation: "men preached the gospel"
This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) God judged them in this life on earth. Alternate translation: "God judged them in their bodies as humans" or 2) men judged them according to human standards. Alternate translation: "men judged them in their bodies as humans"
This is a reference to death as the ultimate form of judgment.
Possible meanings are 1) "live spiritually as God lives because the Holy Spirit will enable them to do so" or 2) "live according to God's standards by the power of the Holy Spirit"
This refers to the end of the world at Christ's second coming.
The end that will happen soon is spoken of as if it is physically coming closer in distance. Alternate translation: "will soon happen"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Peter uses them to emphasize the need to think clearly about life since the end of the world is near.
Here the word "sober" refers to mental clarity and alertness. See how you translated this in [1 Peter 1:13]
"Most importantly of all"
Peter describes "love" as if it were a person who places a cover over the sins of others. Possible meanings are 1) "for a person who loves will not try to find out if another person has sinned" or 2) "for a person who loves will forgive the sins of other people, even if those sins are many"
Show kindness to and welcome guests and travelers
This refers to special spiritual abilities that God gives to believers. Alternate translation: "Because each one of you has received a special spiritual ability as a gift from God"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that in all ways you will glorify God"
praised, honored
"do not be surprised by the testing"
In the same way that fire refines gold, trials test and refine a person's faith. Alternate translation: "the difficult trial that you are experiencing" or "your troubles that are like a test by fire"
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Here the word "name" refers to Christ himself. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If people insulted you because you believe in Christ"
This refers to the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: "the Spirit of glory, who is the Spirit of God," or "the glorious Spirit of God"
"is with you" or "stays with you" or "lives with you"
This refers to a person who gets involved with the affairs of others without having a right to do so.
"because he bears the name Christian" or "because people have recognized him as a Christian." The words "that name" refer to the word "Christian."
This phrase refers to believers, whom Peter speaks of as God's family.
Peter use this question to emphasize that God's judgment will be more severe for people who reject the gospel than for believers. Alternate translation: "If it begins with us, the outcome for those who do not obey God's gospel will be much worse."
"what will happen to those"
"those who do not believe God's gospel." Here the word "disobey" means to not believe.
Peter use this question to emphasize that sinners will suffer much more than believers do. Alternate translation: "the righteous man ... the outcome will be much worse for the ungodly and the sinner."
Here the word "saved" refers to final salvation when Christ returns. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If the righteous person experiences many difficulties before God saves him"
"what will happen to the ungodly and the sinner"
The "the ungodly" is a nominal adjective that means "the ungodly person." The words "ungodly" and "sinner" mean basically the same thing and emphasize the wickedness of these people. Alternate translation: "ungodly sinners"
Here the word "souls" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "commit themselves" or "commit their lives"
The abstract noun "well-doing" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "while they do good" or "while they live rightly"
1 I am exhorting the elders among you, I, who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and am also one who will share in the glory that will be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God would have you serve—not for shameful profit but eagerly. 3 Do not act as lords over those allotted to you. Instead, be examples to the flock. 4 Then when the Chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive an unfading crown of glory. 5 In the same way, you younger men, submit to the older men. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility and serve one another.
For God is opposed to the proud,
but he gives grace to the humble.
6 Therefore humble yourselves under God's mighty hand so that he may exalt you in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil is walking around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand against him. Be strong in your faith. You know that your brotherhood in the world is enduring the same sufferings. 10 After you suffer for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will perfect you, confirm you, strengthen you, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
12 I regard Silvanus as a faithful brother, and I have written to you briefly through him. I am exhorting you and I am testifying to you that what I have written is the true grace of God. Stand in it. 13 The woman who is in Babylon, who is chosen together with you, greets you. Also Mark, my son, greets you. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love.
May peace be to you all who are in Christ.
Most people in the ancient Near East would end a letter the way Peter ends this one.
The crown that the Chief Shepherd will give is a reward, something that people who do something especially good receive. (See: reward)
All animals are afraid of lions because they are fast and strong, and they eat almost every other kind of animal. They also eat people. Satan wants to make God's people afraid, so Peter uses the simile of a lion to teach his readers that Satan can harm their bodies, but if they trust in God and obey him, they will always be God's people, and God will care for them.
Babylon was the evil nation that in Old Testament times had destroyed Jerusalem, taken the Jews away from their homes, and ruled over them. Peter uses Babylon as a metaphor for the nation that was persecuting the Christians he was writing to. Many scholars think that Peter was referring to Rome because the Romans were persecuting the Christians.
Peter speaks specifically to men who are elders.
This is a reference to Christ's second coming. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the glory of Christ that God will reveal"
Peter speaks of the believers as a flock of sheep and the elders as the shepherds who care for them.
Elders are to lead by example and not act toward the people as a harsh master would toward his servants.
You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: "those whom God has placed in your care"
Peter speaks of Jesus as if he were a shepherd who has authority over all other shepherds. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, appears" or "When God reveals Jesus, the Chief Shepherd"
Here the word "crown" represents the reward that someone receives as a symbol of victory. The word "unfading" means that it is eternal. Alternate translation: "a glorious prize that will last forever"
Peter gives an instruction specifically to younger men and then continues to instruct all of the believers.
This refers back to the way the elders were to submit to the Chief Shepherd as Peter described in 1 Peter 5:1 through 1 Peter 5:4.
This refers to all believers, not just the younger men.
Peter speaks of the moral quality of humility as if it were clothing that people could put on. Alternate translation: "act humbly toward each other" or "act with humility"
Here the word "hand" refers to God's power to save the humble and punish the proud. Alternate translation: "under God's great power so" or "before God, realizing that he has great power, so"
Peter speaks of anxiety as if it were a heavy burden that a person places on God, rather than carrying it himself. Alternate translation: "Trust him with everything that worries you" or "Let him take care of all the things that trouble you"
Here the word "sober" refers to mental clarity and alertness. See how you translated this in [1 Peter 1:13]
Peter compares the devil to a roaring lion. Just as a hungry lion completely devours its prey, the devil is seeking to completely destroy the faith of believers.
The context indicates that this is part of the simile of the "roaring lion," so if your language has a word for the way an animal walks when it is hunting, you may use it here.
Standing is a metonym for fighting. Alternate translation: "Fight against him"
Peter speaks of fellow believers as members of the same family. Alternate translation: "your fellow believers who are in the world are enduring"
"in various places throughout the world"
"for a short time"
Here the word "grace" may refer either to the things that God gives or to God's character. Possible meanings are 1) "the God who always gives us what we need" or 2) "the God who is always gracious."
"who chose you to share his eternal glory in heaven because you are joined to Christ"
"make you perfect" or "restore you" or "make you well again"
These two expressions have similar meanings, that is, that God will enable the believers to trust in him and to obey him regardless of any suffering they may experience.
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This is the end of Peter's letter. Here he gives his final remarks about his letter and his closing greetings.
Silvanus wrote the words that Peter told him to write in the letter.
"I have written about the true grace of God." Here the word "grace" refers to the gospel message, which tells of the kind things that God has done for believers.
The word "it" refers to "the true grace of God." Being strongly committed to this grace is spoken of as standing firmly in one place, refusing to move. Alternate translation: "Remain strongly committed to it"
Here "The woman" probably refers to the group of believers who live in "Babylon." Possible meanings for "Babylon" are 1) it is a symbol for the city of Rome, 2) it is a symbol for anywhere that Christians are suffering, or 3) it refers literally to the city of Babylon. It most likely refers to the city of Rome.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom God has chosen as he has chosen you"
Peter speaks of Mark as if he were his spiritual son. Alternate translation: "my spiritual son" or "who is like a son to me"
"a loving kiss" or "a kiss to show your love for each other"
1 Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have received the same precious faith as we have received, faith in the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.
2 May grace and peace increase in measure in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 3 By his divine power, all things for life and godliness have been given to us through the knowledge of him who called us through his own glory and excellence. 4 Through these he gave us precious and great promises, so that you might be sharers in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world that is caused by evil desires. 5 For this reason, do your best to add goodness to your faith, and to goodness add knowledge, 6 to knowledge add self-control, to self-control add endurance, to endurance add godliness, 7 to godliness add brotherly love, and to brotherly love add love. 8 If these things are in you and grow in you, they will keep you from being barren or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever lacks these things is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten he has been cleansed from his past sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, do your best to make your calling and election sure, for if you do these things, you will not stumble. 11 In this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
12 Therefore I will always be ready to remind you of these things, although you know them, and although you are strong in the truth you now have. 13 I think it is proper for me, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by way of reminder. 14 For I know that the putting off of my tent will be soon, because our Lord Jesus Christ has revealed this to me. 15 I will make every effort to see that after my departure you may always be able to remember these things. 16 For we did not follow cleverly invented myths when we made known to you the power and the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father when a voice was brought to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with him I am well pleased." 18 We ourselves heard this voice brought from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain. 19 For we have the prophetic word made more certain, to which you would do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. 21 For no prophecy was ever brought by the will of man, but men spoke from God when they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Peter formally introduces this letter in verses 1-2. Writers often began letters in this way in the ancient Near East.
To have knowledge of God means to belong to him or to have a relationship with him. Here, "knowledge" is more than just mentally knowing about God. It is a knowledge that causes God to save a person and to give him grace and peace. (See: know)
Peter teaches that God has given believers all that they need for living godly lives. Therefore, believers should do everything they can to obey God more and more. If believers continue to do this, then they will be effective and productive through their relationship with Jesus. However, if believers do not continue living godly lives, then it is like they have forgotten what God did through Christ to save them. (See: godly and save)
Peter teaches that the prophecies in Scripture were not made up by men. The Holy Spirit revealed God's message to the men who spoke them or wrote them down. Also, Peter and the other apostles did not make up the stories they told people about Jesus. They witnessed what Jesus did and heard God call Jesus his son.
Peter identifies himself as the writer and identifies and greets the believers he is writing to.
Peter speaks of being Jesus Christ's servant. He also was given the position and authority of being Christ's apostle.
That these people have received faith implies that God has given that faith to them. Alternate translation: "to those to whom God has given the same precious faith"
"to you who have received." Peter addresses all believers who may read this letter.
Here the word "we" refers to Peter and the other apostles, but not to those to whom he is writing. Alternate translation: "we apostles have received"
God is the one who will give grace and peace to believers. Alternate translation: "May God increase your grace and your peace"
Peter speaks of peace as if it were an object that could increase in size or numbers.
You can translate "knowledge" using a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "through your knowing God and Jesus our Lord"
Peter begins to teach the believers about living godly lives.
Here "godliness" describes the word "life." Alternate translation: "for a godly life"
You may need to make specific that it is Peter and his readers who know God. Alternate translation: "through our knowledge of God, who called us" or "because we know God, who has called us"
Here the word "us" refers to Peter and his audience.
Possible meanings are 1) "by showing us his own glory and greatness" or 2) "to share his own glory and excellence."
Here "these" refers to "his own glory and virtue."
"you might share"
what God is like
Peter speaks of people not suffering from the corruption that wicked desires cause as if they were escaping from that corruption. The word "corruption" is an abstract noun that can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "and so that the wicked desires in this world will no longer corrupt you"
This refers to what Peter has just said in the previous verses. Alternate translation: "Because of what God has done"
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This refers to love for a friend or family member and likely means love for one's spiritual family.
This refers to faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love, which Peter mentioned in the previous verses.
Peter speaks of these qualities as if they were people who could change his readers, and he speaks of his readers as if they were cattle or a food crop. This can be translated using the opposites of "barren" and "unfruitful." Alternate translation: "because you have them you will not be barren or unfruitful" or "they will enable you to do much valuable work"
A "barren" animal is one that cannot bear offspring, and an "unfruitful" plant is one that cannot bear food. These are metaphors that describe people who do not do valuable work. If your language has only one word for these two ideas, you can treat them as a doublet and combine them. Alternate translation: "unproductive"
You can translate "knowledge" using a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "through your knowing God and Jesus our Lord"
any person who does not have these things
Peter speaks of a person who does not possess these qualities as if he were a nearsighted or blind person because he does not understand their value. Alternate translation: "is like a shortsighted person who cannot see their importance"
You can use a verb to translate this. Alternate translation: "that God has cleansed him from his old sins"
The words "calling" and "election" share similar meanings and refer to God's choosing people to belong to him. Alternate translation: "make sure that God has really chosen you to belong to him"
Here the word "stumble" refers either to 1) committing sin. Alternate translation: "you will not practice sinful behavior" or 2) becoming unfaithful to Christ. Alternate translation: "you will not become unfaithful to Christ"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will richly provide for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom"
the opportunity to enter
Peter tells the believers about his obligation to continue reminding them and teaching them.
"you strongly believe the truth of these things"
Here the word "stir" means to awaken someone from sleep. Peter speaks of causing his readers to think about these things as if he were waking them from sleep. Alternate translation: "to remind you of these things so that you will think about them"
Peter speaks of his body as if it were a tent that he is wearing and will take off. Being in his body represents being alive, and taking it off represents dying. Alternate translation: "as long as I am in this body" or "as long as I am alive"
Peter speaks of his body as if it were a tent that he is wearing and will take off. Being in his body represents being alive, and taking it off represents dying. Alternate translation: "I will soon take off this body" or "I will die soon"
Here the words "these things" refers to everything that Peter has said in the previous verses.
Peter speaks of his death as if he were leaving one place to go to another. Alternate translation: "after my death" or "after I die"
Peter continues to explain his teachings to the believers and explains why they are trustworthy.
Here the word "we" refers to Peter and the other apostles, but not to his readers. Alternate translation: "For we apostles did not follow cleverly made-up stories"
These two phrases may refer to the same thing and be translated as a single phrase. Alternate translation: "the powerful coming"
Possible meanings are 1) the future second coming of the Lord Jesus or 2) the first coming of the Lord Jesus.
Here the word "our" refers to all believers.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when he heard a voice come from the Majestic Glory" or "when he heard the voice of the Majestic Glory speak to him" or "when the Majestic Glory spoke to him"
Peter refers to God in terms of his glory. This is a euphemism that avoids using God's name, out of reverence for him. Alternate translation: "God, the Supreme Glory, saying"
With the word "We," Peter is referring to himself and to the disciples James and John, who heard the voice of God. Alternate translation: "We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven"
"heard the voice of the one who spoke from heaven"
"we were with Jesus"
Peter begins to warn the believers about false teachers.
The things that Peter and the other apostles saw, which he described in the previous verses, confirm what the prophets spoke. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For the things that we saw make this prophetic message more sure"
Here the word "we" refers to all believers, including Peter and his readers.
This refers to the Old Testament. Alternate translation: "the scriptures, which the prophets spoke, made"
Peter instructs the believers to pay close attention to the prophetic message.
Peter compares the prophetic word to a lamp that gives light in the dark until light comes in the morning. The coming of morning is a reference to Christ's coming.
Peter speaks of Christ as the "morning star," which indicates that daybreak and the end of darkness is near. Christ will bring light into the hearts of believers, ending all doubt and bringing full understanding of who he is. Here "hearts" is a metonym for people's minds. Alternate translation: "Christ shines his light into your hearts like the morning star shines its light into the world"
The "morning star" refers to the planet Venus, which sometimes rises just before the sun and indicates that daybreak is near.
"Most importantly, you must understand"
Possible meanings are 1) the prophets did not make their prophecies on their own or 2) people must rely on the Holy Spirit to understand the prophecies or 3) people must interpret the prophecies with the help of the entire Christian community of believers.
Peter speaks of the Holy Spirit helping the prophets to write what God wanted them to write as if the Holy Spirit were carrying them from one place to another. Alternate translation: "men spoke from God as the Holy Spirit directed them"
1 False prophets came to the people, and false teachers will also come to you. They will secretly bring with them destructive heresies, and they will deny the master who bought them. They are bringing quick destruction upon themselves. 2 Many will follow their sensuality, and through them the way of truth will be slandered. 3 In their greed they will exploit you with deceptive words. Their condemnation has been coming for a long time, and their destruction is not asleep. 4 For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but delivered them into hell to be kept in chains of darkness until the judgment, [1]5 and if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, along with seven others when he brought a flood on the world of the ungodly. 6 and if he reduced the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes and condemned them to destruction as an example of what is to happen to the ungodly, 7 but delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the sensual behavior of lawless people— 8 for that righteous man, who was living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds— 9 if the Lord did these things, then he knows how to rescue godly men out of trials and how to hold unrighteous men in custody so they can be punished on the day of judgment. 10 This is especially true for those who walk after the corrupt desires of the flesh and who despise authority. Bold and self-willed, they do not tremble when they blaspheme the glorious ones. 11 Angels have greater strength and power, but they do not bring insulting judgments against them to the Lord. 12 But these people are like unreasoning animals, born for capture and destruction. They do not know what they insult. In destruction they also will be destroyed, 13 suffering harm as a reward for doing harm. They think that luxury during the day is a pleasure. They are stains and blemishes. They enjoy their deceitful actions while they are feasting with you. [2]14 They have eyes full of adultery; they are never satisfied with sin. They entice unstable souls into wrongdoing, and they have their hearts trained in greed. They are cursed children! 15 They have abandoned the straight way and have gone astray, following the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved to receive payment for unrighteousness. [3]16 But he obtained a rebuke for his own transgression—a mute donkey speaking in a human voice stopped the prophet's insanity. 17 These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. The gloom of thick darkness is reserved for them. 18 They speak with vain arrogance. Through the lusts of the flesh, through sensuality, they entice people who are trying to escape from those who live in error. 19 They promise freedom to them, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For a man is a slave to whatever overcomes him. 20 If they have escaped the corruptions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21 It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and to turn away from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 This proverb is true for them: "A dog returns to its own vomit, and a washed pig returns to the mud."
"Flesh" is a metaphor for a person's sinful nature. Here it does not represent the physical part of man. "Flesh" represents the human nature that rejects all things godly and desires what is sinful. This is the condition of all humans before they receive the Holy Spirit by believing in Jesus. (See: flesh)
There are several analogies in 2:4-8 that are difficult to understand if the Old Testament has not yet been translated. Further explanation may be necessary.
Peter begins to warn the believers about false teachers.
Just as false prophets came deceiving Israel with their words, so will false teachers come teaching lies about Christ.
The word "heresies" refers to opinions that are contrary to the teaching of Christ and the apostles. These heresies destroy the faith of those who believe them.
The word "master" here refers to a person who owns slaves. Peter speaks of Jesus as the owner of people whom he has bought, the price being his death.
immoral sexual behavior
The phrase "way of truth" refers to the Christian faith as the true path to God. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "unbelievers will slander the way of truth"
"convince you to give them money by telling you lies"
Peter speaks of "condemnation" and "destruction" as if they are persons who act. These abstract nouns can be expressed with the verbs "condemn" and "destroy". Alternate translation: "It was decided long ago that they would be condemned; they will surely be destroyed" or "God said long ago that he would condemn them; he is ready to destroy them"
Possible meanings are 1) the false teachers will be condemned, and as a result they will be destroyed, or 2) the two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize how soon or how certainly the false teachers will be condemned.
In verses 4-9, Peter gives three examples of times that God punished sinners. Two of these times there were also some righteous people whom God did not punish.
"did not refrain from punishing" or "punished"
This tells how God punished the angels who sinned. Alternate translation: "but threw them down into hell" or "but sent them to hell"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "where he keeps them in chains of darkness"
Possible meanings are 1) "in chains in a very dark place" or 2) "in darkness that imprisons them like chains."
This refers to the day of judgment when God will judge every person.
Verse 5 is Peter's second example of a time that God punished sinners. This time there was a righteous man whom God did not punish.
Here the word "world" refers to the people who lived in it. Alternate translation: "and if God did not refrain from punishing the people who lived in the ancient world"
"But protected Noah ... along with seven others." God did not destroy Noah and seven other people when he destroyed the rest of the people who lived in the ancient world.
"Noah, a preacher of righteousness." Possible meanings are 1) Noah taught people that they should live righteous lives, or 2) Noah warned people that the righteous God would judge them.
God punished ungodly people by sending a flood that killed them.
Verses 6-8 are Peter's third example of a time that God punished sinners. Again, there was a righteous man whom God did not punish.
"and if God burned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah with fire until only ashes remained"
Here the word "them" refers to Sodom and Gomorrah and the people who lived in them.
Sodom and Gomorrah serve as an example and a warning of what will happen to others who disobey God.
Verses 6-8 are Peter's third example of a time that God punished sinners. Verses 7-8 tell about a righteous man whom God did not punish with the sinners.
Lot was righteous, and God rescued him from the punishment he sent on Sodom and Gomorrah.
"the immoral behavior of people who broke God's law"
This refers to Lot.
Here the word "soul" refers to Lot's thoughts and emotions. The immoral behavior of the citizens of Sodom and Gomorrah disturbed him emotionally. Alternate translation: "was greatly disturbed"
In this verse Peter tells us what we can know about God because of what God did in verses 4-8.
The words "these things" refer to what God did in verses 4-8.
Possible meanings of the word "trials" are 1) tests or temptations, "enable ... to resist temptation" or "enable ... to pass the test," or 2) suffering, "bring ... through suffering."
Peter begins describing the characteristics of unrighteous men.
The word "this" refers to God keeping unrighteous men in prison until judgment day in 2 Peter 2:9.
The word "flesh" here is a metonym for the body and for selfish desires, and to "walk after" or pursue its "corrupt desires" is a metaphor for those people doing whatever they want to do to satisfy those desires. Alternate translation: "those who continue to indulge their corrupt, sinful desires"
"refuse to submit to God's authority." Here the word "authority" probably refers to God's authority.
Here "authority" stands for God, who has the right to give commands and to punish disobedience.
"doing whatever they want to do"
This phrase refers to spiritual beings, such as angels or demons.
"more strength and power than the false teachers"
The word "they" refers to angels. Possible meanings for the word "them" are 1) the glorious ones or 2) the false teachers.
