ar_tn/tn_MAT.tsv

2.1 MiB
Raw Permalink Blame History

1ReferenceIDTagsSupportReferenceQuoteOccurrenceNote
2front:introsa9c0

Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the book of Matthew

  1. The birth of Jesus Christ and the beginning of his ministry (1:1-4:25)
  2. Jesus Sermon on the Mount (5:1-7:28)
  3. Jesus illustrates the kingdom of God through acts of healing (8:1-9:34)
  4. Jesus teaches about mission and the kingdom (9:35-10:42)
  5. Jesus teaches about the gospel of the kingdom of God, and opposition to Jesus begins (11:1-12:50)
  6. Jesus tells parables about the kingdom of God (13:1-52)
  7. Further opposition to Jesus and misunderstanding of the kingdom of God (13:53-17:27)
  8. Jesus teaches about life in the kingdom of God (18:1-35)
  9. Jesus ministers in Judea (19:1-22:46)
  10. Jesus teaches about the final judgment and salvation (23:1-25:46)
  11. The crucifixion of Jesus, his death, and his resurrection (26:1-28:19)

What is the book of Matthew about?

The Gospel of Matthew is one of four books in the New Testament that describe some of the life of Jesus Christ. These books are called “Gospels,” which means “good news.” Their authors wrote about different aspects of who Jesus was and what he did. Matthew wrote much about how Jesus fulfilled passages from the Old Testament. Also, he focused on Jesus teaching by presenting some of what Jesus said in five separate speeches, or “discourses.” Many Christians think that Matthew expected his first readers to be Jewish people. However, Matthew also intended his Gospel to be read by all Christians.

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “The Gospel of Matthew,” or “The Gospel According to Matthew.” Or they may choose a different title, such as, “The Good News About Jesus that Matthew Wrote.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

Who wrote the book of Matthew?

The book does not give the name of the author. However, since early Christian times, most Christians have thought that the author was the Apostle Matthew. This man named Matthew was a tax collector who became one of Jesus 12 closest disciples. In this book, Matthew appears in 9:910 and 10:3. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/names/matthew]])

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What does the phrase “the kingdom of the heavens” mean?

While the other Gospels frequently use the phrase “the kingdom of God,” Matthew only uses that phrase four times (see 12:28; 19:24; 21:31; and 21:43). Instead, Matthew frequently uses the phrase “the kingdom of the heavens.” There are two primary issues to consider when translating this phrase: (1) whether “of the heavens” means the same thing as “of God,” and (2) what the word “kingdom” describes.

First (1), does “of the heavens” mean the same thing as “of God”? Some scholars think that Matthew chose to refer to God politely by using the phrase “the heavens,” which would mean that “the kingdom of the heavens” is simply another way to say “the kingdom of God.” However, since Matthew does use the phrase “the kingdom of God” occasionally, it is more likely that the phrase “the kingdom of the heavens” means something slightly different than “the kingdom of God.” It probably refers to the place where the “kingdom” is already present: the heavens. The plural form “heavens” indicates that Matthew is referring to all of heavenly space. The UST expresses the idea of “of the heavens” with the adjective “heavenly.”

Second (2), what does the word “kingdom” describe? In general, the word refers to a monarch ruling over a group of people in a specific area. In various contexts, the word can primarily emphasize the area, the people, or the ruling. However, the term usually refers to all three of these elements, even if one is emphasized more than the others. Consider how you might express the idea of “kingdom” in your language. Some translations emphasize the idea of ruling and express the idea with a clause like “God ruling as king” or “Gods reign.” Other translations emphasize the idea of the people who are ruled and express the idea with a clause like “belonging to Gods people.” However, both of these options do not fully express the idea of “kingdom.” If you have a word or phrase that describes a situation in which a king rules over people in a specific area, you could use it here. Since that word in English is “kingdom,” the ULT and UST both use “kingdom.” (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/other/kingdom]], [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]], and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/kingdomofgod]])

What were “disciples” in Jesus culture?

In both Jewish culture and in Greco-Roman culture, teachers had “disciples” who learned from them and were committed to them. Sometimes these disciples would go wherever their teacher went and imitate what the teacher did. Jesus disciples similarly were committed to him and learned from him. Some of his closest disciples traveled and lived with Jesus, particularly those whom Matthew refers to as The Twelve. Other disciples would go to see Jesus and learn from him, but they did not always travel or live with him. Consider how you might refer to these kinds of relationships in your language. The ULT expresses the idea with the word “disciple,” and the UST uses the word “apprentice.” (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/disciple]])

Why does Jesus refer to himself as the “Son of Man”?

In the gospels, Jesus calls himself the “Son of Man.” This phrase can express two primary ideas:

  1. It can refer to someone who is a human. This meaning for the phrase appears frequently in the book of Ezekiel (for example, see Ezekiel 2:1 or Ezekiel 47:6). So, Jesus uses the phrase to refer to himself in the third person while identifying himself as a human being.
  2. It can refer more specifically to a specific person who appears in Daniel 7:1314. This person approaches God, who gives him dominion and authority. So, when he uses the phrase, Jesus is identifying himself with this person. Scholars are not sure whether people in Jesus culture used the title “Son of Man” to refer to the Messiah. However, Jesus is probably using the title to implicitly claim a special role, perhaps that of the Messiah.

There are three primary issues to consider when translating the phrase “the Son of Man”:

  1. When Jesus uses the phrase, he is referring to himself in the third person. If your readers would not understand this, you may need to express the idea in the first person. See the notes on the phrase “the Son of Man” throughout the book for ways to do this.
  2. The phrase figuratively refers to someone who is human by identifying that persons father as a “man.” If that figure of speech does not make sense in your language, you could refer to someone who is human in another way. Some translations use a phrase like “the human one” to express the idea.
  3. The phrase refers to the specific figure from the book of Daniel. If you have a translation of the book of Daniel, you could translate the phrase as it is expressed there. If you do not have a translation of the book of Daniel, you could consider translating the phrase as a title that refers to a special person, implicitly the Messiah. You could make this clear by capitalizing the phrase (for example, “the Human One”) or by using a different form that indicates that this is a title (for example, “the one called Son of Man”).

A note related to translating the idea of “Son of Man” appears at its first occurrence. After that, if possible express the idea consistently throughout the rest of the book. Notes providing translation options for expressing the idea in first person instead of third person appear at every occurrence. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/sonofman]])

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

What are the Synoptic Gospels?

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the Synoptic Gospels because they have many similar passages. The word “synoptic” means to “see together.”

The texts are considered “parallel” when they are the same or almost the same among two or three gospels. The ULT represents these parallels by using the same words whenever the parallel passages are exactly the same. When the parallel passages are slightly different, the ULT represents the differences as much as possible by using different words. Make sure that your translation represents these similarities and differences as closely as possible.

What do “crowd” and “crowds” refer to in Matthew?

Matthew uses the words “crowd” and “crowds” about 50 times. In most cases, the words refer to the “crowds” that gather where Jesus is. Some of the people in these crowds were disciples. Others were curious about who Jesus was and what he taught. Others wanted Jesus to heal them or give them food. The difference between the singular “crowd” and the plural “crowds” is small. Most likely, the singular refers to all the people viewed together as one group, while the plural refers to multiple different groups of people. Consider how you might best refer to large groups of people who are gathered together for some specific purpose.

What does Matthew mean when he writes that a quotation from the Old Testament was “fulfilled”?

Matthew consistently indicates that things happen to “fulfill” passages from the Old Testament. He means that the event or situation he is describing somehow matches what the Old Testament passage or passages say. Sometimes the Old Testament passage includes a prediction that comes true during Jesus life. Sometimes the Old Testament passage uses words or phrases that match the words or phrases Matthew uses to tell his story. Sometimes the Old Testament passage is completed or explained by something Jesus says or does. Consider how you might indicate that an event, situation, or spoken or written words fit with or match a passage from an important text. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/fulfill]])

When is “you” singular, and when is “you” plural?

As he is telling his story, Matthew uses both singular and plural forms of “you.” These were distinct in his language, but in English both singular and plural are expressed with the word “you.” So, in the introduction to each chapter, there is a section stating whether Matthew uses the singular or plural form of “you” more frequently in that chapter. Then, notes throughout the chapter will indicate whenever Matthew uses the less frequent form of “you.” Look for this section in each chapter introduction if your language distinguishes between singular and plural forms of “you.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

What are the major issues in the text of the book of Matthew?

Some versions of the Bible include some verses in Matthew that other versions do not include. This is because some ancient manuscripts include these verses. However, the best ancient manuscripts do not include them. Here are the verses:

  • “Evening having come, you say, It will be fair weather, for the sky is red. And in early morning, Today will be stormy, for the sky is red, being overcast. You know to interpret the face of the sky, but the signs of the times you are not able” (16:2b3).
  • “But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (17:21).
  • “For the Son of Man came to save the one that has been lost” (18:11).
  • “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour the houses of widows, also for a pretext praying at length. For this reason, you will receive greater judgment” (23:14).

It is recommended that you do not include these passages. However, if in your region, there are older versions of the Bible that include one or more of these passages, you may include them. If they are included, they should be put in footnotes or inside square brackets to indicate that they were probably not originally part of Matthew.

Further, there are at least two different versions of the parable of the two sons in 21:2831. See the introduction to chapter 21 for more information.

Finally, in the following verses, ancient manuscripts do not all have the same words. The ULT uses the words that are found in most of the earliest manuscripts. When you translate these verses, you should compare the ULT with any translations with which your readers may be familiar to see what your readers may expect. Unless there is a good reason to use the alternate words, you should follow the ULT. See the footnotes and notes at each of these verses for more information. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

  • “say every evil thing against you, lying, because of me” (5:11). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “say every evil thing against you because of me.”
  • “everyone being angry with his brother will be subject to the judgment” (5:22). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “everyone being angry with his brother without cause will be subject to the judgment.”
  • “love your enemies and pray on behalf of the ones persecuting you” (5:44). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “love your enemies, bless the ones cursing you, do good to the ones hating you, and pray on behalf of the ones persecuting you.”
  • “the Gentiles” (5:47). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “the tax collectors.”
  • “will reward you” (6:4). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “will reward you in the open.”
  • “will reward you” (6:6). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “will reward you in the open.”
  • “but deliver us from the evil one” (6:13). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”
  • “the men” (6:15). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “men their trespasses.”
  • “will reward you” (6:18). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “will reward you in the open.”
  • “what you might eat or what you might drink, nor about your body” (6:25). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “what you might eat, nor about your body.”
  • “the kingdom” (6:33). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “the kingdom of God.”
  • “For the gate {is} narrow and the road has been made narrow” (7:14). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “How narrow is the gate and having been made narrow the road.”
  • “I have found such great faith from no one in Israel” (8:10). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “not even in Israel have I found such great faith.”
  • “a crowd” (8:18). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “large crowds.”
  • “Gadarenes” (8:28). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “Gergesenes.” Other manuscripts have this: “Gerasenes.”
  • “they were afraid” (9:8). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “they marveled.”
  • “Thaddaeus” (10:3). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “Lebbaeus, who was surnamed Thaddaeus.”
  • “The one having ears to hear, let him hear” (11:15). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “The one having ears, let him hear.”
  • “her children” (11:19). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “her works.”
  • “And you, Capernaum, you will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You will be brought down as far as Hades” (11:23). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “And you, Capernaum, the one being exalted to heaven, will be brought down as far as Hades.”
  • “Now someone said to him, Behold, your mother and your brothers have stood outside, seeking to speak to you” (12:47). Some ancient manuscripts do not include this verse. However, most modern translations do include it.
  • “The one having ears, let him hear” (13:9). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “The one having ears to hear, let him hear.”
  • “The one having ears, let him hear” (13:43). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “The one having ears to hear, let him hear.”
  • “was already in the middle of the sea” (14:24). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “was already many stadia away from the land.”
  • “God commanded, saying” (15:4). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “God said.”
  • “the word of God” (15:6). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “the commandment of God.” Other manuscripts have this: “the law of God.”
  • “They are blind guides” (15:14). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “They are blind guides of the blind.”
  • “Magadan” (15:39). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “Magdala.”
  • “I will make” (17:4). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “let us make.”
  • “your Father” (18:14). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “my Father.”
  • “your brother sins against you” (18:15). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “your brother sins.”
  • “commits adultery; and the one having married one that has been divorced commits adultery” (19:9). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “commits adultery.”
  • “or a mother, or a wife, or children” (19:29). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “or a mother, or children.”
  • “and the first last” (20:16). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “and the first last. For many are called, but few are chosen.”
  • “to drink the cup that I am about to drink” (20:22). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “to drink the cup that I am about to drink or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am being baptized.”
  • “My cup you will drink” (20:23). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “My cup you will drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism with which I am being baptized.”
  • “And the one having fallen on this stone will be broken to pieces, but on whomever it falls, it will crush him” (21:44). Some ancient manuscripts do not include this verse. However, most modern translations do include it.
  • “famines and earthquakes” (24:7). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “famines and plagues and earthquakes.”
  • “neither the angels of the heavens, nor the Son, except the Father only” (24:36). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “neither the angels of the heavens, except the Father only.”
  • “you do not know the day nor the hour” (25:13). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “you do not know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man comes.”
  • “this is my blood of the covenant” (26:28). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “this is my blood of the new covenant”
  • “named Barabbas” (27:16). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “named Jesus Barabbas”
  • “Barabbas” (27:17). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “Jesus Barabbas”
  • “the blood of this one” (27:24). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “the blood of this righteous one.”
  • “casting a lot” (27:35). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “casting a lot, so that what was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled, They divided my robes for themselves, and they cast a lot for my clothing.’”
  • “And behold, Jesus met them” (28:9). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “And behold, as they were going to report to his disciples, Jesus met them.”
  • “until the end of the age” (28:20). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “until the end of the age. Amen.”
31:introy7kk0

Matthew 1 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

  1. The birth of Jesus Christ and the beginning of his ministry (1:1-4:25)
    • The genealogy of Jesus (1:117)
    • Jesus parents and birth (1:1825)

Some translations set a quotation from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this in 1:23 with the quote from Isaiah 7:14.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Genealogy

A genealogy is a list that records a persons ancestors or descendants. Genealogies were important to the Jewish people because family lineage is how they decided how someone functioned in society. For instance, if someone was a descendant of Aaron, they were able to become priests. Similarly, if someone was a descendant of King David, they were able to become a king. This genealogy shows that Jesus was clearly a descendant of King David, and therefore, was able to become king.

The word “fathered”

When Matthew uses the word “fathered,” he only means that the older man was an ancestor of the younger man. In most cases, the older man is the direct father of the younger man. However, sometimes the older man is a grandfather (for example, Josiah is the grandfather of Jechoniah) or a more distant ancestor (for example, Joram is the great-great-grandfather of Ozias). If possible, use a word that indicates that the older man is the ancestor of the younger man without stating that the older man is the father of the younger man. If you need to be more specific, the UST provides one way to do so.

Three groups of 14

Matthew concludes the genealogy by dividing it up into three groups of 14 generations. He divides the groups by using two key events in Israels history: David starting his dynasty and the Babylonians capturing Jerusalem. In order to count 14 generations from Abraham until David, both Abraham and David need to be included. To count 14 generations from David until the Babylonian deportation, David needs to be excluded but Jechoniah needs to be included. To count 14 generations from the Babylonian deportation until the Christ, both Jechoniah and Christ need to be included. The ULT and UST divide the section into paragraphs based on the divisions. Consider how you might show these divisions in your translation.

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Singular and plural forms of “you”

All of the forms of “you” in this chapter appear in instructions that an angel gives to Joseph. Because of that, all forms of “you” in this chapter are singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

Stating that Mary became pregnant

In 1:18, 1:20, and 1:23, Matthew refers to a woman becoming pregnant, but he excludes the involvement of a man in the process. He uses the phrases “to have in the womb” and “having been conceived in her” to avoid referring to the male role in conception. In your translation, you should not identify the Holy Spirit as the one who performed the normal male role, since the Holy Spirit did not have sex with Mary. Instead, the Holy Spirit performed a miracle. So, use a form that does not refer to the male role in conception or a form that denies that a man was involved.

Translating names

In the genealogy, Matthew uses specific Greek spellings of names. These spellings do not always match the Hebrew spellings of the names that you can read in the Old Testament. The ULT and UST spell out how these names sound as Matthew wrote them in Greek. In contrast, some translations spell out these names as they appear in the Old Testament. Consider spelling these names as do other translations that your readers might be familiar with. Otherwise, consider whether your team wishes to spell names in the same way throughout the Bible or whether you will spell them differently in different places. If you do spell them differently in different places, you may need to include footnotes that provide other spellings.

41:1n4xwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitβίβλος γενέσεως1

Here, the phrase book of the genealogy could refer to: (1) just the list of Jesus ancestors that follows in 1:217. Alternate translation: “The book of the ancestry” (2) the list of Jesus ancestors as well as information about his birth and childhood (see 1:22:23). Alternate translation: “The book of the ancestors and birth”

51:1a1t0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionβίβλος γενέσεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1

Here, Matthew is using the possessive form to describe a book that contains the genealogy that lists the ancestors of Jesus Christ. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “The book that contains the genealogy concerning Jesus Christ”

61:1nlc8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyβίβλος1

Here, book represents a written record. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The written record” or “The list”

71:1vpg1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorυἱοῦ Δαυεὶδ, υἱοῦ Ἀβραάμ1

Here Matthew is speaking of a male descendant as if he were a son. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who is descended from David, who is descended from Abraham”

81:1zw1trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitυἱοῦ Ἀβραάμ1

Here Matthew could mean: (1) that David is a son of Abraham. Alternate translation: “who was a son of Abraham” (2) that Jesus is a son of Abraham. Alternate translation: “and also son of Abraham”

91:2cyc6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesἈβραὰμ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰσαάκ, Ἰσαὰκ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰακώβ, Ἰακὼβ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰούδαν καὶ τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς αὐτοῦ1

Here Matthew begins a list of Jesus ancestors. Consider how people normally list ancestors in your language. Use the same wording throughout the whole list (1:216). Possible formats are: (1) “Abrahams son was Isaac, and Isaacs son was Jacob, and Jacobs sons were Judah and his brothers” (2) “Isaacs father was Abraham, and Jacobs father was Isaac, and Judahs father was Jacob” (3) “Abraham fathered Isaac, who fathered Jacob, who fathered Judah and his brothers”

101:2wiqyrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesἈβραὰμ & τὸν Ἰσαάκ, Ἰσαὰκ & τὸν Ἰακώβ, Ἰακὼβ & τὸν Ἰούδαν1

Unless a note specifies otherwise, all the names in the list of ancestors (1:216) are names of men.

111:2pl71rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinshipτοὺς ἀδελφοὺς αὐτοῦ1

Judah had 11 brothers, and some of them were older and some of them were younger. Make sure this is clear if your language marks these distinctions.

121:3ncgarc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesἸούδας δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Φαρὲς καὶ τὸν Ζάρα ἐκ τῆς Θαμάρ, Φαρὲς δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἑσρώμ, Ἑσρὼμ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἀράμ,1

This is a continuation of the list of Jesus ancestors that began in 1:2. Use the same format as you used in the previous verse.

131:3g8y6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesἐκ τῆς Θαμάρ1

The word Tamar is the name of a woman. She was the daughter-in-law of Judah.

141:3sn21rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesτὸν Ἑσρώμ, Ἑσρὼμ & τὸν Ἀράμ1

Many translations spell Hezrom as “Hezron” and Aram as “Ram.” Consider how translations with which your readers might be familiar spell these names. Alternate translation: “Hezron … Hezron … Ram”

151:4kywcrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesἈρὰμ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἀμιναδάβ, Ἀμιναδὰβ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ναασσών, Ναασσὼν δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Σαλμών,1

This is a continuation of the list of Jesus ancestors that began in 1:2. Use the same format as you used in the previous verses.

161:4xlpsrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesἈρὰμ1

Many translations spell Aram as “Ram.” Consider how translations with which your readers might be familiar spell this name. Alternate translation: “Ram”

171:5w4mzrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesΣαλμὼν δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Βόες ἐκ τῆς Ῥαχάβ, Βόες δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰωβὴδ ἐκ τῆς Ῥούθ, Ἰωβὴδ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰεσσαί,1

This is a continuation of the list of Jesus ancestors that began in 1:2. Use the same format as you used in the previous verses.

181:5q5bdrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesῬαχάβ & Ῥούθ1

The words Rahab and Ruth are the names of women. Rahab protected Israelite spies when the Israelites were about to conquer the land that God had promised to give them. Ruth was from Moab but believed in God and traveled to Israel with her mother-in-law, Naomi.

191:6e1rprc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesἸεσσαὶ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Δαυεὶδ τὸν βασιλέα. Δαυεὶδ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Σολομῶνα ἐκ τῆς τοῦ Οὐρίου,1

This is a continuation of the list of Jesus ancestors that began in 1:2. Use the same format as you used in the previous verses.

201:6msbwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐκ τῆς τοῦ Οὐρίου1

Uriah was one of the leaders of the Israelite army, a leader whom David trusted. However, David saw Uriahs wife, named Bathsheba, and wanted her for himself. He had Uriah killed and took Uriahs wife for himself. You can read about this story in 2 Samual 11:127. If it would be helpful in your language, you could include some extra information if your readers would not know this story. Alternate translation: “by Bathsheba the wife of Uriah, whom he had killed”

211:7nc4vrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesΣολομὼν δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ῥοβοάμ, Ῥοβοὰμ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἀβιά, Ἀβιὰ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἀσάφ1

This is a continuation of the list of Jesus ancestors that began in 1:2. Use the same format as you used in the previous verses.

221:7dvaurc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesτὸν Ἀσάφ1

Many translations spell Asaph as “Asa.” Consider how translations with which your readers might be familiar spell this name. Alternate translation: “Asa”

231:8jnlyrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesἈσὰφ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰωσαφάτ, Ἰωσαφὰτ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰωράμ, Ἰωρὰμ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ὀζείαν1

This is a continuation of the list of Jesus ancestors that began in 1:2. Use the same format as you used in the previous verses.

241:8zcs9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesἈσὰφ & τὸν Ὀζείαν1

Many translations spell Asaph as “Asa” and Ozias as “Uzziah.” Consider how translations with which your readers might be familiar spell these names. Alternate translation: “Asa … Uzziah”

251:8-9ei0orc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἸωρὰμ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ὀζείαν & Ὀζείας δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰωαθάμ1

In these two verses, Matthew lists Joram, Ozias, and Jotham. In the list of kings in 1 Chronicles 3, however, there are four names between Joram and Jotham (see 1 Chronicles 3:1112), not one. So, Matthew has not mentioned three of these kings, and the word translated fathered only requires the older person to be an ancestor of the younger person, who could be a son, grandson, great-grandson, or even great-great-grandson. It is unclear exactly where in the list Matthew leaves out the three kings. He could be using the name Ozias: (1) to refer to the king that 1 Chronicles names “Azariah.” In this case, Ozias is the great-great-grandson of Joram and the father of Jotham. Alternate translation: “and Joram was the great-great-grandfather of Ozias, and Ozias fathered Jotham” (2) to refer to the king that 1 Chronicles names “Ahaziah.” In this case, Ozias is the son of Joram and the great-great-grandfather of Jotham. Alternate translation: “and Joram fathered Ozias, and Ozias was the great-great-grandfather of Jotham”

261:9m35zrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesὈζείας δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰωαθάμ, Ἰωαθὰμ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἀχάζ, Ἀχὰζ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἑζεκίαν1

This is a continuation of the list of Jesus ancestors that began in 1:2. Use the same format as you used in the previous verses.

271:9lj7zrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesὈζείας1

Many translations spell Ozias as “Uzziah.” Consider how translations with which your readers might be familiar spell this name. Alternate translation: “Uzziah”

281:10zgmkrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesἙζεκίας δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Μανασσῆ, Μανασσῆς δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἀμώς, Ἀμὼς δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰωσίαν1

This is a continuation of the list of Jesus ancestors that began in 1:2. Use the same format as you used in the previous verses.

291:10odm9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesτὸν Ἀμώς, Ἀμὼς1

Many translations spell Amos as “Amon.” Consider how translations with which your readers might be familiar spell this name. Alternate translation: “Amon … Amon”

301:11t8obrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesἸωσίας δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰεχονίαν καὶ τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς αὐτοῦ1

This is a continuation of the list of Jesus ancestors that began in 1:2. Use the same format as you used in the previous verses.

311:11c2bhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἸωσίας & ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰεχονίαν1

In 1 Chronicles 3:1516, Josiah is listed as the father of Jehoiakim, who is the father of Jechoniah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could clarify that Josiah was the grandfather of Jechoniah. Alternate translation: “Josiah fathered the father of Jechoniah”

321:11vzs3rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinshipτοὺς ἀδελφοὺς αὐτοῦ1

If you must specify whether these brothers were older or younger, it is more likely that they were younger brothers. Alternate translation: “his younger brothers”

331:11v2imrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐπὶ τῆς μετοικεσίας Βαβυλῶνος1

Here Matthew refers to how the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem and took most of the people away to the country of Babylon. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that makes this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “when the Babylonians captured Jerusalem and took many people away”

341:12y7cxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμετὰ & τὴν μετοικεσίαν Βαβυλῶνος1

Here Matthew refers to the same event that he referred to in 1:11. Express the idea in the same way you did there. Alternate translation: “after the Babylonians captured Jerusalem and took many people away”

351:12ua1grc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesἸεχονίας ἐγέννησεν τὸν Σαλαθιήλ, Σαλαθιὴλ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ζοροβαβέλ1

This is a continuation of the list of Jesus ancestors that began in 1:2. Use the same format as you used in the previous verses.

361:12ya86rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesτὸν Σαλαθιήλ, Σαλαθιὴλ1

Many translations spell Salathiel as “Shealtiel.” Consider how translations with which your readers might be familiar spell this name. Alternate translation: “Shealtiel … Shealtiel”

371:12qqo6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitΣαλαθιὴλ & ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ζοροβαβέλ1

In 1 Chronicles 3:19, a brother of Salathiel named Pedaiah is listed as the father of Zerubbabel. However, early Greek translations of 1 Chronicles 3:19 list Salathiel as the father of Zerubabbel. Matthew most likely used a source like these early Greek translations, so he probably intended his readers to think of Salathiel as the father of Zerubbabel and not as his uncle. If it would be helpful in your language, you could include some of this information in a footnote.

381:13dcabrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesΖοροβαβὲλ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἀβιούδ, Ἀβιοὺδ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἐλιακείμ, Ἐλιακεὶμ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἀζώρ1

This is a continuation of the list of Jesus ancestors that began in 1:2. Use the same format as you used in the previous verses.

391:14seokrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesἈζὼρ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Σαδώκ, Σαδὼκ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἀχείμ, Ἀχεὶμ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἐλιούδ1

This is a continuation of the list of Jesus ancestors that began in 1:2. Use the same format as you used in the previous verses.

401:15d8avrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesἘλιοὺδ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἐλεάζαρ, Ἐλεάζαρ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Μαθθάν, Μαθθὰν δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰακώβ1

This is a continuation of the list of Jesus ancestors that began in 1:2. Use the same format as you used in the previous verses.

411:16sq31rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesἸακὼβ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰωσὴφ τὸν ἄνδρα Μαρίας1

This is the end of the list of Jesus ancestors that began in 1:2. Use the same format as you used in the previous verses.

421:16wdborc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesΜαρίας1

The word Mary is the name of a woman.

431:16b3bmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐξ ἧς ἐγεννήθη Ἰησοῦς1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “who gave birth to Jesus”

441:16ovf4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguishὁ λεγόμενος Χριστός1

Here, the phrase the one called Christ distinguishes this Jesus from any other people named Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that distinguishes between this Jesus and any other people with that name. Alternate translation: “the Jesus called Christ” or “specifically the one who is called Christ”

451:16z2rgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὁ λεγόμενος Χριστός1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “whom people call Christ”

461:17vdhvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπὸ Ἀβραὰμ ἕως Δαυεὶδ γενεαὶ δεκατέσσαρες, καὶ ἀπὸ Δαυεὶδ ἕως τῆς μετοικεσίας Βαβυλῶνος γενεαὶ δεκατέσσαρες, καὶ ἀπὸ τῆς μετοικεσίας Βαβυλῶνος ἕως τοῦ Χριστοῦ γενεαὶ δεκατέσσαρες1

In order to count 14 generations from Abraham until David, both Abraham and David need to be included. To count 14 generations from David until the Babylonian deportation, David needs to be excluded but Jechoniah needs to be included. To count 14 generations from the Babylonian deportation until the Christ, both Jechoniah and Jesus need to be included. Consider how you might express the calculations so that they match with the list. Alternate translation: “from Abraham up to and including David were 14 generations, and after David and until the Babylonian deportation were 14 generations, and starting with the Babylonian deportation and counting up to and including the Christ were 14 generations”

471:17z5xwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῆς μετοικεσίας Βαβυλῶνος-1

Here Matthew refers to the same event that he referred to in 1:1112. Express the idea in the same way you did in those verses. Alternate translation: “the Babylonians captured Jerusalem and took many people away … when that happened”

481:18gnl6rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesτοῦ δὲ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ ἡ γένεσις οὕτως ἦν1

Here, the word Now introduces a new section in this book that focuses on the birth of Jesus Christ. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a new section, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “As for the birth of Jesus Christ, it happened thus”

491:18cqt1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveμνηστευθείσης & τῷ Ἰωσήφ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was her parents. Alternate translation: “whose parents promised to Joseph that she would marry him”

501:18xvk1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismπρὶν & συνελθεῖν αὐτοὺς1

Matthew is referring in a polite way to having sex by using the phrase came together. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a polite way of referring to this in your language, or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “before they consummated the marriage” or “before they had sex”

511:18in4arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveεὑρέθη ἐν γαστρὶ ἔχουσα1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “was having in the womb” or “realized that she was having in the womb”

521:18q6y8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν γαστρὶ ἔχουσα1

Here, the phrase having in the womb refers to being pregnant. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to be with child” or “to be pregnant”

531:18a71drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐκ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου1

The phrase from the Holy Spirit indicates that Mary did not become pregnant in the usual way, that is, by having sex with a man. Rather, she became pregnant because the Holy Spirit caused her to be pregnant. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “by the power of the Holy Spirit” or “because of the Holy Spirits work”

541:19h941rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

551:19yufgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἸωσὴφ & ὁ ἀνὴρ αὐτῆς1

Matthew implies that Joseph did not know that the baby came from the Holy Spirit. Joseph thought that Mary had become pregnant after having sex with another man, which is why he wanted to divorce her. If it would be helpful in your language, you could clarify that Joseph did not know that the Holy Spirit had caused Mary to be pregnant. Alternate translation: “Joseph her husband thought that she had been unfaithful, so”

561:19pu3prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ ἀνὴρ αὐτῆς & ἀπολῦσαι αὐτήν1

As the previous verse shows (see 1:18), Mary and Joseph were not yet married. In their culture, however, being “engaged” was a promise to marry, so Matthew can refer to Joseph as Marys husband. He can also refer to breaking the engagement as divorce. If it would be helpful in your language, you could clarify that Matthew is referring to an engaged man breaking the engagement. Alternate translation: “her fiancé … to break the engagement with her”

571:20iip4rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneousταῦτα & αὐτοῦ ἐνθυμηθέντος, ἰδοὺ, ἄγγελος Κυρίου & ἐφάνη1

The angel appeared to Joseph while he was deciding to divorce Mary. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this relationship more explicit. Alternate translation: “during the time when Joseph was reflecting on these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared”

581:20y747rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “suddenly”

591:20meuarc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he declared”

601:20lc8rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorυἱὸς Δαυείδ1

Here, Matthew is speaking of a male descendant as if he were a son. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who is descended from David”

611:20fgbyrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultμὴ φοβηθῇς παραλαβεῖν Μαρίαν τὴν γυναῖκά σου; τὸ γὰρ ἐν αὐτῇ γεννηθὲν ἐκ Πνεύματός ἐστιν Ἁγίου1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the command in the first clauses. Alternate translation: “the one having been conceived in Mary is from the Holy Spirit, so you should not fear to take her as your wife”

621:20va5erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὸ & ἐν αὐτῇ γεννηθὲν ἐκ Πνεύματός ἐστιν Ἁγίου1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit is the one who caused her to conceive her child”

631:21yucrrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultκαὶ καλέσεις τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ἰησοῦν; αὐτὸς γὰρ σώσει τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν αὐτῶν1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the command that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “and because he will save his people from their sins, you will call his name Jesus”

641:21ifq8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseκαλέσεις1

Here the angel gives a command using the future tense. If your language does not use the future tense for commands, you could use a form that your language uses to express commands. Alternate translation: “you must call” or “you are to call”

651:21j38frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἸησοῦν; αὐτὸς γὰρ σώσει τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν αὐτῶν1

The name Jesus means “the Lord saves” in Hebrew. The angel is explaining that Jesus should have this name because he will save his people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain what Jesus name means or include this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “Jesus, for, as his name indicates, he will save his people from their sins” or “Jesus, that is, the Lord saves, since he will save his people from their sins”

661:21ocr6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ1

Here, the phrase his people refers most directly to Jewish people, but it also includes anyone who believes in Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that identifies a group of people who belong to or are connected with Jesus. Alternate translation: “his own people” or “the people who belong to him”

671:22q4lwrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces Matthews comment on what he has narrated so far. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a comment from the narrator, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “I note that” or “As a matter of fact,”

681:22rlserc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsτοῦτο & ὅλον γέγονεν1

The pronoun this refers to what Matthew has said about Mary becoming pregnant before she and Joseph were married (see 1:1821). If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer more directly to these events. Alternate translation: “Jesus was born in that way” or “what I have told you happened”

691:22uwvwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπληρωθῇ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “it might fulfill”

701:22c1vwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὸ ῥηθὲν ὑπὸ Κυρίου1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “what the Lord spoke”

711:22p39krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοῦ προφήτου1

The prophet to whom Matthew refers is Isaiah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Isaiah the prophet”

721:22e8ldrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντος1

In Matthews culture, saying was a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book written by Isaiah the prophet (see Isaiah 7:14). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Matthew is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “who wrote in the book of Isaiah” or “who declared”

731:23wlftrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word Behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “Pay attention:” or “Listen to me:”

741:23c6ykrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἡ παρθένος1

Although the word translated virgin occasionally refers to any young woman, whether she has had sex or not, the word normally refers to a young woman who has not had sex. This is what Matthew means here, so you should use a word or phrase that refers to a woman who is old enough to get married but who has not yet had sex. Alternate translation: “the marriageable woman who has not had sex”

751:23nlp1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν γαστρὶ ἕξει1

Here, the phrase have in her womb refers to a woman being pregnant. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will be with child” or “will be expecting a baby”

761:23qg9lrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsκαλέσουσιν1

The pronoun they refers to people in general. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use a form that refers to people in general. Alternate translation: “others will call” or “everyone will call”

771:23sln1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterateἘμμανουήλ, ὅ ἐστιν μεθερμηνευόμενον, μεθ’ ἡμῶν ὁ Θεός1

The word Immanuel is a Hebrew word. Matthew spelled it out using Greek letters so his readers would know how it sounded, and then he explained what it meant: God with us. In your translation you can spell it the way it sounds in your language and then explain its meaning. Alternate translation: “Immanuel, which is a Hebrew word that is translated as God with us

781:23lm6trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὅ ἐστιν μεθερμηνευόμενον, μεθ’ ἡμῶν ὁ Θεός.1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “which we translate as God with us” or “this name means God with us

791:24sxsvrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word And introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave And untranslated. Alternate translation: “After the angel spoke to him,” or “Next,”

801:24ioyprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐγερθεὶς & ἀπὸ τοῦ ὕπνου1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “having woken from his sleep” or “having risen from sleep”

811:24iue3rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ παρέλαβεν1

Here, the word and introduces how Joseph did as the angel of the Lord commanded him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this relationship more explicit. Alternate translation: “by taking her”

821:25mem5rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ1

Here, the word And introduces something that is unexpected for people who have gotten married. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces something that is unexpected. Alternate translation: “But” or “Despite that,”

831:25i7p5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismοὐκ ἐγίνωσκεν αὐτὴν1

Matthew is referring in a polite way to having sex by using the word know. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a polite way of referring to this in your language, or you could state this plainly. See how you translated the euphemism for having sex in 1:18. Alternate translation: “he did not consummate the marriage with her” or “he did not sleep with her”

841:25v3xerc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsοὐκ ἐγίνωσκεν & ἐκάλεσεν & αὐτοῦ1

Here, both times the pronoun he occurs, it refers to Joseph. The pronoun his refers to the son, Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use names instead of pronouns. Alternate translation: “Joseph did not know … Joseph called the sons”

851:25mclmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoἕως οὗ1

Christians disagree about whether Joseph had sex with Mary after Jesus was born. In this verse, Matthew only refers to the time before Jesus was born. If possible, use a form that only refers to this time period and does not imply anything about what happened after Jesus was born. Alternate translation: “prior to when” or “during the time before”

862:introdz1c0

Matthew 2 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

  1. The birth of Jesus Christ and the beginning of his ministry (1:1-4:25)
    • The visit of the learned men (2:112)
    • Joseph, Mary, and Jesus escape to Egypt (2:1315)
    • Herod kills the baby boys in Bethlehem (2:1618)
    • Joseph, Mary, and Jesus settle in Nazareth (2:1923)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in verses 6 and 18, which are quotations from the Old Testament.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

“Learned men”

In this chapter, Matthew tells about how “learned men” from countries to the east of Judea visited Jesus in order to worship him. These were educated men who studied dreams and stars in the sky to try to learn about what was happening and what would happen in the future. Matthew does not present them as if they are evil. Consider how you might naturally refer to this kind of educated man. The ULT provides a general translation (“learned men”), and the UST illustrates how to use a descriptive phrase (“scholars who studied the stars”).

The star

The learned men journey to Jerusalem because they see a specific star. Matthew further describes how this star moved in the sky until it was directly above where Jesus was living. It is not clear exactly what this star was. Scholars have suggested that it was one of the planets, a shooting star, a comet, or a bright angel. If possible, use a word or phrase that refers generally to a natural source of light in the sky. If you need to be more specific, you could use a word or phrase that refers to stars, especially the kinds of stars that move or appear to move in the sky.

The journeys of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus

In this chapter, Matthew narrates several journeys that Joseph, Mary, and Jesus took. At first, they are in Bethlehem, which is a city near the capital city of Judea, Jerusalem. After the learned men visit, God warns Joseph to journey to Egypt, a country to the southwest of Judea, in order to escape from Herod, the king of Judea. After Herod dies, God tells Joseph that he can take his family back to Israel. However, he does not take his family back to Judea, because Herods son is now reigning in Herods place. Instead, he and his family travel to Nazareth, a city in the region of Galilee, which is north of Judea. When Matthew uses movement words, make sure that your translation fits with these journeys.

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Singular and plural forms of “you”

Most of the forms of “you” in this chapter appear in direct speech to individuals. Because of this, most forms of “you” in this chapter are singular. You should assume forms of “you” are singular unless a note specifies that the form is plural. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

872:1sdstrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,”

882:1j9ynrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequentialτοῦ & Ἰησοῦ γεννηθέντος1

Here, the phrase Jesus having been born states what happened before the learned men from the east arrived in Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this relationship more explicit. Alternate translation: “after Jesus had been born”

892:1esbrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionΒηθλέεμ τῆς Ἰουδαίας1

Here, Matthew is using the possessive form to indicate that Bethlehem is in Judea. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Bethlehem in Judea”

902:1kf5grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν ἡμέραις Ἡρῴδου τοῦ βασιλέως1

The phrase in the days of someone who is a king refers to the period of time in which that person ruled as king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “while Herod the king ruled” or “during the reign of Herod the king”

912:1azm5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “pay attention”

922:1p6gcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπὸ ἀνατολῶν1

Here, the phrase the east refers to countries to the east of Judea. Matthew does not tell us exactly which country or countries he means. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer more explicitly to countries to the east. Alternate translation: “who were from countries to the east of Judea”

932:2o2f4rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they were saying”

942:2o4lurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ τεχθεὶς Βασιλεὺς1

Here the learned men could mean that: (1) the one having been born is destined to be King of the Jews. Alternate translation: “the one having been born to be King” (2) the one having been born is already the King of the Jews. Alternate translation: “the one having been born who is King”

952:2a67krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὁ τεχθεὶς1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the one whose birth recently happened, the one who is”

962:2w3ncrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a reason why the learned men are asking about the King of the Jews. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a question, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “We ask because” or “Indeed,”

972:2zj7crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionαὐτοῦ τὸν ἀστέρα1

Here, the learned men are using the possessive form to describe a star that marks or identifies the King of the Jews. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the star that identifies him” or “the star that proves he has been born”

982:2n3a2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν τῇ ἀνατολῇ1

Here, the phrase in the east could refer to: (1) when the star appeared above the horizon. Alternate translation: “when it rose” (2) where the star appeared in the sky. Alternate translation: “as it rose in the east”

992:2xthmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἤλθομεν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “went” instead of came. Alternate translation: “went”

1002:2v248rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπροσκυνῆσαι1

The phrase to worship can be used for how one behaves before God, but it can also be used for how one behaves before a king. Matthew uses this phrase because the learned men considered Jesus to be a king, but Matthew considers Jesus to be God. So, both meanings of the phrase to worship are included here. If possible, use a form that could be used for how one acts before both kings and God. If you must make a distinction, it is recommended that you use a form that refers to worshiping God. Alternate translation: “to bow before” or “to kneel before him to honor”

1012:3lhk6rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

1022:3b0gtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisπᾶσα Ἱεροσόλυμα μετ’ αὐτοῦ1

Matthew is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “all Jerusalem became troubled with him”

1032:3qu3drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyπᾶσα Ἱεροσόλυμα1

Here, Jerusalem refers to the people who live in Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “all the people in Jerusalem”

1042:3mc1rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleπᾶσα1

Matthew says all here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “most of” or “the majority of”

1052:4tkxerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοῦ λαοῦ1

Here, the phrase the people refers to the Jewish people. Matthew means that the chief priests and the scribes were part of the Jewish people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “of the Jews” or “who belonged to the Jewish people”

1062:4ne4vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsἐπυνθάνετο παρ’ αὐτῶν ποῦ ὁ Χριστὸς γεννᾶται1

It may be more natural in your language to have a indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “he inquired from them where the Christ would be born.”

1072:4cbxvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὁ Χριστὸς γεννᾶται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “is the place of Christs birth” or “is the Christs birthplace”

1082:4mi51rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseὁ Χριστὸς γεννᾶται1

Here Herod asks a question about the location of Christs birth using the present tense. You could use whatever tense is natural in your language for this kind of question. Alternate translation: “will the Christ be born”

1092:5w68nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἐν Βηθλέεμ1

The chief priests and scribes are leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the previous verse if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “He is born in Bethlehem”

1102:5l7mhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionΒηθλέεμ τῆς Ἰουδαίας1

See how you translated this phrase in 2:1. Alternate translation: “Bethlehem in Judea”

1112:5o460rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsοὕτως & γέγραπται διὰ τοῦ προφήτου1

In Matthews culture, for thus it has been written through the prophet is a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book written by Micah the prophet (see Micah 5:2). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Matthew is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “this is what God had Micah the prophet write down:”

1122:5z2i4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοὕτως & γέγραπται διὰ τοῦ προφήτου1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “thus the prophet wrote” or “thus God told the prophet to write”

1132:6uu4hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesκαὶ σύ Βηθλέεμ, γῆ Ἰούδα, οὐδαμῶς ἐλαχίστη εἶ ἐν τοῖς ἡγεμόσιν Ἰούδα; ἐκ σοῦ γὰρ ἐξελεύσεται ἡγούμενος, ὅστις ποιμανεῖ τὸν λαόν μου τὸν Ἰσραήλ.1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. If you use the following alternate translation, you will need to delete the comma at the end of the previous verse and only use one quotation mark at the end of this verse. Alternate translation: “that you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah, for from you will come out a ruling one who will shepherd Gods people Israel”

1142:6kmw7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostropheκαὶ σύ Βηθλέεμ, γῆ Ἰούδα, οὐδαμῶς ἐλαχίστη εἶ ἐν τοῖς ἡγεμόσιν Ἰούδα; ἐκ σοῦ γὰρ ἐξελεύσεται ἡγούμενος, ὅστις ποιμανεῖ τὸν λαόν μου τὸν Ἰσραήλ1

Micah was speaking to Bethlehem as if it were a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could direct the speech to the people who live in Bethlehem, or you could refer to Bethlehem in the third person. Alternate translation: “And Bethlehem, land of Judah, is by no means least among the leaders of Judah, for from this town will come out a ruling one who will shepherd my people Israel”

1152:6ez40rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσύ & σοῦ1

The word you is singular in this verse because Micah is speaking to Bethlehem.

1162:6c2clrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotesοὐδαμῶς ἐλαχίστη1

The prophet Micah is using a figure of speech here that expresses a strongly positive meaning by using a negative phrase, by no means, together with an expression that is the opposite of the intended meaning, least. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the positive meaning. Alternate translation: “very great” or “important”

1172:6pi6xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationτοῖς ἡγεμόσιν Ἰούδα1

Since Micah is speaking to Bethlehem as if it were a person, he refers to important towns in Judah as if they were leaders. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the leading towns of Judah” or “the great cities in Judah”

1182:6rihnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐκ σοῦ & ἐξελεύσεται ἡγούμενος1

Here Micah refers to a person from Bethlehem becoming a ruling one as if the person were coming out of Bethlehem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a person from you will be a ruling one”

1192:6tg5drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorποιμανεῖ1

Here, the prophet Micah is speaking of leading and caring for the people as if it were shepherding. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will lead and care for”

1202:7uusprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὸν χρόνον τοῦ φαινομένου ἀστέρος1

Here, Matthew is using the possessive form to describe the time when the star appeared. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the time at which the star appeared”

1212:7h2y0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsἠκρίβωσεν παρ’ αὐτῶν τὸν χρόνον τοῦ φαινομένου ἀστέρος.1

It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “inquired from them, What was the time of the appearing of the star?’”

1222:8jtw7rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequentialκαὶ πέμψας αὐτοὺς εἰς Βηθλέεμ εἶπεν, πορευθέντες ἐξετάσατε ἀκριβῶς περὶ τοῦ παιδίου; ἐπὰν δὲ εὕρητε, ἀπαγγείλατέ μοι ὅπως κἀγὼ ἐλθὼν προσκυνήσω αὐτῷ1

Matthew tells how King Herod sent the learned men to Bethlehem before he mentions what King Herod told them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could rearrange this verse so that it tells the events in sequential order. Alternate translation: “And he said, Having gone, search carefully for the young child, and after you have found him, report to me so that I also, having come, might worship him. Then, he sent them to Bethlehem.”

1232:8sbwirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goπορευθέντες1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of gone. Alternate translation: “Having come”

1242:8jd7qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularἐξετάσατε & εὕρητε & ἀπαγγείλατέ1

Since Herod is speaking to the learned men, the word you and the commands search and report are plural.

1252:8iod8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθὼν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “having gone”

1262:8g4d0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπροσκυνήσω1

Translate worship as you did in 2:2. Alternate translation: “might bow before” or “might kneel before him to honor”

1272:9zws5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐπορεύθησαν1

Here Matthew implies that they went to Bethlehem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “went to Bethlehem”

1282:9fzm1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “pay attention”

1292:9yb5trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν τῇ ἀνατολῇ1

Translate this phrase as you did in 2:2. Alternate translation: “when it rose” or “as it rose in the east”

1302:9iknfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationπροῆγεν αὐτούς ἕως ἐλθὼν ἐστάθη ἐπάνω οὗ ἦν τὸ παιδίον1

Here Matthew speaks as if the star were a person who could go somewhere and stand there. He means that the star moved in the sky until it was directly above the place where Jesus was staying. We do not know exactly how the star moved or what it looked like. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state directly that the star moved and then stopped. Alternate translation: “was moving in the sky ahead of them until it was above where the young child was. Then it stopped moving”

1312:10otdtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἰδόντες & τὸν ἀστέρα1

Here Matthew could mean that: (1) they saw how the star moved and then stopped over where Jesus was. Alternate translation: “having seen that the star had stopped” or “having seen that the star was guiding them” (2) they saw that the star had appeared again. Alternate translation: “having seen the star again” or “having seen the star reappear”

1322:10vd00rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoἐχάρησαν χαρὰν μεγάλην σφόδρα1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of joy or would not use both the noun joy and the verb rejoiced together, you could express the same idea by using only the verb. Alternate translation: “they rejoiced very much” or “they rejoiced exceedingly greatly”

1332:11y2tlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθόντες1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of gone. Alternate translation: “having come”

1342:11kidlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπεσόντες1

Here Matthew means that the learned men kneeled on the ground or bowed down very low. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “kneeling down” or “prostrating themselves”

1352:11q8vprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπροσεκύνησαν1

Translate worshiped as you did in 2:2 and 2:8. Alternate translation: “they bowed before” or “they kneeled before him to honor”

1362:11r452rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτοὺς θησαυροὺς αὐτῶν1

Here, their treasures refers to the boxes or bags they used to carry their gifts. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the containers that held their treasures” or “their treasure boxes”

1372:12th3jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveχρηματισθέντες1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “God having warned them”

1382:12fjuerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsκατ’ ὄναρ μὴ ἀνακάμψαι πρὸς Ἡρῴδην & ἀνεχώρησαν1

It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “a dream, Do not return to Herod, they departed”

1392:13k00jrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,”

1402:13l4uerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “pay attention”

1412:13pr5crc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseφαίνεται1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “appeared”

1422:13dawprc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he commanded him”

1432:13ygmsrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultἐγερθεὶς, παράλαβε τὸ παιδίον καὶ τὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ καὶ φεῦγε εἰς Αἴγυπτον, καὶ ἴσθι ἐκεῖ ἕως ἂν εἴπω σοι; μέλλει γὰρ Ἡρῴδης ζητεῖν τὸ παιδίον τοῦ ἀπολέσαι αὐτό1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the last clause gives the reason for the command in the first clauses. Alternate translation: “Because Herod is going to seek the young child to kill him, having gotten up, take the young child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you.”

1442:13v88frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἕως ἂν εἴπω σοι1

Here the angel implies that he will tell Joseph that it is safe to return to his home. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “until I tell you it is safe to come back”

1452:14drx2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitνυκτὸς1

Here Matthew implies that they departed for Egypt the same night in which Joseph had the dream. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “that very night”

1462:15ft3arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἦν1

Matthew implies that Mary and Jesus also lived in Egypt with Joseph. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were”

1472:15we5wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπληρωθῇ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “this might fulfill”

1482:15lv97rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὸ ῥηθὲν ὑπὸ Κυρίου1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “what the Lord spoke”

1492:15rbm7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοῦ προφήτου1

The prophet to whom Matthew refers is Hosea. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Hosea the prophet”

1502:15s792rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντος1

In Matthews culture, saying was a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book written by Hosea the prophet (see Hosea 11:1). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Matthew is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “who wrote in the book of Hosea” or “who declared”

1512:15imhzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐκάλεσα1

Here the author of the quotation, Hosea, implies that God is summoning his son from Egypt. He is not just speaking to his son. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “I summoned”

1522:16aygjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἰδὼν1

Here, Matthew speaks of knowing as if it were seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “having learned” or “having known”

1532:16bhttrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐνεπαίχθη ὑπὸ τῶν μάγων1

Matthew implies that Herod realized that the learned men were not going to visit him and tell him where Jesus was. That is why he felt mocked. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he had been mocked by the learned men, who were not going to return” or “the learned men had deceived him by not coming back to him”

1542:16g513rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐνεπαίχθη ὑπὸ τῶν μάγων1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the learned men had mocked him”

1552:16d8d5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀποστείλας, ἀνεῖλεν1

Here Matthew implies that Herod sent other people to kill the children. He did not kill the children himself. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this idea more explicitly. Alternate translation: “he sent forth his soldiers to kill”

1562:16tvj8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἀπὸ διετοῦς καὶ κατωτέρω1

Here, the phrase from two years and under identifies children that are two years old or younger than two years old. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase in your language. Alternate translation: “from those who were just born to those who were two years old” or “those who were younger than three years old”

1572:16es2crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκατὰ τὸν χρόνον ὃν ἠκρίβωσεν παρὰ τῶν μάγων1

Here Matthew implies that Herod decided what ages of baby boys to have killed based on when the learned men first saw the star. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “basing this decision on the time of the stars appearance that he had determined exactly from the learned men”

1582:17x68mrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneousτότε1

Here, the word Then indicates that the prophecy was fulfilled at the time when Herod had his soldiers kill the baby boys in Bethlehem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces something that happens at the same time. Alternate translation: “And so” or “It was then that”

1592:17l8g5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐπληρώθη τὸ ῥηθὲν1

See how you translated the similar passive forms in 1:22 and 2:15. Alternate translation: “these events fulfilled what God spoke”

1602:17ykxcrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντος1

In Matthews culture, saying was a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book written by Jeremiah the prophet (see Jeremiah 31:15). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Matthew is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “who wrote in his book” or “who declared”

1612:18zm17rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorφωνὴ ἐν Ῥαμὰ ἠκούσθη, κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὀδυρμὸς πολύς, Ῥαχὴλ κλαίουσα τὰ τέκνα αὐτῆς, καὶ οὐκ ἤθελεν παρακληθῆναι1

This prophecy speaks of women who live in Ramah as if they were Rachel, their ancestor. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer directly to the women who are descended from Rachel. Alternate translation: “Voices were heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, women descended from Rachel weeping for their children, and not willing to be comforted”

1622:18k91trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveφωνὴ & ἠκούσθη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “There was a voice” or “People heard a voice”

1632:18x062rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletκλαυθμὸς καὶ ὀδυρμὸς πολύς1

The terms weeping and great mourning mean similar things. Matthew is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “much weeping” or “deep mourning”

1642:18sve3rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὐκ ἤθελεν παρακληθῆναι, ὅτι οὐκ εἰσίν1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “because they are no more, she is not willing to be comforted”

1652:18rgg1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοὐκ ἤθελεν παρακληθῆναι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “she was not willing to receive comfort” or “no one could comfort her”

1662:18p9rirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismοὐκ εἰσίν1

The author of the quotation is referring to the death of the children in a polite way by using the phrase they are no more. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a polite way of referring to this in your language, or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “they had passed away” or “because they had died”

1672:19vupxrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,”

1682:19wwpirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “suddenly”

1692:19o6s1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseφαίνεται1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “appeared”

1702:20pljvrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he commanded him”

1712:20hij7rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultἐγερθεὶς, παράλαβε τὸ παιδίον καὶ τὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ, καὶ πορεύου εἰς γῆν Ἰσραήλ; τεθνήκασιν γὰρ οἱ ζητοῦντες τὴν ψυχὴν τοῦ παιδίου1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the last clause gives the reason for the command in the first clauses. Alternate translation: “Because the ones seeking the life of the child have died, having gotten up, take the young child and his mother and go to the land of Israel.”

1722:20hz2mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοἱ ζητοῦντες τὴν ψυχὴν τοῦ παιδίου1

Here, the phrase the ones seeking the life of the child refers to people who wanted to kill the child. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the ones seeking to do away with the child” or “the ones wishing to kill the child”

1732:22h4cqrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesἈρχέλαος1

The word Archelaus is the name of a man. He began to rule after his father Herod died.

1742:22n47prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsἀκούσας & ὅτι Ἀρχέλαος βασιλεύει τῆς Ἰουδαίας ἀντὶ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ Ἡρῴδου, ἐφοβήθη1

It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “having heard, Archelaus is reigning over Judea in the place of his father Herod, he was afraid”

1752:22m1phrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitχρηματισθεὶς1

Here Matthew implies that Joseph was warned against living in Judea. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having been warned about living in Judea”

1762:22dy6brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveχρηματισθεὶς1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God, probably speaking through an angel. Alternate translation: “God having warned him” or “an angel of the Lord having warned him”

1772:23ev23rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθὼν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of gone. Alternate translation: “having come”

1782:23oxc9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκατῴκησεν1

Matthew implies that Mary and Jesus also lived in Nazareth with Joseph. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Joseph, Mary, and Jesus lived”

1792:23lax1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveλεγομένην1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that people called” or “whose name was”

1802:23rwhwrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultὅπως1

Here, the phrase so that could introduce: (1) a result from Joseph and his family living in Nazareth. Alternate translation: “with the result that” (2) a purpose for which Joseph and his family lived in Nazareth. If you use the following alternate translation, you may need to delete the comma after prophets. Alternate translation: “in order that”

1812:23dx5irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν1

See how your translated the similar passive forms in 2:15 and 2:17. Alternate translation: “this might fulfill what God spoke”

1822:23vxb8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsτῶν προφητῶν, ὅτι Ναζωραῖος κληθήσεται1

It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “the prophets, He will be called a Nazarene

1832:23okmwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoτῶν προφητῶν1

Matthew does not clarify which prophets he is referring to, and there is no single passage in the Old Testament that speaks about Jesus being a Nazarene. Because of that, you should not include any implied information here. If possible, leave the statement as general as it appears in the ULT. Alternate translation: “Gods prophets” or “prophets”

1842:23sa9krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveΝαζωραῖος κληθήσεται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “they will call him a Nazarene”

1852:23yrb7rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsκληθήσεται1

The pronoun he refers to the Messiah. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to the Messiah more directly. The prophets probably did not know that his name would be Jesus, so you should use a title like “Christ” or “Messiah” here. Alternate translation: “the Christ will be called”

1863:introa6h30

Matthew 3 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

  1. The birth of Jesus Christ and the beginning of his ministry (1:1-4:25)
    • The ministry of John the Baptist (3:112)
    • John baptizes Jesus (3:1317)

Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the quotation from the Old Testament in verse 3.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

John the Baptist

In this chapter, Matthew introduces John the Baptist, who preached in the wilderness. Matthew describes his clothing and his food in ways that resemble the prophet Elijah. John preached a message that called for repentance. He prepared the way for Jesus to begin his ministry.

Baptism

The word “baptism” refers to a ritual washing, usually with water. Johns baptism is similar to Christian baptism, but it does not mean exactly the same thing (see Acts 18:2426). John says that his baptism is “for repentance” (see 3:11). Most likely, it symbolized the removal of the sins that people were repenting of and the beginning of a new way of living. However, even Jesus received this baptism despite the fact that he did not need to repent of any sins. In this case, the baptism may symbolize complete dedication to God. Consider how you might refer to this kind of ritual washing in your language.

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

Fruit tree metaphor

In 3:8 and 3:10, John speaks of people as if they were fruit trees. He says that people need to produce “good fruit,” just like fruit trees should. However, every fruit tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and burned. In the same way, people who do not do what is right will be judged and punished. If possible, preserve this metaphor or express it in simile form.

Wheat harvest metaphor

In 3:12, John speaks of people as if they were parts of wheat plants. People who obey God are like the edible part of the wheat plant, the grain. People who disobey God are like the inedible part of the wheat plant, the chaff. Just as a farmer separates the grain from the chaff, so God will separate people into those who obey him and those who do not. Then, just as the farmer stores the grain and burns the chaff, so God will save those who obey him and punish those who do not. If possible, preserve this metaphor or express it in simile form.

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Singular and plural forms of “you”

Many of the forms of “you” in this chapter appear in speeches that John the Baptist delivers to groups of people. Because of this, most forms of “you” in this chapter are plural. You should assume forms of “you” are plural unless a note specifies that the form is singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

1873:1xp3zrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,”

1883:1yoafrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν & ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις1

Here, Matthew uses the term days to refer to a particular period of time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that identifies a particular period of time. Alternate translation: “during that time”

1893:1tmu9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις1

Here, the phrase those days refers to the period of time before Jesus began his public ministry. During this time, Jesus lived in Nazareth with his family. Matthew is not referring to the period of time in which Joseph, Mary, and Jesus traveled back from Egypt to Galilee. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer more explicitly to the time period in which Jesus lived in Nazareth. Alternate translation: “the days when Jesus lived in Nazareth” or “the days before Jesus began his ministry”

1903:1ifa0rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participantsπαραγίνεται Ἰωάννης ὁ Βαπτιστὴς1

This phrase introduces a new character into the story. If your language has an expression of its own that serves this purpose, you could use it here. Alternate translation: “there is a man named John the Baptist” or “a man called John the Baptist appears”

1913:1bcdvrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseπαραγίνεται1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “came”

1923:2nc62rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he said”

1933:2u2pirc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultμετανοεῖτε, ἤγγικεν γὰρ ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the command in the first clause. Alternate translation: “The kingdom of the heavens is near, so repent”

1943:2dwebrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1

Here John the Baptist is referring to Gods kingdom that currently exists in the heavens. A kingdom is a situation in which a king rules over his people in a specific area. See the book introduction for more information about the kingdom of the heavens. Consider how you might express this idea here and throughout the rest of Matthew. Alternate translation: “Gods complete reign” or “the ability to be fully Gods people”

1953:2hvx8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἤγγικεν1

Here Matthew uses this phrase in the sense of near in time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “is about to begin” or “is about to happen”

1963:3et5grc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγάρ1

Here, the word For introduces a further explanation of what Matthew has said about John the Baptist. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “In fact,” or “Now”

1973:3fl4vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὁ ῥηθεὶς1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the one about whom the Lord spoke”

1983:3qt02rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντος1

In Matthews culture, saying was a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book written by Isaiah the prophet (see Isaiah 40:3). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Matthew is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “who wrote in his book” or “who declared”

1993:3s62rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheφωνὴ βοῶντος1

Isaiah is using voice to represent a person speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “A person calling out” or “Someone calling out”

2003:3mm58rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsβοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “of one calling out in the wilderness and saying” or “of one calling out in the wilderness, declaring”

2013:3yhe7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesτῇ ἐρήμῳ: ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου; εὐθείας ποιεῖτε τὰς τρίβους αὐτοῦ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. If you do, you will need to delete the single quotation mark at the end of this quotation. Alternate translation: “the wilderness that people must make ready the way of the Lord, that they must make his paths straight”

2023:3n7lhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου; εὐθείας ποιεῖτε τὰς τρίβους αὐτοῦ1

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a connecting word in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “Make ready the way of the Lord, yes, make his paths straight”

2033:3j99irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου; εὐθείας ποιεῖτε τὰς τρίβους αὐτοῦ1

Here Isaiah speaks as if people should build and maintain roads for the Lord to travel on as he comes to visit his people. He means that people need to be living and acting in the proper ways when the Lord appears to his people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the metaphor in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Live and behave in a way that pleases God, as if you were making a road ready for him to travel on”

2043:4j647rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundαὐτὸς δὲ ὁ Ἰωάννης1

Here Matthew uses the word Now to introduce background information that will help readers understand what happens next. The word does not introduce another event in the story. This background information is found in 3:46. Use a natural form in your language for introducing background information. Alternate translation: “Concerning this John, he”

2053:4su9drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomεἶχεν τὸ ἔνδυμα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τριχῶν καμήλου1

The phrase had his clothing from the hair of a camel means that he wore clothes made from camels hair. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “wore clothing made from the hair of camels”

2063:4dagirc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownζώνην δερματίνην1

A leather belt is a thin strap made out of animal skin that holds clothing in place. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of clothing, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “an animal skin strap” or “a band made from animal skin”

2073:5ncp6rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneousτότε1

Here, the word Then refers to the period of time in which John was preaching in the wilderness (see 3:1). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “While John was preaching,” or “During the time when John was in the wilderness,”

2083:5ytnzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐξεπορεύετο1

In a context such as this, your language might say “coming” instead of going. Alternate translation: “were coming out”

2093:5j8kerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἹεροσόλυμα, καὶ πᾶσα ἡ Ἰουδαία, καὶ πᾶσα ἡ περίχωρος τοῦ Ἰορδάνου1

Here, the terms Jerusalem, Judea, and the {region} around the Jordan represent the people who lived in those areas. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “people from Jerusalem, and people from all Judea, and people from all the region around the Jordan”

2103:5zys1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleπᾶσα ἡ Ἰουδαία, καὶ πᾶσα ἡ περίχωρος τοῦ Ἰορδάνου1

Matthew twice says all as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “most of Judea, and most of the region around the Jordan”

2113:6ls9krc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequentialἐβαπτίζοντο ἐν τῷ Ἰορδάνῃ Ποταμῷ ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ, ἐξομολογούμενοι τὰς ἁμαρτίας αὐτῶν1

Here the people were confessing their sins before they were being baptized. If it would be helpful in your language, you could rearrange the elements so that these events are in sequential order, or you could use another form to indicate the sequence Alternate translation: “confessing their sins, they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River” or “being baptized by him in the Jordan River after they confessed their sins”

2123:6v5xnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐβαπτίζοντο & ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he was baptizing them”

2133:6q311rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐξομολογούμενοι1

Here it is the people who are confessing, not John. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “as they confessed”

2143:7lxwzrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

2153:7jclurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐπὶ τὸ βάπτισμα αὐτοῦ1

Here, the phrase for his baptism could indicate that the Pharisees and Sadducees are coming: (1) so that they can receive Johns baptism. Alternate translation: “to receive his baptism” (2) to the place where John is baptizing. Alternate translation: “to where he was baptizing” or “to the place of his baptism”

2163:7tcvarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐπὶ τὸ βάπτισμα αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of baptism, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to be baptized by him”

2173:7fjl3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomγεννήματα ἐχιδνῶν1

The expression Offspring of is an idiom that means a person shares the qualities of something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You are like vipers” or “You have the qualities of vipers”

2183:7qtu3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorγεννήματα ἐχιδνῶν1

Here John speaks of the Pharisees and Sadducees as if they were like vipers (see the previous note for the meaning of the phrase Offspring of). He means that they are evil and hurt other people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You are like poisonous creatures” or “You evil people”

2193:7kr0rrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἐχιδνῶν1

If your readers would not recognize the name vipers, which refers to dangerous poisonous snakes, you could state something more general. Alternate translation: “of poisonous snakes” or “of poisonous animals”

2203:7c4clrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτίς ὑπέδειξεν ὑμῖν φυγεῖν ἀπὸ τῆς μελλούσης ὀργῆς?1

John is using the question form to rebuke the Pharisees and Sadducees for coming to be baptized by him when they really do not believe that they need to flee from the coming wrath. In other words, they want to be baptized, but they do not think that they need to repent of anything. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I realize that you do not really think that you need to flee from the coming wrath!” or “You do not actually believe that you must flee from the coming wrath.”

2213:7h7acrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationτῆς μελλούσης ὀργῆς1

Here, the word wrath refers to how God will punish people who do not believe and who disobey him. The word coming means that the wrath will happen soon. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the future punishment” or “the punishment that God will soon inflict”

2223:8msjorc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1

Here, the word Therefore introduces an exhortation based on what John said in rebuking the Pharisees and Sadducees in the previous verse (see 3:7). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an exhortation based on a previous rebuke. Alternate translation: “Instead” or “But here is what you should do:”

2233:8s8acrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorποιήσατε & καρπὸν1

Here, John is speaking of people behaving in certain ways as if they were trees producing fruit. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “act in ways” or “perform deeds”

2243:8dbj4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionἄξιον τῆς μετανοίας1

Here, John is using the possessive form to describe fruit that matches or goes along with repentance. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “that goes along with repentance” or “that shows repentance”

2253:8jsozrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτῆς μετανοίας1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of repentance, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “of repenting” or “of people who repent”

2263:9sc2lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitλέγειν ἐν ἑαυτοῖς1

Here, the phrase in yourselves could indicate that the Pharisees and Sadducees might speak: (1) within themselves, which would be thinking privately. Alternate translation: “to say within yourselves” or “to say to yourselves” (2) within their group, which would be speaking to each other. Alternate translation: “to say to each other”

2273:9anyfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsἐν ἑαυτοῖς, πατέρα ἔχομεν τὸν Ἀβραάμ1

It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. If you use the following alternate translation, you will need to delete the quotation mark at the end of the sentence. Alternate translation: “among yourselves that you have Abraham as father”

2283:9s4ogrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπατέρα1

Here, the word father means “ancestor.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a similar phrase or plain language. Alternate translation: “as ancestor”

2293:9h6n6rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a reason why the Pharisees and Sadducees should not say We have Abraham {as} father. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a command, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “In fact,” or “You should not say that because”

2303:9h7lfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsὑμῖν, ὅτι δύναται ὁ Θεὸς ἐκ τῶν λίθων τούτων ἐγεῖραι τέκνα τῷ Ἀβραάμ1

It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “to you, God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones.’”

2313:9k843rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδύναται ὁ Θεὸς ἐκ τῶν λίθων τούτων ἐγεῖραι τέκνα τῷ Ἀβραάμ1

Here John means that God can create children for Abraham at any time and in any way he wants, even from stones. He means that people who have Abraham {as} father will not receive special treatment from God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “God is able to create other children for Abraham, even from these stones” or “God can raise up more children for Abraham any time he wants to, and he could turn even these stones into children for Abraham”

2323:9eedcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτέκνα τῷ Ἀβραάμ1

Here, the word children means “descendants.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a similar phrase or plain language. Alternate translation: “people descended from Abraham”

2333:10vosbrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces a development of the ideas in the previous verse. It also introduces a slight contrast with God being able to make children of Abraham from stones. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of development, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Further,” or “As a matter of fact,”

2343:10a8m8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἤδη & ἡ ἀξίνη πρὸς τὴν ῥίζαν τῶν δένδρων κεῖται; πᾶν οὖν δένδρον μὴ ποιοῦν καρπὸν καλὸν ἐκκόπτεται καὶ εἰς πῦρ βάλλεται1

In this verse, John speaks as if people were trees and as if God had an ax. Every person who does not repent and do what is right is like a tree that does not produce good fruit. Just as someone chops down these trees and burns them, so God will punish these people. If possible preserve the metaphor here. You could use simile form, or if necessary, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “already it is as if the ax is set against the root of the trees. Every person who does not repent and obey is like a tree that does not produce good fruit. It is chopped down and thrown into a fire” or “already God is ready to judge people. So, anyone who does not repent and obey will be declared guilty and punished”

2353:10d4j5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἡ ἀξίνη & κεῖται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “God has set the ax”

2363:10pea6rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsτὴν ῥίζαν τῶν δένδρων1

In this verse, the word root is singular in form, but it refers to all the roots of the trees as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “the roots of the trees”

2373:10n4xyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὴν ῥίζαν1

Here, the word root refers to the lowest part of the tree that shows above the ground. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the base” or “lowest part”

2383:10r7o2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπᾶν & δένδρον μὴ ποιοῦν καρπὸν καλὸν ἐκκόπτεται καὶ εἰς πῦρ βάλλεται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, it is clear from the context that it is God. Alternate translation: “God chops down every tree not producing good fruit and throws it into a fire”

2393:10g502rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseἐκκόπτεται καὶ & βάλλεται1

Here John could be using the present tense to describe: (1) something that is generally true. Alternate translation: “is being chopped down and is being thrown” (2) something that will happen in the future but is as certain as if it was happening in the present. Alternate translation: “will be chopped down and will be thrown”

2403:11aiiwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἰς μετάνοιαν1

Here, the phrase for repentance could describe: (1) the purpose for which John baptizes people. Alternate translation: “so that you repent” (2) what Johns baptism represents or signifies. Alternate translation: “with reference to repentance” or “to show your repentance”

2413:11rvf4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsεἰς μετάνοιαν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of repentance, you could express the same idea in another way. Make sure your translation fits with the option you chose in the previous note. Alternate translation: “in order that you might repent” or “to show that you have repented”

2423:11l3zmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ & ὀπίσω μου ἐρχόμενος1

Here John speaks as if someone is walking behind him. He could mean that: (1) soon someone will continue what John has started doing. Alternate translation: “the one who will preach after I have” (2) one of his own disciples will become greater than he. Alternate translation: “one of my disciples”

2433:11i61trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisμού1

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “I am”

2443:11c1xfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐκ εἰμὶ ἱκανὸς τὰ ὑποδήματα βαστάσαι1

Here, to carry someones sandals was a duty of a slave. John means that he is not worthy to be a slave to this person who is coming after him. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “I am not worthy to be the slave who carries away his sandals” or “I am not worthy to act as his slave”

2453:11gtm7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorαὐτὸς ὑμᾶς βαπτίσει ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ καὶ πυρί1

Here John indicates that the one coming after him will cause people to experience the Holy Spirit and fire, just as John caused people to experience water in baptism. If possible, preserve the baptism metaphor or express the idea in simile form. Alternate translation: “He will baptize you, as it were, with the Holy Spirit and with fire” or “He also will perform something like baptism, but he will use the Holy Spirit and fire”

2463:11ata7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ καὶ πυρί1

Here, the word fire could be: (1) a reference to how Jesus will purify people. Alternate translation: “with the Holy Spirit and purifying fire” (2) a reference to how Jesus will punish people. Alternate translation: “with the Holy Spirit and with fiery punishment” (3) a further description of the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “with the fire that is the Holy Spirit”

2473:12gcq8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphorοὗ τὸ πτύον ἐν τῇ χειρὶ αὐτοῦ; καὶ διακαθαριεῖ τὴν ἅλωνα αὐτοῦ, καὶ συνάξει τὸν σῖτον αὐτοῦ εἰς τὴν ἀποθήκην; τὸ δὲ ἄχυρον κατακαύσει πυρὶ ἀσβέστῳ1

In this verse, John describes the one who comes after him as a farmer who separates the useful grains of wheat from the other parts of the wheat plant by using a winnowing fork to clear of his threshing floor. Just as that farmer separates the grain from the chaff, so the one who comes after John will separate those who obey from those who do not. Just as that farmer saves the grain and burns up the chaff, so the one who comes after John will save those who obey and punish those who do not. If possible, preserve this metaphor. If necessary, you could use simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who is like a farmer with a winnowing fork in his hand. He will separate those who obey God from those who do not, just as a farmer thoroughly clears off his fleshing floor. He will save those who obey and punish those who disobey, just as a farmer gathers his wheat into the storehouse and burns up the chaff with unquenchable fire” or “who is ready to act, and he will separate those who obey God from those who disobey God. He will save those who obey and completely punish those who disobey”

2483:12sq4prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοὗ τὸ πτύον ἐν τῇ χειρὶ αὐτοῦ1

Here, the phrase in his hand indicates that a person is ready to use whatever is in his or her hand. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who has picked up his winnowing fork” or “who is ready to use his winnowing fork”

2493:12b5m4rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὸ πτύον1

A winnowing fork 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 wind blows away the unwanted chaff. This tool is similar to a pitchfork. If you have a similar tool in your culture, you can use the word for it here. Otherwise, you can use a phrase that would express the meaning. Alternate translation: “tool for winnowing grain” or “tool for tossing seeds”

2503:12r2uarc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὴν ἅλωνα αὐτοῦ1

The threshing floor was the place where harvested wheat was processed to separate the grain from the chaff. To clear off the floor is to finish threshing and winnowing all the grain. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to where threshing happens in your culture, or you could use a descriptive phrase. Alternate translation: “the place where he separates the grain from the chaff”

2513:13vl93rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventτότε1

Here, the word Then introduces the next major event in the story. It does not indicate how soon this event happened after the events that Matthew has already narrated. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event in sequence. Alternate translation: “Sometime after that,” or “After John said those things,”

2523:13tsxjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goπαραγίνεται1

In a context such as this, your language might say “goes” instead of comes. Alternate translation: “goes”

2533:13zj7irc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseπαραγίνεται1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “came”

2543:13zbj9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveβαπτισθῆναι ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that John would baptize him”

2553:14fax0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδιεκώλυεν αὐτὸν1

Here Matthew means that John did not want to baptize Jesus and tried to stop Jesus from asking him to do it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “was trying to prevent Jesus from wanting to be baptized” or “was resisting Jesus request to be baptized”

2563:14m2y0rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he declared”

2573:14khdzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὑπὸ σοῦ βαπτισθῆναι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “for you to baptize me”

2583:14ibj4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσοῦ & σὺ1

Since John is speaking to Jesus, the word you is singular throughout this verse.

2593:14cl7trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionκαὶ σὺ ἔρχῃ πρός με?1

John is using the question form to show surprise at Jesus request to be baptized. He wants to show that the request does not make sense. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “so you should not come to me!” or “so it does not make sense for you to come to me.”

2603:14nu8crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔρχῃ πρός με1

Here John implies that Jesus comes to be baptized. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “come to me to be baptized”

2613:15c1jmrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsἀποκριθεὶς & ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτόν1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “Jesus responded”

2623:15yozqrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultἄφες ἄρτι; οὕτως γὰρ πρέπον ἐστὶν ἡμῖν πληρῶσαι πᾶσαν δικαιοσύνην1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the request that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “Baptizing me is a fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness. So, permit it now”

2633:15v30krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἄφες & ἀφίησιν αὐτόν1

In both places, Matthew implies that John should or does permit Jesus to be baptized. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Permit me to be baptized … he permitted him to be baptized”

2643:15jkczrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularἄφες1

Since Jesus is speaking to John, the command Permit is singular here.

2653:15h6carc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμῖν1

Here, the word us refers only to Jesus and John. Your language may require you to mark this form.

