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."
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"
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"
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"
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."
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"
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"
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"
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"
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"
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](./05.md)). 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"
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"
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..."
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"
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"
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"