The idea that angels could accuse them is spoken of as if they could attack them using accusations as weapons.
Just as people cannot reason with animals, no one can reason with these men. Alternate translation: "these false teachers are like unreasoning animals whose nature is to be born for capture and destruction"
These abstract nouns can be translated as verbs. The author has not stated the actor in these cases, so it is best if you can leave it unstated. Alternate translation: "so that people can capture and destroy them" or "so that other animals can capture and destroy them" or "so that people can capture them or other animals can destroy them" or "and they become prey or die"
They speak evil of what they do not know or understand.
This emphasizes that God will destroy them and can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will completely destroy them"
Peter speaks of the punishment that the false teachers will receive as if it were a reward. Alternate translation: "receiving what they deserve for the harm they have done"
Here the word "luxury" refers to immoral activity that includes gluttony, drunkenness, and sexual activity. Doing these things during the day indicates that these people are not ashamed of this behavior.
The words "stains" and "blemishes" share similar meanings. Peter speaks of the false teachers as if they were stains on a garment that cause shame for those who wear it. Alternate translation: "They are like stains and blemishes on clothes, which cause disgrace"
Here the "eyes" represent their desires and "eyes full" means they constant want something. Alternate translation: "They constantly want to commit adultery"
Although they sin in order to satisfy their lusts, the sin that they commit never satisfies.
Here the word "souls" refers to persons. Alternate translation: "They entice unstable people"
Here the word "hearts" refers to the thoughts and emotions of the person. Because of their habitual actions, they have trained themselves to think and act out of greed.
Behavior that honors God is spoken of as if it were a path to follow.
People who commit evil behavior that displeases God are spoken of as if they were animals like cows or sheep who go away from the people who take care of them.
"to receive money for doing things that are not righteous"
You can specify it was God who rebuked Balaam. Alternate translation: "God rebuked him"
A donkey, which is naturally unable to speak, spoke with a voice like a human.
God used a donkey to stop the prophet's foolish action.
Springs flowing with water promise refreshment for thirsty people, but "springs without water" will leave the thirsty disappointed. In the same way, false teachers, although they promise many things, are unable to do what they promise.
When people see storm clouds, they expect rain to fall. When the winds from the storm blow the clouds away before the rain can fall, the people are disappointed. In the same way, false teachers, although they promise many things, are unable to do what they promise.
The word "them" refers to the false teachers. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has reserved the gloom of thick darkness for them"
They use impressive but meaningless words.
"They appeal to people's fleshly lusts and desire for sensuality. This is how they entice people"
This phrase refers to people who recently became believers. The phrase "those who live in error" refers to unbelievers who still live in sin. Alternate translation: "people who try to live rightly, instead of living sinfully as they used to and as other people do"
Peter speaks of people who live sinfully as if they are slaves to sin who need to be released from their captivity.
"Freedom" here is an idiom for the ability to live exactly as one wants. Alternate translation: "They promise to give them the ability to live exactly as they want to live, but they themselves cannot escape their own sinful desires"
Peter speaks of people who live sinfully as if they were slaves to sin and need to be released from their captivity.
Peter speaks of a person as a slave when anything has control over that person, and that thing as the master of that person. Alternate translation: "For if something has control over a person, that person becomes like a slave to that thing"
The words "they" and "them" refer to the false teachers Peter speaks of in verses 12-19.
The events in this conditional statement have happened. The false teachers had at one time escaped, but they became entangled and were overcome. Alternate translation: "Since they have escaped ... and are again entangled in them and overcome"
The word "corruptions" refers to sinful behavior that makes one morally impure. The "world" refers to human society. Alternate translation: "the corrupting practices of sinful human society"
You can translate "knowledge" using a verbal phrase. See how you translated similar phrases in [2 Peter 1:2]
"their condition is worse than it was before"
Peter speaks of life as a "way" or path. This phrase refers to living a life that is according to God's will.
Here "turn away from" is a metaphor that means to stop doing something. Alternate translation: "stop obeying the holy commandment"
This can be stated in active terms. Alternate translation: "the holy commandment that God delivered to them" or "the holy commandment that God made sure that they received"
"This proverb applies to them" or "This proverb describes them"
Peter uses two proverbs to illustrate how the false teachers, although they have known "the way of righteousness," have turned back to the things that make them morally and spiritually impure.
1 Beloved, this is now the second letter that I have written to you, and in both of them they are reminders to stir up your sincere mind 2 so that you will recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command of our Lord and Savior given through your apostles. 3 Know this first, that mockers will come in the last days. They will mock and proceed according to their own desires. 4 They will say, "Where is the promise of his return? From when our fathers fell asleep, all things have stayed the same, since the beginning of creation." 5 They deliberately forget that long ago by the word of God the heavens and the earth came to exist out of water and through water, 6 through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. 7 By the same word the heavens and the earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly people.
8 It should not escape your notice, beloved, that one day with the Lord is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. 9 The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some consider slowness to be. Rather, he is patient toward you. He does not desire for any of you to perish, but for everyone to come to repentance. 10 However, the day of the Lord will come as a thief: The heavens will pass away with a loud noise. The elements will be burned with fire, and the earth and the deeds in it will be laid bare. [1]11 Since all these things will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people should you be? You should live holy and godly lives. 12 You should expect and hasten the coming of the day of God. On that day, the heavens will be destroyed by fire, and the elements will be melted in great heat. 13 But according to his promise we are waiting for the new heavens and the new earth, where righteousness will dwell.
14 Therefore, beloved, since you expect these things, do your best to be found spotless and blameless before him, in peace. 15 Also, consider the patience of our Lord to be salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul wrote to you, according to the wisdom that was given to him. 16 Paul speaks of these things in all his letters, in which there are things that are difficult to understand. Ignorant and unstable men distort these things, as they also do the other scriptures, to their own destruction. 17 Therefore, beloved, since you know about these things beforehand, guard yourselves so that you are not led astray by the deceit of lawless people and you lose your own faithfulness. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May the glory be to him both now and to the day of eternity. Amen!
People often use fire to destroy things or to make something pure by burning off the dirt and worthless parts. Therefore when God punishes the wicked or purifies his people, it is often associated with fire. (See: fire)
The exact time of the coming day of the Lord will come as a surprise to people. This is what the simile "like a thief in the night" means. Because of this, Christians are to be prepared for the coming of the Lord.
Peter begins to talk about the last days.
Peter speaks of causing his readers to think about these things as if he were waking them from sleep. Alternate translation: "to cause you to think pure thoughts"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the words that the holy prophets spoke in the past"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the command of our Lord and Savior, which your apostles gave to you"
"Know this as the most important thing." See how you translated this in 2 Peter 1:20.
Here the word "desires" refers to sinful desires that are opposed to God's will. Alternate translation: "live according to their own sinful desires"
act, behave
The mockers ask this rhetorical question to emphasize that they do not believe that Jesus will return. The word "promise" refers to the fulfillment of the promise that Jesus will return. Alternate translation: "The promise that Jesus would return is not true! He will not return!"
Here "fathers" refers to ancestors who lived long ago. Falling asleep is a euphemism for dying. Alternate translation: "our ancestors died"
The mockers exaggerate with the word "all," and they argue that since nothing in the world has ever changed, it cannot be true that Jesus will return.
This can be translated as a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "since God created the world"
"God spoke and the heavens and the earth came to exist"
This means that God caused the land to come up out of the water, gathering the bodies of water together to make the land appear.
Here "which" refers to God's word and water.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God flooded the world that existed at that time with water and destroyed it"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God, by that same word, has reserved the heavens and the earth for fire"
"that same command"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fire. God is reserving them for the day of judgment"
This can be stated with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: "for the day when he judges and destroys ungodly people"
"You should not fail to understand this" or "Do not ignore this"
"that from the Lord's point of view, one day is like a thousand years"
"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise." The noun "promise" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "The Lord will not delay in doing what he promised to do"
This is the Lord's promise to return.
Some people think that the Lord is slow to fulfill his promise because their perspective of time is different from God's.
Although the Lord is being patient and wants people to repent, he will indeed return and bring judgment.
Peter speaks of the day when God will judge everyone as if it were a thief who will come unexpectedly, and the people will be surprised when it happens.
"The heavens will disappear"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will burn the elements with fire"
Possible meanings are 1) the heavenly bodies, such as the sun, moon, and stars or 2) the things that make up heaven and earth, such as soil, air, fire, and water.
God will see all the earth and all the deeds of everyone, and he will then judge everything. This can be stated in active terms. Alternate translation: "God will expose the earth and everything that people have done on it"
Peter begins to tell the believers how they should live as they wait for the day of the Lord.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Since God will destroy all these things in this way"
Peter uses this rhetorical question to emphasize what he will say next, that they "should live holy and godly lives." Alternate translation: "you know what kind of people you should be."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will destroy the heavens by fire, and he will melt the elements in great heat"
Possible meanings are 1) the heavenly bodies, such as the sun, moon, and stars or 2) the things that make up heaven and earth, such as soil, air, fire, and water. See how you translated this in 2 Peter 3:10.
Peter speaks of "righteousness" as if it were a person. This is a metonym for people who are righteous. Alternate translation: "where righteous people will dwell" or "where people will live righteously"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "do your best to live in such a way that God will find you spotless and blameless, and be at peace with him and each other"
The words "spotless" and "blameless" mean basically the same thing and emphasize moral purity. Alternate translation: "completely pure"
Here this stands for "faultless."
Because the Lord is patient, the day of judgment has not yet happened. This gives people an opportunity to repent and be saved, as he explained in [2 Peter 3:9]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "according to the wisdom that God gave to him"
"Paul speaks of the patience of God leading to salvation in all his letters"
There are things in Paul's letters that are difficult to understand.
Ignorant and unstable men misinterpret the things that are difficult to understand in Paul's letters.
"Unlearned and unsteady." These men have not been taught how to properly interpret scripture and are not well established in the truth of the gospel.
"resulting in their own destruction"
Peter finishes instructing the believers and ends his letter.
"These things" refers to the truths about the patience of God and the teachings of these false teachers.
"protect yourselves"
Here "led astray" is a metaphor for being persuaded to do something wrong. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that lawless people do not deceive you and cause you do something wrong"
Faithfulness is spoken of as if it were a possession that believers could lose. Alternate translation: "you stop being faithful"
Here growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord represents experiencing his grace more and knowing him more. The abstract noun "grace" can be expressed with the phrase "act kindly." Alternate translation: "receive more of the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and know him more" or "be more aware of how our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ acts kindly toward you, and know him better"
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched, concerning the Word of life— 2 the life was made known, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father, and which has been made known to us. 3 That which we have seen and heard we declare also to you, so you also will have fellowship with us. Our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 Also, we are writing these things to you so that our joy will be complete. [1]
5 This is the message that we have heard from him and are proclaiming to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from every sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar, and his word is not in us.
This is a letter that John wrote to Christians.
In this chapter John teaches that all Christians are still sinners. But God continues to forgive a Christian's sins. (See: sin and faith and forgive)
In this chapter John writes that God is light. Light is a metaphor for understanding and righteousness. (See: and righteous)
John also writes about people walking in the light or in the darkness. Walking is a metaphor for behaving or living. People who walk in the light understand what is righteous and do it. People who walk in the darkness may not understand what is righteous, and they do what is sinful.
The apostle John wrote this letter to believers. All instances of "you," "your," and "yours" include all believers and are plural. Here the words "we" and "us" refer to John and those who had been with Jesus. In verses 1-2 many pronouns like "that," "which," and "it" are used. They refer to "the Word of life" and "the eternal life." But, since these are names for Jesus, you can use pronouns that refer to a person like "who," "whom" or "he."
"which we have heard him teach"
This is repeated for emphasis. Alternate translation: "which we ourselves have seen"
This refers to Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: "the one who gives life" or "the one who causes people to live forever"
The word "life" throughout this letter refers to more than physical life. Here "life" refers to being alive spiritually.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God made the eternal life known to us" or "God made us able to know him, who is eternal life"
"we have seen it and testify about it" or "we have seen him and testify about him"
Here, "the eternal life" refers to the one who gives that life, Jesus. Alternate translation: "the one who enables us to live forever, who was with God the Father, and who has been made known to us"
This was when he lived on earth. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "and which the Father has made known to us" or "and who came to live among us"
Here the words "we," "us," and "our" refer to John and those who had been with Jesus.
"We say to you also what we have seen and heard"
"be our close friends. We are friends with God the Father"
It is not clear if John is including or excluding his readers. You may translate this either way.
These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus.
"to make our joy complete" or "to make ourselves completely happy"
Here the words "we" and "us" refer to all believers, including the people to whom John was writing. Unless otherwise stated, that is the meaning for the remainder of this book.
From here into the next chapter, John writes about fellowship—close relationships with God and other believers.
This is a metaphor that means that God is perfectly pure and holy. Cultures that associate goodness with light may be able to keep the idea of light without explaining the metaphor. Alternate translation: "God is purely righteous like pure light"
This is a metaphor that means that God never sins and is not evil in any way. Cultures that associate evil with darkness may be able to keep the idea of darkness without explaining the metaphor. Alternate translation: "in him there is nothing that is evil"
Here "walk" is a metaphor for how a person lives or behaves. Here "darkness" is a metaphor for "evil." Alternate translation: "do what is evil"
Here "walk" is a metaphor for how a person lives or behaves. Here "light" is a metaphor for "good" or "right." Alternate translation: "do what is good as God is perfectly good" or "do what is right as God is perfectly right"
This refers to the death of Jesus.
This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
"never sin"
"are tricking" or "lying to"
The truth is spoken of as if it were an object that could be inside believers. Alternate translation: "we do not believe what God says is true"
"God is faithful"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. John uses them to emphasize that God will surely forgive our sins. Alternate translation: "and will completely forgive us for what we have done wrong"
It is implied that a person who claims to be without sin would be calling God a liar since he said that everyone is a sinner. Alternate translation: "it is the same as calling God a liar, because he said we have all sinned"
"Word" here is a metonym for "message." Obeying and honoring God's word is spoken of as if his word were inside the believers. Alternate translation: "we do not understand God's word and do not obey what he says"
1 Children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the one who is righteous. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world. 3 We know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 The one who says "I know God" but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God has been perfected. By this we know that we are in him: 6 whoever says that he remains in God should himself also walk just as he walked.
7 Beloved, I am not writing a new commandment to you, but an old commandment that you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you heard. 8 Yet I am writing a new commandment to you, which is true in Christ and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. 9 The one who says that he is in the light and hates his brother is in the darkness until now. 10 The one who loves his brother remains in the light and there is no occasion for stumbling in him. 11 But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness; he does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
12 I am writing to you, children, because your sins are forgiven because of his name. 13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know the one who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you know the Father.
14 I have written to you, fathers, because you know the one who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God remains in you, and you have overcome the evil one. 15 Do not love the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For everything that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the arrogance of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 The world and its desire are passing away. But whoever does the will of God will remain forever.
18 Children, it is the last hour. Just as you heard that the antichrist is coming, now many antichrists have come. By this we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not from us. For if they had been from us they would have remained with us. But when they went out, that showed they were not from us. 20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know. 21 I did not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it and because no lie is from the truth. 22 Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? That person is the antichrist, since he denies the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son also has the Father. 24 As for you, let what you have heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, you will also remain in the Son and in the Father. 25 This is the promise he gave to us—eternal life. 26 I have written these things to you about those who would lead you astray. 27 As for you, the anointing that you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you everything and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, remain in him.
28 Now, children, remain in him so that when he appears we will have boldness and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 29 If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born from him.
In this chapter John writes about both a specific antichrist and many antichrists. The word "antichrist" means "opposed to Christ." The antichrist is a person who will come in the last days and imitate Jesus's work, but he will do it for evil. Before this person comes, there will be many people who work against Christ; they too are called "antichrists." (See: antichrist and lastday and evil)
There are several groups of similar metaphors that are used throughout this chapter.
Being in God is a metaphor for having fellowship with God, and God's word and truth being in people is a metaphor for people knowing and obeying God's word.
Walking is a metaphor for behaving, not knowing where one is going is a metaphor for not knowing how to behave, and stumbling is a metaphor for sinning.
The light is a metaphor for knowing and doing what is right, and darkness and blindness are metaphors for not knowing what is right and doing what is wrong.
Leading people astray is a metaphor for teaching people things that are not true.
Here the word "we" refers to John and all believers.
John continues to write about fellowship and shows that it is possible because Jesus goes between believers and the Father.
John was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. Alternate translation: "You who are as dear to me as my own children"
"I am writing this letter"
"But when anyone sins." This is something that is likely to happen.
The word "advocate" here refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: "we have Jesus Christ, the one who is righteous, who speaks to the Father and asks him to forgive us"
"God is no longer angry with us because Jesus sacrificed his own life for our sins"
"We know that we know him" or "We know that we have a good relationship with him"
"if we obey what he commands"
"Anyone who says" or "The person who says"
"I have a good relationship with God"
"does not obey" or "disobeys"
"what God tells him to do"
The truth is spoken of as if it were an object that could be inside the believers. Alternate translation: "he does not believe what God says is true"
To keep someone's word here is an idiom for to obey. Alternate translation: "does what God tells him to do"
This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) "the love of God" refers to a person loving God, and "perfected" represents completely or fully. Alternate translation: "it is that person who loves God completely" or 2) "the love of God" refers to God loving people, and "perfected" represents completing its purpose. Alternate translation: "God's love has achieved its purpose in that person's life"
The phrase "we are in him" means that the believer has fellowship with God. Alternate translation: "When we obey what God says, we can be certain that we have fellowship with him" or "By this we know that are joined to God"
To remain in God means to continue to have fellowship with God. Alternate translation: "continues to have fellowship with God" or "stays joined to God"
Conducting one's life is spoken of as if it were walking on a path. Alternate translation: "must live as he lived" or "should also obey God just as Jesus Christ did"
John gives believers basic principles of fellowship—obedience and love.
"You people whom I love, I am" or "Dear friends, I am"
"I write to you to love one other, which is not a new thing to do but an old commandment that you have heard." John refers to Jesus's command to love one another.
Here, "beginning" refers to when they decided to follow Christ. Alternate translation: "from when you first believed in Christ"
"The old commandment is the message that you heard"
"But in one way the commandment I write to you is a new commandment"
"which is true, as shown in Christ's deeds and your deeds"
Here "darkness" is a metaphor for "evil," and "light" is a metaphor for "good." Alternate translation: "you are ceasing to do evil and you are doing more and more good"
Here the word "brother" refers to a fellow Christian.
"Anyone who says" or "Someone who claims." This does not refer to a specific person.
Here to be "in the light" is a metaphor for doing what is right. Alternate translation: "he does what is right"
Here to be "in the darkness" is a metaphor for doing what is evil. Alternate translation: "does what is evil"
"nothing will cause him to stumble." The word "stumbling" is a metaphor that means to fail spiritually or morally. Alternate translation: "nothing will cause him to sin" or "he will not fail to do what is pleasing to God"
Here "walk" is a metaphor for how a person lives or behaves. Here to be "in the darkness" and "walks in the darkness" mean the same thing. This brings attention to how evil it is to hate a fellow believer. Alternate translation: "does what is evil"
This is a metaphor for the believer who is not living as a Christian should be living. Alternate translation: "he does not know what he should do"
"the darkness has made him unable to see." Darkness is a metaphor for sin or evil. Alternate translation: "sin has made it impossible for him to understand the truth"
John explains why he is writing his letter either to different age groups or to believers with differences in maturity. Try to use similar wording for these sentences, as they are written poetically.
John was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God forgives your sins"
"his name" refers to Christ and who he is. Alternate translation: "because of what Christ has done for you"
The word "fathers" here is possibly a metaphor referring to mature believers. Alternate translation: "I am writing to you, mature believers"
"you have a relationship with"
"the one who has always lived" or "the one who has always existed." It refers either to "Jesus" or to "God the Father."
This possibly refers to those who are no longer new believers but are growing in spiritual maturity. Alternate translation: "young believers"
The writer is speaking of the believers' refusal to follow Satan and of their frustrating his plans as if it were a matter of conquering him.
Here "strong" refers not to believers' physical strength, but to their faithfulness to Christ.
"Word of God" here is a metonym for the message from God. The writer refers to the believers' increased faithfulness to Christ and knowledge of him as if he were speaking of God's word existing in them. Alternate translation: "God's message continues to teach you" or "you know the word of God"
In 2:15-17 the word "world" refers to all the things people want to do that do not honor God. Alternate translation: "Do not behave like the people in the world who do not honor God, and do not love"
"the things that those who dishonor God want"
A person cannot love this world and all that dishonors God and love the Father at the same time.
"he does not love the Father"
"the strong desire to have sinful physical pleasure"
"the strong desire to have things that we see"
"does not come from the Father" or "is not how the Father teaches us to live"
"pass away" or "will one day not be here"
John warns about those who are against Christ.
John was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1]
The phrase "the last hour" refers to the time just before Jesus returns. Alternate translation: "Jesus will return soon"
"there are many people who are against Christ"
"have come, and because of this we know" or "have come, and because many antichrists have come, we know"
"They left us"
"but they did not really belong to us anyway" or "but they were not really part of our group in the first place." The reason they were not really part of the group is that they were not believers in Jesus.
"We know this because they would not have left us if they really had been believers"
In the Old Testament the word "anointing" referred to pouring oil on a person to set him apart to serve God.
John speaks of the Holy Spirit as if he were "an anointing" that the people have received from Jesus. The abstract noun "anointing" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "But the Holy One has anointed you" or "But Jesus Christ, the Holy One, has given you his Spirit"
This refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: "Jesus, the Holy One"
Your language might allow you to use the abstract noun "knowledge" here. If your language requires you to state what it is that the readers know, be as general as possible. Alternate translation: "you all have knowledge" or "you all know what is true"
The abstract noun "truth" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "what is true ... no lie comes from what is true"
"Who is the liar? Anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ." John used a question to emphasize who liars are. Alternate translation: "The one who denies that Jesus is the Christ is the liar"
"refuses to say that Jesus is the Christ" or "says that Jesus is not the Messiah"
"refuses to say the truth about the Father and the Son" or "rejects the Father and the Son."