2663:15wdcurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomπληρῶσαι πᾶσαν δικαιοσύνην1

The phrase to fulfill all righteousness means to do everything that God requires someone to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or plain language. Alternate translation: “to accomplish Gods will” or “to do everything that God has told us to do”

2673:15n6d2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsπᾶσαν δικαιοσύνην1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of righteousness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “everything that is righteous” or “all of Gods righteous will”

2683:15reaurc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἀφίησιν αὐτόν1

Here, the word he refers to John, and the word him refers to Jesus. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the peoples names here. Alternate translation: “John permits Jesus”

2693:16d5zyrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

2703:16inf6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveβαπτισθεὶς1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was John. Alternate translation: “John having baptized him”

2713:16htufrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀνέβη ἀπὸ τοῦ ὕδατος1

Here Matthew implies that Jesus was in the River Jordan when he was baptized. Afterwards, he came up out of the river. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “left the water of the river” or “stepped out of the river”

2723:16l5bvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “suddenly”

2733:16jig5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἀνεῴχθησαν αὐτῷ οἱ οὐρανοί1

People in Matthews culture often spoke of how the heavens had doors or gates that led into them. Matthew uses this kind of language (doors being opened) to indicate that Jesus saw into the heavens. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he was enabled to look into the heavens” or “God showed him what was happening in the heavens”

2743:16jh1vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀνεῴχθησαν αὐτῷ οἱ οὐρανοί1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “God opened the heavens to him”

2753:16e3narc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileτὸ Πνεῦμα τοῦ Θεοῦ καταβαῖνον ὡσεὶ περιστερὰν1

The phrase like a dove could mean: (1) the Spirit looked like a dove as he descended upon Jesus. Alternate translation: “the Spirit of God coming down, looking like a dove” (2) the Spirit descended upon Jesus as a dove descends from the sky toward the ground. Alternate translation: “the Spirit of God coming down as a dove flies down”

2763:16gawtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαταβαῖνον1

Here Matthew implies that the Spirit of God came down from the heavens. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “coming down from the heavens”

2773:16mo7irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐρχόμενον ἐπ’ αὐτόν1

Here Matthew implies that the Spirit of God settled or landed on Jesus, just like a bird might settle or land on something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “perching upon him” or “settling on him”

2783:17xohxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “suddenly”

2793:17cdrkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisφωνὴ ἐκ τῶν οὐρανῶν1

Matthew is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply a verb of speaking if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “a voice spoke from the heavens”

2803:17m2wkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheφωνὴ1

Matthew is using voice to represent the person who is speaking, which is God the Father. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a person speaking” or “God the Father spoke”

2813:17op13rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγουσα1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and it said”

2823:17myz8rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Υἱός μου, ὁ ἀγαπητός1

The word Son is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.

2833:17m1ibrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὁ Υἱός & ὁ ἀγαπητός1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Son, whom I love,”

2843:17hdrorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveεὐδοκέω1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “who pleases me”

2854:introhgw20

Matthew 4 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

  1. The birth of Jesus Christ and the beginning of his ministry (1:1-4:25)
    • The devil tempts Jesus (4:111)
    • Jesus begins his public ministry (4:1217)
    • Jesus calls four of his disciples (4:1822)
    • Summary of Jesus early ministry (4:2325)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 4:1516, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

The Devil

The devil, also named Satan, is an evil spiritual being. In this chapter, he tempts Jesus to disobey God. He even quotes the Bible to try to convince Jesus to disobey. Consider how you might naturally refer to a powerful and evil spiritual being.

Temptation

In 4:111, Matthew tells the story of how Jesus was tempted by the devil. The devil tried to convince Jesus to do things that would be disobedient. Jesus already knew how he was supposed to live his life and how he was supposed to die on the cross. The devil tempted Jesus to act in a different way. In response, Jesus quotes the Bible and does not do what the devil tempts him to do.

Fishermen

Four of Jesus first disciples (Peter, Andrew, James, and John) were fishermen. In their culture, fishermen usually stood on the shore or in a boat and threw a net into the water. The edges of the net had weights on it, so the net sank into the water and trapped any fish beneath it. Then, fishermen would pull on a rope to close the net and haul it to shore or onto the boat. If people in your culture do not fish or do not fish in that way, consider how much information you need to provide to help your readers understand the story.

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Singular and plural forms of “you”

Most of the forms of “you” in this chapter appear in dialogue between Jesus and the devil. Because of this, most forms of “you” in this chapter are singular. You should assume forms of “you” are singular unless a note specifies that the form is plural. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

2864:1k51mrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventτότε1

Here, the word Then introduces the next major event in the story. It does not indicate how soon this event happened after the events that Matthew has already narrated. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event in sequence. Alternate translation: “Sometime after that,” or “After he heard the voice from the heavens,”

2874:1aq3src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὁ Ἰησοῦς ἀνήχθη & ὑπὸ τοῦ Πνεύματος1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the Spirit led up Jesus”

2884:1wy4brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπειρασθῆναι ὑπὸ τοῦ διαβόλου1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that the devil could tempt Jesus”

2894:2cft7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἡμέρας τεσσεράκοντα καὶ νύκτας τεσσεράκοντα1

The phrase 40 days and 40 nights refers to 40 periods of 24 hours in a row. Matthew means that Jesus fasted for 40 full days. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable expression. Alternate translation: “for 40 straight days”

2904:3nfiurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ πειράζων1

Here, the phrase the one tempting refers to the devil, whom Matthew already mentioned in 4:1. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the one tempting, the devil,” or “the devil, who was tempting him,”

2914:3oywsrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalεἰ Υἱὸς εἶ τοῦ Θεοῦ, εἰπὲ ἵνα οἱ λίθοι οὗτοι ἄρτοι γένωνται1

The devil is suggesting that this is a hypothetical condition, that the stones will only become loaves if Jesus is the Son of God. The devil is speaking as if it is uncertain who Jesus is in order to challenge him to do this miracle to prove that he really is the Son of God. Use a natural form in your language for introducing something that could be true. Alternate translation: “Prove that you are the Son of God by speaking so that these stones might become loaves”

2924:3c1acrc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΥἱὸς & τοῦ Θεοῦ1

The phrase Son of God is an important title for Jesus.

2934:3vpnfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἰπὲ ἵνα οἱ λίθοι οὗτοι ἄρτοι γένωνται1

Here the devil wants Jesus to tell the stones to become bread. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “tell these stones to become bread” or “speak words that make these stones become bread”

2944:3uyv4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsεἰπὲ ἵνα οἱ λίθοι οὗτοι ἄρτοι γένωνται1

It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “speak to these stones, Become bread!’”

2954:4o3a6rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsὁ & ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “he answered” or “he said to him”

2964:4sph9rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsγέγραπται1

In Matthews culture, it is written was a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text, in this case, the book of Deuteronomy (see Deuteronomy 8:3). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Jesus is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “You can read in the Scriptures” or “It says in the book of Deuteronomy”

2974:4fd67rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveγέγραπται1

If your language does not use the passive form, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Moses wrote this in the Scriptures”

2984:4i33vοὐκ & ζήσεται1

The author of the quotation could be using the future tense to give: (1) a general statement. Alternate translation: “does not live” (2) a command. Alternate translation: “should not live”

2994:4d010rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounὁ ἄνθρωπος1

The word Man represents people in general, not one particular man. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “Humans”

3004:4d5twrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsὁ ἄνθρωπος1

Although the term Man is masculine, the author of the quotation is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “Man and woman” or “A person”

3014:4xbairc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἄρτῳ1

Here, bread represents food and eating in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “food” or “eating”

3024:4wuqmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἀλλ’ ἐπὶ1

The author of the quotation is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “but he will live by”

3034:4rzh4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyπαντὶ ῥήματι1

The author of the quotation is using the term word to mean a message spoken in words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “every message” or “everything”

3044:4jl6frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐκπορευομένῳ διὰ στόματος Θεοῦ1

Here, the phrase coming through the mouth of God indicates that God is the one speaking every word. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “that God has spoken” or “that God says”

3054:5qhg2rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseπαραλαμβάνει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “took”

3064:5x6i4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ πτερύγιον τοῦ ἱεροῦ1

Here, the phrase highest point could refer to: (1) the top part of the roof. Alternate translation: “the top of the roof of the temple” (2) the edge of the roof. Alternate translation: “the edge of the temples roof”

3074:6z1xxrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγει αὐτῷ1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “he tells him”

3084:6bbx1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said”

3094:6wgtkrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalεἰ Υἱὸς εἶ τοῦ Θεοῦ, βάλε σεαυτὸν κάτω1

The devil is suggesting that this is a hypothetical condition, that the angels will only rescue Jesus if Jesus is the Son of God. The devil is speaking as if it is uncertain who Jesus is in order to challenge him to throw himself down to prove that he really is the Son of God. Use a natural form in your language for introducing something that could be true. Alternate translation: “Prove that you are the Son of God by throwing yourself down”

3104:6x2vgrc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΥἱὸς & τοῦ Θεοῦ1

The phrase Son of God is an important title for Jesus.

3114:6dnrprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitβάλε σεαυτὸν κάτω1

When Satan tells Jesus to throw yourself down, he means that Jesus should jump off the top of the temple. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “jump from here on top of the temple”

3124:6fa8lrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsγέγραπται γὰρ1

In Matthews culture, for it is written was a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book of Psalms (see Psalm 91:1112). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Matthew is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “for it is written in the book of Psalms” or “for the psalmist wrote”

3134:6x6zcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveγέγραπται1

If your language does not use the passive form, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a poet wrote this in the Scriptures”

3144:6zofdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesγέγραπται & ὅτι τοῖς ἀγγέλοις αὐτοῦ ἐντελεῖται περὶ σοῦ, καὶ, ἐπὶ χειρῶν ἀροῦσίν σε, μήποτε προσκόψῃς πρὸς λίθον τὸν πόδα σου.1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there are not quotations within a quotation. If you do, you will need to delete the single quotation mark at the end of the second quotation. Alternate translation: “it is written that he will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone”

3154:6zd4zrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἐντελεῖται1

The pronoun He refers to God. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “God will command”

3164:6s9i7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσοῦ & σε & προσκόψῃς & σου1

Since the author of the quotations is addressing each specific person who is part of Gods people, every occurrence of you and your in the quotations is singular. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “each of you … each of you … any of you strike your”

3174:6azpzrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ2

Here, the word and connects the two quotations, which are two verses from Psalm 91. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that connects two closely related quotations. Alternate translation: “and further” or “and then”

3184:6f1mmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheπροσκόψῃς πρὸς λίθον τὸν πόδα σου1

The author of the quotation is using one way of being hurt to mean all ways of being hurt. Alternate translation: “even your foot strikes a stone” or “you get hurt”

3194:7qishrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsἔφη αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “Jesus answered”

3204:7eermrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsπάλιν γέγραπται1

In Matthews culture, it is written was a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text, in this case, the book of Deuteronomy (see Deuteronomy 6:16). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Jesus is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “Again, you can read in the Scriptures” or “Again, it says in the book of Deuteronomy”

3214:7fn07rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπάλιν γέγραπται1

If your language does not use the passive form, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Again, Moses wrote this in the Scriptures”

3224:7wri7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesγέγραπται, οὐκ ἐκπειράσεις Κύριον τὸν Θεόν σου1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. If you do, you will need to delete the single quotation mark at the end of the second quotation. Alternate translation: “it is written that you will not test the Lord your God”

3234:7xl3qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarativeοὐκ ἐκπειράσεις Κύριον τὸν Θεόν σου1

The author of the quotation is using a statement to give a command. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a command form. Alternate translation: “You must not test the Lord your God”

3244:7c7t5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularοὐκ ἐκπειράσεις1

Since the author of the quotation is addressing each specific person who is part of Gods people, the word You here is singular. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “None of you will test”

3254:8fvnfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπάλιν1

Here Matthew means that the devil tempted Jesus again. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Tempting him again”

3264:8elcsrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseπαραλαμβάνει & δείκνυσιν1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “took … showed”

3274:8d12qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν δόξαν αὐτῶν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of glory, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “how great they are” or “how glorious they are”

3284:9oo0urc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsεἶπεν αὐτῷ1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “he declared to him”

3294:9al72rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureταῦτά σοι πάντα δώσω, ἐὰν πεσὼν προσκυνήσῃς μοι1

If it would be helpful in your language, you could put the condition before its consequence. Alternate translation: “If having fallen down, you would worship me, all these things I will give to you”

3304:9crezrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitταῦτά & πάντα1

Here, the phrase All these things refers to the “kingdoms” and “their glory” that the devil showed to Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “All these kingdoms and their glory” or “Everything I have showed to you”

3314:9eas8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπεσὼν1

Here the devil refers to kneeling on the ground or bowing down very low. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having kneeled down” or “having prostrated yourself”

3324:10hskyrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγει αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “Jesus tells him”

3334:10itxsrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsγέγραπται γάρ1

In Matthews culture, it is written was a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text, in this case, the book of Deuteronomy (see Deuteronomy 6:13). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Jesus is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “For you can read in the Scriptures” or “For it says in the book of Deuteronomy”

3344:10k49qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveγέγραπται1

If your language does not use the passive form, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Moses wrote this in the Scriptures”

3354:10ohjcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesγέγραπται & Κύριον τὸν Θεόν σου προσκυνήσεις, καὶ αὐτῷ μόνῳ λατρεύσεις.1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. If you do, you will need to delete the single quotation mark at the end of the second quotation. Alternate translation: “it is written that you will worship the Lord your God, and you will serve only him”

3364:10mmx3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismΚύριον τὸν Θεόν σου προσκυνήσεις, καὶ αὐτῷ μόνῳ λατρεύσεις1

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “You will worship the Lord your God, yes, you will serve only him”

3374:10ah9arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarativeπροσκυνήσεις & λατρεύσεις1

The author of the quotation is using a statement to give a command. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a command form. Alternate translation: “You must worship … you must serve”

3384:10rig8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσου προσκυνήσεις & λατρεύσεις1

Since the author of the quotations is addressing each specific person who is part of Gods people, the words You, your, and you in the quotation are singular. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “Each of you will worship … your … each of you will serve”

3394:11b0p5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseἀφίησιν1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “left”

3404:11ko5drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “suddenly”

3414:12v7p4rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

3424:12d1virc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἸωάννης παρεδόθη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context (see 14:112) that it was King Herod Antipas, the son of the king who had tried to kill Jesus. Alternate translation: “the king had arrested John”

3434:13pph4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαταλιπὼν τὴν Ναζαρὰ1

Here Matthew implies that when Jesus “withdrew into Galilee,” he first went to the city of Nazareth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he first went to Nazareth. Then, having left Nazareth”

3444:13fgsdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureἐλθὼν κατῴκησεν εἰς Καφαρναοὺμ1

It may be more natural in your language to say where Jesus went before saying where he lived. If so, you could move in Capernaum so that it goes with having come. Alternate translation: “having come to Capernaum, he lived there”

3454:13knjgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὴν παραθαλασσίαν1

Here Matthew is referring to the sea of Galilee. The town of Capernaum was at the edge of this sea. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “by the Galilee sea”

3464:13hpm4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν ὁρίοις Ζαβουλὼν καὶ Νεφθαλείμ1

The words Zebulun and Naphtali are the names of the tribes that lived in these territories many years earlier. Matthew uses these names to connect where Jesus lived with the prophecy he will quote in 4:15. If it would be helpful in your language, you could clarify that these are names of tribes. Alternate translation: “in the territories that the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali formerly lived in”

3474:14z5rvrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultἵνα1

Here, the phrase so that could introduce: (1) a result from Jesus living in Capernaum. Alternate translation: “with the result that” (2) a purpose for which Jesus lived in Capernaum. Alternate translation: “in order that”

3484:14tj7crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν1

See how you translated the similar passive forms in 2:15 and 2:17. Alternate translation: “this might fulfill what God spoke”

3494:14bifnrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντος1

In Matthews culture, saying was a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book written by Isaiah the prophet (see Isaiah 9:12). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Matthew is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “who wrote in his book” or “who declared”

3504:15egx6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyγῆ Ζαβουλὼν καὶ γῆ Νεφθαλείμ, ὁδὸν θαλάσσης, πέραν τοῦ Ἰορδάνου, Γαλιλαία τῶν ἐθνῶν1

Here, the areas that Isaiah refers to represent the people who live in those areas. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The people who live in the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the people who live on the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, the people who live in Galilee of the Gentiles”

3514:15hbg7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismγῆ Ζαβουλὼν καὶ γῆ Νεφθαλείμ, ὁδὸν θαλάσσης, πέραν τοῦ Ἰορδάνου, Γαλιλαία τῶν ἐθνῶν1

Each of the three lines of poetry in this verse gives a different description of the same area. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including all three descriptions in your translation rather than combining them. However, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word or phrase that indicates that these lines are all descriptions of one place. Alternate translation: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, which is the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, which is Galilee of the Gentiles”

3524:15se2rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁδὸν θαλάσσης1

The phrase the way of the sea could refer to: (1) areas near the sea of Galilee. Alternate translation: “the areas around the Sea of Galilee” (2) a road that ended at the Mediterranean sea. Alternate translation: “the road that goes to the Mediterranean sea”

3534:15d8utrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπέραν τοῦ Ἰορδάνου1

Here Isaiah could be referring to: (1) areas to the west of the Jordan River. Alternate translation: “on the western side of the Jordan” (2) areas to the east of the Jordan River. Alternate translation: “on the eastern side of the Jordan”

3544:15uv17rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionΓαλιλαία τῶν ἐθνῶν1

Here, Isaiah is using the possessive form to describe Galilee as a place where Gentiles live. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Galilee, home of Gentiles”

3554:16fsl6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismὁ λαὸς ὁ καθήμενος ἐν σκοτίᾳ φῶς εἶδεν μέγα, καὶ τοῖς καθημένοις ἐν χώρᾳ καὶ σκιᾷ θανάτου, φῶς ἀνέτειλεν αὐτοῖς1

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “the people sitting in darkness have seen a great light; yes, to the ones sitting in the region and shadow of death, upon them has a light arisen”

3564:16h2xrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphorὁ λαὸς ὁ καθήμενος ἐν σκοτίᾳ φῶς εἶδεν μέγα, καὶ τοῖς καθημένοις ἐν χώρᾳ καὶ σκιᾷ θανάτου, φῶς ἀνέτειλεν αὐτοῖς1

Here Isaiah refers to sin, trouble, and hopelessness as if they were darkness and the shadow of death. He refers to Gods deliverance and salvation as if it were a great light. If possible, preserve these metaphors or express them in simile form. Alternate translation: “the people sitting in spiritual darkness have seen the great light of Gods salvation, and to the ones sitting in the region and shadow where there is spiritual death, upon them the light of Gods deliverance has arisen”

3574:16j6gzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ καθήμενος & τοῖς καθημένοις1

Here, Isaiah refers to living as if it were sitting. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable word or state the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “dwelling … to the ones dwelling”

3584:16zd49rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐν σκοτίᾳ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of darkness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “where it is dark”

3594:16s2r2rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseεἶδεν & φῶς ἀνέτειλεν1

Isaiah uses the past tense here in order to refer to something that will certainly happen in the future. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the future tense. Alternate translation: “will see … will a light arise”

3604:16wk62rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionχώρᾳ καὶ σκιᾷ θανάτου1

Here, Isaiah is using the possessive form to describe a region and a shadow, or darkness, that is characterized by death. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the deadly region and the deathly shadow” or “the region and shadow characterized by death”

3614:16hxmhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsθανάτου1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of death, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “that are deadly”

3624:17ad4src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπὸ τότε1

Here, the word time refers to when Jesus began to live in Capernaum (see 4:13). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “From when he began to live in Capernaum,” or “After he moved to Capernaum,”

3634:17v18brc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsκηρύσσειν καὶ λέγειν1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “to preach” or “to preach, saying”

3644:17eu34rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularμετανοεῖτε1

Because Jesus is speaking to people in general, the command Repent is plural here.

3654:17dku3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἤγγικεν1

Here Matthew uses this phrase in the sense of near in time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. See how you translated the similar phrase in 3:2 Alternate translation: “is about to begin” or “is about to happen”

3664:18yrx7rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,” or “Some time later,”

3674:18twabrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participantsδύο ἀδελφούς, Σίμωνα τὸν λεγόμενον Πέτρον καὶ Ἀνδρέαν τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ, βάλλοντας ἀμφίβληστρον εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν; ἦσαν γὰρ ἁλιεῖς1

Here Matthew introduces two new characters into the story. Consider how you might introduce new characters into a story, and follow that form here. You may need to rearrange some elements of the sentence to do so. Alternate translation: “two fishermen who were casting a net into the sea. They were Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother”

3684:18shearc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveΣίμωνα τὸν λεγόμενον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Simon, whose other name was” or “Simon, whom people also called”

3694:18xlw5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinshipτὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ1

Matthew never says whether Simon or Andrew was older, but he mentions Simon first, which could imply that he was the older brother. If you have to use a form that refers to an older or younger brother, you could state that Andrew was younger. Alternate translation: “his younger brother”

3704:18yfh5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitβάλλοντας ἀμφίβληστρον εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν1

They were casting a net in order to catch fish. If it would be helpful in your language, you can make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “casting a net into the sea to catch fish”

3714:18yyiyrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownβάλλοντας ἀμφίβληστρον εἰς1

Some cultures use a net to catch fish. A net is a mesh or network of cords or ropes which fishermen throw into the water to trap fish. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to how people catch fish in your culture, or you could use a general phrase. Alternate translation: “fishing in” or “trying to catch fish in”

3724:18qmzorc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-backgroundγὰρ1

Matthew is providing this background information to help readers understand why Simon and Andrew were casting a net. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that introduces this kind of background information. Alternate translation: “which they did because” or “since”

3734:19q12lrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “he said”

3744:19y3zgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomδεῦτε ὀπίσω μου1

Here, the phrase Come after me is a command to travel with Jesus and be his disciples. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Be my disciples” or “Travel with me as my students”

3754:19n9h3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorποιήσω ὑμᾶς ἁλιεῖς ἀνθρώπων1

Here Jesus speaks of preaching the gospel and helping people believe in Jesus as if it were fishing. He means that, just as fishermen catch many fish, so Simon and Andrew will help many people believe. If possible, preserve the metaphor here, since it relates directly to what Simon and Andrew were doing when Jesus saw them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea as a simile. Alternate translation: “I will make you into people who collect men for me, just as you now collect fish”

3764:19kdpwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularὑμᾶς1

Because Jesus is speaking to Simon and Andrew, the word you is plural here.

3774:19hm4yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀνθρώπων1

Although the term men is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “of humans” or “of men and women”

3784:20ssi5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἀφέντες τὰ δίκτυα1

Translate the word nets as you did in 4:18. Alternate translation: “having stopped fishing”

3794:20jneyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ1

Here, the phrase followed him indicates that they traveled with Jesus and were his disciples. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “became his disciples” or “traveled with him as his students”

3804:21b3hqrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participantsἄλλους δύο ἀδελφούς, Ἰάκωβον τὸν τοῦ Ζεβεδαίου καὶ Ἰωάννην τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ, ἐν τῷ πλοίῳ μετὰ Ζεβεδαίου τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτῶν, καταρτίζοντας τὰ δίκτυα αὐτῶν1

Here Matthew introduces two more new characters into the story. Consider how you might introduce new characters into a story, and follow that form here. You may need to rearrange some elements of the sentence to do so. Alternate translation: “two men who were in a boat, mending their nets with their father, Zebedee. They were James, the son of Zebedee, and his younger brother John”

3814:21ssaerc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinshipτὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ1

Matthew never says whether James or John was older, but he mentions James first, which could imply that he was the older brother. If you have to use a form that refers to an older or younger brother, you could state that John was younger. Alternate translation: “his younger brother”

3824:21kp8drc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὰ δίκτυα αὐτῶν1

Translate the word nets as you did in 4:18 and 4:20. Alternate translation: “the tools they used for fishing”

3834:21utn4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐκάλεσεν αὐτούς1

Here Matthew implies that Jesus called them to “come after him,” that is, to travel with him and be his disciples. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he called them to come after him” or “he called them to travel with him as his students”

3844:21gilarc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἐκάλεσεν1

The pronoun he refers to Jesus. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “Jesus called”

3854:22auyrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ1

Translate this phrase as you did in 4:20. Alternate translation: “became his disciples” or “traveled with him as his students”

3864:23cz8urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπεριῆγεν ἐν1

Here, the phrase going around in indicates that Jesus traveled through many places in the region of Galilee. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he was traveling to many places in” or “he took trips through”

3874:23jt3mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς βασιλείας1

Here, Matthew is using the possessive form to describe a gospel that is about the kingdom. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the gospel concerning the kingdom”

3884:23qx7crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyπᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν1

Here, the phrase every disease and every sickness represents people with these diseases and sicknesses. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “every diseased person and every sick person”

3894:23nr8mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletπᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν1

The terms every disease and every sickness mean similar things. Matthew is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “every ailment” or “every sickness”

3904:23ljkdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleπᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν1

Matthew says every here as a generalization to emphasize how Jesus healed many different kinds of disease and sickness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “many kinds of diseases and many kinds of sicknesses”

3914:23v4evrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῷ λαῷ1

Here, the phrase the people refers specifically to Jewish people living in Galilee. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the Jewish people there”

3924:24hwa0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationἀπῆλθεν ἡ ἀκοὴ αὐτοῦ εἰς ὅλην τὴν Συρίαν1

Here Matthew speaks of the news as if it were a person who could go out into all Syria. He means that people throughout Syria heard about Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the news of him was heard in all Syria”

3934:24bmvsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionἡ ἀκοὴ αὐτοῦ1

Here, Matthew is using the possessive form to describe news that concern him, that is, Jesus. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the news about him”

3944:24fiaorc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsπροσήνεγκαν1

Here, the word they refers to any people who heard the news of him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that refers to people in general. Alternate translation: “many people that heard brought”

3954:24unqnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleπάντας1

Matthew says all here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “very many of”

3964:24ogxsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletτοὺς κακῶς, ἔχοντας ποικίλαις νόσοις, καὶ βασάνοις συνεχομένους1

Here, the terms sickness, diseases, and pains mean similar things. Matthew is using the three terms together to include any kind of physical sickness or pain. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could use only one or two terms to refer to any kind of sickness or pain. Alternate translation: “the ones being sick or in pain” or “the ones having diseases or injuries”

3974:24xn8brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτοὺς κακῶς, ἔχοντας1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of sickness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the ones being sick”

3984:24zenlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveποικίλαις νόσοις, καὶ βασάνοις συνεχομένους1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “experiencing various diseases and pains”

3994:24i296rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveδαιμονιζομένους1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “those whom demons possessed”

4004:24k3pwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjσεληνιαζομένους, καὶ παραλυτικούς1

Matthew is using the adjectives epileptic and paralytic as nouns to mean people who are epileptic and paralytic. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “epileptic and paralytic people”

4014:24p3nfrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownσεληνιαζομένους1

An epileptic is someone who sometimes passes out and then moves uncontrollably. If your readers would not be familiar with this sickness, you could use the name of something like this from your language, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “people with seizures” or “those who sometimes become unconscious and move uncontrollably”

4024:24qk4crc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownπαραλυτικούς1

A paralytic is someone who is not able to use or control some or all of their arms and legs because of injury or sickness. If your readers would not be familiar with this sickness, you could use the name of something like this in your language, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “the paralyzed” or “people who could not move their limbs”

4034:25j63vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ ὄχλοι πολλοὶ ἀπὸ τῆς Γαλιλαίας, καὶ Δεκαπόλεως, καὶ Ἱεροσολύμων, καὶ Ἰουδαίας, καὶ πέραν τοῦ Ἰορδάνου1

Here Matthew indicates that large crowds traveled wherever Jesus went. The people who made up these crowds came from all the regions and towns that Matthew mentions in this verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “large crowds of people from Galilee and Decapolis and Jerusalem and Judea and beyond the Jordan followed him”

4044:25i9m7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesΔεκαπόλεως1

The word Decapolis is a name for a region to the southeast of Galilee. The name means “the Ten Towns.”

4054:25yfgirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπέραν τοῦ Ἰορδάνου1

Here, the phrase beyond the Jordan refers to regions to the east of the Jordan River. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the areas on the east side of the Jordan River”

4065:introawz80

Matthew 5 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

  1. Jesus Sermon on the Mount (5:1-7:28)
    • The Beatitudes (5:112)
    • Salt and light (5:1316)
    • The law and righteousness (5:1720)
    • Moses law and Jesus commands (5:2148)
      • Murder and anger (5:2126)
      • Adultery and divorce (5:2732)
      • Oaths and promises (5:3337)
      • Punishment and retaliation (5:3842)
      • Loving everyone (5:4348)

Many people call the words in Matthew 57 the Sermon on the Mount. This is one long lesson that Jesus taught. Bibles divide this lesson into three chapters, but this can sometimes confuse the reader. If your translation divides the text into sections, be sure that the reader understands that the whole sermon is one large section.

Matthew 5:310, known as the Beatitudes or Blessings, has been set farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. This way of placing the words on the page highlights the poetic form of this section.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

The “Beatitudes”

In 5:312, Jesus speaks nine blessings, or “Beatitudes.” He uses poetic form, repetition, and contrasting statements. Use forms in your language that people would recognize as poetry. See the notes on these verses for translation options.

“You have heard that it was said”

When Jesus quotes commands that his audience would be familiar with, he uses a phrase like “you have heard that it was said.” Usually when he uses this phrase, he is quoting or summarizing commands directly from the Old Testament law. However, in 5:43, he quotes a command from the Old Testament (“love your neighbor”) and then includes what some people would add to that command (“hate your enemy”). You may need to clarify that only the clause “love your neighbor” is from the Old Testament law. See the notes on each verse for information about what commands Jesus is quoting or summarizing.

Jesus and the law

Throughout this chapter, Jesus quotes commands that his audience would be familiar with. Then, he introduces his response to these commands with a phrase like “but I say to you.” In each case, Jesus is not contradicting or annulling the commands from God that he quotes. Instead, Jesus is correcting misunderstandings about what these commands mean. He wants his disciples to apply the commands properly. Use a form that indicates that Jesus is clarifying the commands, not contradicting them.

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

Salt metaphor

In 5:13, Jesus describes his disciples as if they were salt that seasons the world. He means that, just as salt preserves food and makes it taste better, so his disciples help save people in the world and make the world a better place. If possible, preserve the metaphor or express the idea in simile form. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Light metaphor

In 5:1416, Jesus describes his disciples as if they together were a lamp that gives light. He means specifically that their good deeds function together like a light that shines on other people, which allows these people to learn what is true and to praise God. If possible, preserve the metaphor or express the idea in simile form. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Hyperbole

In 5:2930, Jesus commands his disciples to cut off body parts that cause them to sin. He uses this extreme example of resisting sin in order to show his disciples how serious sin really is. He does not mean that believers should always cut off body parts when they sin. Jesus intends his commands to be shocking, however, so you should preserve the extreme language. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that indicates that Jesus commands are extreme language.

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Singular and plural forms of “you”

In this chapter, Jesus is talking to a large crowd of his followers. Throughout the chapter, Jesus switches between using you in the singular and you in the plural while he is talking to the same people. When he uses the singular, he is speaking about specific situations that each person in the crowd might experience. When he uses the plural, he is speaking generally to the crowd as a whole. You should assume that Jesus is using plural forms of “you” unless a note specifies that the forms are singular. (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-crowd]])

4075:1c5rqrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

4085:1xpesrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoτὸ ὄρος1

Matthew does not clarify what mountain this is or how high up it is. If possible, use a general word for a hill or small mountain without indicating one particular place. Alternate translation: “a high place” or “a small mountain”

4095:1z880rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαθίσαντος αὐτοῦ1

In Jesus culture, teachers usually sat down when they were going to teach. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he having sat down to teach” or “he having sat down as a teacher does”

4105:1elydrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goπροσῆλθον1

In a context such as this, your language might say “went” instead of came. Alternate translation: “went”

4115:2q9mmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἀνοίξας τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ1

Here, the phrase having opened his mouth refers to beginning to speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “having begun to speak”

4125:2fnjerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoἀνοίξας τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ, ἐδίδασκεν1

Here, the phrase having opened his mouth introduces what Jesus said, and the phrase he taught also introduces what Jesus said. Matthew uses both phrases to indicate that what Jesus is about to say is very important. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use just one phrase that introduces important speech. Alternate translation: “he starting teaching”

4135:2h9bxrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he declared”

4145:3egbsrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultμακάριοι οἱ πτωχοὶ τῷ πνεύματι, ὅτι αὐτῶν ἐστιν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “The kingdom of the heavens belongs to the poor in spirit, so they are blessed”

4155:3jhdgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomμακάριοι1

This expression indicates that God is giving favor to people and that their situation is positive or good. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this idea in another way. Alternate translation: “God will bless” or “How good it is for”

4165:3o3y4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjοἱ πτωχοὶ1

Jesus is using the adjective poor as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are poor”

4175:3j7ctrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοἱ πτωχοὶ τῷ πνεύματι1

Here Jesus speaks of people who know that they disobey and that they depend on God totally as if they were poor in spirit. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the spiritually poor” or “those who totally depend upon God”

4185:3wpi6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionαὐτῶν ἐστιν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe people who belong in the kingdom of the heavens. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them” or “they belong in the kingdom of the heavens”

4195:4n8zvrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultμακάριοι οἱ πενθοῦντες, ὅτι αὐτοὶ παρακληθήσονται1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “The ones mourning will be comforted, so they are blessed”

4205:4u8s3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomμακάριοι1

See how you translated this phrase in 5:3. Alternate translation: “God will bless” or “How good it is for”

4215:4lie5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveαὐτοὶ παρακληθήσονται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will comfort them”

4225:5cf72rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultμακάριοι οἱ πραεῖς, ὅτι αὐτοὶ κληρονομήσουσι τὴν γῆν1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “The meek will inherit the earth, so they are blessed”

4235:5hqm8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomμακάριοι1

See how you translated this phrase in 5:3. Alternate translation: “God will bless” or “How good it is for”

4245:5mvb1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjοἱ πραεῖς1

Jesus is using the adjective meek as a noun to mean meek people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “meek people”

4255:5pajwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκληρονομήσουσι1

Here the author speaks as if the meek were children who would receive property from a relative. He speaks in this way to indicate that the meek will receive the earth from God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will receive” or “will be given”

4265:5kn65rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὴν γῆν1

Here Jesus refers to the whole earth, but he implies that it will be the renewed or recreated earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the renewed earth” or “the recreated earth”

4275:6a302rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultμακάριοι οἱ πεινῶντες καὶ διψῶντες τὴν δικαιοσύνην, ὅτι αὐτοὶ χορτασθήσονται1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “The ones hungering and thirsting for righteousness will be fed, so they are blessed”

4285:6ila1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomμακάριοι1

See how you translated this phrase in 5:3. Alternate translation: “God will bless” or “How good it is for”

4295:6bi1jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοἱ πεινῶντες καὶ διψῶντες τὴν δικαιοσύνην, ὅτι αὐτοὶ χορτασθήσονται1

Here Jesus speaks of desiring to do what is right as if it were hungering and thirsting for righteousness. He also speaks of becoming righteous and doing what is right as if it were being fed. He speaks in this way to indicate that these people desire righteousness as much as they desire food and drink. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the ones who desire righteousness as if it were food or drink, for they will receive it as if they were being fed”

4305:6rbfkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν δικαιοσύνην1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of righteousness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “for what is just” or “to be righteous”

4315:6hlq2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveαὐτοὶ χορτασθήσονται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will feed them”

4325:7h8b2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultμακάριοι οἱ ἐλεήμονες, ὅτι αὐτοὶ ἐλεηθήσονται1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “The merciful will obtain mercy, so they are blessed”

4335:7ytjtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomμακάριοι1

See how you translated this phrase in 5:3. Alternate translation: “God will bless” or “How good it is for”

4345:7zy1erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjοἱ ἐλεήμονες1

Matthew is using the adjective merciful as a noun to mean merciful people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “merciful people”

4355:7b7vtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsαὐτοὶ ἐλεηθήσονται1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of mercy, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “God will act mercifully to them”

4365:8qap3rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultμακάριοι οἱ καθαροὶ τῇ καρδίᾳ, ὅτι αὐτοὶ τὸν Θεὸν ὄψονται1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “The pure in heart will see God, so they are blessed”

4375:8c8qarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomμακάριοι1

See how you translated this phrase in 5:3. Alternate translation: “God will bless” or “How good it is for”

4385:8s9gdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοἱ καθαροὶ τῇ καρδίᾳ1

Here, the phrase pure in heart describes people who only think about and desire what is pure and good. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “those who are pure on the inside” or “the ones who think about and want what is pure”

4395:8cr20rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjοἱ καθαροὶ1

Matthew is using the adjective pure as a noun to mean pure people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are pure”

4405:8t6nirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomαὐτοὶ τὸν Θεὸν ὄψονται1

Here, the clause they will see God indicates that these people will be with God, in his presence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they will be in Gods presence”

4415:9y5bkrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultμακάριοι οἱ εἰρηνοποιοί, ὅτι αὐτοὶ υἱοὶ Θεοῦ κληθήσονται1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “The peacemakers will be called sons of God, so they are blessed”

4425:9rxgxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomμακάριοι1

See how you translated this phrase in 5:3. Alternate translation: “God will bless” or “How good it is for”

4435:9jh6vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοἱ εἰρηνοποιοί1

Here Jesus implies that the peacemakers are those who help people act peacefully with each other. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “those who make peace among people” or “the ones who cause people to act peaceably”

4445:9tv19rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveαὐτοὶ υἱοὶ Θεοῦ κληθήσονται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will call them his sons”

4455:9mivurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκληθήσονται1

Here, by using the phrase will be called, Jesus implies that they also will actually be sons of God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “will be people who are” or “will be called and so become”

4465:9sfphrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorυἱοὶ Θεοῦ1

Jesus speaks of these people as if God were their physical father. He means that these people have a father-son relationship with God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “spiritual sons of God”

4475:9h0avrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsυἱοὶ1

Although the term sons is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “sons and daughters” or “offspring”

4485:10q4ogrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultμακάριοι οἱ δεδιωγμένοι ἕνεκεν δικαιοσύνης, ὅτι αὐτῶν ἐστιν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “The kingdom of the heavens belongs to the ones persecuted for the sake of righteousness, so they are blessed”

4495:10mxrirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomμακάριοι1

See how you translated this phrase in 5:3. Alternate translation: “God will bless” or “How good it is for”

4505:10bqu7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοἱ δεδιωγμένοι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the ones whom people persecute”

4515:10hfoxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἕνεκεν δικαιοσύνης1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of righteousness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “because they act justly”

4525:10f3lirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionαὐτῶν ἐστιν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1

See how you translated the same clause in 5:3. Alternate translation: “the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them” or “they belong in the kingdom of the heavens”

4535:11ohjsrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultμακάριοί ἐστε ὅταν ὀνειδίσωσιν ὑμᾶς καὶ διώξωσιν καὶ εἴπωσιν πᾶν πονηρὸν καθ’ ὑμῶν ψευδόμενοι ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “When they insult you and persecute you and say every evil thing against you falsely because of me, you are blessed”

4545:11t5kbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomμακάριοί ἐστε1

See how you translated the similar phrase in 5:3. Alternate translation: “God will bless you” or “How good it is for you”

4555:11m65mrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsὀνειδίσωσιν1

Here, the word they refers to any people who mistreat Jesus disciples. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that refers to people in general. Alternate translation: “others insult” or “some people insult”

4565:11mflfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleπᾶν πονηρὸν1

Jesus says every here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “very many evil things” or “all kinds of evil things”

4575:11puh3rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsψευδόμενοι1

Many ancient manuscripts include lying. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts do not include the word. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

4585:11eez3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ1

When Jesus says because of me, he means that people will persecute them because they are his disciples. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “because you are my disciples” or “because you believe in me”

4595:12jegdrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultχαίρετε καὶ ἀγαλλιᾶσθε, ὅτι ὁ μισθὸς ὑμῶν πολὺς ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς; οὕτως γὰρ ἐδίωξαν τοὺς προφήτας τοὺς πρὸ ὑμῶν1

Here Jesus gives a command followed by two reasons. If it would be helpful in your language, you could rearrange these clauses so that one or both reasons come before the command. Alternate translation: “In fact, in this way they persecuted the prophets before you. Also, great is your reward in the heavens. So, rejoice and be very glad”

4605:12ssk9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletχαίρετε καὶ ἀγαλλιᾶσθε1

The terms Rejoice and be very glad mean similar things. Jesus is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “Be exceedingly glad”

4615:12bpwbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1

Here, the phrase in the heavens indicates where God is currently keeping the reward. It does not indicate where people will receive the reward. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “that is stored in the heavens” or “that you will receive from the heavens”

4625:12wimkrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces another reason why Jesus disciples should rejoice, which is that they are like the prophets who served God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “and you should also rejoice because” or “and in fact,”

4635:12eh8rrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsοὕτως1

Here, the word this refers back to what Jesus said in 5:11 about how people mistreat his disciples. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “in those same ways”

4645:12rh0jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοὺς πρὸ ὑμῶν1

Here, the phrase before you indicates that the prophets lived before the people to whom Jesus is speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “who lived before you did”

4655:13i3zprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphorὑμεῖς ἐστε τὸ ἅλας τῆς γῆς; ἐὰν δὲ τὸ ἅλας μωρανθῇ, ἐν τίνι ἁλισθήσεται? εἰς οὐδὲν ἰσχύει ἔτι, εἰ μὴ βληθὲν ἔξω, καταπατεῖσθαι ὑπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων1

Here Jesus calls his disciples salt that seasons the earth. Just as salt makes food better in many ways, so Jesus disciples make the world better in many ways. However, just as salt that no longer functions properly is thrown out because it cannot be fixed, so Jesus disciples will be punished if they do not make the world better. If possible, preserve the metaphor or use simile form. Alternate translation: “You are like salt for the earth. But if you are like salt that has been made tasteless, how can you be made salty again? Just like that salt, you are good for nothing any longer. That salt will be thrown out to be trampled by men, and you will be punished in a similar way”

4665:13zctkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὸ ἅλας τῆς γῆς1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe salt that seasons the earth. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the salt that seasons the earth”

4675:13wxcirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτῆς γῆς1

Here, the word earth refers primarily to the people who live on the earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer specifically to people here. Alternate translation: “of the people on the earth” or “of all people”

4685:13k3u2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalἐὰν & τὸ ἅλας μωρανθῇ, ἐν τίνι1

Jesus means that it is possible for salt to lose its taste, and he is speaking about what can or cannot happen after salt has lost its taste. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “suppose that the salt is made tasteless. With what”

4695:13ws0orc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveμωρανθῇ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “has become tasteless” or “has lost its taste”

4705:13yoifrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἐν τίνι ἁλισθήσεται?1

Jesus is using the question form to show that no one can make ruined salt salty again. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “it cannot be made salty again!” or “it is not possible to make it salty again.”

4715:13h7z8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἁλισθήσεται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “might someone make it salty again”

4725:13ojrgrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptionsεἰς οὐδὲν ἰσχύει ἔτι, εἰ μὴ βληθὲν ἔξω, καταπατεῖσθαι ὑπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων1

If, in your language, it would appear that Jesus was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “The only thing it is good for is, having been thrown out, to be trampled by men”

4735:13e7czrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveεἰ μὴ βληθὲν ἔξω, καταπατεῖσθαι ὑπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “except, after people have thrown it out, for men to trample it”

4745:13ilyarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτῶν ἀνθρώπων1

Although the term men is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “men and women” or “people”

4755:14wgh5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὑμεῖς ἐστε τὸ φῶς τοῦ κόσμου1

Here Jesus calls his disciples light that illuminates the world. Just as light helps people know where they are and where to go, so Jesus disciples tell people the truth about God and Jesus. If possible, preserve the metaphor or use simile form. Alternate translation: “When you tell others about me, you are like lights that shine on the world”

4765:14eh93rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὸ φῶς τοῦ κόσμου1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe light that illuminates the world. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the light that shines on the world”

4775:14bz3arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτοῦ κόσμου1

Here, the word world refers primarily to the people who live in the world. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer specifically to people here. Alternate translation: “of the people in the world” or “of all people”

4785:14bn28rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοὐ δύναται πόλις κρυβῆναι ἐπάνω ὄρους κειμένη1

Here Jesus implicitly calls his disciples a city that is on a mountain, so it is not able to be hidden. Just as everyone can see this city, so everyone can see how Jesus disciples behave. If possible, preserve the metaphor or use simile form. Alternate translation: “When you do what is right, you are like a city being set on a mountain that is not able to be hidden”

4795:14ny4hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοὐ δύναται πόλις κρυβῆναι ἐπάνω ὄρους κειμένη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People cannot hide a city that they set on top of a mountain”

4805:15rz4nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoοὐδὲ καίουσιν λύχνον καὶ τιθέασιν αὐτὸν ὑπὸ τὸν μόδιον, ἀλλ’ ἐπὶ τὴν λυχνίαν, καὶ λάμπει πᾶσιν τοῖς ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ1

Here Jesus implicitly calls his disciples a a lamp. However, he explains this figure of speech in the next verse, so you should not explain its meaning in this verse.

4815:15s5sbrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsκαίουσιν1

The pronoun they refers to people in general. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use a form that refers to people in general. Alternate translation: “does anyone light”

4825:15uqperc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownὑπὸ τὸν μόδιον1

A basket is a large circular container that stores food or other items. If someone put a lamp under this kind of container, it would completely hide the light from the lamp. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of container, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “in a box” or “under a container that hides its light”

4835:15c8elrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἀλλ’ ἐπὶ1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “but rather they put it on”

4845:15hkm5rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultκαὶ2

Here, the word and introduces the result of putting a lamp on a lampstand. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces a result. Alternate translation: “and so” or “with the result that”

4855:16qhp8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorλαμψάτω τὸ φῶς ὑμῶν ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων1

Here Jesus speaks of proper behavior as if it were a light that could shine. He means that everyone notices and benefits from this proper behavior. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Let what you do be like a light that shines before men” or “Live your life before men”

4865:16nz8zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3pλαμψάτω τὸ φῶς ὑμῶν1

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Make sure that your light shines” or “Your light should shine”

4875:16l0kzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτῶν ἀνθρώπων1

Although the term men is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “men and women” or “people”

4885:16f9uvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὕτως1

Here, the phrase in such a way refers back to what Jesus said in 5:15 about a lamp shining on everyone in a house. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “just as that lamp shines”

4895:16iiu8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὸν Πατέρα ὑμῶν1

Jesus speaks of his disciples as if God were their physical father. He means that they have a father-son relationship with God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your spiritual Father” or “God, who is like a Father to you,”

4905:16ouqirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸν ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1

Here, the phrase in the heavens identifies the location in which God the Father is specially present and from which he rules. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “who is in the heavens”

4915:17jirtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἦλθον-1

Here, the phrase I came refers to Jesus entering this world as a human to do what God called him to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I came to this world … I came to this world” or “I am acting … I am acting”

4925:17d30irc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesτὸν νόμον ἢ τοὺς προφήτας-1

The word law is the name for one part of the Hebrew Scriptures, and the word prophets is the name for another part of the Hebrew Scriptures. Show this in your translation in the way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “any part of the Scriptures, either the Law or the Prophets”

4935:17gg3krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτοὺς προφήτας1

Here, the prophets represents what the prophets said and wrote. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the writings of the prophets”

4945:17re9hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisοὐκ ἦλθον καταλῦσαι, ἀλλὰ πληρῶσαι1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “I came not to destroy them. Rather, I came to fulfill them”

4955:18kgjkrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a reason or basis for Jesus statement that he did not come to destroy the Scriptures but to fulfill them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “In fact,” or “That is because,”

4965:18rpyerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἕως ἂν παρέλθῃ ὁ οὐρανὸς καὶ ἡ γῆ1

Here Jesus refers to how the heaven and the earth that currently exist will pass away, and God will either renew them or make new ones. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “until this world ends” or “until God recreates the heaven and the earth”

4975:18cv3mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismὁ οὐρανὸς καὶ ἡ γῆ1

Here, Jesus is referring to all of the created world by naming the parts that are at the extreme ends of it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all creation” or “the universe”

4985:18ylz6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἰῶτα ἓν ἢ μία κερέα1

A jot is a very small letter or character used in writing. A tittle is a small part of a letter or character. If your readers would not be familiar with these terms, you could use the names of the smallest parts of the writing system in your area or you could use more general terms. Alternate translation: “one word or one part of a word” or “one character or stroke in a character”

4995:18v4wjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletἰῶτα ἓν ἢ μία κερέα1

The terms jot and tittle mean similar things. Jesus is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “one jot” or “one tittle”

5005:18ucl8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐ μὴ1

The words translated certainly not are two negative words. In this construction, the second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. Instead, it gives greater emphasis to the negative. If your language can use two negatives that do not cancel one another to create a positive meaning, you could use a double negative here. If your language does not use two negatives in that way, you could translate with one strong negative, as the ULT does. Alternate translation: “by no means”

5015:18ah3orc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοῦ νόμου1

Here, the phrase the law could refer to: (1) the Old Testament Scriptures in general, just as the phrases “the law” and “the prophets” in 5:17 refer to the Old Testament Scriptures. Alternate translation: “the law and the prophets” or “the Old Testament” (2) just the law, which is the first five books of the Old Testament. Alternate translation: “the Old Testament law” or “the law in the Scriptures”

5025:18ozdarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπάντα γένηται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “all things take place” or “they accomplish all things”

5035:18ya2crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπάντα1

Here, the phrase all things could refer to: (1) everything that is written in the law. Alternate translation: “all things written in the law” (2) everything that God has planned for this world and history. Alternate translation: “all things that God has planned” or “all things that will happen in this world”

5045:19dv5crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὃς ἐὰν & λύσῃ μίαν τῶν ἐντολῶν τούτων τῶν ἐλαχίστων, καὶ διδάξῃ οὕτως τοὺς ἀνθρώπους, ἐλάχιστος κληθήσεται ἐν τῇ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. You may also need to rearrange the elements in the sentence. Alternate translation: “God will call least in the kingdom of the heavens anyone who annuls one of the least of these commandments and teaches men to do so”

5055:19uxz2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῶν ἐλαχίστων & ἐλάχιστος1

Here, the word least identifies something that is not very important. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “of the least important … least important”

5065:19hxl1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτοὺς ἀνθρώπους1

Although the term men is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “men and women” or “others”

5075:19yc45rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὃς δ’ ἂν ποιήσῃ καὶ διδάξῃ, οὗτος μέγας κληθήσεται ἐν τῇ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. You may also need to rearrange the elements in the sentence. Alternate translation: “But God will call great in the kingdom of the heavens anyone who does and teaches them”

5085:20zviarc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a further explanation of what Jesus said in the previous verse about how important it is to obey even the least important laws. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a further explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “In fact,” or “Even more,”

5095:20zqr6rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptionsἐὰν μὴ περισσεύσῃ ὑμῶν ἡ δικαιοσύνη πλεῖον τῶν γραμματέων καὶ Φαρισαίων, οὐ μὴ εἰσέλθητε εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν τῶν Οὐρανῶν1

If, in your language, it would appear that Jesus was contradicting a statement that he was about to make, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “you will only enter into the kingdom of the heavens if your righteousness abounds more than that of the scribes and Pharisees”

5105:20ipn3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsπερισσεύσῃ ὑμῶν ἡ δικαιοσύνη πλεῖον τῶν γραμματέων1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of righteousness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “you are more righteous than the scribes”

5115:20l3lvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐ μὴ1

The words translated certainly not are two negative words. In this construction, the second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. Instead, it gives greater emphasis to the negative. If your language can use two negatives that do not cancel one another to create a positive meaning, you could use a double negative here. If your language does not use two negatives in that way, you could translate with one strong negative, as the ULT does. Alternate translation: “by no means”

5125:21y8lurc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsἐρρέθη τοῖς ἀρχαίοις1

Here Jesus quotes from the Old Testament scriptures, specifically from Exodus 20:13 or Deuteronomy 5:17. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could format these words in a different way and include this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “the ancient ones were commanded in the law”

5135:21t6k5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐρρέθη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God speaking through Moses. Alternate translation: “God said” or “Moses said”

5145:21nyudrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοῖς ἀρχαίοις1

Here, the phrase the ancient ones refers to the ancestors of the Jewish people to whom Jesus was speaking. The phrase most specifically refers to the Israelites who received the law at Mount Sinai. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “to the Israelites who lived long ago”

5155:21v7o5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularοὐ φονεύσεις1

Since the author of the quotation is addressing each specific person who is part of Gods people, the command here is singular. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “Each of you, do not kill”

5165:21zp63rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsδ’1

Here, the word and introduces Jesus summary of what the law required when someone committed murder. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a form that clarifies that this is a summary, not a direct quotation from the Old Testament. Alternate translation: “and they were told” or “and they followed this principle:”

5175:21mij2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔνοχος ἔσται τῇ κρίσει1

Here Jesus implies that the person who kills deserves to be judged and also punished by other people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “will be subject to judgment and punishment” or “deserves to be judged and punished”

5185:21niearc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτῇ κρίσει1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “being judged” or “human authorities who will judge him or her”

5195:22p9fhrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces a contrast with what Jesus said in the previous verse (5:21). Jesus is not contradicting what he said. Rather, he is making it stronger. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast. Alternate translation: “However,” or “Even more,”

5205:22mg2rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐγὼ & λέγω ὑμῖν, ὅτι1

Jesus uses the clause I say to you to emphasize what he is about to say and to contrast it with what “was said to the ancient ones” (5:21). If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the emphatic contrast in another way. Alternate translation: “listen to this:” or “here is what you need to know:”

5215:22x3asrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsὁ ὀργιζόμενος τῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ1

Many ancient manuscripts read being angry with his brother. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “being angry with his brother without cause.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

5225:22d5nlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ & τῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ1

Jesus is using the term brother to mean a person who follows Jesus and shares the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “with a fellow disciple … to a fellow disciple”

5235:22rbi3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ & τῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ1

Although the terms his and brother are masculine, Jesus is using the words in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you retain the metaphor in your translation, and if it would be helpful in your language, you could say “his or her brother or sister” to indicate this.

5245:22popwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔνοχος ἔσται τῇ κρίσει1

See how you translated this clause in 5:21. Alternate translation: “will be subject to judgment and punishment” or “deserves to be judged and punished”

5255:22b08brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτῇ κρίσει1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “being judged” or “human authorities who will judge him or her”

5265:22hf7nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsεἴπῃ τῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ, ῥακά, ἔνοχος ἔσται & εἴπῃ, μωρέ, ἔνοχος ἔσται1

It may be more natural in your language to have indirect quotations here. Alternate translation: “calls his brother Raka will be subject to … says that someone is a fool will be subject”

5275:22w721rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterateῥακά1

Raka is a word borrowed from Aramaic. You will need to decide if you will also borrow this word into your language or if you will translate the meaning. Either approach has broad support. If you borrow the word, you could spell it the way it sounds in your language and then put the translation in a footnote. Alternative translation: “Fool” or “Idiot”

5285:22qwdjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔνοχος ἔσται τῷ Συνεδρίῳ1

Here Jesus implies that any person who calls his brother a bad name like Raka deserves to be judged and punished by the council. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “will be subject to judgment and punishment by the council” or “deserves to be judged and punished by the council”

5295:22i9r5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὃς δ’ ἂν εἴπῃ2

Here Jesus implies that the person is speaking to his brother, just as with the earlier examples in the verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “And whoever says to his brother”

5305:22alfarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμωρέ1

This is an insulting expression. Use an expression in your language that a person might use to insult another person. Alternate translation: “You are an idiot”

5315:22p42xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔνοχος ἔσται εἰς τὴν Γέενναν τοῦ πυρός1

Here Jesus implies that any person who calls a fellow disciple a fool deserves to be judged by God and punished in the Gehenna of fire. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “will be subject to judgment and punishment in the Gehenna of fire” or “deserves to be judged by God and punished in the Gehenna of fire”

5325:22ryiorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὴν Γέενναν τοῦ πυρός1

Here Jesus uses the name Gehenna to refer to hell. The valley named Gehenna was outside the city of Jerusalem and was a place where people threw out and burned garbage. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a simile or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a place of fire like the valley of Gehenna” or “fiery hell, which is like Gehenna valley”

5335:22xd6xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὴν Γέενναν τοῦ πυρός1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe Gehenna as a place that has much fire. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the fiery Gehenna” or “the fires in Gehenna”

5345:23ck09rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1

Here, the word Therefore introduces an inference or conclusion based on what Jesus has said about being angry and insulting fellow believers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an inference or conclusion. Alternate translation: “So” or “Because of that”

5355:23m0jgrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalἐὰν & προσφέρῃς τὸ δῶρόν σου ἐπὶ τὸ θυσιαστήριον, κἀκεῖ μνησθῇς ὅτι ὁ ἀδελφός σου ἔχει τι κατὰ σοῦ1

Jesus is suggesting that this is a hypothetical condition, that people in his audience might be at the altar and remember that a brother has something against them. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “consider this situation: you are offering your gift at the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you. If that were to happen”

5365:23he2vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdπροσφέρῃς & σου & μνησθῇς & σου & σοῦ1

Even though Jesus is speaking to many disciples, he is addressing an individual situation, so you and your are singular throughout this verse. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who is speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural forms of you and your in your translation.

5375:23chv4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ δῶρόν σου ἐπὶ τὸ θυσιαστήριον1

Here Jesus is referring to giving a gift to God at the altar in the temple in Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make these ideas more explicit. Alternate translation: “your gift to God at the altar in the temple”

5385:23wh1drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ ἀδελφός σου1

Jesus is using the term brother to mean a person who follows Jesus and shares the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a fellow disciple”

5395:23zkecrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsὁ ἀδελφός σου1

Although the term brother is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you retain the metaphor in your translation, and if it would be helpful in your language, you could say “your brother or sister” to indicate this.

5405:23lrsxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἔχει τι κατὰ σοῦ1

Here, the phrase has something against you indicates that the brother has been offended or injured by you. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is upset with you” or “has been offended by you”

5415:24hxl6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdἄφες & σου & ὕπαγε & διαλλάγηθι & σου & πρόσφερε & σου1

Even though Jesus is speaking to many disciples, he is addressing an individual situation, so you and your are singular throughout this verse. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who is speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural forms of you and your in your translation.

5425:24lrx6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὕπαγε1

Here Jesus implies that the person needs to go to his or her brother. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “go to your brother”

5435:24q08wrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequentialπρῶτον διαλλάγηθι τῷ ἀδελφῷ σου, καὶ τότε ἐλθὼν, πρόσφερε τὸ δῶρόν σου1

Here Jesus emphasizes that these two events must happen in this sequence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could emphasize the sequence in another way. Alternate translation: “before you can come back and offer your gift, you need to be reconciled with your brother”

5445:24z9m5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveδιαλλάγηθι τῷ ἀδελφῷ σου1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “reconcile with your brother” or “restore the relationship with your brother”

5455:24h4chrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτῷ ἀδελφῷ σου1

Jesus is using the term brother to mean a person who follows Jesus and shares the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “with that fellow disciple”

5465:24z0hyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτῷ ἀδελφῷ σου1

Although the term brother is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you retain the metaphor in your translation, and if it would be helpful in your language, you could say “with your brother or sister” to indicate this.

5475:24cxe2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐλθὼν1

Here Jesus implies that the person can come back to the altar. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having come back to your gift at the altar”

5485:24aa4jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθὼν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “go” instead of come. Alternate translation: “having gone”

5495:25mhr1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἴσθι εὐνοῶν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of agreement, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Agree”

5505:25d3p1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdἴσθι & σου & εἶ & σε & ὁ & βληθήσῃ1

Even though Jesus is speaking to many disciples, he is addressing an individual situation, so you and your are singular throughout this verse. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who is speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural forms of you and your in your translation.

5515:25sr9drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτῷ ἀντιδίκῳ σου & ὁ ἀντίδικος1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe someone who accuses another person (“you”). If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “with the one who is accusing you … the one who is accusing you”

5525:25lr2nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἶ μετ’ αὐτοῦ ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ1

Here, on the way is referring to the time when the person and the persons accuser are walking to the place where the judge is. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “you are walking with him on the road to the law court”

5535:25ununrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsαὐτοῦ1

Although the term him is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “him or her”

5545:25nev9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomσε παραδῷ1

Here, the phrase hand you over refers to putting someone under the authority and control of another person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “might transfer you” or “might entrust you”

5555:25pq6drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisὁ κριτὴς τῷ ὑπηρέτῃ1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “the judge might hand you over to the officer”

5565:25gcm5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτῷ ὑπηρέτῃ1

Here, the officer is a person who has authority to carry out the decisions of a judge. Usually this involves bringing people to jail if they have been declared guilty by the judge. Alternate translation: “to the one who carries out the judges orders”

5575:25drhprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomεἰς φυλακὴν βληθήσῃ1

Here, the phrase thrown into prison refers to someone being locked up in prison. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you will be put into prison” or “you will be locked up in prison”

5585:25pzh4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveβληθήσῃ1

If your language does not use the passive form, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the officer will throw you”

5595:26uu76rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdσοι, οὐ μὴ ἐξέλθῃς & ἀποδῷς1

Even though Jesus is speaking to many disciples, he is addressing an individual situation, so you is singular throughout this verse. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who is speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural form of you in your translation.

5605:26l1xlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐ μὴ1

The words translated certainly not are two negative words. In this construction, the second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. Instead, it gives greater emphasis to the negative. If your language can use two negatives that do not cancel one another to create a positive meaning, you could use a double negative here. If your language does not use two negatives in that way, you could translate with one strong negative, as the ULT does. Alternate translation: “by no means”

5615:26z8slrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goοὐ μὴ ἐξέλθῃς1

In a context such as this, your language might say “go” instead of come. Alternate translation: “you will certainly not go out”

5625:26z2mcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἕως ἂν ἀποδῷς τὸν ἔσχατον κοδράντην1

Here Jesus implies that the “judge” required the person to pay a fine or give money to the person who accused him or her. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “until you have paid the last quadrans that the judge required”

5635:26zlilrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoneyτὸν ἔσχατον κοδράντην1

A quadrans was one of the smallest and least valuable coins in circulation in this place and time. It was equivalent to about an eighth of an hours wage. You could try to express this amount in terms of current monetary values, but that might cause your Bible translation to become outdated and inaccurate, since those values can change over time. So instead you might use the name of the least valuable coin in your culture, or a general expression. Alternate translation: “the last penny” or “every bit of money that your creditor demands”

5645:27jxg5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐρρέθη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God speaking through Moses. Alternate translation: “God commanded” or “Moses said”

5655:27u2d8rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsἐρρέθη1

Here Jesus quotes from the Old Testament scriptures, specifically from Exodus 20:14 or Deuteronomy 5:18. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could format these words in a different way and include this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “it was commanded in the law”

5665:27dsekrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularοὐ μοιχεύσεις1

Since the author of the quotation is addressing each specific person who is part of Gods people, the command here is singular. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “Each of you, do not commit adultery”

5675:27gdpurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsοὐ μοιχεύσεις1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of adultery, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Do not be an adulterer or adulteress” or “Do not do what is adulterous”

5685:28fawwrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces a contrast with what Jesus said in the previous verse (5:27). Jesus is not contradicting what he said. Rather, he is making it stronger. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast. Alternate translation: “However,” or “Even more,”

5695:28o6w7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐγὼ & λέγω ὑμῖν, ὅτι1

Jesus uses the clause I say to you to emphasize what he is about to say and to contrast it with the command he quoted in the previous verse (5:27). If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the emphatic contrast in another way. Alternate translation: “listen to this:” or “here is what you need to know:”

5705:28mchsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitγυναῖκα1

Here Jesus implies that this woman is not the mans wife. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “another woman” or “a woman to whom he is not married”

5715:28y8sfrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalπρὸς τὸ ἐπιθυμῆσαι αὐτὴν1

Here, the phrase to lust after her could describe: (1) the purpose for which the man is looking. Alternate translation: “in order to lust after her” (2) the result of the man looking. Alternate translation: “with the result that he lusts after her”

5725:28z70src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἤδη ἐμοίχευσεν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of adultery, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “has already become an adulterer” or “has already done what is adulterous”

5735:28glg9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ1

In Matthews culture, the heart is the place where humans think and feel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate heart by referring to the place where humans think and feel in your culture or by expressing the idea plainly. Alternate translation: “in his thoughts” or “in his desires”

5745:29g850rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces a further development in what Jesus has been speaking about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a development, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Now”

5755:29wm6nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdσου & σε, ἔξελε & βάλε & σοῦ & σοι & σου & σου1

Even though Jesus is speaking to many disciples, he is addressing an individual situation, so you and your are singular throughout this verse. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who is speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural forms of you and your in your translation.

5765:29ikp5rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalεἰ & ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου ὁ δεξιὸς σκανδαλίζει σε1

Jesus is suggesting that this is a hypothetical condition, that people in his audience might experience their right eye causing them to stumble. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “consider this situation: your right eye causes you to stumble. If that were to happen”

5775:29y0f2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationὁ ὀφθαλμός σου ὁ δεξιὸς σκανδαλίζει σε1

Here, Jesus speaks of your right eye as if it were a person who could cause you to stumble. He means that the right eye is the part of the body that is involved in the stumbling. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it is your right eyes fault that you stumble” or “you stumble with your right eye”

5785:29aro9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorσκανδαλίζει σε1

Here, Jesus is speaking of sinning as if it were stumbling. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “causes you to sin”

5795:29v6jrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleἔξελε αὐτὸν καὶ βάλε ἀπὸ σοῦ1

Here Jesus provides the most extreme response to sinning. He does not mean that this should be the normal way to deal with sin. You should preserve the extreme language Jesus uses, but use a form that indicates that this is the most extreme example. Alternate translation: “if necessary you should even pluck it out and throw it away from you!”

5805:29xvdorc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγάρ1

Here, the word For introduces a reason why people should pluck out their eyes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a command, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “That is because” or “Indeed,”

5815:29v687rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἓν τῶν μελῶν σου1

Here, the phrase one of your members refers to a body part. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “one of your body parts”

5825:29x2dzrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ2

Here, the word and introduces the result of one of your members perishing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a result. Alternate translation: “so” or “with the result that”

5835:29v1cnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveμὴ ὅλον τὸ σῶμά σου βληθῇ εἰς Γέενναν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “God would not throw your whole body into Gehenna”

5845:29cxykrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorΓέενναν1

Here Jesus uses the name Gehenna to refer to hell. Translate the name as you did in 5:22. Alternate translation: “a place like the valley of Gehenna” or “hell, which is like Gehenna valley”

5855:30wtykrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ1

This verse means basically the same thing as the previous verse, but Jesus uses the example of a right hand instead of a “right eye.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word other than and to make this clear. Alternate translation: “Again,” or “Here is another example:”

5865:30llw9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdσου & σε, ἔκκοψον & βάλε & σοῦ & σοι & σου & σου1

Even though Jesus is speaking to many disciples, he is addressing an individual situation, so you and your are singular throughout this verse. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who is speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural forms of you and your in your translation.

5875:30zx8xrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalεἰ ἡ δεξιά σου χεὶρ σκανδαλίζει σε1

Jesus is suggesting that this is a hypothetical condition, that people in his audience might experience their right hand causing them to stumble. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. See how you translated the similar clause in 5:29. Alternate translation: “consider this situation: your right hand causes you to stumble. If that were to happen”

5885:30klwlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationἡ δεξιά σου χεὶρ σκανδαλίζει σε1

Here, Jesus speaks of your right hand as if it were a person who could cause you to stumble. He means that the right hand is the part of the body that is involved in the stumbling. See how you translated the similar clause in 5:29. Alternate translation: “it is your right hands fault that you stumble” or “you stumble with your right hand”

5895:30qqomrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorσκανδαλίζει σε1

Here, Jesus is speaking of sinning as if it were stumbling. See how you translated this phrase in 5:29. Alternate translation: “causes you to sin”

5905:30qs74rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleἔκκοψον αὐτὴν καὶ βάλε ἀπὸ σοῦ1

Here Jesus provides the most extreme response to sinning. He does not mean that this should be the normal way to deal with sin. You should preserve the extreme language Jesus uses, but use a form that indicates that this is the most extreme example. See how you translated the similar command in 5:29. Alternate translation: “if necessary you should even cut it off and throw it away from you!”

5915:30xtusrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγάρ1

Here, the word For introduces a reason why people should cut off their hands. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a command, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “That is because” or “Indeed,”

5925:30pdkqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἓν τῶν μελῶν σου1

Here, the phrase one of your members refers to a body part. See how you translated this phrase in 5:29. Alternate translation: “one of your body parts”

5935:30r4d2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ3

Here, the word and introduces the result of one of your members perishing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a result. Alternate translation: “so” or “with the result that”

5945:30i3yorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationμὴ ὅλον τὸ σῶμά σου εἰς Γέενναν ἀπέλθῃ1

Here, Jesus speaks of your whole body as if it were a person who could go into Gehenna. He means that the person ends up in Gehenna with their whole body. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your whole body would not be sent into Gehenna” or “God would not throw your whole body into Gehenna”

5955:30wfbhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorΓέενναν1

Here Jesus uses the name Gehenna to refer to hell. Translate the name as you did in 5:29. Alternate translation: “a place like the valley of Gehenna” or “hell, which is like Gehenna valley”

5965:31evxtrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδέ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next topic. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next topic, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,”

5975:31dh23rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐρρέθη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God speaking through Moses. Alternate translation: “God commanded” or “Moses said”

5985:31dy9yrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsἐρρέθη1

Here Jesus summarizes a command from the Old Testament scriptures, which can be found in Deuteronomy 24:1. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could format these words in a different way and include this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “it was commanded in the law”

5995:31miberc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3pδότω1

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he needs to give”

6005:31gagqrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἀποστάσιον1

A certificate of divorce is a written document that makes the divorce official. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of document, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “a written paper that testifies to the divorce”

6015:32nodqrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces a contrast with what Jesus said in the previous verse (5:31). Jesus is not contradicting what he said. Rather, he is making it stronger. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast. Alternate translation: “However,” or “Even more,”

6025:32zl66rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐγὼ & λέγω ὑμῖν, ὅτι1

Jesus uses the clause I say to you to emphasize what he is about to say and to contrast it with the command he quoted in the previous verse (5:31). See how you translated the same phrase in 5:28. Alternate translation: “listen to this:” or “here is what you need to know:”

6035:32j2aqrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptionsπᾶς ὁ ἀπολύων τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ, παρεκτὸς λόγου πορνείας, ποιεῖ αὐτὴν μοιχευθῆναι1

If it would appear in your language that Jesus was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “the only time a man is allowed to divorce his wife is when there is a report of sexual immorality. Otherwise, when he divorces her, he causes her to commit adultery”

6045:32xp5zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitλόγου πορνείας1

Here Jesus implies that the report is about the wife having done something that is sexually immoral. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “a report that she has been sexually immoral”

6055:32fi3wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsπορνείας1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind immorality, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “concerning what is sexually immoral” or “of sexually immoral behavior”

6065:32c899rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitποιεῖ αὐτὴν μοιχευθῆναι1

Here, the phrase causes her to commit adultery could imply that: (1) the wife marries again, since that was expected in Matthews culture. When she does, she commits adultery. Alternate translation: “causes her to commit adultery when she marries another man” (2) the man marries again, since that was expected in Matthews culture. When he does, he makes his previous wife the victim of adultery. Alternate translation: “commits adultery against her when he marries another woman”

6075:32k3ojrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsμοιχευθῆναι & μοιχᾶται1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of adultery, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to become an adulteress … becomes an adulterer” or “to do what is adulterous … does what is adulterous”

6085:32zai7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀπολελυμένην1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was the womans husband. Alternate translation: “her after her husband has divorced her”

6095:33ztzyrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesπάλιν1

Here, the word Again introduces a new group of contrasts between what the disciples have heard and what Jesus says to them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a second, similar section, or you could leave Again untranslated. Alternate translation: “Further” or “Even more”

6105:33nfvnrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsἐρρέθη τοῖς ἀρχαίοις1

Here Jesus summarizes several commands in the Old Testament that require people to do what they promised to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could clarify that Jesus is summarizing commands from the Old Testament Scriptures. Alternate translation: “the ancient ones were commanded in the law”

6115:33fk86rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐρρέθη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God speaking through Moses. Alternate translation: “God declared” or “Moses said”

6125:33m4lbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοῖς ἀρχαίοις1

Here, the phrase the ancient ones refers to the ancestors of the Jewish people to whom Jesus was speaking. The phrase most specifically refers to the Israelites who received the law at Mount Sinai. See how you translated the phrase in 5:21. Alternate translation: “to the Israelites who lived long ago”

6135:33qkmerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularοὐκ ἐπιορκήσεις, ἀποδώσεις δὲ τῷ Κυρίῳ τοὺς ὅρκους σου1

Since the author of the quotation is addressing each specific person who is part of Gods people, the command here is singular. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “Each of you, do not break an oath, but carry out your oaths to the Lord”

6145:33ic29rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐκ ἐπιορκήσεις1

Here, the command Do not break an oath could be forbidding people from: (1) swearing to do something and then not doing it. Alternate translation: “Do not fail to accomplish what you said in an oath” (2) swearing that something is true when it is not true. Alternate translation: “Do not swear falsely” or “Do not use an oath to say that something false is actually true”

6155:33tk9yrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here the word but introduces what to do instead of breaking an oath. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast. Alternate translation: “but instead”

6165:33f6zzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἀποδώσεις & τῷ Κυρίῳ τοὺς ὅρκους σου1

Here, the phrase carry out your oaths to the Lord means that people do to do what they promised the Lord that they would do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable clause or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “accomplish what you said in your oath to the Lord”

6175:34dqgvrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces a contrast with what Jesus said in the previous verse (5:33). Jesus is not contradicting what he said. Rather, he is adding new information. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast. Alternate translation: “However,” or “Yet”

6185:34idtmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐγὼ & λέγω ὑμῖν μὴ ὀμόσαι1

Jesus uses the clause I tell you to emphasize what he is about to say and to contrast it with what “was said to the ancient ones” (5:33). If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the emphatic contrast in another way. Alternate translation: “listen to this: do not swear” or “here is what you need to know: do not swear”

6195:34nldvrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultὅλως; μήτε ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, ὅτι θρόνος ἐστὶν τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Here, the word for introduces a reason why people should not swear by heaven. If it would be helpful in your language, you could put the reason before the command. Alternate translation: “at all. Heaven is the throne of God, so do not swear by it”

6205:34u7surc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorθρόνος ἐστὶν τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Here, Jesus speaks of heaven as if it were the throne of God. He means that heaven is the place from which God rules. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “it is where Gods throne is” or “it is the place from which God rules”

6215:35e7z8rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultμήτε ἐν τῇ γῇ, ὅτι ὑποπόδιόν ἐστιν τῶν ποδῶν αὐτοῦ1

Here, the word for introduces a reason why people should not swear by the earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could put the reason before the command. Alternate translation: “and the earth is a footstool for his feet, so do not swear by it either”

6225:35mvcdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὑποπόδιόν ἐστιν τῶν ποδῶν αὐτοῦ1

Here, Jesus speaks of the earth as if it were a footstool for his feet. He means that the earth is a place over which God rules. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it is where God exercises his authority” or “it is the place over which God rules”

6235:35uhvyrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultμήτε εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα, ὅτι πόλις ἐστὶν τοῦ μεγάλου Βασιλέως1

Here, the word for introduces a reason why people should not swear by Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could put the reason before the command. Alternate translation: “and Jerusalem is the city of the great King, so do not swear by it either”

6245:35hqn6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionπόλις & τοῦ μεγάλου Βασιλέως1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe a city that belongs to the great King. It is the city where the great King is present in a special way. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the city where the great King is present” or “the city that the great King possesses”

6255:35hsk8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοῦ μεγάλου Βασιλέως1

Here Jesus implies that the great King is God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “of the great King, God”

6265:36l9c8rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultμήτε ἐν τῇ κεφαλῇ σου ὀμόσῃς, ὅτι οὐ δύνασαι μίαν τρίχα λευκὴν ποιῆσαι ἢ μέλαιναν1

Here, the word for introduces a reason why people should not swear by their head. If it would be helpful in your language, you could put the reason before the command. Alternate translation: “Also, you are not able to make one hair on your head white or black, so you should not swear by your head”

6275:36gbwprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdσου ὀμόσῃς & οὐ δύνασαι1

Even though Jesus is speaking to many disciples, he is addressing an individual situation, so you and your are singular throughout this verse. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who was speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural forms of you and your in your translation.

6285:36z5vurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμίαν τρίχα1

Here Jesus implies that this hair is on a persons head. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “one hair on your head”

6295:37v8ejrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces a contrast with what Jesus tells the disciples not to do in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Instead,” or “Rather,”

6305:37iqqtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3pἔστω & ὁ λόγος ὑμῶν1

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “your word should be” or “you should only say”

6315:37hjrcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὁ λόγος ὑμῶν1

Here, word represents what a person says using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what you say”

6325:37opmirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitναὶ ναί, οὒ οὔ1

Here Jesus implies that a person is using the word yes to make a promise to say or do something and the word no to make a promise not to say or do something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “yes I will or no I will not

6335:37gbnirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ & περισσὸν τούτων1

Here Jesus is referring to saying anything more than yes or no when making a promise. He is particularly referring to swearing an oath. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “using more words in your promise” or “including an oath”

6345:37l664rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοῦ πονηροῦ1

Here, the phrase the evil one could refer to: (1) the devil, or Satan. Alternate translation: “the devil” (2) evil in general. Alternate translation: “an evil source” or “what is evil”

6355:38zar1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐρρέθη1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God commanded” or “Moses said”

6365:38n50orc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsἐρρέθη1

Here Jesus quotes from the Old Testament scriptures. These words can be found in Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; and Deuteronomy 19:21. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could format these words in a different way and include this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “it was commanded in the law”

6375:38og6prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὀφθαλμὸν ἀντὶ ὀφθαλμοῦ καὶ ὀδόντα ἀντὶ ὀδόντος1

Here Jesus implies that this command deals with the proper way to punish people when they injure others. The command indicates that the punishment should match what the person did to hurt another person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “If someone injured another persons eye, his or her eye should be injured as punishment; if someone injured another persons tooth, his or her tooth should be injured as punishment” or “If you hurt someones eye, your eye will be hurt; if you hurt someones tooth, your tooth will be hurt”

6385:39gu6krc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces a contrast with what Jesus said in the previous verse (5:38). Jesus is not contradicting what he said. Rather, he is adding new information. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast. Alternate translation: “However,” or “Yet”

6395:39xjgorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐγὼ & λέγω ὑμῖν, μὴ ἀντιστῆναι1

Jesus uses the clause I tell you to emphasize what he is about to say and to contrast it with what he quoted in the previous verse (5:38). If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the emphatic contrast in another way. Alternate translation: “listen to this: do not resist” or “here is what you need to know: do not resist”

6405:39eiqirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀντιστῆναι1

Here, the word resist could refer to: (1) trying to stop someone from doing something. Alternate translation: “to oppose” (2) trying to fight back or get revenge. Alternate translation: “to fight back against” or “to get revenge on”

6415:39qrx1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῷ πονηρῷ1

Here, the phrase the evil one could refer to: (1) any person who acts in evil ways. Alternate translation: “an evil person” or “any person who is evil” (2) any action or thing that is evil. Alternate translation: “anything evil” or “evil actions”

6425:39oslzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoὅστις σε ῥαπίζει εἰς τὴν δεξιὰν σιαγόνα, στρέψον αὐτῷ καὶ τὴν ἄλλην1

Jesus is using a hypothetical situation to teach. Use a natural method in your language for introducing a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, you should turn to him the other also”

6435:39kgnbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdσε & στρέψον1

Even though Jesus is speaking to many disciples, he is addressing an individual situation, so you is singular throughout this sentence. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who is speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural form of you in your translation.

6445:39i13frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitστρέψον αὐτῷ καὶ τὴν ἄλλην1

Here Jesus implies that turning the other cheek to him will allow the person to strike this other cheek. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “turn to him the other so that he can strike it also”

6455:39ztvkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsαὐτῷ1

Although the term him is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “to him or her”

6465:40d5pbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoτῷ θέλοντί σοι κριθῆναι καὶ τὸν χιτῶνά σου λαβεῖν, ἄφες αὐτῷ καὶ τὸ ἱμάτιον1

Jesus is using a hypothetical situation to teach. Use a natural method in your language for introducing a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “if someone wants to have judgment passed upon you and to take away your tunic, you should let him also have your cloak”

6475:40gr2xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsσοι κριθῆναι1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to have someone judge you” or “you to be judged”

6485:40rkhirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdσοι & σου & ἄφες & τὸ1

Even though Jesus is speaking to many disciples, he is addressing an individual situation, so you and your are singular throughout this verse. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who is speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural forms of you and your in your translation.

6495:40fcglrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ τὸν χιτῶνά σου λαβεῖν1

Here, the word and introduces the result of judgment being passed upon you. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that makes this more explicit. Alternate translation: “with the result that he takes away your tunic”

6505:40t9f4rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὸν χιτῶνά & ἱμάτιον1

The tunic was worn close to the body, like a heavy shirt or a sweater. The cloak, the more valuable of the two, was worn over the tunic for warmth and could be used as a blanket for warmth at night. If your readers would not be familiar with these kinds of garments, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “inner garment … outer garment”

6515:40ckn9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsαὐτῷ1

Although the term him is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “him or her”

6525:41hv2qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoὅστις σε ἀγγαρεύσει μίλιον ἕν, ὕπαγε μετ’ αὐτοῦ δύο1

Jesus is using a hypothetical situation to teach. Use a natural method in your language for introducing a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “if someone presses you into service for one mile, you should go with him two”

6535:41i867rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitσε ἀγγαρεύσει1

Here, the phrase press you into service refers to a person in authority forcing someone else to carry his or her pack or belongings. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that makes this idea explicit. Alternate translation: “will force you to carry his pack” or “will make you act as his porter”

6545:41bmmerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdσε & ὕπαγε1

Even though Jesus is speaking to many disciples, he is addressing an individual situation, so you is singular throughout this verse. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who is speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural form of you in your translation.

6555:41i86src://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistanceμίλιον ἕν1

Here, one mile refers to the Roman mile, which was 1,000 paces. In modern measurements, this is about 4,860 feet or 1,480 meters. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this in terms of modern measurements, either in the text or a footnote. It is not important to the meaning of the passage to be precise about the distance, so you could use round numbers. Alternate translation: “for one kilometer”

6565:41zv6irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisὕπαγε μετ’ αὐτοῦ δύο1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “go with him two miles”

6575:41s4klrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsαὐτοῦ1

Although the term him is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “him or her”

6585:42i90hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῷ αἰτοῦντί σε, δός1

Here Jesus does not specify what the person is asking for or what should be given. He does this to include many things that a person might ask for. If it would be helpful in your language, you could include a generic or general object. Alternate translation: “Give to the one asking you for anything” or “When a person asks you for anything, give it to him or her”

6595:42qkitrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdσε, δός & σοῦ & μὴ ἀποστραφῇς1

Even though Jesus is speaking to many disciples, he is addressing an individual situation, so you is singular throughout this verse. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who was speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural form of you in your translation.

6605:42h6j9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorμὴ ἀποστραφῇς1

Here Jesus speaks of refusing to help someone as if it were turning away from that person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “do not refuse” or “do not reject”

6615:42znk7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδανίσασθαι1

Here, the word borrow usually indicates borrowing money. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “to borrow money”

6625:43fp6xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐρρέθη1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God commanded” or “Moses said”

6635:43cyz3rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsὅτι ἐρρέθη1

Here Jesus quotes from the Old Testament scriptures. The words Love your neighbor are from Leviticus 19:18. The words hate your enemy are what some people would say in addition to the quotation from the Old Testament. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could format these words in a different way and include this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “people often quote the law by saying”

6645:43ufbarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularἀγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου, καὶ μισήσεις τὸν ἐχθρόν σου1

Since the author of the quotation is addressing each specific person who is part of Gods people, the command here is singular. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “Each of you, love your neighbor and hate your enemy”

6655:43itz8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounτὸν πλησίον σου & τὸν ἐχθρόν σου1

The words neighbor and enemy represent neighbors and enemies in general, not one particular neighbor or enemy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a more natural expression. Alternate translation: “each of your neighbors … each of your enemies”

6665:43tqj3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὸν πλησίον σου1

Here Jesus refers to any member of ones community or group as a neighbor. He is not referring just to people who live nearby. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your countrymen” or “everyone who belongs to your group”

6675:44tudcrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces a contrast with what Jesus said in the previous verse (5:43). Jesus is not contradicting what God said about loving neighbors, but he is contradicting what some people say about hating enemies. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast. Alternate translation: “However,” or “Yet”

6685:44vq8lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐγὼ & λέγω ὑμῖν1

Jesus uses the clause I say to you to emphasize what he is about to say and to contrast it with what he quoted in the previous verse (5:43). If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the emphatic contrast in another way. Alternate translation: “listen to this:” or “here is what you need to know:”

6695:44ogqirc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsἐχθροὺς ὑμῶν, καὶ προσεύχεσθε1

Many ancient manuscripts only include these two commands in this verse. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts include the commands “bless the ones cursing you, do good to the ones hating you” between the words enemies and and. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

6705:45ir75rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalὅπως1

The connecting words so that introduce a goal or purpose relationship. The purpose for loving enemies and praying for persecutors (see 5:44) is to be sons of your Father. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose. Alternate translation: “in order that”

6715:45my3drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorυἱοὶ τοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν1

Jesus speaks of his disciples as if God were their physical Father. He means that they have a father-son relationship with God, which indicates that they act or behave like God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “spiritual sons of your spiritual Father” or “like God, whom you can call your Father”

6725:45jzu9rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΠατρὸς ὑμῶν1

Father is an important title for the first person in the Trinity. He is the Father also of Jesus.

6735:45syjzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐν οὐρανοῖς1

Here, the phrase in the heavens identifies the location in which God the Father is specially present and from which he rules. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “who is in the heavens”

6745:45sxvqrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultὅτι1

Here, the word For introduces a reason why those who treat their enemies well will be sons of their Father. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “You will be his sons because” or “That is because”

6755:45hwxbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureπονηροὺς καὶ ἀγαθοὺς & δικαίους καὶ ἀδίκους1

In the first clause, Jesus mentions the wicked person first, but in the second clause he mentions the wicked person second. This structure sounded good in his culture. If your language would not use this structure, you could consistently refer to either the wicked or the good person first. Alternate translation: “the good and the evil … the just and the unjust” or “the evil and the good … the unjust and the just”

6765:45qj7nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjπονηροὺς καὶ ἀγαθοὺς & δικαίους καὶ ἀδίκους1

Jesus is using the adjectives evil, good, just, and unjust as nouns to mean people who are characterized by these qualities. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “evil people and good people … just people and unjust people”

6775:46qjwbrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces further support for Jesus command to love enemies. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces support for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “You should love your enemies because” or “You should do what I am saying since”

6785:46se4krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτίνα μισθὸν ἔχετε?1

Jesus uses this question to show that people who only love others who love them will not receive any reward. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “you have no reward.” or “there is no reward for you!”

6795:46cb77rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐχὶ καὶ οἱ τελῶναι τὸ αὐτὸ ποιοῦσιν?1

Jesus uses this question to show that even tax collectors, who were often considered to be unloving people, love people who love them. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Even the tax collectors do the same.” or “Even tax collectors do that very thing!”

6805:47qpvkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτοὺς ἀδελφοὺς ὑμῶν1

Jesus is using the term brothers to mean people who share the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “fellow disciples” or “other believers”

6815:47ebw3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτοὺς ἀδελφοὺς1

Although the term brothers is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you retain the metaphor in your translation, and if it would be helpful in your language, you could say “brothers and sisters” to indicate this.

6825:47ba6erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί περισσὸν ποιεῖτε?1

Jesus uses this question to show that people who greet only their brothers do not do anything more. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “you do nothing more.” or “you have not done anything more!”

6835:47ah5wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπερισσὸν1

Here Jesus implies that they are not doing anything more than people who do not know God do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “more than anyone else” or “more than people who do not know God”

6845:47cjkfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐχὶ καὶ οἱ ἐθνικοὶ τὸ αὐτὸ ποιοῦσιν?1

Jesus uses this question to show that even Gentiles, who do not know God, greet their friends. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Even the Gentiles do the same thing.” or “Even Gentiles do that very thing!”

6855:47hayfrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsοἱ ἐθνικοὶ1

Many ancient manuscripts read the Gentiles. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “the tax collectors.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

6865:48x9xhrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1

Here, the word Therefore introduces the conclusion to what Jesus has been telling his disciples about how to live. He could be concluding everything he said in 5:2147, or he could be concluding only what he said in 5:4347. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a conclusion. Alternate translation: “So then” or “In summary”

6875:48l6parc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorΠατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ οὐράνιος1

This is a figurative expression. God is not the Father of humans in the same actual way that he is the Father of Jesus. Even so, it would probably be best to translate Father with the same word that your language would naturally use to refer to a human father. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that this means God. Alternate translation: “God your heavenly Father”

6886:introjrj20

Matthew 6 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

  1. Jesus Sermon on the Mount (5:1-7:28)
    • Giving alms (6:14)
    • Praying to God (6:515)
    • Fasting (6:1618)
    • Storing up treasure (6:1921)
    • The eye and the body (6:2223)
    • Two masters (6:24)
    • Being anxious (6:2534)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the prayer in 6:913.

Jesus spoke about many different subjects in this sermon, so you may wish to help the reader by putting an empty line into the text whenever Jesus changed the subject.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Giving alms

Giving alms was an important practice for religious people in Jesus culture. To give alms, a person would offer money or possessions to other people who were poor or in need. Sometimes they would give the money or possessions directly to poor people. Other times, they would give it to the priests, who would give to poor people. Make sure that your translation refers to this kind of practice.

“The Lords Prayer”

In 6:913, Jesus speaks a prayer that he wants his disciples to imitate when they pray. The prayer is very poetic, and it is sometimes called “the Lords Prayer.” Many churches use this prayer during their meetings, and the form that churches use is often not the same form that Matthew wrote down. If churches already use a form of this prayer in your language, you could use the same words. However, you should follow the form of the prayer as Mathew wrote it down, and you should not include any extra lines or pieces of the prayer beyond what Matthew included.

Fasting

In 6:1618, Jesus gives instructions related to fasting. Just as with giving alms, fasting was an important practice for religious people in Jesus culture. Fasting usually required avoiding all food and drink, but some kinds of fasting only required avoiding certain kinds of food. Also, some fasts were public (that is, many people fasted on these set days) and some fasts were private (that is, individuals would choose to fast for certain reasons). Many fasts lasted part of a day or a full day. Jesus does not condemn fasting; instead, he gives instructions for how to behave while fasting. Make sure that your translation refers to these kinds of practices.

Storing up treasures

In 6:1921, Jesus speaks about storing up treasures either on earth or in heaven. He is speaking not only of possessions or money but also of anything that one considers to be valuable. Jesus points out that valuable things in heaven cannot be ruined like valuable things on earth can. Also, he states that a persons “heart” is where they store their treasures. If possible, use a word for “treasure” that can refer to money, possessions, and any other valuable things.

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

The lamp and light metaphor in 6:2223

In these verses, Jesus speaks about eyes as if they were lamps for the body. This figure of speech has two pieces to it. First, Jesus speaks of how bodies work using the metaphor of lamps and light. Second, Jesus speaks of Christian living using the metaphor of how bodies work. It is important to consider both of these pieces as you translate these verses.

First, Jesus speaks of how bodies work using the metaphor of lamps and light. There are two major options for understanding what Jesus means when he refers to an eye as the lamp of the body. First, in Matthews culture, some people thought that eyes worked by sending out a form of light that would shine on what they saw. In this case, eyes are like lamps because they have light inside them that shines out. So, the whole body is light or dark inside based on whether the eyes shine properly. Second, the eyes could be like windows that let light into the body. Since they let light into a place, they are like lamps. So, the whole body is light or dark inside based on whether the eyes let light in. Consider how you might best express one of these meanings while maintaining the light and dark language, which is very important for understanding the figure of speech.

Second, Jesus speaks of Christian life using the metaphor of how bodies work. Scholars debate what Jesus means when he talks about a “healthy eye” and “light” in contrast to an “evil eye” and “darkness.” He might mean devotion to God in contrast to evil desires. He might mean generosity in contrast to greed and selfishness. He might mean paying attention to what he is saying in contrast to ignoring his instructions. Since Jesus most likely intended this figure of speech to be like a riddle or puzzle, you should retain the body metaphor. If necessary, you could indicate that this is a figure of speech without stating exactly what it means.

Rhetorical questions

In 6:2528 and 6:30, Jesus uses rhetorical questions. He asks these questions to include the disciples in what he is arguing, not because he is looking for information. If your language does not use questions in this way, you could include answers to the questions or you could express them as statements or exclamations. See the notes on these verses for translation options. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Singular and plural forms of “you”

In this chapter, Jesus is talking to a large crowd of his followers. Throughout the chapter, Jesus switches between using “you” in the singular and “you” in the plural while he is talking to the same people. When he uses the singular, he is speaking about specific situations that each person in the crowd might experience. When he uses the plural, he is speaking generally to the crowd as a whole. You should assume that Jesus is using plural forms of “you” unless a note specifies that the forms are singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

6896:1zvn1rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next topic. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next topic, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,”

6906:1bgc7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν δικαιοσύνην ὑμῶν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of righteousness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what is righteous” or “your righteous deeds”

6916:1p335rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων1

Although the term men is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “before men and women”

6926:1z7tsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyπρὸς τὸ θεαθῆναι1

Here, the phrase to be seen refers to being recognized or praised. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to be praised” or “to be honored”

6936:1vvm4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπρὸς τὸ θεαθῆναι αὐτοῖς1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that they see you”

6946:1jyirrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastεἰ δὲ μή γε1

Here, the word otherwise introduces a contrast that specifies what will happen if people disobey the command in the first part of the verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast. Alternate translation: “but if you disobey this command” or “because if you do act in that way”

6956:1juj5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτῷ Πατρὶ ὑμῶν1

Jesus speaks of his disciples as if God were their physical Father. He means that they have a father-son relationship with God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your spiritual Father” or “God, who is like a Father to you,”

6966:1x9wqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1

Here, the phrase in the heavens identifies the location in which God the Father is specially present and from which he rules. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “who is in the heavens”

6976:2qg4src://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1

Here, the word So introduces an application of the general principle that Jesus gave in 6:1. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an application. Alternate translation: “Therefore,” or “So then,”

6986:2dcwvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdποιῇς & μὴ σαλπίσῃς & σου1

Even though Jesus is speaking to many disciples, he is addressing an individual situation, so you and yourself are singular throughout this sentence. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who is speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural forms of you and yourself in your translation.

6996:2g834rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorμὴ σαλπίσῃς ἔμπροσθέν σου1

Here Jesus could be referring to: (1) how people actually had someone with a trumpet announce that they were giving alms. This would be an extreme example of calling attention to oneself. Alternate translation: “do not have someone with a trumpet announce it before you” (2) how people draw attention to how they give alms, and he describes it as if they were sounding a trumpet. Alternate translation: “do not draw attention to yourself” or “do not announce it publicly, as if you were using a trumpet,”

7006:2d8kwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμὴ σαλπίσῃς ἔμπροσθέν σου1

Here Jesus implies that people would have someone else sound a trumpet in front of them as they went to give alms. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “do not have someone sound a trumpet in front of you”

7016:2bc9brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν ταῖς συναγωγαῖς καὶ ἐν ταῖς ῥύμαις1

These locations were public places where many people would hear the trumpet. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “in public areas like synagogues and streets”

7026:2dk6urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὅπως δοξασθῶσιν ὑπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that men may glorify them”

7036:2snanrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτῶν ἀνθρώπων1

Although the term men is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “men and women” or “people”

7046:2q6dqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπέχουσιν τὸν μισθὸν αὐτῶν1

Here Jesus means that they have received their entire reward from men, and God will not reward them any further. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “they have already received all the reward they will get” or “God will not give them any reward beyond that”

7056:3z4c1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdσοῦ & σου & σου1

Even though Jesus is speaking to many disciples, he is addressing an individual situation, so you and your are singular throughout this verse. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who is speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural forms of you and your in your translation.

7066:3t3s1rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneousποιοῦντος ἐλεημοσύνην1

Here, the phrase giving alms identifies the situation in which people should follow this command. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that makes this relationship clearer. Alternate translation: “whenever you give alms” or “as you are giving alms”

7076:3vca2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationμὴ γνώτω ἡ ἀριστερά σου τί ποιεῖ ἡ δεξιά σου1

Here Jesus speaks of your left hand and your right hand as if they were people who could know and do things on their own. He means that giving alms should be done so secretly that even other body parts, if they could know things, would not know about it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “do not let your best friend know what you are doing” or “do it so privately that, if your left hand were a person, it would not know what you had done”

7086:4jvjurc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalὅπως1

Here, the phrase so that introduces the purpose for which the disciples should give alms privately. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces a purpose. Alternate translation: “in order that”

7096:4iio4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ Πατήρ σου1

This is a figurative expression. God is not the Father of humans in the same actual way that he is the Father of Jesus. Even so, it would probably be best to translate Father with the same word that your language would naturally use to refer to a human father. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that this means God. Alternate translation: “God, who is your Father,”

7106:4rlt6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsἀποδώσει σοι1

Many ancient manuscripts read will reward you. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “will reward you in the open.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

7116:5m54urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youπροσεύχῃ, οὐκ ἔσεσθε1

Even though Jesus is speaking to many disciples, he is addressing an individual situation, so you is singular throughout this sentence (the word you in the second sentence is plural). But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who is speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural form of you in your translation.

7126:5d6t7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitφιλοῦσιν & ἑστῶτες προσεύχεσθαι1

Here Jesus that they love to pray in public places, not simply that they love to pray in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “they love to pray publicly, for example standing”

7136:5hh45rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν ταῖς συναγωγαῖς καὶ ἐν ταῖς γωνίαις τῶν πλατειῶν1

These locations were public places where many people would hear the prayers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “in public areas like synagogues and the corners of the streets”

7146:5rzpjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveφανῶσιν τοῖς ἀνθρώποις1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “men may see them”

7156:5c3trrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitφανῶσιν1

Here Jesus implies not only that these people want to be seen but also that they want to be honored or praised. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “they may be seen and honored” or “they may be seen and praised”

7166:5ub7urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτοῖς ἀνθρώποις1

Although the term men is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “men and women” or “people”

7176:5s8vhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπέχουσι τὸν μισθὸν αὐτῶν1

Here Jesus means that they have received their entire reward from men, and God will not reward them any further. See how you translated this clause in 6:2. Alternate translation: “they have already received all the reward they will get” or “God will not give them any reward beyond that”

7186:6yb5krc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastσὺ δὲ1

Here, the phrase But you introduces what Jesus wants each of his disciples to do in contrast to what the “hypocrites” do, which he described in the previous verse (6:5). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast. Alternate translation: “As for you, however”

7196:6ef9arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdσὺ & εἴσελθε & σου & σου, πρόσευξαι & σου & σου & σοι1

Even though Jesus is speaking to many disciples, he is addressing an individual situation, so you and your are singular throughout this verse. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who was speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural forms of you and your in your translation.

7206:6dqv4rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὸ ταμεῖόν σου1

The inner chamber was a small, private room in a house. It could be a bedroom or a storage room. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of room, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “your private area” or “your own room”

7216:6kkn7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτῷ Πατρί σου & ὁ Πατήρ σου1

This is a figurative expression. God is not the Father of humans in the same actual way that he is the Father of Jesus. Even so, it would probably be best to translate Father with the same word that your language would naturally use to refer to a human father. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that this means God. Alternate translation: “to God, who is your Father, … God, who is your Father,”

7226:6agxorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῷ Πατρί σου τῷ ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ1

Here, the phrase your Father in secret could mean that: (1) the Father is present even when a person prays in secret. Alternate translation: “to your Father who is with you in secret” (2) the Father himself is in secret, which means that no one can see or observe him. Alternate translation: “to your Father, whom no one can see” (3) the disciple should pray in secret. Alternate translation: “in secret to your Father”

7236:6kw6nrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsἀποδώσει σοι1

Many ancient manuscripts read will reward you. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “will reward you in the open.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

7246:7t9p1rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesπροσευχόμενοι δὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces Jesus next teaching about praying. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces another teaching, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “As for what to say when you pray” or “As for when you are praying”

7256:7hw30rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμὴ βατταλογήσητε1

Here, the phrase make useless repetitions could refer to: (1) repeating words. Alternate translation: “do not repeat your words” (2) using meaningless words. Alternate translation: “do not use meaningless words”

7266:7yp3zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsμὴ βατταλογήσητε1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of repetitions, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “do not repeat yourself in useless ways”

7276:7z0v4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisοἱ ἐθνικοί1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “the Gentiles do”

7286:7y8dxrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word for introduces a reason why the Gentiles make repetitions when they pray. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave for untranslated. Alternate translation: “which they do because”

7296:7a8airc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveεἰσακουσθήσονται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who would do the action, it is clear from the context that it would be the gods to whom they are praying. Alternate translation: “their gods will hear them”

7306:8h0llrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1

Here, the word Therefore introduces a conclusion based on what Jesus implied in the previous verse. He implied that repeating words does not cause God to listen, and so (Therefore) his disciples should not act like the “Gentiles,” who repeat words when they pray. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of conclusion, or you could leave Therefore untranslated. Alternate translation: “Since they are not heard because of their repetitions” or “Because they are wrong about that”

7316:8wdj6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμὴ & ὁμοιωθῆτε αὐτοῖς1

When Jesus says that his disciples should not be like them, he means that his disciples should not pray as they do. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “you should not pray in the ways that they pray”

7326:8isihrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word for introduces a reason why Jesus disciples should not repeat themselves as the Gentiles do. Jesus tells them that God already knows what they need, so they do not need to worry about being heard, as the Gentiles do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason, or you could leave for untranslated. Alternate translation: “since”

7336:8nv9irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ Πατὴρ ὑμῶν1

This is a figurative expression. God is not the Father of humans in the same actual way that he is the Father of Jesus. Even so, it would probably be best to translate Father with the same word that your language would naturally use to refer to a human father. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that this means God. Alternate translation: “God, who is your Father,”

7346:8ijs6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπρὸ τοῦ ὑμᾶς αἰτῆσαι αὐτόν1

Here Jesus implies that his disciples are asking God about the need that they have. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “before you ask him about that need”

7356:9m87arc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1

Here, the word Therefore introduces the conclusion to what Jesus has said about prayer in 6:58. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word that introduces a conclusion, or you could leave Therefore untranslated. Alternate translation: “So then” or “In the end”

7366:9sxsyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorΠάτερ ἡμῶν1

This is a figurative expression. God is not the Father of humans in the same actual way that he is the Father of Jesus. Even so, it would probably be best to translate Father with the same word that your language would naturally use to refer to a human father. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that this means God. Alternate translation: “God, who is our Father”

7376:9l9llrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμῶν1

By Our, Jesus means himself and his disciples, so use the inclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

7386:9sc3drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1

Here, the phrase in the heavens identifies the location in which God the Father is specially present and from which he rules. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “who is in the heavens”

7396:9ffn0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3pἁγιασθήτω τὸ ὄνομά σου1

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “we want your name to be made holy” or “we pray that your name is made holy”

7406:9knx7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἁγιασθήτω τὸ ὄνομά σου1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “let people treat your name as holy” or “let people regard your name as holy”

7416:9tqm4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸ ὄνομά σου1

Here, the word name refers primarily to the person who has that name, and it focuses especially on who that person is. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “you yourself” or “who you are”

7426:9syaarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσου1

Since Jesus is praying to God the Father, the word your here is singular.

7436:10n67crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3pἐλθέτω ἡ βασιλεία σου, γενηθήτω τὸ θέλημά σου1

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “we want your kingdom to come, we want your will to be done” or “we pray that your kingdom comes, we pray that your will is done”

7446:10v7mbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationἐλθέτω ἡ βασιλεία σου1

Here Jesus speaks as if Gods kingdom were a person who could come. He means that disciples should pray for God to establish or begin his kingdom. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Let your kingdom grow” or “Let your kingdom begin”

7456:10wroxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσου-1

Since Jesus is praying to God the Father, the word your here is singular.

7466:10pdc5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveγενηθήτω τὸ θέλημά σου1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “let all people do your will” or “let your will take place”

7476:10rtnzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὸ θέλημά σου1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of will, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what you desire”

7486:10pv3wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὡς ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς1

Here Jesus implies that Gods will is always done in heaven, and believers should pray that this will also be true on earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “on earth, just as it already is done in heaven”

7496:11kevhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeδὸς ἡμῖν1

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a polite request rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “We ask that you give us”

7506:11a40prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸν ἄρτον ἡμῶν τὸν ἐπιούσιον1

Here, the word daily means that the bread is the amount a person needs each day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this idea in another way. Alternate translation: “our bread for this day” or “the bread that we need today”

7516:11dft8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheτὸν ἄρτον ἡμῶν τὸν ἐπιούσιον1

Jesus refers to bread, one common food, to mean food in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what we eat daily”

7526:12a9narc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeἄφες ἡμῖν1

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a polite request rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “we ask that you forgive us”

7536:12yi9src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὰ ὀφειλήματα ἡμῶν & τοῖς ὀφειλέταις ἡμῶν1

A debt is what one person owes another person. A debtor is a person who owes a debt to another person. Jesus is not speaking primarily about money, however. He is referring to when people do not act properly or rightly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “our sins … those who sin against us” or “the wrong things we have done … people who have wronged us”

7546:12c7m3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτοῖς ὀφειλέταις ἡμῶν1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe debtors who are in debt to the people praying this prayer. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “people in debt to us”

7556:13kj0vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeμὴ εἰσενέγκῃς ἡμᾶς εἰς πειρασμόν, ἀλλὰ ῥῦσαι ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ τοῦ πονηροῦ1

These are imperatives, but they should be translated as polite requests rather than as commands. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” in each case to make this clear. Alternate translation: “we ask that you do not bring us into temptation, but that you deliver us from the evil one”

7566:13jswbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorμὴ εἰσενέγκῃς ἡμᾶς εἰς1

Here Jesus speaks as if temptation were a location that someone could bring someone else into. He means that believers should pray that God would keep them out of situations where they might experience temptation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “do not allow us to experience” or “keep us away from”

7576:13l8u6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsμὴ εἰσενέγκῃς ἡμᾶς εἰς πειρασμόν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of temptation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “do not let anything tempt us” or “do not allow us to be tempted”

7586:13cdk4rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastἀλλὰ1

Here, the word but introduces a contrast with being brought into temptation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast. Alternate translation: “instead,” or “rather,”

7596:13r6v6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοῦ πονηροῦ1

Here, the phrase the evil one could refer to: (1) the devil, or Satan. Alternate translation: “the devil” (2) evil in general. Alternate translation: “evil” or “what is evil”

7606:13zfsyrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsτοῦ πονηροῦ1

Many ancient manuscripts only include these two clauses in this verse. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts include as part of the prayer the following sentences after the evil one: “For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

7616:14g4farc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a further explanation of what Jesus said about forgiveness in 6:12. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “You should pray in that way because” or “Indeed,”

7626:14xvfvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτοῖς ἀνθρώποις1

Although the term men is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “men and women”

7636:14z79arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὰ παραπτώματα αὐτῶν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of trespasses, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “when they trespass”

7646:14v7nerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ Πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ οὐράνιος1

This is a figurative expression. God is not the Father of humans in the same actual way that he is the Father of Jesus. Even so, it would probably be best to translate Father with the same word that your language would naturally use to refer to a human father. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that this means God. Alternate translation: “God your heavenly Father”

7656:15lk8arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτοῖς ἀνθρώποις1

Although the term men is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “the men and women”

7666:15j46rrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsτοῖς ἀνθρώποις1

Many ancient manuscripts read the men. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “men their trespasses.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

7676:15xh6prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ Πατὴρ ὑμῶν1

See how you translated the phrase your Father in the previous verse (6:14). Alternate translation: “your Father, God,”

7686:15pi3zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὰ παραπτώματα ὑμῶν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of trespasses, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “you when you trespass”

7696:16g65prc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next topic. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next topic, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,”

7706:16hpz2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisὡς οἱ ὑποκριταὶ1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “as the hypocrites are mournful”

7716:16xv6brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀφανίζουσιν & τὰ πρόσωπα αὐτῶν1

This phrase could refer to how the hypocrites would: (1) make their faces look unusual. This could refer to intentionally looking sad or tired, or it could refer to making their faces dirty. Alternate translation: “they make their faces look distressed” or “they make their faces dirty” (2) wear something to cover their faces. Alternate translation: “they cover their faces”

7726:16gtdzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitφανῶσιν τοῖς ἀνθρώποις νηστεύοντες1

Here Jesus implies not only that these people want to be seen but also that they want to be honored or praised. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “they may be seen and honored as fasting” or “they may be seen and praised as fasting”

7736:16za06rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveφανῶσιν τοῖς ἀνθρώποις νηστεύοντες1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “men may see them as fasting”

7746:16l5bhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτοῖς ἀνθρώποις1

Although the term men is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “by men and women” or “by people”

7756:16ix6hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπέχουσιν τὸν μισθὸν αὐτῶν1

Here Jesus means that they have received their entire reward from men, and God will not reward them any further. See how you translated this clause in 6:2. Alternate translation: “they have already received all the reward they will get” or “God will not give them any reward beyond that”

7766:17zou5rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastσὺ δὲ1

Here, the phrase But you introduces what Jesus wants each of his disciples to do in contrast to what the “hypocrites” do, which he described in the previous verse (6:16). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast. Alternate translation: “As for you, however”

7776:17c20jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdσὺ & σου & σου1

Even though Jesus is speaking to many disciples, he is addressing an individual situation, so you and your are singular throughout this verse. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who is speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural forms of you and your in your translation.

7786:17k283rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἄλειψαί σου τὴν κεφαλὴν καὶ τὸ πρόσωπόν σου νίψαι1

Here, to anoint the head and to wash the face is to take normal care of ones self. Doing this gives the appearance that you are living life as normal. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use similar phrases that refer to normal bodily care, or you could use a general statement. Alternate translation: “comb your hair and wash your face as you normally do” or “take care of yourself as you usually do”

7796:18urwmrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalὅπως1

Here, the phrase so that introduces the purpose for which the disciples should anoint their heads and wash their faces (6:17). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces a purpose. Alternate translation: “in order that”

7806:18gbtyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdμὴ φανῇς & σου & σου & σοι1

Even though Jesus is speaking to many disciples, he is addressing an individual situation, so you and your are singular throughout this verse. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who is speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural forms of you and your in your translation.

7816:18s4knrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveμὴ φανῇς τοῖς ἀνθρώποις νηστεύων, ἀλλὰ τῷ Πατρί σου1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “men may not see you as fasting, but only your Father”

7826:18trc6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῷ Πατρί σου τῷ ἐν τῷ κρυφαίῳ1

Here, much as in 6:6, the phrase your Father in secret could mean that: (1) the Father is present even when a person fasts in secret. Alternate translation: “by your Father who is with you in secret” (2) the Father himself is in secret, which means that no one can see or observe him. Alternate translation: “by your Father, whom no one can see” (3) the disciple should fast in secret. Alternate translation: “in secret by your Father”

7836:18m56arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτῷ Πατρί σου & ὁ Πατήρ σου1

This is a figurative expression. God is not the Father of humans in the same actual way that he is the Father of Jesus. Even so, it would probably be best to translate Father with the same word that your language would naturally use to refer to a human father. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that this means God. Alternate translation: “by God, who is your Father, … God, who is your Father”

7846:18sm6qrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsἀποδώσει σοι1

Many ancient manuscripts read will reward you. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “will reward you in the open.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

7856:19tqc9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownσὴς1

A moth is a small, flying insect that destroys cloth by eating it. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of insect, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “insects that eat your belongings” or “flies”

7866:19czl1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounσὴς1

The word moth represents moths in general, not one particular moth. If it would be helpful in your language, you use a form that refers to moths in general. Alternate translation: “moths”

7876:19z9wdrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownβρῶσις1

Here, the word translated rust refers most generally to anything that destroys things by eating them or corroding them. The word could more specifically refer to: (1) how metals corrode. Alternate translation: “corrosion” (2) how insects, especially worms, eat cloth and food. Alternate translation: “worms” or “bugs”

7886:19mxslrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδιορύσσουσιν1

Here, the phrase break in refers to how thieves force their way into private buildings in order to steal. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “break in to houses”

7896:20v5tnrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownοὔτε σὴς οὔτε βρῶσις1

See how you translated these words in 6:19. Alternate translation: “neither flies nor corrosion”

7906:20lk51rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐ διορύσσουσιν1

See how you translated this phrase in 6:19. Alternate translation: “do not break in to houses”

7916:21jdx2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγάρ1

Here, the word For introduces a reason why the disciples should store up treasure in heaven (see 6:20). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “You should store up treasure in heaven because” or “I say that because”

7926:21aujvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureὅπου & ἐστιν ὁ θησαυρός σου, ἐκεῖ ἔσται καὶ ἡ καρδία σου1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these two clauses. Alternate translation: “your heart will be where your treasure is”

7936:21nkqdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐκεῖ ἔσται καὶ ἡ καρδία σου1

Here Jesus speaks as if a persons heart could be somewhere besides in the persons body. He means that the persons heart will be focused on that place and what is in that place. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “there will your heart be focused” or “there will your heart be directed”

7946:21b74qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἡ καρδία σου1

In Matthews culture, the heart is the place where humans think and feel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate heart by referring to the place where humans think and feel in your culture or by expressing the idea plainly. Alternate translation: “your desires” or “your attention”

7956:22sbl1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphorὁ λύχνος τοῦ σώματός ἐστιν ὁ ὀφθαλμός1

Here Jesus describes the eye as if it were a lamp. Since Jesus develops this image in the following sentences, you should preserve the figure of speech or use simile form. The sentence could mean: (1) that the eye enables a person to see, just as a lamp enables a person to see. Alternate translation: “The eye is like a lamp for the body” or “Just as a lamp shines on things, so your eye sees those things” (2) that the eye receives light, which is like light from a lamp. Alternate translation: “The eye lets light from a lamp into the body” or “When a lamp sends out light, the eye receives that light into the body”

7966:22gck3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounὁ λύχνος τοῦ σώματός ἐστιν ὁ ὀφθαλμός1

The words body and eye represent bodies and eyes in general, not one particular body and eye. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “The lamps of peoples bodies are their eyes”

7976:22g215rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdσου & σου1

Even though Jesus is speaking to many disciples, he is addressing an individual situation, so your is singular throughout this verse. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who is speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural form of your in your translation.

7986:22b794rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsᾖ ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου1

In this verse, the word eye is singular in form, but it refers to both of the persons eyes as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “your eyes are”

7996:22m256rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἁπλοῦς1

Here, the word healthy could mean that the eye is: (1) functioning properly. Alternate translation: “sound” or “working well” (2) focused on one thing. Alternate translation: “focused” or “attentive to one thing”

8006:22hvrqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphorὅλον τὸ σῶμά σου φωτεινὸν ἔσται1

Here Jesus speaks as if the whole body were illuminated. Since this statement develops the idea of the lamp, you should preserve the figure of speech or use simile form. The clause could mean: (1) that the whole body experiences the benefits of the eye working properly. Alternate translation: “your whole body receives the benefits, as if the eye shone on the whole body” (2) that a healthy eye shows that the whole body is healthy. Alternate translation: “that shows that your whole body is healthy, as if it were illuminated by your eye”

8016:22fadjrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseἔσται1

Here Jesus uses the future tense to indicate that the body being illuminated is the logical result of the eye being healthy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use whatever tense would be natural in a general statement like this one. Alternate translation: “is”

8026:22piisrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitφωτεινὸν1

Here, the phrase illuminated could mean that the body: (1) experiences light. Alternate translation: “full of light” (2) shines with light. Alternate translation: “shining with light”

8036:23idbjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdσου & σου & σοὶ1

Even though Jesus is speaking to many disciples, he is addressing an individual situation, so you and your are singular throughout this verse. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who is speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural forms of you and your in your translation.

8046:23gv1grc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsὁ ὀφθαλμός σου & ᾖ1

In this verse, the word eye is singular in form, but it refers to both of the persons eyes as a group. See how you translated the similar phrase in 6:22. Alternate translation: “your eyes are”

8056:23ld02rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπονηρὸς1

Here, the word evil could mean that the eye is: (1) damaged or functioning improperly. Alternate translation: “unhealthy” or “working poorly” (2) focused on what is evil or selfish. Alternate translation: “wicked” or “attentive only to yourself”

8066:23dl86rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphorὅλον τὸ σῶμά σου σκοτεινὸν ἔσται1

Here Jesus speaks as if the whole body were dark. Since this statement continues to develop the idea of the lamp, you should preserve the figure of speech or use simile form. The clause could mean: (1) that the whole body is injured when the eye does not work properly. Alternate translation: “your whole body is injured, as if the eye were not shining on the whole body” (2) that an evil eye shows that the whole body is evil. Alternate translation: “that shows that your whole body is evil, as if it were dark”

8076:23hg9nrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseἔσται1

Here Jesus uses the future tense to indicate that the body being dark is the logical result of the eye being evil. See how you translated the similar form in 6:22. Alternate translation: “is”

8086:23grpprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitσκοτεινὸν ἔσται1

Here, the phrase dark could mean that the body: (1) experiences darkness. Alternate translation: “will be darkened” (2) does not shine at all. Alternate translation: “will not shine at all”

8096:23pi01rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsσκότος, ἐστίν τὸ σκότος πόσον!1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of darkness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “is dark, how very dark it is”

8106:23nny6rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1

Here, the word Therefore introduces the conclusion to what Jesus has said about eyes and lamps. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a conclusion, or you could leave Therefore untranslated. Alternate translation: “In conclusion” or “So then”

8116:23kvkmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphorεἰ & τὸ φῶς τὸ ἐν σοὶ σκότος, ἐστίν τὸ σκότος πόσον1

Here Jesus concludes the figure of speech that uses lamps and light, so you should preserve the figure of speech or use simile form. The sentence could mean: (1) that when the eye does not work properly, even the most healthy parts of the body are still negatively affected. Alternate translation: “if the parts least affected by unhealthy eyes are injured, how great is the injury” (2) that when the best things about a person (his or her light) are evil (darkness), then the worst things about that person are very evil. Alternate translation: “if what is best about you is evil, as if it were darkness, how evil are the worst things about you”

8126:23hzk7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ φῶς τὸ ἐν σοὶ σκότος, ἐστίν τὸ σκότος πόσον1

Here Jesus means that what some people think of as light is actually darkness. In that case, what these people consider to be darkness is very great darkness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “what you consider to be light is actually darkness, how dark is what you consider to be darkness” or “what you call light is darkness, how great the darkness itself”

8136:23cragrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsτὸ σκότος πόσον1

This is an exclamation that is emphasizing that the darkness is very great. Use an exclamation that would communicate that meaning in your language. Alternate translation: “the darkness is very great”

8146:24z5olrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδυσὶ κυρίοις1

The implication is that a servant could not meet the competing demands of two different masters at the same time with equal loyalty. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “two different masters equally well at the same time”

8156:24ijn3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismἢ γὰρ τὸν ἕνα μισήσει καὶ τὸν ἕτερον ἀγαπήσει, ἢ ἑνὸς ἀνθέξεται καὶ τοῦ ἑτέρου καταφρονήσει1

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine the two clauses into one. Alternate translation: “for he will hate and despise the one and will love and be devoted to the other” or “for he is certain to love and serve one of them much better than the other”

8166:24shfbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτὸν ἕνα & τὸν ἕτερον & ἑνὸς & τοῦ ἑτέρου1

Jesus is using the adjectives one and other as nouns to refer to the two different masters. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these word with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “one master … the other master … one master … the other master”

8176:24n3v6rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὐ δύνασθε1

Here Jesus introduces the application of his general statement about two masters. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an application. Alternate translation: “Similarly, you are not able”

8186:24zt2urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationοὐ δύνασθε Θεῷ δουλεύειν καὶ μαμωνᾷ1

Here, Jesus speaks of wealth as if it were a person whom someone could serve. He means that it is impossible to focus on serving God and also to focus on becoming wealthy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You are not able to serve God and also focus on gaining wealth”

8196:24hjcnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsμαμωνᾷ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wealth, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “money” or “focus on becoming wealthy”

8206:25s5uyrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultδιὰ τοῦτο1

Here, the phrase Because of this introduces a conclusion based on what Jesus said in the previous verse about how it is not possible to serve both God and wealth (6:24). In this verse, Jesus says that this means that his disciples should not worry about even basic things required for living. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a conclusion or inference. Alternate translation: “So” or “Therefore,”

8216:25bcanλέγω ὑμῖν, μὴ μεριμνᾶτε1

Jesus uses the clause I say to you to emphasize what he is about to tell his disciples. Use a natural form in your language for emphasizing the truth and importance of a statement. Alternate translation: “I want you to know that you should not worry”

8226:25pj1src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτῇ ψυχῇ ὑμῶν & ἡ ψυχὴ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of life, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “about being alive … being alive”

8236:25qkg0rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsἢ τί πίητε1

Many ancient manuscripts read or what you might. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts do not include these words. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

8246:25nt96rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐχὶ ἡ ψυχὴ πλεῖόν ἐστι τῆς τροφῆς, καὶ τὸ σῶμα τοῦ ἐνδύματος?1

Jesus is using the question form to show that life and the body are more important than food and clothing. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Life is more than food, and the body, than clothing” or “Life is certainly more than food, and the body, than clothing!”

8256:25f8dyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐχὶ ἡ ψυχὴ πλεῖόν ἐστι τῆς τροφῆς, καὶ τὸ σῶμα τοῦ ἐνδύματος1

Here Jesus is making comparisons about value or importance. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Is not life more valuable than food, and the body more valuable than clothing”

8266:25j412rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisκαὶ τὸ σῶμα τοῦ ἐνδύματος1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and is not the body more than clothing”

8276:25ntitrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounτὸ σῶμα1

The word body represents bodies in general, not one particular body. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a more natural expression. Alternate translation: “bodies”

8286:26uk0krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐμβλέψατε εἰς1

Here, Jesus uses the phrase Look at to represent thinking about or considering something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Consider” or “Pay attention to”

8296:26jt75rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe birds that fly in the sky. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the birds in the sky” or “the birds flying in the sky”

8306:26cn8qrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἀποθήκας1

The word barns refers to places where food is stored. If your readers would not be familiar with this term, you could use a more general one. Alternate translation: “places where food is stored”

8316:26a9w6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ Πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ οὐράνιος1

This is a figurative expression. God is not the Father of humans in the same actual way that he is the Father of Jesus. Even so, it would probably be best to translate Father with the same word that your language would naturally use to refer to a human father. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that this means God. Alternate translation: “God your heavenly Father”

8326:26nbm5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐχ ὑμεῖς μᾶλλον διαφέρετε αὐτῶν?1

Jesus is using the question form to show that you are more important than them, the birds. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You are more valuable than they.” or “You are certainly more valuable than they!”

8336:26iienrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisαὐτῶν1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “they are”

8346:27cm6arc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces a development in what Jesus is saying. The word does not introduce a contrast. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces a development, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” or “Further,”

8356:27ivmgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτίς & ἐξ ὑμῶν μεριμνῶν δύναται προσθεῖναι ἐπὶ τὴν ἡλικίαν αὐτοῦ πῆχυν ἕνα?1

Jesus is using the question form to show that people cannot add to their lifespan by being anxious. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “none of you, being anxious, is able to add one cubit to his lifespan.” or “not one you, being anxious, can ever add one cubit to his lifespan!”

8366:27wp73rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalμεριμνῶν1

Here, the phrase being anxious provides the means by which a person might try to add one cubit to his or her lifespan. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this connection more explicit. Alternate translation: “by being anxious”

8376:27fr8grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorδύναται προσθεῖναι ἐπὶ τὴν ἡλικίαν αὐτοῦ πῆχυν ἕνα?1

Here Jesus is speaking of a persons lifespan as if it were measured in length rather than in time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly Alternate translation: “is able to make his lifespan any longer” or “is able to add any time to his lifespan”

8386:27kub4rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistanceπῆχυν ἕνα1

A cubit is a measure of length equal to about half a meter or about a foot and a half. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this length using the measure that is customary in your culture.

8396:27vkl0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsαὐτοῦ1

Although the term his is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “his or her”

8406:28erj8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionκαὶ περὶ ἐνδύματος τί μεριμνᾶτε?1

Jesus is using the question form to show his disciples that they should not be anxious about clothing. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Further, you should not be anxious about clothing.” or “You should never be anxious about clothing!”

8416:28y06zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureκαταμάθετε τὰ κρίνα τοῦ ἀγροῦ πῶς αὐξάνουσιν1

If it would be helpful in your language, you could rearrange the parts of this sentence. Alternate translation: “Consider how the lilies of the field grow”

8426:28t16lrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὰ κρίνα1

The word lilies describes beautiful flowers that grow wild in the fields. If your language does not have a word for this flower, you can use the name of a similar flower that your readers would recognize, or you can use a general term. Alternate translation: “the tulips” or “the blossoms”

8436:28blpqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὰ κρίνα τοῦ ἀγροῦ1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe lilies that grow in the field. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the lilies that you see in the field”

8446:28rz58rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounτοῦ ἀγροῦ1

The word field represents fields in general, not one particular field. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “of the fields”

8456:28him2rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownοὐδὲ νήθουσιν1

In this context, to spin means to make thread or yarn for cloth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain the meaning with a phrase. Alternate translation: “nor do they make thread for cloth” or “nor do they make yarn for cloth”

8466:29u7fdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐν πάσῃ τῇ δόξῃ αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of glory, you could express the same idea in another way. If you use the following alternate translation, you may need to add a comma before Solomon. Alternate translation: “as glorious as he was,”

8476:29ytdwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν πάσῃ τῇ δόξῃ αὐτοῦ1

Here, the word glory refers to how rich and famous Solomon was, with a special emphasis on his rich and beautiful clothing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “with all his wealth and beautiful clothes” or “with all his wonderful possessions”

8486:29sqg8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὡς ἓν τούτων1

Here Jesus means that even Solomon could not wear beautiful enough clothing to look as beautiful as one flower. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “as beautifully as one of these flowers appears” or “in a way that was as glorious as one of these flowers”

8496:30d2dnrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces a development in what Jesus is saying. The word does not introduce a contrast. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces a development, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” or “Further,”

8506:30o3karc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-factεἰ1

Jesus speaks as if this were a hypothetical situation, but he means that it must be true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might think that what Jesus is saying is uncertain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “since” or “given that”

8516:30f7thrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸν χόρτον τοῦ ἀγροῦ & ὁ Θεὸς οὕτως ἀμφιέννυσιν1

Here, the word thus refers back to what Jesus said in the previous verse about plants having more glory than Solomon (6:29). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “God clothes the grass of the field like that” or “God clothes the grass of the field more gloriously than Solomon”

8526:30xyklrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὸν χόρτον τοῦ ἀγροῦ & ἀμφιέννυσιν1

Jesus speaks of God making the grass beautiful as if God were putting beautiful clothing on it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “makes the grass of the field beautiful”

8536:30syz0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὸν χόρτον τοῦ ἀγροῦ1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe grass that grows in the field. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the grass that you see in the field”

8546:30uf36rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitχόρτον1

While Jesus uses a term that typically means grass, in this context he must implicitly mean wild plants in general, since he is referring back to the wild lilies he has just mentioned. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a general term for plants. Alternate translation: “plants” or “vegetation”

8556:30u3tarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounτοῦ ἀγροῦ1

The word field represents fields in general, not one particular field. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “of the fields”

8566:30uqjsrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastσήμερον ὄντα, καὶ αὔριον εἰς κλίβανον βαλλόμενον1

Here, the word existing introduces a clause that states something that is unexpected for things that God clothes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces something that is unexpected. Alternate translation: “although it exists today and tomorrow is thrown into an oven” or “despite the fact that it exists today and tomorrow is thrown into an oven”

8576:30xavgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoσήμερον ὄντα, καὶ αὔριον εἰς κλίβανον βαλλόμενον1

Here Jesus means that grass is growing today, but someone may take it tomorrow and burn it. He speaks in this way to emphasize that grass often does not last for a long time and is not very valuable. He does not mean that this always happens to grass. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that indicates that grass only lasts for a short time and is not valuable. Alternate translation: “growing now but soon being thrown into an oven” or “existing at the moment but quickly being thrown into an oven”

8586:30m0kzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἰς κλίβανον βαλλόμενον1

Here Jesus refers to how dried plant matter would be burned as fuel for heating and cooking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “being thrown into an oven as fuel” or “being burned in an oven”

8596:30m23lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveβαλλόμενον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “someone throwing it” or “people throwing it”

8606:30ym2crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisοὐ πολλῷ μᾶλλον1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “will he not much more clothe”

8616:30cd8wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐ πολλῷ μᾶλλον ὑμᾶς, ὀλιγόπιστοι?1

Jesus is using the question form to show his disciples that God will give them the clothes they need. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “he will much more clothe you, ones of little faith.” or “he will definitely clothe you, ones of little faith!”

8626:31axhhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsλέγοντες, τί φάγωμεν, ἤ, τί πίωμεν, ἤ, τί περιβαλώμεθα?1

It may be more natural in your language to have indirect quotations here. Alternate translation: “asking what you might eat or what you might drink or what you might wear.”

8636:31g6acrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveφάγωμεν & πίωμεν &περιβαλώμεθα1

By we, Jesus means the disciples but not himself, so use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

8646:32q9rsrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a further explanation of why the disciples should not be anxious. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a further explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” or “As you know,”

8656:32i0b9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐπιζητοῦσιν1

Here, the word seek refers to focusing on and trying to obtain something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “focus on” or “try to obtain”

8666:32xa9trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπάντα & ταῦτα & τούτων ἁπάντων1

Here, the phrases all these things and all of these things refer to food, drink, clothing, and other necessities. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “food, drink, and clothing … food, drink, and clothing” or “all these necessities … all of these necessities”

8676:32rk7frc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ2

Here, the word for introduces a reason why the disciples should not be anxious about food, drink, or clothing. The word does not connect the clause to what Jesus just said about the Gentiles. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason for a previous command, or you could leave for untranslated. Alternate translation: “you should not seek these things, because” or “but you should not be anxious about these things since”

8686:32unz1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ Πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ οὐράνιος1

This is a figurative expression. God is not the Father of humans in the same actual way that he is the Father of Jesus. Even so, it would probably be best to translate Father with the same word that your language would naturally use to refer to a human father. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that this means God. Alternate translation: “God your heavenly Father”

8696:33w7ffrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces a contrast with worrying about food, drink, and clothing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast. Alternate translation: “Instead of worrying about those things,” or “In contrast to the Gentiles,”

8706:33rk4yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitζητεῖτε & πρῶτον1

Here, just as in 6:32, the word seek refers to focusing on and trying to obtain something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “focus first on” or “try first to obtain”

8716:33norkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπρῶτον1

Here, the word first identifies seeking the kingdom as something that is most important. The word does not indicate sequence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “as most important”

8726:33yaz1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsτὴν βασιλείαν1

Many ancient manuscripts read the kingdom. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “the kingdom of God.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

8736:33jmarrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὴν δικαιοσύνην αὐτοῦ1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe what God considers to be righteousness. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the righteousness that he requires”

8746:33ep2crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν δικαιοσύνην αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of righteousness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what he says is right” or “seek to serve him rightly”

8756:33qifvrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultκαὶ2

Here, the word and introduces the result of seeking first Gods kingdom and righteousness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a result. Alternate translation: “and then” or “and as a result”

8766:33ak39rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveταῦτα πάντα προστεθήσεται ὑμῖν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, it is clear from the context that it is God. Alternate translation: “God will add all these things to you”

8776:33d3tprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitταῦτα πάντα1

Here, just as in 6:32, the phrase all these things refers to food, drink, clothing, and other necessities. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “food, drink, and clothing” or “all these necessities”

8786:33px9urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomπροστεθήσεται ὑμῖν1

Here Jesus uses the phrase will be added to indicate that God will give all these things to the disciples. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will be set in front of you” or “will be given to you”

8796:34iaoarc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1

Here, the word Therefore introduces the conclusion to what Jesus has been telling his disciples about not being anxious in 6:2533. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a conclusion. Alternate translation: “So” or “In summary”

8806:34xdg7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationἡ & αὔριον μεριμνήσει ἑαυτῆς1

Jesus speaks of tomorrow as if it were a person who could be anxious. He could mean: (1) that people should worry about what happens the next day only when that day arrives. Alternate translation: “you can be anxious about tomorrow when it arrives” (2) that worrying about tomorrow is as ridiculous as tomorrow being a person who can be anxious. Alternate translation: “that helps you as much as if tomorrow could be anxious about itself” or “tomorrow is not even here yet”

8816:34bqnyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀρκετὸν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἡ κακία αὐτῆς1

Here Jesus means that much evil happens each day, so people should not add to their troubles by worrying about anything that might happen the next day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Each day has enough evil already without worrying about tomorrow” or “Evil already happens each day, so you should not add to it by worrying about tomorrow”

8826:34c490rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἡ κακία αὐτῆς1

Here, the phrase its evil refers to any bad or difficult things that happen each day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “are the difficult things that happen that day” or “is the trouble that happens during it”

8837:introbz7e0

Matthew 7 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

  1. Jesus Sermon on the Mount (5:1-7:28)
    • Making judgments (7:16)
    • Asking and receiving (7:712)
    • Narrow and wide gates (7:1314)
    • Obeying God is what matters (7:1527)
      • Fruits metaphor (7:1520)
      • Judgment day (7:2123)
      • House metaphor (7:2427)
    • The people are amazed (7:2829)

Jesus spoke about many different subjects in this sermon, so you may wish to help the reader by putting an empty line into the text whenever Jesus changed the subject.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Judging

In 7:16, Jesus warns his disciples about judging others. More specifically, he warns them against mentioning or dealing with someone elses fault or sin when they themselves have an even more significant fault or sin. Jesus does want his disciples to make choices and decisions about other people, as 7:6 makes clear. That verse requires people to be careful what they do with holy and valuable things. However, the general message is to avoid making judgments about others, especially when one has ones own faults and sins.

Words and deeds

In 7:1527, Jesus teaches about the importance of doing what is right, not just saying the right things. He says that his disciples can recognize false prophets by what they do, that he himself will honor and acknowledge his disciples based on what they do, and that only those who do what is right will survive difficult experiences.

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

The speck of wood and the log

In 7:35, Jesus refers to small faults and sins as if they were specks of wood in peoples eyes. He refers to larger faults and sins as if they were logs in peoples eyes. Jesus speaks in this way to contrast how significant these sins and faults are. He also speaks in this way to indicate that larger sins and faults make people spiritually unobservant, just as a log in someones eye makes that person unable to see. If possible preserve the metaphor or express the idea in simile form. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Dogs and pigs

In 7:6, Jesus speaks of how his disciples should behave as if they were interacting with holy things, pearls, dogs, and pigs. He could be speaking of the gospel as the holy and pearls. In this case, the dogs and pigs represent people who reject the gospel. Or, Jesus could be speaking of his disciples possessions and skills as the holy and pearls. In this case, the dogs and pigs represent worthless tasks and goals. Or, Jesus could be speaking of fellow disciples as the holy and pearls. In this case, the dogs and pigs represent unbelievers. Since Jesus speaks these words as a saying or proverb, you should avoid choosing one option. Instead, you should express the idea in a way that allows for all these and other interpretations. If if it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a form that you would normally use for a proverb or saying. See the notes on this verse for translation options. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Gates and roads

In 7:1314, Jesus speaks of how people live as if they were traveling on a road or passing through a gate. He says that the gate and road that lead to eternal life are narrow and difficult, and only a few people travel that way. On the other hand, the gate and road that lead to destruction are wide and easy, and many people travel that way. He means that it is very easy to live in ways that will end in destruction, and it is hard to live in ways that will end in eternal life. If possible preserve the metaphor or express the idea in simile form. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Trees and fruits

In 7:1620, Jesus speaks of people as if they were plants. Just as you can tell what kind of plant it is by what fruit the plant produces, so you can tell whether people are really Jesus disciples based on what they do. If possible preserve the metaphor or express the idea in simile form. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Building houses

In 7:2427, Jesus compares obedient people to wise people who build their homes on a solid foundation. When bad things happen, they will be safe and secure, just like those homes will be safe and secure through storms and floods. In contrast, Jesus compares disobedient people to foolish people who build their homes on an insecure foundation. When bad things happen, they will be destroyed, just like those homes will collapse when storms and floods come. If possible preserve the metaphor or express the idea in simile form. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Singular and plural forms of “you”

In this chapter, Jesus is talking to a large crowd of his followers. Throughout the chapter, Jesus switches between using “you” in the singular and “you” in the plural while he is talking to the same people. When he uses the singular, he is speaking about specific situations that each person in the crowd might experience. When he uses the plural, he is speaking generally to the crowd as a whole. You should assume that Jesus is using plural forms of “you” unless a note specifies that the forms are singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

8847:1xk6wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμὴ κρίνετε1

Here Jesus uses the word judge to refer to unofficial and improper judging. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this explicit. Alternate translation: “Do not harshly judge” or “Do not condemn”

8857:1l2c2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalἵνα1

Here, the phrase so that introduces the goal for which the disciples refrain from judging. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces a goal. Alternate translation: “in order that”

8867:1bk8yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveμὴ κριθῆτε1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, it is clear from the context that it is God. Alternate translation: “God will not judge you”

8877:2tbi8rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a further explanation of the command that Jesus gave in the previous verse (7:1). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “In fact,” or “That is because”

8887:2ifm3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐν ᾧ & κρίματι κρίνετε1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in the manner that you judge”

8897:2kj24rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveκριθήσεσθε1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, it is clear from the context that it is God. Alternate translation: “God will judge you”

8907:2bq9zrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ1

Here, the word and introduces a more general statement in proverb form. This general proverb provides further proof that people will be judged as they have judged others. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a more general statement or proverb. Alternate translation: “just as some people say:” or “and more generally,”

8917:2wmxorc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbsἐν ᾧ μέτρῳ μετρεῖτε, μετρηθήσεται ὑμῖν1

Here, Jesus uses or invents a proverb in order to teach that people eventually experience for themselves how they have treated other people. Translate this proverb in a way that will be recognized as a proverb and be meaningful in your language and culture. Alternate translation: “what you give to others is what you will get in return” or “what you do to others will be done to you”

8927:2c006rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐν ᾧ μέτρῳ μετρεῖτε1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of measure, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in the manner that you measure”

8937:2wgh2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveμετρηθήσεται ὑμῖν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, it is clear from the context that it is God. Alternate translation: “God will measure it to you”

8947:2ry31rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsμετρηθήσεται1

Here, the word it refers to what you measure out to other people. Jesus is speaking in general about anything that people measure, so you should avoid making the phrase specific. Alternate translation: “the same thing will be measured” or “that very thing will be measured”

8957:3a3pprc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next topic. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next topic, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,”

8967:3em5rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί & βλέπεις τὸ κάρφος τὸ ἐν τῷ ὀφθαλμῷ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ σου, τὴν δὲ ἐν τῷ σῷ ὀφθαλμῷ δοκὸν οὐ κατανοεῖς?1

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke his disciples for looking at a speck of wood in a fellow disciples eye while failing to notice the log in their own eye. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “you should not look at the speck of wood in the eye of your brother when you do not notice the log in your eye.” or “do not look at the speck of wood in the eye of your brother while at the same time not noticing the log in your eye!”

8977:3hzb4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdβλέπεις & σου & τῷ σῷ ὀφθαλμῷ & οὐ κατανοεῖς1

Even though Jesus is speaking to many disciples, he is addressing an individual situation, so you and your are singular throughout this verse. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who is speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural forms of you and your in your translation.

8987:3ctb3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphorβλέπεις τὸ κάρφος τὸ ἐν τῷ ὀφθαλμῷ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ σου, τὴν δὲ ἐν τῷ σῷ ὀφθαλμῷ δοκὸν οὐ κατανοεῖς1

Here Jesus refers to small faults and mistakes as if they were a speck of wood in a persons eye. He speaks of large faults and mistakes as if they were a log in a persons eye. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “do you focus on your brothers small fault, which is like a speck of wood in his eye, but you do not notice your own large fault, which is like a log in your eye” or “do you look at the small mistakes your brother makes, but you do not notice your own large mistakes”

8997:3hqnrrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὸ κάρφος1

A speck of wood is a tiny piece of wood or plant matter. If your readers would not be familiar with a speck of wood, you could use the name of something small that commonly falls into a persons eyes, or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “the grain of sand” or “the tiny object”

9007:3d2qcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτοῦ ἀδελφοῦ σου1

Jesus is using the term brother to mean a person who shares the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of your fellow disciple”

9017:3mo6nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτοῦ ἀδελφοῦ σου1

Although the term brother is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you retain the metaphor in your translation, and if it would be helpful in your language, you could say “brother or sister” to indicate this. Alternate translation: “of your brother or sister”

9027:3xdcgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleτὴν & δοκὸν1

A log could not literally go into a persons eye. Jesus is using an extreme example to emphasize his point and make it memorable. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to the largest object that could fall into a persons eye. Alternate translation: “the large piece of wood”

9037:3q1z4rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὴν & δοκὸν1

A log is a long, large piece of wood. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of object, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “the beam” or “the plank” or “the large object”

9047:4c1kzrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases1

Here, the word Or introduces a second question that provides another improper way to behave. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a similar situation or command, or you could leave Or untranslated. Alternate translation: “Again,” or “Even further,”

9057:4k58hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἢ πῶς ἐρεῖς τῷ ἀδελφῷ σου, ἄφες ἐκβάλω τὸ κάρφος ἐκ τοῦ ὀφθαλμοῦ σου, καὶ ἰδοὺ, ἡ δοκὸς ἐν τῷ ὀφθαλμῷ σοῦ?1

Jesus asks this question to challenge his disciples to pay attention to the log in their own eye before they pay attention to a speck of wood in another persons eye. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You should not say to your brother, Let me take out the speck of wood from your eye, while behold, the log is in your eye.” or “Do not say to your brother, Let me take out the speck of wood from your eye, while behold, the log is in your eye!”

9067:4kcgsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτῷ ἀδελφῷ σου1

Jesus is using the term brother to mean a person who shares the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to your fellow disciple”

9077:4eaymrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτῷ ἀδελφῷ σου1

Although the term brother is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you retain the metaphor in your translation, and if it would be helpful in your language, you could say “brother or sister” to indicate this. Alternate translation: “to your brother or sister”

9087:4kc80rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdσου, ἄφες & σου & σοῦ1

Even though Jesus is speaking to many disciples, he is addressing an individual situation, so your is singular throughout this verse. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who is speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural form of your in your translation.

9097:4d66brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphorἄφες ἐκβάλω τὸ κάρφος ἐκ τοῦ ὀφθαλμοῦ σου, καὶ ἰδοὺ, ἡ δοκὸς ἐν τῷ ὀφθαλμῷ σοῦ1

Here Jesus continues to refer to small faults and mistakes as if they were a speck of wood in a persons eye and to large faults and mistakes as if they were a log in a persons eye. Express the idea as you did in 7:3. Alternate translation: “Let me assist you in getting rid of your small fault, which is like a speck of wood in your eye, while behold, you have your own large fault, which is like a log in your eye” or “Let me assist you in avoiding the small mistakes you make, while behold, you have your own large mistakes”

9107:4iwgfrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὸ κάρφος1

Translate the phrase speck of wood as you did in 7:3. Alternate translation: “the grain of sand” or “the tiny object”

9117:4uynorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “see”

9127:4rarkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleἡ δοκὸς1

A log could not literally go into a persons eye. Jesus is using an extreme example to emphasize his point and make it memorable. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to the largest object that could fall into a persons eye. Alternate translation: “the large piece of wood”

9137:4odbirc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἡ δοκὸς1

Translate the word log as you did in 7:3. Alternate translation: “the beam” or “the plank” or “the large object”

9147:5kwqurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdὑποκριτά & ἔκβαλε & σοῦ & διαβλέψεις & σου1

Even though Jesus is speaking to many disciples, he is addressing an individual situation, so the command take out is singular, and the words you and your are singular throughout the verse. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who is speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural form of the command and the plural forms of you and your in your translation.

9157:5psghrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphorἔκβαλε πρῶτον ἐκ τοῦ ὀφθαλμοῦ σοῦ τὴν δοκόν, καὶ τότε διαβλέψεις ἐκβαλεῖν τὸ κάρφος ἐκ τοῦ ὀφθαλμοῦ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ σου1

Here Jesus continues to refer to small faults and mistakes as if they were a speck of wood in a persons eye and to large faults and mistakes as if they were a log in a persons eye. Express the idea as you did in 7:34. In this verse, Jesus also adds the idea of being able to see clearly, which indicates that a person is spiritually mature and knowledgeable. Alternate translation: “First get rid of your own large fault, which is like a log in your eye, and then you will know how to assist your brother in getting rid of his small fault, which is like a speck of wood in his eye” or “First get rid of your own large mistakes, and then you will know how to properly assist your brother in avoiding his small mistakes”

9167:5cg35rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleτὴν δοκόν1

A log could not literally go into a persons eye. Jesus is using an extreme example to emphasize his point and make it memorable. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to the largest object that could fall into a persons eye. Alternate translation: “the large piece of wood”

9177:5wtbkrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὴν δοκόν1

Translate the word log as you did in 7:3. Alternate translation: “the beam” or “the plank” or “the large object”

9187:5js25rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὸ κάρφος1

Translate the phrase speck of wood as you did in 7:3. Alternate translation: “the grain of sand” or “the tiny object”

9197:5cb9qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτοῦ ἀδελφοῦ σου1

Jesus is using the term brother to mean a person who shares the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of your fellow disciple”

9207:5jydmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτοῦ ἀδελφοῦ σου1

Although the term brother is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you retain the metaphor in your translation, and if it would be helpful in your language, you could say “brother or sister” to indicate this. Alternate translation: “of your brother or sister”

9217:6tqpwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureμὴ δῶτε τὸ ἅγιον τοῖς κυσίν, μηδὲ βάλητε τοὺς μαργαρίτας ὑμῶν ἔμπροσθεν τῶν χοίρων, μήποτε καταπατήσουσιν αὐτοὺς ἐν τοῖς ποσὶν αὐτῶν, καὶ στραφέντες ῥήξωσιν ὑμᾶς.1

It is likely that Jesus speaks about dogs in the first and last clauses in this verse and about pigs in the middle two clauses. This was a poetic form in his culture. If your readers would not recognize this as poetry and misunderstand which animals Jesus is speaking about in the last two clauses, you could rearrange the clauses. Alternate translation: “You should not give the holy to the dogs. Otherwise, having turned, they will tear you to pieces. Nor should you throw your pearls in front of the pigs. Otherwise they will trample them under their feet”

9227:6wohgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorμὴ δῶτε τὸ ἅγιον τοῖς κυσίν, μηδὲ βάλητε τοὺς μαργαρίτας ὑμῶν ἔμπροσθεν τῶν χοίρων, μήποτε καταπατήσουσιν αὐτοὺς ἐν τοῖς ποσὶν αὐτῶν, καὶ στραφέντες ῥήξωσιν ὑμᾶς1

Here Jesus speaks of how his disciples should behave as if they were interacting with dogs, pearls, and pigs. See the chapter introduction for some possible interpretations of this figure of speech. You should express the idea in a way that allows for many interpretations. If it is necessary for you to indicate that Jesus is using a figure of speech here, you could introduce the verse with a form that usually introduces a saying or proverb. Alternate translation: “Think about what this means for your life: You should neither give the holy to the dogs, nor should you throw your pearls in front of the pigs. Otherwise they will trample them under their feet, and having turned, tear you to pieces”

9237:6id6grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτὸ ἅγιον1

Jesus is using the adjective holy as a noun to mean anything that is holy. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “holy things”

9247:6gkn1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτοῖς κυσίν1

A dog is an animal that is considered to be unclean and disgusting by Jews and many cultures of the Ancient Near East. It would be very improper to give the holy to this kind of animal. If dogs are unfamiliar to your culture and you have a different animal that is considered unclean and disgusting, you could use the name of this animal instead.

9257:6xy2erc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτοὺς μαργαρίτας1

The word pearls refers to beautiful and valuable mineral balls that people use as jewelry. If your readers would not be familiar with pearls, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “jewelry” or “valuable beads”

9267:6deszrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsκαταπατήσουσιν αὐτοὺς ἐν τοῖς ποσὶν αὐτῶν, καὶ στραφέντες ῥήξωσιν ὑμᾶς1

Here, the phrases they will trample and they will tear could refer to: (1) how the pigs trample and the dogs tear. Alternate translation: “the pigs will trample them under their feet, and having turned, the dogs will tear you to pieces” (2) how the pigs and the gods will together trample and tear. Alternate translation: “the pigs and dogs together will trample them under their feet, and having turned, they will tear you to pieces”

9277:6kpgerc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοὺς1

Here, the word them refers to the pearls. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer directly to pearls. Alternate translation: “the pearls”

9287:6atg0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitστραφέντες1

Here, the phrase having turned indicates that the animals will stop paying attention to the holy things and pearls and start focusing on you. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “turning to face you” or “focusing on you instead”

9297:7ut6irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitαἰτεῖτε καὶ δοθήσεται ὑμῖν; ζητεῖτε καὶ εὑρήσετε1

You may need to say what a person would be asking for and seeking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use general expressions that refer to anything good that a person might want or need. Alternate translation: “ask for a good thing, and it will be given to you; seek a good thing, and you will find it”

9307:7tv49rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveδοθήσεται ὑμῖν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, it is clear from the context that it is God. Alternate translation: “God will give it to you”

9317:7rt8grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκρούετε1

To knock means to hit a door a few times to let a person inside the house know you are standing outside. You could translate this expression with the way people in your culture show that they have arrived at a house. Alternate translation: “call out” or “cough” or “clap”

9327:7zu03rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκρούετε καὶ ἀνοιγήσεται ὑμῖν1

Here Jesus speaks of praying as if it were knocking on a door, and he speaks of God answering the prayer as if it were the door being opened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “ask for permission, and permission will be given to you” or “pray, and God will answer your prayer”

9337:7yz3qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀνοιγήσεται ὑμῖν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, it is clear from the context that it is God. Alternate translation: “God will open it to you”

9347:8ykrjrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces some reasons why the disciples should do what Jesus commanded in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “Do those things since” or “That is because”

9357:8yva3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπᾶς & ὁ αἰτῶν λαμβάνει, καὶ ὁ ζητῶν εὑρίσκει1

You may need to say what a person would be asking for and seeking. If so, express the idea as you did in 7:7. Alternate translation: “everyone asking for a good thing receives it; and the one seeking a good thing finds it”

9367:8uvcurc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτῷ κρούοντι1

Express the idea of knocking as you did in 7:7. Alternate translation: “to the one calling out” or “to the one coughing” or “to the one clapping”

9377:8vcdbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτῷ κρούοντι ἀνοιγήσεται1

Here Jesus continues to speak of praying as if it were knocking on a door and of God answering the prayer as if it were the door being opened. Express the idea as you did in 7:7. Alternate translation: “to the one asking for permission, permission will be given” or “to the one praying, it will be answered”

9387:8ohhxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀνοιγήσεται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, it is clear from the context that it is God. Alternate translation: “God will open it”

9397:9et6prc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases1

Here, the word Or introduces a contrasting alternative to what Jesus has said about how people who ask will receive. Jesus then uses the question form to show that this alternative is wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a false alternative, or you could leave Or untranslated. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” or “As a matter of fact,”

9407:9p1ifἢ τίς ἐστιν ἐξ ὑμῶν ἄνθρωπος, ὃν αἰτήσει ὁ υἱὸς αὐτοῦ ἄρτον, μὴ λίθον ἐπιδώσει αὐτῷ1

Alternate translation: “Or what man is there from among you who will give his son a stone when he asks for bread”

9417:9mq14rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἢ τίς ἐστιν ἐξ ὑμῶν ἄνθρωπος, ὃν αἰτήσει ὁ υἱὸς αὐτοῦ ἄρτον, μὴ λίθον ἐπιδώσει αὐτῷ?1

Jesus uses a question to show how parents do not give bad things to their children. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “There is not a man from among you, of whom his son will ask for bread, and he will give him a stone.” or “No man among you, of whom his son will ask for bread, will give him a stone!”

9427:9fscsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoἢ τίς ἐστιν ἐξ ὑμῶν ἄνθρωπος, ὃν αἰτήσει ὁ υἱὸς αὐτοῦ ἄρτον, μὴ λίθον ἐπιδώσει αὐτῷ?1

Here Jesus uses an imaginary situation to help explain how parents give good things, not bad things, to their children. Use a natural method in your language for introducing an imaginary situation. Alternate translation: “Or imagine a man from among you. When his son asks him for bread, he will not give a stone, will he”

9437:9n5s1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτίς ἐστιν ἐξ ὑμῶν ἄνθρωπος, ὃν αἰτήσει ὁ υἱὸς αὐτοῦ ἄρτον, μὴ λίθον ἐπιδώσει αὐτῷ1

Although Jesus uses the example of a man and his son, he does not mean that this example applies only to fathers and sons. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that includes all parents and children. Alternate translation: “what parents are there from among you, of whom their child will ask for bread—they will not give their child a stone, will they”

9447:10z9xurc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases1

Here, the word Or introduces another similar example. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces another example, or you could leave Or untranslated. Alternate translation: “Again,”

9457:10y9q5ἢ καὶ ἰχθὺν αἰτήσει, μὴ ὄφιν ἐπιδώσει αὐτῷ?1

Alternate translation: “Or he will not give him a snake when he asks for a fish, will he”

9467:10t19orc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἢ καὶ ἰχθὺν αἰτήσει, μὴ ὄφιν ἐπιδώσει αὐτῷ?1

Jesus asks another question to teach the people about how God gives gifts. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “And there is not one person among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake.”