These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus.
"belongs to the Father"
"speaks the truth about the Son"
"belongs to the Father"
Here the word "you" is plural and refers to the people to whom John wrote, as well as all believers. The word "he" is emphatic and refers to Christ.
John reminds believers to continue in what they have first heard.
This marks John's telling them how they should live as followers of Jesus instead of how those against Christ live.
"remember and believe what you have heard from the beginning." How they heard it, what they heard, and what "the beginning" means can be made explicit: Alternate translation: "continue to trust what we have taught you about Jesus just as you have trusted since you first became believers"
"what we taught you about Jesus when you first became believers"
The word "remains" is talking about relationship, not salvation. Alternate translation: "If you continue to trust what we first taught you"
To "remain in" means to continue to have fellowship with. See how you translated a similar phrase to "remain in" in [1 John 2:6]
"This is what he promised to give us—eternal life" or "He has promised to cause us to live forever"
The word "life" throughout this letter refers to more than physical life. Here "life" refers to being alive spiritually. See how you translated this in [1 John 1:1]
Here "lead you astray" is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate translation: "those who want to deceive you" or "those who want to make you believe lies about Jesus Christ"
Starting in verse 29, John introduces the idea of being born into God's family. The previous verses show that believers continue to sin; this part shows that believers also have the new nature, which cannot sin. It continues to show how believers can recognize each other.
This marks John's telling them something else about how they should live as followers of Jesus instead of following those who are against Christ.
John speaks of the Holy Spirit as if he were "the anointing" that the people have received from Jesus and remains in them. The abstract noun "anointing" can be translated with a verbal phrase. See how you translated "anointing" in [1 John 2:20]
Here the word "everything" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "because his anointing teaches you everything that you need to know" or "because his Spirit teaches you everything that you need to know"
This word is used here to mark a new part of the letter.
John was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1]
"we see him"
having no fear
"not be ashamed in his presence"
"when he comes again"
"has been born of God" or "is God's child"
1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God, and this is what we are. For this reason, the world does not know us, because it did not know him. [1]2 Beloved, we are now children of God, and it has not yet been revealed what we will be. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like him, for we will see him just as he is. 3 Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself just as he is pure. 4 Everyone who sins is committing acts of lawlessness, for sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that Christ was revealed in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 6 No one who remains in him will keep on sinning. No one who continues to sin has seen him or known him. 7 Children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous. 8 The one who commits sin is from the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this reason the Son of God was revealed, so that he would destroy the devil's works. 9 Whoever has been born from God does not continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him. He cannot continue to sin because he has been born of God. 10 In this the children of God and children of the devil are revealed: Whoever does not do what is righteous is not from God, neither is the one who does not love his brother. 11 For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. 12 We should not be like Cain, who was from the evil one and murdered his brother. Why did he kill him? Because his works were evil and his brother's righteous.
13 Do not be amazed, my brothers, if the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. 15 Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer. You know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him. 16 By this we know love, because Christ laid down his life for us. We also ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But whoever has the world's goods, sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart of compassion from him, how does the love of God remain in him? 18 My children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in actions and truth. 19 It is by this we know that we are from the truth, and we assure our hearts before him. 20 For if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and he knows all things. 21 Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. 22 Whatever we ask we will receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing before him. 23 This is his commandment: that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he gave us this commandment. 24 The one who keeps God's commandments remains in him, and God remains in him. By this we know that he remains in us, by the Spirit whom he gave to us.
God created all people, but people can only become children of God by believing in Jesus. (See: believe)
Cain was a son of the first man, Adam, and the first woman, Eve. He was jealous of his brother and murdered him. Readers may not know who Cain was if they have not read Genesis. It may help them if you explain this to them.
The verb "to know" is used in two different ways in this chapter. Sometimes it is used about knowing a fact, as in 3:2, 3:5, and 3:19. Sometimes it means to experience and understand someone or something, as in 3:1, 3:6, 3:16, and 3:20. Some languages have different words for these different meanings.
Many scholars believe this is about remaining in God's will and is not about being saved. (See: eternity and save)
In this part John tells the believers about their new nature, which cannot sin.
"Think about how our Father loves us so much"
"the Father called us his children"
Here this means people who belong to God through faith in Jesus.
Possible meanings are 1) "Because we are the children of God and because the world did not know God, it does not know us" or 2) "Because the world did not know God, it does not know us."
Here "the world" refers to people who do not honor God. What the world did not know can be made explicit: Alternate translation: "those who do not honor God do not know that we belong to God, because they did not know God"
"You people whom I love, we are" or "Dear friends, we are." See how you translated this in 1 John 2:7.
This can be stated in active form: Alternate translation: "God has not yet revealed"
This can mean here either "told," "demonstrated," or "shown."
The word "him" refers to Christ. Having hope in Christ means expecting that because of Christ, what is hoped for will happen. Alternate translation: "Everyone who has this hope because of Christ" or "Everyone who trusts Christ to fulfill this hope"
The phrase "this hope" refers to the hope of being like Christ, as mentioned in the previous verse. Here to have hope is to confidently expect something good. Alternate translation: "who confidently expects in Christ to become like Christ" or "who confidently waits for Christ to cause him to become like Christ"
"keeps himself pure because Christ is pure"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Christ appeared" or "the Father revealed Christ"
To remain in someone means to continue to have fellowship with him. See how you translated "remains in God" in [1 John 2:6]
John uses the words "seen" and "known" to say that the person who sins has never met Christ in a spiritual sense. A person behaving according to his sinful nature cannot know Christ. Alternate translation: "No one ... has ever truly believed in him"
John was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1]
Here "lead you astray" is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate translation: "do not let anyone fool you" or "do not let anyone deceive you"
"He who does what is right is pleasing to God just as Christ is pleasing to God."
"belongs to the devil" or "is like the devil"
This refers to the very earliest time of creation before humans first sinned. Alternate translation: "since the earliest time of creation"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God revealed his Son"
This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God.
For now John ends this section on the new birth and the new nature which cannot sin.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Whoever God has made his child"
This speaks of the Holy Spirit, whom God gives to believers and who makes them able to resist sin and do what pleases God as if he were a physical seed that is planted in the earth and grows. Alternate translation: "the Holy Spirit"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has given him new spiritual life" or "he is a child of God"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are"
"whoever does not do what is righteous is not from God; whoever does not love his brother is also not from God" or "those who are from God do what is right, and those who are from God love their brothers"
Here "brother" means fellow Christians.
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Cain and Abel were the first sons of Adam and Eve, the first man and woman.
"We should not do as Cain did"
This refers to Cain's younger brother Abel.
John uses a question to teach his audience. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "He killed him because"
The words "works were" are also understood in the second phrase. Alternate translation: "Cain's works were evil and his brother's works were righteous" or "Cain did evil things and his brother did what was right"
"my fellow believers." John's readers were both male and female.
Here the word "world" refers to the people who do not honor God. Alternate translation: "if those who do not honor God hate you who do honor God"
The conditions of living and of being dead are spoken of as if they were physical locations that a person could leave from and go to. The abstract nouns "life" and "death" can be translated with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: "we are no longer spiritually dead but are spiritually alive"
The word "life" throughout this letter refers to more than physical life. Here "life" refers to being alive spiritually. See how you translated this in [1 John 1:1]
"is still spiritually dead"
John speaks of a person who hates another believer as if he were a murderer. Since people commit murder because they hate other people, God considers anyone who hates to be as guilty as someone who kills a person. Alternate translation: "Whoever hates another believer is as guilty as someone who kills a person"
"Eternal life" does refer to believers living forever after they have died, but it is also the power that God gives believers in this life to help them to stop sinning and to do what please him. Here eternal life is spoken of as if it were a person that could live in someone. Alternate translation: "a murderer does not have the power of spiritual life"
This expression means "Christ willingly gave his life for us" or "Christ willingly died for us"
material possessions like money, food, or clothing
"realizes a fellow believer needs help"
Here "heart" is a metonym for "thoughts" or "emotions." Here "shuts up his heart of compassion" is a metaphor for no longer showing someone compassion. Alternate translation: "does not show him compassion" or "does not willingly help him"
John uses a question to teach his audience. Alternate translation: "God's love is not in him"
John was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1]
The phrases "in word" and "in tongue" both refer to what a person says. Alternate translation: "do not just say that you love people, but show that you truly love people by helping them"
The words "let us love" are understood here. Alternate translation: "let us love in actions and truth"
Here John probably means that believers' ability to love God and each other sincerely (1 John 3:18) is a sign that their new life has indeed originated from the truth about Christ.
People living according to the truth is spoken of as they were "from the truth." Alternate translation: "we are living according the way Jesus taught us" or "we belong to him who is true"
The word "heart" here refers to feelings. Alternate translation: "we do not feel guilty"
Here "hearts" is a metonym for people's thoughts or consciences. Here "hearts condemn us" is a metaphor for feeling guilty. Alternate translation: "if we know that we have sinned and as a result feel guilty"
Here "hearts" is metonym for people's thoughts or consciences. For God to be "greater than our hearts" means that God knows more than a person. Therefore he can judge things better than a person can. The effect of this truth is probably that God is more merciful than our consciences would suppose. Alternate translation: "God knows more than we do"
"You people whom I love, if" or "Dear friends, if." See how you translated this in 1 John 2:7.
Here "before him" represents God's opinion or what he thinks about something. Alternate translation: "do the things that are pleasing to him" or "do what pleases him"
The abstract noun "commandment" can be stated as "command." Alternate translation: "This is what God commands us to do: Believe ... just as he commanded us to do"
This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
To remain in someone means to continue to have fellowship with him. See how you translated "remains in God" in [1 John 2:6]
To remain in someone means to continue to have fellowship with him. Alternate translation: "God continues to have fellowship with us"
1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit. Instead, test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you will know the Spirit of God—every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming, and now is already in the world. [1]4 You are from God, children, and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They are from the world; therefore what they say is from the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God. Anyone who knows God listens to us. He who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and everyone who loves is born from God and knows God. 8 The person who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 Because of this the love of God was revealed among us, that God has sent his only Son into the world so that we would live because of him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and that he sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also should love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is perfected in us. 13 By this we know that we remain in him and he in us, because he has given us some of his Spirit. 14 Also, we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him and he in God. 16 Also, we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in this love remains in God, and God remains in him. 17 Because of this, this love has been made perfect among us, so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because as he is, just so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love. Instead, perfect love throws out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. But the one who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19 We love because God first loved us. 20 If anyone says, "I love God" but hates his brother, he is a liar. For the one who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 21 Also, this is the commandment we have from him: Whoever loves God must also love his own brother.
This word "spirit" is used in different ways in this chapter. Sometimes the word "spirit" refers to spiritual beings. Sometimes it refers to the character of something. For example "the spirit of the antichrist," "the spirit of truth," and "the spirit of error" refer to what is typical of the antichrist, truth, and error. "The Spirit" (written with a capital "S") and "the Spirit of God" refer to God. (See: antichrist)
If people love God, they should show it in the way they live and the way they treat other people. Doing this may assure us that God has saved us and that we belong to him, but loving others does not save us. (See: save)
John gives a warning against false teachers who teach against Christ's having had a human body and teachers who talk the way those who love the world talk.
"You people whom I love, do not believe" or "Dear friends, do not believe." See how you translated this in 1 John 2:7.
Here, the word "spirit" refers to a spiritual power or being that gives a person a message or prophecy. Alternate translation: "do not trust every prophet who claims to have a message from a spirit"
Here, the word "spirits" refers to a spiritual power or being that gives a person a message or prophecy. Alternate translation: "think carefully about what the prophet says"
Here "flesh" represents the human body. Alternate translation: "has come as a human being" or "has come in a physical body"
"These are prophets opposed to Christ, whom you have heard are coming, and now are already in the world"
John was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1]
"have not believed the false teachers"
"God, who is in you, is"
Here "the one" refers to the devil. Here "the world" represents the people of the world. Alternate translation: "the devil who is in the people of the world"
"They" refers to the false teachers. "From the world" is in contrast to being from God. "The world" represents all things that oppose God. Alternate translation: "They are of the world"
Here "from the world" is in contrast to being from God. Here "the world" represents all things that oppose God. Alternate translation: "therefore what the false teachers say is of the world"
The words "the world" are a metonym for people who do not obey God. Alternate translation: "so the people who do not obey God listen to them"
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John continues to teach about the new nature. He teaches his readers about God's love and loving one another.
"You people whom I love, let us love" or "Dear friends, let us love." See how you translated "Beloved" in 1 John 2:7.
"believers are to love other believers"
"and because those who love their fellow believers have become God's children and know him"
"because God causes us to love each other"
This is a metaphor which means someone has a relationship to God like a child to his father.
The phrase "God is love" a metaphor which means "the character of God is love." Alternate translation: "Those who do not love their fellow believers do not know God, because the character of God is to love people"
"Because of this ... among us: God has sent his only Son." The phrase "Because of this" refers to the phrase "that God has sent his only Son."
The noun "love" can be translated as a verb. This phrase can be made active. Alternate translation: "God showed that he loves us"
"to enable us to live eternally because of what Jesus did"
"The true demonstration of love was not that" or "This is true love: not that
By dying on the cross as a sacrifice, Christ satisfied God's wrath against our sin. The phrase "atoning sacrifice" can translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "he sent his Son to be the sacrifice that satisfied his wrath against our sins"
"You people whom I love, if" or "Dear friends, if." See how you translated this in 1 John 2:7.
"since God loved us in this way"
"believers are to love other believers"
To remain in someone means to continue to have fellowship with him. See how you translated "remains in God" in [1 John 2:6]
"God's love is complete in us"
To remain in someone means to continue to have fellowship with him. See how you translated "remains in God" in [1 John 2:6]
The word "remains" is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "and he remains in us"
Your translation may be clearer if you omit either "by this" or "because." Alternate translation: "We know ... us because he gave" or "By this we know ... us: he gave"
"because he gave us his Spirit" or "because he has put his Holy Spirit in us." This phrase, however, does not imply that God has less of his Spirit after he has given us some.
"And we apostles have seen the Son of God and tell everyone that God the Father has sent his Son to save people on this earth"
These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus.
"Anyone who says the truth about Jesus, that he is the Son of God"
This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God.
To remain in someone means to continue to have fellowship with him. See how you translated "remains in God" in [1 John 2:6]
The word "remains" is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "and he remains in God" (See: Ellipsis)
This is a metaphor which means "the character of God is love." See how you translated this in [1 John 4:8]
"those who continue to love others"
To remain in someone means to continue to have fellowship with him. See how you translated "remains in God" in [1 John 2:6]
This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) "Because of this" refers back to [1 John 4:16]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has made his love for us complete"
"because the relationship that Jesus has with God is the same relationship we have with God in this world"
Here "love" is described as a person with the power to remove fear. God's love is perfect. Alternate translation: "Instead, when our love is complete, we are no longer afraid"
"because we would be afraid only if we thought that he would punish us"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But when a person is afraid that God will punish him, his love is not complete"
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"hates a fellow believer"
If two negative statements in a row are confusing, this can be translated differently. Alternate translation: "the one who hates his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen"
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1 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born from God, and whoever loves a father also loves the child born from him. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is love for God: that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For everyone who is born from God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is the one who overcomes the world? The one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 6 This is the one who came by water and blood: Jesus Christ. He came not only by water, but also by water and blood. The Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit, the water, and the blood. These three are in agreement. [1]9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater. For this is the testimony of God that he has testified concerning his Son. 10 Anyone who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given concerning his Son. 11 And the testimony is this: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 The one who has the Son has life. The one who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
13 I have written to you these things so that you will know that you have eternal life—to you who believe in the name of the Son of God. 14 Also, this is the confidence we have before him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 Also, if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask of him—we know that we have whatever we have asked of him. 16 If anyone sees his brother commit a sin that does not result in death, he must pray, and God will give him life. I refer to those whose sin does not result in death. There is a sin that results in death; I am not saying that he should pray about that. 17 All unrighteousness is sin, but there is sin that does not result in death.
18 We know that whoever has been born from God does not sin. But the one who was born from God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him. 19 We know that we are from God, and we know that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. 20 But we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know him who is true. Also, we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. This one is the true God and eternal life. 21 Children, keep yourselves from idols.
When people believe in Jesus, God makes them his children and gives them eternal life. (See: believe)
People who believe in Jesus should obey God's commands and love his children.
This seems to refer to behaviors that will result in a person experiencing spiritual death, that is, to be separated from God forever. (See: death)
The phrase "the evil one" refers to Satan. God has allowed him to rule the world, but ultimately God is in control over everything. God keeps his children safe from the evil one. (See: satan)
John continues to teach his readers about God's love and the love believers are to have because they have this new nature from God.
"is a child of God"
"When we love God and do what he commands, then we know that we love his children"
"Because when we do what he commands, that is true love for God"
"what he commands is not difficult"
"heavy" or "crushing" or "difficult"
"all children of God overcome"
"has victory over the world," "succeeds against the world," or "refuses to do the evil things unbelievers do"
This passage uses "the world" to refer to all the sinful people and the evil systems in the world. Alternate translation: "everything in the world that is against God"
"And this is what gives us the power to resist whatever would lead us to sin against God: our faith" or "And it is our faith that gives us the power to resist whatever would lead us to sin against God"
John used this question to introduce something he wanted to teach. Alternate translation: "I will tell you who overcomes the world:"
This does not refer to a specific person but to anyone who believes this. Alternate translation: "Anyone who believes that Jesus is the Son of God"
This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God.
John teaches about Jesus Christ and what God said about him.
"Jesus Christ is the one who came by water and blood." Here "water" is probably a metonym for the baptism of Jesus, and "blood" stands for Jesus's death on the cross. Alternate translation: "God showed that Jesus Christ is his son at Jesus's baptism and his death on the cross"
Here "water" is probably a metonym for the baptism of Jesus, and "blood" stands for Jesus's death on the cross. Alternate translation: "God did not show us Jesus was his son just through his baptism, but through his baptism and his death on the cross"
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The idiom to "receive the testimony" means to believe what another person testifies concerning something that he has seen. The abstract noun "testimony" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "If we believe what men testify" or "If we believe what men say about what they have seen"
the testimony of God is more important and more reliable
This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
"Whoever believes in Jesus knows for sure Jesus is the Son of God"
"has called God a liar"
"because he has not believed that God has told the truth about his Son"
"This is what God says"
The word "life" throughout this letter refers to more than physical life. Here "life" refers to being alive spiritually. See how you translated this in [1 John 1:1]
"this life is through his Son" or "we will live forever if we are joined with his Son" or "we will live forever if we are united with his Son"
This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
Being in a close relationship to the Son is spoken of as having the Son. Alternate translation: "He who believes in the Son of God has eternal life. He who does not believe in the Son of God does not have eternal life"
This begins the end of John's letter. He tells his readers the last purpose for his letter and gives them some final teachings.
"this letter"
Here "name" is a metonym for the Son of God. Alternate translation: "to you who trust in the Son of God"
This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God.
The abstract noun "confidence" can be stated as "confident." Alternate translation: "we are confident in God's presence because we know that"
"if we ask for the things that God desires"
"we know that we will receive that for which we have asked God"
"a fellow believer"
The word "life" throughout this letter refers to more than physical life. Here "life" refers to being alive spiritually. See how you translated this in [1 John 1:1]
This refers to eternal death, that is, eternity spent away from God's presence.
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John closes his letter, reviewing what he has said about the new nature of believers, which cannot sin, and he reminds them to keep themselves from idols (5:21).
The phrase "the evil one" refers to Satan, the devil.
Lying in someone's power represents being controlled or ruled by him. Alternate translation: "the whole world is controlled by the evil one"
Here "world" represents all the people who rebel against God. Alternate translation: "all the people of the world are under the power"
This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God.
"has enabled us to understand the truth"
Being "in" someone represents having a close relationship with him, that is being united to him or belonging to him. The phrase "him who is true" refers to the true God, and the phrase "in his Son Jesus Christ" explains how we are in him who is true. Alternate translation: "we are united to him who is true by being united to his Son Jesus Christ"
"the true one" or "the real God"
Possible meanings are 1) "This one" refers to Jesus Christ, or 2) "This one" refers to the one true God.
He is called "eternal life" becasue he gives us eternal life. Alternate translation: "and the one who gives eternal life"
John was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1]
"stay away from idols" or "do not worship idols"
1 From the elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth—and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth— 2 because of the truth that remains in us and will be with us forever.
3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
4 I rejoice greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, just as we have received this commandment from the Father. 5 Now I plead with you, lady—not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but one that we have had from the beginning—that we should love one another. 6 This is love, that we should walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, just as you heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it. 7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, and they do not confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that you do not lose the things for which we have labored, but so that you may receive a full reward. 9 Whoever goes on ahead and does not remain in the teaching of Christ does not have God. The one who remains in the teaching, this one has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house and do not greet him. 11 For the one who speaks a greeting to him participates in his evil deeds.
12 I have many things to write to you, but I did not wish to write them with paper and ink. However, I hope to come to you and speak face to face, so that our joy will be complete.
13 The children of your chosen sister greet you.
Tradition identifies the apostle John as the writer of this letter. Though possibly addressed to an individual woman, because he writes that they should "love one another," this is probably to a church. All instances of "you" and "your" in this letter are plural unless noted otherwise. In this letter, John includes himself and his readers by using the word "us" and "our."
This is how letters were started. The name of the author can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "I, John the elder, am writing this letter to the chosen lady and her children"
This refers to John, the apostle and disciple of Jesus. He refers to himself as "elder" either because of his old age or because he is a leader in the church.
This probably refers to a congregation and the believers that belong to it.
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These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus.
The word "truth" describes "love." Possibly the phrase means "in true love."
The word "your" is singular.
"just as God the Father commanded us"
These instances of "you" are singular.
Here, "beginning" refers to "when we first believed." Alternate translation: "I were commanding you to do something new, but what Christ commanded us to do when we first believed"
This can be translated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: "beginning. He commanded that we should love one another"
Conducting our lives according to God's commands is spoken of as if we were walking in them. The word "it" refers to love. "And he has commanded you, since you first believed, to love one another"
John warns his readers of deceivers, reminds them to remain in Christ's teaching, and warns them to stay away from those who do not remain in Christ's teaching.
"For many false teachers have left the congregation" or "For many deceivers are in the world"
"many false teachers" or "many imposters"
Coming in the flesh is a metonym for being a real person. Alternate translation: "Jesus Christ came as a real human"
"They are the ones who deceive others and oppose Christ himself"
"Watch out" or "Pay attention" or "Be on guard"
"lose your future rewards in heaven"
Another possible meaning is, "the things that we have accomplished."
"complete reward in heaven"
This refers to a person who claims to know more about God and truth than everyone else. Alternate translation: "Whoever claims to know more about God" or "Whoever disobeys the truth"
Some modern translations read, "transgresses."
"does not belong to God"
"Someone who follows Christ's teaching belongs to both the Father and the Son"
These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus.
Here this means to welcome him and treat him with honor in order to build a relationship with him.
"shares with him in his evil deeds" or "helps him in his evil deeds"
The words "you" in verse 12 are singular.
John's letter closes with his desire to visit his readers and gives greetings from another church.
John does not wish to write these other things but would like to come say the words to them. He is not saying that he would write them with something other than paper and ink.
John wants to visit his readers but he does not know with certainty that he would be able to visit them. Alternate translation: "I plan to come to you" or "I want to come to you"
"Speak face to face" here is an idiom, meaning "to speak in their presence." Alternate translation: "speak in your presence" or "speak to you in person"
The word "your" in verse 13 is plural.
Here John speaks of this other church as if it were a sister to the readers' church and the believers that are a part of that church as if they were that church's children. This emphasizes that all believers are a spiritual family.
1 The elder to beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.
2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be healthy, just as it is well with your soul. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and bore witness to your truth, just as you walk in truth. 4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children walk in the truth.
5 Beloved, you practice faithfulness whenever you labor for the brothers and for strangers 6 who have borne witness of your love in the presence of the church. You do well to send them off on their journey in a manner worthy of God, 7 because it was for the sake of the name that they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles. 8 We therefore should welcome such as these so that we will be fellow workers for the truth.
9 I wrote something to the congregation, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not receive us. 10 So if I come, I will call attention to the deeds he is doing, falsely accusing us with wicked words. Not satisfied with that, he not only refused to welcome the brothers himself, but he also stops those who want to welcome them and drives them out of the church. 11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the evildoer has not seen God. 12 Demetrius received a good testimony from everyone and by the truth itself. We also testify about him, and you know that our testimony is true.
13 I had many things to write to you, but I do not wish to write them to you with pen and ink. 14 But I hope to see you soon, and we will speak face to face. 15 May peace be with you. The friends greet you. Greet our friends there by name.
This is a personal letter from John to Gaius. All instances of "you" and "your" refer to Gaius and are singular.
This refers to John, the apostle and disciple of Jesus. He refers to himself as "elder" either because of his old age or because he is a leader in the church. The name of the author can be made explicit: "I, John the elder, am writing."
This is a fellow believer to whom John is writing this letter.
"whom I truly love"
"you may do well in all things and be healthy"
"just as you are doing well spiritually"
"fellow believers came." These people were probably all male.
Walking on a path is a metaphor for how a person lives his life. Alternate translation: "you are living your life according to God's truth"
John speaks of those he taught to believe in Jesus as though they were his children. This emphasizes his love and concern for them. It could also be that he himself led them to the Lord. Alternate translation: "my spiritual children"
John's purpose in writing this letter is to compliment Gaius in the way he took care of traveling Bible teachers; then he talks about two people, one evil and one good.
Here this is used as a term of endearment for a fellow believer.
"you are doing what is faithful to God" or "you are being loyal to God"
"help fellow believers and those you do not know"
John is thanking Gaius for his normal practice of helping these believers.
Here "the name" refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: "for they have gone out to tell people about Jesus"
receiving no gifts or help
Here "Gentiles" means non-Jews who do not believe in Christ.
Here the word "we" refers to John and those with him, and possibly includes all believers.
"so that we will cooperate with them in announcing God's truth to people"
The word "us" refers to John and those with him and does not include Gaius.
This refers to Gaius and the group of believers who met together to worship God.
He was a member of the congregation.
"who loves to be the most important one among them" or "who loves to act as though he's their leader"
"and how he says evil things about us that certainly are not true"
"did not welcome the fellow believers"
"stops those who want to welcome the believers"
"he forces them to leave the congregation"
Here this is used as a term of endearment for a fellow believer. See how you translated this in 3 John 1:5.
"do not copy the evil things that people do"
There are words left out but they are understood. Alternate translation: "but imitate what is good" or "but imitate the good things that people do"
"belongs to God"
"does not belong to God" or "does not believe in God"
Here "we" refers to John and those with him and does not include Gaius.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "All who know Demetrius testify that he is a good man" or "Every believer who knows Demetrius speaks well of him"
This is probably a man whom John wants Gaius and the congregation to welcome when he comes to visit.
"the truth itself speaks well of him." Here "truth" is described as a person speaking. Alternate translation: "everyone who knows the truth knows he is a good person"
What John is confirming is implied and can be made specific here. Alternate translation: "We also testify about Demetrius" or "We also speak well of Demetrius"
This is the end of John's letter to Gaius. He gives some final remarks and closes with a greeting.
John does not wish to write these other things at all. He is not saying that he would write them with something other than pen and ink.
John wants to visit him, but he does not know with certainty that he would be able to visit him. Alternate translation: "I plan to come to you" or "I want to come to you"
"Face to face" here is an idiom, meaning "in person." Alternate translation: "in person"
"May God give you peace"
"The friends here greet you"
"Greet each of the believers there for me"
1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, to those who are called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ:
2 May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you.
3 Beloved, while I was making every effort to write to you about our common salvation, I had to write to you to exhort you to struggle earnestly for the faith that was entrusted once for all to God's holy people. 4 For certain men have slipped in secretly among you. These men were marked out for condemnation. They are ungodly men who have changed the grace of our God into sensuality, and who deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
5 Now I wish to remind you—although once you fully knew it—that the Lord saved a people out of the land of Egypt, but that afterward he destroyed those who did not believe. 6 Also, angels who did not keep to their own position of authority, but who left their proper dwelling place—God has kept them in everlasting chains, in utter darkness, for the judgment on the great day. 7 So also Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them gave themselves over to sexual immorality and perverse sexual acts. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire. 8 Yet in the same way, these dreamers also defile their bodies. They reject authority and they slander the glorious ones. 9 But even Michael the archangel, when he was arguing with the devil and disputing with him about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous judgment against him, but he said, "May the Lord rebuke you!" 10 But these people insult whatever they do not understand; and what they do understand naturally, like unreasoning animals, these are the very things that destroy them. 11 Woe to them! For they have walked in the way of Cain and have plunged into Balaam's error for profit. They have perished in Korah's rebellion. 12 These people are dangerous reefs at your love feasts, feasting with you fearlessly—shepherds who only feed themselves. They are clouds without rain carried along by winds; autumn trees, without fruit—twice dead, uprooted. 13 They are violent waves in the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of complete darkness has been reserved forever. 14 Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them, saying, "Look! The Lord is coming with thousands and thousands of his holy ones. 15 He is coming to execute judgment on everyone. He is coming to convict all the ungodly of all the works they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the bitter words that ungodly sinners have spoken against him." 16 These are grumblers, complainers, following their evil desires. Their mouths speak loud boasts, flattering others for profit.
17 But you, beloved, remember the words that were spoken in the past by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, "In the last time there will be mockers who will follow their own ungodly desires." 19 It is these who cause divisions; they are worldly and they do not have the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith, and pray in the Holy Spirit. 21 Keep yourselves in God's love, and wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that brings you eternal life. 22 Be merciful to those who doubt. 23 Save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.
24 Now to the one who is able to keep you from stumbling and to cause you to stand before his glorious presence without blemish and with great joy, 25 to the only God our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time, now, and forever. Amen.
Jude identifies himself as the writer of this letter and greets his readers. He was probably the half-brother of Jesus. There are two other Judes mentioned in the New Testament. The word "you" in this letter refers to the Christians to whom Jude was writing and is always plural.
Jude is the brother of James. Alternate translation: "I am Jude, a servant of"
James and Jude were half brothers of Jesus.
"may mercy, peace, and love be increased many times for you." These ideas are spoken of as if they were objects that could grow in size or number. This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns "mercy," "peace," and "love." Alternate translation: "May God continue to be merciful to you so that you live peacefully and love one another more and more
The word "our" in this letter includes both Jude and believers.
Jude tells the believers his reason for writing this letter.
"the salvation we share"
"I felt a great need to write" or "I felt an urgent need to write"
"to encourage you to defend the true teaching"
"finally and completely"
"For some men have come in among the believers without drawing attention to themselves"
This can also be put into the active voice. Alternate translation: "These were men whom God chose to condemn"
God's grace is spoken of as if it were a thing that could be changed into something horrible. Alternate translation: "who teach that God's grace permits one to continue to live in sexual sin"
Possible meanings are 1) they teach that he is not God or 2) these men do not obey Jesus Christ.
Jude gives examples from the past of those who did not follow the Lord.
"the Lord rescued the Israelites long ago from Egypt"
Some texts read "Jesus."
"the responsibilities God entrusted to them"
The proper dwelling place of angels is heaven.
"God has put these angels in a dark prison from which they will never escape"
Here "darkness" is a metonym which represents the place of the dead or hell. Alternate translation: "in utter darkness in hell"
the final day when God will judge everyone
Here "Sodom," "Gomorrah," and "cities" represent the people who lived in them. Alternate translation: "the people of Sodom and Gomorrah and the people in the cities around them"
"engaged in every kind of sexual immorality and all of the perverse sexual acts they desired." The sexual sins of Sodom and Gomorrah were the result of the same kind of rebellion as the angels' evil ways.
The destruction of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah became an example of the fate of all who reject God.
These are the people who disobey God, probably because they claim to have seen visions that gave them authority to do so.
The people sinning is spoken of as if they were making their bodies unclean. Alternate translation: "sin and defile themselves"
"they speak insults about"
This refers to spiritual beings, such as angels.
Balaam was a prophet who refused to curse Israel for an enemy but then taught that enemy to get the people to marry unbelievers and become idol worshipers. Korah was a man of Israel who rebelled against Moses's leadership and Aaron's priesthood.
"did not dare to speak anything evil against him" or "did not dare to insult or condemn him"
the ungodly people
"anything of which they do not know the meaning." Possible meanings are 1) "everything good that they do not understand" or 2) "the glorious ones, which they do not understand" (Jude 1:8).
"Walked in the way" here is a metaphor for "lived in the same way as." Alternate translation: "lived the same way Cain lived"
Jude uses a series of metaphors to describe the ungodly men. He tells the believers how to recognize these men when they are among them.
The word "These" refers to the "ungodly men" of Jude 1:4.
Reefs are large rocks that are very close to the surface of water in the sea. Because sailors cannot see them, they are very dangerous. Ships can easily be destroyed if they hit these rocks.
These words contain two metaphors for dead people and apply them both to "these people."
This is the first metaphor for dead people. Trees in autumn look dead because their leaves have all fallen off, as has the fruit of fruit trees.
This is the second metaphor for dead people. After these "autumn trees" have lost their leaves and fruit, they die their first metaphorical death. Then people uproot them, and they die their second metaphorical death.
completely pulled out of the ground so their roots dry out
As the sea's waves are blown by a strong wind, so the ungodly people are easily moved in many directions.
As wind causes wild waves to stir up dirty foam—so these men, through their false teaching and actions, shame themselves. Alternate translation: "and just as waves bring up foam and dirt, these men pollute others with their shame"
wandering stars
Those who studied the stars in ancient times noticed that some "stars,"—what we call planets—do not move the way that stars do, so they called them "wandering stars." Alternate translation: "They are like moving stars"
Here "darkness" is a metonym that represents the place of the dead or hell, and "the gloom of complete darkness" is an idiom that means "a totally dark place." The phrase "has been reserved" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "and God will put them in the gloom and complete darkness of hell forever"
If Adam is counted as the first generation of mankind, Enoch is the seventh. If Adam's son is counted as the first, Enoch is sixth in line.
"Listen" or "Pay attention to this important thing I am going to say"
Possible meanings are 1) "angels" or 2) "saints" or 3) "angels and saints"
"to make judgment on" or "to judge"
People who do not want to obey and speak against godly authority. "Grumblers" tend to speak quietly, while "complainers" speak openly.
They praise themselves so that others can hear.
"giving false praise to others"
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Ungodly desires are spoken of as if they were a path that a person will follow. Alternate translation: "mockers who will continue to dishonor God by doing the evil things they wish to do"
"It is these mockers" or "These mockers are the ones"
Here "worldly" describes someone who is concerned with things of the world rather than things of God. Often in the Bible "world" represents all things opposed to God. Alternate translation: "they are only concerned with doing what is evil"
The Holy Spirit is spoken of as if he were something that people can possess. Alternate translation: "the Spirit is not within them"
Jude tells the believers how they should live and how they should treat others.
"Do not be like them, beloved. Instead"
Becoming increasingly able to trust in God and obey him is spoken of as if it were the process of constructing a building.
Remaining able to receive God's love is spoken of as if one were keeping oneself in a certain place.
"eagerly look forward to"
Here "mercy" stands for Jesus Christ himself, who will show his mercy to the believers by making them live forever with him.
"those who do not yet believe that Jesus is God"
The picture is that of pulling people from a fire before they start to burn. Alternate translation: "doing for them whatever needs to be done to keep them from dying without Christ. This is like pulling them from the fire"
"be kind to others, but be afraid of sinning the way they do"
Jude exaggerates to warn his readers that they can become like those sinners. Alternate translation: "treating them as though you could become guilty of sin just by touching their clothes"
Jude closes with a blessing.
His glory is brilliant light that represents his greatness. Alternate translation: "and to allow you to enjoy and worship his glory"
Here sin is spoken of as if it were dirt on one's body or a flaw on one's body. Alternate translation: "glorious presence, where you will be without sin and have"
"to the only God, who saved us because of what Jesus Christ did." This emphasizes that God the Father as well as the Son is the Savior.
God has always had, now has, and always will have glory, absolute leadership, and complete control of all things.
1 This is the revelation of Jesus Christ that God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who testified about the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, all the things that he saw. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud this prophecy and those who listen to the words of this prophecy and who obey what is written in it, because the time is near.
4 John, to the seven churches in Asia: May grace be to you and peace from the one who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To the one who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood— 6 he has made us a kingdom, priests for his God and Father—to him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
7 Look, he is coming with the clouds;
every eye will see him,
including those who pierced him.
All the tribes of the earth will mourn because of him.
Yes, Amen.
8 "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "the one who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." [1]
9 I, John—your brother and the one who shares with you in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are in Jesus—was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony about Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day. I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet. 11 It said, "Write what you see in a book, and send it to the seven churches—to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamum, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea." 12 I turned around to see whose voice was speaking to me, and as I turned I saw seven golden lampstands. 13 In the middle of the lampstands there was one like a son of man, wearing a long robe that reached down to his feet and a golden sash around his chest. 14 His head and hair were as white as wool—as white as snow—and his eyes were like a flame of fire. 15 His feet were like polished bronze, like bronze that had been refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of many rushing waters. 16 He had seven stars in his right hand, and a sword with two sharp edges was coming out of his mouth. His face was shining like the sun at its strongest. 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He placed his right hand on me and said, "Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last 18 and the one who lives. I was dead, but look, I live forever and ever! And I have the keys of death and of Hades. 19 Therefore write down what you have seen, what is now, and what will take place after this. 20 As for the hidden meaning about the seven stars you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches."
This chapter explains how the Book of Revelation records the vision John received on the island of Patmos.
Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page to make them easier to read. The ULB does this with the quoted words in verse 7.
John wrote this book to seven actual churches in Asia Minor, which is now the country of Turkey.
The Bible often speaks of something that belongs to a person as being "white." This is metaphor and metonym for that person living rightly and pleasing God. (See: and and righteous)
God exists now. He has always existed. He will always exist. Your language may have a different way of saying this.
Blood is a metonym for death. Jesus "has released us from our sins by his blood." John means that Jesus saved us from our sins by dying for us.
Jesus went into the clouds when he went up to heaven after God raised him from the dead. When Jesus returns, he will also be "with the clouds." It is not clear whether he will be sitting or riding on clouds or coming in the clouds or "with the clouds" in some other way. Your translation should express this in a way that is natural in your language.
This refers to Jesus. You should translate the words "son of man" using the same words as you did in the Gospels for when Jesus called himself the "Son of Man."
The word "angels" here can also mean "messengers." This might refer to heavenly beings, or to the messengers or leaders of these seven churches. John uses the same word "angel" (singular) in verse 1 and in many other places throughout the book. Your translation should also use the same word.
This is an introduction to the book of Revelation. It explains that it is a revelation from Jesus Christ and it gives a blessing to those who read it.
This refers to people who believe in Christ.
"the events that must happen soon"
"communicated it"
John wrote this book and was referring to himself here. Alternate translation: "to me, John, his servant"
The word "who" refers to John. This tells what John did after he learned about the revelation. Alternate translation: "And John testified about ... all the things that he saw"
"the message that God spoke"
These words could refer to 1) the testimony that John has given about Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: "he has also given testimony about Jesus Christ" Or 2) the testimony that Jesus Christ has given about himself.
This does not refer to a specific person. It refers to anyone who reads it aloud. Alternate translation: "anyone who reads aloud"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "obey what John has written in it" or "obey what they read in it"
"the things that must happen will soon happen"
This is the beginning of John's letter. Here he names himself as the writer and greets the people he is writing to.
"May you receive grace and peace" or "May you experience grace and peace." This is a wish or blessing.
"from God, who is"
Existing in the future is spoken of as coming.
The number seven is a symbol of completeness and perfection. The "seven spirits" refers either to the Spirit of God or to seven spirits who serve God.
This continues the blessing from Revelation 1:4. Alternate translation:"and may grace be to you and peace also from Jesus Christ" or "and may Jesus Christ treat you kindly and enable you to live peacefully and securely"
"the first person to be raised from death, never to die again"
The expression "the dead" describes all dead people together in the underworld. To come back from among them speaks of becoming alive again. Alternate translation: "from among all those who have died"
"has released us from our sins"
"has set us apart and begun to rule over us and he has made us priests"
This is one person. Alternate translation: "God, his Father"
This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus.
This is a wish or prayer. Possible meanings are 1) "May people honor his glory and power" or 2) "May he have glory and power." John prays that Jesus Christ will be honored and will be able to rule completely over everyone and everything.
This probably refers to his authority as king.
Here John quotes from Daniel and Zechariah.
Since people see with the eyes, the word "eye" is used to refer to people. Alternate translation: "every person" or "everyone"
"even those who pierced him will see him"
Jesus's hands and feet were pierced when he was nailed to the cross. Here it refers to people killing him. Alternate translation: "killed him"
made a hole in
This can be restated so that the quotation is not split. Alternate translation: "The Lord God says, 'I am the Alpha and the Omega, the one who is ... the Almighty.'" or "'I am the Alpha and the Omega, the one who is ... the Almighty,' says the Lord God."
These are first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Possible meanings are 1) "the one who began all things and who ends all things" or 2) "the one who has always lived and who always will live." If the meanings are unclear to readers, you may consider using the first and last letters of your alphabet. Alternate translation: "the A and the Z" or "the first and the last"
Existing in the future is spoken of as coming.
John explains how his vision began and the instructions the Spirit gave him.
These refer to the believers in the seven churches.
This can be stated as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: "I, John, am your brother who who shares with you in God's kingdom and also suffers and patiently endures trials along with you because we belong to Jesus. I was"
"because I told others the word of God"
"the message that God spoke." Translate as in Revelation 1:2.
"the testimony that God has given about Jesus." Translate as in Revelation 1:2.
John speaks of being influenced by God's Spirit as if he were in the Spirit. Alternate translation: "I was influenced by the Spirit" or "The Spirit influenced me"
the day of worship for believers in Christ
The voice was so loud it sounded like a trumpet.
This refers to an instrument for producing music or for calling people to gather together for an announcement or meeting.
These are names of cities in the region of western Asia that today is modern Turkey.
John begins to explain what he saw in his vision.
This refers to the person speaking. Alternate translation: "who"
This expression describes a human figure, someone who looks human.
a piece of cloth worn around the chest. It may have had golden threads in it.
Wool and snow are examples of things that are very white. The repetition of "as white as" emphasizes that they were very white.
This is the hair of a sheep or goat. It was known to be very white.
His eyes are described as being full of light like fire flames. Alternate translation: "his eyes were glowing like a flames of fire"
Bronze is polished to make it shine and reflect light. Alternate translation: "His feet were very shiny like polished bronze"
The bronze would be refined first and then polished. Alternate translation: "like bronze that has been purified in a hot furnace and polished"
a strong container for holding a very hot fire. People would put metal in it, and the hot fire would burn away any impurities that were in the metal.
This is very loud, like the sound of a large, fast flowing river, of a large waterfall, or of loud waves in the sea.
The sword blade was sticking out of his mouth. The sword itself was not in motion.
This refers to a double-edged sword, which is sharpened on both sides to cut both directions.
John lay down facing the ground. He was probably very frightened and was showing Jesus great respect.