9477:10kgakrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoἢ καὶ ἰχθὺν αἰτήσει, μὴ ὄφιν ἐπιδώσει αὐτῷ1

Here Jesus uses an imaginary situation to help explain how parents give good things, not bad things, to their children. Use a natural method in your language for introducing an imaginary situation. Alternate translation: “Or imagine that same man again. When his son asks him for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he”

9487:10mf6nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsκαὶ ἰχθὺν αἰτήσει, μὴ ὄφιν ἐπιδώσει αὐτῷ1

Although Jesus continues to use the example of a father and his son, he does not mean that this example applies only to fathers and sons. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that includes all parents and children. Alternate translation: “the child will also ask for a fish—the parents will not give the child a snake, will they”

9497:10tz8zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὄφιν1

In this culture, people did not eat snakes. So Jesus is saying that a father would not give a son something the son could not eat if the son asked for something that he could eat. If people do eat snakes in your culture, you could use the name of something that they do not eat, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “something he cannot eat”

9507:11n1vhrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-factεἰ1

Jesus speaks as if this were a hypothetical situation, but he means that it is true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might think that what Jesus is saying is uncertain, then you could translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “since”

9517:11n98drc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastπονηροὶ ὄντες1

Here, the phrase being evil states something that is unexpected for people who know how to give good gifts. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces something that is unexpected. Alternate translation: “although you are evil” or “despite being evil”

9527:11pk31rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionπόσῳ μᾶλλον ὁ Πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς δώσει ἀγαθὰ τοῖς αἰτοῦσιν αὐτόν?1

Jesus is using the question form to show that God will definitely give good things to people who ask for them. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “your Father in the heavens will much more give good to the ones asking him.” or “much more will your Father in the heavens give good things to the ones asking him!”

9537:11z8zrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ Πατὴρ ὑμῶν1

This is a figurative expression. God is not the Father of humans in the same actual way that he is the Father of Jesus. Even so, it would probably be best to translate Father with the same word that your language would naturally use to refer to a human father. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that this means God. Alternate translation: “your Father, God,”

9547:11t3p4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1

Here, the phrase in the heavens identifies the location in which God the Father is specially present and from which he rules. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “who is in the heavens”

9557:12wybfrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1

Here, the word Therefore introduces a conclusion to what Jesus has said in 5:157:11. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of conclusion, or you could leave Therefore untranslated. Alternate translation: “In summary” or “So”

9567:12wwz4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureπάντα & ὅσα ἐὰν θέλητε ἵνα ποιῶσιν ὑμῖν οἱ ἄνθρωποι, οὕτως καὶ ὑμεῖς ποιεῖτε αὐτοῖς1

In some languages it might be more natural to reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “you should do to men all things in the way that you desire them to do to you”

9577:12g8c7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsοἱ ἄνθρωποι1

Although the term men is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “people” or “men and women”

9587:12cywdrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγάρ1

Here, the word For introduces a reason for the command that Jesus has just given. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a command, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “since” or “which you should do because”

9597:12y4f6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὗτος & ἐστιν ὁ νόμος καὶ οἱ προφῆται1

Here, the clause this is the Law and the Prophets means that Jesus command summarizes what the Law and the Prophets require. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “this is what the Law and Prophets require” or “this is a summary of the Law and the Prophets”

9607:12wivnrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesὁ νόμος καὶ οἱ προφῆται1

The word Law is the name for one part of the Hebrew Scriptures, and the word Prophets is the name for another part of the Hebrew Scriptures. Show this in your translation in the way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “all the Scriptures, both the Law and the Prophets”

9617:12b1x2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyοἱ προφῆται1

Here, the word Prophets represents what the prophets said and wrote. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the writings of the prophets”

9627:13-14f47arc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridgeεἰσέλθατε διὰ τῆς στενῆς πύλης; ὅτι πλατεῖα ἡ πύλη καὶ εὐρύχωρος ἡ ὁδὸς ἡ ἀπάγουσα εἰς τὴν ἀπώλειαν, καὶ πολλοί εἰσιν οἱ εἰσερχόμενοι δι’ αὐτῆς; & ὅτι στενὴ ἡ πύλη καὶ τεθλιμμένη ἡ ὁδὸς ἡ ἀπάγουσα εἰς τὴν ζωήν, καὶ ὀλίγοι εἰσὶν οἱ εὑρίσκοντες αὐτήν.1

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine 7:13 and 7:14 into a verse bridge, as UST does, in order to keep the information about the narrow gate together. Alternate translation: “Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate {is} narrow and the way has been made narrow that is leading to life, and there are few finding it. But wide {is} the gate and broad {is} the road that is leading to destruction, and there are many entering through it”

9637:13dgr2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphorεἰσέλθατε διὰ τῆς στενῆς πύλης; ὅτι πλατεῖα ἡ πύλη καὶ εὐρύχωρος ἡ ὁδὸς ἡ ἀπάγουσα εἰς τὴν ἀπώλειαν, καὶ πολλοί εἰσιν οἱ εἰσερχόμενοι δι’ αὐτῆς1

Here Jesus speaks of how people live as if they were walking on a road and of what happens when they die as if it were entering through a gate. When a gate is narrow, that means that it is difficult to go through and that not many people go through it. When a gate is wide and a road is broad, that means that they are easy to travel on or go through and that many people travel on or through them. Since these are important images that Jesus uses in the following verse as well, you should preserve the figure of speech or express the idea in simile form. Alternate translation: “You should live like a traveler who enters through a narrow gate. Many people live like travelers who enter through a wide gate and travel on a broad road, but this path leads to destruction”

9647:13g4berc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultὅτι1

Here, the word For introduces a reason why people should enter through the narrow gate. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason for a command, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “That is because”

9657:13zv24rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsεἰς τὴν ἀπώλειαν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of destruction, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to being destroyed” or “to God destroying you”

9667:13mulgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjπολλοί1

Jesus is using the adjective many as a noun to mean many people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “many travelers”

9677:14aj95rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsὅτι στενὴ ἡ πύλη καὶ τεθλιμμένη ἡ ὁδὸς1

Many ancient manuscripts read For the gate is narrow and the road has been made narrow. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “How narrow is the gate and having been made narrow the road.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

9687:14mvfvrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultὅτι1

Here, the word For introduces another reason why people should enter through the narrow gate. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason for a command, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “Enter through the narrow gate because”

9697:14krugrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphorστενὴ ἡ πύλη καὶ τεθλιμμένη ἡ ὁδὸς ἡ ἀπάγουσα εἰς τὴν ζωήν, καὶ ὀλίγοι εἰσὶν οἱ εὑρίσκοντες αὐτήν1

Here Jesus continues to speak of how people live as if they were walking on a way and of what happens when they die as if it were entering through a gate. When a gate is narrow and a way has been made narrow, that means that they are difficult to go through and that not many people go through them. Express the idea as you did in 7:13. Alternate translation: “only a few people live like travelers who find the narrow gate and travel on the road that has been made narrow, and this road leads to life”

9707:14jishrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτεθλιμμένη ἡ ὁδὸς1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “the road is narrow” or “God has made the road narrow”

9717:14byw6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὴν ζωήν1

Here Jesus implies that life is eternal or undying life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “true life” or “eternal life”

9727:14wlr9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsεἰς τὴν ζωήν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of life, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to being able to live”

9737:14gdjirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjὀλίγοι1

Jesus is using the adjective few as a noun to mean few people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “few travelers”

9747:14opn7rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτήν1

Here, the word it could refer to: (1) both the gate and the road. Alternate translation: “them” (2) just the road. Alternate translation: “this road” (3) just the gate. Alternate translation: “this gate”

9757:15lj5vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοἵτινες ἔρχονται πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἐν ἐνδύμασι προβάτων, ἔσωθεν δέ εἰσιν λύκοι ἅρπαγες1

Here Jesus speaks of Gods people as if they were sheep. By the false prophets wearing sheeps clothing, he means that the false prophets pretend to be part of Gods people. However, Jesus says that inwardly they are ravenous wolves. He means that they hurt and take advantage of Gods people, which is acting just like wolves that eat sheep. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who pretend to be part of your group, as if they were dressed in sheeps clothing. However, inwardly they want to harm you, as if they were ravenous wolves”

9767:15bwagrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν ἐνδύμασι προβάτων1

Here, the phrase sheeps clothing refers to disguising oneself to look like a sheep. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “disguising themselves as sheep” or “pretending to be sheep”

9777:15t21qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitλύκοι ἅρπαγες1

When wolves are ravenous, they want to capture and eat other animals, such as sheep. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “hungry wolves” or “wolves on the hunt”

9787:16pul5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphorἀπὸ τῶν καρπῶν αὐτῶν ἐπιγνώσεσθε αὐτούς. μήτι συλλέγουσιν ἀπὸ ἀκανθῶν σταφυλὰς, ἢ ἀπὸ τριβόλων σῦκα?1

Here Jesus speaks of people as if they were plants that produced fruits. Just as thorny plants do not produce fruits, so evil people who do not trust God do not do what is right. Jesus uses this metaphor for several verses, so you should preserve the figure of speech or use simile form. Alternate translation: “You will know who people are by what they do, just as you know what plants are by their fruits. They do not gather grapes from a thornbush or figs from thistles, do they? Similarly, evil people do not do what is right, do they”

9797:16jvxvrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἀπὸ τῶν καρπῶν αὐτῶν ἐπιγνώσεσθε αὐτούς1

The pronouns their and them refer to any people, but particularly people like the “false prophets” Jesus mentioned in the previous verse. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer directly to the false prophets or to any people who claim to be believers. Alternate translation: “You will recognize the false prophets by their fruits” or “You will recognize anyone who claims to believe by his or her fruits”

9807:16nve4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionμήτι συλλέγουσιν ἀπὸ ἀκανθῶν σταφυλὰς, ἢ ἀπὸ τριβόλων σῦκα?1

Jesus is using the question form to to show that grapes do not come from a thornbush and figs do not come from thistles. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “They do not gather grapes from a thornbush or figs from thistles.” or “No one gathers grapes from a thornbush or figs from thistles!”

9817:16gy7src://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsμήτι συλλέγουσιν1

The pronoun they refers to people in general. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use a form that refers to any person or group of people. Alternate translation: “People do not gather … do they”

9827:16d7acrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismἀπὸ ἀκανθῶν σταφυλὰς, ἢ ἀπὸ τριβόλων σῦκα1

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine the two phrases. Alternate translation: “grapes or figs from thorny plants” or “fruits from scrub plants”

9837:16vqndrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτριβόλων1

Here, the word thistles refers generally to plants that have points or spikes on their stems or leaves. These plants do not produce fruit. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of plant, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “spiky plants”

9847:17f5l3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphorοὕτως πᾶν δένδρον ἀγαθὸν καρποὺς καλοὺς ποιεῖ; τὸ δὲ σαπρὸν δένδρον καρποὺς πονηροὺς ποιεῖ1

Here Jesus continues to speak of people as if they were plants that produced fruits. Just as a good tree produces good fruits, so people who follow God do what is right. Just as a roten tree produces rotten fruits, so people who do not follow God do what is wrong. Jesus uses this metaphor for several verses, so you should preserve the figure of speech or use simile form. Alternate translation: “In the same way, every good tree produces good fruits, but the rotten tree produces bad fruits. Similarly, believers do what is right, but unbelievers do what is wrong”

9857:17vy6irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounτὸ & σαπρὸν δένδρον & ποιεῖ1

The phrase the rotten tree represents rotten trees in general, not one particular rotten tree. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “rotten trees produce”

9867:18gey5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphorοὐ δύναται δένδρον ἀγαθὸν καρποὺς πονηροὺς ποιεῖν, οὐδὲ δένδρον σαπρὸν καρποὺς καλοὺς ποιεῖν1

Here Jesus continues to speak of people as if they were plants that produced fruits. Express the idea as you did in the previous verse 7:17. Alternate translation: “A good tree is not able to produce bad fruits, nor a rotten tree to produce good fruits. Similarly, believers do not do what is wrong, and unbelievers do not do what is right”

9877:18x849rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisοὐδὲ δένδρον σαπρὸν1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “nor is a rotten tree able”

9887:19xwrmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphorπᾶν δένδρον μὴ ποιοῦν καρπὸν καλὸν ἐκκόπτεται καὶ εἰς πῦρ βάλλεται1

Here Jesus continues to speak of people as if they were plants that produced fruit. Express the idea as you did in the previous verses 7:1718. Alternate translation: “Every tree not producing good fruit is cut down and thrown into a fire. Similarly, every person who does not do what is right is judged and punished”

9897:19g7fsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπᾶν δένδρον μὴ ποιοῦν καρπὸν καλὸν ἐκκόπτεται καὶ εἰς πῦρ βάλλεται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “They cut down every tree not producing good fruit and throw it into a fire”

9907:19a5u1rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsκαρπὸν καλὸν1

In this verse, the word fruit is singular in form, but it refers to many fruits as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “good fruits”

9917:20pb7rrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultἄρα γε1

Here, the phrase So then introduces the conclusion to what Jesus has been saying about trees, plants, and fruit. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a conclusion. Alternate translation: “In conclusion” or “As you can see”

9927:20x87mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphorἀπὸ τῶν καρπῶν αὐτῶν ἐπιγνώσεσθε αὐτούς1

Here Jesus continues to speak about people as if they were plants that produced fruits. In this verse, Jesus repeats the general principle he stated in 7:16, so you should express the idea as you did there. Alternate translation: “you will know who people are by what they do, just as you know what plants are by their fruits”

9937:20yahorc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἀπὸ τῶν καρπῶν αὐτῶν ἐπιγνώσεσθε αὐτούς1

The pronouns their and them refer to any people, but particularly people like the “false prophets” Jesus mentioned in 7:15. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer directly to the false prophets or to any people who claim to be believers. Alternate translation: “you will recognize the false prophets by their fruits” or “you will recognize anyone who claims to believe by his or her fruits”

9947:21dkh7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplicationμοι, Κύριε, Κύριε1

Here Jesus could quote these people repeating the word Lord in order to: (1) express the urgency or earnestness of the address. Alternate translation: “to me, My Lord!’” (2) show that this address happens often. Alternate translation: “to me repeatedly, Lord

9957:21qq3yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀλλ’ ὁ ποιῶν1

Here Jesus means that the only people who enter into the kingdom of the heavens are those who do Gods will. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “but only the one doing”

9967:21wzoirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounὁ ποιῶν1

The phrase the one doing represents anyone who does these things in general, not one particular person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “those who do”

9977:21fgdorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὸ θέλημα τοῦ Πατρός μου τοῦ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of will, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what my Father in the heavens desires”

9987:21c6yzrc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου1

Father is an important title that describe the relationship between God the Father and Jesus.

9997:21l1terc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοῦ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1

Here, the phrase in the heavens identifies the location in which God the Father is specially present and from which he rules. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “who is in the heavens”

10007:21m4nyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisτοῦ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “in the heavens will enter into the kingdom of the heavens”

10017:22t095rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjπολλοὶ1

Jesus is using the adjective many as a noun to mean many people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “many men and women”

10027:22mp6erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ1

Here, the phrase that day refers to how God will judge everyone at the end of this time period. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “on the judgment day” or “when God is judging everyone”

10037:22makkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplicationτῇ ἡμέρᾳ, Κύριε, Κύριε1

Here Jesus again quotes these people repeating the word Lord. Express the idea as you did in 7:21. Alternate translation: “day, My Lord!’” or “day repeatedly, Lord

10047:22m9pyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐ τῷ σῷ ὀνόματι ἐπροφητεύσαμεν, καὶ τῷ σῷ ὀνόματι δαιμόνια ἐξεβάλομεν, καὶ τῷ σῷ ὀνόματι δυνάμεις πολλὰς ἐποιήσαμεν?1

The people speaking are using the question form to to show that they did many good things for Jesus. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “we prophesied in your name, and in your name cast out demons, and in your name did many mighty deeds.” or “we prophesied in your name, and we cast out demons in your name, and we did many mighty deeds in your name!”

10057:22hg17rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτῷ σῷ ὀνόματι & τῷ σῷ ὀνόματι & τῷ σῷ ὀνόματι1

Here, the word name refers primarily to the person who has that name, and it focuses especially on that persons authority. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “by your authority … by your authority … by your authority”

10067:22losrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσῷ-1

Since the speakers are talking to Jesus, the word your in this verse is singular.

10077:23d4y5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοὐδέποτε ἔγνων ὑμᾶς1

Here Jesus speaks of his disciples as those whom he knows. When he says I never knew you, he means that the person addressed was never one of his disciples. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You have never been my disciples”

10087:23zdo4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοἱ ἐργαζόμενοι τὴν ἀνομίαν1

Here Jesus directly addresses those to whom he is speaking as ones practicing lawlessness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the direct address more explicit. Alternate translation: “you who practice lawlessness”

10097:23fvm3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν ἀνομίαν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of lawlessness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what is lawless”

10107:24joprrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1

Here, the word Therefore introduces a conclusion that is based on what Jesus has said in 7:2123 and perhaps also what he said in 7:1520. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of conclusion, or you could leave Therefore untranslated. Alternate translation: “Because of all that” or “So then”

10117:24f0ydrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμου τοὺς λόγους τούτους1

Here, the phrase these words of mine could refer to: (1) what Jesus has said in this section of Matthew, which began in 5:3. Alternate translation: “the words I have been speaking” (2) what Jesus teaches in general. Alternate translation: “the words I speak”

10127:24qjh9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὁμοιωθήσεται ἀνδρὶ φρονίμῳ, ὅστις ᾠκοδόμησεν αὐτοῦ τὴν οἰκίαν ἐπὶ τὴν πέτραν1

Jesus compares those who do what he has said to a person who builds his house on the rock, where it is secure and not easily knocked down. He means that people who do what he has said can be as confident about how God will judge them as the wise man is confident about the security of his house. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this idea more explicitly. Alternate translation: “will be as sure about Gods favor as a wise man is sure that his house, which he built upon the rock, is secure”

10137:24iv10rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseὁμοιωθήσεται1

Here Jesus uses the future tense to speak about something that is generally true. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use whatever tense is most natural for expressing a general truth. Alternate translation: “is compared to”

10147:24qw6lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὁμοιωθήσεται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the comparing, it is clear from the context that it is Jesus himself. Alternate translation: “I will compare to” or “is comparable to”

10157:24b8hlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀνδρὶ φρονίμῳ & αὐτοῦ1

Although the terms man and his are masculine, Jesus is using the words in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “a wise person … his or her”

10167:24dy1frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπέτραν1

Here, the word rock means the bedrock below the topsoil and clay, not a large stone or boulder above the ground. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this idea more explicitly. Alternate translation: “bedrock” or “solid ground”

10177:25p99wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπροσέπεσαν τῇ οἰκίᾳ ἐκείνῃ1

Here the winds strike against that house by blowing hard and stressing the house. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “stressed that house” or “strained the house”

10187:25bv81rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτεθεμελίωτο1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was the wise man. Alternate translation: “the wise man had founded it”

10197:25cr01rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὴν πέτραν1

Express the idea as you did in 7:25. Alternate translation: “the bedrock” or “the solid ground”

10207:26kisbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμου τοὺς λόγους τούτους1

Here, just as in 7:24, the phrase these words of mine could refer to: (1) what Jesus has said in this section of Matthew, which began in 5:3. Alternate translation: “the words I have been speaking” (2) what Jesus teaches in general. Alternate translation: “the words I speak”

10217:26nw97rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὁμοιωθήσεται ἀνδρὶ μωρῷ, ὅστις ᾠκοδόμησεν αὐτοῦ τὴν οἰκίαν ἐπὶ τὴν ἄμμον1

Jesus compares those who do not do what he has said to a person who builds his house upon the sand, where it is not secure and is easily knocked down. He means that people who do not do what he has said cannot be confident about how God will judge them, just as the foolish man cannot be confident about the security of his house. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this idea more explicitly. Alternate translation: “will be as unsure about Gods favor as a foolish man is unsure that his house, which he built upon the sand, is secure”

10227:26ljg6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseὁμοιωθήσεται1

Here, just as in 7:24, Jesus uses the future tense to speak about something that is generally true. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use whatever tense is most natural for expressing a general truth. Alternate translation: “is compared to”

10237:26o85yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὁμοιωθήσεται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the comparing, it is clear from the context that it is Jesus himself. Alternate translation: “I will compare to” or “is comparable to”

10247:26ieygrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀνδρὶ μωρῷ & αὐτοῦ1

Although the terms man and his are masculine, Jesus is using the words in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “a foolish person … his or her”

10257:26fzhcrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἐπὶ τὴν ἄμμον1

The word sand refers to very small pieces of rock that collect together, often on the edge of a body of water or in a desert. The sand constantly moves and shifts, and it is not a solid foundation on which to place anything. If your readers would not be familiar with sand, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “upon mud” or “upon what is not solid”

10267:27tkt0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπροσέκοψαν τῇ οἰκίᾳ ἐκείνῃ1

Express the idea as you did in 7:25. Alternate translation: “stressed that house” or “strained the house”

10277:27k4hirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἦν ἡ πτῶσις αὐτῆς μεγάλη1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of destruction, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “it was totally destroyed”

10287:28jrh7rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstoryκαὶ ἐγένετο, ὅτε ἐτέλεσεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς τοὺς λόγους τούτους, ἐξεπλήσσοντο οἱ ὄχλοι ἐπὶ τῇ διδαχῇ αὐτοῦ1

This sentence marks the end of Jesus sermon by describing how the people in the crowds reacted to Jesus teaching. Use the natural form in your language for expressing the conclusion of a story. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus finished speaking these words. The crowds were astonished at his teaching”

10297:28fo8grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐπὶ τῇ διδαχῇ αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of teaching, you could express the same idea in another way. Matthew could be focusing primarily on: (1) the way in which Jesus taught. Alternate translation: “at how he taught” (2) what Jesus taught. Alternate translation: “at what he taught”

10307:29gnywrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word for introduces the reason why “the crowds were astonished by his teaching” (7:28). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason, or you could leave for untranslated. Alternate translation: “since”

10317:29qpp6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐξουσίαν ἔχων1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of authority, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “one having been authorized”

10327:29bzurrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisοὐχ ὡς οἱ γραμματεῖς αὐτῶν1

Matthew is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “not as their scribes taught them”

10338:introf33a0

Matthew 8 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

  1. Jesus illustrates the kingdom of God through acts of healing (8:19:34)
    • Healing a leper (8:14)
    • Healing the centurions servant (8:513)
    • Healing Peters mother-in-law and many others (8:1417)
    • The cost of following Jesus (8:1822)
    • Calming the storm (8:2327)
    • Casting demons out of two men (8:2834)

Important Concepts in this Chapter

Healings

In this chapter, Matthew narrates how Jesus heals a leper, the paralyzed servant of a centurion, Peters mother who had a fever, and many other people who were sick. In every case where Matthew describes what happened, Jesus speaks words, or he touches the sick person, or he does both. These stories show how powerful Jesus is. He does not need to use medicine or magic to heal people. Instead, he can just command the sickness to go away or simply touch the person.

Casting out demons

Matthew clearly distinguishes sick people from people who are controlled by demons. Demons are evil spiritual beings who can control people. They usually use these people to hurt themselves or others. Matthew briefly mentions that Jesus drives demons out of people in 8:16. At the end of the chapter, he includes a longer story about how Jesus drives demons out of two men (8:2834). The demons use the two men to speak, but they say what the demons want them to say. The demons know that Jesus is the Son of God, and they plead with Jesus not to punish them too much. Jesus agrees to do what they ask, but he is the one who is in charge. Again, the story shows how powerful Jesus is.

Feasting in the kingdom of heaven

In 8:1112, Jesus speaks about how many people will feast with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of the heavens. However, some people who are expected to be part of the feast will be cast outside and punished. It is likely that Jesus is referring to a feast that will eventually happen, so do not express the idea as if it were a metaphor.

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

Rhetorical Questions

In 8:26 and 8:29, characters in the story use rhetorical questions. They ask these questions to make strong points, not because they are looking for information. If your language does not use questions in this way, you could include answers to the questions or you could express them as statements or exclamations. See the notes on these verses for translation options. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Singular and plural forms of “you”

Most of the forms of “you” in this chapter appear in dialogue between Jesus and other people. Because of this, most forms of “you” in this chapter are singular. You should assume forms of “you” are singular unless a note specifies that the form is plural. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

10348:1qb1drc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

10358:1wd15rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoτοῦ ὄρους1

Express this phrase as you did in 5:1. Alternate translation: “the high place” or “the small mountain”

10368:2vas8rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participantsἰδοὺ, λεπρὸς προσελθὼν, προσεκύνει1

Here Matthew introduces a leper as a new character in the story. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a new character. Alternate translation: “there was a man who was a leper. Approaching Jesus, he bowed before”

10378:2yhgprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “suddenly”

10388:2he5zrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτῷ1

The pronoun him refers to Jesus. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “Jesus”

10398:2yc3frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarativeδύνασαί με καθαρίσαι1

The man is using this statement to make a request. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in request form. Alternate translation: “please make me clean”

10408:2yjn2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμε καθαρίσαι1

The man talks about becoming clean ceremonially, but it is implicit that he has become unclean because of his leprosy, so he is primarily asking Jesus to heal him of this disease. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “to heal my disease”

10418:3ttdzrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἐκτείνας τὴν χεῖρα, ἥψατο αὐτοῦ1

The pronouns his and he refer to Jesus. The pronoun him refers to the leper. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the peoples names here. Alternate translation: “having reached out his hand, Jesus touched the leper”

10428:3cy6zrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he declared”

10438:3atmxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitθέλω1

Here Jesus implies that he is willing to cleanse or heal the man. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “I am willing to cleanse you”

10448:3lj1xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐκαθαρίσθη αὐτοῦ ἡ λέπρα1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was Jesus. Alternate translation: “he was clean, with no leprosy” or “Jesus cleansed him of his leprosy”

10458:4akk4rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said”

10468:4g1ufrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμηδενὶ εἴπῃς1

The implication is that the man is not to tell anyone that Jesus healed him. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “you tell no one that you have been healed”

10478:4zi3arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitσεαυτὸν, δεῖξον τῷ ἱερεῖ1

Jesus told the man to show himself to the priest so that the priest could look at his skin to see if his leprosy was really gone. The law of Moses required people to present themselves to the priest for inspection if they had been unclean but were now clean. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “ask to be inspected by the priest” or “let yourself be examined by the priest”

10488:4tq9lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπροσένεγκον τὸ δῶρον ὃ προσέταξεν Μωϋσῆς1

Jesus assumes that the man will know that the law required a person who had been healed from a skin disease to offer a specific gift. This made the person ceremonially clean, and they could participate once again in community religious activities. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “offer the gift that Moses commanded for making people clean again”

10498:4rj8urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἰς μαρτύριον αὐτοῖς1

Here Jesus means that the man should show himself to the priest and offer the gift to prove or provide testimony that he had been healed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “for a testimony to them that you have been cleansed”

10508:4b0pzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsεἰς μαρτύριον αὐτοῖς1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of testimony, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “so that it testifies to them”

10518:4eewmrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοῖς1

The pronoun them could refer to: (1) Jewish people in general. Alternate translation: “to people” (2) the priests specifically. Alternate translation: “to the priests”

10528:5gec7rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “After that,”

10538:6xehlrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “telling him”

10548:6cr8hrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownπαραλυτικός1

People who is paralyzed are not able to use or control some or all of their arms and legs because of injury or sickness. If your readers would not be familiar with this sickness, you could use the name of something like this in your language, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “and cannot move his limbs”

10558:6lhmwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveδεινῶς βασανιζόμενος1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “suffering much” or “being greatly in pain”

10568:6il8trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδεινῶς βασανιζόμενος1

Here the centurion tells Jesus what is happening to his servant. He implies that he wants Jesus to heal the servant. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “being tormented terribly, so please help him”

10578:7qatkrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsλέγει αὐτῷ1

The pronoun he refers to Jesus, and the pronoun him refers to the centurion. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer directly to the people. Alternate translation: “Jesus says to the centurion”

10588:7u8errc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “he said”

10598:7fh56rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐλθὼν1

Here Jesus implies that he will come to the centurions house. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “when I have come to your house”

10608:7go4zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθὼν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “when I have gone”

10618:8p7p4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomμου ὑπὸ τὴν στέγην εἰσέλθῃς1

The phrase enter under my roof means “come into my house.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you might personally visit me” or “you might enter into my house”

10628:8hig7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeμόνον εἰπὲ λόγῳ1

Here, the centurion uses the command form to politely ask Jesus to speak a word. Use a form in your language that communicates this. Alternate translation: “please speak only a word”

10638:8uqkzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitλόγῳ1

Here the centurion means that Jesus can heal his servant by using a word of command, which is how Jesus healed the leper in 8:3. If it would be helpful in your language, you could clarify that the centurion is referring to a single word of command. Alternate translation: “one order” or “a word of command”

10648:8rk1zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἰαθήσεται ὁ παῖς μου1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, it is clear from the context that it is Jesus. Alternate translation: “you will heal my servant”

10658:9ds2mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὑπὸ ἐξουσίαν, τασσόμενος1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “whom someone has placed under authority” or “who is under someones authority”

10668:9da25rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὑπ’ ἐμαυτὸν1

Here the centurion speaks of those over whom he has authority as if they were under him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “under my authority” or “whom I command”

10678:9mg4vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesκαὶ λέγω τούτῳ, πορεύθητι, καὶ πορεύεται, καὶ ἄλλῳ, ἔρχου, καὶ ἔρχεται, καὶ τῷ δούλῳ μου, ποίησον τοῦτο, καὶ ποιεῖ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this sentence so that there are not quotations within a quotation. Alternate translation: “and I tell this one to go, and he goes, and I tell another one to come, and he comes, and I tell my servant to do something, and he does it”

10688:9qz61rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisκαὶ ἄλλῳ & καὶ τῷ δούλῳ μου1

The centurion is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “and to another I say … and to my servant, I say”

10698:10znqprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐθαύμασεν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “marveled”

10708:10t93trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularὑμῖν1

Here, the word you is plural because Jesus is speaking to everyone who follows him.

10718:10c7y6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπαρ’ οὐδενὶ τοσαύτην πίστιν ἐν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ εὗρον1

Here Jesus implies that he 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. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “I have found no one in Israel, the people who should trust me, who trusts me as much as this Gentile does”

10728:10bhdprc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsπαρ’ οὐδενὶ τοσαύτην πίστιν ἐν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ εὗρον1

Many ancient manuscripts read I have found such great faith from no one in Israel. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “not even in Israel have I found such great faith.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

10738:10al6brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomεὗρον1

Here, the word found represents experiencing or observing something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have experienced” or “I have observed”

10748:10z5gtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsπαρ’ οὐδενὶ τοσαύτην πίστιν ἐν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “no one in Israel who believes so much”

10758:10fjgcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ1

Here, the word Israel refers to the people who live in the country of Israel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “among the people of Israel”

10768:11xee4rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces a development of what Jesus said in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a development, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Indeed,”

10778:11tduprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularὑμῖν1

Here, the word you is plural because Jesus is speaking to everyone who follows him.

10788:11v7marc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjπολλοὶ1

Jesus is using the adjective many as a noun to mean many people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “many men and women”

10798:11mt2irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismἀπὸ ἀνατολῶν καὶ δυσμῶν1

Here, Jesus is referring to every direction by naming the directions that are opposities: east and west. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from every direction”

10808:11u4sjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀνακλιθήσονται1

In Jesus culture, people would usually recline, or lay on one side, when they were eating. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to the position in which people eat in your culture, or you could just refer to eating. Alternate translation: “they will sit down to eat” or “they will eat”

10818:11kxajrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀνακλιθήσονται1

When Jesus speaks about eating while in the kingdom of the heavens, he could mean: (1) that one thing that people will do is feast together. In this case, Jesus is not using a metaphor. Alternate translation: “they will recline at the feast” (2) that people will rejoice and be happy as if they were at a feast. In this case, Jesus is using a metaphor. Alternate translation: “they will rejoice”

10828:11qmc7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμετὰ Ἀβραὰμ, καὶ Ἰσαὰκ, καὶ Ἰακὼβ1

The words Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are the names of the three most important ancestors of Jesus people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, who are our important ancestors,”

10838:12ks3brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοἱ & υἱοὶ τῆς βασιλείας ἐκβληθήσονται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, it is clear from the context that it is God. Alternate translation: “God will throw the sons of the kingdom out”

10848:12aug7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοἱ & υἱοὶ τῆς βασιλείας1

The expression the sons of the kingdom refers to people who would normally belong in the kingdom. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “those who would normally be part of the kingdom” or “those who expect to be in the kingdom”

10858:12g9jsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsοἱ & υἱοὶ1

Although the term sons is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “the children”

10868:12liu4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorεἰς τὸ σκότος τὸ ἐξώτερον1

Here, the phrase the outer darkness refers to the place of punishment in contrast to the kingdom. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. If possible, preserve the idea of darkness. Alternate translation: “into the darkness of hell” or “into the dark place of punishment”

10878:12jqpnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὸ σκότος τὸ ἐξώτερον1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of darkness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the dark place outside”

10888:12gww4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων1

In Jesus culture, people would grind their teeth when they experienced anger, grief, and pain. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to an action with comparable meaning or state the meaning of this action plainly. Alternate translation: “beating of breasts” or “grinding of the teeth in anger and pain”

10898:13trdlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὕπαγε1

Here Jesus implies that the centurion should return to his home. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Return to your house”

10908:13ki92rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveγενηθήτω σοι1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “let it happen to you” or “let God do it for you”

10918:13op3zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3pγενηθήτω1

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “it will be done” or “I am doing it”

10928:13sdn6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἰάθη ὁ παῖς1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was Jesus. Alternate translation: “Jesus healed the servant”

10938:13mjpsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν τῇ ὥρᾳ ἐκείνῃ1

Here, the phrase at that hour indicates that the servant was healed when Jesus spoke these words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at that moment”

10948:14d542rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθὼν ὁ Ἰησοῦς1

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “when Jesus had gone”

10958:14vl5brc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοῦ1

The pronoun his refers to Peter. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “Peters”

10968:14iw9arc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinshipτὴν πενθερὰν1

The word mother-in-law refers to the mother of Peters wife. In your translation, you could use the term or expression in your own language for this relationship.

10978:14o7tfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveβεβλημένην1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “lying down”

10988:14ynh8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownπυρέσσουσαν1

A fever is a symptom of an illness in which the temperature of the body temporarily increases. People with fevers feel sick and weak. If your reader would not be familiar with fevers, you could use a descriptive phrase. Alternate Translation: “having a high body temperature” or “being ill with an elevated temperature”

10998:15w7nhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationἀφῆκεν αὐτὴν ὁ πυρετός1

Here Matthew speaks of the fever as if it were a person that left her. He means that she was no longer sick with the fever. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “she was no longer sick with a fever” or “her fever was gone”

11008:15tmp7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδιηκόνει αὐτῷ1

Here Matthew implies that she took food and offered it to Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “gave him food”

11018:16lxfvrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

11028:16i9lqrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsπροσήνεγκαν1

Here, the pronoun they refers to people in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers generally to people. Alternate translation: “other people brought”

11038:16pwr4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveδαιμονιζομένους πολλούς1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “many whom demons possessed”

11048:16s9qxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjπολλούς1

Matthew is using the adjective many as a noun to mean many people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “many people”

11058:16low2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὰ πνεύματα1

Here, the word spirits refers to the same spiritual beings that Matthew referred to earlier in the verse as demons. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the same term in both places or make it clear in another way that these are same beings. Alternate translation: “the demonic spirits”

11068:16f1cvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyλόγῳ1

Matthew is using the term word to mean something spoken using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “by speaking to them”

11078:16zos9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτοὺς κακῶς ἔχοντας1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of sickness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the sick people”

11088:17cn2brc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultὅπως πληρωθῇ1

Here, the phrase so that could introduce: (1) a result from Jesus casting out demons and healing people. Alternate translation: “with the result that would be fulfilled” (2) a purpose for which Jesus cast out demons and healed people. Alternate translation: “in order that might be fulfilled”

11098:17r3dcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπληρωθῇ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “this might fulfill”

11108:17tjborc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὸ ῥηθὲν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “that which God spoke”

11118:17x9vsrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντος1

In Matthews culture, saying was a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book written by Isaiah the prophet (see Isaiah 53:4). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Matthew is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “who wrote in his book” or “who declared”

11128:17eyu9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismαὐτὸς τὰς ἀσθενείας ἡμῶν ἔλαβεν καὶ τὰς νόσους ἐβάστασεν1

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “He himself took our sicknesses; indeed, he bore our diseases”

11138:17nb36rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitαὐτὸς τὰς ἀσθενείας ἡμῶν ἔλαβεν καὶ τὰς νόσους ἐβάστασεν1

Here Matthew could mean that Jesus: (1) removed sicknesses and healed diseases. Alternate translation: “He himself removed our sicknesses and healed our diseases” (2) became sick and diseased himself to deal with peoples sicknesses and diseases. Alternate translation: “He himself became sick in our place and became diseased in our place”

11148:18y32vrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Sometime later,”

11158:18ruxxrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequentialἰδὼν1

Here, the phrase having seen could introduce: (1) what happened before Jesus commanded his disciples. Alternate translation: “after he saw” (2) the reason for which Jesus commanded his disciples. Alternate translation: “because he saw”

11168:18qw48rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsὄχλον1

Many ancient manuscripts read a crowd. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “large crowds.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

11178:18gdsrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsἐκέλευσεν ἀπελθεῖν εἰς τὸ πέραν1

It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “commanded, Let us depart to the other side

11188:18a2pnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐκέλευσεν ἀπελθεῖν1

Here Matthew implies that Jesus commanded the disciples to depart with him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “commanded his disciples to depart with him”

11198:18h8ubrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἰς τὸ πέραν1

Here Jesus implies that he wants the disciples to depart with him to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “to the other side of the lake” or “to the opposite side of the Sea of Galilee”

11208:19hssprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαὶ προσελθὼν, εἷς γραμματεὺς1

Here Matthew implies that Jesus and the disciples have not yet gotten into a boat to cross over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. He says that they get into the boat in 8:23. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit here. Alternate translation: “And before they departed to the other side, a scribe approached and”

11218:19k51qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἀκολουθήσω σοι ὅπου ἐὰν ἀπέρχῃ1

Here, the clause I will follow you indicates that the scribe wishes to travel with Jesus and be his disciple. The phrase wherever you go indicates that he wishes to be Jesus disciple no matter what Jesus does or where he goes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will become your faithful disciple” or “I will travel with you as your student wherever you go”

11228:20tkl1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said”

11238:20pqp6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismαἱ ἀλώπεκες φωλεοὺς ἔχουσιν καὶ τὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ κατασκηνώσεις1

Here, Jesus is referring to all animals by naming an animal that lives on land and an animal that flies in the air. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all animals have places to live”

11248:20ub5orc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownαἱ ἀλώπεκες φωλεοὺς ἔχουσιν1

The word foxes describes land animals that are similar to small dogs. The word dens refers to how these animals dig holes in the ground as shelters. If your readers would not be familiar with this animal and its habits, you could describe them in general terms. Alternate translation: “Little animals live in holes in the ground”

11258:20qqvqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisτὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ κατασκηνώσεις1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “the birds of the sky have nests”

11268:20ci6zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe birds that fly in the sky. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the birds in the sky” or “the birds flying in the sky”

11278:20arxerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoτὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ1

The expression of the sky contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “the birds”

11288:20qvm5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personὁ δὲ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου οὐκ ἔχει ποῦ τὴν κεφαλὴν κλίνῃ1

Here Jesus speaks about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “but I, the Son of Man, do not have a place where I might lay my head”

11298:20mhpsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ δὲ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1

Here Jesus for the first time in Matthew uses the title Son of Man to refer to himself. He is using the title to refer to himself, a human, and also to implicitly identify himself with the important and powerful figure named “the son of man” in the Old Testament book of Daniel (see Daniel 7:1314). See the book introduction for more information about this title. Consider how you might best translate this title here and throughout the rest of Matthew. Alternate translation: “but the Human One” or “but the one called Son of Man”

11308:20qjw0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐκ ἔχει ποῦ τὴν κεφαλὴν κλίνῃ1

Jesus implies that if the scribe were to follow him, he too might not have a home. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “does not have a place where he might lay his head, so if you become his disciple, expect that you will not have such a place either”

11318:20yl4src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοὐκ ἔχει ποῦ τὴν κεφαλὴν κλίνῃ1

Here, the phrase {a place} where he might lay his head refers to a place to sleep. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a similar phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “does not have a place where he might sleep” or “does not have a sleeping place”

11328:20grfdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleοὐκ ἔχει ποῦ τὴν κεφαλὴν κλίνῃ1

Jesus actually did find places to sleep wherever he went to teach and heal, but he says that he has no such place at all to emphasize that he has no permanent home. Alternate translation: “does not have a permanent home”

11338:21gveerc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

11348:21fq8irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐπίτρεψόν μοι πρῶτον ἀπελθεῖν καὶ θάψαι τὸν πατέρα μου1

Here the disciple could be indicating that: (1) his father had not yet died, but he needed to help and support his father until he died and was buried. Alternate translation: “permit me first to go away and help my father until he dies and I bury him” (2) his father had died very recently, and he needed to mourn and arrange the burial ceremonies. Alternate translation: “permit me first to go away and to bury my father who just died”

11358:21wk46rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπρῶτον ἀπελθεῖν καὶ θάψαι τὸν πατέρα μου1

Here the disciple means that he plans to bury his father before he travels with Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “to go away and to bury my father first before I go with you”

11368:22fwwdrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said”

11378:22h7fbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἄφες τοὺς νεκροὺς θάψαι τοὺς ἑαυτῶν νεκρούς1

Here, the phrase the dead could refer to: (1) people who have already died. In this case, Jesus is stating that dead people will take care of other dead people. What he means is that living people should not be concerned about those who have died. Alternate translation: “let the dead take care of themselves” or “do not concern yourself with the dead” (2) people who are spiritually dead. In this case, Jesus is saying that only people who are spiritually dead should care more about burying their dead than following him. Alternate translation: “let the spiritually dead bury their own dead”

11388:22l5d2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτοὺς νεκροὺς & τοὺς ἑαυτῶν νεκρούς1

Jesus is using the adjective dead as a noun to mean dead people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the dead humans … their own dead humans”

11398:23vlqcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐμβάντι αὐτῷ εἰς πλοῖον, ἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ1

Here Matthew implies that they started sailing across the Sea of Galilee, as Jesus had commanded in 8:18. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “when he had entered into a boat, his disciples followed him into the boat, and they started to sail across the lake”

11408:23wgwfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ1

Here, the word followed could indicate: (1) simply that the disciples went into the boat with Jesus. Alternate translation: “his disciples entered the boat with him” (2) that the disciples went into the boat with Jesus since they were acting as his disciples or followers. Alternate translation: “his disciples went with him as his apprentices”

11418:24fshprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “suddenly”

11428:24m6w8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὸ πλοῖον καλύπτεσθαι ὑπὸ τῶν κυμάτων1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the waves covered the boat”

11438:24korfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ πλοῖον καλύπτεσθαι ὑπὸ τῶν κυμάτων1

The implication is that the storm was causing high waves that pushed water over the sides of the boat. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the boat was filling up with water because of the waves”

11448:24wiywrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτὸς1

The pronoun he refers to Jesus. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “Jesus”

11458:25kq07rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἤγειραν αὐτὸν1

The pronoun they refers to the disciples, and the pronoun him refers to Jesus. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to these people more directly. Alternate translation: “the disciples woke Jesus”

11468:25b9dorc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation without the preceding comma: “and they said”

11478:25b2whrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἀπολλύμεθα!1

Here, the word we includes both Jesus and the disciples. Your language may require you to mark this form.

11488:26yln8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “he said”

11498:26g8p7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί δειλοί ἐστε, ὀλιγόπιστοι1

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke the disciples for being cowardly and for having little faith. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You should not be cowardly, you of little faith.” or “Do not be cowardly, you of little faith!”

11508:26f973rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularἐστε, ὀλιγόπιστοι1

Here, the word you is plural because Jesus is speaking to all the disciples who are in the boat with him.

11518:26r5verc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsὀλιγόπιστοι1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “you who believe so little”

11528:26syd4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐγένετο γαλήνη μεγάλη1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of calm, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “they became very calm”

11538:27mme2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοἱ & ἄνθρωποι1

Here, the phrase the men refers to the disciples who are on the boat with Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the disciples”

11548:27w8csrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”

11558:27u2qhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureποταπός ἐστιν οὗτος, ὅτι καὶ οἱ ἄνεμοι καὶ ἡ θάλασσα αὐτῷ ὑπακούουσιν?1

If it would be helpful in your language, you could turn this into two sentences, one asking the question, and the other giving the reason for the question. Alternate translation: “What sort of man is he? Even the winds and the sea obey him!”

11568:27k5mkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionποταπός ἐστιν οὗτος, ὅτι καὶ οἱ ἄνεμοι καὶ ἡ θάλασσα αὐτῷ ὑπακούουσιν1

This is a genuine question, not a statement in question form. The disciples are looking for information about what kind of person Jesus could be if he can do these things. Alternate translation: “What sort of person is this man, for even the winds and the sea obey him”

11578:28jlxmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitαὐτοῦ1

Here, the word he refers directly to Jesus, but Matthew implies that the disciples were with him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he and his disciples”

11588:28vxwwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἰς τὸ πέραν1

Here, the phrase the other side refers to the side of the Sea of Galilee opposite to Capernaum, where Jesus and the disciples had started. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “to the opposite side of the lake”

11598:28yzi6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesτῶν Γαδαρηνῶν1

The name Gadarenes refers to people from the town of Gadara.

11608:28ceivrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsτῶν Γαδαρηνῶν1

Many ancient manuscripts read Gadarenes. The ULT follows that reading. Some ancient manuscripts read “Gergesenes,” and other ancient manuscripts read “Gerasenes.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

11618:28o3durc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundὑπήντησαν αὐτῷ δύο δαιμονιζόμενοι ἐκ τῶν μνημείων ἐξερχόμενοι, χαλεποὶ λείαν ὥστε μὴ ἰσχύειν τινὰ παρελθεῖν διὰ τῆς ὁδοῦ ἐκείνης1

Here Matthew provides background information that will help readers understand what happens next. Use a natural form in your language for introducing background information. Alternate translation: “two men met him. Now these men were possessed by demons, and they came out of the tombs. They were very violent, so that no one was strong enough to pass through that road”

11628:28hz5nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveδαιμονιζόμενοι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom demons had possessed”

11638:28zt5zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐκ τῶν μνημείων ἐξερχόμενοι1

Here Matthew implies that the two men live in the tombs and came from that area to meet Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “coming out of where they lived in the tombs”

11648:28dbuorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῆς ὁδοῦ ἐκείνης1

Here Matthew implies that the road goes through or nearby the tombs. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the nearby road” or “the road near them”

11658:29oifcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “suddenly”

11668:29qlyfrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”

11678:29gr2prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί ἡμῖν καὶ σοί, Υἱὲ τοῦ Θεοῦ?1

The two men are using the question form to insist on something urgently. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “There is nothing to us and to you, Son of God!”

11688:29rlf0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτί ἡμῖν καὶ σοί1

Here, the question What to us and to you asks whether you and us have anything in common or have any reason to be together. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “What do you and we have in common” or “What reason do you have to get involved with us”

11698:29jcq6rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΥἱὲ τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Son of God is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship with God the Father.

11708:29u4jrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἦλθες ὧδε πρὸ καιροῦ βασανίσαι ἡμᾶς1

The men are using the question form to confront Jesus about why he has come to their area. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “It is not yet the set time for you to come here to torment us.” or “Surely you have not come here to torment us before the set time!”

11718:29uw6crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπρὸ καιροῦ1

Here, the phrase the set time refers to the time when God will judge all evil spirits and people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “before the time when God will judge everyone” or “before the time that God has chosen for judgment”

11728:30v91crc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundδὲ1

Matthew uses the word Now to introduce background information that will help readers understand what happens next. It does not introduce another event in the story. Use a natural form in your language for introducing background information. Alternate translation: “Meanwhile,” or “At the same time,”

11738:30l65brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμακρὰν ἀπ’ αὐτῶν1

Here, the phrase at a distance from them indicates that the pigs were far away from Jesus and the two men, but they could still be seen. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “off in the distance” or “far away from them but still visible”

11748:31ya2arc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next part of the story. It does not introduce a contrast with the pigs grazing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next part of a story, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “So,”

11758:31xms2rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”

11768:31tf32rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-factεἰ ἐκβάλλεις ἡμᾶς1

Although the demons speak as if this were a hypothetical situation, they are relatively sure that Jesus is going to cast them out. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might think that what the demons are saying is uncertain, then you could translate their words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “When you cast us out” or “After you cast us out”

11778:31cgf7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμᾶς1

Here, the word us refers only to the demons, not to Jesus or any of his disciples. Your language may require you to mark this form.

11788:31luaarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeἀπόστειλον ἡμᾶς1

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a polite request rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “we ask that you send us away”

11798:31jm53rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἰς τὴν ἀγέλην τῶν χοίρων1

Here the demons speak of wanting to go into the herd of the pigs. They mean that they want to enter and control the pigs. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “into the herd of the pigs so that we can possess them”

11808:32tczxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularὑπάγετε1

Here, the command is plural because Jesus is speaking to all the demons.

11818:32ihegrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐξελθόντες1

Here Matthew implies that they came out of the two men. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having come out of the two men”

11828:32czr8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἰς τοὺς χοίρους1

Here, much as in 8:31, the demons gointo the pigs. This means that they enter and control the pigs. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “into the pigs to possess them”

11838:32qy43rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “suddenly”

11848:32xdzkrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἀπέθανον1

The pronoun they refers to the pigs. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer more directly to the pigs. Alternate translation: “the pigs died”

11858:33xkenrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “After that,”

11868:33uumorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοἱ & βόσκοντες1

Here Matthew refers to the people who were taking care of the pigs. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the ones who were herding the pigs”

11878:33u0zurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὴν πόλιν1

Here, the city is the town of Gadara, which Matthew already referred to indirectly in 8:28. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the city of Gadara”

11888:33fhinrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ2

Here, the word and could introduce: (1) one of the specific things that they reported. Alternate translation: “especially” (2) another thing that they reported. Alternate translation: “and also”

11898:33ev2wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτῶν δαιμονιζομένων1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the ones whom the demons had possessed”

11908:34jzjzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “suddenly”

11918:34xb5xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleπᾶσα ἡ πόλις1

Matthew says whole here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “most of the city”

11928:34j6sprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyπᾶσα ἡ πόλις1

Here, the phrase the whole city represents most of the people who lived in the city. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “most of the people from the city”

11938:34nukcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsπαρεκάλεσαν ὅπως μεταβῇ ἀπὸ τῶν ὁρίων αὐτῶν1

It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “they begged, Please depart from our region

11949:introtg410

Matthew 9 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

  1. Jesus illustrates the kingdom of God through acts of healing (8:1-9:34)
    • Healing a paralytic (9:18)
    • Calling Matthew and eating with sinners (9:913)
    • Jesus brings something new (9:1417)
    • Healing a woman and resurrecting a girl (9:1826)
    • Healing two blind men (9:2731)
    • Casting a demon out of a mute man (9:3234)
  2. Jesus teaches about mission and the kingdom (9:35-10:42)
    • More laborers for the harvest (9:3538)

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Healings

In this chapter, Matthew narrates how Jesus heals a paralyzed man, a woman with a disease that caused bleeding, two blind men, and many other people who were sick. In every case where Matthew describes what happened, Jesus speaks words, or he touches the sick person, or he does both. These stories show how powerful Jesus is. He does not need to use medicine or magic to heal people. Instead, he can just command the sickness to go away or simply touch the person.

Casting out demons

Matthew clearly distinguishes sick people from people who are controlled by demons. Demons are evil spiritual beings who can control people. They usually use these people to hurt themselves or others. In 9:3234, Matthew briefly describes how Jesus drove out a demon who caused the man it controlled to be mute, that is, unable to speak. In response, both the crowds and the Pharisees realize that Jesus is powerful.

Resurrecting the dead

In 9:1819 and 9:2326, Matthew narrates how Jesus raised a girl from the dead. While Jesus describes her as only “sleeping,” he uses this word to indicate that the girl will “wake up” from being dead. The story clearly indicates that the girl had died and that Jesus raises her from the dead by touching her.

“Sinners”

When Matthew uses the word “sinners,” he is describing a group of people whom many Jewish religious groups would have considered to be living in ways that were improper for those who were part of Gods people. Some of these people may have committed significant sins, while others may have disagreed with many of the Jewish religious groups about how Jews could properly behave. If possible, use a word or phrase that identifies people who are not living as many religious groups think that people should live. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

The short parables in 9:1517

In these verses, Jesus gives three short parables that describe how certain things do not go well together. Fasting does not happen during a wedding celebration. An unshrunk piece of cloth does not make a good patch for an old garment. Old wineskins do not make a good container for fresh wine that still needs to ferment. Jesus tells these parables to illustrate how his ministry and preaching do not match well with how people had previously done things. In other words, Jesus wants people to expect what he does to be new, and this may require thinking and doing many new things. You should preserve these parables, since they are not direct metaphors. If necessary, you could introduce them in such a way that your readers recognize that they are parables or illustrations. See the notes on each verse for possible translation options. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

The harvest metaphor

In 9:3738, Jesus speaks of people who will believe as if they were a harvest of grain, and he speaks of those who preach the gospel as the laborers who work to harvest the grain. Just as when there is a large harvest but only a few laborers, so there are many people who will believe, but only a few people who are preaching the gospel. If possible, preserve the metaphor or express the idea in simile form. See the notes on these verses for translation options. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor]])

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Singular and plural forms of “you”

Most of the forms of “you” in this chapter appear in dialogue between Jesus and other people. Because of this, most forms of “you” in this chapter are singular. You should assume forms of “you” are singular unless a note specifies that the form is plural. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

11959:1lje9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδιεπέρασεν1

Here Matthew implies that Jesus crossed over the Sea of Galilee. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he crossed over the lake”

11969:1s8n5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδιεπέρασεν1

Here, the word he refers directly to Jesus, but Matthew implies that the disciples were with him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he and his disciples crossed over”

11979:1mwx1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἦλθεν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “went” instead of came. Alternate translation: “went”

11989:1qk74rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὴν ἰδίαν πόλιν1

Here, the phrase his own city refers to the city in which Jesus was living, which was Capernaum. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the city where he was living” or “Capernaum, his own city”

11999:2nycbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “suddenly”

12009:2hkferc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsπροσέφερον & αὐτῶν1

Here, the pronouns they and their refer to the people who brought the paralytic to Jesus. Matthew does not give us any more information about who they were. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that refers to specific people who are not named. Alternate translation: “certain people were bringing … these peoples”

12019:2szd4rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownπαραλυτικὸν & τῷ παραλυτικῷ1

The word paralytic describes people who are not able to use or control some or all of their arms and legs because of injury or sickness. See how you translated paralytic in 4:24. Alternate translation: “a paralyzed person … to the paralyzed person” or “a person who could not move his limbs … to the person who could not move his limbs”

12029:2x8aorc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownκλίνης1

A mat was a portable bed that could also be used to transport a person. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of bed, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “a stretcher”

12039:2dwzzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἰδὼν & τὴν πίστιν αὐτῶν1

Here Matthew implies that Jesus recognized that the friends of this paralyzed man strongly believed that he could heal him. Their actions proved that. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having recognized that they were convinced that he could heal the paralytic”

12049:2ooj2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν πίστιν αὐτῶν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “how they trusted”

12059:2iu8lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτέκνον1

Here Jesus calls the paralytic Child to indicate that he cares for him. The word also implies that the paralytic was younger than Jesus. The paralytic was not actually Jesus son. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form of address that an older person would use to show that they care for a younger person. Alternate translation: “My friend” or “Young one”

12069:2dhtxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsθάρσει1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of courage, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “be courageous”

12079:2iys2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀφίενταί σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, it is clear from the context that it is Jesus. Alternate translation: “I forgive your sins”

12089:3ptnorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδού1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “immediately”

12099:3ck90rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν ἑαυτοῖς1

Here, the phrase among themselves could mean that: (1) the scribes said these words to themselves, not out loud. Alternate translation: “in themselves” or “to themselves” (2) the scribes said these words quietly to other scribes. Alternate translation: “to each other”

12109:3e6merc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsοὗτος1

Here the scribes refer to Jesus by using the phrase This one. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the reference more explicit. Alternate translation: “This man” or “This Jesus”

12119:4u643rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἰδὼν & τὰς ἐνθυμήσεις αὐτῶν1

Here Matthew speaks as if Jesus could see peoples thoughts. He means that Jesus knew what they were thinking, even though they did not say it out loud. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “having known their thoughts” or “having perceived their thoughts”

12129:4n4ylrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἵνα τί ἐνθυμεῖσθε πονηρὰ ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν?1

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke the scribes. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You should not think evil in your hearts.” or “Do not think evil in your hearts!”

12139:4e936rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularἐνθυμεῖσθε & ὑμῶν1

Here, the words you and you are plural because Jesus is speaking to the scribes.

12149:4jpg1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjπονηρὰ1

Jesus is using the adjective evil as a noun to mean evil thoughts. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “evil thoughts”

12159:4d499rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν1

In Matthews culture, hearts are the places where humans think and feel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate heart by referring to the places where humans think and feel in your culture or by expressing the idea plainly. Alternate translation: “in your heads” or “in your minds”

12169:5hae2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγάρ1

Here, the word For introduces a reason why the scribes should not be thinking evil in their hearts (9:4). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “In fact,” or “I say that because”

12179:5j716rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί & ἐστιν εὐκοπώτερον εἰπεῖν, ἀφέωνται σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι, ἢ εἰπεῖν, ἔγειρε καὶ περιπάτει?1

Jesus is using the question form to show the scribes which of these things is easier to say. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. He could mean: (1) that saying Your sins have been forgiven is easier than saying Get up and walk. This is because it is easy to show that someone is lying when they try to heal a paralytic, but it is not easy to show that someone is lying when they claim to forgive sins. Alternate translation: “it is easier to say, Your sins have been forgiven, than to say, Get up and walk.’” (2) that both things are equally easy to say. Alternate translation: “saying Your sins have been forgiven is just as easy as saying, Get up and walk.’”

12189:5mk14rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesεἰπεῖν, ἀφέωνται σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι, ἢ εἰπεῖν, ἔγειρε καὶ περιπάτει?1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this sentence so that there are no quotations within a quotation. Alternate translation: “to say that a persons sins have been forgiven or to tell a person to get up and walk”

12199:5x05vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀφέωνται σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, it is clear from the context that it is the person speaking. Alternate translation: “I have forgiven your sins”

12209:6p3nhrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces a slight contrast with the comparison in the previous verse. Jesus now shows that he will both forgive and heal the paralytic. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a slight contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “But now,” or “Leaving that aside,”

12219:6ahafrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalἵνα & εἰδῆτε ὅτι ἐξουσίαν ἔχει ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς ἀφιέναι ἁμαρτίας (τότε λέγει τῷ παραλυτικῷ), ἐγερθεὶς1

Here, the phrase in order that introduces the purpose for which Jesus says to the paralytic the commands that he gives. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that provides the stated purpose for which a person performs an action. Alternate translation: “here is what I will do so that you might know that the Son of Man has authority on the earth to forgive sins. Then, he says to the paralytic, Getting up”

12229:6n5sfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularεἰδῆτε & σου & σου1

Here, the you is plural and is addressed to the scribes, but both instances of your are singular and are addressed to the paralytic.

12239:6td1zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personἔχει ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1

Here Jesus speaks about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “I, the Son of Man, have”

12249:6k6rwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐξουσίαν ἔχει1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of authority, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “has been authorized”

12259:6s838rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτῷ παραλυτικῷ1

The word paralytic describes people who are not able to use or control some or all of their arms and legs because of injury or sickness. See how you translated paralytic in 9:2. Alternate translation: “to the paralyzed person” or “to the person who could not move his limbs”

12269:6w7q0rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὴν κλίνην1

A mat was a portable bed that could also be used to transport a person. See how you translated this word in 9:2. Alternate translation: “stretcher”

12279:7fx6crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐγερθεὶς, ἀπῆλθεν1

The implication is that the man was able to get up because Jesus had healed him. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having been healed, he got up and went away”

12289:8hnmerc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next action in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next action, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

12299:8ae9hrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἰδόντες & οἱ ὄχλοι1

Here, the word this refers to how Jesus had healed the paralytic man. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “when the crowds had seen Jesus heal the man”

12309:8v9ycrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsἐφοβήθησαν1

Many ancient manuscripts read they were afraid. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “they marveled.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

12319:8sif8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸν δόντα ἐξουσίαν τοιαύτην τοῖς ἀνθρώποις1

Here this phrase further describes God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the relationship more explicit. Alternate translation: “who has given such authority to men” or “the one having given such authority to men”

12329:8x71src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὸν δόντα ἐξουσίαν τοιαύτην τοῖς ἀνθρώποις1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of authority, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “having authorized men to do such things”

12339:8jrv7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτοῖς ἀνθρώποις1

Although the term men is masculine, Matthew is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “to humans”

12349:9nkpirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐκεῖθεν1

Here, the word there refers to the place where Jesus healed the paralytic man. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “from where he healed the man”

12359:9cusbrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participantsεἶδεν ἄνθρωπον καθήμενον ἐπὶ τὸ τελώνιον Μαθθαῖον λεγόμενον1

Here Matthew introduces a tax collector named Matthew as a new character in the story. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a new character. Alternate translation: “saw a man whose name was Matthew. Matthew was sitting at the tax collection office”

12369:9w62xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveΜαθθαῖον λεγόμενον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “who had the name Matthew”

12379:9fqworc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαθήμενον ἐπὶ τὸ τελώνιον1

Here we learn that Matthew worked as a tax collector. He would sit at the tax collection office and make sure that people paid their taxes to the Roman empire, who had control over this area. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “who worked to collect taxes for the Romans at the tax collection office”

12389:9puwgrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsλέγει αὐτῷ1

Here, the pronoun he refers to Jesus, and the pronoun him refers to Matthew. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the peoples names here. Alternate translation: “Jesus says to Matthew”

12399:9sat5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “he said”

12409:9q0bprc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἠκολούθησεν αὐτῷ1

Here, the pronoun he refers to Matthew, and the pronoun him refers to Jesus. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the peoples names here. Alternate translation: “Matthew followed Jesus”

12419:10zdujrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomκαὶ ἐγένετο1

Here, the phrase And it happened that introduces something that happened soon after what Matthew previously narrated. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an event that came soon after the previous event. Alternate translation: “Soon after that,”

12429:10f9lhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀνακειμένου1

In Jesus culture, people would usually recline, or lay on one side, when they were eating. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to the position in which people eat in your culture, or you could just refer to eating. Alternate translation: “was sitting down to eat” or “was eating”

12439:10js9rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῇ οἰκίᾳ1

Here it is implied that this is Matthews house. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Matthews house”

12449:10e3iwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “suddenly”

12459:11coh9rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἰδόντες1

Here, the word this refers to how Jesus was feasting with tax collectors and sinners. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having seen that Jesus was feasting in this way”

12469:11zk8nrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοῦ1

The pronoun his refers to Jesus. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “Jesus

12479:11z4h5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionδιὰ τί μετὰ τῶν τελωνῶν καὶ ἁμαρτωλῶν ἐσθίει ὁ διδάσκαλος ὑμῶν?1

The Pharisees are using the question form to criticize what Jesus is doing. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Your teacher has no reason to eat with tax collectors and sinners.” or “Your teacher should not eat with tax collectors and sinners!”

12489:11mjowrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularὑμῶν1

Here, the word you is plural because the Pharisees are speaking to Jesus disciples.

12499:12iimzrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns1

The pronoun he refers to Jesus. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “Jesus”

12509:12m7fmrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἀκούσας1

Here, the word this refers to what the Pharisees asked the disciples. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having heard what the Pharisees asked”

12519:12tl42rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbsοὐ χρείαν ἔχουσιν οἱ ἰσχύοντες ἰατροῦ, ἀλλὰ οἱ κακῶς ἔχοντες1

Jesus begins his response by quoting or creating a proverb, a short saying about something that is generally true in life. This proverb draws a figurative comparison. Just as sick people need to see a doctor to be healed, so sinners need to see Jesus in order to be forgiven and restored. But since Jesus explains the comparison in the next verse, you do not need to explain it here. Rather, you could translate the proverb itself in a way that will be meaningful in your language and culture. Alternate translation: “People who are well do not need to see a doctor, but people who are unwell do”

12529:12n33crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisοἱ κακῶς ἔχοντες1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “the ones having sickness have need of a physician”

12539:12r9kdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsοἱ κακῶς ἔχοντες1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of sickness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the ones who are sick”

12549:13dyplrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces how Jesus will apply the proverb he spoke in the previous verse (9:12). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an application, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “So,”

12559:13vn0qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomπορευθέντες & μάθετε1

Here, the phrase having gone indicates that Jesus wants the Pharisees to study the passage he is about to quote more carefully. Jesus does not mean that they have to leave him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “carefully read and learn” or “think carefully and learn”

12569:13ygevrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularμάθετε1

Here, the command is in plural form because Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees.

12579:13fl8qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτί ἐστιν1

Here Jesus means that they should learn what the passage he is about to quote means. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what this means” or “the meaning of this passage”

12589:13m2bnrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsτί ἐστιν: ἔλεος θέλω καὶ οὐ θυσίαν1

Here Jesus introduces a quotation from Hosea 6:6, where God is speaking to the Israelites. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could introduce the quotation as something that God has said that is written in the Scriptures, or you could include this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “what this passage from the book of Hosea is: I desire mercy and not sacrifice” or “what God said through Hosea: I desire mercy and not sacrifice”

12599:13k4cyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleἔλεος θέλω καὶ οὐ θυσίαν1

Here God says that he does not want any sacrifice. The Israelites would have understood him to mean that God primarily wants mercy, and he only wants sacrifice if there is also mercy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “I primarily desire mercy, and only then sacrifice” or “I desire mercy much more than sacrifice”

12609:13wil7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἔλεος & καὶ οὐ θυσίαν1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of mercy and sacrifice, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “people to be merciful and not to sacrifice to me”

12619:13fol8rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a development based on what the quotation means. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a development, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “So then,” or “In light of that,”

12629:13wopdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοὐ γὰρ ἦλθον1

Here, the word come refers to Jesus entering this world as a human to do what God called him to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “For I did not come to this world” or “For I am not acting”

12639:13xorfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjδικαίους1

Jesus is using the adjective righteous as a noun to mean righteous people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “righteous people”

12649:13a886rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἀλλὰ ἁμαρτωλούς1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “but I came to call sinners”

12659:14k8vcrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventτότε1

Here, the word Then introduces a new event that took place sometime after the previous event, probably relatively soon after. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event. Alternate translation: “After that,” or “One day,”

12669:14vhndrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἸωάννου1

Here, the name John refers to John the Baptist. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could refer to him more explicitly. Alternate translation: “of John the Baptist”

12679:14zlyqrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseπροσέρχονται1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “came”

12689:14y5yurc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτῷ1

The pronoun him refers to Jesus. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “to Jesus”

12699:14ksqyrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”

12709:14halxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureδιὰ τί ἡμεῖς καὶ οἱ Φαρισαῖοι νηστεύομεν πολλά, οἱ δὲ μαθηταί σου οὐ νηστεύουσιν?1

If it would be helpful in your language, you could turn this sentence into two sentences, one giving the reason for the question, and the other asking the question. Alternate translation: “We and the Pharisees often fast. For what reason do your disciples not fast?”

12719:14p31drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμεῖς1

Here, the word we refers only to the disciples of John. It does not include Jesus or his disciples. Your language may require you to mark this form.

12729:15vmgsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parablesμὴ δύνανται οἱ υἱοὶ τοῦ νυμφῶνος πενθεῖν, ἐφ’ ὅσον μετ’ αὐτῶν ἐστιν ὁ νυμφίος? ἐλεύσονται δὲ ἡμέραι ὅταν ἀπαρθῇ ἀπ’ αὐτῶν ὁ νυμφίος, καὶ τότε νηστεύσουσιν1

To help Johns disciples understand why his disciples do not fast, Jesus offers a brief illustration. He wants Johns disciples to think of him as if he were a bridegroom and of his disciples as if they were the sons of the bridal chamber. You should preserve the form of the parable, but if it would be helpful in your language, you could state explicitly that Jesus is like the bridegroom, and his disciples are like the sons of the bridal chamber. Alternate translation: “The sons of the bridal chamber are not able to mourn while the bridegroom is still with them, are they? But days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. I am like the bridegroom, and my disciples are like the sons of the bridal chamber.”

12739:15r8ifrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionμὴ δύνανται οἱ υἱοὶ τοῦ νυμφῶνος πενθεῖν, ἐφ’ ὅσον μετ’ αὐτῶν ἐστιν ὁ νυμφίος?1

Jesus is using the question form to teach Johns disciples. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “The sons of the bridal chamber are certainly not able to mourn while the bridegroom is still with them.” or “The sons of the bridal chamber cannot mourn while the bridegroom is still with them!”

12749:15xnp8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοἱ υἱοὶ τοῦ νυμφῶνος1

The expression sons of describes people who share the qualities of something. In this case, Jesus is describing people who share the quality of being an integral part of a wedding. These are the male friends who attend the groom during the ceremony and the festivities. Alternate translation: “The grooms attendants”

12759:15iz9src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐλεύσονται & ἡμέραι ὅταν1

Here Jesus is using the word days to refer to a particular time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a similar form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a time will come when” or “there will be a time when”

12769:15p6hzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀπαρθῇ & ὁ νυμφίος1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “someone will take the bridegroom away”

12779:16je5prc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces another example that Jesus uses to explain why his disciples do not fast. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces another example, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Further,” or “Again,”

12789:16j9fxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parablesοὐδεὶς & ἐπιβάλλει ἐπίβλημα ῥάκους ἀγνάφου ἐπὶ ἱματίῳ παλαιῷ; αἴρει γὰρ τὸ πλήρωμα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τοῦ ἱματίου, καὶ χεῖρον σχίσμα γίνεται1

To help Johns disciples understand why his disciples do not fast, Jesus offers another brief illustration. He wants Johns disciples to think of the new things that he teaches and does as a patch of unshrunk cloth and of the current ways of doing things as if they were an old garment. You should preserve the form of the parable, but if it would be helpful in your language, you could state explicitly that what Jesus does and teaches is like the patch of unshrunk cloth, and the normal way of doing things is like an old garment. Alternate translation: “no one puts a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for its patch tears away from the garment, and a worse tear happens. What I say and do is like the unshrunk cloth, and the normal way of doing things is like an old garment.”

12799:16i1zyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐδεὶς & ἐπιβάλλει ἐπίβλημα ῥάκους ἀγνάφου ἐπὶ ἱματίῳ παλαιῷ1

Here Jesus refers to the practice of patching a hole or tear in a garment by sewing or attaching a patch to the garment to cover the hole or tear. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “no one patches an old garment with a patch of unshrunk cloth”

12809:16yf98rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitαἴρει & τὸ πλήρωμα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τοῦ ἱματίου1

Here Jesus implies that the patch will tear away when the garment is washed, because the patch will shrink and rip the old garment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “when the garment is washed, its patch will shrink and tear away from the garment”

12819:17s13yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parablesοὐδὲ βάλλουσιν οἶνον νέον εἰς ἀσκοὺς παλαιούς; εἰ δὲ μή γε, ῥήγνυνται οἱ ἀσκοί, καὶ ὁ οἶνος ἐκχεῖται καὶ οἱ ἀσκοὶ ἀπόλλυνται & ἀλλὰ βάλλουσιν οἶνον νέον εἰς ἀσκοὺς καινούς, καὶ ἀμφότεροι συντηροῦνται1

To help Johns disciples understand why his disciples do not fast, Jesus offers another brief illustration. He wants Johns disciples to think of the new things that he teaches and does as new wine and of the current ways of doing things as if they were old wineskins. You should preserve the form of the parable, but if it would be helpful in your language, you could state explicitly that what Jesus does and teaches is like the new wine, and the normal way of doing things is like old wineskins. Alternate translation: “Neither do they put new wine into old wineskins. But if not, the skins are burst, and the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are destroyed. Instead, they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved. What I say and do is like the new wine, and the normal way of doing things is like the old wineskins.”

12829:17pyk4rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsοὐδὲ βάλλουσιν & βάλλουσιν1

Here, the pronoun they refers to people in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that refers generally to people. Alternate translation: “Likewise, no one puts … a person puts”

12839:17pllirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoεἰ δὲ μή γε1

Here, the phrases But if not introduces what would happen if people actually did put new wine into old wineskins. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “Otherwise” or “But supposing that they actually do that”

12849:17hv8frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveῥήγνυνται οἱ ἀσκοί, καὶ ὁ οἶνος ἐκχεῖται καὶ οἱ ἀσκοὶ ἀπόλλυνται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the new wine bursts the skins, and the wine spills out, and the wineskins become useless”

12859:17jjbhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitῥήγνυνται οἱ ἀσκοί1

Here Jesus implies that the new wine, when it ferments, will expand and burst the skins, which are old and so no longer able to stretch. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “when the wine ferments, the skins cannot stretch and are burst”

12869:17l68mrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastἀμφότεροι1

Here, the word both refers to the new wine and the fresh wineskins. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “both wine and wineskins”

12879:17i8v4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀμφότεροι συντηροῦνται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that preserves both” or “both are safe”

12889:18a7axrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventταῦτα αὐτοῦ λαλοῦντος αὐτοῖς1

Here Matthew uses the clause {While} he was saying these things to them to introduce a new event that began while Jesus was saying the words that Matthew records in the previous verses. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that introduces a new event that began during the previous event. Alternate translation: “Something happened while Jesus was saying these things to them:”

12899:18n1i6rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοῦ & αὐτοῖς & αὐτῷ1

Here, the pronouns he and him refer to Jesus, and the pronoun them refers to the disciples of John the Baptist. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the peoples names here. Alternate translation: “Jesus … to John the Baptists disciples … to Jesus”

12909:18z44wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “suddenly”

12919:18a4s2rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participantsἄρχων εἷς προσελθὼν, προσεκύνει1

Here Matthew introduces the official as a new character in the story. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a new character. Alternate translation: “a man approached. He was an official, and he bowed down”

12929:18lpstrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoἄρχων εἷς1

While Mark and Luke identify this man as the ruler or leader of a synagogue, Matthew uses a more general title to identify him as a leader or important person. Since Matthew did not specify exactly what position this man had, you should use a general term for a leader or important person. Alternate translation: “a certain leader” or “a certain prominent man”

12939:18qjgkrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he told him”

12949:18zubirc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastἀλλὰ1

Here, the word but introduces what the man wants Jesus to do, even though his daughter has already died. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast. Alternate translation: “but despite that” or “yet even though that has happened”

12959:18rgrrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeἀλλὰ ἐλθὼν ἐπίθες τὴν χεῖρά σου ἐπ’ αὐτήν1

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a polite request rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “but I ask that you, having come, lay your hand on her”

12969:18nvkqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθὼν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “having gone”

12979:18ilkprc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ1

Here, the word and introduces what the man believes will happen as a result of Jesus laying his hand on his daughter. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a result. Alternate translation: “and as a result,” or “and so”

12989:19buuerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἠκολούθει αὐτῷ1

Here Matthew implies that Jesus and his disciples went with the man to his home. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea explicit. Alternate translation: “followed him to his home”

12999:20-21qdq5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridgeκαὶ ἰδοὺ, γυνὴ αἱμορροοῦσα δώδεκα ἔτη προσελθοῦσα ὄπισθεν, ἥψατο τοῦ κρασπέδου τοῦ ἱματίου αὐτοῦ. & ἔλεγεν γὰρ ἐν ἑαυτῇ, ἐὰν μόνον ἅψωμαι τοῦ ἱματίου αὐτοῦ, σωθήσομαι.1

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine 9:20 and 9:21 into a verse bridge, as UST does, in order to include what the woman is thinking before she acts based on what she is thinking. Alternate translation: “And behold, there was a woman suffering from a discharge of blood for 12 years. She was saying to herself, If only I touch his cloak, I will be saved. So, having approached from behind, she touched the edge of his cloak.”

13009:20laksrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “suddenly”

13019:20cxsrrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participantsγυνὴ αἱμορροοῦσα δώδεκα ἔτη προσελθοῦσα ὄπισθεν, ἥψατο1

Here Matthew introduces this woman as a new character in the story. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a new character. Alternate translation: “there was a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for 12 years. She approached Jesus from behind and touched”

13029:20gv15rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismαἱμορροοῦσα1

Matthew uses the phrase a discharge of blood to refer discreetly to her condition or illness. She was probably experiencing menstrual bleeding at many times, even when it was not the normal time for that. If your language has a polite way of referring to this condition, you could use that expression here, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “suffering from abnormal menstruation” or “suffering from frequent menstrual bleeding”

13039:20m9zqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoἥψατο τοῦ κρασπέδου τοῦ ἱματίου αὐτοῦ1

Here Matthew does not explain why she touched the edge of his cloak. Since Matthew does explain it in the next verse, you should not explain its meaning here.