"He touched me with his right hand"
This refers to the eternal nature of Jesus.
Having the power over something is spoken of as having the keys to it. The implied information is that he can give life to those who have died and let them out of Hades. Alternate translation: "I have the power over death and over Hades" or "I have the power to give life to people who have died and to let them out of Hades"
The Son of Man continues to speak.
These stars are symbols that represent the seven angels of the seven churches.
The lampstands are symbols that represent the seven churches. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:12.
Possible meanings are that these "angels" are 1) heavenly angels who protect the seven churches or 2) human messengers to the seven churches, either messengers who went from John to the churches or the leaders of those churches.
This refers to seven churches that actually existed in Asia Minor at that time. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:11.
1 "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:
'The words of the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and who walks among the seven golden lampstands, 2 "I know your deeds, your hard labor, and your patient endurance, and that you cannot tolerate those who are evil, but you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and you have found them to be false. 3 You are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have against you the fact that you have left behind your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen. Repent and do the things you did at first. Unless you repent, I will come to you and I will remove your lampstand from its place. 6 But you have this: You hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 Let the one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God."'
8 "To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
'The words of the one who is the first and the last, the one who was dead and who became alive again: 9 "I know your sufferings and your poverty, but you are rich. I know the slander of those who say they are Jews, but they are not. They are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look! The devil is about to throw some of you into prison so that you will be tested, and you will suffer for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 Let the one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death."'
12 "To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:
'The words of the one who has the sword with two sharp edges: 13 "I know where you live, there where Satan's throne is. Yet you hold on tightly to my name. I know that you did not deny your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, there where Satan lives. 14 But I have a few things against you: You have there some who hold tightly to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to throw a stumbling block before the sons of Israel so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and be sexually immoral. 15 In the same way, you even have some who hold tightly to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Repent, therefore! If you do not, I will quickly come to you, and I will wage war against them with the sword in my mouth. 17 Let the one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches. To the one who conquers, I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give a white stone with a new name written on the stone, a name which no one knows but the one who receives it."'
18 "To the angel of the church in Thyatira write:
'These are the words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire and feet like polished bronze: 19 "I know your deeds: your love and faith and service and your patient endurance. I know that what you have done recently is more than you did at first. 20 But I have this against you: You tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she deceives my servants to commit sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. 21 I gave her time to repent, but she is not willing to repent of her immorality. 22 Look! I will throw her onto a sickbed and those who commit adultery with her into great suffering, unless they repent of her deeds. 23 I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am the one who searches out thoughts and hearts. I will give to each one of you according to your deeds. 24 But to the rest of you in Thyatira, to everyone who does not hold this teaching and does not know what some call the deep things of Satan—to you I say, 'I do not put any other burden on you.' 25 In any case, you must hold on tightly until I come.
26 The one who conquers and does my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations.
27 'He will rule them with an iron rod,
like clay jars he will break them into pieces.'
28 Just as I have received from my Father, I will also give him the morning star. 29 Let the one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches."'
Chapters 2 and 3 together are usually called the "seven letters to the seven churches." You may wish to set each letter apart. The reader can then easily see that they are separate letters.
Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULB does this with the quoted words of verse 27.
The Christians in Smyrna were poor because they did not have much money. But they were rich spiritually because God would reward them for their suffering. (See: spirit)
Some authorities were about to take some of the Christians in Smyrna and throw them into prison and even kill some of them
Balaam, Balak, and Jezebel were people who lived long before Jesus was born. They all tried to harm the Israelites either by cursing them or by making them want to stop obeying God.
The writer knew that almost all of his readers had physical ears. The ear here is a metonym for hearing what God says and desiring to obey him.
The word "angel" here can also mean "messenger." This might refer to the messenger or leader of the church. See how you translated "angel" in Revelation 1:20.
The verses with these words can be difficult to translate. They do not make complete sentences. You may need to add "These are" to the beginning of these verses. Also, Jesus used these words to speak of himself as if he were speaking of another person. Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking of other people. Jesus began speaking in Revelation 1:17. He continues to speak through the end of Chapter 3.
This is the beginning of the Son of Man's message to the angel of the church in Ephesus.
Possible meanings are that this "angel" is 1) a heavenly angel who protects this church or 2) a human messenger to the church, either a messenger who went from John to the church or the leader of the church. See how you translated "angel" in Revelation 1:20.
These stars are symbols. They represent the seven angels of the seven churches. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:16]
The lampstands are symbols that represent the seven churches. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:12]
"Labor" and "endurance" are abstract nouns and can be translated with verbs "work" and "endure." Alternate translation: "I know ... that you work very hard and that you endure patiently"
"but are not apostles"
"you have recognized that those people are false apostles"
"Name" here is a metonym for the person of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: "because of me" or "because you believe in my name" or "because you believe in me"
Being discouraged is spoken of as being tired. Alternate translation: "you have not become discouraged" or "you have not quit"
"I disapprove of you because" or "I am angry with you because"
To stop doing something is spoken of as leaving it behind. Love is spoken of as if it is an object that can be left behind. Alternate translation: "you have stopped loving me as you did at the beginning"
No longer loving as much as they used to is spoken of as haven fallen. Alternate translation: "how much you have changed" or "how much you used to love me"
"If you do not repent"
The lampstands are symbols that represent the seven churches. See how you translated "lampstand" in [Revelation 1:12]
people who followed the teachings of a man named Nicolaus
Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase "has an ear" here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. Alternate translation: "Let the one who is willing to listen, listen to" or "The one who is willing to understand, let him understand and obey"
Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. Alternate translation: "If you are willing to listen, listen to" or "If you are willing to understand, then understand and obey"
This refers to anyone who conquers. Alternate translation: "anyone who resists evil" or "those who do not agree to do evil"
"God's garden." This is a symbol for heaven.
This is the beginning of the Son of Man's message to the angel of the church in Smyrna.
Possible meanings are that this "angel" is 1) a heavenly angel who protects this church or 2) a human messenger to the church, either a messenger who went from John to the church or the leader of the church. See how you translated "angel" in Revelation 1:20.
This is the name of a city in a part of western Asia that today is modern Turkey. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:11]
This refers to the eternal nature of Jesus. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:17]
"Sufferings" and "poverty" can be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: "I know how you have suffered and how poor you are"
"Slander" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "I know how people have slandered you—those who say they are Jews" or "I know how people have said terrible things about you—those who say they are Jews"
"but they are not real Jews"
People who gather to obey or honor Satan are spoken of as if they were a synagogue, a place of worship and teaching for the Jews.
The words "The devil" here are a metonym for the people who obey the devil. Alternate translation: "The devil will soon cause others to put some of you in prison"
"Be faithful to me even if they kill you." The use of the word "until" does not mean that you should stop being faithful at death.
"the winner's crown." This was a wreath, originally of olive branches or laurel leaves, that was put on the head of a victorious athlete.
Possible meanings are 1) "a crown that shows that I have given you eternal life" or 2) "true life as a prize like a winner's crown"
Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase "has an ear" here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7]
Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7]
This refers to anyone who conquers. See how you translated this in [Revelation 2:7]
"will not experience the second death" or "will not die a second time"
This is the beginning of the Son of Man's message to the angel of the church in Pergamum.
Possible meanings are that this "angel" is 1) a heavenly angel who protects this church or 2) a human messenger to the church, either a messenger who went from John to the church or the leader of the church. See how you translated "angel" in Revelation 1:20.
This is the name of a city in a part of western Asia that today is modern Turkey. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:11]
This refers to a double-edged sword, which is sharpened on both sides to cut both directions. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:16
Possible meanings are 1) Satan's power and evil influence on people, or 2) the place where Satan rules.
"Name" here is a metonym for the person. Firmly believing is spoken of as holding on tightly. Alternate translation: "you firmly believe in me"
"Faith" can be translated with the verb "believe." Alternate translation: "you continued to tell people that you believe in me"
This is the name of a man.
"I disapprove of you because of a few things you have done" or "I am angry with you because of a few things you did." See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 2:4.
Possible meanings are 1) "who teach what Balaam taught; he" or 2) "who do what Balaam taught; he."
This is the name of a king.
Something that leads people to sin is spoken of as a stone in the road that people stumble on. Alternate translation: "who showed Balak how to cause the people of Israel to sin"
"sin sexually" or "commit sexual sin"
This was the name for a group of people who followed the teachings of a man named Nicolaus. See how you translated this in [Revelation 2:6]
"So repent"
The verb can be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "If you do not repent, I"
"fight against them"
This refers to the sword in [Revelation 1:16]
Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase "has an ear" here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7]
Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7]
This refers to anyone who conquers. See how you translated this in [Revelation 2:7]
This is the beginning of the Son of Man's message to the angel of the church in Thyatira.
Possible meanings are that this "angel" is 1) a heavenly angel who protects this church or 2) a human messenger to the church, either a messenger who went from John to the church or the leader of the church. See how you translated "angel" in Revelation 1:20.
This is the name of a city in a part of western Asia that today is modern Turkey. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:11]
This is an important title for Jesus.
His eyes are describes as being full of light like a flame of fire. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:14]
Bronze is polished to make it shine and reflect light. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:15]
The abstract nouns "love," "faith," "service," and "endurance" can be translated with verbs. Alternate translation: "How you have loved, trusted, served, and endured patiently"
The implied objects of these verbs can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "How you have loved me and others, trusted me, served me and others, and endured troubles patiently"
"But I disapprove of some of the things you are doing" or "But I am angry with you because of something you are doing." See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 2:4.
Jesus spoke of a certain woman in their church as if she were Queen Jezebel because she did the same kinds of sinful things that Queen Jezebel had done long before that time. Alternate translation: "the woman who is just like Jezebel and"
"I gave her opportunity to repent" or "I waited for her to repent"
Her having to lie in bed would be the result of Jesus making her very sick. Alternate translation: "I will make her lie sick in bed ... I will make suffer greatly" or "I will make her very sick ... I will make suffer greatly"
Jesus speaks of causing people to suffer as throwing them into suffering. Alternate translation: "I will make those who commit adultery with her to suffer greatly"
"practice adultery"
This implies that they have participated with her in her wicked behavior. By repenting of her deeds, they also repent of participating in her behavior. Alternate translation: "if they do not repent from doing the evil that she does" or "if they do not repent of participating in her deeds"
"I will kill her children"
Jesus spoke of her followers as if they were her children. Alternate translation: 'her followers" or "the people who do what she teaches"
The term "heart" a metonym that represents feelings and desires. Alternate translation: "what people think and want"
This is an expression about punishment and reward. Alternate translation: "I will punish or reward each one of you"
Believing a teaching is spoken of as holding the teaching. Alternate translation: "everyone who does not believe this teaching"
The noun "teaching" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "does not hold to what she teaches" or "does not believe what she teaches"
Secret things are spoken of as if they were deep. Alternate translation: "secret things"
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This refers to anyone who conquers. See how you translated this in [Revelation 2:7]
"does what I command him to do"
This is a prophecy from the Old Testament about a king of Israel, but Jesus applies it here to those to whom he gives authority over the nations.
Ruling harshly is spoken of as ruling with an iron rod. Alternate translation: "He will rule them harshly as if striking them with an iron stick"
Breaking them to pieces is an image that represents either 1) destroying evildoers or 2) defeating enemies. Alternate translation: "He will defeat his enemies completely as if breaking clay jars into pieces"
Some languages may need to tell what was received. Possible meanings are 1) "Just as I have received authority from my Father" or 2) "Just as I have received the morning star from my Father."
This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus.
Here "him" refers to the one who conquers.
This is a bright star that sometimes appears early in the morning just before dawn. It was a symbol of victory.
Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase "has an ear" here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7]
Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7]
1 "To the angel of the church in Sardis write:
'The words of the one who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. "I know your deeds. You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up and strengthen what remains but is about to die, because I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard. Obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come against you. 4 But you have a few names in Sardis who have not stained their clothes, and they will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who conquers will be clothed in white garments, and I will never wipe his name out of the Book of Life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6 Let the one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches."'
7 "To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
'The words of the one who is holy and true—
he holds the key of David,
he opens and no one shuts,
he shuts and no one can open.
8 "'I know your deeds. Look, I have put before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have obeyed my word and have not denied my name. 9 Look! I will cause those who belong to the synagogue of Satan, those calling themselves Jews but are not, but rather liars—I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will know that I love you. 10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is coming on the whole world, to test those who live on the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold to what you have so no one can take away your crown. 12 The one who conquers I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, the name of the city of my God (the new Jerusalem, that comes down out of heaven from my God), and my new name. 13 Let the one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches."'
14 "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
'The words of the Amen, the reliable and true witness, the ruler over God's creation. 15 "I know your deeds and that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to vomit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, 'I am rich, I have had many material possessions, and I need nothing.' But you do not know that you are most miserable, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 Listen to my advice: Buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and brilliant white garments so you may clothe yourself and not show the shame of your nakedness, and salve to anoint your eyes so you will see. 19 I rebuke and discipline everyone whom I love. Therefore, be earnest and repent. 20 Look, I am standing at the door and am knocking. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into his home and will eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers I will give him the right to sit down with me on my throne, just as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 Let the one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches."'"
Chapters 2 and 3 together are usually called the "seven letters to the seven churches." You may wish to set each letter apart. The reader can then easily see that they are separate letters.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with verse 7.
These spirits are the seven spirits of Revelation 1:4.
These stars are the seven stars of Revelation 1:20.
Jesus speaks of his desire to have the Christians in Laodicea obey him as if he were a man asking people in a house to allow him to enter and eat with them
The speaker knew that almost all of his readers had physical ears. The ear here is a metonym for hearing what God says and desiring to obey him.
The word "angel" here can also mean "messenger." This might refer to the messenger or leader of the church. See how you translated "angel" in Revelation 1:20.
The verses with these words can be difficult to translate. They do not make complete sentences. You may need to add "These are" to the beginning of these verses. Also, Jesus used these words to speak of himself as if he were speaking of another person. Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking of other people. Jesus began speaking in Revelation 1:17. He continues to speak through the end of Chapter 3.
This is the beginning of the Son of Man's message to the angel of the church in Sardis.
Possible meanings are that this "angel" is 1) a heavenly angel who protects this church or 2) a human messenger to the church, either a messenger who went from John to the church or the leader of the church. See how you translated "angel" in Revelation 1:20.
This is the name of a city in the western part of Asia that today is modern Turkey. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:11]
The number seven is a symbol of completeness and perfection. The "seven spirits" refers either to the Spirit of God or to seven spirits who serve God. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:4]
These stars are symbols that represent the seven angels of the seven churches. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:16]
The word "name" here is a metonym for a reputation. Alternate translation: "You have a reputation for being alive" or "People think that you are alive"
Obeying and honoring God is spoken of as being alive; disobeying and dishonoring him is spoken of as being dead.
The good deeds done by the believers in Sardis are spoken of as if they were alive but in danger of dying. Alternate translation: "Wake up and complete the work that remains; otherwise what you have done will become worthless" or "Wake up. If you do not finish what you have started to do, your previous work will have been useless"
Being alert to danger is spoken of as waking up. Alternate translation: "Be alert" or "Be careful"
This refers to God's word, which they believed. Alternate translation: "God's word that you heard and the truth that you believed"
Being alert to danger is spoken of as waking up. See how you translated "wake up" on [Revelation 3:2]
Jesus will come at a time when people do not expect him, just as a thief comes when not expected.
The word "names" is a metonym for the people themselves. Alternate translation: "a few people"
Jesus speaks of sin in a person's life as if it were a stain on clothes. Alternate translation: "have not made their lives sinful"
People commonly spoke of living as "walking." Alternate translation: "will live with me"
White clothes represent a pure life without sin. Alternate translation: "and they will be dressed in white, which shows that they are pure"
This refers to anyone who conquers. See how you translated this in [Revelation 2:7]
This can be translated with an active verb. Alternate translation: "will wear white garments" or "I will give white clothes"
He would announce that the person belongs to him, not simply say the person's name. Alternate translation: "I will announce that he belongs to me"
"in the presence of my Father"
This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus.
Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase "has an ear" here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7]
Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7]
This is the beginning of the Son of Man's message to the angel of the church in Philadelphia.
Possible meanings are that this "angel" is 1) a heavenly angel who protects this church or 2) a human messenger to the church, either a messenger who went from John to the church or the leader of the church. See how you translated "angel" in Revelation 1:20.
This is the name of a city in the western part of Asia that today is modern Turkey. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:11]
Jesus speaks of his authority to decide who may go into his kingdom as if it were King David's key.
"he opens the door to the kingdom and no one can close it"
"he closes the door and no one can open it"
"I have opened a door for you"
Possible meanings are 1) "you have followed by teachings" or 2) "you have obeyed my commands"
The word "name" here is is a metonym for the person who has that name. Alternate translation: "me"
The writer begins his sentence with "I will cause," but he does not finish the sentence by telling what he will cause "those who belong to the synagogue of Satan" to do. He begins the sentence again with "I will make them," where "them" refers to "those who belong to the synagogue of Satan."
People who gather to obey or honor Satan are spoken of as if they were in a synagogue, a place of worship and teaching for the Jews. See how you translated this in [Revelation 2:9]
"those calling themselves Jews when they are not Jews: instead, they are liars." These words further describe "those who belong to the synagogue of Satan."
This is a sign of submission, not worship. Alternate translation: "bow down in submission"
Here the word "feet" represent the person before whom these people bow down. Alternate translation: "before you" or "to you"
"they will learn" or "they will admit"
"will also prevent the hour of testing from happening to you" or "will protect you so you do not enter the hour of testing"
"time of testing." This probably means "the time when people try to make you disobey me."
Existing in the future is spoken of as coming.
It is understood that he is coming in order to judge. Alternate translation: "I am coming to judge soon"
Continuing to believe firmly in Christ is spoken of as if it were holding something tightly. Alternate translation: "Continue to believe firmly"
A crown was a wreath, originally of olive branches or laurel leaves, that was put on the head of a victorious athlete. Here "crown" stands for a reward. See how you translated "crown" in Revelation 2:10.
Here "The one who conquers" refers to anyone who conquers. See how you translated this in [Revelation 2:7]
Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase "has an ear" here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7]
Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7]
This is the beginning of the Son of Man's message to the angel of the church in Laodicea.
Possible meanings are that this "angel" is 1) a heavenly angel who protects this church or 2) a human messenger to the church, either a messenger who went from John to the church or the leader of the church. See how you translated "angel" in Revelation 1:20.
This is the name of a city in the western part of Asia that today is modern Turkey. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:11]
Here "the Amen" is a name for Jesus Christ. He guarantees God's promises by saying amen to them.
Possible meanings are 1) "the one who rules over everything that God created" or 2) "the one through whom God created everything."
The writer speaks of the Laodiceans as if they were water. Possible meanings are 1) "cold" and hot" represent two extremes of spiritual interest or love for God, where "cold" is to be completely against God, and to be "hot" is to be zealous to serve him, or 2) "cold" and "hot" both refer to water that is useful for drinking or for cooking or healing, respectively. Alternate translation: "you are like water that is neither cold nor hot"
Rejecting them is spoken of as vomiting them out of the mouth. Alternate translation: "I will reject you as I would spit out lukewarm water"
Jesus speaks of their spiritual condition as if he were speaking about their physical condition. Alternate translation: "You are like people who are most miserable, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked"
Here to "buy" represents receiving things from Jesus that have true spiritual value. The "gold refined by fire" represents spiritual wealth. The "brilliant white garments" represents rightousness. And the "salve to anoint your eyes" represents the ability to understand spiritual things. Alternate translation: "Come to me and receive spiritual wealth, which is more valuable than gold that is refined by fire. Receive from me righteousness, which is like brilliant white garments, so that you will not be ashamed. And receive from me wisdom, which is like salve for the eyes, so that you may understand spiritual things"
"be serious and repent"
Jesus speaks about wanting people to relate to him as if he wanted them to invite him into their home. Alternate translation: "I am like one standing at the door and knocking"
When people want someone to welcome them into their home, they knock on the door. Alternate translation: "I want you to let me come inside"
The phrase "my voice" refers to Christ speaking. Alternate translation: "hears me speak" or "hears me call"
Some languages might prefer the verb "go" here. Alternate translation: "I will go in to his home"
This represents being together as friends.
This refers to anyone who conquers. See how you translated this in [Revelation 2:7]
To sit on a throne means to rule. Alternate translation: "to rule with me" or "to sit down on my throne and rule with me"
This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus.
This is the end of the Son of Man's messages to the angels of the seven churches.
Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase "has an ear" here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7]
Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7]
1 After these things I looked, and I saw an open door in heaven. The first voice that I had heard was speaking to me like a trumpet, saying, "Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after these things." 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and I saw there a throne placed in heaven, with someone sitting on it. 3 The one who was sitting on it looked like jasper and carnelian. There was a rainbow around the throne. The rainbow was like an emerald in appearance. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, dressed with white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and crashes of thunder. Seven flaming lamps were burning in front of the throne, lamps that were the seven spirits of God. 6 Before the throne was a sea of glass, like crystal. In the middle of the throne and around the throne were four living creatures, full of eyes, front and back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature was like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. 8 The four living creatures each had six wings, full of eyes on top and underneath. Night and day they do not stop saying,
"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,
who was, and who is, and who is to come."
9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the one who sits on the throne, the one who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before the one seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne, saying,
11 "Worthy are you, our Lord and our God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they existed and were created."
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with verses 8 and 11.
John has finished describing the letters to the churches. He now begins to describe a vision that God showed him.
These words refer to kinds of special stones that the people in John's day considered valuable. It may be difficult for you to translate these words if people in your culture do not value special kinds of stones.
Elders are church leaders. Twenty-four elders may be symbolic of the whole church through the ages. There were twelve tribes in Old Testament Israel and twelve apostles in the New Testament church.
These spirits are the seven spirits of Revelation 1:4.