13049:21eb6trc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a reason why the woman touched the edge of Jesus garment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason for an action, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “since” or “which she did because”

13059:21w9jtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἔλεγεν & ἐν ἑαυτῇ1

Here, the clause she was saying in herself indicates that she was thinking the words, not saying them out loud. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to thinking or speaking only to oneself. Alternate translation: “she was saying to herself” or “she was thinking to herself”

13069:21sj2wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsἐν ἑαυτῇ, ἐὰν μόνον ἅψωμαι τοῦ ἱματίου αὐτοῦ, σωθήσομαι1

It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “to herself that if she could only touch his cloak, she would be saved”

13079:21ni7trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμόνον ἅψωμαι1

Here, the word only indicates that the woman thinks that, to be healed, she does not need to do anything more than touch Jesus garment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “all I do is touch” or “I can just touch”

13089:21ukb8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσωθήσομαι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, you could indicate that is God or Jesus himself. Alternate translation: “God will save me” or “he will save me”

13099:22x398rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorθύγατερ1

Here Jesus calls the woman Daughter to indicate that he cares for her. The word implies that the woman was younger than Jesus. The woman was not actually Jesus daughter. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form of address that an older person would use to show that they care for a younger person. Alternate translation: “My friend” or “Dear woman”

13109:22ih1urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsθάρσει1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of courage, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “be courageous”

13119:22h2m6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἡ πίστις σου σέσωκέν σε1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “you believed, and that has caused you to be saved”

13129:22q6carc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationἡ πίστις σου σέσωκέν σε1

Jesus speaks of the womans faith as if it had actively saved her. He means that her faith was the necessary condition for the healing that she received from God. Alternate translation: “because of your faith, you have been saved”

13139:22zv2nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐσώθη ἡ γυνὴ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, you could indicate that it is God or Jesus himself. Alternate translation: “God saved the woman” or “Jesus saved the woman”

13149:22olzhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἀπὸ τῆς ὥρας ἐκείνης1

Here, the phrase from that hour indicates that the woman was healed at the time when she encountered Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from that moment on”

13159:23q47mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθὼν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “having gone”

13169:23jae1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτοὺς αὐλητὰς1

A flute is a musical instrument. It is a thin, hollow rod, and people blow into one end of it to make sounds. In Jesus culture, people often hired flute players to play music at funerals. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of instrument or why people are playing it when someone dies, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “people playing funeral songs” or “the musicians for the funeral”

13179:23pt06rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸν ὄχλον θορυβούμενον1

Here Matthew refers to how people make much noise when they are grieving or mourning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the crowd grieving loudly” or “the crowd being very loud as they mourned”

13189:23uyohrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveθορυβούμενον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “making a commotion” or “being noisy”

13199:24i5garc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularἀναχωρεῖτε1

Here, the command is in plural form because Jesus is speaking to the flute players and the crowd.

13209:24f5kirc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word for introduces a reason why the flute players and the crowd should go away. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason for a command, or you could leave for untranslated. Alternate translation: “because”

13219:24pc1mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ κοράσιον1

Here, the word girl refers to a very young woman. We know from Mark and Luke that she was about 12 years old. Use a word or phrase in your language that refers to a girl who is about this age. Alternate translation: “the young girl”

13229:24obvprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἀλλὰ καθεύδει1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “but she sleeps”

13239:25gjj8rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces a contrast between how the crowd laughed at Jesus and what Jesus himself does. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “However,” or “Nevertheless,”

13249:25nqs6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐξεβλήθη ὁ ὄχλος1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, Matthew implies that Jesus made the crowd leave. Alternate translation: “Jesus had put the crowd outside” or “the crowd went outside”

13259:25r7zsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἰσελθὼν1

Here Matthew implies that Jesus entered the room or place where the dead girl was. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having entered the girls room” or “having entered the place where the dead girl lay”

13269:25wgaprc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἐκράτησεν τῆς χειρὸς αὐτῆς1

The pronoun he refers to Jesus, and the pronoun her refers to the girl who had died. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the peoples names here. Alternate translation: “Jesus took the girls hand”

13279:25zl3arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἠγέρθη1

Here, the phrase raised up indicates both that the girl came back to life and that she stood up. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “came back to life and got up”

13289:25mm3qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἠγέρθη τὸ κοράσιον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Matthew implies that Jesus raised her from the dead, but the girl herself got up from where she was lying. Alternate translation: “Jesus raised the girl up” or “the girl got up”

13299:26rxs4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationἐξῆλθεν ἡ φήμη αὕτη εἰς1

Here, Matthew speaks of the report as if it were a person who could go out. He means that people shared the report with others. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “people shared this report throughout”

13309:26hr0vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἡ φήμη αὕτη1

Here Matthew is referring to the news about how Jesus raised the girl who had died. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the report about what Jesus had done” or “the story about what had happened”

13319:26pfq3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyεἰς ὅλην τὴν γῆν ἐκείνην1

Here, the word region refers to the people who live in that region. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to people throughout all that region”

13329:27smqlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐκεῖθεν1

Here, the word there refers to the place where Jesus raised the girl who had died. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “from the officials house” or “from where he raised the girl”

13339:27glzbrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsκράζοντες καὶ λέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “crying out” or “saying loudly”

13349:27d8burc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐλέησον ἡμᾶς1

When the blind men ask for mercy, they are asking Jesus to heal them from their blindness. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Have mercy on us and heal us”

13359:27tuhfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐλέησον ἡμᾶς1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of mercy, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Be merciful to us”

13369:27rexgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorΥἱὲ Δαυείδ1

Here, the word Son means a male descendant. It does not mean that Jesus was the direct son of David. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Descendant of David” or “you who are descended from David”

13379:27dh5drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitΥἱὲ Δαυείδ1

David was Israels most important king, and God had promised him that one of his descendants would be the Messiah. So the title Son of David could implicitly mean “Messiah.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Son of David, Messiah”

13389:28e4mwrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

13399:28mg1rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθόντι1

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “when he had gone”

13409:28n8fwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἰς τὴν οἰκίαν1

Here, the phrase the house refers to the place where Jesus was staying. He did not own the house, but someone was letting him live there. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “into the house in which he was living”

13419:28kv74rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goπροσῆλθον1

In a context such as this, your language might say “went” instead of came. Alternate translation: “went”

13429:28ap9lrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said”

13439:28q6z5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularπιστεύετε1

Here, the word you is plural because Jesus is speaking to the two blind men.

13449:28fdr1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοῦτο ποιῆσαι1

The pronoun this refers to the act of healing them. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to this act directly. Alternate translation: “to make you see”

13459:28e81frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisναί, Κύριε1

The two blind men are leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “Yes, Lord, we believe that you are able to do this”

13469:29sjmbrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he said”

13479:29w92erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveγενηθήτω ὑμῖν1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Let it happen to you” or “Let God do it for you”

13489:29tsjirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularὑμῶν & ὑμῖν1

Here, the words you and your are plural because Jesus is speaking to the two blind men.

13499:29psynrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3pγενηθήτω1

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “It will be done” or “I am doing it”

13509:29idphrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsκατὰ τὴν πίστιν ὑμῶν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “just as you believed”

13519:30uk2arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἠνεῴχθησαν αὐτῶν οἱ ὀφθαλμοί1

Here, the clause their eyes were opened indicates that they were now able to see with their eyes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable clause or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “their eyes were healed” or “their eyes could see”

13529:30qa39rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἠνεῴχθησαν αὐτῶν οἱ ὀφθαλμοί1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “their eyes became open”

13539:30p5l3rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsἐνεβριμήθη αὐτοῖς & λέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “warned them by saying” or “gave them this warning:”

13549:30t6p8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomὁρᾶτε1

Here, the word See means that men need to make sure that something happens or does not happen. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a similar form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Make sure that”

13559:30abofrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularὁρᾶτε1

Here, the command is in plural form because Jesus is speaking to the two blind men.

13569:30sizxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμηδεὶς γινωσκέτω1

Here Jesus implies that they should let no one know that Jesus was the one who healed them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “you let no one know that I healed you” or “you let no one know about what I have done”

13579:31h8hxrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces what the men actually did in contrast to what Jesus told them to avoid doing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces a contrast. Alternate translation: “Despite that,” or “In contrast,”

13589:31jgrerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐξελθόντες1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of gone. Alternate translation: “having come out”

13599:31likarc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτὸν1

The pronoun it refers to the story about how Jesus healed the two blind men. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to this story more directly. Alternate translation: “this story” or “how Jesus had healed them”

13609:32nhpyrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

13619:32riogrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτῶν1

The pronoun they could refer to: (1) the two men whom Jesus had just healed. Alternate translation: “those two men” (2) Jesus and his disciples, who were leaving the house that they had been in. Alternate translation: “Jesus and his disciples”

13629:32utljrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “suddenly”

13639:32u5carc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsπροσήνεγκαν1

The pronoun they refers to unnamed friends of the demon-possessed man. It does not refer to the two men who were going away. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use a word or phrase that refers to unnamed people. Alternate translation: “certain people brought”

13649:32mtbqrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτῷ1

The pronoun him refers to Jesus. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “to Jesus”

13659:32sh32rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἄνθρωπον κωφὸν δαιμονιζόμενον1

A mute person is a person who cannot speak. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of disorder or illness, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “a demon-possessed man who was unable to talk”

13669:32fwpdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἄνθρωπον κωφὸν δαιμονιζόμενον1

Here Matthew implies that the demon made the man mute. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “a man possessed by a demon that made him mute”

13679:32n6fsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἄνθρωπον κωφὸν δαιμονιζόμενον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a mute man whom a demon had possessed”

13689:33dks9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐκβληθέντος τοῦ δαιμονίου1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was Jesus. Alternate translation: “Jesus having cast out the demon”

13699:33qf6yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐκβληθέντος τοῦ δαιμονίου1

Here Matthew implies that the demon had been cast out of the man. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the demon having been cast out of the man”

13709:33f9jjrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownὁ κωφός1

A mute person is a person who cannot speak. Express the idea as you did in 9:32. Alternate translation: “the man who was unable to talk”

13719:33v5c2rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”

13729:33y4l5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοὐδέποτε ἐφάνη οὕτως1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “No one has ever seen anything such as this”

13739:34tcoprc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces what the Pharisees say in contrast to what the crowds said (9:33). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word that introduces a contrast. Alternate translation: “In contrast,”

13749:34yahsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν τῷ ἄρχοντι τῶν δαιμονίων1

Here the Pharisees mean that Jesus has power from the ruler of the demons to cast out demons. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “By the power of the ruler of the demons” or “As he is empowered by the ruler of the demons”

13759:34z2r7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῷ ἄρχοντι τῶν δαιμονίων1

The phrase the ruler of the demons refers to the devil, that is, Satan. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Satan, the ruler of the demons,”

13769:35z130rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ1

Here, the word And introduces a summary of what Jesus normally did during this time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of summary, or you could leave And untranslated. Alternate translation: “During this time,”

13779:35x9ckrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὰς πόλεις πάσας καὶ τὰς κώμας1

Here Matthew is referring to all the cities and the villages in a specific area. He may mean the region of Galilee. If it would be helpful in your language, you could clarify that these cities and villages are in a specific region. Alternate translation: “all the cities and the villages of that region”

13789:35uz5erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς βασιλείας1

Here, Matthew is using the possessive form to describe a gospel that is about the kingdom. See how you translated the similar phrase in 4:23. Alternate translation: “the gospel concerning the kingdom”

13799:35gfyqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyπᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν1

Here, the phrase every disease and every sickness represents people with these diseases and sicknesses. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar phrase in 4:23. Alternate translation: “every diseased person and every sick person”

13809:35e7atrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletπᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν1

The terms every disease and every sickness mean similar things. Matthew is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. See how you translated the similar phrase in 4:23. Alternate translation: “every ailment” or “every sickness”

13819:35gl9src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleπᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν1

Matthew says every here as a generalization to emphasize how Jesus healed many different kinds of disease and sickness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. See how you translated the similar phrase in 4:23. Alternate translation: “many kinds of diseases and many kinds of sicknesses”

13829:36pfx9rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

13839:36k4h3rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultἰδὼν & τοὺς ὄχλους, ἐσπλαγχνίσθη περὶ αὐτῶν, ὅτι ἦσαν ἐσκυλμένοι καὶ ἐριμμένοι, ὡσεὶ πρόβατα μὴ ἔχοντα ποιμένα1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could include the reason why Jesus felt compassion before stating that he felt that way. Alternate translation: “he saw that the crowds were troubled and discouraged, like sheep not having a shepherd. So, he felt compassion for them”

13849:36l1r7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐσπλαγχνίσθη περὶ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of compassion, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “he sympathized with”

13859:36u78prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἦσαν ἐσκυλμένοι καὶ ἐριμμένοι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they were experiencing trouble and discouragement” or “things were troubling and discouraging them”

13869:36t47irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὡσεὶ πρόβατα μὴ ἔχοντα ποιμένα1

Here Matthew compares the crowds to sheep who do not have a shepherd. Just as sheep without a shepherd have no one to lead and take care of them, so the crowds have no one to lead and take care of them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning of the simile more explicitly. Alternate translation: “and, like sheep without a shepherd, they did not know what to do or where to go”

13879:37al89rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “he said”

13889:37mur4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphorὁ μὲν θερισμὸς πολύς, οἱ δὲ ἐργάται ὀλίγοι1

Here Jesus speaks of people who will believe as if they were a harvest, and he speaks of those who proclaim the good news as if they were laborers who help with the harvest. He means that there are many people who are ready to believe, but there are only a few people proclaiming the good news. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “There are many people who will believe in me, but only a few people are proclaiming the good news. It is as if there were a plentiful harvest but only a few laborers”

13899:38edhurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularδεήθητε1

Here, the command is in plural form because Jesus is speaking to his disciples.

13909:38q7j7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphorτοῦ Κυρίου τοῦ θερισμοῦ, ὅπως ἐκβάλῃ ἐργάτας εἰς τὸν θερισμὸν αὐτοῦ1

Here Jesus continues to speak of people who will believe as if they were a harvest and of those who proclaim the good news as if they were laborers who help with the harvest. He also describes God as the Lord of the harvest. He means that the disciples should ask God to send more people to proclaim the good news to others. Express the idea as you did in 9:37. Alternate translation: “the Lord, who is like the person in charge of the harvest, to send out more people who will proclaim the good news. These people are like the laborers for the harvest.”

13919:38vz8yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτοῦ Κυρίου τοῦ θερισμοῦ1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe God as the one who is the Lord who is in charge of the harvest. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the Lord, who is in charge of the harvest”

13929:38kxbrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsτοῦ θερισμοῦ, ὅπως ἐκβάλῃ ἐργάτας εἰς τὸν θερισμὸν αὐτοῦ1

It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “of the harvest, Please send out laborers into your harvest.’”

139310:introm5iu0

Matthew 10 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

  1. Jesus teaches about mission and the kingdom (9:3510:42)
    • The 12 disciples (10:14)
    • Instructions about behavior and travel (10:515)
    • Teaching on persecution (10:1639)
      • Expecting persecution (10:1623)
      • Motivation to persevere (10:2433)
      • Purpose during persecution (10:3439)
    • How to treat fellow disciples (10:4042)

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Jesus instructions on how to travel

Jesus instructs the disciples not to bring money, sandals, staff, or extra clothing with them when they travel and preach the good news. Instead, he wants the disciples to rely on the hospitality of people they visit. So, he instructs them to find someone who is “worthy” to host them, and he tells them to stay at that persons house until they leave the area. Make sure that your translation indicates that the disciples should not pack money or extra clothing because they will be staying with people who welcome them and their message.

The coming of the Son of Man

In 10:23, Jesus tells the disciples that they will not complete their work in the towns of Israel before “the Son of Man comes.” Jesus often uses the phrase “Son of Man” to refer to himself as an important representative of God. In this verse, it is not clear what it means for this important figure, Jesus himself, to “come.” Christians have understood this “coming” in several ways:

  1. it could describe Jesus second coming, but it seems like the disciples probably did finish their work in the towns of Israel before Jesus second coming.
  2. it could describe the time when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem, which was Jesus “coming” to judge and punish.
  3. it could describe Jesus ascension to be enthroned in heaven. In this case, “coming” refers going into heaven, not coming to earth.
  4. it could describe Jesus appearances to the disciples after his resurrection.

Since Christians have understood this verse in at least these different ways, if possible your translation should allow for all these options. See the notes on 10:23 for translation options.

Persecution and conflict

Throughout this chapter, Jesus speaks about the persecutions and troubles his disciples will face, even from members of their own families. He motivates them to persevere during these persecutions and troubles in several ways. First, he reminds them that people persecute him, and so they will definitely persecute his disciples. That means that persecution is a sign that the disciples are following Jesus. Second, he encourages them that God knows and cares about them and their suffering. Third, he tells them that God will show them what to say when people are accusing them. In the end, Jesus wants to teach his disciples to expect persecution, how to think about it, and how to persevere during it.

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

The 12 disciples

The following are the lists of the 12 disciples in Matthew, Mark, and Luke:

In Matthew 10:24:

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 3:1619:

Simon (Peter), James son of Zebedee, John son of Zebedee, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot.

In Luke 6:1416:

Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot.

These lists do not always follow the same order or use the same names for the disciples. In that culture, people often had two or three names. For example, it is likely that that Thaddaeus was also named Judas or Jude. So, do not harmonize these lists by using the same sequence or names in each case. You should translate Matthews list as Matthew presents it.

Singular and plural forms of “you”

In this chapter, Jesus is giving instructions to the 12 disciples. Because of that, all forms of “you” in this chapter are plural. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

139410:1nhp2rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventκαὶ1

Here, the word And introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave And untranslated. Alternate translation: “After that,”

139510:1xr7trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoτοὺς δώδεκα μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ1

Since Matthew will list who these 12 disciples are in the following verse, you do not need to explain in this verse who they are. However, you could clarify that these are the 12 closest or most important disciples. Matthew does not mean that Jesus only had 12 disciples. Alternate translation: “his 12 closest disciples” or “his 12 most important disciples”

139610:1x1errc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς ἐξουσίαν πνευμάτων ἀκαθάρτων1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of authority, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “he empowered them to control unclean spirits”

139710:1amlqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyπᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν1

Here, the phrase every disease and every sickness represents people with these diseases and sicknesses. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar phrase in 4:23. Alternate translation: “every diseased person and every sick person”

139810:1tjq8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletπᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν1

The terms every disease and every sickness mean similar things. Matthew is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. See how you translated the similar phrase in 4:23. Alternate translation: “every ailment” or “every sickness”

139910:1m9i1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleπᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν1

Matthew says every here as a generalization to emphasize how Jesus healed many different kinds of disease and sickness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. See how you translated the similar phrase in 4:23. Alternate translation: “many kinds of diseases and many kinds of sicknesses”

140010:2t59vrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundτῶν δὲ δώδεκα ἀποστόλων τὰ ὀνόματά1

Matthews uses the word Now to introduce background information that will help readers understand who the 12 disciples were. The word does not introduce another event in the story. Use a natural form in your language for introducing background information. Alternate translation: “As for these 12 apostles, their names”

140110:2sc7brc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalπρῶτος1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “one”

140210:2cuasrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoπρῶτος1

Here Matthew introduces the first item in the list with the word first, but then he does not number any other items in the list. If it would be unnatural in your language to number the first item in a list but then omit other numbers, you could use another form that introduces the first item in a list, or you could leave first untranslated. Alternate translation: “at the beginning”

140310:2u0ckrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὁ λεγόμενος Πέτρος1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whose other name was Peter”

140410:2tg2krc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinshipὁ ἀδελφὸς αὐτοῦ1

Matthew never says whether Simon or Andrew was older, but he mentions Simon first, which could imply that he was the older brother. If you have to use a form that refers to an older or younger brother, you could state that Andrew was younger. Alternate translation: “his younger brother”

140510:2j4mrrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinshipὁ ἀδελφὸς αὐτοῦ2

Matthew never says whether James or John was older, but he mentions James first, which could imply that he was the older brother. If you have to use a form that refers to an older or younger brother, you could state that John was younger. Alternate translation: “his younger brother”

140610:3nry4rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesΘαδδαῖος1

The word Thaddaeus is the name of a man.

140710:3ea93rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsΘαδδαῖος1

Many ancient manuscripts read Thaddaeus. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “Lebbaeus, who was surnamed Thaddaeus.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

140810:4n4strc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterateὁ Καναναῖος1

Cananaios is a word borrowed from Aramaic that describes someone as a “zealot,” that is, someone who is very zealous about something. You will need to decide if you will also borrow this word into your language or if you will translate the meaning. If you borrow the word, you could spell it the way it sounds in your language and then put the translation in a footnote. If you translate the words meaning, Cananaios could be: (1) a title that indicates that this man was part of the group of people who wanted to free the Jewish people from Roman rule. Alternate translation: “the Patriot” (2) a description that indicates that this man was zealous for God to be honored. Alternate translation: “the Passionate One”

140910:4kmp2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-backgroundὁ καὶ παραδοὺς αὐτόν1

Matthew writes having also handed him over to provide some extra information about what Judas did to Jesus later. Use a natural way in your language for introducing background information. Alternate translation: “who would later also hand him over”

141010:4xao6rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτόν1

The pronoun him refers to Jesus. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “Jesus”

141110:5sn9vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-eventsτούτους τοὺς δώδεκα ἀπέστειλεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς παραγγείλας αὐτοῖς λέγων1

Here Matthew narrates how Jesus sent out the disciples before he narrates what Jesus instructed them to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the order of events more explicit. Alternate translation: “When Jesus was about to send the twelve out, he instructed them, saying”

141210:5c46drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτοὺς δώδεκα1

Matthew is using the adjective twelve as a noun to mean twelve men. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “twelve men”

141310:5yix4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoἀπέστειλεν1

Matthew does not clarify here what Jesus sent them out to do. However, in the instructions from Jesus in the following verses, Jesus makes it clear what he has sent them out to do. So, you do not need to include any implicit information here.

141410:5vgn8rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsπαραγγείλας αὐτοῖς λέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “having instructed them with these words:”

141510:5qhw0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomεἰς ὁδὸν ἐθνῶν1

Here Jesus means that the twelve disciples should not travel to any area where Gentiles live. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to Gentile regions”

141610:5at2wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounεἰς πόλιν1

The word city represents cities in general, not one particular city. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “into any city”

141710:6oxi3rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces a contrast with what Jesus tells the disciples not to do in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Rather,”

141810:6xbzcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὰ πρόβατα τὰ ἀπολωλότα οἴκου Ἰσραήλ1

Here, Jesus could be using the possessive form to describe: (1) all of the house of Israel as lost sheep. Alternate translation: “the lost sheep, who are the house of Israel” (2) some of the house of Israel as lost sheep. Alternate translation: “the lost sheep among the house of Israel”

141910:6q1pbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὰ πρόβατα τὰ ἀπολωλότα οἴκου Ἰσραήλ1

Here Jesus speaks of his fellow Jewish people as if they were lost sheep. He means that they are not following God and need help. This is an important metaphor in the Bible, so you could preserve the figure of speech or use simile form. Alternate translation: “the house of Israel, who are like lost sheep” or “the house of Israel, who are far away from God, like lost sheep”

142010:6b6i2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοἴκου Ἰσραήλ1

Here Matthew refers to a people group or nation as if it were a house. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of the nation of Israel” or “of the Israelites”

142110:7xbp0rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next section of the instructions that Jesus is giving to his disciples. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next section, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,”

142210:7daibrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsκηρύσσετε λέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “preach this:”

142310:7l39irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesλέγοντες, ὅτι ἤγγικεν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “saying that the kingdom of the heavens has come near.”

142410:7w59irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἤγγικεν1

Here Matthew uses this phrase in the sense of near in time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. See how you translated the similar phrase in 3:2. Alternate translation: “is about to begin” or “is about to happen”

142510:8trl0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjἀσθενοῦντας & νεκροὺς1

Matthew is using the adjectives sick and dead as nouns to mean people who are sick and dead. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “sick people … dead people”

142610:8bb4drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomνεκροὺς ἐγείρετε1

Here, the phrase raise the dead refers to causing someone who has died to become alive again. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “cause the dead to live again”

142710:8ggorrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitλεπροὺς καθαρίζετε1

Jesus commands the disciples to ceremonially cleanse the lepers, but he implies that he wants them to heal people of skin diseases, since they are what make lepers unclean. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “heal lepers from their unclean diseases”

142810:8ilj9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδωρεὰν ἐλάβετε, δωρεὰν δότε1

Here Jesus means that he has given things to them Freely, and so they should also give to others freely. The things that they have received and should give could be: (1) the power and authority to preach, heal, and cast out demons. Alternate translation: “Freely you have received power from me; freely use that power for others” (2) help and blessings from God. Alternate translation: “Freely you have received help from God; freely give help to other people”

142910:9kuflrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμὴ κτήσησθε1

Here, the word acquire refers to getting and packing things to take on a trip. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Do not take with you”

143010:9a4xxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyχρυσὸν, μηδὲ ἄργυρον, μηδὲ χαλκὸν1

Here, the words gold, silver, and copper refer to various coins made out of these metals. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly or use a more general expression. Alternate translation: “gold coins or silver coins or copper coins” or “any amount of money”

143110:9sb72rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownχαλκὸν1

The word copper refers to a brown metal that is less valuable than gold or silver. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of metal, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “bronze” or “less valuable metal”

143210:9b4m7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownεἰς τὰς ζώνας ὑμῶν1

In Jesus culture, people would often wrap their money up in long strips of cloth and then tie them around their waists as belts. This was a way to keep the money safe while the people were traveling. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “in your money bag” or “to have with you as you travel”

143310:10kia9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownπήραν1

The term bag means something a traveler would use to carry things that were needed on a journey. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of container, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “a knapsack”

143410:10mtqcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὁδὸν1

Here, road represents a journey. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the journey”

143510:10i2exrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδύο χιτῶνας1

Here Jesus implies that they should bring only one tunic instead of two. In other words, they should not bring an extra one in case they needed it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “a second tunic” or “a spare tunic”

143610:10qna0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὑποδήματα1

Here Jesus could mean that the disciples should: (1) not wear anything on their feet but instead go barefoot. Alternate translation: “shoes” or “footwear” (2) not bring an extra pair of sandals. Alternate translation: “” “extra sandals”

143710:10yeemrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word for introduces a reason why the disciples should not take any of these things with them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave for untranslated. Alternate translation: “because” or “since”

143810:10m97hrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbsἄξιος & ὁ ἐργάτης τῆς τροφῆς αὐτοῦ1

Here, Jesus uses or invents a proverb in order to teach that each laborer desires to receive food. He applies this to the disciples, who are serving others and so deserve to receive what they need to live. Translate this proverb in a way that will be recognized as a proverb and be meaningful in your language and culture. Alternate translation: “workers deserve food” or “those who work should be given what they need”

143910:10k3rbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheτῆς τροφῆς αὐτοῦ1

Jesus is using food to represent what people need to live. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of what he needs to live”

144010:10nu98rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsαὐτοῦ1

Although the term his is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “his or her”

144110:11ymffrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδ’1

Here, the word But introduces the next section of the instructions that Jesus is giving to his disciples. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next section, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,”

144210:11mji7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτίς & ἄξιός ἐστιν1

Here Jesus does not state in what way this person is worthy. He could mean: (1) that the person is hospitable and willing to host the disciples. Alternate translation: “someone who is hospitable to you” (2) that the person listens to and believes the disciples message. Alternate translation: “someone who believes your message”

144310:11s2warc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἐν αὐτῇ1

The pronoun it refers to the city or village that the disciples have entered. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to those places more directly. Alternate translation: “in that city or village”

144410:11a41drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκἀκεῖ μείνατε1

Here, the word there refers to the worthy persons house. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “and stay at his or her house”

144510:11o1oprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἕως ἂν ἐξέλθητε1

Here Jesus implies that they are leaving the city or village that they had entered. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “until you go out from that city or village”

144610:12bhsdrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces further clarifications about how to stay in peoples houses. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces further clarifications or instructions, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “More specifically,”

144710:12j8kprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὴν οἰκίαν1

Here, the phrase the house refers to the home of the “worthy” person whom Jesus mentioned in the previous verse (10:11). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “that house” or “the worthy persons house”

144810:12oiwmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀσπάσασθε αὐτήν1

Here Jesus implies that the greeting includes a peace blessing (see 10:13). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “greet it with a blessing” or “greet it and wish for its peace”

144910:12n6cmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyαὐτήν1

Here Jesus refers to the house to speak about the people who live in the house. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “its family” or “those who are in it”

145010:13kc9mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyᾖ ἡ οἰκία & αὐτήν & ᾖ1

Here, just as in 10:12, Jesus refers to the house to speak about the people who live in the house. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the houses family is … it … it is” or “those who are in the house are … them … they are”

145110:13k331rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitᾖ & ἀξία & μὴ ᾖ ἀξία1

Here, just as in 10:11, Jesus does not state in what way the house is worthy or not worthy. He could mean: (1) that the house is hospitable and willing to host the disciples. Alternate translation: “is hospitable to you … it is not hospitable to you” (2) that the house listens to and believes the disciples message. Alternate translation: “believes your message … it does not believe your message”

145210:13ykybrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐλθάτω ἡ εἰρήνη ὑμῶν ἐπ’ αὐτήν & ἡ εἰρήνη ὑμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἐπιστραφήτω1

Here Jesus speaks as if the peace were an object that could come upon someone or be returned to someone. He means that the peace that the disciples asked God to give to the house will either happen or not happen. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “let it experience your peace … let it not experience your peace” or “let the peace you wished for it happen … let the peace you wished for it not happen”

145310:13rssbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3pἐλθάτω ἡ εἰρήνη ὑμῶν ἐπ’ αὐτήν & ἡ εἰρήνη ὑμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἐπιστραφήτω1

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you peace will come upon it … your peace will be returned to you” or “send your peace upon it … take your peace back to you”

145410:13lzmqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἡ εἰρήνη ὑμῶν & ἡ εἰρήνη ὑμῶν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of peace, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what is peaceful … what is peaceful”

145510:13ns50rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἡ εἰρήνη ὑμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἐπιστραφήτω1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “let your peace come back to you” or “take your peace back to you”

145610:14wpjkrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionἐκτινάξατε τὸν κονιορτὸν τῶν ποδῶν ὑμῶν1

This action was an expression of strong rejection in this culture. It showed that someone did not want even the dust of a house or city to remain on them. If there is a similar gesture in your culture, you could consider referring to it here, or you could explain the meaning of the action. Alternate translation: “wash the dirt of that place off your hands” or “shake off the dust from your feet to sever your relationship with that place”

145710:15sg3crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyγῇ Σοδόμων καὶ Γομόρρων & τῇ πόλει ἐκείνῃ1

Here Jesus refers to cities to speak about the people who live in those cities. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for the people who lived in Sodom and Gomorrah … for the people who live in that city”

145810:15p8t4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitγῇ Σοδόμων καὶ Γομόρρων1

In Jesus culture, people knew that Sodom and Gomorrah were cities where many wicked people had lived. God punished these people harshly. You can read about what happened in Genesis 19:129. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “for the evil land of Sodom and Gomorrah”

145910:15gk7prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionἐν ἡμέρᾳ κρίσεως1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe a day on which judgment will happen. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “on the day when God judges everyone”

146010:15pr81rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsκρίσεως1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “when people are judged”

146110:15zmm2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῇ πόλει ἐκείνῃ1

Here, that city is referring to any city that does not welcome or listen to Jesus disciples. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “for any city that does not welcome you or listen to you”

146210:16v480rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “Picture this:” or “Consider this:”

146310:16b262rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὡς πρόβατα ἐν μέσῳ λύκων1

Here Jesus compares his disciples to sheep, which are defenseless and not dangerous. He compares people who want to harm them to wolves, which are dangerous and like to kill and eat sheep. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain the simile or use more general expressions for the animals. Alternate translation: “as sheep in the midst of wolves, since some people will want to harm you” or “as harmless animals that will encounter a group of predators”

146410:16s21arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileφρόνιμοι ὡς οἱ ὄφεις1

Here Jesus wants his disciples to be like serpents, which were considered wise in Jesus culture. If serpents are not considered wise in your culture, you may need to express the idea without the simile form. In this context, the phrase wise as the serpents could mean that the disciples should be: (1) clever or shrewd. Alternate translation: “shrewd” (2) watchful. Alternate translation: “watchful” or “careful”

146510:16ekrprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileἀκέραιοι ὡς αἱ περιστεραί1

Here Jesus wants his disciples to be like doves, which were considered harmless in Jesus culture. If doves are not considered harmless in your culture, you may need to express the idea without the simile form. In this context, the phrase harmless as the doves could mean that the disciples should be: (1) innocent. Alternate translation: “guileless” or “without guilt” (2) gentle. Alternate translation: “gentle” or “kind”

146610:17kmt2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces a development of what Jesus said in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a development, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Indeed,”

146710:17uj1hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῶν ἀνθρώπων1

Here Jesus is referring to men in general, some of whom will persecute and harm the disciples. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “others” or “people”

146810:17ecttrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτῶν ἀνθρώπων1

Although the term men is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “the men and women” or “the people”

146910:17u206rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word for introduces a reason why the disciples should beware of the men. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave for untranslated. Alternate translation: “because” or “since”

147010:17fct4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomπαραδώσουσιν & ὑμᾶς εἰς1

Here, the phrase hand you over refers to putting someone under the authority and control of other people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they will make you stand before” or “they will bring you before”

147110:18v2iorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀχθήσεσθε1

Here, the phrase you will be brought refers to being arrested and accused before someone in authority. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “you will be seized and put on trial”

147210:18pe3drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀχθήσεσθε1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “they will bring you”

147310:18p74krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ1

Here Jesus means that these things will happen because the disciples are connected with Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “because of me” or “because you follow me”

147410:18rqdarc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalεἰς μαρτύριον1

Here, the phrase for a testimony could introduce: (1) the purpose for which God allows the disciples to be brought before governors and kings. Alternate translation: “and that way you can give testimony” (2) the result of the disciples being brought before governors and kings. Alternate translation: “and as a result you will give testimony”

147510:18csb7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsεἰς μαρτύριον1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of testimony, you could express the same idea in another way. Make sure that your translation matches the option you chose in the previous note. Alternate translation: “which will happen so that you can testify” or “and as a result you will testify”

147610:18fwilrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοῖς1

The pronoun them could refer to: (1) the governors and kings. Alternate translation: “to these authorities” (2) the people who brought them before the governors and kings. Alternate translation: “to your accusers”

147710:19omw8rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces a development of what Jesus said in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a development, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Now”

147810:19e5t6rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsπαραδῶσιν ὑμᾶς1

Here, the pronoun they refers to any person who hands the disciples over. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to any person. Alternate translation: “somebody hands you over” or “anyone hands you over”

147910:19un80rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπαραδῶσιν ὑμᾶς1

Here, the phrase hand you over refers to putting someone under the authority and control of other people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they seize you” or “they bring you before the authorities”

148010:19ien3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitλαλήσητε1

Here Jesus implies that the disciples will be required to speak in their defense after people hand them over. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “you will speak when they accuse you” or “you will speak in your defense”

148110:19l7rbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveδοθήσεται & ὑμῖν & τί λαλήσητε1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, it is clear from the context that it is God. Alternate translation: “God will give to you what you will say”

148210:19cm7hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ὥρᾳ1

Here, the phrase in that hour refers to the time during which they will speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at that moment”

148310:20vjlmrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a reason why the disciples can be confident that they will be given what to say (see 10:19). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “You can be confident because” or “Do not be anxious, since”

148410:20ilc5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐ & ὑμεῖς ἐστε οἱ λαλοῦντες, ἀλλὰ τὸ Πνεῦμα τοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν τὸ λαλοῦν ἐν ὑμῖν1

Here Jesus means that they will not say whatever they think but will instead say what the Spirit reveals to them. He does not mean that the Spirit will use their bodies to project his voice. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “you are not speaking your own words, but the words you speak come from the Spirit of your Father”

148510:20v9tmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ Πνεῦμα τοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν1

Here, the phrase the Spirit of your Father refers to the Holy Spirit, whom the Father sends. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit, sent by your Father,”

148610:20k3xrrc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν1

Father is an important title for the first person in the Trinity. He is the Father also of Jesus.

148710:20zxd8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisτοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν τὸ λαλοῦν1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “of your Father is the one speaking”

148810:21kasgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπαραδώσει & ἀδελφὸν εἰς θάνατον1

Here, the phrase hand over refers to putting someone under the authority and control of other people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will seize brother to cause his death” or “will bring brother before the authorities to cause his death”

148910:21lh6zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsεἰς θάνατον1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of death, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to be killed”

149010:21p8w9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisπατὴρ τέκνον1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “a father will hand over his child to death”

149110:21j5jlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐπαναστήσονται & ἐπὶ1

Here, the phrase rise up against refers to rebelling against an authority. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will defy”

149210:21jdp8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsθανατώσουσιν αὐτούς1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of death, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “cause them to die”

149310:22sp6prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἔσεσθε μισούμενοι ὑπὸ πάντων1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “all will hate you”

149410:22wc5erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjπάντων1

Matthew is using the adjective all as a noun to mean all people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “all people” or “everyone”

149510:22c7jkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleπάντων1

Jesus says all here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “most people”

149610:22n3xnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyδιὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου1

Here, name represents the person whose name it is. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “because of me”

149710:22k5w9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounὁ & ὑπομείνας εἰς τέλος, οὗτος σωθήσεται1

Jesus is speaking of anyone who endures, not of one particular person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “those who endure to the end, they will be saved”

149810:22l7n5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἰς τέλος1

Here, the phrase the end could refer to: (1) the time when the persecution of the person who is enduring ceases. Alternate translation: “to the end of the persecution” (2) the time when Jesus comes back. Alternate translation: “until when I return” (3) the persons death. Alternate translation: “until he dies”

149910:22qn7jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοὗτος σωθήσεται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, it is clear from the context that it is God. Alternate translation: “God will save this one”

150010:23osa2rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsδιώκωσιν1

Here, the pronoun they refers to any person who persecutes the disciples. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to any person. Alternate translation: “somebody persecutes” or “anyone persecutes”

150110:23m42zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounἐν τῇ πόλει ταύτῃ1

The phrase this city represents any specific city, not the city where Jesus currently is. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in a city”

150210:23jjd4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτὴν ἑτέραν1

Matthew is using the adjective next as a noun to mean the next city. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the next city”

150310:23z42krc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word for introduces a reason why the disciples should quickly go from one city to the next. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a command, or you could leave for untranslated. Alternate translation: “because” or “which you should do because”

150410:23kj2vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐ μὴ τελέσητε1

Here Jesus means that they will not finish preaching the good news in the cities of Israel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “you will certainly not finish preaching in” or “you will certainly not finish working in”

150510:23x7jprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐ μὴ1

The words translated certainly not are two negative words. In this construction, the second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. Instead, it gives greater emphasis to the negative. If your language can use two negatives that do not cancel one another to create a positive meaning, you could use a double negative here. If your language does not use two negatives in that way, you could translate with one strong negative, as the ULT does. Alternate translation: “by no means”

150610:23hqpprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoἕως ἂν ἔλθῃ ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1

Here, Christians disagree on what the clause the Son of Man comes refers to. It could describe Jesus second coming; the time when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem, which was Jesus coming to judge and punish; Jesus ascension to be enthroned in heaven; or Jesus appearances to the disciples after his resurrection; or several other events. If possible, express the idea here in such a way that all of these options are possible. Alternate translation: “before the Son of Man comes again” or “before the coming of the Son of Man”

150710:23dk4urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personἔλθῃ ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1

Here Jesus speaks about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “I, the Son of Man, come”

150810:24p8mrrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbsοὐκ ἔστιν μαθητὴς ὑπὲρ τὸν διδάσκαλον, οὐδὲ δοῦλος ὑπὲρ τὸν κύριον αὐτοῦ1

Here, Jesus uses or invents a proverb in order to teach that no disciple is above his or her teacher, and no slave is above his or her master. He applies this proverb to his disciples to show them that people will not treat them any better than they treated Jesus. Translate this proverb in such a way that it will be recognized as a proverb and will be meaningful in your language and culture. Alternate translation: “Disciples are not above their teachers, and slaves are not above their masters” or “No disciple is above his teacher. No slave is above his master”

150910:24ig4orc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὑπὲρ-1

Here, Jesus is speaking of people who have more honor and importance than others as if they were above the others. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a comparable word or phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “more honorable than … more honorable than” or “more significant than … more significant than”

151010:24l7egrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτὸν & αὐτοῦ1

Although the term his is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “his or her … his or her”

151110:24syb2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisοὐδὲ δοῦλος1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “nor is a slave”

151210:25r5llrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbsἀρκετὸν τῷ μαθητῇ ἵνα γένηται ὡς ὁ διδάσκαλος αὐτοῦ, καὶ ὁ δοῦλος ὡς ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ.1

Here, Jesus continues to develop the proverb that he used in the previous verse (10:24) to teach that each disciple and slave should be content to be like their teacher or master. He applies this proverb to his disciples to show them that they should be content to be like Jesus. Translate this proverb in such a way that it will be recognized as a proverb and will be meaningful in your language and culture. Alternate translation: “Disciples should be content to be like their teachers, and slaves should be content to be like their masters” or “This is sufficient: the disciple is to be like his teacher, and the slave is to be like his master”

151310:25f9ydrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἀρκετὸν τῷ μαθητῇ ἵνα γένηται ὡς ὁ διδάσκαλος αὐτοῦ1

Here, the phrase It is enough indicates that something is sufficient or satisfying. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the disciple should be satisfied to be like his teacher”

151410:25a49brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounτῷ μαθητῇ & ὁ δοῦλος1

The phrases the disciple and the slave represent any disciples or slaves, not one particular disciple or slave. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “for any disciple … any slave”

151510:25x9ygrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsγένηται & αὐτοῦ & αὐτοῦ1

Although the terms he and his are masculine, Jesus is using the words in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use phrases that make this clear. Alternate translation: “he or she might be … his or her … his or her”

151610:25zi4irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisκαὶ ὁ δοῦλος1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and it is enough for the slave that he might be”

151710:25du8trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorεἰ τὸν οἰκοδεσπότην Βεελζεβοὺλ ἐπεκάλεσαν, πόσῳ μᾶλλον τοὺς οἰκιακοὺς αὐτοῦ?1

Here Jesus applies the proverb more directly to himself and his disciples. He speaks of himself as the master of the house and his disciples as the members of his household. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use simile form or include the meaning of the figure of speech. Alternate translation: “I am like the master of the house, and you are like the members of my household. If they called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much worse the members of his household” or “If they called me, the master of the house, Beelzebul, how much worse you, the members of the household”

151810:25pu5yrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-factεἰ1

Jesus speaks as if this were a hypothetical situation, but he means that it is true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might think that what Jesus is saying is uncertain, then you could translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “Given that” or “Because”

151910:25sj3wrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἐπεκάλεσαν1

Here, the pronoun they refers to any person who called Jesus Beelzebul. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to any person who does that. Alternate translation: “some people called” or “his enemies called”

152010:25y5mdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisπόσῳ μᾶλλον1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “how much worse names will they call”

152110:25mhjnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsαὐτοῦ3

Since Jesus applies this proverb in such a way that he is the master of the house, the word his refers specifically to Jesus. Jesus is not using the word generically here. Preserve the reference to a specific man. Alternate translation: “the masters”

152210:26v8wbrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτούς1

Here, the pronoun them refers to the people mentioned in the previous verse who called the master of the house and his household names. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea as you did in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “that kind of person” or “those enemies”

152310:26taoqrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγάρ1

Here, the word for introduces a reason why the disciples should not fear them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave for untranslated. Alternate translation: “since”

152410:26cnzbrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbsοὐδὲν & ἐστιν κεκαλυμμένον ὃ οὐκ ἀποκαλυφθήσεται, καὶ κρυπτὸν ὃ οὐ γνωσθήσεται1

Here, Jesus uses or invents a proverb in order to teach that things that appear to be concealed or hidden will eventually be revealed or made known. Translate this proverb in such a way that it will be recognized as a proverb and be meaningful in your language and culture. Jesus could be applying this proverb: (1) to things that people do in secret to hurt or harm his disciples, things that will be made known to everyone. Alternate translation: “everything that people conceal will be revealed, and everything that people hide will be made known” (2) to the gospel message, that was or is concealed but that will be made known to everyone. Alternate translation: “the message that is concealed will be revealed, and the message that is hidden will be made known”

152510:26x4o8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismοὐδὲν & ἐστιν κεκαλυμμένον ὃ οὐκ ἀποκαλυφθήσεται, καὶ κρυπτὸν ὃ οὐ γνωσθήσεται1

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the clauses with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternatively, you could combine the two clauses into one. Alternate translation: “there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed; yes, there is nothing hidden that will not be made known” or “there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed”

152610:26xqs4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐδὲν & ἐστιν κεκαλυμμένον ὃ οὐκ ἀποκαλυφθήσεται, καὶ κρυπτὸν ὃ οὐ γνωσθήσεται1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use positive expressions to translate these double negatives that consist of the negative word nothing, which is implied in the second clause, and the negative particle not. Alternate translation: “everything that is concealed will be revealed, and everything that is hidden will be made known”

152710:26j86erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοὐδὲν & ἐστιν κεκαλυμμένον ὃ οὐκ ἀποκαλυφθήσεται, καὶ κρυπτὸν ὃ οὐ γνωσθήσεται1

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, Jesus could be implying: (1) that people do the concealing and hiding and God does the revealing and making known. This fits with the view that the proverb refers to how people persecute the disciples. Alternate translation: “there is nothing that people conceal that God will not reveal, and there is nothing that people hide that God will not make known” (2) that God does both the concealing and hiding and the revealing and making known. This fits with the view that the proverb refers to preaching the gospel. Alternate translation: “there is nothing that God has concealed that he will not reveal, and there is nothing that God has hidden that he will not make known”

152810:27fa1src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismὃ λέγω ὑμῖν ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ, εἴπατε ἐν τῷ φωτί; καὶ ὃ εἰς τὸ οὖς ἀκούετε, κηρύξατε ἐπὶ τῶν δωμάτων1

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the clauses with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “What I tell you in the darkness, say in the light. Again, what you hear in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops”

152910:27kw75rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ1

Jesus uses the image of darkness to represent the idea of concealment or secrecy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “secretly”

153010:27rw53rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτῇ σκοτίᾳ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of darkness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in a dark place”

153110:27kih1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐν τῷ φωτί1

Jesus uses the image of light to represent the idea of no concealment or secrecy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “openly”

153210:27fc49rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomὃ εἰς τὸ οὖς ἀκούετε1

Here, the phrase what you hear in your ear refers to something that a person told you quietly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what is whispered to you” or “what I say privately to you”

153310:27v1b7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἐπὶ τῶν δωμάτων1

Houses in Israel had flat roofs that were reached by stairs or ladders, so people could easily go up and stand on top of them. If houses are different in your culture and you think your readers might wonder how people would get up onto housetops and stand there, you could translate this with a general expression. Alternate translation: “from a high place from which everyone will be able to hear”

153410:28l2uyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῶν ἀποκτεννόντων1

Here, the phrase the ones refers to humans in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “humans, the ones killing”

153510:28c4nurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ σῶμα, τὴν & ψυχὴν & καὶ ψυχὴν καὶ σῶμα1

Here, Jesus uses the words body and soul to distinguish between the physical and non-physical parts of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use words that describe the physical and non-physical parts of a person, or you could use more general expressions. Alternate translation: “your physical parts … your non-physical parts … both your physical and non-physical parts”

153610:28pk7krc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ μᾶλλον1

Matthew contrasts fear of people with fear of God by using the phrase But instead. People are only able to kill our physical bodies, but God is the one being able to destroy both our physical bodies and our spiritual souls. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “But rather”

153710:28x3y1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸν δυνάμενον1

Here, the phrase the one refers to God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “God, who is able”

153810:28w5rqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorΓεέννῃ1

Here Jesus uses the name Gehenna to refer to hell. The valley named Gehenna was outside the city of Jerusalem and was a place where people threw out and burned garbage. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a simile or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated this name in 5:22. Alternate translation: “a place like the valley of Gehenna” or “hell, which is like Gehenna”

153910:29tm3src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoοὐχὶ δύο στρουθία ἀσσαρίου πωλεῖται? καὶ ἓν ἐξ αὐτῶν οὐ πεσεῖται ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν, ἄνευ τοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν1

Jesus applies what he says here about sparrows to his disciples in 10:31. So, you do not need to include any implied information in this verse.

154010:29glblrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐχὶ δύο στρουθία ἀσσαρίου πωλεῖται?1

Jesus is using the question form to show the disciples how inexpensive sparrows are. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Two sparrows are sold for an assarion.” or “You know that two sparrows are sold for an assarion!”

154110:29zaydrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοὐχὶ δύο στρουθία ἀσσαρίου πωλεῖται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Do people not sell two sparrows for an assarion”

154210:29q22lrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownστρουθία1

The word sparrows refers to small, seed-eating birds. If your readers would not know what sparrows are, you could use a general expression instead. Alternate translation: “small birds”

154310:29i399rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoneyἀσσαρίου1

An assarion was a small copper coin equivalent to about half an hours wage. You could try to express this amount in terms of current monetary values, but that might cause your Bible translation to become outdated and inaccurate, since those values can change over time. So instead you might state something more general or give the equivalent in wages. Alternate translation: “for a small copper coin” or “for half an hours wage”

154410:29wxt4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesἓν ἐξ αὐτῶν οὐ πεσεῖται ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν, ἄνευ τοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative phrase apart from. Alternate translation: “each one of them falls to ground in the presence of your Father”

154510:29id3crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismπεσεῖται ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν1

Here, the phrase fall to the ground refers politely to the sparrow dying. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that politely refers to an animal dying, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will pass away” or “will perish”

154610:29us0erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἄνευ τοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν1

Here, the phrase apart from your Father could indicate that something happens: (1) without the Fathers knowledge. Alternate translation: “apart from the knowledge of your Father” (2) without the Fathers will. Alternate translation: “apart from the will of your Father” (3) without the Fathers care or interest. Alternate translation: “apart from the care of your Father”

154710:29fe8zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν1

This is a figurative expression. God is not the Father of humans in the same actual way that he is the Father of Jesus. Even so, it would probably be best to translate Father with the same word that your language would naturally use to refer to a human father. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that this means God. Alternate translation: “God, who is your Father,”

154810:30s07orc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces a new but related idea. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces a new but related idea, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Further,” or “In fact,”

154910:30e2jcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὑμῶν & καὶ αἱ τρίχες τῆς κεφαλῆς πᾶσαι ἠριθμημέναι εἰσίν1

Here Jesus implies that God knows everything about the disciples, including how many hairs each disciple has on his or her head. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “God knows everything about you, including the number of all the hairs on your head” or “God knows so much about you that even the hairs of your head are all numbered”

155010:30cih3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὑμῶν & καὶ αἱ τρίχες τῆς κεφαλῆς πᾶσαι ἠριθμημέναι εἰσίν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, it is clear from the context that it is God. Alternate translation: “God has counted even all the hairs on your head”

155110:30jjhhrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsὑμῶν & τῆς κεφαλῆς1

Here, the word head is a singular noun that refers to the “heads” of many people. It may be more natural in your language to use a plural form. Alternate translation: “of your heads” or “of each of your heads”

155210:30xbp2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπᾶσαι ἠριθμημέναι εἰσίν1

The word numbered can also refer to counting. Jesus is not necessarily saying that God has assigned a number to each individual hair on a persons head. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “have all been counted”

155310:31cwymrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμὴ & φοβεῖσθε; πολλῶν στρουθίων διαφέρετε ὑμεῖς1

The implication is that if God is aware of and concerned for sparrows, which are of less value, then God is certainly aware of and concerned for people, who are of greater value. And so followers of Jesus do not need to be afraid, since God is watching over them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “since you are more valuable than many sparrows, God is certainly even more aware of you and concerned for you, and so you do not need to fear”

155410:31ox7arc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownστρουθίων1

Translate this word as you did in 10:29. Alternate translation: “small birds”

155510:32c1zjrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1

Here, the word Therefore introduces a conclusion based on what Jesus has said about persecution and following him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a conclusion, or you could leave Therefore untranslated. Alternate translation: “In conclusion” or “In the end”

155610:32or3brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁμολογήσει ἐν ἐμοὶ ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων1

Here Jesus implies that the people confess that they follow Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “will confess before men that they follow me” or “will confess before men that they believe in me”

155710:32prj9ἔμπροσθεν-1

Alternate translation: “in the presence of … in the presence of”

155810:32lo11rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτῶν ἀνθρώπων1

Although the term men is masculine, Jesus is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “humans”

155910:32isvurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁμολογήσω κἀγὼ ἐν αὐτῷ ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Πατρός μου τοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς1

Here Jesus implies that he will confess that these people truly do follow him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “I will also confess before my Father in the heavens that he follows me” or “I will also confess before my Father in the heavens that he believes in me”

156010:32zxzurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsαὐτῷ1

Although the term him is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “him or her”

156110:32n1nbrc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου1

Father is an important title that describes the relationship between God the Father and Jesus his Son.

156210:32b8clrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς1

Here, the phrase in the heavens identifies the location in which God the Father is specially present and from which he rules. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “who is in the heavens”

156310:33gc6rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὅστις & ἂν ἀρνήσηταί με ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων1

Here Jesus implies that the person denies that he or she follows Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “whoever denies before men that he or she follows me” or “whoever denies before men that he or she believes in me”

156410:33xm19ἔμπροσθεν-1

Alternate translation: “in the presence of … in the presence of”

156510:33d15src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτῶν ἀνθρώπων1

Although the term men is masculine, Jesus is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “humans”

156610:33d4ynrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀρνήσομαι κἀγὼ αὐτὸν ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Πατρός μου τοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς1

Here Jesus implies that he will deny that these people truly do follow him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “I will also deny before my Father in the heavens that he follows me” or “I will also deny before my Father in the heavens that he believes in me”

156710:33zhhcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsαὐτὸν1

Although the term him is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “him or her”

156810:33m8gdrc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου1

Father is an important title that describe the relationship between God the Father and Jesus his Son.

156910:33p2wmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς1

Here, the phrase in the heavens identifies the location in which God the Father is specially present and from which he rules. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “who is in the heavens”

157010:34d74zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἦλθον & οὐκ ἦλθον1

Here, the words came and come refer to Jesus entering this world as a human to do what God called him to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I came to this world … I did not come to this world” or “I am acting … I am not acting”

157110:34shrxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsβαλεῖν εἰρήνην & βαλεῖν εἰρήνην, ἀλλὰ μάχαιραν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of peace, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to make people get along with one another … to make people get along with one another, but I came to bring a sword”

157210:34l5adrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐπὶ τὴν γῆν1

Here, the phrase upon the earth refers to the people who live on the earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to the people of the earth” or “among people”

157310:34uaaprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἀλλὰ μάχαιραν1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “but I came to bring a sword”

157410:34jq6drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyμάχαιραν1

Here, the word sword represents strife or fighting. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “strife” or “conflict”

157510:35-36rg1hrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsἦλθον γὰρ διχάσαι ἄνθρωπον κατὰ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ, καὶ θυγατέρα κατὰ τῆς μητρὸς αὐτῆς, καὶ νύμφην κατὰ τῆς πενθερᾶς αὐτῆς & καὶ ἐχθροὶ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου οἱ οἰκιακοὶ αὐτοῦ1

In these two verses, Jesus paraphrases or refers to an Old Testament passage, Micah 7:6. If it would be helpful in your language, you could format these words differently or indicate in a footnote that Jesus is referring to this passage. Alternate translation: “For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and the enemies of a man will be the ones of his household

157610:35ec9jrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a further explanation of what Jesus said in the previous verse about bringing a “sword”. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” or “Specifically,”

157710:35te1trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἦλθον1

Here, the word came refers to Jesus entering this world as a human to do what God called him to do. Express the idea as you did in 10:34. Alternate translation: “I came to this world” or “I am acting”

157810:35a6jlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδιχάσαι1

Here, the word set refers to separating things so that they no longer go together. Jesus means that he will cause family members to quarrel and fight with each other. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “to divide” or “to turn”

157910:35d5kbἄνθρωπον1

Alternate translation: “a son”

158010:35xx5mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisκαὶ θυγατέρα κατὰ τῆς μητρὸς αὐτῆς, καὶ νύμφην κατὰ τῆς πενθερᾶς αὐτῆς1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and to set a daughter against her mother, and to set a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law”

158110:36i62frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτοῦ ἀνθρώπου & αὐτοῦ1

Although the terms man and his are masculine, Jesus is using the words in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use phrases that make this clear. Alternate translation: “of a man or woman … his or her”

158210:37lc9urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisὑπὲρ ἐμὲ-1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “more than he or she loves me … more than he or she loves me”

158310:37fb3prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐκ ἔστιν μου ἄξιος-1

Here, the phrase worthy of me indicates that the person deserves or is fit to be Jesus disciple. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “does not deserve to be my disciple … does not deserve to be my disciple”

158410:38tezkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesὃς οὐ λαμβάνει τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀκολουθεῖ ὀπίσω μου, οὐκ ἔστιν μου ἄξιος1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this sentence that has two negatives. Alternate translation: “whoever is worthy of me takes up his cross and follows after me”

158510:38ye95rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐ λαμβάνει τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ1

Jesus assumes that the disciples will know that the Romans executed some criminals by nailing them to a wooden beam with crossbar that was set upright so that the criminals would slowly suffocate. Jesus also assumes that the disciples will know that the Romans made these criminals carry these wooden crosses through the streets to the place where they were going to be executed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make some of this information more explicit. Alternate translation: “does not take up the wooden cross on which he will be executed”

158610:38vq4nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοὐ λαμβάνει τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ1

Here Jesus speaks of taking up a cross in order to describe people who are ready and willing to suffer and even die because they follow Jesus. Because this figure of speech is connected to how Jesus himself died on a cross, if possible you should preserve the metaphor or express the idea in simile form. Alternate translation: “is not ready to suffer, which is like taking up his cross,” or “does not take up his cross, ready to suffer or die,”

158710:38x390rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsαὐτοῦ1

Although the term his is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “his or her”

158810:38ai2rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐκ ἔστιν μου ἄξιος1

See how you translated the phrase worthy of me in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “does not deserve to be my disciple”

158910:39pbf3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ εὑρὼν τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ἀπολέσει αὐτήν; καὶ ὁ ἀπολέσας τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ εὑρήσει αὐτήν1

Here Jesus speaks of how peoples attitudes toward their current lives affects their eternal lives after they resurrect. He means that those having found their current lives will lose their eternal, resurrection lives, and that those having lost their current lives will find their eternal, resurrection lives. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “The one having found his current life will lose it forever, and the one having lost his current life for my sake will find it forever”

159010:39u4jhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ εὑρὼν τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ἀπολέσει αὐτήν1

Here Jesus speaks of trying to preserve ones life as if it were finding it. He speaks of dying as if it were losing ones life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The one having preserved his life will die”

159110:39ochkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsαὐτοῦ-1

Although the term his is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “his or her … his or her”

159210:39jwf2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ ἀπολέσας τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ εὑρήσει αὐτήν1

Here Jesus speaks of dying or being willing to die as losing ones life. He speaks of experiencing eternal life as if it were finding ones life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one having died for my sake will have eternal life”

159310:39jxh5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ1

When Jesus says for my sake, he means that some people will lose their lives because they are his disciples. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “because he is my disciple” or “because he believes in me”

159410:40c77erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ δεχόμενος ὑμᾶς ἐμὲ δέχεται1

Here Jesus speaks as if people who receive the disciples were actually receiving him. He means that these people, by receiving the disciples, show that they would receive Jesus too. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “If someone receives you, it is as if he or she received me” or “The one receiving you proves that he or she would receive me”

159510:40y9ckrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ ἐμὲ δεχόμενος δέχεται τὸν ἀποστείλαντά με1

Here Jesus speaks as if people who receive him were actually receiving God, who sent him. He means that these people, by receiving him, show that they would receive God too. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if someone receives me, it is as if he or she received the one having sent me” or “the one receiving me proves that he or she would receive the one having sent me”

159610:40me6vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸν ἀποστείλαντά με1

Here Jesus implies that the one having sent him is God the Father. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “God, who sent me”

159710:41f9pvrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbsὁ δεχόμενος προφήτην εἰς ὄνομα προφήτου, μισθὸν προφήτου λήμψεται; καὶ ὁ δεχόμενος δίκαιον εἰς ὄνομα δικαίου, μισθὸν δικαίου λήμψεται1

Here, Jesus uses or invents two similar proverbs in order to teach that people who help others who are serving God will be rewarded in a fitting way. Translate these proverbs in a way that will be recognized as proverbs and be meaningful in your language and culture. Alternate translation: “If you receive a prophet in the name of a prophet, you will receive the reward of a prophet. If you receive a righteous man in the name of a righteous man, you will receive the reward of a righteous man”

159810:41zgefrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomεἰς ὄνομα προφήτου & εἰς ὄνομα δικαίου1

Here, the phrase in the name of indicates that the reason for receiving a person is the recognition or knowledge that the person being received is a prophet or righteous {man}. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “with the knowledge that he is a prophet … with the knowledge that he is a righteous man” or “because he is a prophet … because he is a righteous man”

159910:41yj1qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionμισθὸν προφήτου & μισθὸν δικαίου1

Here, Jesus could be using the possessive form to indicate that a person receives: (1) the same reward that a prophet or righteous person receives from God. Alternate translation: “the same reward that a prophet receives … the same reward that a righteous man receives” (2) the reward that a prophet or righteous person gives. Alternate translation: “a reward from a prophet … a reward from a righteous man”

160010:41st5rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsδίκαιον & δικαίου & δικαίου1

Although the term righteous {man} is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “a righteous person … of a righteous person … of a righteous person”

160110:42rwtorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὃς ἐὰν ποτίσῃ ἕνα τῶν μικρῶν τούτων ποτήριον ψυχροῦ1

Jesus speaks about giving someone a cup of cold water to drink as an example of one small way in which a person can help another person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could indicate that this is an example, or you could use a more general expression. Alternate translation: “whoever, for example, gives to one of these little ones a cup of cold water to drink” or “whoever helps one of these little ones in any way”

160210:42z8tkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἕνα τῶν μικρῶν τούτων1

Here, Jesus refers to people whom others consider unimportant or insignificant as if they were little. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “to any person whom people ignore” or “to an insignificant person”

160310:42v6jgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomμόνον εἰς ὄνομα μαθητοῦ1

See how you translated the phrase in the name of in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “with only the knowledge that this person is a disciple” or “simply because this person is a disciple”

160410:42n58qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotesοὐ μὴ ἀπολέσῃ1

Jesus is using a figure of speech here that expresses a strongly positive meaning by using a negative phrase, certainly not, together with an expression that is the opposite of the intended meaning, lose. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the positive meaning. Alternate translation: “he will most certainly receive”

160510:42d61lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsοὐ μὴ ἀπολέσῃ & αὐτοῦ1

Although the term he is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “that person will certainly not lose his or her”

160610:42ehq3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐ μὴ1

The words translated certainly not are two negative words. In this construction, the second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. Instead, it gives greater emphasis to the negative. If your language can use two negatives that do not cancel one another to create a positive meaning, you could use a double negative here. If your language does not use two negatives in that way, you could translate with one strong negative, as the ULT does. Alternate translation: “by no means”

160711:intropuf40

Matthew 11 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

  1. Jesus teaches about the gospel of the kingdom of God, and opposition to Jesus begins (11:1-12:50)
    • Jesus and John the Baptist (11:119)
      • John asks about who Jesus is (11:16)
      • Jesus teaches about John (11:715)
      • Jesus speaks about himself and John (11:1619)
    • Judgment on Galilean cities (11:2024)
    • Jesus speaks about his ministry (11:2530)

Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the quotation from Malachi 3:1 in 11:10.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

“Elijah”

In 11:14, Jesus says that John the Baptist is “Elijah, the one being about to come.” Here Jesus refers to a prophecy in Malachi 4:56 that indicates that God will send “Elijah” to prepare the way before God comes to judge his enemies and reward his people. Malachi is referring to a prophet who lived even earlier. This prophet, named Elijah, performed many miracles and spoke messages from God (see 1 Kings 1719 and 2 Kings 2:117). So, when Jesus says that John is “Elijah,” he means that John fulfills the prophecy in Malachi that someone like the prophet Elijah will prepare the way before God comes to judge and reward people. If your readers would not know the prophecy in Malachi or the stories about the prophet Elijah, you may need to include some of this information in your translation or in a footnote.

The day of judgment

In 11:2124, Jesus refers to “the day of judgment.” He says that, on that day, it will be more tolerable for wicked people who lived in cities like Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom than it will be for people who reject Jesus ministry in cities like Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. The phrase “day of judgment” refers to a specific time in the future when God will judge everyone, punish those who disobey him, and reward those who believe in and obey him. What Jesus means is that even wicked people who lived in cities like Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom will receive less punishment than people who reject him and his message. See the notes on these verses for translation options.

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

The comparison with children in 11:1619

In these verses, Jesus compares how people treat him and John with how children play in the marketplace. There are two primary ways to understand the comparison. First, Jesus and John could be like the children who play flutes or sing funeral songs. In this case, Jesus is saying that people reject both Johns mournful ministry and Jesus joyful ministry. Second, the people whom Jesus is speaking about could be like the children who play flutes or sing funeral songs. In this case, Jesus is saying that these people are upset that John and Jesus do not behave as they want them to behave. Since both of these options have similar meanings, and because Jesus does not clearly explain which option he intended, if possible express the comparison in such a way that either interpretation could make sense.

Jesus rebuking cities in 11:2024

In these verses, Jesus speaks to specific cities as if they were among the crowds who were listening to him. He speaks in this way to express his attitude towards these cities. Further, when Jesus refers to the cities, he uses their names to refer to the people who live in those cities. So, when Jesus speaks directly to Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, he is expressing his attitude toward the people who live in those cities. See the notes on these verses for translation strategies and options.

The yoke and burden metaphor in 11:2830

In these verses, Jesus promises rest, an easy yoke, and a light burden to those who are laboring and heavy-burdened. There are several ways to understand these images. First, Jesus could be referring to how people struggle and suffer for many reasons, and he promises to make these things better. Second, Jesus could be referring to how people struggle to obey what the religious leaders say to do, and he promises to give them better and easier commands. Third, Jesus could be referring to how people suffer under the Roman empire, and he promises to be a better leader and ruler. Since Jesus is speaking to a crowd of people, most likely he used the images of yokes and burdens so that what he was saying would be relevant to all the people, no matter what they were struggling with. So, if possible preserve the figure of speech or express the idea in a general way that could refer to many different difficult or hard things.

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

The meaning of 11:12

This verse contains two clauses, and both clauses can be interpreted in several ways. First, there are several options for understanding the meaning of the clause “the kingdom of the heavens suffers violence”:

  1. the “kingdom” could be what experiences the “violence.” In this case, the violence could come from:
    • people who hate and attack the kingdom
    • people who want to make the kingdom stronger by using violence
  2. the “kingdom” could be what performs the “violence.” In this case, the kingdom advances or becomes stronger in forceful and powerful ways.

Second, there are also several options for understanding the meaning of the clause “violent men take it by force”:

  1. the “men” could be evil or wicked. In this case, they could be trying to:
    • attack and destroy the kingdom
    • take the kingdom away from Jesus and his disciples
  2. the “men” could be trying to do what is right. In this case, they are trying to become part of the kingdom in forceful or powerful ways.

Almost any combination of these options is possible for understanding the meaning of the verse. However, the most common interpretations are these:

  1. the kingdom experiences violence, and violent people attack it and try to destroy it
  2. the kingdom advances forcefully, and forceful people want to be part of it
  3. the kingdom advances forcefully, but violent people attack it and try to destroy it
  4. violent people want to make the kingdom stronger by violence, and they try to take the kingdom away from Jesus and his disciples

See the translation notes on this verse for possible ways to express the ideas. Since there are many ways to understand the verse, if possible make your translation general enough to allow for several or all of these interpretations.

Singular and plural forms of “you”

Most of the forms of “you” in this chapter appear in speeches that Jesus gives to many people around him. Because of this, most forms of “you” in this chapter are plural. You should assume forms of “you” are plural unless a note specifies that the form is singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

160811:1z2y7rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstoryκαὶ ἐγένετο ὅτε ἐτέλεσεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς διατάσσων τοῖς δώδεκα μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ, μετέβη ἐκεῖθεν τοῦ διδάσκειν καὶ κηρύσσειν ἐν ταῖς πόλεσιν αὐτῶν1

This sentence marks the end of Jesus instructions by summarizing what Jesus did and then describing what he did next. Use the natural form in your language for expressing the conclusion of a story. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus finished giving orders to his 12 disciples. After that, he departed from there to teach and to preach in their cities”

160911:1h5qarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμετέβη1

Here Matthew implies that the 12 disciples also left that place to do what Jesus had instructed them to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he sent them out, and then he departed”

161011:1md5arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐκεῖθεν1

Here, the word there refers to the place where Jesus was when he gave his disciples the instructions that are quoted in the previous chapter. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “from where he had been”

161111:1dr3urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletτοῦ διδάσκειν καὶ κηρύσσειν1

The terms teach and preach mean similar things. Matthew is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “to teach frequently” or “to preach often”

161211:1hhfxrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsταῖς πόλεσιν αὐτῶν1

Here, the word their refers to Jewish people in general, particularly those who lived in Galilee. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the Jewish cities” or “the cities in Galilee”

161311:2uei9rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

161411:2f3j7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoὁ & Ἰωάννης, ἀκούσας ἐν τῷ δεσμωτηρίῳ1

Matthew has not yet told the story of why John was in prison. Since Matthew narrates this story in 14:4-5, you do not need to explain it to your reader here. If it would be helpful in your language, you could clarify that John is in the prison when he hears about the deeds of Christ. Alternate translation: “John, who was in prison, having heard about”

161511:2zy7zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὰ ἔργα τοῦ Χριστοῦ1

Here, Matthew is using the possessive form to describe deeds that Christ did. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the deeds that Christ had done”

161611:2k1a8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπέμψας διὰ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ1

Here Matthew means that John sent his disciples to Jesus and had them speak to Jesus for him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having sent his disciples to speak to Jesus for him”

161711:2q79lrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοῦ1

The pronoun his refers to John. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to him more directly. Alternate translation: “his own”

161811:3isixrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσὺ1

Since Johns disciples are talking to Jesus, the word you in this verse is singular.

161911:3w2imrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ ἐρχόμενος1

Here, John uses the phrase the one coming to refer to a special person whom God promised would come and help Gods people. People sometimes called this special person “the Messiah.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the special person whom God said would come” or “the Messiah whom God said would come”

162011:3q89trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἕτερον προσδοκῶμεν1

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “should we expect another person to be the coming one”

162111:4w03krc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsἀποκριθεὶς ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν1

Together the words answering and said mean that Jesus responded to the question that Johns disciples had asked him. Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “Jesus responded”

162211:5dyxyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτυφλοὶ ἀναβλέπουσιν, καὶ χωλοὶ περιπατοῦσιν, λεπροὶ καθαρίζονται, καὶ κωφοὶ ἀκούουσιν, καὶ νεκροὶ ἐγείρονται, καὶ πτωχοὶ εὐαγγελίζονται1

When he answers Johns disciples, Jesus lists many things that he has done. Johns disciples would have known that this list is similar to the lists found in Isaiah 35:56 and Isaiah 61:1 that describe what will happen when God acts to help his people. Jesus does not directly quote either of these lists, but he wants Johns disciples to know that what he has done is what God promised would happen when the Messiah came. If it would be helpful in your language, you could include a footnote that refers to the lists in Isaiah, or you could include a small amount of explanatory information. Alternate translation: “Just as God promised, the blind are seeing again, and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised, and the poor are being told the gospel”

162311:5tjucrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτυφλοὶ & χωλοὶ & κωφοὶ & νεκροὶ & πτωχοὶ1

Jesus is using the adjectives blind, lame, deaf, dead, and poor as nouns in order to describe groups of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “Blind people … lame people … deaf people … dead people … poor people”

162411:5sd6crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveλεπροὶ καθαρίζονται & νεκροὶ ἐγείρονται, καὶ πτωχοὶ εὐαγγελίζονται1

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “lepers become clean … the dead come back to life, and the poor hear the gospel”

162511:5gnt2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitλεπροὶ καθαρίζονται1

Here, much as in 10:8, Jesus speaks of ceremonially cleansing lepers, but he implies that the lepers are healed of their skin diseases, since these are what make lepers unclean. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “lepers are healed from their unclean diseases”

162611:5v274rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomνεκροὶ ἐγείρονται1

Here, the phrase the dead are raised refers to people who have died becoming alive again. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the dead live again”

162711:6jm3frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveμακάριός ἐστιν ὃς ἐὰν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will bless any person who”

162811:6he52rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὃς ἐὰν μὴ σκανδαλισθῇ ἐν ἐμοί1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whoever does not stumble on me”

162911:6yyuorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorμὴ σκανδαλισθῇ ἐν ἐμοί1

Here Jesus speaks as if he were a lump or rock that people could stumble on. He means that some people will reject and desert him because of what he does and because of what will happen to him. However, those who do not reject or desert him will be blessed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “does not desert me because of what I do” or “does not run away from me”

163011:7vt51rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

163111:7d4lorc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsτούτων1

The pronoun these refers to Johns disciples. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer more directly to these people. Alternate translation: “Johns disciples”

163211:7ysq6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί ἐξήλθατε εἰς τὴν ἔρημον θεάσασθαι? κάλαμον ὑπὸ ἀνέμου σαλευόμενον?1

Jesus is using the question form to teach the crowds about John. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or exclamations. Alternate translation: “Surely you did not go out into the wilderness to see a reed shaken by the wind!” or “I know what you went out into the wilderness to see. It was not a reed shaken by the wind.”

163311:7f3f1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτί ἐξήλθατε εἰς τὴν ἔρημον θεάσασθαι1

Here Jesus implies that the people went out to see and hear John the Baptist. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “When you visited John in the wilderness, what did you go out to see”

163411:7ydn2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκάλαμον ὑπὸ ἀνέμου σαλευόμενον1

Here, the phrase a reed being shaken by the wind could describe: (1) a person who changes his or her mind or message whenever there is any trouble or difficulty, just like a reed moves whenever the wind blows. Alternate translation: “a man who changes his message whenever it is convenient” or “a man who changes his mind as easily as a reed is shaken by the wind” (2) something or someone ordinary, just like a reed being shaken by the wind was a common or normal sight in Matthews culture. Alternate translation: “something ordinary, like a reed being shaken by the wind”

163511:7w269rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveκάλαμον ὑπὸ ἀνέμου σαλευόμενον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a reed that the wind shakes”

163611:8fn2frc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastἀλλὰ1

Here, the word But introduces a contrast with the possibility that Jesus asked about in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “If not that,” or “So,”

163711:8n5hxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἀλλὰ τί ἐξήλθατε ἰδεῖν? ἄνθρωπον ἐν μαλακοῖς ἠμφιεσμένον?1

Jesus is using the question form to teach the crowds about John. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or exclamations. Alternate translation: “Surely you did not go out to see a man dressed in soft clothing!” or “I know what you went out to see. It was not a man dressed in soft clothing.”

163811:8y24rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἄνθρωπον ἐν μαλακοῖς ἠμφιεσμένον1

Luke assumes that readers will know that John wore crude, rugged clothing. Like his residence in the desert, his clothing was a symbolic protest against the established order. As such, it would have been offensive rather than attractive. So no one would have gone out just to see a person dressed that way. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “A man wearing splendid clothing? You would not have gone to hear John if that was what you wanted to see.”

163911:8nrdyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐν & ἠμφιεσμένον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “who had put on”

164011:8by2lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμαλακοῖς & τὰ μαλακὰ1

The term soft clothing refers to luxurious or expensive clothes, since normal clothing was rough. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “splendid clothing … splendid clothing” or “expensive clothing … expensive clothing”

164111:8n2k6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “Listen” or “As you know”

164211:9msgirc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastἀλλὰ1

Here, much as in 11:8, the word But introduces a contrast with the possibility that Jesus asked about in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “If not that,” or “So,”

164311:9lflsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureτί ἐξήλθατε? προφήτην ἰδεῖν?1

Here the two questions could be divided so that the phrase To see goes with: (1) a prophet. See the ULT. (2) go out. Alternate translation: “what did you go out to see? A prophet?”

164411:9gm97rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἀλλὰ τί ἐξήλθατε? προφήτην ἰδεῖν1

Jesus is using the question form to teach the crowds about John. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or exclamations. Alternate translation: “Surely you went out to see a prophet!” or “I know why you went out. It was to see a prophet.”