God's glory is the great beauty and radiant majesty that God has because he is God. Other Bible writers describe it as if it were a light so bright that no one can look at it. No one can give God this kind of glory, because it is already his. For people "to give glory" to God and for God "to receive glory" means that people are praising and worshiping God because of the glory he already has. (See: glory and worthy and worship)
Such things as bolts of lightning coming from the throne, lamps that are spirits, and a sea in front of the throne may be difficult to imagine, and so the words for them may be difficult to translate.
John begins to describe his vision of the throne of God.
"Just after I had seen these things." Here "these things" refers to what John saw in (Revelation 2:1-3:22)
This expression stands for the ability that God gave John to see into heaven, at least by means of a vision.
How the voice was like a trumpet can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "speaking to me loudly like the sound of a trumpet"
This refers to an instrument for producing music or for calling people to gather together for an announcement or meeting. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:10.
John speaks of being influenced by God's Spirit as if he were in the Spirit. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:10]
These are valuable stones. Jasper may have been clear like glass or crystal, and carnelian may have been red.
a green, valuable stone
"24 elders"
These were likenesses of wreaths of olive branches or laurel leaves, hammered out in gold. Such crowns, made of leaves, were given to victorious athletes to wear on their heads.
Use your language's way of describing what lightning looks like each time it appears.
These are the loud noises that thunder makes. Use your language's way of describing the sound of thunder.
The number seven is a symbol of completeness and perfection. The "seven spirits" refers either to the Spirit of God or to seven spirits who serve God. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:4]
How it was like glass or a sea can be stated clearly. Possible meanings are 1) a sea is spoken of as if it were glass. Alternate translation: "a sea that was as smooth as glass" or 2) glass if spoken of as if it were a sea. Alternate translation: "glass that was spread out like a sea"
How it was like crystal can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "clear as crystal"
"Immediately around the throne" or "Close to the throne and around it"
"four living beings" or "four living things"
How the head of each living creature appeared to John is expressed as a comparison with something more familiar.
"living being" or "living thing." See how you translated this in Revelation 4:6
The top and bottom of each wing was covered with eyes.
Existing in the future is spoken of as coming.
This is one person. The one who sits on the throne lives forever and ever.
These two words mean about the same thing and are repeated for emphasis. Alternate translation: "for all eternity"
"24 elders." See how you translated this in [Revelation 4:4]
They purposely lie down facing the ground to show that they are worshiping.
These crowns looked like wreaths of olive branches or laurel leaves, hammered out in gold. The elders were respectfully placing the crowns on the ground, showing that they were submitting to God's authority to rule. Alternate translation: "they lay their crowns before the throne to show that they are submitting to him"
Possible meanings are 1) to place or 2) to throw down forcibly, as of something worthless ("throw," Revelation 2:22). The reader should understand that the elders are acting respectfully.
"our Lord and God." This is one person, the one sitting on the throne.
These are things that God always has. Being praised for having them is spoken of as receiving them. Alternate translation: "to be praised for your glory, honor, and power" or "for everyone to praise you because you are glorious, honorable, and powerful"
1 Then I saw in the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne a scroll written on the front and on the back, sealed with seven seals. 2 I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?" 3 No one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to read it. 4 I wept bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to read it. 5 But one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep. Look! The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals." 6 I saw a Lamb standing in the middle of the throne area and among the four living creatures and among the elders. He looked as though he had been killed. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He went and took hold of the scroll out of the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne. 8 When he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each of them had a harp and a golden bowl full of incense, which are the prayers of God's holy people. 9 They sang a new song:
"You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals.
For you were slaughtered,
and with your blood you purchased people for God
from every tribe, language, people, and nation.
10 You made them a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth."
11 Then I looked and heard the sound of many angels who encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. Their total number was ten thousands of ten thousands and thousands of thousands. 12 They said in a loud voice,
"Worthy is the Lamb, who has been slaughtered,
to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength,
honor, glory, and praise."
13 I heard every created thing that was in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea—everything in them—saying,
"To the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise, honor, glory, and dominion
forever and ever."
14 The four living creatures said, "Amen!" and the elders fell down and worshiped. [1]
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verses 9-13.
Kings and important people in John's time wrote important documents on large pieces of paper or animal skin. They then rolled them up and sealed them with wax so they would stay closed. Only the person to whom the document was written had the authority to open it by breaking the seal. In this chapter, "the one who was seated on the throne" had written the scroll. Only the person called "the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David" and "the Lamb" had the authority to open it. (See: scroll and authority)
Elders are church leaders. Twenty-four elders may be symbolic of the whole church through the ages. There were twelve tribes in Old Testament Israel and twelve apostles in the New Testament church.
The prayers of Christians are described as incense. Christian prayers have a good smell to God. He is pleased when Christians pray.
These spirits are the seven spirits of Revelation 1:4.
The "Lion of the tribe of Judah" and the "Root of David" are metaphors that refer to Jesus. Jesus descended from the tribe of Judah and the family of David. Lions are fierce, and all animals and people are afraid of them, so they are a metaphor for a king whom everyone obeys. The words "Root of David" speak of Israel's King David as if he were a seed that God had planted and of Jesus as if he were a root growing from that seed.
John continues to describe what he saw in his vision of the throne of God.
"After I saw those things, I saw"
This is the same "one" as in Revelation 4:2-3.
"a scroll with writing on the front and the back"
"and it had seven seals keeping it closed"
The person would need to break the seals in order to open the scroll. Alternate translation: "Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?"
This can be translated as a command: "The one who is worthy to do this should come to break the seals and open the scroll!"
This means everywhere: the place where God and the angels live, the place where people and animals live, and the place where those who have died are. Alternate translation: "anywhere in heaven or on the earth or under the earth"
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"Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
This is a title for the man from the tribe of Judah that God had promised would be the great king. Alternate translation: "The one who is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah" or "The king who is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah"
The king is spoken of as if he were a lion because a lion is very strong.
This is a title for the descendant of David that God had promised would be the great king. Alternate translation: "the one who is called the Root of David"
The descendant is spoken of as if David's family were a tree and he were a root of that tree. Alternate translation: "the Descendant of David"
The Lamb appears in the throne room.
A "lamb" is a young sheep. Here is it used symbolically to refer to Christ.
The number seven is a symbol of completeness and perfection. The "seven spirits" refers either to the Spirit of God or to seven spirits who serve God. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:4.
This can be translated with an active verb. Alternate translation: "which God sent out over all the earth"
He approached the throne. Some languages would use the verb "come." Alternate translation: "He came"
A "lamb" is a young sheep. Here is it used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in [Revelation 5:6]
"24 elders." See how you translated this in [Revelation 4:4]
"lay down on the ground." Their faces were toward the ground to show that they were worshiping the Lamb. They did this on purpose; they did not fall accidentally.
Possible meanings are 1) "each of the elders and living creatures" or 2) "each of the elders."
The incense here is a symbol for the believers' prayers to God.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For they slaughtered you" or "For people killed you"
If your language has a word for killing an animal for a sacrifice, consider using it here.
Since blood represents a person's life, losing the blood represents dying. This probably means "by your death" or "by dying."
"you bought people so that they could belong to God" or "you paid the price so that people could belong to God"
This means that people from every ethnic group are included.
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Use an expression in your language that shows that it is a huge number. Alternate translation: "millions" or "too many thousands to count"
"The Lamb, who has been slaughtered, is worthy"
These are all things that the Lamb has. Being praised for having them is spoken of as receiving them. This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns. See how you translated a similar sentence in [Revelation 4:11]
This means everywhere: the place where God and the angels live, the place where people and animals live, and the place where those who have died are. See how you translated this in [Revelation 5:3]
"May he who sits on the throne and the Lamb have"
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1 I looked when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice that sounded like thunder, "Come!" 2 I looked and there was a white horse. Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown. He came out as a conqueror in order to conquer.
3 When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, "Come!" 4 Then another horse came out—fiery red. To its rider was given permission to take peace away from the earth, so that its people would slaughter one another. This rider was given a huge sword.
5 When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come!" I saw a black horse, and its rider held a pair of scales in his hand. 6 I heard what seemed to be a voice among the four living creatures say, "A choenix of wheat for one denarius, and three choenices of barley for a denarius. But do not harm the oil and the wine."
7 When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, "Come!" 8 Then I saw a pale horse. The rider on it was named Death, and Hades was following him. They were given authority over one-fourth of the earth, to kill with the sword, with famine and disease, and with the wild animals of the earth.
9 When the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been killed because of the word of God and the testimony which they held. 10 They cried out with a loud voice, "How long, Ruler over all, holy and true, until you judge those who live on the earth, and until you avenge our blood?" 11 Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told that they should wait a short time longer until the full number of their fellow servants and their brothers who were to be killed, just as they had been killed, was made complete.
12 When the Lamb opened the sixth seal, I watched and there was a great earthquake. The sun became as black as sackcloth, and the full moon became like blood. 13 The stars in the heavens fell to the earth, just as a fig tree drops its unripe figs when shaken by a stormy wind. 14 The sky vanished like a scroll that was being rolled up. Every mountain and island was moved out of its place. 15 Then the kings of the earth and the important people, and the commanders, and the rich, and the powerful, and everyone else, slave and free, hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16 They said to the mountains and to the rocks, "Fall on us! Hide us from the face of the one who is seated on the throne and from the Lamb's wrath. 17 For the great day of their wrath has come. Who is able to stand?"
The author describes what happened after the Lamb opens each of the first six seals. The Lamb does not open the seventh seal until Chapter 8.
Kings and important people in John's time wrote important documents on large pieces of paper or animal skin. They then rolled them up and sealed them with wax so they would stay closed. Only the person to whom the document was written had the authority to open it by breaking the seal. In this chapter, the Lamb opens the seals.
As the Lamb opens each of the first four seals, the author describes horsemen riding different colored horses. The colors of the horses seem to symbolize how the rider will affect the earth.
This refers to Jesus. In this chapter, it is also a title for Jesus.
In verses 12-14, the author uses several similes to try to describe the images he sees in the vision. He compares the images to everyday things.
John continues to describe the events that happened before the throne of God. The Lamb begins to open the seals on the scroll.
This is a command to one person, apparently the rider of the white horse who is spoken of in verse 2.
This can be translated with an active verb. Alternate translation: "he received a crown" or "God gave him a crown"
Crowns were wreaths of olive branches or laurel leaves and were given to victorious athletes to wear on their heads. The crown given to rider may have been hammered out in gold in the likeness of wreaths of olives branches or laurel leaves.
"the next seal" or "seal number two"
"the next living creature" or "living creature number two"
This can the stated as a second sentence. Alternate translation: "came out. It was red like fire" or "came out. It was bright red"
This can be stated with an active verb. Alternate translation: "God gave permission to its rider" or "Its rider received person"
This can be stated with an active verb. Alternate translation: "This rider received a huge sword" or "God gave this rider a huge sword"
"a very large sword" or "a great sword"
"the next seal" or "seal number three"
"the next living creature" or "living creature number three"
a tool used for weighing things
Some languages might want a verb such as "cost" or "buy" in the sentence. There was very little wheat for all the people, so its price was very high. Alternate translation: "A choenix of wheat now costs one denarius" or "Buy a choenix of wheat with one denarius"
A "choenix" was a specific measure that was about one liter. The plural of "choenix" is "choenices." Alternate translation: "One liter of wheat ... three liters of barley" or "One bowl of wheat ... three bowls of barley"
This coin was worth a day's wages. Alternate translation: "one silver coin" or "the pay for one day of work"
If the oil and wine were harmed, there would be less of them for people to buy, and their prices would go up.
These expressions probably stand for the olive oil harvest and the grape harvest.
"the next seal" or "seal number four"
"the next living creature" or "living creature number four"
"grey horse." This is the color of a dead body, so its color is a symbol of death.
Here "the earth" represents the people of the earth. Alternate translation: "one-fourth of the people on the earth"
A sword is a weapon, and here it represents war.
This means that Death and Hades would cause the wild animals to attack and kill people.
"the next seal" or "seal number five"
This may have been "at the base of the altar."
This can be translated with an active verb. Alternate translation: "those whom others had killed"
Here "word of God" is a metonym for the message from God and "held" is a metaphor. Possible meanings are 1) holding the testimony refers to believing God's word and testimony. Alternate translation: "because of the teachings of scripture and what they taught about Jesus Christ" or "because they believed the word of God, which is his testimony" or 2) holding the testimony refers to testifying about the word of God. Alternate translation: "because they testified about the word of God"
The word blood here represents their deaths. Alternate translation: "punish those who killed us"
Either God or an angel gave them a white robe. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then each of them received a white robe"
Either God or an angel is speaking. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God told them" or "an angel told them"
Here "servants" and "brothers" refer to the same group. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until enemies have killed all of Christ's servants whom God had determined would die, just as those under the altar had died"
Christians are often spoken of as being one another's brothers. Females were among those spoken of here. Alternate translation: "fellow Christians" or "fellow believers"
"the next seal" or "seal number six"
Sometimes sackcloth was made of black hair. People would wear sackcloth when they were mourning. The image of sackcloth is meant to lead people to think of death and mourning. Alternate translation: "as black as mourning clothes"
The image of blood is meant to lead people to think of death. How it was like blood can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "red like blood"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: ""just as figs do when a stormy wind shakes a fig tree and causes it to drop its unripe figs"
The sky was normally thought of as being as strong as a sheet of metal, but now it had become as weak as a sheet of paper and was easily torn and rolled up.
soldiers who command warriors during battle
large holes in the sides of hills
Here "face" represents "presence." Alternate translation: "the presence of the one" or "the one"
The day of their wrath refers to the time when they would punish wicked people. Alternate translation: "this is the terrible time when they will punish people"
Existing now is spoken of as having come.
"Their" refers to the one on the throne and the Lamb.
Surviving, or staying alive, is spoken of as if it were standing. This question is used to express great sadness and fear that no one will be able to survive when God punishes him. Alternate translation: "No one can survive."
1 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, tightly holding back the four winds of the earth so that no wind should blow on the earth, on the sea, or against any tree. 2 I saw another angel coming up from the east, who had the seal of the living God. He cried out with a loud voice to the four angels who were given permission to harm the earth and the sea: 3 "Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees until we have put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God." 4 I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000, who were sealed from every tribe of the people of Israel:
5 twelve thousand from the tribe of Judah were sealed,
twelve thousand from the tribe of Reuben,
twelve thousand from the tribe of Gad,
6 twelve thousand from the tribe of Asher,
twelve thousand from the tribe of Naphtali,
twelve thousand from the tribe of Manasseh,
7 twelve thousand from the tribe of Simeon,
twelve thousand from the tribe of Levi,
twelve thousand from the tribe of Issachar,
8 twelve thousand from the tribe of Zebulun,
twelve thousand from the tribe of Joseph, and
twelve thousand from the tribe of Benjamin were sealed.
9 After these things I looked, and there was a huge multitude that no one could count—from every nation, tribe, people, and language—standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands, 10 and they were crying out with a loud voice:
"Salvation belongs to our God,
who is seated on the throne,
and to the Lamb!"
11 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne. They worshiped God, 12 saying,
"Amen!
Praise, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and strength
be to our God forever and ever!
Amen!"
13 Then one of the elders asked me, "Who are these, clothed with white robes, and where did they come from?" 14 I said to him, "Sir, you know," and he said to me, "These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 For this reason,
they are before the throne of God,
and they worship him day and night in his temple.
The one who is seated on the throne
will spread his tent over them.
16 They will not be hungry again,
nor will they be thirsty again.
The sun will not beat down on them,
nor any burning heat.
17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne
will shepherd them,
and he will guide them to springs of living water,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
Scholars have interpreted parts of this chapter in many different ways. Translators do not need to fully understand what this chapter means to accurately translate its contents.
It is important to accurately translate the large numbers in this chapter. The number 144,000 is twelve times twelve thousand.
Translators should be aware that the tribes of the people of Israel are not listed in this chapter the same as they are generally listed in the Old Testament.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verses 5-8 and 15-17.
God saves his people and keeps them through times of trouble. His people respond by worshipping him. (See: worship)
This refers to Jesus. In this chapter, it is also a title for Jesus.
John begins to describe a vision of 144,000 servants of God who become marked with seals. Their marking takes place after the Lamb opens the sixth seal and before he opens the seventh seal.
The earth is spoken of as if it were flat and square like a sheet of paper. The phrase "the four corners" refers to the north, south, east, and west.
The word "seal" here refers to a tool that is used to press a mark onto a wax seal. In this case the tool would be used to put a mark on God's people. Alternate translation: "the marker of the living God" or "the stamp of the living God"
The word "seal" here refers to a mark. This mark shows that the people belong to God and that he will protect them. Alternate translation: "put a mark on the foreheads"
The forehead is the top of the face, above the eyes.
This can be stated with an active verb. Alternate translation: "those whom God's angel marked"
"one hundred forty-four thousand people"
"12,000 people from the tribe"
This can be translated in active form. See how you translated similar words in [Revelation 7:4]
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This continues the list of the people of Israel who were sealed.
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John begins to describe a second vision about a multitude praising God. This vision also takes place after the Lamb opens the sixth seal and before he opens the seventh seal.
"a huge crowd" or "a great number of people"
Here the color "white" represents purity.
"Salvation comes from"
They were praising God and the Lamb. The noun "salvation" can be expressed with the verb "save." Alternate translation: "Our God, who sits on the throne, and the Lamb have saved us!"
These are the four creatures mentioned in Revelation 4:6-8.
Here "fell on their faces" is an idiom that means they lay down facing the ground. See how you translated "prostrated themselves" in [Revelation 4:10]
"Our God is worthy of all praise, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power and strength" or "We must give praise, glory, thanks, and honor to our God"
These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the praise will never end.
The white robes showed that these people were righteous.
"have survived the great tribulation" or "have lived through the great tribulation"
"the time of terrible suffering"
People who have been made righteous by the blood of the Lamb are spoken of as if they have washed their robes in his blood. Alternate translation: "They have been made righteous by washing their robes white in his blood"
The word "blood" is used to refer to the death of Lamb.
The elder continues to speak to John.
These words refer to those people who have come through the great tribulation.
These two parts of the day are used together to mean "all the time" or "without stopping"
"will put his tent up over them." Protecting them is spoken of as if it were giving them shelter to live under. Alternate translation: "will shelter them" or "will protect them"
These words refer to those people who have come through the great tribulation.
The sun's heat no longer causing people to suffer is spoken of as if the sun would not beat down on them. Alternate translation: "The sun will not burn them" or "The sun will not make them weak"
These words refer to those people who have come through the great tribulation.
"the Lamb, who is standing in the middle of the area around the throne, will be"
The elder speaks of the Lamb's care for his people as if it were a shepherd's care for his sheep. Alternate translation: "For the Lamb ... will be like a shepherd to them" or "For the Lamb ... will care for them as a person cares for his animals"
The elder speaks of what gives life as if it were springs of fresh water. Alternate translation: "he will guide them like a shepherd guiding his sheep to fresh water" or "he will guide them to life like a shepherd guiding his sheep to living water"
Tears here represent sadness. Alternate translation: "God will wipe away their sadness, like wiping away tears" or "God will cause them to not be sad anymore"
1 When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was a silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.
3 Another angel came, holding a golden incense bowl, standing at the incense altar. Much incense was given to him so that he would offer it with the prayers of all God's holy people on the golden incense altar before the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense—with the prayers of God's holy people—rose up before God from the angel's hand. 5 The angel took the incense bowl and filled it with fire from the altar. Then he threw it down to the earth, and there were crashes of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.
6 The seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to sound them.
7 The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there was hail and fire mixed with blood. It was thrown down onto the earth so that a third of it was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up. [1]
8 The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea became blood, 9 a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.
10 The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a huge star fell from the sky, blazing like a torch, on a third of the rivers and springs of water. 11 The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the waters that became bitter.
12 The fourth angel sounded his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, as well as a third of the moon and a third of the stars. So a third of them turned dark; a third of the day and a third of the night had no light.
13 I looked, and I heard an eagle [2] that was flying overhead calling out with a loud voice, "Woe, woe, woe, to those who live on the earth, because of the remaining trumpet blasts that are about to be sounded by the three angels."
This chapter begins to show what happens when the Lamb opens the seventh seal. God uses the prayers of all believers to cause dramatic things to happen on earth. John then describes what happens when angels sound the first four of seven trumpets.
In verses 8 and 10, John uses similes to try to describe the images he sees in the vision. He compares the images to everyday things.
The Lamb opens the seventh seal.
This is the last of the seven seals on the scroll. Alternate translation: "the next seal" or "the final seal" or "seal number seven"
They were each given one trumpet. This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) "God gave them seven trumpets" or 2) "the Lamb gave them seven trumpets"
"he would offer the incense to God by burning it"
This refers to the bowl in the angel's hand. Alternate translation: "the bowl in the angel's hand"
The word "fire" here probably refers to burning coals. Alternate translation: "filled it with burning coals" or "filled it with coals of fire"
The seven angels sound the seven trumpets, one at a time.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The angel threw the hail and fire mixed with blood down onto the earth"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "it burned up a third of the earth, a third of the trees, and all the green grass"
"A third" is a fraction.
"The next angel" or "Angel number two"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the angel threw something like a great mountain burning with fire"
"A third" is a fraction.
Possible meanings are it 1) "became red like blood" or it 2) really became blood.