164511:9iytzλέγω ὑμῖν1

Jesus uses the clause I say to you to emphasize what he is telling the crowds. Use a natural form in your language for emphasizing the truth and importance of a statement. Alternate translation: “I want you to know”

164611:9fb75rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisκαὶ περισσότερον1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “and he was more than”

164711:9rp94rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomπερισσότερον προφήτου1

Here Jesus means that John was indeed a prophet, but that he was even more than a typical prophet. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “not just an ordinary prophet” or “greater than the other prophets”

164811:10ttv5rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsοὗτός1

The pronoun This refers to John the Baptist. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “John”

164911:10ts9krc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsγέγραπται1

In Matthews culture, it is written was a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text, in this case, the book of Malachi (see Malachi 3:1). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Jesus is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “you can read in the Scriptures” or “it says in the book of Malachi”

165011:10de17rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveγέγραπται1

If your language does not use the passive form, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Malachi wrote in the Scriptures”

165111:10jc00rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word Behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express Behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “See” or “Pay attention”

165211:10fi5erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomπρὸ προσώπου σου1

Here, the phrase before your face means before or in front of the person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in front of you” or “before I send you”

165311:10mzmxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσου-1

Here, the words your, your, and you are singular because God is speaking to the Messiah individually in this quotation.

165411:10kva7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκατασκευάσει τὴν ὁδόν σου ἔμπροσθέν σου1

Here the author of the quotation speaks of helping people to get ready for the coming of the Messiah as if it were preparing the way or road for the Messiah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will help people get ready for you to arrive”

165511:11z5yqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν γεννητοῖς γυναικῶν1

The phrase those born of women refers to all people who have lived. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “among all the people who have ever lived”

165611:11r9wsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐν γεννητοῖς γυναικῶν1

If you would like to retain the idiom but your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “among those whom women have borne”

165711:11c093rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotesοὐκ ἐγήγερται & μείζων1

Jesus is using a figure of speech here that expresses a strongly positive meaning by using a negative word, not, together with an expression that is the opposite of the intended meaning, greater. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the positive meaning. Alternate translation: “there have only arisen ones lesser than”

165811:11jm5orc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοὐκ ἐγήγερται1

Here Jesus speaks of people having lived as if they had arisen, or stood up. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “there has not existed” or “there has not lived”

165911:11cag4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjὁ & μικρότερος1

Matthew is using the adjective least as a noun to mean people who are not very important. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this phrase with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the least important person”

166011:11pxblrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμείζων αὐτοῦ ἐστιν1

The implication is that being part of the kingdom of the heavens is greater than any human distinctive. So anyone who is part of the kingdom is greater than even John, whom Jesus said was the greatest person who had ever lived before the coming of the kingdom. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “is greater than John is because he or she is part of something greater than anything that is human”

166111:12c2qirc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, based on how this verse is interpreted (see the following notes and the chapter introduction) the word But could introduce: (1) a contrast with what Jesus said in the previous verse about how great the kingdom of the heavens is. In contrast with that, the kingdom of the heavens is attacked violently. Alternate translation: “However,” (2) a development of what Jesus said in the previous verse about how great the kingdom of the heavens is. The kingdom advances and grows forcefully. Alternate translation: “Now”

166211:12mb4vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτῶν ἡμερῶν1

Here, the word days refers to a specific period of time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the time period”

166311:12ynqorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionἸωάννου τοῦ Βαπτιστοῦ1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe days in which John the Baptist preached. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “when John the Baptist ministered”

166411:12o81erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν βιάζεται, καὶ βιασταὶ ἁρπάζουσιν αὐτήν1

If you understand these two clauses to say similar things (see the following notes and the chapter introduction), then the second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the clauses with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “the kingdom of the heavens suffers violence; yes, violent men take it by force”

166511:12inr2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν βιάζεται1

Christians disagree about what exactly this clause means. See the chapter introduction for more information and options. Most likely, the clause could mean: (1) that people attack Gods kingdom. Alternate translation: “the kingdom of the heavens is attacked violently” (2) that Gods kingdom triumphs forcefully in the world. Alternate translation: “the kingdom of the heavens triumphs forcefully”

166611:12qy4wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsβιάζεται1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of violence, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “is violently treated” or “is attacked violently”

166711:12rjlgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitβιασταὶ ἁρπάζουσιν αὐτήν1

Christians disagree about what exactly this clause means. See the chapter introduction for more information and options. Most likely, the clause could mean: (1) that the men are evil and violent and attack the kingdom. Alternate translation: “violent men attack it forcefully” (2) that the men are forceful and want to be part of the kingdom. Alternate translation: “forceful men take hold of it”

166811:12viv4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsβιασταὶ1

Although the term men is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “violent men and women”

166911:12ce88rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἁρπάζουσιν αὐτήν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of force, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “take it forcefully”

167011:13xfx5rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a further explanation of how John is an important or significant person. As the last verse showed, the kingdom of the heavens has “suffered violence” since John began his ministry, and this verse shows that the Prophets and the Law prophesied about these things up to the time when John began his ministry. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a further explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” or “In fact,”

167111:13g1i6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationπάντες & οἱ προφῆται καὶ ὁ νόμος & ἐπροφήτευσαν1

Here Jesus speaks as if the Prophets and the Law were people who have prophesied. He means that these sections of Scripture contain prophecies. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all the Prophets and the Law contain what people have prophesied”

167211:13r95frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismοἱ προφῆται καὶ ὁ νόμος1

Jesus is referring to all of Gods word that had been written up to that time. He is using the names of two of its major components to do so. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the Scriptures”

167311:13s8h8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἕως Ἰωάννου ἐπροφήτευσαν1

Here Jesus implies that the Scriptures include prophecies about the kingdom of the heavens, Jesus ministry, and all the things that were happening once John and then Jesus began their ministries. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. If possible, use a general phrase that could refer to many of these events and actions. Alternate translation: “have prophesied until John about what has begun to happen”

167411:13s5ijrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἕως Ἰωάννου1

Here Jesus could mean that: (1) the Prophets and the Law contain prophecies written down only until John began his ministry. Alternate translation: “up to when John began his ministry” (2) what the Prophets and the Law prophesied was a prediction about the future only until John began his ministry. Now these prophecies have come true. Alternate translation: “until John began his ministry, when the prophecies came true”

167511:14rdswrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδέξασθαι, αὐτός1

Here Jesus leaves out what will happen if the people are willing to accept {it}. He implies that, when they accept {it}, they will learn or understand what he is about to tell them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could include this implied idea. Alternate translation: “to accept it, you can be sure that he” or “to accept it, you will understand that he”

167611:14yg2frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδέξασθαι1

Here Jesus could be implying that they need to be willing to accept: (1) what Jesus says about John. Alternate translation: “to accept what I tell you” (2) what the Law and the Prophets prophesied (see 11:13). Alternate translation: “to accept what the Law and the Prophets said”

167711:14fj3yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitαὐτός ἐστιν Ἠλείας, ὁ μέλλων ἔρχεσθαι1

Here Jesus is referring to a prophecy in Malachi 4:56. This prophecy states that God will send Elijah before the day of the Lord arrives, and he will prepare people. Elijah was a prophet who did many powerful things a long time before Malachi wrote down this prophecy. What Jesus implies is that John the Baptist fulfills this prophecy, and so he is like Elijah, just as Malachi prophesied. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he is the person about whom it is prophesied that someone like Elijah would come” or “he is the one being about to come, whom the prophets named Elijah”

167811:14kb67rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτός1

The pronoun he refers to John the Baptist. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “John the Baptist”

167911:15z97xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὁ ἔχων ὦτα ἀκούειν, ἀκουέτω1

Here, the phrase ears to hear represents the willingness to understand and obey. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The one who wishes to understand, let him understand and obey” or “The one who can listen to me should pay attention”

168011:15w4ccrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personὁ ἔχων ὦτα ἀκούειν, ἀκουέτω1

Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, not about other people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the second person plural here. Alternate translation: “You who have ears to hear should hear” or “If you have ears to hear, then hear”

168111:15ccynrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsἀκούειν1

Many ancient manuscripts read to hear. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts do not include these words. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

168211:15r1dorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3pἀκουέτω1

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he should hear”

168311:15zt7prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀκουέτω1

Although the term him is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “let that person hear”

168411:16hkq0rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next topic. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next topic, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,”

168511:16mp8grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτίνι δὲ ὁμοιώσω τὴν γενεὰν ταύτην?1

Jesus is using the question form to introduce a comparison between this generation and children sitting in the marketplace. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Here is what I compare this generation to.”

168611:16yat1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὴν γενεὰν ταύτην1

Here, generation represents the people who are part of the generation, which means that they are adults who are currently alive. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “todays people” or “the people of this generation”

168711:16zjr3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὁμοία ἐστὶν1

These words are the beginning of Jesus comparison. His opponents complain about John being too austere, and they complain about Jesus not being austere enough, just like children who complain when other children dont dance with them, and then complain again when they dont cry with them. Since Jesus explains this comparison in the following verses, you do not need to explain it here in your translation.

168811:16l7kmrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownταῖς ἀγοραῖς1

A marketplace is a large, open-air area where people buy and sell goods. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of area, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “the town square” or “the park”

168911:17sneyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesλέγουσιν, ηὐλήσαμεν ὑμῖν καὶ οὐκ ὠρχήσασθε; ἐθρηνήσαμεν καὶ οὐκ ἐκόψασθε1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “saying that they played the flute for them, and they did not dance, and that they sang a funeral song, and they did not mourn.”

169011:17ai4erc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγουσιν1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they say”

169111:17d916rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyηὐλήσαμεν1

The children are referring to the flute to indicate that they played a happy, upbeat tune, for which the flute was well suited. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “We played a happy tune”

169211:17t723rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastκαὶ-1

In both places, the children are expressing a contrast between what they expected their playmates to do and what those playmates actually did. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a contrast. Alternate translation: “and yet … and yet”

169311:18yz80rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἦλθεν1

Here, the word came refers to John living and behaving in certain ways. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “was” or “lived”

169411:18qe7yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμήτε ἐσθίων μήτε πίνων1

This does not mean that John never ate food. It means he fasted often, and when he ate, he did not eat expensive food or drink. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “frequently fasting” or “neither eating good food nor drinking wine”

169511:18ya2wrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsλέγουσιν1

The pronoun they refers to people in general. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use a form that refers to people in general. Alternate translation: “many say” or “others say”

169611:18p4qlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesλέγουσιν, δαιμόνιον ἔχει.1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “they say that he has a demon.”

169711:18evokrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomδαιμόνιον ἔχει1

To say that someone has a demon is to say that the demon possesses or controls that person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He is demon-possessed” or “He is controlled by a demon”

169811:19iwk8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1

Here Jesus speaks about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “I, who am the Son of Man,”

169911:19bvonrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἦλθεν1

Here, the word came refers to Jesus entering this world as a human to do what God called him to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “came to this world” or “lived”

170011:19gs6zrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastἐσθίων καὶ πίνων1

Here Jesus means that he did not fast and that he participated in feasts and enjoyed eating and drinking. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “eating good food and drinking wine” or “feasting”

170111:19x4ecrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesλέγουσιν, ἰδοὺ, ἄνθρωπος, φάγος καὶ οἰνοπότης, τελωνῶν φίλος καὶ ἁμαρτωλῶν!1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “they say that he is a man who is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!”

170211:19ddxirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “This is” or “Observe”

170311:19pv4nrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownφάγος καὶ οἰνοπότης1

The word glutton refers to a person who eats too much food. The word drunkard refers to a person who drinks too much wine and gets drunk as a result. If you do not have words for these kinds of people, you could use descriptive phrases. Alternate translation: “one who eats and drinks more than he should”

170411:19vwk4rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbsἐδικαιώθη ἡ σοφία ἀπὸ τῶν τέκνων αὐτῆς1

Here, Jesus uses or invents a proverb that he applies to what people say about him and John. Translate this proverb in a way that will be recognized as a proverb and be meaningful in your language and culture. Alternate translation: “the saying is true that wisdom is justified by all her children”

170511:19ml8trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationἐδικαιώθη ἡ σοφία ἀπὸ τῶν τέκνων αὐτῆς1

Here Jesus speaks as if wisdom were a woman who had children. The children could be: (1) people who are wise. Alternate translation: “wisdom has been justified by wise people” (2) the children could be the results of wise behavior. Alternate translation: “wisdom has been justified by its results”

170611:19yyk4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐδικαιώθη ἡ σοφία ἀπὸ τῶν τέκνων αὐτῆς1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wisdom, you could express the same idea in another way. Make sure your translation fits with how you chose to translate children (see the previous note). Here, the word wisdom could refer to: (1) wise behavior and thinking. Alternate translation: “what is wise has been justified by wise people” (2) how God is wise. Alternate translation: “how wise God is has been justified by wise people”

170711:19o3zhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐδικαιώθη ἡ σοφία ἀπὸ τῶν τέκνων αὐτῆς1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “wisdoms children justify her”

170811:19e8h9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsτῶν τέκνων αὐτῆς1

Many ancient manuscripts read her children. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “her works.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

170911:20w12grc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequentialτότε1

Here, the word Then introduces what happened after Jesus finished saying what Matthew has included in the previous verses. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next thing that happened. Alternate translation: “After that,”

171011:20n39lrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultτότε ἤρξατο ὀνειδίζειν τὰς πόλεις ἐν αἷς ἐγένοντο αἱ πλεῖσται δυνάμεις αὐτοῦ, ὅτι οὐ μετενόησαν1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “Then, because the cities in which most of his miracles were done had not repented, he began to rebuke them”

171111:20w4g8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὰς πόλεις1

Here, the cities refers to the people who live in the cities. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the people of the cities”

171211:20t51arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐγένοντο αἱ πλεῖσται δυνάμεις αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was Jesus. Alternate translation: “he had done most of his miracles”

171311:21xxb3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostropheοὐαί σοι, Χοραζείν! οὐαί σοι, Βηθσαϊδάν! & ὑμῖν1

Jesus is addressing something that he knows cannot hear him, the cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida. He is doing this to show his listeners in a strong way how he feels about those cities. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate these words as if he were speaking directly to people about these cities. Alternate translation: “There will be woe for Chorazin! There will be woe for Bethsaida! … those cities”

171411:21y2hrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοὐαί σοι-1

The phrase woe to you is the opposite of “blessed are you.” It indicates that bad things are going to happen to the people being addressed, because they have displeased God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “How bad it is for you … How bad it is for you” or “Trouble will come to you … Trouble will come to you”

171511:21vmskrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσοι-1

Jesus is addressing an individual city in each of these phrases, so you is singular in both cases.

171611:21lcsurc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesΧοραζείν & Βηθσαϊδάν1

The words Chorazin and Bethsaida are the names of two cities.

171711:21y9d3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyΧοραζείν & Βηθσαϊδάν & ἐν Τύρῳ καὶ Σιδῶνι1

Here, the words Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Tyre and Sidon refer to the people who live in those cities. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “people of Chorazin … people of Bethsaida … among the people of Tyre and Sidon”

171811:21uo47rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultὅτι1

Here, the word For introduces a reason why Jesus pronounces Woe to these cities. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a statement, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “I rebuke you because” or “That is because”

171911:21ozdxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὅτι εἰ ἐν Τύρῳ καὶ Σιδῶνι ἐγένοντο αἱ δυνάμεις αἱ γενόμεναι ἐν ὑμῖν, πάλαι ἂν ἐν σάκκῳ καὶ σποδῷ μετενόησαν1

Jesus assumes that his audience will know that God destroyed the cities of Tyre and Sidon because the people in them were so wicked. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “God destroyed the cities of Tyre and Sidon because they were so wicked. But even they would have repented if they had seen the miracles which happened in you. So the people of Chorazin and Bethsaida certainly should have repented as well”

172011:21lh46rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalεἰ ἐν Τύρῳ καὶ Σιδῶνι ἐγένοντο αἱ δυνάμεις αἱ γενόμεναι ἐν ὑμῖν, πάλαι ἂν ἐν σάκκῳ καὶ σποδῷ μετενόησαν1

Here Jesus is describing a situation that might have happened in the past but actually did not. He is doing this to express disappointment and regret about what is happening in the present. Be sure to translate this in such a way that your readers will know that this event actually did not happen but they will understand why Jesus is imagining it. Alternate translation: “suppose that the miracles had happened in Tyre and Sidon which happened in you. They would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes”

172111:21k3inrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youdualὑμῖν1

Since Jesus is addressing two cities, you would be dual here if your language uses that form. Otherwise, it would be plural.

172211:21tm59rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionπάλαι ἂν ἐν σάκκῳ καὶ σποδῷ μετενόησαν1

Jesus is saying that the people of Tyre and Sidon would have worn sackcloth and put ashes on their heads. These actions are signs of humility and sorrow that show that they were very sorry for doing what was wrong. If this would not be clear to your readers, you could explain the significance of these actions in the text or in a footnote. Alternate translation: “they would have shown how sorry they were for their sins by wearing sackcloth and putting ashes on their heads”

172311:22ewcxrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastπλὴν1

Here, the word Nevertheless introduces a contrast with how people might think about the wicked people of Tyre and Sidon. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave Nevertheless untranslated. Alternate translation: “Yet” or “As a matter of fact”

172411:22g4moλέγω ὑμῖν & ἔσται1

Jesus uses the clause I say to you to emphasize what he is about to say. Use a natural form in your language for emphasizing the truth and importance of a statement. Alternate translation: “I want you to know that it will be”

172511:22ibporc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitΤύρῳ καὶ Σιδῶνι ἀνεκτότερον ἔσται ἐν ἡμέρᾳ κρίσεως ἢ ὑμῖν1

Jesus assumes that his audience will know that God destroyed the cities of Tyre and Sidon because the people in them were so wicked. The implication is that it must therefore be an extremely grave offense to reject the messengers of the kingdom of God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “God will judge you more severely than he will judge the people who lived in Tyre and Sidon, even though he destroyed their cities because they were so wicked”

172611:22mr18rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyΤύρῳ καὶ Σιδῶνι1

Here, the words Tyre and Sidon refer to the people who live in those cities. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for the people of Tyre and Sidon”

172711:22ngkmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionἐν ἡμέρᾳ κρίσεως1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe a day on which judgment will happen. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “on the day when God judges everyone”

172811:22i16erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsκρίσεως1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “when people are judged”

172911:23h8e4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostropheκαὶ σύ, Καφαρναούμ, μὴ ἕως οὐρανοῦ ὑψωθήσῃ? ἕως ᾍδου καταβήσῃ; ὅτι εἰ ἐν Σοδόμοις ἐγενήθησαν αἱ δυνάμεις αἱ γενόμεναι ἐν σοί, ἔμεινεν ἂν μέχρι τῆς σήμερον1

Much as in 11:21, Jesus is addressing something that he knows cannot hear him, the city of Capernaum. He is doing this to show his listeners in a strong way how he feels about that city. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate these words as if he were speaking directly to people about these cities. Alternate translation: “And Capernaum will not be exalted to heaven, will it? It will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that happened in it had happened in Sodom, Sodom would have remained until today”

173011:23lauirc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsκαὶ σύ, Καφαρναούμ, μὴ ἕως οὐρανοῦ ὑψωθήσῃ? ἕως ᾍδου καταβήσῃ1

Many ancient manuscripts read And you, Capernaum, you will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You will be brought down as far as Hades. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “And you, Capernaum, the one being exalted to heaven, will be brought down as far as Hades.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

173111:23nddzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionσύ, Καφαρναούμ, μὴ ἕως οὐρανοῦ ὑψωθήσῃ?1

Jesus uses a rhetorical question to rebuke the people of Capernaum for their pride, because they think that they will be exalted to heaven. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “you, Capernaum, will certainly not be exalted to heaven.” or “you, Capernaum, will by no means be exalted to heaven!”

173211:23vpz6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσύ & μὴ & ὑψωθήσῃ & καταβήσῃ & σοί1

Jesus is addressing an individual city in each of these phrases, so you is singular throughout this verse.

173311:23fj7drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyΚαφαρναούμ & ἐν Σοδόμοις1

Here, the words Capernaum and Sodom refer to the people who live in those cities. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “people of Capernaum … among the people of Sodom”

173411:23vbsprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorμὴ ἕως οὐρανοῦ ὑψωθήσῃ1

The phrase be exalted refers to receiving honor. To be exalted all the way up to heaven indicates that this honor is very great. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you will not be honored greatly, will you”

173511:23aa7trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveμὴ ἕως οὐρανοῦ ὑψωθήσῃ?1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, it is clear from the context that it is God. Alternate translation: Alternate translation: “God will not exalt you to heaven, will he?”

173611:23yckgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἕως ᾍδου καταβήσῃ1

The phrase be brought down refers to experiencing punishment and dishonor. To be brought down all the way to Hades indicates that this punishment and dishonor are very great. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You will be punished severely”

173711:23w9qprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἕως ᾍδου καταβήσῃ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, it is clear from the context that it is God. Alternate translation: “God will bring you down as far as Hades”

173811:23igyarc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultὅτι1

Here, the word For introduces a reason why Jesus says that Capernaum will go down to Hades. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a statement, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “I say this about you because” or “That is because”

173911:23fwpfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὅτι εἰ ἐν Σοδόμοις ἐγενήθησαν αἱ δυνάμεις αἱ γενόμεναι ἐν σοί, ἔμεινεν ἂν μέχρι τῆς σήμερον1

In Jesus culture, people knew that Sodom was a city where many wicked people had lived. God punished these people by destroying them. You can read about what happened in Genesis 19:129. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “God destroyed the city of Sodom because it was so wicked. But even those people would have repented, and Sodom would have remained until today, if they had seen the miracles which happened in you. So the people of Capernaum certainly should have repented as well”

174011:23vk57rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalεἰ ἐν Σοδόμοις ἐγενήθησαν αἱ δυνάμεις αἱ γενόμεναι ἐν σοί, ἔμεινεν ἂν μέχρι τῆς σήμερον1

Here Jesus is describing a situation that might have happened in the past but actually did not. He is doing this to express disappointment and regret about what is happening in the present. Be sure to translate this in such a way that your readers will know that this event actually did not happen but that they will understand why Jesus is imagining it. Alternate translation: “suppose that the miracles had happened in Sodom which happened in you. That city would have remained until today”

174111:23z279rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔμεινεν ἂν μέχρι τῆς σήμερον1

Here Jesus means that God would not have destroyed the city of Sodom because its people would have repented when they saw the miracles. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “it would have remained until today because its people would have repented” or “they would have stopped sinning, and so the city would not have been destroyed”

174211:23b24trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomμέχρι τῆς σήμερον1

Here, the phrase until today indicates that something is true or exists at the time when the speaker is speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “up to our time” or “even now”

174311:24z3pqrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastπλὴν1

Here, the word Nevertheless introduces a contrast with how people might think about the wicked people of Sodom. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave Nevertheless untranslated. Alternate translation: “Yet” or “As a matter of fact”

174411:24vcd1λέγω ὑμῖν1

Jesus uses the clause I say to you to emphasize what he is about to say. Use a natural form in your language for emphasizing the truth and importance of a statement. Alternate translation: “I want you to know”

174511:24t8n4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitγῇ Σοδόμων ἀνεκτότερον ἔσται ἐν ἡμέρᾳ κρίσεως ἢ σοί1

Jesus assumes that his audience will know that God destroyed the land of Sodom because the people in it were so wicked. The implication is that it must therefore be an extremely grave offense to reject the messengers of the kingdom of God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “God will judge you more severely than he will judge the people who lived in the land of Sodom, even though he destroyed that land because they were so wicked”

174611:24e3parc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyγῇ Σοδόμων1

Here, the phrase the land of Sodom refers to the people who live in that land. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for the people of the land of Sodom”

174711:24yk3zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionἐν ἡμέρᾳ κρίσεως1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe a day on which judgment will happen. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “on the day when God judges everyone”

174811:24wenkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsκρίσεως1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “when people are judged”

174911:24mc79rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσοί1

Since Jesus is addressing an individual city, Capernaum, you here is singular.

175011:25xt8irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀποκριθεὶς ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν1

Here, the word answering indicates that Jesus is responding to what he has said in the previous verses about how people have not repented in response to Jesus message and miracles. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “because of how people were not repenting, Jesus said”

175111:25rtarrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσοι & ἔκρυψας1

Because Jesus is praying to God the Father, all forms of you in this verse are singular.

175211:25h5x4rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΠάτερ1

Father is an important title that describes the relationship between God the Father and Jesus.

175311:25u9cyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismΚύριε τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καὶ τῆς γῆς1

Here, Jesus is referring to all of creation by naming the parts that are at the extreme ends of it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Lord over everything that exists” or “Lord of all creation”

175411:25uhp8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitταῦτα & αὐτὰ1

Here, the phrase these things and the word them refer generally to the meaning and significance of Jesus and his ministry. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “what my ministry means … its meaning” or “my message … it”

175511:25qw5crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjἀπὸ σοφῶν καὶ συνετῶν1

Jesus is using the adjectives wise and intelligent as nouns in order to describe groups of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these with noun phrases. Alternate translation: “from people who are wise and intelligent”

175611:25las9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyσοφῶν καὶ συνετῶν1

Jesus calls these people wise and intelligent because that is what they think about themselves. Jesus knows that God has not revealed things to them, so they are not actually that wise or intelligent. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “people who think they are wise and intelligent”

175711:25w9hxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletσοφῶν καὶ συνετῶν1

The terms wise and intelligent mean similar things. Jesus uses the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “people who think they understand everything”

175811:25b6w5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorνηπίοις1

Here, the phrase little children refers to people who may not have much education but who are willing to accept Jesus teachings in the same way that little children willingly listen to those they trust. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to people who are like little children” or “to people who trust you completely” or “to uneducated people”

175911:26mq9yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitναί1

Here, the word Yes emphasizes that God has indeed done what Jesus said he had in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “You have indeed done that” or “You have done those things”

176011:26jflarc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Πατήρ1

Father is an important title that describe the relationship between God the Father and Jesus.

176111:26qp7trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἔμπροσθέν σου1

Here, the phrase before you indicates that it is well-pleasing according to Gods evaluation or judgment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in your sight” or “in your judgment”

176211:26ppuirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσου1

Because Jesus is praying to God the Father, you here is singular.

176311:27yk5wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπάντα μοι παρεδόθη ὑπὸ τοῦ Πατρός μου1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “My Father has handed over all things to me”

176411:27gd67rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπάντα & παρεδόθη1

The phrase All things could refer to: (1) knowledge about the Father and what the Father does. Alternate translation: “All things about the Father have been handed over” or “All knowledge has been handed over” (2) authority over everything that the Father has created. Alternate translation: “All authority has been handed over”

176511:27j3vkrc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου & τὸν Υἱὸν & ὁ Πατήρ & τὸν Πατέρα & ὁ Υἱὸς & ὁ Υἱὸς1

The words Father and Son are important titles for God that describe the relationship between God the Father and Jesus.

176611:27s1asrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptionsοὐδεὶς ἐπιγινώσκει τὸν Υἱὸν, εἰ μὴ ὁ Πατήρ1

If, in your language, it would appear that Jesus was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “the only one who knows the Son is the Father”

176711:27esp4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personτὸν Υἱὸν & ὁ Υἱὸς & βούληται ὁ Υἱὸς1

Here Jesus speaks about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “me, the Son, … me, the Son … I, the Son, desire”

176811:27l8xerc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptionsοὐδὲ τὸν Πατέρα τις ἐπιγινώσκει, εἰ μὴ ὁ Υἱὸς, καὶ ᾧ ἐὰν βούληται ὁ Υἱὸς ἀποκαλύψαι1

If, in your language, it would appear that Jesus was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “and the only ones who know the Father are the Son and anyone to whom the Son desires to reveal him”

176911:28x978rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomδεῦτε πρός με1

Here, the phrase Come to me is an invitation to be with Jesus as his disciples. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Be my disciples” or “Be with me as my students”

177011:28o49nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπάντες οἱ κοπιῶντες καὶ πεφορτισμένοι, κἀγὼ ἀναπαύσω ὑμᾶς1

Here Jesus could be speaking about: (1) how many experiences and situations make people tired and exhausted. Jesus promises rest from these things. Alternate translation: “all the ones whose lives are full of labor and heavy burdens, and I will give you rest from these things” (2) how the religious leaders interpretation of the law made people tired and exhausted when they tried to obey it. Jesus promises rest and offers a different interpretation of the law. Alternate translation: “all the ones laboring under the law and heavy burdened by it, and I will give you rest from that law”

177111:28t2jjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκοπιῶντες1

Here, the word laboring could describe: (1) people who are tired. Alternate translation: “who are tired” or “who are exhausted” (2) people who are working hard. Alternate translation: “who are working hard”

177211:28oetwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπεφορτισμένοι1

Here Jesus speaks of how people struggle or suffer as if they were burdened by a heavy load. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “suffering” or “being oppressed”

177311:28f1w4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἀναπαύσω ὑμᾶς1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of rest, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “will make you restful” or “cause you to rest”

177411:29vckwrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultἄρατε τὸν ζυγόν μου ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς, καὶ μάθετε ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ, ὅτι πραΰς εἰμι καὶ ταπεινὸς τῇ καρδίᾳ; καὶ εὑρήσετε ἀνάπαυσιν ταῖς ψυχαῖς ὑμῶν1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the last two clauses give the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Therefore, take my yoke on you and learn from me”

177511:29q1yarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphorἄρατε τὸν ζυγόν μου ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς1

Here Jesus speaks of people who obey his commands and teaching as if they were farm animals that accepted a yoke. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Obey me as if you were a farm animal wearing a yoke” or “Obey me”

177611:29t1rhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletπραΰς εἰμι καὶ ταπεινὸς1

The terms gentle and humble mean similar things. Jesus is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “I am very gentle” or “I am very humble”

177711:29i3qsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomπραΰς εἰμι καὶ ταπεινὸς τῇ καρδίᾳ1

The phrase gentle and humble in heart means that Jesus has a gentle and humble attitude. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have a gentle and humble attitude” or “I am gentle and humble”

177811:29o8ccrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorεὑρήσετε ἀνάπαυσιν ταῖς ψυχαῖς ὑμῶν1

Here Jesus speaks as if rest were an object that his audience could find. He means that they will be able to experience rest. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your souls will be able to rest”

177911:29sysprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἀνάπαυσιν ταῖς ψυχαῖς ὑμῶν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of rest, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “that your souls can rest”

178011:29i3lsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheταῖς ψυχαῖς ὑμῶν1

Here, the word souls refers to the people who find rest. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for yourselves”

178111:30o9zzrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a reason why people should take Jesus yoke and find rest (see 11:30). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “You should do that because” or “That is because”

178211:30ynf1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismὁ & ζυγός μου χρηστὸς καὶ τὸ φορτίον μου ἐλαφρόν ἐστιν1

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternatively, you could combine the two clauses. Alternate translation: “my yoke is easy; yes, my burden is light” or “my yoke and burden are easy”

178311:30hlv3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphorὁ & ζυγός μου χρηστὸς καὶ τὸ φορτίον μου ἐλαφρόν ἐστιν1

Here Jesus continues to speak of people who obey his commands and teaching as if they were farm animals that accepted a yoke or carried a burden. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “obeying me is easy. It is as if you were a farm animal wearing an easy yoke. Accepting my teaching is not difficult. It is as if you were a farm animal carrying a light burden” or “Obeying me is easy, and accepting my teaching is not difficult”

178412:introy7z60

Matthew 12 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

  1. Jesus teaches about the gospel of the kingdom of God, and opposition to Jesus begins (11:1-12:50)
    • Arguments with the Pharisees about the Sabbath (12:114)
      • Picking heads of grain on the Sabbath (12:18)
      • Healing a man on the Sabbath (12:914)
    • Jesus fulfills a quotation from Isaiah (12:1521)
    • Argument with the Pharisees about casting out demons (12:2230)
    • Jesus teaches on words and Gods judgment (12:3137)
    • Jesus condemns “this generation” (12:3845)
    • Jesus true family (12:4650)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 12:1821, which is a quotation from Isaiah 42:14.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

The Sabbath

In the law that God gave to Moses, God commanded the Israelites to rest on the seventh day, which was called the Sabbath. The Jewish religious leaders disagreed with each other about what kinds of things a person could do on the Sabbath and still rest as God had commanded. For example, they debated which emergencies were serious enough that someone could do work on the Sabbath without disobeying Gods command. In 12:114, the Pharisees and Jesus engage in these kinds of debates about the Sabbath. Jesus disagrees with how the Pharisees understand the Sabbath, and he argues for a different view. If your readers may not understand what the Sabbath is and why Jesus and the Pharisees are debating about it, you may need to include some information in a footnote. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/sabbath]])

Casting out demons

Demons are evil spiritual beings who can control people and who serve Satan. They usually use the people they control to hurt themselves or others. In 12:22, Matthew briefly describes how Jesus drove out a demon who caused the man it controlled to be blind and mute, that is, unable to see or speak. In response, the crowds wonder whether Jesus is the special “Son of David.” However, the Pharisees accuse Jesus of using the power of Beelzebul, that is, Satan, to cast out demons. Jesus tells them that it does not make sense for Satan, who rules the demons, to empower someone to cast out demons.

“Blasphemy against the Spirit”

In 12:3132, Jesus speaks about “blasphemy of the Spirit” and speaking “against the Holy Spirit.” He indicates that God will forgive all kinds of sins, including speaking against Jesus himself. However, God will not forgive people who speak against the Holy Spirit. Jesus says these things because the Pharisees said that he cast out demons by the power of Beelzebul. Jesus implies that he actually cast out demons by the power of the Holy Spirit. So, since the Pharisees have called the Holy Spirit Beelzebul, they have blasphemed or spoken against the Spirit. Christians debate what counts as this kind of blasphemy and why God will not forgive people for it. In your translation, you should express the idea as generally as Jesus does. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/blasphemy]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/holyspirit]])

The sign of Jonah

In 12:3941, Jesus refers to a story about a prophet named Jonah. God told Jonah to prophesy in the city of Nineveh that God would destroy it. Jonah instead got on a boat to go the opposite direction. God sent a bad storm on the ocean, and to stop the storm Jonah had the sailors throw him into the ocean. God then had a huge fish swallow Jonah. He was inside the fish for three days and three nights, and then the fish spit Jonah out onto the shore. Jonah then did prophesy in the city of Nineveh, and the people there repented and asked God for mercy. In response, God chose not to destroy the city. You can read this story in Jonah 14. When Jesus refers to “the sign of Jonah,” he is speaking about this story, particularly about how Jonah was in the fish for three days and nights. Jesus indicates that he will be in his tomb for three days, just as Jonah was in the fish for three days.

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

The parable about the strong man

In 12:29, Jesus describes how thieves must subdue and tie up a strong man before they can steal things from his house. Jesus does not directly state how to apply this proverb. However, most Christians think that Satan is like the strong man, and the demons that Jesus casts out are like the strong mans things. In this case, Jesus is like the thieves who tie up the strong man. Jesus is saying that, since he can cast out demons, it proves that he has subdued and conquered Satan, just as thieves can only steal things after they have subdued the strong man. You should not include this extra information in your translation, but if it would be helpful for your readers, you could include it in a footnote. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

Demons living in people as if they were houses

In 12:4345, Jesus tells a story that describes people as if they were houses that demons could live in. When a demon is living in someone, this means that the demon is controlling that person. If possible, preserve this metaphor. If it is necessary, you could use simile form or state the meaning more plainly. See the notes on this verse for translation options. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Jesus mother and brothers

In 12:4650, Jesus mother and brothers arrive and want to talk with Jesus. In response, Jesus says that his disciples, those who do Gods will, are his mother and brothers and sisters. In other words, Jesus calls his disciples, who are those who do Gods will, his family members. He means that they are as close and important to him as his own family. This is an important metaphor that appears throughout the Bible, so preserve the metaphor or express the idea in simile form. See the notes on these verses for translation options. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Singular and plural forms of “you”

Most of the forms of “you” in this chapter appear in speeches that Jesus gives to many people around him. Because of this, most forms of “you” in this chapter are plural. You should assume forms of “you” are plural unless a note specifies that the form is singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

The quotation from Isaiah 42:14 in 12:1821

Matthew quotes a long section of Isaiah in this chapter. However, he does not quote every line, specifically leaving out parts of Isaiah 42:4. Also, in many places his quotation does not directly match the Hebrew version of Isaiah. However, since Matthew quotes these verses for a specific reason and in a different language (Greek), you should translate what Matthew wrote, not what you might find in Isaiah 42:14.

178512:1m2n1rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventἐν ἐκείνῳ τῷ καιρῷ1

The phrase At that time introduces a new event that happened some time after the events the story has just related. The story does not say how long after those events this new event happened. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “Soon after that,” or “Then,”

178612:1xte6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτοῖς Σάββασιν1

Here Matthew uses the phrase on the Sabbaths to indicate that this event occurred on one specific Sabbath day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “on one of the Sabbath days” or “during a Sabbath day”

178712:1tvt9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτῶν σπορίμων1

The word grainfields refers to places where grain is grown and harvested. This grain is usually ground and made into bread. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of field, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “fields where grain is grown”

178812:1rgpcrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word but introduces a contrast with how people were expected to behave on the Sabbaths, which included not picking grain or other crops. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces this contrast. Alternate translation: “but, even though it was the Sabbath,” or “and, despite the fact that it was the Sabbath,”

178912:1y5vrrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownστάχυας1

The heads are the topmost part of the grain plant, which is a kind of tall grass. The heads hold the mature grain or seeds of the plant, which are the parts that people eat. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this more explicitly. Alternate translation: “the tops of the grain plants” or “the edible parts of the grain plants”

179012:2dkzerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold is meant to draw the attention of Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the person to listen or pay attention. Alternate translation: “See” or “Pay attention:”

179112:2x6pprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσου1

Here, the word your is singular since the Pharisees are speaking to Jesus.

179212:2swl7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitποιοῦσιν ὃ οὐκ ἔξεστιν ποιεῖν ἐν Σαββάτῳ1

The Pharisees considered even the small action of picking heads of grain to be harvesting, and therefore work. This kind of work was prohibited on the Sabbath. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “are harvesting grain, and that is work that is not lawful to do on the Sabbath”

179312:3-4d712rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐκ ἀνέγνωτε τί ἐποίησεν Δαυεὶδ, ὅτε ἐπείνασεν καὶ οἱ μετ’ αὐτοῦ & πῶς εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὸν οἶκον τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ τοὺς ἄρτους τῆς Προθέσεως ἔφαγεν, ὃ οὐκ ἐξὸν ἦν αὐτῷ φαγεῖν, οὐδὲ τοῖς μετ’ αὐτοῦ, εἰ μὴ τοῖς ἱερεῦσιν μόνοις?1

Jesus is using the question form to show the Pharisees that they should have learned a principle from the story about David that indicates that they are wrong to criticize the disciples. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You have not understood what you have read about what David did when he was hungry, and the ones with him—how he went into the house of God and ate the loaves of the Presence, which was not lawful for him to eat nor for the ones with him, except only for the priests.”

179412:3-4ov8orc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐκ ἀνέγνωτε τί ἐποίησεν Δαυεὶδ, ὅτε ἐπείνασεν καὶ οἱ μετ’ αὐτοῦ & πῶς εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὸν οἶκον τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ τοὺς ἄρτους τῆς Προθέσεως ἔφαγεν, ὃ οὐκ ἐξὸν ἦν αὐτῷ φαγεῖν, οὐδὲ τοῖς μετ’ αὐτοῦ, εἰ μὴ τοῖς ἱερεῦσιν μόνοις?1

Here Jesus refers to a story about David before he became king. The current king, Saul was trying to kill David. So, David ran away to the priest who was serving God at the time. David and the men who ran away with him were very hungry, so they asked the priest for food. The priest gave them the special bread that was laid out in Gods presence every day, and David and his men ate this bread. You can read this story in 1 Samuel 21:16. If it would be helpful in your language, you could include some extra information in your translation or in a footnote. Alternate translation: “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry after he escaped from King Saul, who wanted to kill him? He and the ones with him visited the priest, went into the house of God, and ate the loaves of the Presence, which was not lawful for him to eat nor for the ones with him, except only for the priests.”

179512:4u3yerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸν οἶκον τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Here Jesus uses the phrase the house of God to refer to the tabernacle, the place where Gods presence was. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the tabernacle” or “the sanctuary”

179612:4ue7lrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτοὺς ἄρτους τῆς Προθέσεως1

The phrase the loaves of the Presence refers to loaves of bread that were placed every day on a table in the tabernacle or temple as an offering to God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the loaves that were presented to God” or “the bread that was placed in Gods presence every morning”

179712:4lkx9rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptionsεἰ μὴ τοῖς ἱερεῦσιν μόνοις1

Here Jesus indicates that the only people who were allowed to eat this bread were the priests. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that introduces this kind of exception. Alternate translation: “since only the priests could eat it” or “which was lawful only for the priests to eat”

179812:5f79qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἢ οὐκ ἀνέγνωτε ἐν τῷ νόμῳ, ὅτι τοῖς Σάββασιν οἱ ἱερεῖς ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ τὸ Σάββατον βεβηλοῦσιν, καὶ ἀναίτιοί εἰσιν?1

Jesus is using the question form to show the Pharisees that they should have learned a principle from the laws about priests working on the Sabbath that indicates that they are wrong to criticize the disciples. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Again, you have not understood what you have read in the law about how on the Sabbaths the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, but are innocent.”

179912:5bkjvrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases1

Here, the word Or introduces a second example from the Scriptures that Jesus uses to prove his point. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces another example. Alternate translation: “Similarly,” or “Further,”

180012:5dqe9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ Σάββατον βεβηλοῦσιν1

The priests were said to profane the Sabbath because they had to fulfill their priestly duties on the Sabbath. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “profane the Sabbath by doing priestly work”

180112:5i9ysrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀναίτιοί εἰσιν1

Here Jesus means that, although the priests do work on the Sabbath, the law does not condemn them, since doing priestly work on the Sabbath is an exception to the Sabbath requirements. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “are innocent, since God permits this kind of work on the Sabbaths”

180212:6b6i0rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces a slight contrast with what Jesus has said about how serving in the temple is an exception to keeping the Sabbath. In this verse, Jesus indicates that there is an even greater thing that provides an exception to keeping the Sabbath. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast. Alternate translation: “And yet” or “But now”

180312:6k4mnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoμεῖζόν1

Here, the word something is a very general term. It could refer to the kingdom of God, Jesus himself, the ministry that Jesus begins, what Jesus calls his disciples to do, or many other things. If possible, you should use a general term that could refer to many or all of these things. Alternate translation: “an entity greater than” or “a new thing greater than”

180412:7wjbarc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces a further development of what Jesus has been saying about the Sabbath. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a development, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Now” or “In fact,”

180512:7ypj7rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-contraryεἰ & ἐγνώκειτε τί ἐστιν, ἔλεος θέλω καὶ οὐ θυσίαν, οὐκ ἂν κατεδικάσατε τοὺς ἀναιτίους1

Jesus is making a conditional statement that sounds hypothetical, but he is already convinced that the condition is not true. He has concluded that the Pharisee have not understood this quotation, because they have indeed condemned the innocent. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a condition that the speaker believes is not true. Alternate translation: “since you do not know what this is, I desire mercy and not sacrifice, you have condemned the innocent”

180612:7pp9nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτί ἐστιν1

Here Jesus means that they should learn what the passage he is about to quote means. See how you translated this phrase in 9:13. Alternate translation: “what this means” or “the meaning of this passage”

180712:7e1jurc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsἔλεος θέλω καὶ οὐ θυσίαν1

Here Jesus introduces a quotation from Hosea 6:6, where God is speaking to the Israelites. Jesus has already quoted this verse in 9:13, so translate it exactly as you did there.

180812:7s23lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτοὺς ἀναιτίους1

Jesus is using the adjective innocent as a noun in order to describe his disciples. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are innocent” or “my innocent disciples”

180912:7wc5orc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοὺς ἀναιτίους1

Here Jesus means that his disciples are innocent of breaking the Sabbath laws. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “those who are innocent of breaking the Sabbath” or “those who have not disobeyed Sabbath laws”

181012:8oy77rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγάρ1

Here, the word For introduces the basis for what Jesus has said about the Sabbath in the previous verses. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a basis for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “I can say those things because” or “Here is why I am able to say such things:”

181112:8l7g3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personἐστιν & ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1

Here Jesus speaks about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “I, who am the Son of Man, am”

181212:8o3oprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionΚύριος & ἐστιν τοῦ Σαββάτου1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe a Lord who rules over the Sabbath. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “has authority over the Sabbath” or “rules over the Sabbath”

181312:9oy4mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐκεῖθεν1

Here, the phrase from there refers to the grainfields that Jesus and his disciples were walking through when the Pharisees confronted them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “from those fields” or “from that place”

181412:9y4merc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsτὴν συναγωγὴν αὐτῶν1

The pronoun their refers to the Jewish people living in this region. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to these people more directly. Alternate translation: “the Jewish synagogue” or “the synagogue in that area”

181512:10h5q8rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participantsἰδοὺ, ἄνθρωπος χεῖρα ἔχων ξηράν1

Matthew is using the phrase behold, a man to introduce this man with a withered hand as a new participant in the story. If your language has its own way of introducing new participants, you could use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “a certain man was in the synagogue, and he had a withered hand”

181612:10xb13rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownχεῖρα ἔχων ξηράν1

This means that the mans hand was damaged in such a way that he could not stretch it out. It was probably bent almost into a fist, making it look smaller. Use a word or phrase that expresses this idea clearly. Alternate translation: “having a shriveled hand” or “whose hand was atrophied”

181712:10s9btrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsἐπηρώτησαν αὐτὸν λέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “they questioned him”

181812:10dn3qrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἐπηρώτησαν & κατηγορήσωσιν1

The pronoun they in both cases could refer to: (1) the Pharisees, the ones who had asked about the disciples picking grain on the Sabbath. Alternate translation: “these Pharisees questioned … they might accuse” (2) some people who were in the synagogue. Alternate translation: “some people there questioned … they might accuse”

181912:10c1ccrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτὸν & αὐτοῦ1

The pronoun him in both places refers to Jesus. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “Jesus … Jesus”

182012:10nabgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsλέγοντες, εἰ ἔξεστι τοῖς Σάββασιν θεραπεύειν? ἵνα1

It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “asking whether it was lawful to heal on the Sabbaths, in order that”

182112:10x6ckrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalἵνα1

Here, the phrase so that introduces the purpose for which the Pharisees ask this question. They intend to accuse Jesus based on how he answers the question. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of purpose. Alternate translation: “so that, when he answered,” or “They asked this question so that”

182212:10odozrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκατηγορήσωσιν αὐτοῦ1

Here Matthew implies that they would accuse Jesus of breaking the Sabbath commandments. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “they could accuse him of wrongdoing” or “they could accuse him of breaking the law of Moses”

182312:11ng4jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτίς ἔσται ἐξ ὑμῶν ἄνθρωπος, ὃς ἕξει πρόβατον ἕν, καὶ ἐὰν ἐμπέσῃ τοῦτο τοῖς Σάββασιν εἰς βόθυνον, οὐχὶ κρατήσει αὐτὸ καὶ ἐγερεῖ?1

Jesus uses a question to respond to the Pharisees. He is challenging them to think about what kind of work they do on the Sabbath. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Every man among you, if he has one sheep that falls into a pit on the Sabbaths, will definitely grasp hold of it and lift it out.” or “There is no man among you who, having one sheep that falls into a pit on the sabbaths, will not grasp hold of it and lift it out!”

182412:11adjnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoτίς ἔσται ἐξ ὑμῶν ἄνθρωπος, ὃς ἕξει πρόβατον ἕν, καὶ ἐὰν ἐμπέσῃ τοῦτο τοῖς Σάββασιν εἰς βόθυνον, οὐχὶ κρατήσει αὐτὸ καὶ ἐγερεῖ1

Here Jesus uses an imaginary situation to help explain when it is appropriate to work on the Sabbaths. Use a natural method in your language for introducing an imaginary situation. Alternate translation: “What would one of you do if you had one sheep, and it fell into a pit on the Sabbaths? You would grasp hold of it and lift it out, wouldnt you”

182512:11maysrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπρόβατον ἕν1

Here, the phrase one sheep could imply that: (1) the person only owns one sheep. Alternate translation: “only one sheep” (2) the person owns more than one sheep, but only this one falls into a pit. Alternate translation: “a sheep”

182612:11yzvnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἄνθρωπος1

Although the term man is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “person”

182712:11kdjbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτοῖς Σάββασιν1

Here Jesus uses the phrase on the Sabbaths to indicate that this event would occur on a Sabbath day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “on one of the Sabbath days” or “during a Sabbath day”

182812:11zie4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐχὶ κρατήσει αὐτὸ καὶ ἐγερεῖ1

Here Jesus implies that these actions are considered work, which would normally break the Sabbath commandments. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this idea more explicitly. Alternate translation: “will not work on the Sabbath by grasping hold of it and lifting it out”

182912:12s2turc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionπόσῳ οὖν διαφέρει ἄνθρωπος προβάτου?1

Jesus is using the question form to show that a man is more valuable than a sheep and should be treated accordingly. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “A man, then, is more valuable than a sheep.” or “A man, then, is much more valuable than a sheep!”

183012:12zno4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπόσῳ οὖν διαφέρει ἄνθρωπος προβάτου?1

Here Jesus implies that, since even on Sabbath days people help sheep that are less valuable, they should also help people, who are more valuable, even on Sabbath days. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “How much more valuable, then, is a man than a sheep? So, even on the Sabbaths, you should assist other people more than you assist sheep.”

183112:12ot8zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureπόσῳ οὖν διαφέρει ἄνθρωπος1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could move the transition word then to the beginning of the question. Alternate translation: “Then how much more valuable is a man than”

183212:12no9drc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1

Here, the word then introduces an inference based on what Jesus said about the sheep in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an inference. Alternate translation: “given what I have said about sheep” or “in light of that”

183312:12modrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἄνθρωπος1

Although the term man is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “is a person”

183412:12b1circ://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultὥστε ἔξεστιν1

Here, the word Therefore introduces an inference based on what Jesus has said about sheep and people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces an inference. Alternate translation: “Because of those things, you can see that it is lawful” or “Since that is true, you can tell that it is lawful”

183512:12efleκαλῶς ποιεῖν1

Alternate translation: “to help people”

183612:13valqrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “he said”

183712:13be8urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeἔκτεινόν σου τὴν χεῖρα.1

This was not a command that the man was capable of obeying. Instead, this was a command that directly caused the man to be healed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea more explicitly. Alternate translation: “I heal you. Now stretch out your hand!”

183812:13n1wjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularἔκτεινόν σου τὴν χεῖρα1

Here, the command and the word your are singular since Jesus is speaking to the man with the withered hand.

183912:13jry3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀπεκατεστάθη, ὑγιὴς1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was Jesus. Alternate translation: “it became healthy” or “Jesus restored it to health”

184012:13twyjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἀπεκατεστάθη, ὑγιὴς1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of health, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “it was made healthy”

184112:13ybhkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjἡ ἄλλη1

Matthew is using the adjective other as a noun to mean the mans other hand. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the other hand”

184212:14zbknrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “After that,”

184312:14l88irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomσυμβούλιον ἔλαβον κατ’ αὐτοῦ1

Here, the phrase took counsel against him indicates that the Pharisees were working together to figure out ways to harm Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “made plans concerning Jesus” or “came up with ideas about how they could harm Jesus”

184412:15hnffrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

184512:15mh7prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitγνοὺς1

Here Matthew implies that Jesus perceived that the Pharisees were planning to kill him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this idea more explicitly. Alternate translation: “having perceived that they were taking counsel against him”

184612:15qugqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐκεῖθεν1

Here, the word there refers to the area where Jesus had been when he healed the man with the withered hand. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express that idea more explicitly. Alternate translation: “from that region” or “from where he had healed the man”

184712:15gbqrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjπολλοί1

Matthew is using the adjective many as a noun to mean many people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “many others”

184812:15lbo1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitαὐτοὺς πάντας1

Here Matthew implies that Jesus healed all the people who were sick. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “all of them who had diseases”

184912:16sqxjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsαὐτοῖς ἵνα μὴ φανερὸν αὐτὸν ποιήσωσιν1

It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “them, Do not make me known,’”

185012:16hrvzrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοῖς ἵνα μὴ & ποιήσωσιν1

The pronoun them could refer to: (1) all the people who were following Jesus. Alternate translation: “all of them that they might not make” (2) just the people whom he healed. Alternate translation: “those he had healed that they might not make”

185112:16ckgxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμὴ φανερὸν αὐτὸν ποιήσωσιν1

Here, the phrase make him known refers to telling many people about him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “they might not talk about him with many other people” or “they might not speak about him with everyone”

185212:17mcd70

This verse is identical to 4:14, so express the idea as you did there.

185312:18-21vyt3rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations0

In these verses, Matthew quotes parts of Isaiah 42:14. He leaves out parts of Isaiah 42:4, and in many places his quotation does not match the Hebrew version of Isaiah. So, translate what Matthew writes, not what you might read in Isaiah 42:14.

185412:18lrj1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ, ὁ παῖς μου1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “Look, my servant” or “Think about my servant”

185512:18zkt7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὁ ἀγαπητός μου1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the one whom I love”

185612:18rgsyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveεἰς ὃν εὐδόκησεν ἡ ψυχή μου1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “who pleases my soul”

185712:18s6a4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheεὐδόκησεν ἡ ψυχή μου1

God is using my soul to represent himself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I myself am well pleased”

185812:18dmaprc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseεὐδόκησεν1

Here the past tense indicates that God was well pleased with the servant and continues to be well pleased. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use whatever tense makes this clear. Alternate translation: “is well pleased” or “has been well pleased”

185912:18go3hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorθήσω τὸ Πνεῦμά μου ἐπ’ αὐτόν1

Here God speaks as if the Spirit were an object that he will put on the servant. He means that he will give the Spirit to the servant so that the servant can act with power. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will give him my Spirit” or “I will enable him to act by the power of my Spirit”

186012:18qmlmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ Πνεῦμά μου1

Here, the phrase my Spirit refers to the Holy Spirit. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “my Holy Spirit”

186112:18uvynrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκρίσιν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν1

Here, the word justice could indicate that: (1) God does what is just. Alternate translation: “to the Gentiles that God is just” or “to the Gentiles that God does what is just” (2) God will judge justly. Alternate translation: “just judgment to the Gentiles” or “to the Gentiles that God will judge”

186212:18jh8prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsκρίσιν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of justice, you could express the same idea in another way. Make sure that your translation fits with the interpretation of justice that you chose in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “to the Gentiles that God will act justly”

186312:18oyeqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοῖς ἔθνεσιν1

Here, the words translated to the Gentiles could refer to: (1) people who are not Jewish. Alternate translation: “to Gentile people” (2) all people, including Jewish people. Alternate translation: “to the nations” or “to all peoples”

186412:19gj1prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὴν φωνὴν αὐτοῦ1

Here, his voice represents him speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “him talking”

186512:19jr87rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν ταῖς πλατείαις1

In Jesus culture, the streets were public, noisy places. The author of the quotation uses the phrase the streets as an example of any public, noisy place. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to a similar place in your culture. Alternate translation: “in the public square” or “in noisy places where there are many people”

186612:20kbu9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismκάλαμον συντετριμμένον οὐ κατεάξει, καὶ λίνον τυφόμενον οὐ σβέσει1

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “He will not break a bruised reed; yes, he will not quench a smoking flax”

186712:20cdk2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκάλαμον συντετριμμένον οὐ κατεάξει1

Here the author of the quotation speaks of weak or suffering people as if they were a bruised or damaged reed. He means that Jesus will not ignore or hurt these people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or use plain language. Alternate translation: “He will not hurt suffering people, which would be like breaking a bruised reed” or “He will not hurt suffering people”

186812:20p3f4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorλίνον τυφόμενον οὐ σβέσει1

Here the author of the quotation speaks of weak or suffering people as if they were a smoking flax. He means that Jesus will not ignore or hurt these people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or use plain language. Alternate translation: “He will not ignore injured people, which would be like quenching a smoking flax” or “He will not ignore injured people”

186912:20y8mnrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownλίνον τυφόμενον1

A flax is a piece of cloth or thread made out of parts of the flax plant. People in the authors culture would use these pieces of cloth or thread as lamp wicks. If the flax was smoking, it was not burning properly and would normally be thrown away and replaced. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of cloth and its use, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “a smoldering wick” or “a lamp that is barely burning”

187012:20sqy4rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequentialἕως1

Here, the word until indicates that the servant will continue to act as this verse describes up to the time when the goal of justice is accomplished. It does not mean that the servant will start acting differently at that time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that indicates a duration of time up to a point in the future. Alternate translation: “up to the time when”

187112:20iyttrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐκβάλῃ & τὴν κρίσιν1

Here, the phrase casts out indicates that the servant is producing justice or causing justice to happen. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he produces justice” or “he causes justice to happen”

187212:20gqb2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomεἰς νῖκος1

Here, the phrase to victory could mean that justice: (1) is accomplished successfully. Alternate translation: “successfully” or “completely” (2) lasts forever. Alternate translation: “forever”

187312:20b6twrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐκβάλῃ εἰς νῖκος τὴν κρίσιν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the ideas of justice or victory, you could express the same ideas in another way. Make sure that your translation fits with the choices you made in the previous two notes. Alternate translation: “he successfully accomplishes what is just” or “he makes everything just forever”

187412:21voi4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ ἔθνη ἐλπιοῦσιν1

Here the author of the quotation implies that the Gentiles will hope for the servant to help or save them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Gentiles will hope in his name, that he will help them” or “Gentiles will hope in his name, that he will save them”

187512:21w3rqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ1

Here, name represents the person who has that name. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in my servant”

187612:21qf3jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔθνη1

Here, just as in 12:18, the words translated the Gentiles could refer to: (1) people who are not Jewish. Alternate translation: “Gentile people” (2) all people, including Jewish people. Alternate translation: “the nations” or “all peoples”

187712:22nba2rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventτότε1

The word Then introduces a new event that happened some time after the events the story has just related. The story does not say how long after those events this new event happened. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “Some time later,”

187812:22vilgrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participantsπροσηνέχθη αὐτῷ δαιμονιζόμενος, τυφλὸς καὶ κωφός1

Matthew is using the phrase one being demon-possessed to introduce this man as a new participant in the story. If your language has its own way of introducing new participants, you could use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “a person was brought to Jesus. He was demon-possessed, blind, and mute”

187912:22f54drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπροσηνέχθη αὐτῷ δαιμονιζόμενος, τυφλὸς καὶ κωφός1

Here Matthew implies that the demon made the man blind and mute. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “one being possessed by a demon that made him blind and mute was brought to Jesus”

188012:22e1g4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπροσηνέχθη αὐτῷ δαιμονιζόμενος1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “they brought to him one being demon-possessed”

188112:22osqrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveδαιμονιζόμενος1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “one whom a demon had possessed”

188212:22k2vtrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτυφλὸς καὶ κωφός1

A mute person is a person who cannot speak, and a blind person is a person who cannot see. If your readers would not be familiar with these types of disorders or illnesses, you could use the names of similar things in your area or you could use more general terms. Alternate translation: “who was unable to talk or see things”

188312:22fpxprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐθεράπευσεν αὐτόν1

Here Matthew implies that Jesus healed the man in every way, which would include casting out the demon. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he cast out the demon and healed him”

188412:22aewkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸν κωφὸν1

Here Matthew uses the phrase the mute one to indicate that the man had been mute, and also blind, before Jesus healed him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could indicate that this phrase describes what the man was like before Jesus healed him, or you could refer back to the man in a different way. Alternate translation: “the man who had been mute and blind” or “he”

188512:23m743rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐξίσταντο1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “were marveling”

188612:23r065rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionμήτι οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ υἱὸς Δαυείδ1

The crowds are using the question form to suggest that Jesus might be the Son of David. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “This might be the Son of David.” or “Maybe this is the Son of David!”

188712:23h8kfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ υἱὸς Δαυείδ1

Here, the word Son means a male descendant. It does not mean that Jesus was the direct son of David. Express the idea as you did in 9:27. Alternate translation: “the Descendant of David” or “you who are descended from David”

188812:23ink7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownὁ υἱὸς Δαυείδ1

David was Israels most important king, and God had promised him that one of his descendants would be the Messiah. So the title Son of David could implicitly mean “Messiah.” Express the idea as you did in 9:27. Alternate translation: “the Son of David, the Messiah”

188912:24jibkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀκούσαντες1

Here Matthew implies that Pharisees heard what the crowds were asking about Jesus (see 12:23). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having heard what the crowds were asking”

189012:24p1mirc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptionsοὗτος οὐκ ἐκβάλλει τὰ δαιμόνια, εἰ μὴ ἐν τῷ Βεελζεβοὺλ1

If, in your language, it would appear that the Pharisees were making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “He is only able to cast out demons by Beelzebul”

189112:24r1lsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐν τῷ Βεελζεβοὺλ1

These people are using the name of this chief demon to refer by association to his power, which they are accusing Jesus of using. Alternate translation: “by the power of Beelzebul”

189212:25plnmrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

189312:25i1sdrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbsπᾶσα βασιλεία μερισθεῖσα καθ’ ἑαυτῆς ἐρημοῦται, καὶ πᾶσα πόλις ἢ οἰκία μερισθεῖσα καθ’ ἑαυτῆς οὐ σταθήσεται1

Here, Jesus uses or invents two proverbs in order to teach the Pharisees that his power cannot come from the same source as the demons power. Translate these proverbs in such a way that they will be recognized as proverbs and be meaningful in your language and culture. Alternate translation: “If a kingdom is divided against itself, it will be made desolate. Similarly, if a city or a house is divided against itself, it will not stand”

189412:25ll42rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismπᾶσα βασιλεία μερισθεῖσα καθ’ ἑαυτῆς ἐρημοῦται, καὶ πᾶσα πόλις ἢ οἰκία μερισθεῖσα καθ’ ἑαυτῆς οὐ σταθήσεται1

These two sentences mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the sentences with a word other than and in order to show that the second sentence is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “Every kingdom divided against itself is made desolate; indeed, every city or house divided against itself will not stand”

189512:25g9ecrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyπᾶσα βασιλεία μερισθεῖσα καθ’ ἑαυτῆς ἐρημοῦται, καὶ πᾶσα πόλις ἢ οἰκία μερισθεῖσα καθ’ ἑαυτῆς οὐ σταθήσεται1

Here, the words kingdom, city, and house represent the people who live in those places. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use equivalent expressions from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “People in one kingdom who are divided against each other will be made desolate, and people in one city or house who are divided against each other will not stand”

189612:25rvzhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveμερισθεῖσα καθ’ ἑαυτῆς-1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that attacks itself … that attacks itself”

189712:25yoavrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐρημοῦται-1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “ruins itself” or “destroys itself”

189812:25za8grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοὐ σταθήσεται1

Here, the phrase will not stand means that the city or house will not exist much longer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will fall” or “will no longer exist”

189912:26yixzrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-contraryεἰ ὁ Σατανᾶς τὸν Σατανᾶν ἐκβάλλει, ἐφ’ ἑαυτὸν ἐμερίσθη1

Jesus is making a conditional statement that sounds hypothetical, but he is already convinced that the condition is not true. He has concluded that Satan is not divided against himself, because Satan has not been divided against himself. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a condition that the speaker believes is not true. Alternate translation: “were Satan to cast out Satan, he would have been divided against himself”

190012:26i42rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὁ Σατανᾶς τὸν Σατανᾶν ἐκβάλλει1

In both places, Satan represents people who act by the power of Satan. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Satans followers cast out Satans followers” or “those who act by Satans power cast out others who also act by Satans power”

190112:26siu2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐφ’ ἑαυτὸν ἐμερίσθη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he has attacked himself”

190212:26ah7trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionπῶς οὖν σταθήσεται ἡ βασιλεία αὐτοῦ1

Jesus is using the question form to show that Satans kingdom will not stand if he is divided against himself. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “His kingdom, then, will not stand.” or “His kingdom will certainly not stand!”

190312:26ce2irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorσταθήσεται ἡ βασιλεία αὐτοῦ1

Here, the word stand means that the kingdom would exist for a long time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will his kingdom continue to exist” or “will his kingdom remain”

190412:27ntcvrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-contraryεἰ ἐγὼ ἐν Βεελζεβοὺλ ἐκβάλλω τὰ δαιμόνια, οἱ υἱοὶ ὑμῶν ἐν τίνι ἐκβάλλουσιν1

Jesus is making a conditional statement that sounds hypothetical, but he is already convinced that the condition is not true. He knows that he does not cast out demons by Beelzebul, but he wants to show what would also be true if he did cast out demons by Beelzebul. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a condition that the speaker believes is not true. Alternate translation: “were I to be casting out the demons by Beelzebul, by whom would your sons be casting them out”

190512:27f00arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἰ ἐγὼ ἐν Βεελζεβοὺλ ἐκβάλλω τὰ δαιμόνια, οἱ υἱοὶ ὑμῶν ἐν τίνι ἐκβάλλουσιν1

The implication is that the people challenging Jesus would not say that their own followers were using the power of Beelzebul, and so they should agree that he is not using that power himself. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “if I cast out the demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Since you do not believe that they cast out demons by Beelzebul, it must not be true about me, either.”

190612:27gee9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοἱ υἱοὶ ὑμῶν ἐν τίνι ἐκβάλλουσιν?1

Jesus is using the question form to show that the sons of the Pharisees must use the same power that he uses. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “your sons cast them out by that same power” or “then your sons also cast them out by Beelzebul”

190712:27x9jerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοἱ υἱοὶ ὑμῶν1

Here, Jesus is speaking of the disciples of the Pharisees as if they were their sons. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your disciples” or “your followers”

190812:27scn6rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultδιὰ τοῦτο1

Here, Jesus implies that the Pharisees would not say that their sons cast out demons by Beelzebul, and the phrase Because of this introduces a result based on this implied answer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the reason for this result more explicit. Alternate translation: “Because you would not say that they cast out demons by Beelzebul,” or “Since you would not answer that they do it by Beelzebul,”

190912:27jja2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorαὐτοὶ κριταὶ ἔσονται ὑμῶν1

Here Jesus speaks of the sons of the Pharisees as if they were the Pharisees judges. He means that what the sons do proves that the Pharisees are wrong about what they have said about Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what they do proves that you are wrong” or “when they cast out demons, it shows that you have spoken falsely”

191012:28j0yvrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces a contrast with what the Pharisees have said about how Jesus casts out demons. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast. Alternate translation: “On the other hand,” or “In contrast,”

191112:28zb4drc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-factεἰ & ἐν Πνεύματι Θεοῦ ἐγὼ ἐκβάλλω τὰ δαιμόνια, ἄρα ἔφθασεν ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Jesus speaks as if this were a hypothetical situation, but he means that it must be true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might think that what Jesus is saying is uncertain, then you could translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “since I cast out the demons by the Spirit of God, the kingdom of God has come upon you”

191212:28r5dgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἔφθασεν ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Here Jesus speaks as if the kingdom of God had come upon the Pharisees. He means that God is making where they and Jesus are into part of his kingdom. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God is ruling among you” or “this region has become part of Gods kingdom”

191312:29illerc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases1

Here, Jesus uses the word Or to introduce another explanation of the same point that he has been making. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces an alternate explanation, or you could leave Or untranslated. Alternate translation: “In other words,” or “Think about it this way:”

191412:29t4vurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parablesἢ πῶς δύναταί τις1

To help the Pharisees understand what he has been saying, Jesus offers a brief illustration. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. For an explanation of this parable, see the chapter introduction. Alternate translation: “Here is an illustration of what I mean: how is anyone able”

191512:29w54crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἢ πῶς δύναταί τις εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν τοῦ ἰσχυροῦ καὶ τὰ σκεύη αὐτοῦ ἁρπάσαι, ἐὰν μὴ πρῶτον δήσῃ τὸν ἰσχυρόν?1

Jesus is using the question form to show that a strong man must be tied up before someone can steal his possessions. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “No one is able to enter into the house of the strong man and steal his possessions if he has not first tied up the strong man.” or “It is impossible for anyone to enter into the house of the strong man and steal his possessions if he has not first bound the strong man!”

191612:29zluorc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptionsπῶς δύναταί τις εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν τοῦ ἰσχυροῦ καὶ τὰ σκεύη αὐτοῦ ἁρπάσαι, ἐὰν μὴ πρῶτον δήσῃ τὸν ἰσχυρόν1

If, in your language, it would appear that Jesus was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “how, unless he has first bound the strong man, is anyone able to enter into the house of that strong man and steal his belongings”

191712:29b2etrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounμὴ πρῶτον δήσῃ & διαρπάσει1

Although the term he in both these places is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “that person has not first bound … that person will plunder”

191812:29tsrkrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοῦ διαρπάσει1

Here, the word he refers to the person who is stealing. The word his refers to the strong man. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to these people more directly. Alternate translation: “the thief will plunder the strong mans”

191912:30lvjfὁ μὴ ὢν μετ’ ἐμοῦ κατ’ ἐμοῦ ἐστιν; καὶ ὁ μὴ συνάγων μετ’ ἐμοῦ σκορπίζει1

Jesus is not referring to a specific individual. Rather, he is making a general statement that applies to any person or group of people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that refers to any person. Alternate translation: “Anyone who is not with me is against me, and anyone who does not gather with me scatters” or “Those who are not with me are against me, and those who do not gather with me scatter”

192012:30ivp9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomὁ μὴ ὢν μετ’ ἐμοῦ1

Here, the phrase with me describes people who support or are friendly to Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The one not being my friend” or “The one not helping me”

192112:30ek1hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ μὴ συνάγων μετ’ ἐμοῦ σκορπίζει1

Here Jesus implies that people are either gathering other people to him as disciples or scattering other people away from Jesus. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the one not gathering people to be with me scatters people away from me”

192212:31sqo5rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultδιὰ τοῦτο1

Here, the phrase For this reason introduces a conclusion based on what Jesus has said in 12:2530. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces a conclusion. Alternate translation: “Because of all that” or “Therefore”

192312:31x5ddλέγω ὑμῖν, πᾶσα ἁμαρτία1

Jesus uses the clause I say to you to emphasize what he is about to tell his audience. Use a natural form in your language for emphasizing the truth and importance of a statement. Alternate translation: “I want you to know that every sin”

192412:31t280rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptionsπᾶσα ἁμαρτία καὶ βλασφημία ἀφεθήσεται τοῖς ἀνθρώποις; ἡ δὲ τοῦ Πνεύματος, βλασφημία οὐκ ἀφεθήσεται1

If, in your language, it would appear that Jesus was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “the only sin or blasphemy that will not be forgiven men is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit” or “most sins and blasphemies will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy of the Spirit will not be forgiven”

192512:31hy38rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπᾶσα ἁμαρτία καὶ βλασφημία ἀφεθήσεται τοῖς ἀνθρώποις; ἡ δὲ τοῦ Πνεύματος, βλασφημία οὐκ ἀφεθήσεται1

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the actions, it is clear from the context that it is God. Alternate translation: “God will forgive men for every sin and blasphemy, but God will not forgive the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit”

192612:31fzaorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπᾶσα ἁμαρτία καὶ βλασφημία ἀφεθήσεται τοῖς ἀνθρώποις1

Here Jesus is indicating that God forgives all kinds of sin and blasphemy, not that God will forgive every single sin or blasphemy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven men” or “all kinds of sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men”

192712:31kqx0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsπᾶσα ἁμαρτία καὶ βλασφημία1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of sin and blasphemy, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “all sinful and blasphemous things” or “whenever anyone sins or blasphemes, it”

192812:31igxnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτοῖς ἀνθρώποις1

Although the term men is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “men and women”

192912:31ezx8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionἡ & τοῦ Πνεύματος, βλασφημία1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe blasphemy that is spoken against the Spirit. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the blasphemy against the Spirit” or “the blasphemy spoken against the Spirit”

193012:31ho0drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἡ & τοῦ Πνεύματος, βλασφημία1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of blasphemy, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “whenever anyone blasphemes against the Spirit, it”

193112:32gwx2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyεἴπῃ λόγον1

Matthew is using the term word to mean something spoken in words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “says anything”

193212:32h79zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personτοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1

Here Jesus speaks about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “the Son of Man, that is, me”

193312:32z3marc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀφεθήσεται αὐτῷ & οὐκ ἀφεθήσεται αὐτῷ1

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the actions, it is clear from the context that it is God. Alternate translation: “God will forgive him … God will not forgive him”

193412:32vnr8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsαὐτῷ-1

Although the terms him and him are masculine, Jesus is using the words in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use phrases that make this clear. Alternate translation: “that person … that person”

193512:32lw5jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν τούτῳ τῷ αἰῶνι οὔτε ἐν τῷ μέλλοντι1

Here, the phrase this age refers to the time before God judges everyone and renews the world, and the phrase the one coming refers to the time after God judges everyone and renews the world. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use comparable phrases or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in this life, nor in the life to come” or “before God judges everyone, nor after God judges everyone” or “now nor ever”

193612:33bi8zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphorἢ ποιήσατε τὸ δένδρον καλὸν καὶ τὸν καρπὸν αὐτοῦ καλόν, ἢ ποιήσατε τὸ δένδρον σαπρὸν καὶ τὸν καρπὸν αὐτοῦ σαπρόν; ἐκ γὰρ τοῦ καρποῦ, τὸ δένδρον γινώσκεται1

Here Jesus speaks of people as if they were trees that produced fruit. It makes sense to say that a tree and its fruit together are either good or rotten. It does not make sense to say that a tree is good and its fruit rotten or that a tree is rotten and its fruit good. That is because trees are known by their fruits. Similarly, people who follow God do what is right, and people who do not follow God do what is wrong. It does not make sense to say that someone who does what is right is not following God or that someone who does what is wrong is following God. Most likely, Jesus wishes to apply this figure of speech both to himself (a good tree) and to the Pharisees (bad trees). If possible, preserve the figure of speech or use simile form. Alternate translation: “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree rotten and its fruit rotten. Similarly, either call people good and their deeds good, or call people bad and their deeds bad. For, just as a tree is known by its fruit, so people are known by their deeds”

193712:33rs37rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἢ ποιήσατε τὸ δένδρον καλὸν καὶ τὸν καρπὸν αὐτοῦ καλόν, ἢ ποιήσατε τὸ δένδρον σαπρὸν καὶ τὸν καρπὸν αὐτοῦ σαπρόν1

Here Jesus could be indicating that: (1) people should make consistent judgments or evaluations of both a tree and its fruit. Alternate translation: “Either consider both the tree and its fruit good, or consider both the tree and its fruit bad” (2) people can make a tree either good or rotten by how they care for that tree. Then, the tree will make fruit that fits with how people cared for that tree. Alternate translation: “Either make the tree good, and it will make its fruit good, or make the tree rotten, and it will make its fruit rotten” or “Either make the tree good, and its fruit will be good, or make the tree rotten, and its fruit will be rotten” (3) a tree produces fruit that fits with what kind of tree it is. Alternate translation: “Either a tree is good and produces good fruit, or a tree is rotten and produces rotten fruit”

193812:33kl16rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounτὸ δένδρον-1

The word tree represents trees in general, not one particular tree. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “any tree … any tree … every tree”

193912:33ot3src://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ-1

Here, the word For introduces a reason why a tree and its fruit must either be good or rotten. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “since” or “which I command because”

194012:33nx9nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐκ & τοῦ καρποῦ, τὸ δένδρον γινώσκεται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “people know the tree by its fruit”

194112:34r1uvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorγεννήματα ἐχιδνῶν & ὄντες1

Translate this metaphor as you did in 3:7. Alternate translation: “You are like poisonous creatures! Being” or “You wicked people! Being”

194212:34o2xprc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultπονηροὶ ὄντες1

Here, the phrase being evil gives the reason why Jesus implies that the Pharisees cannot say good things. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “since you are evil”

194312:34e7x3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionπῶς δύνασθε ἀγαθὰ λαλεῖν1

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke the Pharisees for failing to speak good things. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “you are certainly not able to say good things” or “you are never able to say good things!”