"the things living in the sea" or "the fish and other animals that lived in the sea"
"a huge star that was blazing like a torch fell from the sky." The fire of the huge star looked similar to the fire of a torch.
a stick with one end lit on fire to provide light
Wormwood is a shrub that tastes bitter. People made medicine out of it, but they also believed that it was poisonous. Alternate translation: "The name of the star is Bitterness" or "The name of the star is Bitter Medicine"
The bitter taste of the water is spoken of as if it were wormwood. Alternate translation: "became bitter like wormwood" or "became bitter"
"died when they drank the bitter water"
Causing something bad to happen to the sun is spoken of as striking, or hitting, it. This can be stated with an active verb. Alternate translation: "a third of the sun changed" or "God changed a third of the sun"
Possible meanings are 1) "one third of the time they were dark" or 2) "one third of the sun, one third of the moon, and one third of the stars became dark"
"there was no light during one third of the day and one third of the night" or "they did not shine during one third of the day and one third of the night"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because the three angels who have not yet sounded their trumpets are about to sound them"
1 Then the fifth angel sounded his trumpet. I saw a star from heaven that had fallen to the earth. The star was given the key to the shaft of the bottomless pit. 2 He opened the shaft of the bottomless pit, and smoke went up out of the shaft like smoke from a huge furnace. The sun and the air were turned dark by the smoke from the shaft. 3 Out of the smoke locusts came on the earth, and they were given power like that of scorpions on the earth. 4 They were told not to damage the grass on the earth or any green plant or tree, but only the people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5 They were not given permission to kill those people, but only to torture them for five months. Their agony would be like the sting of a scorpion when it strikes a person. 6 In those days people will seek death but will not find it. They will greatly desire to die, but death will flee from them. 7 The locusts looked like horses prepared for war. On their heads were something like crowns of gold, and their faces were like human faces. 8 They had hair like women's hair, and their teeth were like lions' teeth. 9 They had breastplates like iron breastplates, and the sound of their wings was like the sound made by many chariots and horses running into battle. 10 They had tails with stingers like scorpions; in their tails they had power to harm people for five months. 11 They had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit. His name in Hebrew was Abaddon, and in Greek he had the name Apollyon.
12 The first woe is past. Look! After this there are still two disasters to come.
13 The sixth angel sounded his trumpet, and I heard a voice coming from the horns of the golden altar that is present before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, "Release the four angels who had been bound at the great Euphrates River." 15 The four angels who had been prepared for that hour, that day, that month, and that year were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 The number of the soldiers on horseback was 200,000,000. I heard their number. 17 This is how I saw the horses in my vision and those who rode on them: Their breastplates were fiery red, dark blue and yellow as sulfur. The heads of the horses resembled the heads of lions, and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and sulfur. 18 A third of the people were killed by these three plagues: the fire, smoke, and sulfur that came out of their mouths. 19 For the power of the horses was in their mouths and in their tails—for their tails were like snakes, having heads with which they inflicted wounds on people. 20 The rest of mankind, those who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, nor did they stop worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood—things that cannot see, hear, or walk. 21 Neither did they repent of their murders, their sorcery, their sexual immorality or their acts of theft.
In this chapter, John continues to describe what happens when angels sound seven trumpets.
John describes several "woes" in the Book of Revelation. This chapter begins to describe three "woes" announced at the end of Chapter 8.
This chapter includes several animals: locusts, scorpions, horses, lions, and snakes. These animals represent different qualities or traits. For example, a lion is powerful and dangerous. Translators should use the same animals in their translation if possible. If the animal is unknown, one with similar qualities or traits should be used.
This image is seen several times in the Book of Revelation. It is a picture of hell as being inescapable and the opposite direction as heaven. (See: hell)
"Abaddon" is a Hebrew word. "Apollyon" is a Greek word. Both words mean "Destroyer." John used the sounds of the Hebrew word and wrote them with Greek letters. The ULB and UDB write the sounds of both words with English letters. Translators are encouraged to transliterate these words using the letters of the target language. The original Greek readers would have understood "Apollyon" to mean "Destroyer." So translators may also supply what it means in the text or in a footnote.
Despite great signs, people are described as not repenting and so remain in their sin. People refusing to repent are also mentioned in Chapter 16. (See: repent and sin)
John uses many similes in this chapter. They help to describe the images that he sees in his vision.
The fifth of the seven angels begins to sound his trumpet.
John saw the star after it had fallen. He did not watch if fall.
"the key that unlocks the shaft of the bottomless pit"
Possible meanings are 1) "shaft" is another way of referring to the pit and describes it as long and narrow, or 2) "shaft" refers to the opening of the pit.
This is an extremely deep, narrow hole. Possible meanings are 1) the pit has no bottom; it continues to go down further forever or 2) the pit is so deep that it is as if it had no bottom.
A huge furnace gives off a great amount of thick, dark smoke. Alternate translation: "like the great amount of smoke that comes from a huge furnace"
"became dark"
insects that fly together in large groups. People fear them because they can eat up all the leaves in gardens and on trees.
Scorpions have the ability to sting and poison other animals and people. Alternate translation: "the ability to sting people as scorpions do"
small insects with poisonous stingers on their tails. Their sting is extremely painful and the pain lasts a long time.
Ordinary locusts were a terrible threat to people because when they swarm, they can eat up all the grass and all the leaves on plants and trees. These locusts were told not to do this.
The phrase "to damage" or "to harm" is understood. Alternate translation: "but only to harm the people"
The word "seal" refers a mark that would be left by a tool being pressed into a a wax seal. In this case it refers to mark that God would place upon the foreheads of his people. The people who do not have this mark do not belong to God. See how you translated "seal" in [Revelation 7:3]
The forehead is the top of the face, above the eyes.
"They" refers to the locusts. (Revelation 9:3)
the people whom the locusts were stinging
Here the words "given permission" are understood. Alternate translation: "but only given permission to torture them"
The locusts would be allowed to do this for five months.
"to make them suffer terrible pain"
A scorpion is a small insect with a poisonous stinger at the end of its long tail. The sting can cause severe pain or even death.
This can be restated to remove the abstract noun "death." Alternate translation: "people will try to find a way to die but will not find it" or "people will try to kill themselves but will not find a way to die"
"will want very much to die" or "will wish that they could die"
John speaks of death as if it were a person or animal that could run away. Alternate translation: "they will not be able to die" or "they will not die"
These locusts did not look like ordinary locusts. John describes them by telling how parts of them looked like other things.
These were likenesses of wreaths of olive branches or laurel leaves, hammered out in gold. Examples actually made of leaves were given to victorious athletes to wear on their heads.
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The word "They" refers to the locusts.
A scorpion is a small insect with a poisonous stinger at the end of its long tail. Its sting can cause severe pain or even death. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Revelation 9:3]
Possible meanings are 1) they had power for five months to harm people or 2) they could sting people and the people would be in pain for five months.
This is an extremely deep, narrow hole. Possible meanings are 1) the pit has no bottom; it continues to go down further forever or 2) the pit is so deep that it is as if it had no bottom. See how you translated this in Revelation 9:1.
Both names mean "Destroyer."
Existing in the future is spoken of as coming.
The sixth of the seven angels begins to sound his trumpet.
The voice refers to the one who was speaking. John does not say who the speaker was, but it may have been God. Alternate translation: "I heard someone speaking"
These are horn-shaped extensions at each of the four corners of the top of the altar.
This can be stated with an active form. Alternate translation: "the four angels whom God had commanded someone to bind" or "the four angels whom God bound"
This can be stated with an active form. Alternate translation: "The angel released the four angels who had been prepared for ... that year"
This can be stated with an active form. Alternate translation: "The four angels whom God had prepared"
These words are used to show that the time to release the angels is a specific, chosen time and not just any time. Alternate translation: "for that exact time"
Suddenly, 200,000,000 soldiers on horseback appear in John's vision. John is no longer speaking about the four angels mentioned in the previous verse.
Some ways to express this are: "two hundred million" or "two hundred thousand thousand" or "twenty thousand times ten thousand." If your language does not have a specific number for this, you could also see how you translated a similar large number in [Revelation 5:11]
"red like fire" or "bright red." See how you translated this in Revelation 6:3.
"fire, smoke, and sulfur came out of their mouths"
John continues to describe the horses and the plagues brought upon humanity.
"One third of the people." See how you translated "A third" in [Revelation 8:7]
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those whom the plagues had not killed"
The word "hand" here is a metonym for the person whose hands they are. Alternate translation: "the deeds they had done"
This phrase reminds us that idols are not alive and do not deserve to be worshiped. But the people did not stop worshiping them. Alternate translation: "even though idols cannot see, hear, or walk"
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1 Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven. He was clothed in a cloud, and there was a rainbow above his head. His face was like the sun and his feet were like pillars of fire. 2 He held a little scroll, which was opened in his hand. He put his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land. 3 Then he shouted in a loud voice like a roaring lion. When he shouted, the seven thunders spoke out with their sounds. 4 When the seven thunders spoke out, I was about to write, but I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Seal up what the seven thunders said. Do not write it down." 5 Then the angel I saw standing on the sea and the earth raised his right hand to heaven. 6 He swore by the one who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and all that is in it, the earth and all that is on it, and the sea and all that is in it, and the angel said, "There will be no more delay. 7 But on the day when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, then the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he proclaimed the good news to his servants the prophets." 8 The voice I heard from heaven spoke to me again: "Go, take the open scroll that is in the hand of the angel standing on the sea and on the land." 9 Then I went to the angel and told him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, "Take the scroll and eat it. It will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey." 10 I took the little scroll from the angel's hand and ate it. It was as sweet as honey in my mouth, but after I ate it, my stomach became bitter. 11 Then someone said to me, "You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings."
John here describes the seven thunders as making sounds that he could understand as words. However, translators should use their normal word for "thunder" when translating these verses.
This refers to some aspect of the hidden plan of God. It is not necessary to know what this mystery is to translate it. (See: reveal)
John uses similes to help him describe the face, legs, and voice of the mighty angel. Translators should understand other objects in this chapter, such as the rainbow and the cloud, with their normal meanings.
John begins to describe a vision of a mighty angel holding a scroll. In John's vision he is viewing what is happening from earth. This takes place between the blowing of the sixth and seventh trumpets.
John speaks of the angel as if he were wearing a cloud as his clothing. This expression may be understood as metaphor. However, because very unusual things were often seen in visions, it might be understood as a literally true statement in its context.
John compares the brightness of his face with the brightness of the sun. Alternate translation: "His face was bright like the sun"
The word "feet" here refers to the legs. Alternate translation: "his legs were like pillars of fire"
"He stood with his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land"
"Then the angel shouted"
The thunder is described as if it were a person who could speak. Alternate translation: "the seven thunders made a loud noise" or "the thunder sounded very loudly seven times"
Thunder occurring seven times is spoken of as if it were seven different "thunders."
The word "voice" refers to words spoken by someone other than the angel. Alternate translation: "but I heard someone speaking from heaven"
People in John's day would write a message on a scroll and then seal the scroll so that only the person whom the writers wanted to open it were able to open it. This is a metaphor for keeping something secret. Alternate translation: "Keep secret"
He did this to show that he was swearing by God.
"He asked that what he was going to say would be confirmed by the one who lives forever and ever"
Here "the one" refers to God.
"There will be no more waiting" or "God will not delay"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will accomplish his mystery" or "God will complete his secret plan"
John hears the voice from heaven, which he had heard in Revelation 10:4, speak to him again.
The word "voice" refers to the speaker. Alternate translation: "The one I heard speak from heaven" or "The one who had spoken to me from heaven"
John heard
"The angel said to me"
"make ... sour" or "make ... acid." This refers to a bad taste from the stomach after eating something that is not good.
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This refers to the people who speak the languages. Alternate translation: "language communities" or "groups of people who speak their own languages"
1 A reed was given to me to use like a measuring rod. I was told, "Get up and measure the temple of God and the altar, and those who worship in it. 2 But do not measure the courtyard outside the temple, for it has been given over to the Gentiles. They will trample the holy city for forty-two months. 3 I will give my two witnesses authority to prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth." 4 These witnesses are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that have stood before the Lord of the earth. 5 If anyone chooses to harm them, fire comes out of their mouth and devours their enemies. Anyone who wishes to harm them must be killed in this way. 6 These witnesses have authority to close up the sky so that no rain will fall during the days that they prophesy. They have power to turn the waters to blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague whenever they wish. 7 When they will have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the bottomless pit will wage war against them. He will conquer them and kill them. 8 Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city (which is symbolically called Sodom and Egypt) where their Lord was crucified. 9 For three and a half days some from every people, tribe, language, and nation will look at their bodies. They will not permit them to be placed in a tomb. 10 Those who live on the earth will rejoice over them and celebrate. They will even send gifts to one another because these two prophets tormented those who lived on the earth. 11 But after three and a half days a breath of life from God will enter them, and they will stand on their feet. Great fear will fall on those who see them. 12 Then they will hear a loud voice from heaven say to them, "Come up here!" Then they will go up into heaven in a cloud, while their enemies look on. 13 At that hour there will be a major earthquake, and a tenth part of the city will collapse. Seven thousand people will be killed in the earthquake, and the survivors will be terrified and give glory to the God of heaven.
14 The second woe is past. Look! The third woe is coming quickly.
15 Then the seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and loud voices spoke in heaven and said,
"The kingdom of the world has become
the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ,
and he will reign forever and ever."
16 Then the twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones in the presence of God, fell upon their faces and worshiped God. 17 They said,
"We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty,
the one who is and who was,
because you have taken your great power
and have begun to reign. [1]
18 The nations were enraged,
but your wrath has come.
The time has come for the dead to be judged
and for you to reward your servants the prophets
and God's holy people, and those who feared your name,
both the unimportant and the mighty.
The time has come
for you to destroy those who are destroying the earth."
19 Then God's temple in heaven was opened and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple. There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, crashes of thunder, an earthquake, and a great hailstorm.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verses 15 and 17-18.
John describes several "woes" in the book of Revelation. This chapter describes a second and third "woe" announced at the end of Chapter 8.
The word "Gentiles" here refers to ungodly people groups and not Gentile Christians. (See: godly)
Scholars have suggested many different ideas about these two witnesses. Translators do not need to understand this passage to accurately translate it. (See: prophet)
This image is seen several times in the Book of Revelation. It is a picture of hell as being inescapable and the opposite direction as heaven. (See: hell)
John begins to describe a vision about receiving a measuring rod and about two witnesses that God appointed. This vision also takes place between the blowing of the sixth and seventh trumpets.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone gave me a reed"
The words "me" and "I" refer to John.
"count those who worship in the temple"
to treat something as worthless by walking on it
"42 months"
God continues speaking to John.
"for one thousand two hundred and sixty days" or "for twelve hundred and sixty days"
Why they will wear sackcloth can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "days, wearing rough mourning clothes" or "days. They will wear scratchy clothes to show that they are very sad"
The two olive trees and the two lampstands symbolize these people, but they are not literally the people. Alternate translation: "The two olive trees and the two lampstands that have stood before the Lord of the earth represent these witnesses"
John expects his readers to know about them because many years earlier another prophet had written about them. Alternate translation: "the two olive trees and the two lampstands, told about in scripture, that"
Because this is about future events, it can also be stated in the future tense. Alternate translation: "fire will come out of their mouth and devour their enemies"
Fire burning and killing people is spoken of as if it were an animal that could eat them up. Alternate translation: "fire will come ... and destroy their enemies" or "fire will come ... and completely burn up their enemies"
John speaks of the sky as if it had a door that can be opened to let rain fall or closed to stop the rain. Alternate translation: "to keep rain from falling from the sky"
"the time that they prophesy." The word "days" here can refer to weeks, months, or years.
"to change"
John speaks of the plagues as if they were a stick that someone could hit the earth with. Alternate translation: "to cause all kinds of trouble to occur on earth"
This is an extremely deep, narrow hole. Possible meanings are 1) the pit has no bottom; it continues to go down further forever or 2) the pit is so deep that it is as if it had no bottom. See how you translated this in Revelation 9:1.
This refers to the bodies of the two witnesses.
The city had more than one street. This was a public place where people could see them. Alternate translation: "in one of the streets of the great city" or "in the main street of the great city"
They served the Lord, and, like him, would die in that city.
"3 full days and one half day" or "3.5 days" or "3 1/2 days"
This will be a sign of disrespect.
"will rejoice that the two witnesses have died"
This action shows how happy the people were.
This is the reason that the people will be so happy that the witnesses have died.
"3 full days and one half day" or "3.5 days" or "3 1/2 days." See how you translated this in [Revelation 11:9]
The ability to breathe is spoken of as if it were something that can go into people. Alternate translation: "God will cause the two witnesses to breathe again and live"
Fear is spoken of as if it is a object that can fall on people. Alternate translation: "Those who see them will be extremely afraid"
Possible meanings are 1) the two witnesses will hear or 2) the people will hear what is said to the two witnesses.
The word "voice" refers to the one who speaks. Alternate translation: "someone speak loudly to them from heaven and"
"say to the two witnesses"
"7,000 people"
"those who do not die" or "those who are still living"
"say that the God of heaven is glorious"
"The second terrible event is over." See how you translated "The first woe is past" in Revelation 9:12.
Existing in the future is spoken of as coming. Alternate translation: "The third woe will happen soon"
The last of the seven angels begins to sound his trumpet.
This is the last of the seven angels. See how you translated "seventh" in [Revelation 8.1]
The phrase "loud voices" represents speakers who spoke loudly. Alternate translation: "speakers in heaven spoke loudly and said"
Here "kingdom" refers to the authority to rule the world. Alternate translation: "The authority to rule the world now belongs to our Lord and his Christ" or "Our Lord and his Christ are now the rulers of the world"
This refers to everyone in the world. Alternate translation: "everyone in the world"
"24 elders." See how you translated this in [Revelation 4:4]
This is an idiom that means they lay down facing the ground. See how you translated "prostrated themselves" in [Revelation 4:10]
These phrases can be stated as sentences. Alternate translation: "you, Lord God, the ruler over all. You are the one who is, and you are the one who was"
"the one who exists" or "the one who lives"
"who has always existed" or "who has always lived"
What God did with his great power can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "you have defeated with your power everyone who has rebelled against you"
The words "you" and "your" refer to God.
The twenty-four elders continue praising God.
"were extremely angry"
Existing in the present is spoken of as having come. Alternate translation: "You are ready to show your anger"
Existing in the present is spoken of as having come. Alternate translation: "The time is right" or "Now is the time"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for God to judge the dead"
This nominal adjective can be stated as a verb or adjective. Alternate translation: "Those who have died" or "the dead people"
This list explains what "your servants" means. These were not three completely different groups of people. The prophets also were believers and feared God's name. "Name" here is a metonym for the person of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: "the prophets, those who are believers, and those who fear you" or "the prophets and the others who are believers and fear your name"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then someone opened God's temple in heaven"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I saw the ark of his covenant in his temple"
Use your language's way of describing what lightning looks like each time it appears. See how you translated this in Revelation 4:5.
These are the loud noises that thunder makes. Use your language's way of describing the sound of thunder. See how you translated this in Revelation 4:5.
1 A great sign was seen in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. 2 She was pregnant, and she was crying out in birth pains, in the anguish of childbirth. 3 Then another sign was seen in heaven: Look! There was a huge red dragon that had seven heads and ten horns, and there were seven crowns on his heads. 4 His tail swept away a third of the stars in heaven and hurled them down to the earth. The dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth, he would devour her child. 5 She gave birth to a son, a male child, who would rule all the nations with an iron rod. Her child was snatched away to God and to his throne, 6 and the woman fled into the wilderness, where God had prepared a place for her, so she could be taken care of for 1,260 days.
7 Now there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. 8 But the dragon was not strong enough to win. So there was no longer any place in heaven for him and his angels. 9 The great dragon—that old serpent called the Devil or Satan, who deceives the whole world—was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. 10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven:
"Now have come the salvation and the power
and the kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his Christ.
For the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down,
the one who accused them before our God day and night.
11 They conquered him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony,
for they did not love their lives
even to death.
12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens
and all who reside in them!
But woe to the earth and to the sea,
because the devil has gone down to you!
He is filled with terrible anger
and knows that he has only a little time!
13 When the dragon realized he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. 14 But the woman was given the two wings of a great eagle so that she would flee to the place prepared for her in the wilderness. This was the place where she would be taken care of, for a time, times, and half a time—out of the serpent's presence. 15 The serpent poured water out of his mouth like a river so that he might make a flood to sweep her away. 16 But the earth helped the woman. The earth opened its mouth and swallowed the river that the dragon was pouring out of his mouth. 17 Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war with the rest of her descendants, those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony about Jesus. 18 Then the dragon stood on the sand of the seashore.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verses 10-12.
The Book of Revelation uses imagery from the Old Testament. For example, John refers to Satan as the serpent. This image comes from the account of the Garden of Eden when Satan tempted Eve.
By using the passive voice here, John does not say who saw this great sign in heaven. The translation may be difficult when the subject is unclear, if your language does not have a passive voice. Many English translations use the past tense here and say "A great sign appeared in heaven."
John begins to describe a woman who appears in his vision.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "A great sign appeared in heaven" or "I, John, saw a great sign in heaven"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "a woman who was wearing the sun and had the moon under her feet"
This was apparently a likeness of a wreath made of laurel leaves or olive branches, but with twelve stars included in it.
"12 stars"
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John describes a dragon that appears in his vision.
This was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos.
"With his tail he swept away a third of the stars"
"one third." See how you translated this in [Revelation 8:7]
Ruling harshly is spoken of as ruling with an iron rod. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Revelation 2:27]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God quickly took her child to himself"
"for one thousand two hundred and sixty days" or "for twelve hundred and sixty days"
John uses this word to mark a shift in his account to introduce something else happening in his vision.
This was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified in verse 9 as "the devil or Satan." See how you translated this in [Revelation 12:3]
"So the dragon and his angels could no longer stay in heaven"
The information about the serpent can be given in a separate sentence after the statement that it was thrown down to the earth. Alternate translation: "dragon was thrown down to earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. He is the old serpent who deceives the world and is called the Devil or Satan"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God threw the great dragon ... and his angels out of heaven and sent them to the earth"
The word "I" refers to John.
The word "voice" refers to someone who speaks. Alternate translation: "I heard someone saying loudly from heaven"
God saving people by his power is spoken of as if his salvation and power were things that have come. God's ruling and Christ's authority are also spoken of as if they have come. Alternate translation: "Now God has saved his people by his power, God rules as king, and his Christ has all authority"
"have begun to really exist" or "have appeared" or "have become real." God is revealing these things because their time to occur has "come." It is not that they did not exist before.
This is the dragon that was thrown down in Revelation 12:9.
Fellow believers are spoken of as if they were brothers. Alternate translation: "our fellow believers"
These two parts of the day are used together to mean "all the time" or "without stopping"
The loud voice from heaven continues to speak.
"They conquered the accuser"
The blood refers to his death. Alternate translation: "because the lamb had shed his blood and died for them"
The word "testimony" can be expressed with the verb "testify." Also, whom they testified about can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "by what they said when they testified to others about Jesus"
The believers told the truth about Jesus, even though they knew that their enemies might try to kill them because of it. Alternate translation: "but kept testifying even though they knew that doing so might cause their death"
The devil is spoken of as if he were a container, and anger is spoken of as if it were a liquid that could be in him. Alternate translation: "He is terribly angry"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the dragon realized that God had thrown him out of heaven and sent him to earth"
"he chased after the woman"
This was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified in verse 9 as "the devil or Satan." See how you translated this in [Revelation 12:3]
This is another way of referring to the dragon. Alternate translation: "the dragon's presence"
This is the same being as the dragon mentioned earlier in Revelation 12:9.
The water flowed from his mouth like a river flows. Alternate translation: "poured a very large amount of water out of his mouth so that"
"river; he was trying to make a flood that would sweep"
"to wash her away"
The earth is spoken of as if it were a living thing, and a hole in the earth is spoken of as if it were a mouth that could drink up the water. Alternate translation: "A hole in the ground opened up and the water went down into the hole"
This was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified in verse 9 as "the devil or Satan." See how you translated this in [Revelation 12:3]
The word "testimony" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "continue to testify about Jesus"
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1 Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads. On its horns were ten crowns, and on each of its heads was a blasphemous name. 2 This beast I saw was like a leopard. Its feet were like a bear's feet, and its mouth was like a lion's mouth. The dragon gave it his power, his throne, and his great authority to rule. 3 One of the beast's heads seemed to have a fatal wound, but that fatal wound had been healed. The whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. 4 They also worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast. They worshiped the beast, too, and kept saying, "Who is like the beast?" and "Who can fight against it?" 5 The beast was given a mouth that could speak proud words and blasphemies. It was permitted to exercise authority for forty-two months. 6 So the beast opened its mouth to speak blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his tabernacle, those who live in heaven. 7 The beast was permitted to wage war with God's holy people and to conquer them. Also, authority was given to it over every tribe, people, language, and nation. 8 All who live on the earth will worship it, everyone whose name was not written in the Book of Life, which belongs to the Lamb who had been slaughtered from the foundation of the world. 9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear.
10 If anyone is to be taken into captivity,
into captivity he will go.
If anyone is to be killed with the sword,
with the sword he will be killed.
Here is a call for the patient endurance and faith of God's holy people.
11 Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, and it spoke like a dragon. 12 He exercised all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and he made the earth and those who live on it worship the first beast—the one whose lethal wound had been healed. 13 He performed mighty miracles. He even made fire come down on the earth from heaven in front of people. 14 By the signs he was given power on behalf of the beast, he deceived those who live on the earth, telling them to set up an image for the beast—who was wounded by the sword, but he still lived. 15 He was permitted to give breath to the beast's image so that the image would even speak and cause all who refused to worship the beast to be killed. 16 He also forced everyone, unimportant and mighty, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. 17 It was impossible for anyone to buy or sell unless he had the mark of the beast, that is, the number representing its name. 18 This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast. For it is the number of a human being. His number is 666.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verse 10, which is from the Old Testament.
John uses many similes in this chapter. They help to describe the images that he sees in his vision.
John uses different animals to try to describe what he saw. Some of these animals may not be known in the target language.
John begins to describe a beast who appears in his vision. The word "I" here refers to John.
This was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified as "the devil or Satan." See how you translated this in [Revelation 12:3]
The dragon made the beast as powerful as he was. He did not lose his power, however, by giving it to the beast.
These are three ways of referring to his authority, and together they emphasize that the authority was great.
The word "throne" here refers to the dragon's authority to rule as king. Alternate translation: "his royal authority" or "his authority to rule as king"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but that fatal wound had healed"
"deadly wound"
The word "earth" refers to the people on it. Alternate translation: "All the people on the earth"
"obeyed the beast"
This was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified as "the devil or Satan." See how you translated this in [Revelation 12:3]
"he had caused the beast to have as much authority as he had"
This question shows how amazed they were about the beast. Alternate translation: "No one is as powerful as the beast!"
This question shows how much the people feared the power of the beast. Alternate translation: "No one could ever fight against the beast and win!"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God gave the beast ... God permitted the beast"
Being given a mouth refers to being allowed to speak. Alternate translation: "The beast was allowed to speak"
"42 months"
"to say disrespectful things about God"
The words "those who live in heaven" describe "his tabernacle." John is speaking as though God's people were a tabernacle in which God dwells. Alternate translation: "blaspheming his name and those who live in heaven, who are like a tabernacle for him"
God's name is a metonym for God himself. Alternate translation: "blaspheming God"
Some modern translations read, "his name, his tabernacle, and those who live in heaven."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God gave authority to the beast"
This means that people from every ethnic group are included. See how you translated a similar list in Revelation 5:9.
"will worship the beast"
This phrase clarifies who on the earth will worship the beast. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those whose names the Lamb did not write ... in The Book of Life" or "those whose names were not ... in the Book of Life"
The author speaks of the world as if it were a building set on a foundation. Alternate translation: "from the time that God created the world"
A "lamb" is a young sheep. Here is it used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in [Revelation 5:6]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom the people slaughtered"
These verses are a break from John's account of his vision. Here he give a warning to the people reading his account.
Jesus is emphasizing that what he is about to say is important. The phrase "has an ear" here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Revelation 2:7]
Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7]
This expression means that someone has decided who should be taken. If needed, translators may state clearly who decided it. Alternate translation: "If God has decided that someone should be taken" or "If it is God's will that someone should be taken"
This can be stated in active form. The noun "captivity" can be stated with the verb "capture." Alternate translation: "If it is God's will for the enemy to capture a certain person"
The noun "captivity" can be stated with the verb "capture." Alternate translation: "he will be captured" or "the enemy will capture him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If it is God's will for the enemy to kill a certain person with a sword"
The sword represents war. Alternate translation: "in war"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the enemy will kill him"
"God's holy people must endure patiently and be faithful"
John begins to describe another beast who appears in his vision.
Harsh speech is spoken of as if it were the roar of a dragon. Alternate translation: "it spoke harshly like a dragon speaks"
This was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified as "the devil or Satan." See how you translated this in [Revelation 12:3]
"everyone on the earth"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the one who had a lethal wound that healed"
"deadly wound." This was an injury that was serious enough that it could have made him die.
"The beast from the earth performed"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God permitted the beast from the earth"
Here the word "breath" represents life. Alternate translation: "to give life to the beast's image"
This is the image of the first beast that had been mentioned.
"put to death anyone who refused to worship the first beast"
"The beast from the earth also forced everyone"
"People could buy or sell things only if they had the mark of the beast." The implicit information that the beast from the earth commanded it can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "He commanded that people could buy or sell things only if they had the mark of the beast"
This was an identifying mark that indicated that the person who received it worshiped the beast.
This verse is a break from John's account of his vision. Here he gives another warning to the people reading his account.
"Wisdom is needed" or "You need to be wise about this"
The word "insight" can be translated with the verb "understand." Alternate translation: "If anyone is able to understand things"
"he should discern what the number of the beast means" or "he should figure out what the number of the beast means"
Possible meanings are 1) the number represents one person or 2) the number represents all of humanity.
1 I looked and saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion. With him were 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. 2 I heard a voice from heaven sounding like a roar of many waters and loud thunder. The sound I heard was also like harpists playing their harps. 3 They sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except for the 144,000 who had been bought from the earth. 4 These are the ones that have not defiled themselves with women, for they have kept themselves sexually pure. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These were redeemed from among mankind as firstfruits for God and for the Lamb. 5 No lie was found in their mouth; they are blameless.
6 I saw another angel flying in midair, who had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language, and people. 7 He called out with a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory. For the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him, the one who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and the springs of water."
8 Another angel—a second angel—followed, saying, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, who persuaded all the nations to drink the wine of her immoral passion."
9 Another angel—a third angel—followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he will also drink some of the wine of God's wrath, the wine that has been poured undiluted into the cup of his anger. The person who drinks it will be tormented with fire and sulfur before God's holy angels and before the Lamb. 11 The smoke from their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest day or night—these worshipers of the beast and his image, and everyone who receives the mark of his name. 12 Here is a call for the patient endurance of God's holy people, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus."
13 I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."
"Yes," says the Spirit, "so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds will follow them."
14 I looked, and there was a white cloud. Seated on the cloud was one like a son of man. He had a golden crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. 15 Then another angel came out of the temple and called with a loud voice to the one sitting on the cloud: "Take your sickle and start to reap. For the time to reap has come, since the harvest of the earth is ripe." 16 Then the one who was sitting on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was reaped.
17 Another angel came out from the temple in heaven; he also had a sharp sickle. 18 Still another angel came out from the incense altar, who had authority over the fire. He called out with a loud voice to the one who had the sharp sickle, "Take your sharp sickle and gather in the clusters of grapes from the vines of the earth, for their grapes are now ripe." 19 The angel swung his sickle to the earth and harvested the grapevine of the earth. He threw it into the great winepress of God's wrath. 20 The winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood poured out from it up to the height of a horse's bridle, for 1,600 stadia.
Harvest is when people go out to gather ripe food from plants. Jesus used this as a metaphor to teach his followers that they need to go and tell other people about him so those people can be part of God's kingdom. This chapter uses the metaphor of two harvests. Jesus gathers in his people from the whole earth. Then an angel gathers in wicked people whom God will punish. (See: and harvest and faith)
The word "I" refers to John.
John begins to describe the next part of his vision. There are 144,000 believers standing before the Lamb.
A "lamb" is a young sheep. Here is it used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in [Revelation 5:6]
"one hundred forty-four thousand." See how you translated this in [Revelation 7:4]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "on whose foreheads the Lamb and his Father had written their names"
This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus.
"a sound from heaven"
"The 144,000 people sang a new song." This explains what the sound was that John heard. Alternate translation: "That sound was a new song that they sang"
"the four living beings" or "the four living things." See how you translated "living creature" in Revelation 4:6
This refers to the twenty-four elders around the throne. See how you translated "elders" in Revelation 4:4.
This double negative emphasizes that the 144,000 were unique. Alternate translation: "The only ones who could learn the song were the 144,000"
"one hundred forty-four thousand." See how you translated this in [Revelation 7:4]
Possible meanings are 1) "have never had immoral sexual relations with a woman" or 2) "have never had sexual relations with a woman." Defiling oneself with women may be a symbol of worshiping idols.
Possible meanings are 1) "they have not had sexual relations with a woman who was not their wife" or 2) "they are virgins."
Doing what the Lamb does is spoken of as following him. Alternate translation: "they do whatever the Lamb does" or "they obey the Lamb"
"Firstfruits" here is a metaphor for the first offering to be made to God in celebration of harvest. Alternate translation: "purchased out of the midst of the rest of mankind as a special celebration of salvation"
Their "mouth" refers to what they said." Alternate translation: "They never lied when they spoke"
John begins to describe the next part of his vision. This is the first of three angels who proclaim judgment on the earth.
This means that people from every ethnic group are included. See how you translated a similar list in Revelation 5:9.
Here "the hour" represents the time that has been chosen for something, and the hour having "come" is a metaphor for now being the chosen time. The idea of "judgment" can be expressed with a verb. Alternate translation: "now is the time that God has chosen for judgment" or "it is now the time for God to judge people"
The angel speaks of Babylon having been destroyed as if it had fallen. Alternate translation: "Babylon the great has been destroyed"
"Babylon the large city" or "the important city of Babylon." This was probably a symbol for the city of Rome, which was large, wealthy, and sinful.
Babylon is spoken of as if it were a person, instead of a city filled with people.
This is a symbol for participating in her sexually immoral passion. Alternate translation: "to be sexually immoral like her" or "to get drunk like her in sexual sin"
Babylon is spoken of as if it were a prostitute who has caused other people to sin along with her. This may well have a double meaning: literal sexual immorality and also the worship of false gods.
"loudly"
Drinking the wine of God's wrath is a symbol for being punished by God. Alternate translation: "will also drink some of the wine that represents God's wrath"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that God has poured full strength"
This means that the wine has no water mixed into it. It is strong, and a person who drinks much of it will get very drunk. As a symbol, it means that God will be extremely angry, not just a little angry.
This symbolic cup holds the wine that represents God's anger.
The third angel continues to speak.
The phrase "their torment" refers to the fire that torments them. Alternate translation: "The smoke from the fire that torments them"
"they have no relief" or "the torment does not stop"
"God's holy people must endure patiently and be faithful." See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 13:10.
"those who die"
"who are united with the Lord when they die." This may refer to people who are killed by their enemies. Alternate translation: "who die because they are united to the Lord"
difficulties and sufferings
These deeds are spoken of as if they were alive and able to follow those who did them. Possible meanings are 1) "others will know the good deeds these people have done" or 2) "God will reward them for their deeds"
John begins to describe the next part of his vision. This part is about the Son of Man harvesting the earth. Harvesting the grain is a symbol of God's judging people.
This expression describes a human figure, someone who looks human. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:13]
This was the likeness of a wreath of olive branches or laurel leaves, hammered out in gold. Examples actually made of leaves were given to victorious athletes to wear on their heads.
a tool with a curved blade used for cutting grass, grain, and vines
"came out of the heavenly temple"
Existing in the present is spoken of as having come.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he reaped the earth"
John continues describing his vision about the earth being harvested.
Here "authority over" refers to responsibility to tend the fire.
John describes the earth as a grapevine full of ripe grapes that the angel is harvesting. The grapevine is a metonym for the grapes on the vine, and the grapes are a metaphor for the people of the earth. Alternate translation: "harvested the earth as if he were a person harvesting grapes ... threw the harvest" or "took away the people of the earth as if he were a person harvesting grapes ... threw them"
"threw the grapevine," a metonym for the harvest from the grapevine, or "threw the harvest from the grapevine"
"the large winepress where God will show his wrath." A winepress is a large container in which people put grapes and then crush them to get the juice out. John is saying that the angel will take the people of the earth and put them where God will punish or destroy them because he is angry with them.
This is "the great wine vat" of Revelation 14:19.
"as high as the bridle on a horse's head"
a device made of leather straps that goes around a horse's head and is used for directing the horse
"one thousand six hundred stadia" or "sixteen hundred stadia." A "stadium" is 185 meters. In modern measures this would be about "300 kilometers" or "200 miles."
1 Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: There were seven angels with seven plagues, which are the final plagues, for with them the wrath of God will be completed.
2 I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mixed with fire. Standing beside the sea were those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and over the number representing his name. They were holding harps given to them by God. 3 They were singing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb:
"Great and marvelous are your deeds,
Lord God, the Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
King of the nations.
4 Who will not fear you, Lord,
and glorify your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come
and worship before you
because your righteous deeds have been revealed."
5 After these things I looked, and the temple of the tabernacle of witness was open in heaven. 6 Out of the temple came the seven angels holding the seven plagues. They were clothed with pure, bright linen and had golden sashes around their chests. 7 One of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. 8 The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power. No one could enter it until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.
In this chapter John describes events and pictures that occur in heaven.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verses 3-4.
Those who are "victorious over the beast" are spiritually victorious. While most spiritual battles cannot be seen, the Book of Revelation pictures spiritual battles as openly occurring.
Scripture elsewhere indicates the earthly temple copied God's perfect dwelling place in heaven. Here John seems to refer to God's heavenly dwelling place or temple.
The Book of Revelation often describes heaven as a place where people sing. They worship God with songs. This illustrates that heaven is a place where God is always worshiped.
This verse is a summary of what will happen in 15:6-16:21.
These words have similar meanings and are used for emphasis. Alternate translation: "something that greatly amazed me"
"seven angels who had authority to send seven plagues on the earth"
"and after them, there will not be any more plagues"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for these plagues will complete the wrath of God"
Possible meanings are 1) these plagues will show all of God's anger or 2) after these plagues, God will no longer be angry.
Here John begins to describe his vision of the people who had been victorious over the beast and who were praising God.
How it was like glass or a sea can be stated clearly. Possible meanings are 1) a sea is spoken of as if it were glass. Alternate translation: "a sea that was as smooth as glass" or 2) glass if spoken of as if it were a sea. See how you translated this in [Revelation 4:6]
How they were victorious can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "who had been victorious over the beast and his image by not worshiping them"
How they were victorious over the number can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "over the number representing his name by not being marked with that number"
This refers to the number described in Revelation 13:18.
"Those who had been victorious over the beast were singing"
This question is used to show their amazement at how great and glorious the Lord is. It can be expressed as an exclamation. Alternate translation: "Lord, everyone will fear you and glorify your name!"
The phrase "your name" refers to God. Alternate translation: "glorify you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you have made everyone know about your righteous deeds"
The seven angels with the seven plagues come out of the most holy place. They were spoken of previously in Revelation 15:1.
"After the people finished singing"
The words "the temple" seem to refer either literally to a solid building or metaphorically to a tent or tabernacle. Possible meanings of "tabernacle of witness" are 1) "the tabernacle" is the place where the priests had set the "witness," also called "the ark of the testimony," or 2) the "tabernacle of witness" is another name for "the ark of the testimony."
This is the "temple" spoken of in Revelation 15:5.
These angels were seen as holding seven plagues because in Revelation 17:7 they are given seven bowls full of the wrath of God.
a fine, expensive cloth made from flax
A sash is a decorative piece of cloth worn on the upper body.
"the four living beings" or "the four living things." See how you translated "living creatures" in Revelation 4:6
The image of the wine in the bowls can be stated clearly. The word "wrath" here refers to punishment. The wine is a symbol for punishment. Alternate translation: "seven gold bowls full of the wine that represents the wrath of God"
"until the seven angels finished sending the seven plagues to the earth"
1 I heard a loud voice call out of the temple and say to the seven angels, "Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of God's wrath."
2 The first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth; ugly and painful sores came on the people who had the mark of the beast, those who worshiped his image.
3 The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea. It became blood, like the blood of a dead person, and every living thing in the sea died.
4 The third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood. 5 I heard the angel of the waters say,
"You are righteous—the one who is and who was, the Holy One—
because you have judged these things.
6 Because they poured out the blood of God's holy people and prophets,
you have given them blood to drink;
it is what they deserve."
7 I heard the altar reply,
"Yes, Lord God Almighty,
your judgments are true and righteous."
8 The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was given permission to scorch the people with fire. 9 They were scorched by the terrible heat, and they blasphemed the name of God, who has the authority over these plagues. They did not repent or give him glory.
10 Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and darkness covered its kingdom. They chewed on their tongues because of the pain. 11 They blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pain and sores, and they still refused to repent of their deeds.
12 The sixth angel poured out his bowl into the great river, the Euphrates. Its water was dried up in order to prepare the way for the kings that would come from the east. 13 I saw three unclean spirits that looked like frogs coming out of the mouths of the dragon, of the beast, and of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons performing miraculous signs. They were going out to the kings of the whole world in order to gather them together for the battle on the great day of God Almighty. 15 ("Look! I am coming as a thief! Blessed is the one who keeps watching, keeping his garments on so that he does not walk around naked and so that they do not see his shameful condition.")
16 They brought them together at the place that is called Armageddon in Hebrew.
17 Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air. Then a loud voice came out of the temple and from the throne, saying, "It is done!" 18 There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, crashes of thunder, and a terrible earthquake—an earthquake greater than any that has ever happened since human beings have been on the earth, so great was this earthquake. 19 The great city was split into three parts, and the nations' cities collapsed. Then God called to mind Babylon the great, and he gave that city the cup filled with the wine made from his furious wrath. 20 Every island disappeared, and the mountains were no longer found. 21 Great hailstones, weighing about a talent, came down from the sky upon the people. They blasphemed God for the plague of hail because that plague was so terrible.
This chapter continues the vision of chapter 15. Together they give the seven plagues that complete the wrath of God. (See: wrath)
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verses 5-7.
This is the same temple that was mentioned in chapter 15.
This chapter reveals severe judgments. They are pictured as angels pouring out seven bowls of God's wrath.
The tone of this chapter is meant to astonish the reader. Translations should not minimize the vivid language expressed in this chapter.
This is a Hebrew word. It is the name of a place. John used the sounds of the Hebrew word and wrote them with Greek letters. Translators are encouraged to transliterate it using the letters of the target language.
John continues to describe the part of the vision about the seven angels with the seven plagues. The seven plagues are the seven bowls of God's wrath.
The word "I" refers to John.
The image of the wine in the bowls can be stated clearly. The word "wrath" here refers to punishment. The wine is a symbol for punishment. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Revelation 15:7]
The word "bowl" refers to what is in it. Alternate translation: "poured out the wine from his bowl" or "poured out God's wrath from his bowl"
"painful wounds." These could be infections from diseases or injuries that have not healed.
This was an identifying mark that indicated that the person who received it worshiped the beast. See how you translated this in Revelation 13:17.
The word "bowl" refers to what is in it. See how you translated this in [Revelation 16:2]
This refers to all the salt water lakes and oceans.
The word "bowl" refers to what is in it. See how you translated this in [Revelation 16:2]
This refers to all bodies of fresh water.
These words could be a reference to 1) the third angel who was in charge of pouring out God's wrath on the rivers and springs of water or 2) another angel who was in charge of all the waters.
"You" refers to God.
"God who is and who was." See how you translated a similar phras