194412:34kywrrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a reason why evil people cannot say good things. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “That is because” or “The reason you are not able to say good things is that”

194512:34hgkurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐκ & τοῦ περισσεύματος τῆς καρδίας, τὸ στόμα λαλεῖ1

Here Jesus speaks as if the heart were a container that could be full of an abundance of thoughts or desires. When the heart is full, it overflows out through the mouth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “whatever fills the heart comes out of the mouth” or “whatever is in the heart is what the mouth speaks”

194612:34mbh4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounτῆς καρδίας, τὸ στόμα λαλεῖ1

The words heart and mouth represents peoples hearts and mouths in general, not one particular persons heart and mouth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “of their hearts peoples mouths speak”

194712:34e9bgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτῆς καρδίας1

In Matthews culture, the heart is the place where humans think and feel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate heart by referring to the place where humans think and feel in your culture or by stating the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of the thoughts” or “of the desires”

194812:34i7c6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheτὸ στόμα λαλεῖ1

Here, the word mouth represents the person as a whole, in the act of speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the person speaks”

194912:35r3uwrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbsὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος ἐκ τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ θησαυροῦ ἐκβάλλει ἀγαθά; καὶ ὁ πονηρὸς ἄνθρωπος ἐκ τοῦ πονηροῦ θησαυροῦ ἐκβάλλει πονηρά1

Here, Jesus uses or invents a proverb in order to teach that people say and do whatever they value and think about. Translate this proverb in a way that will be recognized as a proverb and be meaningful in your language and culture. Alternate translation: “A good man brings forth good things from his good treasure. Similarly, an evil man brings forth evil things from his evil treasure”

195012:35l00mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος ἐκ τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ θησαυροῦ & ὁ πονηρὸς ἄνθρωπος ἐκ τοῦ πονηροῦ θησαυροῦ1

Although the terms man and his are masculine, Jesus is using the words in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use phrases that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “The good person from his or her good treasure … the evil person from his or her evil treasure”

195112:35utjarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος & ὁ πονηρὸς ἄνθρωπος1

The phrases The good man and the evil man represents good and evil men in general, not two particular men. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Every good man … every evil man”

195212:35kjwbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐκ τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ θησαυροῦ ἐκβάλλει ἀγαθά & ἐκ τοῦ πονηροῦ θησαυροῦ ἐκβάλλει πονηρά1

Jesus is speaking of the thoughts and desires of people as if they were their treasure that they bring forth when they act and especially when they speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from the good things that he values produces good things … from the evil things that he values produces evil things” or “from his good thoughts speaks good things … from his evil thoughts speaks evil things”

195312:35cgaqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτοῦ ἀγαθοῦ θησαυροῦ & τοῦ πονηροῦ θησαυροῦ1

Here, the word treasure could refer to: (1) a place where treasures are kept or stored. Alternate translation: “his good treasury … his evil treasury” or “his storehouse of good things … his storehouse of evil things” (2) the treasures that the person has. Alternate translation: “his good treasures … his evil treasures”

195412:36bpbnrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces a development in what Jesus is saying. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a development, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Now”

195512:36bre6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπᾶν ῥῆμα ἀργὸν1

Here, the word careless could indicate that the word is: (1) unproductive or useless. In other words, the word does not accomplish anything. Alternate translation: “every unproductive word” or “every word with no value” (2) hurtful to others, even if the person who said it did not intend it to be hurtful. Alternate translation: “every hurtful word” or “every damaging word”

195612:36t2pjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsοἱ ἄνθρωποι1

Although the term men is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “men and women”

195712:36vhoyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἀποδώσουσιν περὶ αὐτοῦ λόγον1

Here, to give an account refers to giving reasons and explanations for something that one has done. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they will have to give reasons for it” or “they will have to explain it”

195812:36ay18rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionἐν ἡμέρᾳ κρίσεως1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe a day on which judgment will happen. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “on the day when God judges everyone”

195912:36ir83rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsκρίσεως1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “when people are judged”

196012:37humhrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a further explanation of what Jesus said in the previous verse about the day of judgment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a further explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “Indeed,”

196112:37a67drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismἐκ & τῶν λόγων σου δικαιωθήσῃ, καὶ ἐκ τῶν λόγων σου καταδικασθήσῃ1

These two clauses use the same form to give two options. The second provides a contrasting alternative to the first. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine parts of the two clauses together to form a natural contrast in your language. Alternate translation: “by your words you will be justified or condemned” or “by your words either you will be justified or you will be condemned”

196212:37c8sfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdτῶν λόγων σου δικαιωθήσῃ & τῶν λόγων σου καταδικασθήσῃ1

Even though Jesus is speaking to many people, he is addressing an individual situation, so your and you are singular throughout this verse. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who was speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural forms of you and your in your translation.

196312:37qw5erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveδικαιωθήσῃ & καταδικασθήσῃ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, it is clear from the context that it is God. Alternate translation: “God will justify you … God will condemn you”

196412:38y3njrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”

196512:38ikg2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπὸ σοῦ σημεῖον ἰδεῖν1

The implication is that the people who were challenging Jesus wanted him to do a miracle to prove that his authority came from God. Alternate translation: “to see you do a sign that shows that your authority is from God”

196612:38jpx8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσοῦ1

Here, the word you is singular since the scribes and Pharisees are speaking to Jesus.

196712:39d8b9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personγενεὰ πονηρὰ καὶ μοιχαλὶς σημεῖον ἐπιζητεῖ, καὶ σημεῖον οὐ δοθήσεται αὐτῇ1

Jesus is speaking about his audience in the third person instead of directly addressing them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the second person here instead. Alternate translation: “You, an evil and adulterous generation, seek a sign, but no sign will be given to you”

196812:39amqorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyγενεὰ πονηρὰ καὶ μοιχαλὶς & ἐπιζητεῖ & αὐτῇ1

Here, generation represents the people who are part of the generation, which means that they are adults who are currently alive. See how you translated the similar expression in 11:16. Alternate translation: “todays people, who are evil and adulterous, seek … to them” or “Evil and adulterous people of this generation seek … to them”

196912:39a5dirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorμοιχαλὶς1

Here Jesus speaks of people who do not fully trust and obey God as if they were adulterous. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “unfaithful” or “disobedient”

197012:39rng3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitσημεῖον1

Here, just as in 12:38, the implication is that the sign is a miracle that proves that Jesus authority comes from God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “a sign that shows that my authority is from God”

197112:39j21prc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptionsκαὶ σημεῖον οὐ δοθήσεται αὐτῇ, εἰ μὴ τὸ σημεῖον Ἰωνᾶ τοῦ προφήτου1

If it would appear in your language that Jesus was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “but the only sign that it will be given is the sign of Jonah the prophet”

197212:39c6hyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσημεῖον οὐ δοθήσεται αὐτῇ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, it could be: (1) God the Father. Alternate translation: “God will not give it a sign” (2) Jesus. Alternate translation: “I will not give it a sign”

197312:39ttlorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὸ σημεῖον Ἰωνᾶ τοῦ προφήτου1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe a sign that happened to Jesus. Jesus will describe this sign in the following verse. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the sign that Jonah the prophet experienced” or “the sign related to Jonah the prophet”

197412:40kexsrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces an explanation of “the sign of Jonah” (see 12:39). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “Here is that sign:” or “Now”

197512:40hzemrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὥσπερ & ἦν Ἰωνᾶς ἐν τῇ κοιλίᾳ τοῦ κήτους τρεῖς ἡμέρας καὶ τρεῖς νύκτας1

Here Jesus refers to part of the story of Jonah. God told Jonah to preach to people in the town of Nineveh, but Jonah ran away instead. God had a big fish swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside this fish for three days and three nights. After that, God had the fish spit Jonah out. You can read this story in Jonah 12. If it would be helpful in your language, you could include some extra information in your translation or in a footnote. Alternate translation: “just as Jonah was swallowed by a big fish and was in its belly for three days and three nights before it spit him out”

197612:40vh9irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismτρεῖς ἡμέρας καὶ τρεῖς νύκτας-1

The phrase three days and three nights refers to three periods of 24 hours in a row. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable expression. Alternate translation: “three straight days … three straight days”

197712:40m56irc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτῇ κοιλίᾳ τοῦ κήτους-1

Here, the phrase big fish refers to any large creature that lives in the sea or ocean. Its belly is its stomach. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of sea creature, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “the stomach of the large sea creature” or “the stomach of the sea monster”

197812:40iuv8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1

Here Jesus speaks about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “the Son of Man, that is, me,”

197912:40v691rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ τῆς γῆς τρεῖς ἡμέρας καὶ τρεῖς νύκτας1

Here Jesus implies that after the three days and three nights he will no longer be in the heart of the earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “three days and three nights in the heart of the earth, and then he will arise”

198012:40gg65rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ τῆς γῆς1

Here, the phrase the heart of the earth refers to how people are buried deep in the ground. Jesus means that he will be in a tomb for three days and three nights. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “deep in the ground” or “in a grave”

198112:41sn8jrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultἄνδρες Νινευεῖται ἀναστήσονται ἐν τῇ κρίσει μετὰ τῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης, καὶ κατακρινοῦσιν αὐτήν; ὅτι μετενόησαν εἰς τὸ κήρυγμα Ἰωνᾶ; καὶ ἰδοὺ, πλεῖον Ἰωνᾶ ὧδε1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second half of the verse gives the reason for the result that the first half of the verse describes. Alternate translation: “The men of Nineveh repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. So, they will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it”

198212:41gnh1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἄνδρες1

Although the term men is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “The inhabitants” or “The men and women”

198312:41s5tqrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionἀναστήσονται ἐν τῇ κρίσει μετὰ τῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης1

Here, the phrase rise up could mean: (1) to stand up. In this culture, people would stand up to give testimony in a legal proceeding. Alternate translation: “will stand up at the judgment to give testimony before God against this generation” (2) to resurrect. Alternate translation: “will be resurrected with this generation at the judgment”

198412:41b94irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἀναστήσονται ἐν τῇ κρίσει1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “will, when people are judged, rise up”

198512:41x8gmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης & αὐτήν1

Translate the phrase this generation as you did in 12:39. Alternate translation: “todays people … them” or “the people of this generation … them”

198612:41qg29rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express Behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “see” or “listen carefully”

198712:41dbs3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπλεῖον Ἰωνᾶ ὧδε1

Here Jesus implies that the people of this generation have not repented, unlike the men of Nineveh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “something greater than Jonah is here, but you have not repented”

198812:41zb6arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoπλεῖον1

Here, the phrase something greater is a very general term. It could refer to the kingdom of God, Jesus himself, the ministry that Jesus begins, what Jesus calls his disciples to do, or many other things. If possible, you should use a general term that could refer to many or all of these things. See how you translated the similar phrase in 12:6. Alternate translation: “an entity greater than” or “a new thing greater than”

198912:42ikb0rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultβασίλισσα νότου ἐγερθήσεται ἐν τῇ κρίσει μετὰ τῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης, καὶ κατακρινεῖ αὐτήν; ὅτι ἦλθεν ἐκ τῶν περάτων τῆς γῆς ἀκοῦσαι τὴν σοφίαν Σολομῶνος; καὶ ἰδοὺ, πλεῖον Σολομῶνος ὧδε1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second half of the verse gives the reason for the result that the first half of the verse describes. Alternate translation: “The Queen of the South came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. So, she will stand up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it”

199012:42zwv7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesβασίλισσα νότου1

Here, the phrase The Queen of the South refers to the Queen of the country called Sheba. Sheba was a land south of Israel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this more explicitly. Alternate translation: “The Queen who ruled Sheba, the country to the south,”

199112:42kku7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionἐγερθήσεται ἐν τῇ κρίσει μετὰ τῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης1

Here, as in 12:41, the phrase stand up could mean: (1) to stand on ones feet. In this culture, people would stand up to give testimony in a legal proceeding. Alternate translation: “will stand up at the judgment to give testimony before God against this generation” (2) to resurrect. Alternate translation: “will be resurrected with this generation at the judgment”

199212:42z46erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐγερθήσεται ἐν τῇ κρίσει1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. See how you translated the similar phrase in 12:41. Alternate translation: “will, when people are judged, stand up”

199312:42zc72rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης & αὐτήν1

Translate the phrase this generation as you did in 12:41. Alternate translation: “todays people … them” or “the people of this generation … them”

199412:42q8q8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἦλθεν ἐκ τῶν περάτων τῆς γῆς1

Here, the phrase the ends of the earth describes any place that is very far away. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “she traveled a long way” or “she came from a faraway place”

199512:42l710rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν σοφίαν Σολομῶνος1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wisdom, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Solomon speak wisely”

199612:42t521rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express Behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “see” or “listen carefully”

199712:42aj1xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπλεῖον Σολομῶνος ὧδε1

Here Jesus implies that the people of this generation have not listened to wisdom, unlike the Queen of the South. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “something greater than Solomon is here, but you have not listened”

199812:42uf5krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoπλεῖον1

Here, the phrase something greater is a very general term. It could refer to the kingdom of God, Jesus himself, the ministry that Jesus begins, what Jesus calls his disciples to do, or many other things. If possible, you should use a general term that could refer to many or all of these things. See how you translated the similar phrase in 12:6. Alternate translation: “an entity greater than” or “a new thing greater than”

199912:43yj4wrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next topic that Jesus wants to speak about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next topic, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,”

200012:43tnearc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parablesὅταν & τὸ ἀκάθαρτον πνεῦμα1

To further explain what he has been saying about “this generation,” Jesus tells a short story that continues through 12:45. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “here is an illustration about this generation: when the unclean spirit”

200112:43w48irc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participantsὅταν & τὸ ἀκάθαρτον πνεῦμα ἐξέλθῃ ἀπὸ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου1

With this clause, Jesus introduces the unclean spirit and the man as characters in his story. If your language has its own way of introducing new participants, you could use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “there was an unclean spirit possessing a man. When the unclean spirit has gone out from the man”

200212:43f5jrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἀνύδρων τόπων1

Jesus is describing the desert by reference to the lack of water there. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a desert” or “the wilderness”

200312:43h9i2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἀνάπαυσιν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of rest, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “a place to rest”

200412:43h1pkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἀνάπαυσιν1

Here, rest represents a place to live or stay, which for an unclean spirit would be a person to possess or control. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a place to live” or “a home” or “a person to control”

200512:44jv4arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesλέγει, εἰς τὸν οἶκόν μου ἐπιστρέψω ὅθεν ἐξῆλθον & καὶ ἐλθὸν1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “it says that it will return to its house from which it came out. And having come”

200612:44ty9brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphorεἰς τὸν οἶκόν μου & ὅθεν ἐξῆλθον1

Here the demon refers to the person it formerly controlled as if he were its house. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to the person whom I used to control, who is like a house from which I came out” or “to the man from whom I came out”

200712:44j40trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθὸν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “having gone”

200812:44s6jfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphorεὑρίσκει σχολάζοντα σεσαρωμένον καὶ κεκοσμημένον1

Here Jesus refers to the person whom the demon formerly controlled as if he were a house that was empty, swept out, and put in order. This means that no one is living in the house, so it is ready for someone to move in. Similarly, the person is not serving or obeying anyone, so he is ready for someone to lead or control him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it finds the man like an empty house, having been swept out and put in order” or “it finds that the man is not serving anybody, but he is living a good life”

200912:44cd4frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσεσαρωμένον καὶ κεκοσμημένον1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “and a person has swept it out and put it in order”

201012:45ko63rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goπορεύεται1

In a context such as this, your language might say “comes” instead of goes. Alternate translation: “it comes”

201112:45tt9brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἰσελθόντα κατοικεῖ ἐκεῖ1

Here Jesus implies that the evil spirits entered the man and lived in him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “they having entered the man, it resides in him”

201212:45l9dorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphorεἰσελθόντα κατοικεῖ ἐκεῖ1

Here Jesus continues to refer to the person whom the evil spirit formerly controlled as if he were a house. When the evil spirits control the man, it is as if they are living in him as their home. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “having entered, they reside there as if he were their home” or “having overpowered the man, they possess him”

201312:45hmr6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκατοικεῖ1

Here Jesus speaks of the evil spirit living in the man, but he implies that the seven other spirits also live in the man. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the spirits reside”

201412:45wintrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomγίνεται τὰ ἔσχατα τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐκείνου χείρονα τῶν πρώτων1

Here, the phrase last things refers to the situation or condition of the man after the evil spirits return. The phrase the first things refers to the situation or condition of the man before the first evil spirit left him. Jesus means that the mans situation or condition is now worse than it was when he only had one evil spirit possessing him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “that mans condition is now worse than it was before” or “the current situation of that man has become worse than the previous situation”

201512:45v09krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτῇ γενεᾷ ταύτῃ τῇ πονηρᾷ1

Here, generation represents the people who are part of the generation, which means that they are adults who are currently alive. See how you translated the similar expression in 12:39. Alternate translation: “with todays people who are evil” or “with evil people of this generation”

201612:46kkhqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “suddenly”

201712:46i4t5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinshipοἱ ἀδελφοὶ1

These were Jesus' younger brothers. They were sons of Mary and Joseph. Since the Father of Jesus was God, and their father was Joseph, they were actually his half-brothers. That detail is not normally translated, but if your language has a specific word for “younger brother,” you could use it here.

201812:46rg73rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἵστήκεισαν ἔξω1

Here Matthew implies that Jesus mother and brothers arrived and then stood outside wherever Jesus was. Since 13:1 describes Jesus leaving a house, he may have been in a house while he was teaching. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make some or all of this information more explicit. Alternate translation: “had come and stood outside the house” or “had arrived outside the place where he was teaching”

201912:47rp3nrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsεἶπεν δέ τις αὐτῷ, ἰδοὺ, ἡ μήτηρ σου καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοί σου ἔξω ἑστήκασιν ζητοῦντές σοι λαλῆσαι1

Some ancient manuscripts do not include this verse. However, many ancient manuscripts do include this verse. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to include the verse, as the ULT does.

202012:47qd32rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδέ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

202112:47vv5arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsαὐτῷ, ἰδοὺ, ἡ μήτηρ σου καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοί σου ἔξω ἑστήκασιν ζητοῦντές σοι λαλῆσαι.1

It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “to him that his mother and his brothers had stood outside, seeking to speak to him”

202212:47fnerrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold is intended to draw the attention of Jesus and to ask him to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks someone to listen or pay attention. Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Excuse me”

202312:47chptrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσου & σου & σοι1

Here, the words your, your, and you are singular since this person is speaking to Jesus.

202412:47jnagrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinshipοἱ ἀδελφοί σου1

Translate this phrase as you did in 12:46.

202512:48jat5rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

202612:48orxyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysὁ & ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν1

Together the two words answering and said mean that Jesus responded to the information that the person gave him. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning in a different way. Alternate translation: “he responded”

202712:48e535rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτίς ἐστιν ἡ μήτηρ μου καὶ τίνες εἰσὶν οἱ ἀδελφοί μου?1

Jesus is using the question form to teach his audience about whom he considers to be part of his family. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Since Jesus answers the question in 12:49, you should not include an implied answer here. Alternate translation: “I will inform you about whom I call my mother and my brothers.” or “Let me tell you whom I love as if they were my mother or my brothers.”

202812:48rdd0rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinshipοἱ ἀδελφοί μου1

Translate brothers as you did in 12:46.

202912:49fumhrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionἐκτείνας τὴν χεῖρα αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ1

Here Matthew describes how Jesus used his hand to motion toward or indicate his disciples. If it would be helpful in your language, you could describe a motion that indicates a specific group of people, or you could use a general phrase. Alternate translation: “having gestured with his hand toward his disciples” or “having indicated his disciples”

203012:49jnt0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἰδοὺ, ἡ μήτηρ μου1

Here, the word Behold indicates that the audience should look where Jesus indicated when he stretched out his hand. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Consider these people to be my mother” or “These are my mother”

203112:49rxe8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἡ μήτηρ μου καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοί μου1

Here Jesus speaks of his disciples as if they were his mother and brothers. He means that he considers them to be part of his family. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use simile form or state the meaning of the metaphor more explicitly. Alternate translation: “those whom I call my mother and my brothers” or “the people I love as if they were my mother and my brothers”

203212:49qav3rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinshipοἱ ἀδελφοί μου1

Translate brothers as you did in 12:46.

203312:50e25crc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces an explanation concerning why Jesus can call the disciples his mother and brothers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” or “I say that because”

203412:50aha6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὸ θέλημα τοῦ Πατρός μου τοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of will, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what my Father in the heavens desires”

203512:50mq9rrc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου1

Father is an important title that describe the relationship between God the Father and Jesus his Son.

203612:50s0ybrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν οὐρανοῖς1

Here, the phrase in the heavens identifies the location in which God the Father is specially present and from which he rules. If it would be helpful in your language, you make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “who is in the heavens”

203712:50gn31rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorαὐτός μου ἀδελφὸς, καὶ ἀδελφὴ, καὶ μήτηρ ἐστίν1

Here Jesus speaks of everyone who does Gods will as if they were his brother and sister and mother. He means that he considers them to be part of his family. Express the idea as you did in the previous verse (12:49). Alternate translation: “I call him my brother and sister and mother” or “he is a person whom I love as if he were my brother and sister and mother”

203812:50wenbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsαὐτός1

Although the term he is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “he or she” or “such a person”

203913:intros3lu0

Matthew 13 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

  1. Jesus tells parables about the kingdom of God (13:152)
    • The parable of the sower (13:19)
    • Jesus explains why he uses parables (13:1017)
    • Jesus explains the parable of the sower (13:1823)
    • The parable of the darnel (13:2430)
    • The parable of the mustard seed (13:3132)
    • The parable of the yeast (13:33)
    • Summary statement (13:3435)
    • Jesus explains the parable of the darnel (13:3643)
    • The parable of the treasure in the field (13:44)
    • The parable of the pearl (13:4546)
    • The parable of the net (13:4750)
    • Jesus concludes his teaching (13:5152)
  2. Further opposition to Jesus and misunderstanding of the kingdom of God (13:5317:27)
    • Jesus visits his hometown (13:5358)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 13:1415, which is a quote from Isaiah 6:910, and in 13:35, which is a quote from Psalm 78:2.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Farming

Jesus refers to many different farming practices in this chapter. In his culture, farmers often threw seeds over their fields, a process called sowing. After throwing the seeds, they would use a tool called a plow to cover the seeds with dirt. Then they would water and take care of the seeds until they sprouted and grew. Finally, when the plants produced grain or other kinds of crops, they would cut down the plants, separate the edible parts from the inedible parts, and store the edible parts in a safe place. See the notes on the verses in which Jesus discusses farming practices for specific information and translation options.

Darnel

Darnel are plants that look much like wheat plants. However, they do not produce the same kind of grain, and the grain that they do produce is somewhat poisonous. In your translation, you could refer to a plant that looks like wheat or grain plants, or you could use a descriptive phrase. See the notes for translation options.

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

Parables

Throughout this chapter, Jesus uses many parables to teach the crowds and his disciples. Each parable is a short story that includes a specific lesson. Jesus uses parables to teach so that people who already know his message will learn more but people who do not know his message will not learn anything (see 13:1017). Jesus explains three of the parables, but he does not explain any of the others. Possible explanations for each parable are included below, but only for help in translation. Your translation should not directly explain the meaning of any parable more than Jesus does. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

  • The parable of the sower—In 13:39, Jesus tells a story about a man who sows seed and about what happens to the seed. Jesus explains this parable in 13:1823. Even with this explanation, Christians debate who the sower is, what the seed represents, and what the different areas in the field represent. The sower could be Jesus himself, God, or anyone who preaches the gospel. The seed could be the gospel or the person who hears the gospel. The different areas in the field could be regions or areas where people hear the gospel, different kinds of people, or different ways of responding to the gospel. Most likely, the seed and the area in the field together describe what happens when people respond to the gospel in these four ways.

  • The parable of the darnel—In 13:2430, Jesus tells a story about a farmer who planted good seed and the farmers enemy who planted darnel seed in the same field. Jesus explains this parable in 13:3743. Jesus is the farmer, and the good seed are people who believe in him. The enemy is the devil, and the darnel seed are people who serve him. The farmer in the story allows the darnel to grow until the harvest, when he has them cut down and burned. Similarly, Jesus allows people who serve the devil to live until this time period ends, when he will have his angels collect these people. Then, he will judge and punish them, and he will reward those who believed in him.

  • The parable of the mustard seed—In 13:3132, Jesus tells a story about how a very small seed (a mustard seed) grows into a very large plant. Most likely, he is describing how his group of followers was very small but will eventually become very large. Jesus mentions that birds nest in the branches of this large plant. Some people think that Jesus is referring to passages like Ezekiel 17:23, which could suggest that the birds represent Gentiles who become part of Gods kingdom. Others think that the detail about the birds simply illustrates how large the plant is. If possible, your translation should allow for all of these interpretations.

  • The parable of the yeast—In 13:33, Jesus tells a story about how a woman leavened a large amount of flour with some yeast. Most likely, he is describing how his message and his followers will affect many things. He could be speaking about how his message completely changes people. Or, he could be speaking about how his message and his followers will spread throughout the whole world. Or, he could be speaking about how his message and his followers are small and insignificant but affect the whole world. If possible, your translation should allow for all of these interpretations.

  • The parable of the treasure in the field—In 13:44, Jesus tells a story about a worker who discovered a hidden treasure in a field that belonged to someone else. To obtain the treasure, the worker sold everything that he had and bought the field. Most likely, Jesus means that being part of Gods kingdom is very valuable, like a treasure, and people should be willing to give up everything to be part of the kingdom.

  • The parable of the pearl—In 13:4546, Jesus tells a story about a merchant who wanted to obtain valuable pearls. When he saw a very expensive pearl, he sold everything that he had and bought the pearl. Most likely, Jesus means that being part of Gods kingdom is very valuable, like an expensive pearl, and that people should be willing to give up everything to be part of the kingdom.

  • The parable of the net—In 13:4748, Jesus tells a story about fishermen who use a net to catch many kinds of fish, some useful and some useless. They sort through the fish, keeping the good ones and throwing away the bad ones. Jesus explains this parable in 13:4950. The fish are like people, and the fishermen are like angels. At the end of this time period, the angels will separate righteous people from wicked people, just like the fishermen sorted the fish. Then, the wicked people will be punished, just as the useless fish were thrown away.

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Singular and plural forms of “you”

Most of the forms of “you” in this chapter appear in speeches that Jesus gives to many people around him. Because of this, most forms of “you” in this chapter are plural. You should assume forms of “you” are plural unless a note specifies that the form is singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

204013:1vx5yrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ1

Here, the phrase On that day introduces the next major event in the story, an event that happened on the same day as the teaching recorded in the previous chapter. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces an event that happened later during the same day. Alternate translation: “Sometime later that day”

204113:1avp6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐξελθὼν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of gone. Alternate translation: “having come out”

204213:1cy1trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῆς οἰκίας1

Here Matthew refers to the house that Jesus was in while he was teaching what is recorded in the previous chapter. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “of the house where he had been” or “of the house in which he had been teaching”

204313:1lws0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐκάθητο1

In Jesus culture, teachers usually sat down when they were going to teach. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “was sitting down to instruct people” or “was sitting down as a teacher does”

204413:2d16zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσυνήχθησαν πρὸς αὐτὸν ὄχλοι πολλοί1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “large crowds gathered to him” or “large crowds came to listen to him”

204513:2d0v5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαθῆσθαι1

Just as in the previous verse, Jesus sat down to teach. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “sat down down to instruct the people” or “sat down as a teacher does”

204613:2us0arc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἐπὶ τὸν αἰγιαλὸν1

The word beach refers to the ground next to a body of water when this ground is covered by sand or small rocks. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of terrain, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “on the edge of the sea” or “on the sandy area by the water”

204713:3f5mvrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsἐν παραβολαῖς λέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “in parables. Here is what he said:”

204813:3o5f9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parablesἰδοὺ, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρων1

To teach the people in the crowd, Jesus offers a story or illustration. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Listen to this story: the sower went out”

204913:3khx4rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participantsἰδοὺ & ὁ σπείρων1

Here Jesus introduces a sower as a character in his story. If your language has its own way of introducing new participants, you could use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “Behold, there was a sower. He”

205013:3kcvmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word Behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express Behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “Picture this:” or “Listen”

205113:4gw0zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν τῷ σπείρειν αὐτὸν1

While there are many ways to sow or plant seeds, here Jesus is describing a practice in which farmers pick up handfuls of seed and throw them so that they are scattered all over the top of the soil. This method is a quick and easy way to plant seeds in large fields, but some seeds land on ground that is not good for them to grow in. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make it more explicit what kind of sowing this is. Alternate translation: “as he threw the seeds over the ground” or “as he scattered the seeds over the field”

205213:4qr2drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἃ μὲν ἔπεσεν παρὰ τὴν ὁδόν, καὶ ἦλθεν τὰ πετεινὰ καὶ κατέφαγεν αὐτά1

Here Jesus implies that the seeds that fall beside the road do not sink into the ground. Instead, they just sit on top of the hard-packed dirt by the road and are unprotected from birds. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “some fell on the hard ground beside the road, and the birds came and easily devoured them”

205313:4cvj4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj1

Jesus is using the adjective some as a noun to mean some of the seeds. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “some seeds”

205413:4rdmirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounτὰ πετεινὰ1

The phrase the birds represents any birds, not particular birds. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “birds”

205513:5ql87rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjἄλλα1

Jesus is using the adjective others as a noun to mean some of the rest of the seeds that did not fall beside the road. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “some of the rest of the seeds”

205613:5dyc7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὰ πετρώδη, ὅπου οὐκ εἶχεν γῆν πολλήν1

Here Jesus describes an area that has a thin layer of soil on top of a layer of rocks. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that describes this kind of area. Alternate translation: “a thin layer of soil on top of rocks” or “a rocky area, where there was very little soil”

205713:5njjmοὐκ εἶχεν & ἐξανέτειλεν διὰ τὸ μὴ ἔχειν1

Here Jesus refers back to the others as a group using singular words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use plural words to refer back to the others. Alternate translation: “they did not have … they sprang up, because they did not have”

205813:5x4avrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultεὐθέως ἐξανέτειλεν διὰ τὸ μὴ ἔχειν βάθος γῆς1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “because it did not have deep soil, immediately it sprang up”

205913:5nz17rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐξανέτειλεν1

Here, the phrase sprang up refers to how plants sprout or begin to grow. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase. Alternate translation: “it came up” or “it began to grow”

206013:6pz44rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἡλίου & ἀνατείλαντος1

Here, the phrase the sun had risen refers to the sun coming up over the horizon in the morning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when the sun came up” or “in the morning when the sun began to shine”

206113:6nqjfἐκαυματίσθη καὶ διὰ τὸ μὴ ἔχειν ῥίζαν ἐξηράνθη1

Here, much as in 13:5, Jesus refers to the plants that sprouted from the seeds by using singular words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use plural words to refer to these plants. Alternate translation: “they were scorched, and because they had no roots, they withered”

206213:6qq5xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐκαυματίσθη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was the sun. Alternate translation: “the sun scorched it”

206313:6lswvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleτὸ μὴ ἔχειν ῥίζαν1

Jesus says no root here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “it had almost no root” or “it had very small roots”

206413:7k69qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjἄλλα1

Jesus is using the adjective others as a noun to mean some of the rest of the seeds that did not fall beside the road or on rocky soil. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. See how you translated the word in 13:5. Alternate translation: “some of the rest of the seeds”

206513:7vt8zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀνέβησαν αἱ ἄκανθαι καὶ ἀπέπνιξαν αὐτά1

Here Jesus means that the thorns grew quickly and took all the nutrients, water, and sunlight, so the farmers plants could not grow well. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the thorns grew very large and crowded them out” or “the thorns grew faster and kept them from growing well”

206613:8iwv2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjἄλλα1

Jesus is using the adjective others as a noun to mean some of the rest of the seeds that did not fall beside the road or on rocky soil. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. See how you translated the word in 13:5. Alternate translation: “some of the rest of the seeds”

206713:8d30orc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐδίδου καρπόν1

Here the word fruit refers to the crop that the plants that grew from the seeds produced. Since the farmer is sowing wheat seeds, this crop would be more wheat seeds. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “were producing more seeds” or “sprouted and produced a harvest”

206813:8tqs8rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsκαρπόν1

Here, the word fruit is singular in form, but it refers to many fruits as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “fruits”

206913:8e91erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὃ μὲν ἑκατὸν, ὃ δὲ ἑξήκοντα, ὃ δὲ τριάκοντα1

Here Jesus means that plants produced 100, 60, or 30 new seeds. Scholars estimate that these numbers are very good in Jesus time period, although not impossible or unheard of. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make these ideas more explicit. Alternate translation: “and they produced a very good harvest, with some plants producing 100 seeds, and some plants producing 60 seeds, and other plants producing 30 seeds” or “many times more than the farmer planted: some 100 times more, and some 60 times more, and some 30 times more”

207013:9q2e2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὁ ἔχων ὦτα, ἀκουέτω1

This verse is almost identical to 11:15, although that verse includes the phrase “to hear” after ears. Express the idea as you did in 11:15, but omit the phrase “to hear” if you expressed it explicitly there.

207113:9b9m1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsἔχων ὦτα1

Many ancient manuscripts read having ears. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “having ears to hear.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

207213:10utyprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsεἶπαν αὐτῷ, διὰ τί ἐν παραβολαῖς λαλεῖς αὐτοῖς?1

It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “asked him for what reason he spoke to them in parables.”

207313:10gqnurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularλαλεῖς1

Here, the word you is singular since the disciples are speaking to Jesus.

207413:10b16zrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοῖς1

The pronoun them refers to the “crowd” that was standing on the shore of the sea to listen to Jesus (see 13:2). If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to these people more directly. Alternate translation: “to the crowd”

207513:11g2csrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

207613:11fc5nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveδέδοται & οὐ δέδοται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “God has given … God has not given”

207713:11wmlorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὰ μυστήρια τῆς Βασιλείας τῶν Οὐρανῶν1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe mysteries that are about the kingdom of the heavens. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the mysteries concerning the kingdom of the heavens”

207813:11xq2vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐκείνοις & οὐ δέδοται1

Here Jesus implies that those people have not been given the mysteries of the kingdom of the heavens. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “to those it has not been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of the heavens”

207913:11mgx2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjἐκείνοις1

Jesus is using the adjective those as a noun to mean the people whom the disciples asked him about. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “to those people” or “to the crowds”

208013:12x34src://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, the word For could introduce: (1) a reason why God reveals the mysteries of the kingdom to some people and not to other people. Alternate translation: “That is because” or “Here is why that happens:” (2) an explanation concerning why God reveals the mysteries of the kingdom to some people and not to other people. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” or “Here is what I mean:”

208113:12uircrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbsὅστις & ἔχει, δοθήσεται αὐτῷ καὶ περισσευθήσεται; ὅστις δὲ οὐκ ἔχει, καὶ ὃ ἔχει ἀρθήσεται ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ1

Here, Jesus uses or invents a proverb in order to teach that people who have something usually gain more of it, while people who have very little usually lose everything. Translate this proverb in a way that will be recognized as a proverb and be meaningful in your language and culture. Alternate translation: “people who have things receive more, and they have an abundance. But people who do not have things lose what they used to have”

208213:12lukrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὅστις & ἔχει, δοθήσεται αὐτῷ καὶ περισσευθήσεται; ὅστις δὲ οὐκ ἔχει, καὶ ὃ ἔχει ἀρθήσεται ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ1

Here Jesus implies that what the person has or does not have is knowledge or understanding about the “mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” (see 13:11). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “whoever has understanding, it will be given to him, and he will have an abundance. But whoever does not have understanding, even what he has will be taken away from him” or “whoever has knowledge about the kingdom, more will be given to him, and he will have an abundance of knowledge. But whoever does not have knowledge about the kingdom, even what knowledge he has will be taken away from him”

208313:12v61yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveδοθήσεται & ἀρθήσεται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, it is clear from the context that it is God. Alternate translation: “God will give … God will take away”

208413:12j3rlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsαὐτῷ καὶ περισσευθήσεται & ὃ ἔχει & αὐτοῦ1

Although the terms him and he are masculine in this verse, Jesus is using the words in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use phrases that make this clear. Alternate translation: “to that person, and he or she will have an abundance … what that person has … him or her”

208513:12rfgcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsπερισσευθήσεται1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of abundance, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “he will abound” or “he will have very much”

208613:12ug61rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleὅστις δὲ οὐκ ἔχει1

Jesus says whoever does not have here as a generalization for emphasis. It is clear in the second half of the sentence that the person did have something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “But whoever has almost nothing” or “But whoever does not have much”

208713:13cagwrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsδιὰ τοῦτο1

Here, the pronoun this could refer to: (1) what Jesus is about to say, beginning with the word because. Alternate translation: “Here is why” (2) what Jesus said in the previous two verses. Alternate translation: “That is why” or “For those reasons”

208813:13qnskrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοῖς1

The pronoun them refers to the “crowd” that was standing on the shore of the sea to listen to Jesus (see 13:2). Express the idea as you did in 13:10. Alternate translation: “to the crowd”

208913:13b4fdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitβλέποντες οὐ βλέπουσιν, καὶ ἀκούοντες οὐκ ἀκούουσιν, οὐδὲ συνίουσιν1

Here Jesus means that the people see things, but they do not look carefully. They hear things, but they do not listen carefully or understand. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “although they see, they do not really see; and although they hear, they do not really hear nor understand” or “seeming to see, they do not actually see, and seeming to hear, they do not actually hear nor understand”

209013:14khverc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀναπληροῦται αὐτοῖς ἡ προφητεία Ἠσαΐου1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they are fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah” or “what they do fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah”

209113:14jz9nrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsἀναπληροῦται & ἡ προφητεία Ἠσαΐου ἡ λέγουσα1

In Jesuss culture, this was a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book written by Isaiah the prophet (see Isaiah 6:910). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Jesus is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “the prophecy from the book of Isaiah is being fulfilled. Here is the prophecy:” or “is being fulfilled what Isaiah prophesied when he wrote”

209213:14a1imrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplicationἀκοῇ ἀκούσετε & βλέποντες βλέψετε1

Here the author of the quotation repeats the words hear and see in order to emphasize that the people really do hear and see. If your language can repeat words for emphasis, it would be appropriate to use that construction here in your translation. Otherwise, you could express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “You will certainly hear … you will certainly see” or “You will indeed hear … you will indeed see”

209313:14q4cjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐ μὴ-1

The words translated certainly not are two negative words in the original Greek. In this construction, the second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. Instead, it gives greater emphasis to the negative. If your language can use two negatives that do not cancel one another to create a positive meaning, you could use a double negative here. If your language does not use two negatives in that way, you could translate with one strong negative, as the ULT does. Alternate translation: “by no means … by no means”

209413:15mxzyrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a reason why the people hear but do not understand and see but do not perceive. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “That is because” or “That happens since”

209513:15oz31rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personἐπαχύνθη & ἡ καρδία τοῦ λαοῦ τούτου, καὶ τοῖς ὠσὶν βαρέως ἤκουσαν, καὶ τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτῶν ἐκάμμυσαν; μήποτε ἴδωσιν τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς, καὶ τοῖς ὠσὶν ἀκούσωσιν, καὶ τῇ καρδίᾳ συνῶσιν, καὶ ἐπιστρέψωσιν καὶ ἰάσομαι αὐτούς1

The author of the quotation switches from speaking to the Israelite people in the second person (see 13:14) to speaking about them in the third person. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use second person forms in this verse. Alternate translation: “the heart of you people has been thickened, and with your ears you have hardly heard, and you have shut your eyes, lest you might see with your eyes, and you might hear with your ears, and you might understand with your heart and turn back, and I would heal you”

209613:15ljecrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismἐπαχύνθη & ἡ καρδία τοῦ λαοῦ τούτου, καὶ τοῖς ὠσὶν βαρέως ἤκουσαν, καὶ τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτῶν ἐκάμμυσαν1

These three clauses mean basically the same thing. The second and third emphasize the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the clauses with a word other than and in order to show that the second and third phrase are repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternatively, you could express the idea with just one or two clauses. Alternate translation: “the heart of this people has been thickened; yes, with their ears they have hardly heard; indeed, they have shut their eyes” or “the heart of this people has been thickened, and they barely use their ears and eyes”

209713:15tfl1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐπαχύνθη & ἡ καρδία τοῦ λαοῦ τούτου1

Here the author of the quotation is speaking as if the heart of the people of Israel has literally been thickened. He means that they are resisting God stubbornly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “this people has been made stubborn”

209813:15n416rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsἐπαχύνθη & ἡ καρδία τοῦ λαοῦ τούτου & τῇ καρδίᾳ1

If it would not be natural in your language to speak as if a group of people had only one heart, you could use the plural form of that word in your translation. Alternate translation: “the hearts of these people have been thickened … with their hearts”

209913:15driwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐπαχύνθη & ἡ καρδία τοῦ λαοῦ τούτου & τῇ καρδίᾳ1

In the authors culture, the heart is the place where humans think and feel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate heart by referring to the place where humans think and feel in your culture or by expressing the idea plainly. Alternate translation: “the mind of this people was made dull … with their mind” or “the thoughts of this people were made dull … in their thoughts”

210013:15o0irrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐπαχύνθη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “has become thick”

210113:15ifitrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoτοῖς ὠσὶν βαρέως ἤκουσαν, καὶ τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτῶν ἐκάμμυσαν; μήποτε ἴδωσιν τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς, καὶ τοῖς ὠσὶν ἀκούσωσιν1

It may be that these expressions contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you could shorten them. Alternate translation: “and they have hardly heard anything, and they have shut their eyes, lest they might see clearly, and they might hear clearly”

210213:15u9larc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκαὶ τοῖς ὠσὶν βαρέως ἤκουσαν, καὶ τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτῶν ἐκάμμυσαν1

The author of the quotation is speaking as if the people of Israel have become unable to hear and have shut their eyes so that they will not see. He means that they are refusing to consider what God wants to tell them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and they are refusing to pay attention to God, as if they were closing their ears and eyes” or “and they are refusing to consider what God wants to tell them”

210313:15p6werc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismἴδωσιν τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς, καὶ τοῖς ὠσὶν ἀκούσωσιν, καὶ τῇ καρδίᾳ συνῶσιν1

These three clauses mean basically the same thing. The second and third emphasize the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the clauses with a word other than and in order to show that the second and third phrase are repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternatively, you could express the idea with just one or two clauses. Alternate translation: “they might see with their eyes; yes, they might hear with their ears; indeed, they might understand with their heart” or “they might use their eyes and ears, and they might understand with their heart”

210413:15ps56rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐπιστρέψωσιν1

The author of the quotation is speaking of the people of Israel as if they had been traveling somewhere and had taken the wrong way and needed to turn back onto the right way. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “start obeying the Lord again”

210513:15q1h9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἰάσομαι αὐτούς1

Here the author of the quotation does not mean God would only heal the people physically. He would also heal them spiritually by forgiving their sins. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “I would heal them and forgive them”

210613:16glp8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheὑμῶν & οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ ὅτι βλέπουσιν, καὶ τὰ ὦτα ὑμῶν ὅτι ἀκούουσιν1

Jesus is using eyes and ears to represent people as they see and hear. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you, for you see; and blessed are you, for you hear” or “you as you look at things, for you see; and as you listen to things, for you hear”

210713:16rlt3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitβλέπουσιν & ἀκούουσιν1

Here Jesus implies that their eyes can see properly and their ears can hear properly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “they see well … they hear well”

210813:16xczhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisκαὶ τὰ ὦτα ὑμῶν1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and blessed are your ears”

210913:17bsj7rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a reason why the disciples are blessed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “You are blessed because” or “That is because”

211013:17e6circ://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἃ βλέπετε & ἃ ἀκούετε1

Here Jesus implies that what the disciples see and hear is what he does and teaches. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “what you see me do … what you hear me say”

211113:17q14wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐκ εἶδαν & οὐκ ἤκουσαν1

Here Jesus implies that these people did not see or hear what the disciples can see and hear. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “did not see those things … did not hear those things”

211213:17nq4prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐκ εἶδαν & οὐκ ἤκουσαν1

Here Jesus implies that these people did not see or hear what the disciples see and hear because they lived before Jesus was born. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “because they lived before this time, did not see … because they lived before this time, did not hear”

211313:17lslfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisκαὶ ἀκοῦσαι1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and they longed to hear”

211413:18pg1frc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1

Here, the word therefore introduces an inference or conclusion based on what Jesus has said in the previous verses about how the disciples are blessed because they can listen to Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces an inference, or you could leave therefore untranslated. Alternate translation: “then” or “given all that”

211513:18w35trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀκούσατε τὴν παραβολὴν1

Here Jesus means that he is going to explain the parable that he just spoke. He does not mean that he is going to tell it again. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “listen to the explanation of the parable”

211613:19suhirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὸν λόγον τῆς βασιλείας1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe a word that is about the kingdom. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the word concerning the kingdom”

211713:19het1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸν λόγον1

Matthew is using the term word to mean something spoken in words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the proclamation” or “the news”

211813:19a8nurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἔρχεται ὁ πονηρὸς καὶ ἁρπάζει τὸ ἐσπαρμένον ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ1

Here Jesus speaks about the message about the kingdom as if it were seed that had been sown in a persons heart. He speaks of the evil one as if he were a bird that swooped down and snatched away the seed. Since these figures of speech connect to the parable that Jesus told, if possible you should preserve them or express the ideas in simile form. Alternate translation: “the evil one comes like a bird and snatches away the word, which had been sown like a seed in his heart”

211913:19sb7urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ πονηρὸς1

Here, the phrase the evil one refers to the devil, Satan. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the devil” or “the evil one, Satan,”

212013:19r9u6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὸ ἐσπαρμένον ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “what someone sowed”

212113:19xi8frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ1

In Jesuss culture, the heart is the place where humans think and feel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate heart by referring to the place where humans think and feel in your culture or by expressing the idea plainly. Alternate translation: “in his head” or “in his thoughts”

212213:19nkuxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsαὐτοῦ1

Although the term his is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “his or her” or “that persons”

212313:19wfd3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοὗτός ἐστιν ὁ παρὰ τὴν ὁδὸν σπαρείς1

Here Jesus speaks about what happens to this person as if it were what happened in the parable when the seed was sown beside the road. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form. Alternative translation: “When this happens, it is like what happened to the seed that was sown beside the road”

212413:19xgz5rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsοὗτός1

The pronoun This refers to the person whom Jesus has described in the previous sentence. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to the person more directly. Alternate translation: “That person” or “He”

212513:19mau3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὁ παρὰ τὴν ὁδὸν σπαρείς1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was the farmer who was sowing seed. Alternate translation: “what the farmer sowed beside the road”

212613:20zyhqrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that Jesus wants to say. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next topic, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,”

212713:20rnctrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ & ἐπὶ τὰ πετρώδη σπαρείς, οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ τὸν λόγον ἀκούων καὶ εὐθὺς μετὰ χαρᾶς λαμβάνων αὐτόν1

Here Jesus speaks about what happens to this person as if it were what happened in the parable when the seed was sown on the rocky ground. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form. Alternative translation: “what happened to the seed having been sown on the rocky ground is like what happens to the one hearing the word and immediately receiving it with joy”

212813:20bf7qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoὁ & ἐπὶ τὰ πετρώδη σπαρείς, οὗτός1

Here, the word this refers directly back to the one having been sown on the rocky ground. Jesus expresses the idea in this way to introduce the one having been sown on the rocky ground and then explain what it means. If stating the topic and then referring back to it with the word this would be redundant in your language, you could omit the redundant information. Alternate translation: “the one having been sown on the rocky ground”

212913:20l5ivrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσπαρείς1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was the farmer who was sowing seed. Alternate translation: “that the farmer sowed”

213013:20j717rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὰ πετρώδη1

Here, just as in 13:5, Jesus refers to an area that has a thin layer of soil on top of a layer of rocks. Express the idea as you did in that verse. Alternate translation: “a thin layer of soil on top of rocks” or “a rocky area”

213113:20cl6grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸν λόγον1

Here, just as in 13:19, Jesus is using the term word to mean something spoken in words. Express the idea as you did there. Alternate translation: “the proclamation” or “the news”

213213:20w4f9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸν λόγον1

Here Jesus implies that this is the same “word of the kingdom” that he mentioned in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the word about the kingdom”

213313:20z76frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsμετὰ χαρᾶς1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of joy, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “joyfully”

213413:21zg9qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοὐκ ἔχει δὲ ῥίζαν ἐν ἑαυτῷ, ἀλλὰ πρόσκαιρός ἐστιν1

Here Jesus speaks about these people as if they were the plants in the parable that had no root and were only temporary since they withered when the sun rose. Since this figure of speech connects to the parable that Jesus told, if possible you should preserve it or express the ideas in simile form. Alternate translation: “but he is like a plant with no roots that does not live for long”

213513:21tm2xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἔχει & ἑαυτῷ & σκανδαλίζεται1

Although the terms he, himself, and he are masculine, Jesus is using the words in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “that person has … himself or herself … he or she is caused to stumble”

213613:21p4otrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleοὐκ & ῥίζαν1

Here, just as in 13:6, Jesus says no root as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “almost no root” or “very small roots”

213713:21lxuyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsγενομένης δὲ θλίψεως ἢ διωγμοῦ1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of tribulation and persecution, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “and when he is afflicted or persecuted”

213813:21xv50rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸν λόγον1

Here, just as in 13:19, Jesus is using the term word to mean something spoken in words. Express the idea as you did there. Alternate translation: “the proclamation” or “the news”

213913:21p5jcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸν λόγον1

Here Jesus implies that this is the same “word of the kingdom” that he mentioned in the previous verses. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the word about the kingdom”

214013:21ixilrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσκανδαλίζεται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he stumbles”

214113:21lim9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorσκανδαλίζεται1

Here, Jesus speaks of ceasing to believe the gospel as if it were stumbling. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he stops believing” or “he ceases to trust the good news”

214213:22lkhyrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that Jesus wants to say. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next topic, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,”

214313:22wowurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ & εἰς τὰς ἀκάνθας σπαρείς, οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ τὸν λόγον ἀκούων, καὶ ἡ μέριμνα τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου καὶ ἡ ἀπάτη τοῦ πλούτου συνπνίγει τὸν λόγον, καὶ ἄκαρπος γίνεται1

Here Jesus speaks about what happens to this person as if it were what happened in the parable when the seed was sown among the thorns, which choke the plant that grows from the seed and make it unfruitful. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form. Alternative translation: “what happened to the seed having been sown among the thorns is like what happens to the one hearing the word, but the worry of this age and the deceitfulness of riches, like thorns, choke the word, so that it is not effective, just like that seed which becomes unfruitful”

214413:22irn9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoὁ & εἰς τὰς ἀκάνθας σπαρείς, οὗτός1

Here, the word this refers directly back to the one having been sown among the thorns. Jesus expresses the idea in this way to introduce the one having been sown among the thorns and then explains what it means. If stating the topic and then referring back to it with the word this would be redundant in your language, you could omit the redundant information. Alternate translation: “the one having been sown among the thorns”

214513:22d4h5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσπαρείς1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was the farmer who was sowing seed. Alternate translation: “that the farmer sowed”

214613:22a3u1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸν λόγον-1

Here, just as in 13:19, Jesus is using the term word to mean something spoken in words. Express the idea as you did there. Alternate translation: “the proclamation … the proclamation” or “the news … the news”

214713:22vs00rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸν λόγον-1

Here Jesus implies that this is the same “word of the kingdom” that he has mentioned in the previous verses. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the word about the kingdom … this word”

214813:22rc28rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἡ μέριμνα τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου καὶ ἡ ἀπάτη τοῦ πλούτου1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of worry and deceitfulness, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “this person worries about this age and is deceived by riches. These things”

214913:22q2nhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionἡ μέριμνα τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe worry that is related to this age. In other words, the worry is about things and problems that exist in this age or world. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the worry about things in this age” or “the worry about what happens in this age”

215013:22wwf5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionἡ ἀπάτη τοῦ πλούτου1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe riches that are characterized by deceitfulness. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “deceitful riches” or “riches that deceive”

215113:23xw4brc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that Jesus wants to say. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next topic, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,”

215213:23ptb8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ & ἐπὶ τὴν καλὴν γῆν σπαρείς, οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ τὸν λόγον ἀκούων καὶ συνιείς; ὃς δὴ καρποφορεῖ καὶ ποιεῖ, ὃ μὲν ἑκατὸν, ὃ δὲ ἑξήκοντα, ὃ δὲ τριάκοντα1

Here Jesus speaks about what happens to this person as if it were what happened in the parable when the seed was sown on the good soil and produced a crop of various sizes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form. Alternative translation: “what happened to the seed having been sown on the good soil is like what happens to the one hearing the word understanding it. That person will be like a seed that bears fruit and yields, some 100, and some 60, and some 30”

215313:23k4pjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoὁ & ἐπὶ τὴν καλὴν γῆν σπαρείς, οὗτός1

Here, the word this refers directly back to the one having been sown on the good soil. Jesus expresses the idea in this way to introduce the one having been sown on the good soil and then explains what it means. If stating the topic and then referring back to it with the word this would be redundant in your language, you could omit the redundant information. Alternate translation: “the one having been sown on the good soil”

215413:23whrurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσπαρείς1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was the farmer who was sowing seed. Alternate translation: “that the farmer sowed”

215513:23zqeprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸν λόγον1

Here, just as in 13:19, Jesus is using the term word to mean something spoken in words. Express the idea as you did there. Alternate translation: “the proclamation” or “the news”

215613:23c2pyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸν λόγον1

Here Jesus implies that this is the same “word of the kingdom” that he has mentioned in the previous verses. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the word about the kingdom”

215713:23wm3prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαρποφορεῖ καὶ ποιεῖ, ὃ μὲν ἑκατὸν, ὃ δὲ ἑξήκοντα, ὃ δὲ τριάκοντα1

Here Jesus means that plants produced 100, 60, or 30 new seeds. Scholars estimate that these numbers are very good in Jesus time period, although not impossible or unheard of. Express the idea as you did in 13:8. Alternate translation: “bears fruit, with some plants yielding 100 seeds, and some plants yielding 60 seeds, and other plants yielding 30 seeds” or “bears fruit and yields many times more than the farmer planted: some 100 times more, and some 60 times more, and some 30 times more”

215813:23i4t0rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsκαρποφορεῖ1

Here, the word fruit is singular in form, but it refers to many fruits as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “bears fruits”

215913:24xkovrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπαρέθηκεν αὐτοῖς1

Here Matthew speaks as if the parable were an object that Jesus could set before the people. He means that Jesus told them another parable. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He spoke to them” or “He narrated to them”

216013:24iiv7rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοῖς1

The pronoun them refers to the people who were standing by the side of the sea of Galilee (see 13:2). If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to those people more directly. Alternate translation: “the people standing on the shore” or “those people”

216113:24l5yxrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he said”

216213:24bp9wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parablesὡμοιώθη ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν, ἀνθρώπῳ1

To teach the people in the crowd, Jesus offers a story or illustration. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Listen to this story: the kingdom of the heavens is compared to a man”

216313:24f8j5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὡμοιώθη ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the comparing, it is clear from the context that it is Jesus himself. Alternate translation: “I compare the kingdom of the heavens to” or “The kingdom of the heavens is comparable to”

216413:24a02src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀνθρώπῳ & αὐτοῦ1

Here Jesus is telling a story about a specific man. It is not important for the story whether the person is a man or a woman. If you have a form that refers to any person without identifying a gender, you could use it here. Otherwise, you could identify the person as a man, as the UST does.

216513:24u21krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαλὸν σπέρμα1

Here, the phrase good seed refers to seed that sprouts into plants that produce helpful crops. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “seed that sprouts into productive plants”

216613:24di7src://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsσπέρμα1

Here, the word seed is singular in form, but it refers to many seeds as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “seeds”

216713:25f6s9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοὺς ἀνθρώπους1

Here, the phrase the men could refer to: (1) the farmer and the people who help take care of his field and crops. Alternate translation: “the man and his helpers” (2) people in general. Alternate translation: “people” or “everyone”

216813:25q4tvrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownζιζάνια1

The word darnel refers to a plant that looks like a wheat plant, but the grain that it produces can be poisonous. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of plant, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “weeds” or “poisonous plants that look like wheat”

216913:25yz0trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπῆλθεν1

Here the implication is that the enemy sowed the darnel and went away without the farmer and his workers noticing what he had done. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “went away without the men noticing what he had done”

217013:26cu8lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐβλάστησεν ὁ χόρτος καὶ καρπὸν ἐποίησεν1

Here Jesus refers to the how seeds sprouted as small blades of grass and then grew until they began to produce heads of grain. If it would be helpful in your language, you could describe this process more explicitly. Alternate translation: “the wheat sprouted and grew until it began to produce heads of grain”

217113:26ymqcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐφάνη καὶ τὰ ζιζάνια1

Here Jesus means that the field workers recognized that some plants were darnel once the wheat and the darnel had sprouted and grown. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the darnel also grew and became recognizable”

217213:26fqojrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὰ ζιζάνια1

Translate the word darnel as you did in 13:24. Alternate translation: “the weeds” or “the poisonous plants that look like wheat”

217313:27e1v4rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

217413:27h51xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοῦ οἰκοδεσπότου1

The master of the house is the farmer who owns the field. He is the “man” whom Jesus already mentioned in 13:24. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “of the man, the one who owned the field” or “of the farmer who owned the field”

217513:27xxjyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesεἶπον αὐτῷ, Κύριε, οὐχὶ καλὸν σπέρμα ἔσπειρας ἐν τῷ σῷ ἀγρῷ? πόθεν οὖν ἔχει ζιζάνια?1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “asked him, their master, about whether he had sown good seed in his field and about where the darnel came from.”

217613:27gr7drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐχὶ καλὸν σπέρμα ἔσπειρας ἐν τῷ σῷ ἀγρῷ?1

The servants are using the question form to indicate that they know that the farmer sowed good seed. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “we realize that you sowed good seed in your field.” or “you certainly sowed good seed in your field!”

217713:27bycxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularοὐχὶ & ἔσπειρας & σῷ1

Here, the words you and your are singular since the servants are speaking to the master of the house.

217813:27fb86rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐχὶ & ἔσπειρας1

The landowner probably had his servants plant the seeds. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “did you not have us sow”

217913:27ikxrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαλὸν σπέρμα1

Here, the phrase good seed refers to seed that sprouts into plants that produce helpful crops. Express the idea as you did in 13:24. Alternate translation: “seed that sprouts into productive plants”

218013:27izdlrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsσπέρμα1

Here, the word seed is singular in form, but it refers to many seeds as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “seeds”

218113:27afwsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionπόθεν οὖν ἔχει ζιζάνια1

The servants could be using the question form to: (1) inform the landowner that there is darnel in the field and they are not sure where it came from. Alternate translation: “Despite that, there is darnel in the field, and we are not sure where it came from.” (2) ask the landowner if he knows where the darnel came from. Alternate translation: “So, from where did the darnel in the field come?”

218213:27fcybrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownζιζάνια1

Translate the word darnel as you did in 13:24. Alternate translation: “weeds” or “poisonous plants that look like wheat”

218313:28l154rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

218413:28r83zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesαὐτοῖς, ἐχθρὸς ἄνθρωπος τοῦτο ἐποίησεν.1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “to them that a hostile man had done this.”

218513:28rri8rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsτοῦτο ἐποίησεν1

The pronoun this refers to the action of planting the weed seeds. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to this action more directly. Alternate translation: “planted the weeds”

218613:28ljm4rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ2

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

218713:28rt1orc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesλέγουσιν αὐτῷ, θέλεις οὖν ἀπελθόντες, συλλέξωμεν αὐτά?1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “ask him whether he would desire that, having gone out, they would gather them.”

218813:28wufirc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγουσιν1

To call attention to a development in the story, Jesus uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said”

218913:28p8ijrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularθέλεις οὖν1

Here, the word you is singular since the servants are speaking to the master of the house.

219013:28z5w6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπελθόντες, συλλέξωμεν αὐτά1

Here the servants mean that they could go to the field, pull up the weeds, and gather them in one place. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make these ideas more explicit. Alternate translation: “having gone out to your field, we would pull up and gather them together”

219113:28num8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveσυλλέξωμεν1

By we, the servants means themselves but not the farmer, so use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

219213:28l2furc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτά1

The pronoun them refers to the weed plants. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to them more directly. Alternate translation: “the weeds”

219313:29-30teuvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesὁ δέ φησιν, οὔ, μήποτε συλλέγοντες τὰ ζιζάνια, ἐκριζώσητε ἅμα αὐτοῖς τὸν σῖτον & ἄφετε συναυξάνεσθαι ἀμφότερα μέχρι τοῦ θερισμοῦ; καὶ ἐν καιρῷ τοῦ θερισμοῦ ἐρῶ τοῖς θερισταῖς, συλλέξατε πρῶτον τὰ ζιζάνια καὶ δήσατε αὐτὰ εἰς δέσμας πρὸς τὸ κατακαῦσαι αὐτά; τὸν δὲ σῖτον συναγάγετε εἰς τὴν ἀποθήκην μου1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate these verses so that there are no quotations within quotations. Alternate translation: “he says that they should certainly not, lest gathering the darnel, they might uproot the wheat along with them. He told them to permit both to grow together until the harvest, and at the time of the harvest he would say to the reapers that they should first gather the darnel and tie them in bundles to burn them up, but that they should gather the wheat into his barn.”

219413:29w3p6rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδέ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

219513:29qlztrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitσυλλέγοντες τὰ ζιζάνια, ἐκριζώσητε ἅμα αὐτοῖς τὸν σῖτον1

Here the farmer is implying that they will pull up the darnel before they gather it. He also implies that pulling up the darnel may also uproot the wheat, since their roots are growing together. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make these ideas more explicit. Alternate translation: “pulling up and gathering the darnel, you might uproot the wheat that is growing with them in the ground”

219613:29c9jcrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὰ ζιζάνια1

Translate the word darnel as you did in 13:24. Alternate translation: “the weeds” or “the poisonous plants that look like wheat”

219713:29rd1trc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοῖς1

The pronoun them refers to the darnel. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the plants name here. Alternate translation: “the darnel”

219813:30wgz0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀμφότερα1

Here, the word both refers to the wheat and the darnel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “both wheat and darnel”

219913:30deb3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoμέχρι τοῦ θερισμοῦ; καὶ ἐν καιρῷ τοῦ θερισμοῦ1

The expressions until the harvest and at the time of the harvest contain extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expressions. Alternate translation: “until the harvest, when”

220013:30z36arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionἐν καιρῷ τοῦ θερισμοῦ1

Here, the farmer is using the possessive form to describe a time in which to perform the harvest. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “at harvest time” or “at the time when we harvest”

220113:30yd39rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὰ ζιζάνια1

Translate the word darnel as you did in 13:24. Alternate translation: “the weeds” or “the poisonous plants that look like wheat”

220213:30ke2wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸν & σῖτον συναγάγετε1

Here the farmer implies that the reapers should first harvest the wheat and then gather it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “harvest the wheat and gather it”

220313:30ll14rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὴν ἀποθήκην μου1

The word barn refers to a place where food is stored. If your readers would not be familiar with this term, you could use a more general one. Alternate translation: “the place where my food is stored”

220413:31g143rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπαρέθηκεν αὐτοῖς1

Here Matthew speaks as if the parable were an object that Jesus could set before the people. He means that Jesus told them another parable. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed the idea in 13:24. Alternate translation: “He spoke to them” or “He narrated to them”

220513:31nyaarc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοῖς1

The pronoun them refers to the people who were standing by the side of the sea of Galilee (see 13:2). If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to those people more directly. See how you expressed the idea in 13:24. Alternate translation: “the people standing on the shore” or “those people”

220613:31s999rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he said”

220713:31tdf4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parablesὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν κόκκῳ σινάπεως1

To teach the people in the crowd, Jesus offers a story or illustration. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Listen to this story: the kingdom of the heavens is like a mustard seed”

220813:31qby8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownκόκκῳ σινάπεως1

A mustard seed is a very small seed that grows into a large plant. If your readers would not be familiar with this kind of seed, in your translation you could use the name of another seed like it, or you could use a general phrase. Alternate translation: “a very small seed”

220913:31jw7urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἄνθρωπος & αὐτοῦ1

Here Jesus is telling a story about a specific man. However, it is not important for the story whether the person is a man or a woman. If you have a form that refers to any person without identifying a gender, you could use it here. Otherwise, you could identify the person as a man, as the UST does.

221013:32gyi1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleμικρότερον & πάντων τῶν σπερμάτων1

Jesus says smallest of all the seeds here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “one of the smallest seeds” or “smaller than most seeds”

221113:32xvknrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτῶν λαχάνων1

The phrase vegetable plants refers to plants that people grow so that they can eat them or parts of them. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of plant, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “other plants that people grow to eat” or “plants that people have in their gardens”

221213:32g6v8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomγίνεται δένδρον1

Here, the phrase becomes a tree means that the plant grows until it becomes the size of a tree. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “becomes as large as a tree”

221313:32ah8irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoτὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ1

In your language, it might seem that this phrase expresses unnecessary extra information. If so, you could abbreviate it. Alternate translation: “the birds”

221413:32fur6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκατασκηνοῦν1

Here, the word nest could indicate that: (1) the birds are building nests in the branches of the mustard plant. Alternate translation: “build nests” (2) the birds are perching or resting on the branches of the mustard plant. Alternate translation: “perch” or “roost”

221513:33ov36rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοῖς1

The pronoun them refers to the people who were standing by the side of the sea of Galilee (see 13:2). If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to those people more directly. See how you expressed the idea in 13:24. Alternate translation: “to the people standing on the shore” or “to those people”

221613:33z94krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parablesὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν ζύμῃ1

To teach the people in the crowd, Jesus offers a story or illustration. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Listen to this story: the kingdom of the heavens is like yeast”

221713:33w8sbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitζύμῃ1

Jesus assumes that his listeners will know that only a little bit of yeast is needed to make a lot of dough rise. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “a little bit of yeast”

221813:33r88grc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolumeἀλεύρου σάτα τρία1

The term seahs is the plural of “seah,” a dry measure equivalent to nearly eight liters or two gallons. You can express this quantity in terms of a measure that your culture uses, or you can use a general expression. Alternate translation: “a large amount of flour”

221913:33xc9trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἕως οὗ ἐζυμώθη ὅλον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was the yeast. Alternate translation: “until the yeast leavened it all”

222013:34nt7urc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstoryταῦτα πάντα ἐλάλησεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐν παραβολαῖς τοῖς ὄχλοις, καὶ χωρὶς παραβολῆς οὐδὲν ἐλάλει αὐτοῖς1

This sentence marks the end of Jesus teaching by summarizing how Jesus taught the crowds. Use a natural form in your language for expressing the conclusion of a speech. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus stopped speaking to the crowds. He had spoken all those things in parables to them, and he was speaking nothing to them without a parable”

222113:34n54erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitταῦτα πάντα1

The phrase All these things is referring to the parables which Jesus just taught. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “All those teachings”

222213:34a5c7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesχωρὶς παραβολῆς οὐδὲν ἐλάλει αὐτοῖς1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative word nothing and the negative preposition without. Alternate translation: “he was only speaking to them with a parable”

222313:35xse0rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultὅπως1

Here, the phrase so that could introduce: (1) a result from Jesus teaching in parables. Alternate translation: “with the result that” (2) a purpose for which Jesus was teaching in parables. Alternate translation: “in order that”

222413:35ybq5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ τοῦ προφήτου1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the speaking, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “this might fulfill that which God said through the prophet”

222513:35p3tbrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντος,1

In Matthews culture, saying was a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book of Psalms (see Psalm 78:2). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Matthew is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “who wrote in the book of Psalms” or “who declared”

222613:35f9glrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἀνοίξω & τὸ στόμα μου1

Here, the phrase I will open my mouth refers to speaking words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will talk”

222713:35yx6yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveκεκρυμμένα1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “what God has hidden”

222813:35th8trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of foundation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “from when God founded the world”

222913:36pq2hrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventτότε1

Here, the word Then introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Then untranslated. Alternate translation: “After that” or “Next”

223013:36y93prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὴν οἰκίαν1

Here Matthew refers to the house that Jesus had been in before he taught in parables (see 13:1). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the house where he had been” or “the house in which he had taught previously”

223113:36vk44rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”

223213:36xsg4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsλέγοντες, διασάφησον ἡμῖν τὴν παραβολὴν τῶν ζιζανίων τοῦ ἀγροῦ1

It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “asking him to explain to them the parable of the darnel of the field.”

223313:36gn0brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeδιασάφησον ἡμῖν1

This is an imperative, but it communicates a polite request rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates a polite request. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “We ask that you explain to us”

223413:36b4aurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularδιασάφησον1

Here, the command is singular because the disciples are speaking to Jesus.

223513:36mq8mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὴν παραβολὴν τῶν ζιζανίων τοῦ ἀγροῦ1

Here, the disciples are using the possessive form to describe the parable that was about the darnel that grew in the field. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the parable concerning the darnel that grew in the field”

223613:36crrvrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτῶν ζιζανίων1

Translate the word darnel as you did in 13:24. Alternate translation: “of the weeds” or “of the poisonous plants that look like wheat”

223713:37g8htrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

223813:37xf1grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ σπείρων τὸ καλὸν σπέρμα ἐστὶν ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1

Here Jesus speaks as if the one sowing were the Son of Man. He means that the sower represents or is like the Son of Man. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or in another way. Alternate translation: “The one sowing the good seed represents the Son of Man” or “The one sowing the good seed should be interpreted as the Son of Man”

223913:37zjfyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ καλὸν σπέρμα1

Translate the phrase good seed as you did in 13:24. Alternate translation: “the seed that sprouts into productive plants”

224013:37vgynrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsσπέρμα1

Here, the word seed is singular in form, but it refers to many seeds as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “seeds”

224113:37xj4src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1

Here Jesus speaks about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “I, who am the Son of Man”

224213:38t1l7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ & ἀγρός ἐστιν ὁ κόσμος1

Here Jesus speaks as if the field were the world. He means that the field represents or is like the world. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or in another way. Alternate translation: “the field represents the world” or “the field should be interpreted as the world”

224313:38reylrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὸ & καλὸν σπέρμα, οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ υἱοὶ τῆς βασιλείας1

Here Jesus speaks as if the good seed were the sons of the kingdom. He means that the good seed represents or is like the sons of the kingdom. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or in another way. Alternate translation: “the good seed—these represent the sons of the kingdom” or “the good seed—these should be interpreted as the sons of the kingdom”

224413:38w6dyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoτὸ & καλὸν σπέρμα, οὗτοί1

Here, the word these refers directly back to the good seed. Jesus expresses the idea in this way to introduce the good seed and then explain what it means. If stating the topic and then referring back to it with the word these would be redundant in your language, you could omit the redundant information. Alternate translation: “the good seed”

224513:38nzxbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ & καλὸν σπέρμα1

Translate the phrase good seed as you did in 13:37. Alternate translation: “the seed that sprouts into productive plants”

224613:38z0gdrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsσπέρμα1

Here, the word seed is singular in form, but it refers to many seeds as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “seeds”

224713:38h9izrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοἱ υἱοὶ τῆς βασιλείας1

The expression the sons of the kingdom refers to people who are part of Gods kingdom. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “people who are part of the kingdom” or “people who are in the kingdom”

224813:38tokhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsοἱ υἱοὶ-1

Although the term sons is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “the children” or “the sons and daughters”

224913:38oo0erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὰ & ζιζάνιά εἰσιν οἱ υἱοὶ τοῦ πονηροῦ1

Here Jesus speaks as if the darnel were the sons of the evil one. He means that the darnel represent or are like the sons of the evil one. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or in another way. Alternate translation: “the darnel represent the sons of the evil one” or “the darnel should be interpreted as the sons of the evil one”

225013:38eni3rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὰ & ζιζάνιά1

Translate the word darnel as you did in 13:24. Alternate translation: “the weeds” or “the poisonous plants that look like wheat”

225113:38fjucrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοἱ υἱοὶ τοῦ πονηροῦ1

The expression the sons of the evil one refers to people who belong to or follow the evil one. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “people who belong to the evil one” or “people who follow the evil one”

225213:38sfitrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοῦ πονηροῦ1

Here, the phrase the evil one refers to the devil, Satan. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make this idea more explicit. Express the idea as you did in 13:19. Alternate translation: “of the devil” or “of the evil one, Satan,”

225313:39k7r6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ & ἐχθρὸς, ὁ σπείρας αὐτά, ἐστιν ὁ διάβολος1

Here Jesus speaks as if the enemy having sowed them were the devil. He means that the enemy represents or is like the devil. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or in another way. Alternate translation: “the enemy having sowed them represents the devil” or “the enemy having sowed them should be interpreted as the devil”

225413:39n7ohrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτά1

The pronoun them refers to the darnel. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to the plant more directly. Alternate translation: “the darnel” or “the weeds”

225513:39fpfqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ δὲ θερισμὸς συντέλεια αἰῶνός ἐστιν1

Here Jesus speaks as if the harvest were the end of the age. He means that the harvest represents or is like the end of the age. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or in another way. Alternate translation: “And the harvest represents the end of the age” or “the harvest should be interpreted as the end of the age”

225613:39vvbmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomσυντέλεια αἰῶνός1

Here, the phrase the end of the age refers to when the current time period will cease and a new age will begin. If your language has a way to refer to the end of the way things are now, you could use it here, or you could use a descriptive phrase. Alternate translation: “the end of the world” or “the moment in the future when the current way of doing things will cease”

225713:39vypbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοἱ & θερισταὶ ἄγγελοί εἰσιν1

Here Jesus speaks as if the reapers were angels. He means that the reapers represent or are like angels. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or in another way. Alternate translation: “the reapers represent angels” or “the reapers should be interpreted as angels”

225813:40k7enrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1

Here, the word Therefore introduces an inference or conclusion based on how Jesus has interpreted the story about the darnel and the grain. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an inference or conclusion, or you could leave Therefore untranslated. Alternate translation: “So then”

225913:40rn64rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὥσπερ & συλλέγεται τὰ ζιζάνια καὶ πυρὶ κατακαίεται, οὕτως ἔσται ἐν τῇ συντελείᾳ τοῦ αἰῶνος1

Here Jesus compares how the darnel are gathered and burned with fire to what will happen at the end of the age. Jesus explains this comparison in the following verses, so you do not need to explain it here. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that clearly compares the end of the age with how the darnel are gathered and burned with fire. Alternate translation: “think about how the darnel are gathered and burned with fire. That is what the end of the age will be like”

226013:40whlcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσυλλέγεται τὰ ζιζάνια καὶ πυρὶ κατακαίεται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was the workers who were harvesting. Alternate translation: “the ones who are harvesting gather the darnel and burn them with fire”

226113:40hzihrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν τῇ συντελείᾳ τοῦ αἰῶνος1

See how you translated the phrase the end of the age in 13:39. Alternate translation: “during the end of the world” or “at the moment in the future when the current way of doing things will cease”

226213:41fiy4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personἀποστελεῖ ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου τοὺς ἀγγέλους αὐτοῦ & τῆς βασιλείας αὐτοῦ1

Here Jesus speaks about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “I, who am the Son of Man, will send out my angels … my kingdom”

226313:41p5p9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitσυλλέξουσιν ἐκ τῆς βασιλείας αὐτοῦ1

Here Jesus implies that the angels will gather these things and people and remove them from his kingdom. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “they will gather and take out of his kingdom”

226413:41ptw9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπάντα τὰ σκάνδαλα1

Here, Jesus speaks of things that cause people to sin as if they were stumbling blocks. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all the things that lead people to disobey”

226513:41chpxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὰ σκάνδαλα1

Here, the phrase stumbling blocks could refer to: (1) things that cause people to stumble. Alternate translation: “the things that cause people to stumble” (2) people who cause others to stumble. Alternate translation: “the ones who cause others to stumble”

226613:41clelrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτοὺς ποιοῦντας τὴν ἀνομίαν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of lawlessness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the ones who are lawless” or “the ones doing what is lawless”

226713:42fndwrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsβαλοῦσιν αὐτοὺς1

The pronoun they refers to the angels. The pronoun them refers to the people and things that the angels gathered (see 13:41). If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to these people and things more directly. Alternate translation: “those angels will throw the people and things that they gathered”

226813:42lqpqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὴν κάμινον τοῦ πυρός1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe a furnace that is full of fire. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the fiery furnace” or “the furnace blazing with fire”

226913:42d9mdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὴν κάμινον τοῦ πυρός1

Here, the phrase the furnace of fire refers to hell and describes it as a very unpleasant place. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “hell, which is as hot as a furnace of fire” or “hell”

227013:42zu3jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων1

In Jesus culture, people would grind their teeth when they experienced anger, grief, and pain. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to an action with comparable meaning or state the meaning of this action plainly. See how you translated this phrase in 8:12. Alternate translation: “beating of breasts” or “grinding of the teeth in anger and pain”

227113:43azqyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjοἱ δίκαιοι1

Jesus is using the adjective righteous as a noun to mean righteous people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are righteous”

227213:43u5c9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐκλάμψουσιν1

Here Jesus speaks of how great and glorious the righteous will be by describing them as if they will shine. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will have glory, as if they were shining” or “will have glory”

227313:43u6smrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὡς ὁ ἥλιος1

Here Jesus compares how the righteous will shine to how the sun shines. He means that they will shine very brightly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning of the comparison more explicitly. Alternate translation: “as brightly as the sun shines”

227413:43sea2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτοῦ Πατρὸς αὐτῶν1

This is a figurative expression. God is not the Father of humans in the same actual way that he is the Father of Jesus. Even so, it would probably be best to translate Father with the same word that your language would naturally use to refer to a human father. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that this means God. Alternate translation: “of God, who is their Father”

227513:43zxh2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὁ ἔχων ὦτα, ἀκουέτω1

See how you translated the identical sentence in 13:9.

227613:44fjm1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parablesὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν θησαυρῷ1

To teach the disciples, Jesus offers a story or illustration. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Listen to this story: the kingdom of the heavens is like a treasure”

227713:44wg6arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveκεκρυμμένῳ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “that someone had hidden”

227813:44xmemrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseὃν εὑρὼν ἄνθρωπος ἔκρυψεν, καὶ ἀπὸ τῆς χαρᾶς αὐτοῦ ὑπάγει καὶ πωλεῖ πάντα ὅσα ἔχει, καὶ ἀγοράζει τὸν ἀγρὸν ἐκεῖνον1

Here Jesus tells the story partly in the past tense and partly in the present tense. This was a natural way to tell the story in his language. Consider what tense your language might use to tell this kind of story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the same tense throughout the story. Alternate translation: “which, finding, a man hides. And from his joy, he goes and sells everything, as much as he has, and buys that field”

227913:44e9cvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὃν εὑρὼν ἄνθρωπος ἔκρυψεν1

Here Jesus means that the man found the treasure, but then he hid it again so that no one else would find it before he could buy the field. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “which a man found and then hid again”

228013:44tac2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπὸ τῆς χαρᾶς αὐτοῦ ὑπάγει1

Here Jesus could mean that: (1) the man sold everything and bought the field because of his joy. Alternate translation: “because of his joy, he goes” (2) the man sold everything and bought the field while he experienced joy. Alternate translation: “joyfully he goes”

228113:44k9rhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἀπὸ τῆς χαρᾶς αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of joy, you could express the same idea in another way. Make sure that your translation fits with the interpretation you chose in the previous note. Alternate translation: “because of how joyful he was”

228213:44or3urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoπάντα ὅσα ἔχει1

The expression everything, as much as he has contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “everything that he has”

228313:44yd64rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀγοράζει τὸν ἀγρὸν ἐκεῖνον1

Here Jesus implies that the man buys that field so that he can also own the treasure. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “buys that field and the treasure in it” or “buys that field so he can possess the treasure”

228413:45efpsrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesπάλιν1

Here, the word Again introduces another parable or short story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces another story, or you could leave Again untranslated. Alternate translation: “Also” or “Even further”

228513:45vv91rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parablesὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν ἀνθρώπῳ1

To teach the disciples, Jesus offers another story or illustration. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “listen to this story: the kingdom of the heavens is like a man”

228613:45khy6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἀνθρώπῳ ἐμπόρῳ ζητοῦντι1

A merchant is a trader who buys merchandise and sells it to people. If your readers would not be familiar with this occupation, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “a man, a shopkeeper, seeking” or “a man who sold goods who was seeking”

228713:45c633rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitζητοῦντι καλοὺς μαργαρίτας1

Jesus implies that the man is seeking fine pearls because he wants to buy them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “seeking to buy fine pearls”

228813:45b88qrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownκαλοὺς μαργαρίτας1

The word pearls refers to beautiful and valuable mineral balls that people use as jewelry. When pearls are fine, they are particularly beautiful and valuable. If your readers would not be familiar with pearls, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. See how you translated pearls in 7:6. Alternate translation: “beautiful jewelry” or “very valuable beads”

228913:46z2surc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἕνα πολύτιμον μαργαρίτην1

See how you translated “pearls” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “one piece of very valuable jewelry” or “one very valuable bead”

229013:46jqyqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoπάντα ὅσα εἶχεν, καὶ1

The expression everything, as much as he had contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. See how you translated the similar phrase in 13:44. Alternate translation: “everything that he had and”

229113:47pv0urc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesπάλιν1

Here, the word Again introduces another parable or short story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces another story, or you could leave Again untranslated. See how you translated this word in 13:45. Alternate translation: “Also” or “Even further”

229213:47vw24rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parablesὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν σαγήνῃ1

To teach the disciples, Jesus offers another story or illustration. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “listen to this story: the kingdom of the heavens is like a net”

229313:47g79nrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownσαγήνῃ1

Some cultures use a net to catch fish. A net is a mesh or network of cords or ropes which fishermen throw into the water to trap many fish at once. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to how people catch many fish at once in your culture, or you could use a general phrase. See how you translated the similar word in 4:18. Alternate translation: “a fish trap” or “a fishing tool”

229413:47vrp4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveβληθείσῃ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject or refer to people who fish. Alternate translation: “that fishermen cast”

229513:47rjm4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐκ παντὸς γένους συναγαγούσῃ1

Here Jesus means that every kind of fish was trapped in the net. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having collected every kind of fish” or “having caught some fish of every kind”

229613:47e64hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleπαντὸς γένους1

Jesus says every kind here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “very many kinds”

229713:48aqhlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐπληρώθη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was fish. Alternate translation: “fish filled it up”

229813:48pgfbrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὸν αἰγιαλὸν1

See how you translated beach in 13:2. Alternate translation: “the edge of the sea” or “the sandy area by the water”

229913:48rfn6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαθίσαντες1

Here Jesus implies that the people sat down to sort through the fish to find the useful ones. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having sat down to separate the fish”

230013:48cnp7rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsσυνέλεξαν1

The pronoun they refers to the fishermen who cast the net into the sea. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to these people more directly. Alternate translation: “the fishermen gathered”

230113:48xwy1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὰ καλὰ & τὰ & σαπρὰ1

Here Jesus is referring to good fish and rotten fish. The good fish are good for eating, while the rotten fish are not good for eating. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the useful fish … the worthless fish” or “the fish that were good to eat … the fish that were not good to eat”

230213:49hto2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν τῇ συντελείᾳ τοῦ αἰῶνος1

See how you translated the phrase the end of the age in 13:39. Alternate translation: “during the end of the world” or “at the moment in the future when the current way of doing things will cease”

230313:49zawvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐξελεύσονται οἱ ἄγγελοι1

Jesus does not say where the angels go out from. Jesus and his audience would have known that the angels went out from Gods presence in heaven. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “The angels will go out from Gods presence” or “The angels will go out from heaven”

230413:49lmhjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐξελεύσονται1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of go. Alternate translation: “will come out”

230513:49ah2krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτοὺς πονηροὺς & τῶν δικαίων1

Jesus is using the adjectives wicked and righteous as nouns to mean people who are wicked or righteous. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “the wicked people … the righteous people”

230613:50j8nfκαὶ βαλοῦσιν αὐτοὺς εἰς τὴν κάμινον τοῦ πυρός. ἐκεῖ ἔσται ὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων1

This verse is identical to 13:42, so express the idea as you did there. Make sure that your translation still fits the context of this verse.

230713:51g9k4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitταῦτα πάντα1

Here Jesus refers to what he has been teaching the disciples (see 13:3750). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “all these things I have told you” or “everything I have been teaching you”

230813:51p5ejrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsλέγουσιν αὐτῷ, ναί.1

It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “They say to him that they do.”

230913:51k6bwrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγουσιν1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “They said”

231013:52vw8arc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

231113:52clwerc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultδιὰ τοῦτο1

Here, the phrase For this reason could introduce: (1) a general conclusion to Jesus teaching in this chapter. Alternate translation: “Given all that I have said” (2) an inference from what the disciples said about how they understood what Jesus had taught them. Alternate translation: “Because you understand” or “Therefore”

231213:52z8smrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitγραμματεὺς1

The word scribe usually refers to teachers of the Jewish law. Here it refers more generally to anyone who is an expert in a specific subject and can teach it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “educated person” or “expert”

231313:52g4ddrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveμαθητευθεὶς1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could refer generally to the scribes teacher or leader. Alternate translation: “whose teacher has disciplined him or her”

231413:52diu3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῇ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1

Here, the phrase discipled for the kingdom of the heavens indicates that the scribes are part of the kingdom of the heavens and have knowledge about the kingdom of the heavens. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make these ideas more explicit. Alternate translation: “concerning the kingdom of the heavens” or “as part of the kingdom of the heavens”

231513:52ip6erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὅμοιός ἐστιν ἀνθρώπῳ οἰκοδεσπότῃ, ὅστις ἐκβάλλει ἐκ τοῦ θησαυροῦ αὐτοῦ καινὰ καὶ παλαιά1

Here, Jesus is comparing the scribe and the master of the house because they both use new and old things to help other people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this comparison more explicitly. Alternate translation: “is like a man, the master of the house, who brings forth new and old goods from his treasure, just as a scribe speaks both old and new teachings”

231613:52o2wlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjκαινὰ καὶ παλαιά1

Jesus is using the adjectives new and old as nouns to mean things that are new and old. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “new things and old things”

231713:52g59crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτοῦ θησαυροῦ αὐτοῦ1

Here, just as in 12:35, the word treasure could refer to: (1) a place where treasures are kept or stored. Alternate translation: “his treasury” or “his storehouse” (2) the treasures that the person has. Alternate translation: “his treasures”

231813:53jwv2rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstoryκαὶ ἐγένετο ὅτε ἐτέλεσεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς τὰς παραβολὰς ταύτας, μετῆρεν ἐκεῖθεν1

This sentence marks the end of Jesus teaching by stating that Jesus finished speaking in parables and then describing what he did next. Use the natural form in your language for expressing the conclusion of a story. Alternate translation: “At that time, Jesus finished speaking all those parables. Then, he departed from there”

231913:53gk4wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐκεῖθεν1

Here, the word there refers to the “house” (see 13:36) where Jesus was when he gave to his disciples the instructions and parables that are quoted in the previous verses. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “from the house where he had been staying” or “from where he had been”

232013:54qnh9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθὼν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “having gone”

232113:54q3mlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὴν πατρίδα αὐτοῦ1

Here, the phrase his hometown refers to the town of Nazareth, where Jesus grew up. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “his hometown, Nazareth”

232213:54gjw5rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοὺς ἐν & αὐτῶν & αὐτοὺς1

The pronouns them, their, and they refer to the people who were living in Jesus hometown. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to these people more directly. Alternate translation: “the people living there in their … they”

232313:54icmmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐκπλήσσεσθαι αὐτοὺς1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was Jesus and what he said and did. Alternate translation: “he astonished them” or “what he said astonished them”

232413:54b3d2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionπόθεν τούτῳ ἡ σοφία αὕτη καὶ αἱ δυνάμεις?1

The people in Jesus hometown are using the question form to express their surprise that Jesus has wisdom and can do miracles. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “We are surprised that this one has this wisdom and these miracles.” or “We have no idea where to this one is this wisdom and these miracles!”

232513:54gmstrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomπόθεν τούτῳ ἡ σοφία αὕτη1

Here, the phrase From where to this one asks about the source from which Jesus received his wisdom and the power to do miracles. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “What is the source of this wisdom” or “How did he receive this wisdom”

232613:54xwfdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἡ σοφία αὕτη1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wisdom, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “is this wise teaching” or “comes how wise he is”

232713:55rk5erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐχ οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ τοῦ τέκτονος υἱός? οὐχ ἡ μήτηρ αὐτοῦ λέγεται Μαριὰμ, καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτοῦ, Ἰάκωβος, καὶ Ἰωσὴφ, καὶ Σίμων, καὶ Ἰούδας?1

The people are using the question form to show that they know Jesus family. They mean that Jesus is just an ordinary person. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or exclamations. Alternate translation: “He is just the son of a carpenter. We know his mother Mary, and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas.” or “He is only the son of the carpenter! His mother is called Mary, and his brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas!”

232813:55rpj9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτοῦ τέκτονος1

The word carpenter refers to someone who builds things with wood. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of worker, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “of the man who builds with wood” or “of the construction worker”

232913:55f26brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοὐχ ἡ μήτηρ αὐτοῦ λέγεται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “Do they not call his mother” or “Is not the name of his mother”

233013:55ng4brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisκαὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτοῦ, Ἰάκωβος1

The people are leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and are not his brothers called James”

233113:55qspgrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinshipοἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτοῦ1

These were Jesus' younger brothers. They were sons of Mary and Joseph. Since the Father of Jesus was God, and their father was Joseph, they were actually his half-brothers. That detail is not normally translated, but if your language has a specific word for “younger brother,” you could use it here.

233213:55l3zyrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesἸωσὴφ & Σίμων & Ἰούδας1

The words Joseph, Simon, and Judas are the names of men.

233313:56m9pnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionαἱ ἀδελφαὶ αὐτοῦ οὐχὶ πᾶσαι πρὸς ἡμᾶς εἰσιν?1

The people are using the question form to show that they know Jesus family. They mean that Jesus is just an ordinary person. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this question as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “all his sisters are with us.” or “we all know that all his sisters are with us!”

233413:56bnv1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionπόθεν οὖν τούτῳ ταῦτα πάντα?1

The people are using the question form to express their surprise that Jesus can do all these things. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “We are surprised, therefore that this one has all these things.” or “We have no idea, therefore, where to this one are all these things!”

233513:56wuckrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomπόθεν οὖν τούτῳ ταῦτα πάντα1

Here, the phrase From where, therefore, to this one asks about the source from which Jesus received the ability to do all these things. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “What is the source, therefore, of all these things” or “How, therefore, did he receive all these things”

233613:56gko3rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultπόθεν οὖν τούτῳ1

Here, the word therefore introduces an inference based on the fact that the people in Jesus hometown know his family. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of inference, or you could leave therefore untranslated. Alternate translation: “So then, from where to this one” or “Because of that, from where to this one”

233713:56pqf1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitταῦτα πάντα1

Here, the phrase all these things refers to Jesus wisdom and ability to do miracles, as mentioned in the previous verse (13:55). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “are his wisdom and miracles”

233813:57sywprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐσκανδαλίζοντο ἐν αὐτῷ1

Here Matthew speaks as if Jesus were a lump or rock that the people in Jesus hometown were stumbling on. He means that these people were offended by him and rejected him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they were offended by him” or “they did not listen to him”

233913:57f5mdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐσκανδαλίζοντο ἐν αὐτῷ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they were stumbling on him”

234013:57azn4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐκ ἔστιν & ἄτιμος1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative preposition without. Alternate translation: “has honor” or “is always honored”

234113:57felirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἄτιμος1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of honor, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “dishonored” or “treated dishonorably”

234213:57sq8jrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptionsοὐκ ἔστιν προφήτης ἄτιμος, εἰ μὴ1

If, in your language, it would appear that Jesus was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “A prophet is only without honor”

234313:57w4x8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ αὐτοῦ1

Jesus uses the phrase in his house to refer to his closest relatives, like his father, mother, or siblings. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “among his closest family members” or “among his father, mother, or siblings”

234413:58e2cprc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὐκ ἐποίησεν ἐκεῖ δυνάμεις πολλὰς, διὰ τὴν ἀπιστίαν αὐτῶν1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “because of their unbelief, he did not do many miracles there”

234513:58nidvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsδιὰ τὴν ἀπιστίαν αὐτῶν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of unbelief, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “because they did not believe”

234614:introg5mc0

Matthew 14 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

  1. Further opposition to Jesus and misunderstanding of the kingdom of God (13:5317:27)
    • Herod hears about Jesus (14:12)
    • Flashback: Herod executes John the Baptist (14:312)
    • Jesus feeds 5,000 men (14:1321)
    • Jesus walks on water (14:2233)
    • Jesus heals people in the region of Gennesaret (14:3436)

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Herod and Herodias

The man named “Herod the tetrarch” (14:1) was a son of King Herod, the man mentioned in 2:122. Herod the tetrarch ruled over the area to the northwest of the Sea of Galilee, which is where Jesus spent much of his ministry. Herodias was married to Herods brother Philip, and the two of them had a daughter. However, Herodias divorced Philip and married Herod, who had also divorced his previous wife. Since the Jewish law condemned anyone who married his brothers wife while his brother was still alive (see Leviticus 20:21), John the Baptist rebuked Herod for doing this. It was in response to this rebuke that Herod had John the Baptist put in prison and eventually executed. Make sure that your translation accurately refers to the relationships between Herod, Herodias, and Herodias daughter.

The miracle of multiplying food

In 14:1321, Matthew tells a story in which Jesus provides 5,000 men and even more women and children with food. All these people were in a place where no people lived, and all the food that Jesus and his disciples had were five loaves of bread and two fish. Despite that, Jesus used the five loaves of bread and the two fish to feed everyone who was there. Matthew does not tell us exactly how Jesus did this, but he does say that there were more leftovers than what they started with. Your translation should not explain how Jesus multiplied the food, but it should be clear that he did a miracle.

The miracle of walking on water

In 14:2233, Matthew tells a story in which Jesus walks on top of the Sea of Galilee, even though there was a storm. Later, Jesus allows Peter to walk briefly on the water, and when Jesus and Peter climb into the boat that the rest of the disciples were in, the storm miraculously stops. Your translation should not explain exactly how Jesus or Peter walked on the water, but it should be clear that Jesus walking on the water, Peter walking on the water, and the storm stopping were all miracles.

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

The flashback to Johns death

In this chapter, Matthew includes a story that happened before the stories that appear before and after it in his narrative. The previous chapter includes much of Jesus teaching, and this chapter begins by describing Herod Antipas response to Jesus (see 14:12). Then, to explain what Herod said about Jesus, Matthew includes a story that happened earlier. This type of storytelling is called a flashback. Here, the flashback tells about how John the Baptist died (see 14:312). In 14:13, Matthew returns to the main narrative and tells what happened after the events recorded in chapter 13 and 14:12. While the story that begins in 14:13 is linked to the flashback by the phrase “Now having heard,” Matthew does not indicate how long it took for Jesus to hear about Johns death from Johns disciples. So, you should use a form that shows your readers that 14:312 is a flashback that describes something that happened previously, and 14:13 continues with the main narrative. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

Singular and plural forms of “you”

Most of the forms of “you” in this chapter appear in dialogue between characters. Because of this, most forms of “you” in this chapter are singular. You should assume forms of “you” are singular unless a note specifies that the form is plural. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

234714:1ny6urc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventἐν ἐκείνῳ τῷ καιρῷ1

Here, the phrase At that time introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event. Alternate translation: “While all those things were happening” or “During this period”

234814:2pd1brc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsοὗτός1

The pronoun This refers to Jesus. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to him more directly. Alternate translation: “This person” or “This Jesus”

234914:2nx7xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomαὐτὸς ἠγέρθη1

Here, the word raised refers to someone who died coming back to life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He has been restored to life”

235014:2dy2jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveαὐτὸς ἠγέρθη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, Herod could be implying that: (1) God did it. Alternate translation: “God has raised him” (2) John himself did it. Alternate translation: “He has risen”

235114:2wwe3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjἀπὸ τῶν νεκρῶν1

Paul is using the adjective dead as a noun in order to refer to all people who are dead. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “from among the dead people” or “from the corpses”

235214:2x4zzrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultδιὰ τοῦτο1

Here, the phrase because of this introduces the result of what Herod thinks about John being raised from the dead. Herod thinks that Jesus has powers because he has already been raised from the dead. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “because he has been raised,”

235314:2vve7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationαἱ δυνάμεις ἐνεργοῦσιν ἐν αὐτῷ1

Here Herod speaks as if the powers were people that could work in Jesus. He means that Jesus is powerful and can do powerful things. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he has his powers” or “he is very powerful”

235414:3-4zgp9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridgeὁ γὰρ Ἡρῴδης κρατήσας τὸν Ἰωάννην, ἔδησεν αὐτὸν καὶ ἐν φυλακῇ ἀπέθετο, διὰ Ἡρῳδιάδα, τὴν γυναῖκα Φιλίππου, τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ αὐτοῦ & ἔλεγεν γὰρ αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰωάννης, οὐκ ἔξεστίν σοι ἔχειν αὐτήν1

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine 14:3 and 14:4 into a verse bridge, as UST does, in order to include what John said to Herod before stating what Herod did in response. Alternate translation: “For John had said to Herod, It is not lawful for you to have Herodias, the wife of your brother Philip. So, because of Herodias, Herod, having seized John, bound him and put him in prison.”

235514:3ybyzrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces background information that tells about how John died. This background information continues in 14:412. In your translation, present this information in a way that makes it clear that this is background information, not the next event in the story. Alternate translation: “Now sometime earlier,” or “By this time, John had already died. Here is what happened:”

235614:3zsvzrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultὁ & Ἡρῴδης κρατήσας τὸν Ἰωάννην, ἔδησεν αὐτὸν καὶ ἐν φυλακῇ ἀπέθετο, διὰ Ἡρῳδιάδα, τὴν γυναῖκα Φιλίππου, τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ αὐτοῦ1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these elements, since the second half of the verse gives the reason for the result that the first half of the verse describes. Alternate translation: “Because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, Herod, having seized John, bound him and put him in prison”

235714:3h466rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ & Ἡρῴδης κρατήσας τὸν Ἰωάννην, ἔδησεν αὐτὸν καὶ ἐν φυλακῇ ἀπέθετο1

Here Matthew implies that Herod sent his soldiers to do these things. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Herod sent his soldiers to seize John, bind him, and put him in prison”

235814:3rqfwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδιὰ Ἡρῳδιάδα, τὴν γυναῖκα Φιλίππου, τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ αὐτοῦ1

Here Matthew implies that Herod married Herodias after she divorced Philip, Herods brother. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “because of Herodias, whom he married after she divorced his brother Philip”

235914:3ftfcrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participantsἩρῳδιάδα, τὴν γυναῖκα Φιλίππου, τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ αὐτοῦ1

Here Matthew introduces Herodias as a new participant in the story. If your language has its own way of introducing new participants, you could use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “a woman named Herodias, who was the wife of his brother Philip”

236014:3lr92rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesΦιλίππου1

The word Philip is the name of a man.

236114:3tqyorc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinshipτοῦ ἀδελφοῦ αὐτοῦ1

It is not certain whether Philip was older or younger than Herod, but it is slightly more likely that he was older. So, if you have to use a form that refers to an older or younger brother, you could state that Philip was older. Alternate translation: “his older brother”

236214:3e6zcrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοῦ1

The pronoun his refers to Herod. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “Herods”

236314:4jprorc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a reason why Herod put John in prison. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “He did that because”

236414:4lp4drc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτῷ1

The pronoun him refers to Herod. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “to Herod”

236514:4n1t6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsἔλεγεν & αὐτῷ & οὐκ ἔξεστίν σοι ἔχειν αὐτήν.1

It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “was saying to him that it was not lawful for him to have her”

236614:5pajgrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastθέλων αὐτὸν ἀποκτεῖναι1

Here, the word wanting introduces a clause that states something that contrasts with what Herod actually did. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast. Alternate translation: “although he wanted to put him to death” or “despite the fact that he wanted to put him to death”

236714:5tx3hrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτὸν & ἐφοβήθη & αὐτὸν1

The pronouns him and him refer to John the Baptist, and the pronoun he refers to Herod. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to these people more directly. Alternate translation: “John … Herod feared … John”

236814:5rtp0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐφοβήθη τὸν ὄχλον1

Here Matthew implies that Herod both feared the crowd and did not have John killed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he feared the crowd and did not put him to death” or “he did not give the order, for he feared the crowd”

236914:5epddrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸν ὄχλον1

Here Matthew implies that Herod feared what the crowd would do if he put John to death. They might have rioted or attacked Herod. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “what the crowd would do” or “that the crowd might riot”

237014:6d2emrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

237114:6a0u5rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participantsγενεσίοις & γενομένοις τοῦ Ἡρῴδου, ὠρχήσατο ἡ θυγάτηρ τῆς Ἡρῳδιάδος1

Here Matthew introduces the daughter of Herodias as a new participant in the story. If your language has its own way of introducing new participants, you could use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “Herodias had a daughter, and the birthday of Herod having come, she danced”

237214:6ggkcrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneousγενεσίοις & γενομένοις τοῦ Ἡρῴδου1

Here, the phrase the birthday of Herod having come gives the time period in which the following events occur. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that gives the time period in which something happens. Alternate translation: “when it was the birthday of Herod” or “while Herod was celebrating his birthday”

237314:6vdikrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownγενεσίοις & τοῦ Ἡρῴδου1

In some cultures, people celebrate a birthday, the day that someone was born. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of celebration, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “Herods birthday celebration” or “the celebrations on the anniversary of Herods birth”

237414:6ejhkrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinshipἡ θυγάτηρ τῆς Ἡρῳδιάδος1

Here Matthew implies that this woman was the daughter of Herodias by a previous husband, probably Philip. She was not the daughter of Herod. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this relationship more explicit. Alternate translation: “the daughter of Herodias and Philip” or “the daughter of Herodias, Herods step-daughter,”

237514:6fvs5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν τῷ μέσῳ1

Here, the phrase in the midst indicates that the daughter of Herodias danced so that Herod and the guests at his party could all see her. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “before all Herods guests” or “in front of everyone”

237614:7yyq3rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultὅθεν1

Here, the phrase because of which introduces what Herod did because Herodias daughter pleased him with her dancing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that makes this connection more explicit. Alternate translation: “and because she pleased Herod,”

237714:7f0mgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsμεθ’ ὅρκου, ὡμολόγησεν αὐτῇ δοῦναι ὃ ἐὰν αἰτήσηται1

It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “he promised with an oath, I will give you whatever you ask.’”

237814:8gnqrrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

237914:8rhk5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπροβιβασθεῖσα ὑπὸ τῆς μητρὸς αὐτῆς1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “her mother having urged her beforehand”

238014:8dptxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπροβιβασθεῖσα1

Here Matthew implies that the womans mother, Herodias, had already told her what to ask for if Herod offered to do something for her. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having been instructed ahead of time” or “having been told what to request ahead of time”

238114:8dluerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδός μοι & ὧδε ἐπὶ πίνακι, τὴν κεφαλὴν Ἰωάννου τοῦ Βαπτιστοῦ1

Here the woman implies that she wants Herod to have John killed by having his head cut off and brought to her. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Have one of your soldiers behead John the Baptist and then give me his head here, on a platter”

238214:8w4iqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeδός μοι1

This is an imperative, but it communicates a request rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates a request. Alternate translation: “I ask that you give me”

238314:8ruy4rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownπίνακι1

A platter is a large, flat serving dish. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of dish, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “a tray” or “a large serving plate”

238414:9s8zprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐλυπήθη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “was very sorry”

238514:9qgrlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδιὰ τοὺς ὅρκους καὶ τοὺς συνανακειμένους1

Here Matthew indicates two reasons why Herod kept his word. First, he had made oaths that he did not want to break. Second, he had promised in front of the ones reclining to eat with him, and it would be embarrassing and shameful to break his promise when everyone had heard it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make these reasons more explicit. Alternate translation: “but because he had used oaths and because the ones reclining to eat with him had heard what he promised”

238614:9op6orc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοὺς συνανακειμένους1

In Jesus culture, people would usually recline, or lay on one side, at a table when they were eating. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to the position in which people eat in your culture, or you could just refer to eating. Alternate translation: “the ones sitting down to eat with him” or “the ones eating with him”

238714:9j6nurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐκέλευσεν δοθῆναι1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who would do the action, Matthew implies that one of Herods soldiers would do it. Alternate translation: “he commanded that one of his soldiers give it”

238814:9zn1src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐκέλευσεν δοθῆναι1

Here Matthew means that Herod commanded someone to do what Herodias daughter asked. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “commanded that someone give her what she had requested”

238914:10v80rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπέμψας, ἀπεκεφάλισεν1

Here Matthew implies that Herod sent one of his soldiers to behead John. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having sent a soldier, Herod had him behead”

239014:11nd5rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἠνέχθη ἡ κεφαλὴ αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ πίνακι, καὶ ἐδόθη τῷ κορασίῳ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could refer to whoever beheaded John, or you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “the soldier who beheaded John brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl” or “someone brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl”

239114:11cmcdrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοῦ1

The pronoun his refers to John. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “Johns”

239214:11pba6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownπίνακι1

See how you translated the word platter in 14:8. Alternate translation: “a tray” or “a large serving plate”

239314:11pqqfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῷ κορασίῳ1

Here, the word girl refers to a woman who has reached puberty but who is still young, probably between 12 and 20 years old. Use a word in your language that refers generally to a young woman who has reached puberty. Alternate translation: “to the young woman”

239414:12csafrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπροσελθόντες1

Here Matthew implies that Johns disciples went to the jail where John had been imprisoned. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having visited the place where John had been imprisoned”

239514:12sct4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ πτῶμα1

Here Matthew implies that this was Johns corpse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Johns corpse”

239614:12up4hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐλθόντες1

Here Matthew implies that Johns disciples went to where Jesus was. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having come to where Jesus was”

239714:12sueirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθόντες1

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “having gone”

239814:12mq89rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπήγγειλαν τῷ Ἰησοῦ1

Here Matthew implies that Johns disciples told Jesus that Herod had executed John. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “they told Jesus what had happened to John”

239914:13id97rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

240014:13r40vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀκούσας1

Here Matthew could be implying that Jesus has heard: (1) what Johns disciples told him about how Herod executed John (see 14:12). Alternate translation: “having heard the news about Johns death” (2) what Herod was saying about how Jesus must be John the Baptist raised from the dead (see 14:2). Alternate translation: “having heard what Herod was saying about him”

240114:13ia39rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ Ἰησοῦς & κατ’ ἰδίαν1

Here Matthew implies that the disciples were traveling with Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Jesus and his disciples … by themselves”

240214:13noxbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoἐκεῖθεν1

Here Matthew does not state where Jesus was when he heard, so your translation should not identify exactly where Jesus was either. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to wherever Jesus was when he heard. Alternate translation: “from where he was” or “from the place where he heard this”

240314:13chbqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀκούσαντες1

Here Matthew implies that the crowds heard that Jesus had gone to a desolate place. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having heard that Jesus went there”

240414:13ipm9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomπεζῇ1

Here, the phrase on foot means that the crowds walked. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “by walking”

240514:13j44hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπὸ τῶν πόλεων1

Here Matthew refers to the cities near the Sea of Galilee, which Jesus had crossed over in a boat. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “from the cities in that region” or “from the cities near the Sea of Galilee”

240614:14v44wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐξελθὼν1

Here Matthew could be implying that Jesus comes out: (1) of the boat in which he traveled across the Sea of Galilee. Alternate translation: “having come out of the boat” or “having disembarked” (2) of the desolate area, where he wanted to be alone. Alternate translation: “having come out of the place where he was alone”

240714:14d7hdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐξελθὼν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “having gone out”

240814:14askzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐσπλαγχνίσθη ἐπ’1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of compassion, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “he sympathized with”

240914:14kyjirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτοὺς ἀρρώστους αὐτῶν1

Matthew is using the adjective sick as a noun to mean sick people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the sick people among them”

241014:15ay6hrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

241114:15ba9arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goπροσῆλθον1

In a context such as this, your language might say “went” instead of came. Alternate translation: “went”

241214:15lml8rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”

241314:15otp3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἡ ὥρα ἤδη παρῆλθεν1

The clause the hour has already passed by means that it is late in the day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the day is about to end” or “the sun is setting”

241414:15iarrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeἀπόλυσον τοὺς ὄχλους1

This is an imperative, but it communicates a polite request rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates a polite request. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “We ask that you send the crowds away”

241514:15a63brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὰς κώμας1

Here the disciples are referring to villages that are near the desolate place. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the nearest villages” or “the villages that are close to this place”

241614:16brfwrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces what Jesus says in a contrast with what the disciples asked him to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “However,”

241714:16r5gdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδότε αὐτοῖς ὑμεῖς1

Here Jesus implies that the disciples should give food to the crowds. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “You give them food”

241814:16w5m3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularὑμεῖς1

Since Jesus is talking to his disciples, the word You here is plural.

241914:17e4mlrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces what the disciples say in contrast to what Jesus told them to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “However,”

242014:17a7pgrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγουσιν1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said”

242114:17ih48rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptionsοὐκ ἔχομεν ὧδε, εἰ μὴ1

If, in your language, it would appear that the disciples were making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “The only food we have here are”

242214:17v8x3rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἄρτους1

The word loaves refers to loaves of bread, which are lumps of flour dough that a person has shaped and baked. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of bread, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “large chunks of bread”

242314:18jo61rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “And”

242414:18qvllrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ & εἶπεν, φέρετέ μοι ὧδε αὐτούς1

Here Matthew implies that the disciples did what Jesus commanded them to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he said, Bring them here to me. So they brought them.”

242514:18jsblrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularφέρετέ1

Here, the command is plural because Jesus is speaking to his disciples.

242614:19zi12rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsκελεύσας τοὺς ὄχλους ἀνακλιθῆναι ἐπὶ τοῦ χόρτου, λαβὼν1

It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “he commanded the crowds, Recline on the grass! Then, having taken”

242714:19pd8hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀνακλιθῆναι1

In Jesus culture, people would usually recline, or lay on one side, when they were eating. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to the position in which people eat in your culture, or you could just refer to eating. Alternate translation: “to sit down to eat” or “to get ready to eat”

242814:19fubqrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἄρτους & τοὺς ἄρτους1

See how you translated loaves in 14:17. Alternate translation: “large chunks of bread … the large chunks of bread”

242914:19i34urc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionἀναβλέψας εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν1

In Jesus culture, most people thought that heaven was up above the earth. Looking up towards heaven was a common posture for someone who was praying. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to a common posture for prayer in your culture, or you could explain the meaning of this posture. Alternate translation: “having raised his arms in prayer” or “having looked up to heaven to pray”

243014:19bf1arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεὐλόγησεν1

Here Matthew could be implying that Jesus blessed: (1) God for providing the food. Alternate translation: “he blessed God” or “he praised God” (2) the food. Alternate translation: “he blessed the food” or “he asked God to make the food holy”

243114:19ujxxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκλάσας, ἔδωκεν & τοὺς ἄρτους1

Here Matthew means that Jesus broke the loaves of bread in pieces so that they could be served to the crowds. This was a normal practice in his culture. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having divided the loaves into servings, he gave them” or “having broken the loaves into smaller pieces, he gave the pieces”

243214:19t7eirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisοἱ & μαθηταὶ τοῖς ὄχλοις1

Matthew is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “the disciples gave them to the crowds”

243314:20k6l4rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἔφαγον πάντες & ἦραν1

The pronoun they in the phrase they all ate refers to the crowds. The pronoun they in the phrase they took up refers to the disciples. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to these people more directly. Alternate translation: “the crowds all ate … the disciples took up”

243414:20l2h8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveκαὶ ἐχορτάσθησαν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your languages. Alternative translation: “until they were full”

243514:20a1dkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτὸ περισσεῦον τῶν κλασμάτων1

Here, the phrase the remaining refers to what was left after everyone ate. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the leftovers” or “what was left of the broken pieces”

243614:20xh01rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownκοφίνους1

The word baskets refers to large circular containers that store food or other items. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of container, you could use the name of something similar in your area, or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “boxes” or “containers”

243714:21als7rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundδὲ1

Matthews uses the word Now to introduce background information that helps the readers understand how amazing what Jesus did was. The word does not introduce another event in the story. Use a natural form in your language for introducing background information. Alternate translation: “As for how many people were there,” or “In the end,”

243814:21e1phrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitχωρὶς γυναικῶν καὶ παιδίων1

Here Matthew means that the number he has given does not include women and children. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “which does not include women and children”

243914:22yp8lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἰς τὸ πέραν1

Here Matthew implies that the disciples are sailing to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “to the other side of the lake” or “across the sea to the opposite side”

244014:23qtfyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoτὸ ὄρος1

Matthew does not clarify what mountain this is or how high up it is. If possible, use a general word for a hill or small mountain without indicating one particular place. Alternate translation: “a high place” or “a small mountain”

244114:23b1mbrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

244214:23erucrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὀψίας & γενομένης1

Matthew indicated that it was evening earlier in the story (see 14:15). Here, he uses the same phrase but implies that it was later on in the evening. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that describes a time later than the time described in 14:15. Alternate translation: “when it was even later in the evening” or “further into the evening”

244314:24ww6jrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces what the disciples were doing while Jesus was on the mountain. There is a slight contrast between Jesus, who was safe on the mountain, and the disciples, who were in danger on the sea. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “In contrast,” or “At the same time,”

244414:24ddujrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsἤδη μέσον τῆς θαλάσσης ἦν1

Many ancient manuscripts read was already in the middle of the sea. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “was already many stadia away from the land.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

244514:24wtvvrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultβασανιζόμενον ὑπὸ τῶν κυμάτων, ἦν γὰρ ἐναντίος ὁ ἄνεμος1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “and the wind was against it, so it was being tormented by the waves”

244614:24j404rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveβασανιζόμενον ὑπὸ τῶν κυμάτων1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “with the waves tormenting it”

244714:24vzd1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationβασανιζόμενον ὑπὸ τῶν κυμάτων1

Here Matthew speaks as if the waves were people who were tormenting another person. What he means is that the waves were crashing against the boat and putting it under much strain. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “being battered by the waves” or “being tossed about by the waves”

244814:24rzpdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἦν γὰρ ἐναντίος ὁ ἄνεμος1

When wind is against a boat, that means that it is blowing directly opposite to the direction in which the boat is traveling. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “for the wind was opposite to the direction they were sailing” or “for the wind was blowing directly against it”

244914:25hy85rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

245014:25pmw8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτετάρτῃ & φυλακῇ τῆς νυκτὸς1

Here, the phrase the fourth watch of the night refers to the period of time between 3:00 AM and 6:00 AM. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that refers to this period of time. Alternate translation: “in the last part of the night” or “shortly before dawn”

245114:25f1n4rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοὺς1

The pronoun them refers to the disciples. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to them more directly. Alternate translation: “the disciples”

245214:25q3sarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπεριπατῶν ἐπὶ τὴν θάλασσαν1

Here Matthew means that Jesus was miraculously walking on the surface of the sea. He did not sink into the water. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “walking on the surface of the sea” or “miraculously walking on top of the sea”

245314:26hmgkrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

245414:26ta31rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐπὶ τῆς θαλάσσης περιπατοῦντα1

See how you translated this phrase in 14:25. Alternate translation: “walking on the surface of the sea” or “miraculously walking on top of the sea”

245514:26snmlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐταράχθησαν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “were very nervous” or “were very anxious”

245614:26h7dfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsλέγοντες, ὅτι φάντασμά ἐστιν1

It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “saying that he was a ghost,”

245714:26f0u9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownφάντασμά1

Here, the word ghost refers to an spiritual or supernatural being that people see. In Jesus culture, when people saw a ghost, they usually assumed that something bad was going to happen. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of unusual experience, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “an apparition” or “some powerful and dangerous being”

245814:26rns1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἀπὸ τοῦ φόβου1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of fear, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “because they were afraid”

245914:27zpoqrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

246014:27zxnrrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he told them”

246114:27tl45rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularθαρσεῖτε & μὴ φοβεῖσθε1

Here, the commands are plural because Jesus is speaking to his disciples.

246214:27p8v6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsθαρσεῖτε1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of courage, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Be courageous”

246314:28ugq2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

246414:28w195rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalεἰ σὺ εἶ, κέλευσόν1

Here Peter could be using the conditional form: (1) to refer to something that he thinks may or may not be true. In this case, if Jesus commands him to walk on the water, Peter will believe that it really is Jesus. Alternate translation: “if it is you, then command” or “to prove that it is you, command” (2) to refer to something that he thinks is true. In this case, he is already convinced that it is really Jesus. Alternate translation: “since it is you, command”

246514:28cfxjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeκέλευσόν1

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a polite request rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “please command”

246614:28wxaqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθεῖν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “go” instead of come. Alternate translation: “to go”

246714:28wzlhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐπὶ τὰ ὕδατα1

Here Peter means that he wants Jesus to command him to walk miraculously on the surface of the water, just as Jesus was doing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. See how you translated the similar phrase in 14:25. Alternate translation: “on the surface of the water” or “miraculously on top of the water”

246814:29gb5rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsεἶπεν, ἐλθέ1

It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “said that he should come”

246914:29qmgsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθέ1

In a context such as this, your language might say “Go” instead of Come. Alternate translation: “Go”

247014:29n80trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπεριεπάτησεν ἐπὶ τὰ ὕδατα1

Here Matthew means Peter walked miraculously on the surface of the water. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. See how you translated the similar phrase in 14:28. Alternate translation: “walked on the surface of the water” or “walked miraculously on top of the water”

247114:29io5zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθεῖν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of go. Alternate translation: “to come”

247214:30gw4jrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces how Peter begins to sink in contrast with how he started walking on the water. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “And yet,” or “Soon, however,”

247314:30sk3jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyβλέπων & τὸν ἄνεμον ἰσχυρὸν1

Here Matthew could mean that: (1) Peter saw the effects of the strong wind, including the waves. Alternate translation: “seeing what the strong wind did” or “seeing large waves” (2) Peter felt or experienced the strong wind. Alternate translation: “noticing the strong wind” or “feeling the strong wind”

247414:30sh5nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀρξάμενος καταποντίζεσθαι1

Here Matthew implies that Peter began to sink into the water that he was walking on top of. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having begun to sink into the Sea of Galilee”

247514:30aiigrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he said”

247614:30sfnbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeσῶσόν με1

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a request rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “I ask you to save me”

247714:31nb12rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

247814:31uvgkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐπελάβετο αὐτοῦ1

Here Matthew implies that Jesus grabbed Peter and lifted him up out of the water. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “took hold of him and lifted him up”

247914:31a0o8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said”

248014:31af17rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsὀλιγόπιστε1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “You who believe so little”

248114:31cr9irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionεἰς τί ἐδίστασας?1

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke Peter for doubting. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “you should not have doubted.” or “you never should have doubted!”

248214:31ia1drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἰς τί ἐδίστασας?1

Here Jesus implies that Peter doubted whether Jesus could really enable him to walk on the water and keep him from sinking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “why did you doubt that I could keep you from sinking”

248314:32hp5xrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτῶν1

The pronoun they refers to Jesus and Peter. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to them more directly. Alternate translation: “the two of them”

248414:33h9pbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοἱ1

Here Matthew is referring to the disciples who were in the boat. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the disciples”

248514:33cewvrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”

248614:33u8purc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΘεοῦ Υἱὸς1

Son of God is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship with God the Father.

248714:34cv3frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδιαπεράσαντες1

Matthew implies that they crossed over the Sea of Galilee. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having crossed over the lake”

248814:34w8bxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἦλθον1

In a context such as this, your language might say “went” instead of came. Alternate translation: “they went”

248914:34x9nurc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesΓεννησαρέτ1

The wordGennesaret could refer to: (1) a region on the northwest side of the Sea of Galilee. Alternate translation: “the area called Gennesaret” (2) a small town on the northwest side of the Sea of Galilee. Alternate translation: “the village of Gennesaret”

249014:35w9ourc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsοἱ ἄνδρες1

Here Matthew uses a word that refers specifically to men. However, the gender of these people is not important for the story, so you could use a word or phrase that refers to both men and women. Alternate translation: “the people”

249114:35oxtxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοῦ τόπου ἐκείνου1

Here, the phrase that place refers to the area named “Gennesaret” (see 14:34). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “of the region of Gennesaret”

249214:35yh1arc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsπροσήνεγκαν1

Here, the pronoun they refers to the people who lived in that surrounding area. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to these people. Alternate translation: “people from that whole area brought”

249314:35xd7crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleπάντας1

Matthew says all here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “many of”

249414:35h2iqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτοὺς κακῶς ἔχοντας1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of sickness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the sick people”

249514:36ajpgrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsπαρεκάλουν1

The pronoun they refers to the sick people. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to these people more directly. Alternate translation: “the ones having sickness were begging”

249614:36bogzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsαὐτὸν ἵνα μόνον ἅψωνται τοῦ κρασπέδου τοῦ ἱματίου αὐτοῦ; καὶ1

It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “him, Please let us only touch the edge of your garment. And”

249714:36wrl5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμόνον ἅψωνται1

Here, the word only indicates that these people think that, to be healed, they do not need to do anything more than touch Jesus garment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “all they might do is touch” or “they could just touch”

249814:36mw8nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὅσοι ἥψαντο διεσώθησαν1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could indicate that was God or Jesus himself. Alternate translation: “God healed as many as touched it” or “Jesus healed as many as touched it”

249915:introi9a50

Matthew 15 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

  1. Further opposition to Jesus and misunderstanding of the kingdom of God (13:53-17:27)
    • Argument with the Pharisees and scribes about washing hands (15:19)
    • Jesus teaches about what defiles people (15:1020)
    • Jesus meets a Canaanite woman (15:2128)
    • Jesus heals many people (15:2931)
    • Jesus feeds 4,000 men (15:3239)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 15:89, which is a quote from Isaiah 29:13.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

The “tradition of the elders”

The “tradition of the elders” included interpretations of Moses law that Jewish religious leaders had developed and passed down to their disciples, and they to their disciples. These interpretations explained what specific laws meant and how to obey them. Jesus rebuked the religious leaders for specific interpretations of the law that he disagreed with. In this chapter, Jesus and the Pharisees argue about washing hands, honoring parents, and giving gifts to God. When you translate the phrase “tradition of the elders,” use a form that refers to teachings that teachers pass down to their students. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/other/tradition]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/other/elder]])

Washing hands before eating

In 15:1, the scribes and Pharisees rebuke Jesus for failing to have his disciples wash their hands before eating. One of the traditions that the Pharisees followed was a requirement that people wash their hands before eating. They did this to make their hands ceremonially clean, not primarily to clean off dirt. Make sure that your translation indicates that Jesus and the Pharisees are debating about ceremonial or ritual washing, not washing off dirt.

The gift for God

In 15:46, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for allowing people to promise to give something to God instead of using it to help their parents. Jesus is not saying that giving things to God is wrong. Instead, he is saying that honoring ones parents is one of the most important commandments that God gave, and no tradition should prevent people from honoring their parents. Make sure that this meaning is clear in your translation.

The Canaanite woman

Matthew describes the woman as a “Canaanite,” which is an old term for the people who lived in the land of Israel before the Israelites arrived. Matthew means that the woman is not a Jew, and he might mean that she is descended from the people that the Israelites defeated when they took over the land of Israel. Your translation should make clearly indicate that the woman is not a Jew. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/names/canaan]])

The miracle of multiplying food

In 15:3239, Matthew tells a story in which Jesus provides 4,000 men and even more women and children with food. All these people were in a place where no people lived, and all the food that Jesus and his disciples had were seven loaves of bread and a few fish. Despite that, Jesus used the seven loaves of bread and the few fish to feed everyone who was there. Matthew does not tell us exactly how Jesus did this, but he does say that there were more leftovers than what they started with. Your translation should not explain how Jesus multiplied the food, but it should be clear that he did a miracle. Matthew told a similar story about how Jesus fed 5,000 men in 14:1321, so see how you expressed the ideas there.

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

Feeding little dogs

In 15:26, Jesus tells the Canaanite woman that it is not right to give food that is meant for children to little dogs. In 15:27, the woman responds that little dogs eat the little bits of food that fall off their owners tables. The children represent Jews, and the little dogs represent non-Jews. The food represents things that Jesus does for people. What Jesus means is that he is supposed to do things for Jews, not for non-Jews. What the woman means is that what she is asking Jesus to do is unimportant enough that he can do it without taking away from what he does for Jews. If possible, do not express the meaning of what Jesus and the woman say about little dogs, but make sure that your translation naturally expresses this meaning.

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Singular and plural forms of “you”

Many of the forms of “you” in this chapter appear in speeches that Jesus gives to the Pharisees, the crowds, or the disciples. Because of this, the majority of forms of “you” in this chapter are plural. You should assume forms of “you” are plural unless a note specifies that the form is singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

250015:1q6afrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventτότε1

Here, the word Then introduces a new event that took place sometime after the previous event, probably relatively soon after. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event. Alternate translation: “One day,” or “Sometime later,”

250115:1d8arrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goπροσέρχονται1

In a context such as this, your language might say “go” instead of come. Alternate translation: “go to”

250215:1xcqfrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”

250315:2j1b8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionδιὰ τί οἱ μαθηταί σου παραβαίνουσιν τὴν παράδοσιν τῶν πρεσβυτέρων?1

The Pharisees are using the question form to rebuke Jesus for what his disciples are doing. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Your disciples should not transgress the tradition of the elders.” or “We are shocked that your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders!”

250415:2mapmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσου1

Here, the word your is singular since the Pharisees and scribes are speaking to Jesus.

250515:2yn6lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὴν παράδοσιν τῶν πρεσβυτέρων1

Here, the scribes and Pharisees are using the possessive form to describe a tradition that came from the elders. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the tradition given to us by the elders” or “the tradition handed down to us by the elders”

250615:2dc73rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν παράδοσιν τῶν πρεσβυτέρων1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of tradition, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what the elders taught us”

250715:2j6uorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῶν πρεσβυτέρων1

Here, the word elders refers to respected ancestors whose teaching is trusted. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “of the ancestral teachers” or “of our respected forefathers”

250815:2f7vurc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces an explanation of how the disciples are transgressing the tradition. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “They do that when” or “Here is how they do that:”

250915:2gfn6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐ & νίπτονται τὰς χεῖρας1

Here the scribes and Pharisees are referring to how they would wash their hands with water to make them ritually or ceremonially clean. See the chapter introduction for more information about this kind of washing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “they do not ceremonially wash their hands with water”

251015:2fn5orc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheἄρτον1

The scribes and Pharisees are using bread to represent any food. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “food” or “anything”

251115:3ia1erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionδιὰ τί καὶ ὑμεῖς παραβαίνετε τὴν ἐντολὴν τοῦ Θεοῦ διὰ τὴν παράδοσιν ὑμῶν?1

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke the Pharisees for things that they do. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You should not transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition.” or “I am shocked that you transgress the commandment of God because of your traditions!”

251215:3jsqarc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultδιὰ τί καὶ ὑμεῖς παραβαίνετε τὴν ἐντολὴν τοῦ Θεοῦ διὰ τὴν παράδοσιν ὑμῶν1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the last phrase gives the reason for the result that the rest of the question describes. Alternate translation: “Why, because of your tradition, do you also transgress the commandment of God”

251315:3ft1jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὴν ἐντολὴν τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe a commandment that came from God. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the commandment given by God” or “the commandment we received from God”

251415:3x2o6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν ἐντολὴν τοῦ Θεοῦ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of commandment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what God commanded us”

251515:3qdevrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν παράδοσιν ὑμῶν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of tradition, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what you were taught”

251615:4itl8rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces an explanation of how the scribes and Pharisees transgress Gods law. This explanation continues in 14:56. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “Here is how you do that:” or “What I mean is that”

251715:4kckwrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsὁ & Θεὸς ἐνετείλατο λέγων1

Many ancient manuscripts read God commanded, saying. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “God said.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

251815:4woatrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Here Jesus quotes from the Old Testament scriptures. The first quotation could be from Exodus 20:12 or Deuteronomy 5:16. The second quotation could be from Exodus 21:17 or Leviticus 20:9. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a quotation from an important text, and you could include this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “saying in the law he gave to Moses” or “speaking through Moses”

251915:4srz6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesλέγων, τίμα τὸν πατέρα καὶ τὴν μητέρα καί ὁ κακολογῶν πατέρα ἢ μητέρα, θανάτῳ τελευτάτω1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there are not quotations within a quotation. Alternate translation: “saying that all people should honor their father and their mother and that everyone speaking evil of his father or mother should end in death.”

252015:4kzvjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularτίμα τὸν & τὴν1

Since God is addressing each specific person who is part of Gods people, the command the words your and your are singular.

252115:4iigyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3pὁ κακολογῶν πατέρα ἢ μητέρα, θανάτῳ τελευτάτω1

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The one speaking evil of his father or mother, he should end in death” or “Anyone who speaks evil of his father or mother must end in death”

252215:4qfu3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsὁ κακολογῶν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of evil, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “The one saying evil things about”

252315:4erkhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomθανάτῳ τελευτάτω1

Here, the phrase end in death means that the person is killed or executed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “let him be put to death” or “let him be killed”

252415:4mfmwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτελευτάτω1

Although the term him is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “let that person end”

252515:5-6l8t0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesὑμεῖς δὲ λέγετε, ὃς ἂν εἴπῃ τῷ πατρὶ ἢ τῇ μητρί, δῶρον ὃ ἐὰν ἐξ ἐμοῦ ὠφεληθῇς & οὐ μὴ τιμήσει τὸν πατέρα αὐτοῦ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there are not quotations within quotations. Alternate translation: “But you say that whoever says to his father or mother that whatever they might have benefited from him is a gift, he will certainly not honor his father.”

252615:5hsz0rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces what the scribes and Pharisees allow in contrast to what God commanded. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast. Alternate translation: “In contrast,” or “Despite that,”

252715:5dofzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὃ ἐὰν ἐξ ἐμοῦ ὠφεληθῇς1

Here, the phrase Whatever you might have benefited from me refers to money or goods that children might give to their parents when they need help. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Whatever I might have given to help you” or “Anything you might have received from me”

252815:5ybemrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularὠφεληθῇς1

Here, the word you is singular since a child is speaking to one of his or her parents.

252915:5ql75rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδῶρον1

Here Jesus implies that the person is giving something as a gift to God. Because of that, the person will not give it to his or her parents. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “is a gift for God” or “is a gift to God, so I cannot give it to you”

253015:6hcwerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐ μὴ τιμήσει τὸν πατέρα αὐτοῦ1

Here Jesus implies that the Pharisees and scribes mean that the person cannot honor his father by giving him the money or goods that he promised to give to God. The person could still honor his father in other ways. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he will certainly not honor his father in that way” or “he will certainly not honor his father by giving him what he declared to be a gift for God”

253115:6oyqorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsοὐ μὴ τιμήσει & αὐτοῦ1

Although the terms he and his are masculine, Jesus is using the words in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use phrases that make this clear. Alternate translation: “that person will certainly not honor his or her”

253215:6ybifrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐ μὴ τιμήσει1

Here Jesus could mean that the scribes and Pharisees taught that: (1) the person was not allowed to honor his father. Alternate translation: “we is certainly not allowed to honor” (2) the person did not have to honor his father. Alternate translation: “he does not need to honor”

253315:6g66yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐ μὴ1

The words translated certainly not are two negative words. In this construction, the second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. Instead, it gives greater emphasis to the negative. If your language can use two negatives that do not cancel one another to create a positive meaning, you could use a double negative here. If your language does not use two negatives in that way, you could translate with one strong negative, as the ULT does. Alternate translation: “by no means”

253415:6q3ktrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπατέρα1

Here Jesus implies that this person will also not honor his mother. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “father or his mother”

253515:6rp3src://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ1

Here, the word And introduces the result of what the Pharisees and scribes tell people that they can do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a result. Alternate translation: “So,”

253615:6tkrurc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultἠκυρώσατε τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ διὰ τὴν παράδοσιν ὑμῶν1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the last phrase gives the reason for the result that the rest of the sentence describes. Alternate translation: “because of your tradition, you have set aside the word of God”

253715:6belkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἠκυρώσατε1

Here Jesus speaks as if the word of God were an object that people could set aside and ignore. He means that they are ignoring the word of God and treating it like it is not important. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you have nullified” or “you have ignored”

253815:6znt9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Jesus is using the term word to refer to the commands that God gave using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what God said”

253915:6xr06rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsτὸν λόγον1

Many ancient manuscripts read the word. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “the commandment,” and some other ancient manuscripts read “the law.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

254015:6wq1arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsπαράδοσιν ὑμῶν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of tradition, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what you were taught”

254115:7t4fqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαλῶς1

Here, the word well indicates that what Isaiah prophesied accurately describes the scribes and the Pharisees. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “accurately” or “truly”

254215:7n4tirc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Here Jesus introduces a quotation from the Old Testament scriptures, specifically from Isaiah 29:13. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a quotation from an important text, and you could include this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “saying in the book of Isaiah” or “as it is written”

254315:8spwdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ λαὸς οὗτος & τιμᾷ1

Here, the phrase This people refers to the Israelites about whom Isaiah was speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “The Israelites honor” or “These Jewish people”

254415:8bz91rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsμε & ἐμοῦ1

Here, both uses of the word me refer to God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to him more directly. Alternate translation: “me, their God, … me”

254515:8qw69rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτοῖς χείλεσίν1

Here, lips represent someone speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “with their speech” or “with their words”

254615:8q7vmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἡ & καρδία αὐτῶν πόρρω ἀπέχει ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ1

Here Isaiah speaks as if the Israelites heart was far away from God. He means that they do not think about God or want to obey him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it is as if their hearts were far away from me” or “they do not want to serve me”

254715:8hr29rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsἡ & καρδία αὐτῶν πόρρω ἀπέχει1

If it would not be natural in your language to speak as if a group of people had only one heart, you could use the plural form of that word in your translation. Alternate translation: “their hearts are far away”

254815:8wuw3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἡ & καρδία αὐτῶν1

In the authors culture, the heart is the place where humans think and feel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate heart by referring to the place where humans think and feel in your culture or by expressing the idea plainly. Alternate translation: “their mind” or “their thinking”

254915:9b8d7rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next idea in the quotation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next idea, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Further,”

255015:9n47xrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultδιδάσκοντες1

Here, the word teaching introduces a reason why their worship is in vain. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason. Alternate translation: “since they teach”

255115:9qdlvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsδιδασκαλίας ἐντάλματα ἀνθρώπων1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of doctrines and commandments, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “as authoritative what men have commanded”

255215:9vvb9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionἐντάλματα ἀνθρώπων1

Here, Isaiah is using the possessive form to describe commandments that are given by men. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “things commanded by men”

255315:9jikprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀνθρώπων1

Although the term men is masculine, Isaiah is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “of people”

255415:11s28yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ εἰσερχόμενον εἰς τὸ στόμα1

Here Jesus is referring to food and drink, which are what people put into their mouths. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “The food and drink that the man puts into his mouth”

255515:11obg3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounτὸ στόμα & τὸν ἄνθρωπον & τοῦ στόματος & τὸν ἄνθρωπον1

The phrases the mouth and the man represent men and their mouths in general, not one particular man and his mouth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “someones mouth … that person … someones mouth … that person”

255615:11lii8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτὸν ἄνθρωπον-1

Although the term man is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “the person … the person”

255715:11lte6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoτὸ ἐκπορευόμενον ἐκ τοῦ στόματος, τοῦτο1

Here, the word this refers directly back to what comes out from the mouth. Jesus expresses the idea in this way to introduce what comes out from the mouth and then explain what it does. If stating the topic and then referring back to it with the word this would be redundant in your language, you could omit the redundant information. Alternate translation: “what comes out from the mouth”

255815:11o7bkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ ἐκπορευόμενον ἐκ τοῦ στόματος1

Here Jesus is referring to words, which are what come out of peoples mouths. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the words that come out of his mouth”

255915:11yuf2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐκπορευόμενον1

In a context such as this, your language might say “goes” instead of comes. Alternate translation: “goes out”

256015:12ibrkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοἶδας ὅτι οἱ Φαρισαῖοι ἀκούσαντες τὸν λόγον ἐσκανδαλίσθησαν?1

The disciples are using the question form to inform Jesus about how the Pharisees responded. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You should know that the Pharisees, having heard this word, were offended.” or “The Pharisees, having heard this word, were offended!”

256115:12cgtqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularοἶδας1

Here, the word you is singular since the disciples are speaking to Jesus.

256215:12l2ujrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοἱ Φαρισαῖοι ἀκούσαντες τὸν λόγον ἐσκανδαλίσθησαν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was Jesus. Alternate translation: “you caused the Pharisees to stumble when they heard this word”

256315:12wcfgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸν λόγον1

The disciples is using the term word to refer to what Jesus said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the words that you spoke” or “the things that you said”

256415:12b8ourc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐσκανδαλίσθησαν1

Here disciples speaks as if the word that Jesus said were a lump or rock that the Pharisees were stumbling on. They mean that the the Pharisees were offended by what he said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “were offended”

256515:13u1z2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

256615:13n5ijrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπᾶσα φυτεία ἣν οὐκ ἐφύτευσεν ὁ Πατήρ μου ὁ οὐράνιος ἐκριζωθήσεται1

Here Jesus speaks of the Pharisees who were offended by him as if they were plants that God did not plant. He means that they are not serving God. Then, Jesus speaks of Gods punishment as if it were uprooting these plants. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Those Pharisees are like plants that my heavenly Father will uproot because he did not plant them” or “Those Pharisees will be punished by my heavenly Father because they have not obeyed him”

256715:13j49erc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Πατήρ μου ὁ οὐράνιος1

Father is an important title that describe the relationship between God the Father and Jesus his Son.

256815:13hs4trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐκριζωθήσεται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, it is clear from the context that it is God. Alternate translation: “he will uproot”

256915:14duborc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἄφετε αὐτούς1

Here, the clause Leave them means that the disciples should not worry about or pay attention to the Pharisees who were offended by Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Ignore them” or “Do not pay attention to them”

257015:14r167rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτούς & εἰσιν1

The words them and They refer to the Pharisees who were offended by Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to them more directly. Alternate translation: “those Pharisees! They are”

257115:14ai9xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁδηγοί εἰσιν τυφλοί τυφλὸς, δὲ τυφλὸν ἐὰν ὁδηγῇ, ἀμφότεροι εἰς βόθυνον πεσοῦνται1

Here, Jesus speaks of the Pharisees who were offended by him as if they were blind guides, and he speaks of other Jewish people as if they were blind people. He means that neither the Pharisees nor the rest of the people know what is right, but the Pharisees teach the people anyways, even though what they teach is wrong. If possible, preserve the metaphor or express the idea in simile form. Alternate translation: “They are like blind guides. They teach people what is wrong, just as a blind one guides a blind one so that they both fall into a pit”

257215:14c1jprc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsὁδηγοί εἰσιν τυφλοί1

Many ancient manuscripts read They are blind guides. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “They are blind guides of the blind.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

257315:14xho5rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that Jesus wants to say. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next idea, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “So,”

257415:14wz4irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoτυφλὸς & τυφλὸν ἐὰν ὁδηγῇ, ἀμφότεροι & πεσοῦνται1

Here Jesus uses an imaginary situation to help explain what would happen if a blind person guided another blind person. Use a natural method in your language for introducing an imaginary situation. Alternate translation: “imagine a blind one guiding a blind one. They would both fall”

257515:15cbzkrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

257615:15omu8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeφράσον1

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a polite request rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “I ask that you explain”

257715:15c6r3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularφράσον1

Here, the command is singular because the Peter is speaking to Jesus.

257815:15yqqxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὴν παραβολήν1

Here Peter could be referring to: (1) the parable about blind people guiding other blind people (see 15:14). Alternate translation: “the parable about the blind guides” (2) the parable about things that go into and out of a person (see 15:11). Alternate translation: “the parable about what goes into a person”

257915:15shg6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμῖν1

By us, Peter means himself and the other disciples but not Jesus, so use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

258015:16txesrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

258115:16al9zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἀκμὴν καὶ ὑμεῖς ἀσύνετοί ἐστε?1

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke the disciples for how they still do not understand what he is saying. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You are still without understanding.” or “I am amazed that you still do not understand!”

258215:17l5ntrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὔπω νοεῖτε ὅτι πᾶν τὸ εἰσπορευόμενον εἰς τὸ στόμα, εἰς τὴν κοιλίαν χωρεῖ, καὶ εἰς ἀφεδρῶνα ἐκβάλλεται?1

Jesus is using the question form to remind his disciples about what happens to the food that people eat. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You should already understand that everything that enters into the mouth passes into the stomach and is passed out into the latrine.” or “You already know that everything that enters into the mouth passes into the stomach and is passed out into the latrine!”

258315:17izwdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπᾶν τὸ εἰσπορευόμενον εἰς τὸ στόμα1

Here Jesus is referring to food and drink, which are what people put into their mouths. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. See how you translated the similar phrase in 15:11. Alternate translation: “all the food and drink that a person puts into his mouth”

258415:17jzawrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounεἰς τὸ στόμα, εἰς τὴν κοιλίαν1

The phrases the mouth and the stomach represent mouths and stomachs in general, not one particular mouth and stomach. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “into someones mouth … into that persons stomach”

258515:17u6earc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismεἰς ἀφεδρῶνα ἐκβάλλεται1

Jesus is referring to the process of expelling and removing feces and urine in a polite way by using the phrase is passed out into the latrine. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a polite way of referring to this in your language, or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “is evacuated from the bowels” or “passes out of the body as waste”

258615:17zyhrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐκβάλλεται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it is the persons body or bowels. Alternate translation: “the body passes it out” or “the bowels pass it out”

258715:17s9z6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἀφεδρῶνα1

A latrine is a place where people expel and remove feces and urine. If your readers would not be familiar with this word, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “the bathroom” or “the water closet”

258815:18ca1wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὰ & ἐκπορευόμενα ἐκ τοῦ στόματος1

Here Jesus is referring to words, which are what come out of peoples mouths. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. See how you translated the similar phrase in 15:11. Alternate translation: “the words that come out of the mouth”

258915:18qtkqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐκπορευόμενα & ἐξέρχεται1

In a context such as this, your language might say “going” and “go” instead of coming and come. Alternate translation: “going out … go”

259015:18r693rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounτοῦ στόματος & τῆς καρδίας & τὸν ἄνθρωπον1

The phrases the mouth, the heart, and the man represent men, their mouths, and their hearts in general, not one particular man his mouth, and his heart. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “someones mouth … that persons heart … that person”

259115:18jt6orc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτῆς καρδίας1

In the authors culture, the heart is the place where humans think and feel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate heart by referring to the place where humans think and feel in your culture or by expressing the idea plainly. Alternate translation: “the mind” or “the thoughts”

259215:18fnecrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτὸν ἄνθρωπον1

Although the term man is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “the person”

259315:19kqvurc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a basis for the claim that Jesus made in the previous verse about how what comes out of the heart defiles a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a basis for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “That is because” or “I say that because”

259415:19cv09rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounτῆς καρδίας1

The phrase the heart represents hearts in general, not one particular heart. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “peoples hearts”

259515:19ekbqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτῆς καρδίας1

See how you translated heart in 15:18. Alternate translation: “the mind” or “the thoughts”

259615:19qeitrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐξέρχονται1

In a context such as this, your language might say “go” instead of come. Alternate translation: “go”

259715:19ccfmδιαλογισμοὶ πονηροί, φόνοι, μοιχεῖαι, πορνεῖαι, κλοπαί, ψευδομαρτυρίαι, βλασφημίαι1

Each of the items in this list translates a plural term that refers to specific actions. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that refers to specific actions. Alternate translation: “acts of evil thinking, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and blasphemy”

259815:19xjbxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsδιαλογισμοὶ πονηροί, φόνοι, μοιχεῖαι, πορνεῖαι, κλοπαί, ψευδομαρτυρίαι, βλασφημίαι1

If your language does not use nouns for some or all of the ideas in this list, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “evil things that people do, including evil thinking, murdering, acting in adulterous and sexually immoral ways, stealing things, claiming that something false is true, and blaspheming”

259915:20q94lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounτὸν ἄνθρωπον & τὸν ἄνθρωπον1

The phrase the man represents men in general, not one particular man. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “someone … someone”

260015:20bme7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἄνθρωπον & ἄνθρωπον1

Although the term man is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “person … person”

260115:20c6z2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ & ἀνίπτοις χερσὶν φαγεῖν1

Here Jesus refers to how people would wash their hands with water to make them ritually or ceremonially clean. See the chapter introduction for more information about this kind of washing. Express the idea as you did in 15:2. Alternate translation: “to eat without ceremonially washing ones hands with water”

260215:21e5gvrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventκαὶ ἐξελθὼν ἐκεῖθεν1

Here, the phrase And having come out from there introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that introduces a new event. Alternate translation: “After Jesus said those things, he came out from there. Then”

260315:21acuvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐξελθὼν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “having gone out”

260415:21fvxrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐκεῖθεν1

Here, the word there refers to the region of Gennesaret (see 14:34), which is where Jesus was teaching the disciples. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “from where he was” or “from Gennesaret”

260515:21t81urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ Ἰησοῦς ἀνεχώρησεν1

Matthew implies that the disciples went with Jesus. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Jesus and his disciples”

260615:22x1wmrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participantsἰδοὺ, γυνὴ Χαναναία ἀπὸ τῶν ὁρίων ἐκείνων ἐξελθοῦσα, ἔκραζεν1

Here Matthew introduces a Canaanite woman as a new character in the story. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a new character. Alternate translation: “there was a woman who was a Canaanite. She came out from those regions to Jesus, and she was crying out”

260715:22huq3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “suddenly”

260815:22aobsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπὸ τῶν ὁρίων ἐκείνων ἐξελθοῦσα1

Here Matthew implies that the woman left her home and went to where Jesus was. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having come out from her home in those regions to where Jesus was”

260915:22jeo0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐξελθοῦσα1

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “having gone out”

261015:22babbrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγουσα1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and she said”

261115:22zxvjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureἐλέησόν με, Κύριε, Υἱὸς Δαυείδ; ἡ θυγάτηρ μου κακῶς δαιμονίζεται1

Here the woman asks Jesus to have mercy on her before she says why she needs help. If it would be helpful in your language, you could include why she needs help before she asks for mercy. Alternate translation: “Lord, my daughter is severely demon-possessed. Have mercy on me, Son of David!”

261215:22kwyerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐλέησόν με1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of mercy, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Be merciful to me”

261315:22hbk9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularἐλέησόν1

Here, the command is singular because the woman is speaking to Jesus.

261415:22xs64rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorΥἱὸς Δαυείδ1

Here, the word Son means a male descendant. It does not mean that Jesus was the direct son of David. Express the idea as you did in 9:27. Alternate translation: “Descendant of David” or “you who are descended from David”

261515:22j6rtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἡ θυγάτηρ μου κακῶς δαιμονίζεται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “A demon is severely possessing my daughter”

261615:22o0ynrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκακῶς δαιμονίζεται1

Here the woman implies that the demon is hurting or injuring her daughter. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “is painfully demon-possessed” or “is demon-possessed and suffering greatly”

261715:23hd2irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyοὐκ ἀπεκρίθη αὐτῇ λόγον1

Matthew is using the term word to mean something spoken in words. The phrase did not answer her a word means that Jesus did not use words to respond to the womans requests. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “kept silent” or “did not answer her in any way”

261815:23hlqprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπροσελθόντες1

Here Matthew implies that the disciples approached Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having approached Jesus”

261915:23p8e8rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation without the preceding comma: “and they said”

262015:23uxpsrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultἀπόλυσον αὐτήν, ὅτι κράζει ὄπισθεν ἡμῶν1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the request that the first clause expresses. Alternate translation: “She is crying out after us, so send her away”

262115:23a3wrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeἀπόλυσον αὐτήν1

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a polite request rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “We ask that you send her away”

262215:23otzzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπόλυσον αὐτήν1

Here the disciples could be asking Jesus: (1) to tell the women to leave them alone and go away. Alternate translation: “Make her leave us alone” (2) to cast the demon out of the womans daughter and tell her to go home. Alternate translation: “Cast the demon out of her daughter and send her away”

262315:23tyn0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularἀπόλυσον αὐτήν1

Here, the command is singular because the disciples are speaking to Jesus.

262415:23wu1yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκράζει ὄπισθεν ἡμῶν1

Here the disciples imply that the woman was walking behind them and crying out many times. The disciples found this very annoying. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make some or all of that information explicit. Alternate translation: “she is following us and annoying us by crying out”

262515:24mk22rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoεἶπεν1

Here Matthew does not specify to whom Jesus said these words. It is possible that it was the woman, or more likely, the disciples. If possible, do not specify to whom Jesus said these words. Alternate translation: “spoke these words:”

262615:24wfnxrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptionsοὐκ ἀπεστάλην εἰ μὴ εἰς τὰ πρόβατα τὰ ἀπολωλότα οἴκου Ἰσραήλ1

If it would in appear your language that Jesus was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel”

262715:24t9garc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοὐκ ἀπεστάλην1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “God did not send me”

262815:24u9t4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὰ πρόβατα τὰ ἀπολωλότα οἴκου Ἰσραήλ1

Here, Jesus could be using the possessive form to describe: (1) all of the house of Israel as lost sheep. Alternate translation: “the lost sheep, who are the house of Israel” (2) some of the house of Israel as lost sheep. Alternate translation: “the lost sheep among the house of Israel”

262915:24orufrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὰ πρόβατα τὰ ἀπολωλότα οἴκου Ἰσραήλ1

Here Jesus speaks of his fellow Jewish people as if they were lost sheep. He means that they are not following God and need help. This is an important metaphor in the Bible, so you could preserve the figure of speech or use simile form. See how you translated this phrase in 10:6. Alternate translation: “the house of Israel, who are like lost sheep” or “the house of Israel, who are far away from God, like lost sheep”

263015:24kiltrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοἴκου Ἰσραήλ1

Here Jesus refers to a people group or nation as if it were a house. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated this phrase in 10:6. Alternate translation: “of the nation of Israel” or “of the Israelites”

263115:25oojbrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “After that,”

263215:25u3jjrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionπροσεκύνει αὐτῷ1

In the womans culture, bowing down to a person was a way to honor a greater person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to a similar action from your culture, or you could explain what bowing down means. Alternate translation: “prostrated herself before him” or “bowed down to him in respect”

263315:25cntxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeβοήθει1

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a polite request rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “I ask that you help”

263415:25yj7orc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularβοήθει1

Here, the command is singular because the woman is speaking to Jesus.

263515:26ihz4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parablesοὐκ ἔστιν καλὸν λαβεῖν τὸν ἄρτον τῶν τέκνων καὶ βαλεῖν τοῖς κυναρίοις1

To explain to the woman why he has not helped her, Jesus offers a story or illustration. In the story, the children represent the Jewish people, the little dogs represent non-Jewish people, and the bread represents the help that Jesus gives to people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could indicate that this is a story with a specific message, or you could explain what the parable means. Alternate translation: “Listen to this story: It is not good to take the bread of the children and to throw {it} to the little dogs” or “It is not good to take the bread of the children and to throw {it} to the little dogs. That is what helping you instead of my fellow Jews would be like”

263615:26vrm2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὸν ἄρτον τῶν τέκνων1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe bread that was prepared for the children to eat. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the food prepared for the children” or “the food that the children were going to eat”

263715:26a5bcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheτὸν ἄρτον1

Jesus is using bread to represent food. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the meals”

263815:26faxnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitβαλεῖν τοῖς κυναρίοις1

Here, Jesus implies that the bread is thrown to the little dogs so that they can eat it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “to throw it to the little dogs for them to eat”

263915:26ge48rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτοῖς κυναρίοις1

Here, the phrase little dogs could describe: (1) domesticated animals that eat pests and can protect houses and families. You could use the name of a similar animal in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “to the domesticated animals” or “to the guard animals” (2) scavenging animals that were generally considered unclean and dirty. You could use the name of a similar animal in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “to the scavenging animals” or “to the dirty animals”

264015:27rtierc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitναί1

Here, the woman uses the word Yes to indicate that she understands and agrees with Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Yes, I agree” or “Yes, that is true”

264115:27j686rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ γὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces the womans further explanation of what Jesus said about children and little dogs. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave for untranslated. Alternate translation: “but it is also true” or “yet even further,”

264215:27yvw1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parablesκαὶ γὰρ τὰ κυνάρια ἐσθίει ἀπὸ τῶν ψιχίων τῶν πιπτόντων ἀπὸ τῆς τραπέζης τῶν κυρίων αὐτῶν1

To ask Jesus to help her, the woman offers a story or illustration based on the parable that Jesus told in 15:26. In the story, the little dogs represent non-Jewish people, and the crumbs represent the help that Jesus gives to people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could indicate that this is a story with a specific message, or you could explain what the parable means. Alternate translation: “and here is a similar story: the little dogs eat from the crumbs falling from the table of their masters” or “for also the little dogs eat from the crumbs falling from the table of their masters. That is what helping me would be like”

264315:27i5ttrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὰ κυνάρια1

See you how you translated this phrase in 15:26. Alternate translation: “to the domesticated animals” or “to the scavenging animals”

264415:27hoxvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῶν ψιχίων τῶν πιπτόντων ἀπὸ τῆς τραπέζης τῶν κυρίων αὐτῶν1

Here the woman refers to how dogs often eat bits of food that fall off the table where the dogs owners are eating. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the bits of food that fall off the place where their masters are eating”

264515:27y50prc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsτῆς τραπέζης1

In this verse, the word table is singular in form, but it refers to all the tables of their masters as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “the tables”

264615:28bcx5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὦ γύναι1

Here Jesus uses the phrase O woman to address the Canaanite woman. This phrase was a polite way to refer to someone, and Jesus uses it to show how impressed he is with what the woman said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that refers politely to woman who has a daughter. Alternate translation: “My dear woman” or “My lady”

264715:28x0rprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsμεγάλη σου ἡ πίστις1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “you have believed greatly”

264815:28swf6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσου & σοι & θέλεις1

Here, the words your, you, and you are singular because Jesus is speaking to the woman.

264915:28mbi8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3pγενηθήτω1

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “It will be done” or “I am doing it”

265015:28tea2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveγενηθήτω1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “let it happen” or “let God do it”

265115:28n229rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἰάθη ἡ θυγάτηρ αὐτῆς1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was Jesus. Alternate translation: “Jesus healed her daughter”

265215:28wwq3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἀπὸ τῆς ὥρας ἐκείνης1

Here, the phrase from that hour indicates that the womans daughter was healed at the time when Jesus said those words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “right then” or “at that time”

265315:29np6erc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventκαὶ μεταβὰς ἐκεῖθεν, ὁ Ἰησοῦς1

Here, the phrase And having left from there introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus left that place. He”

265415:29vqs7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐκεῖθεν1

Here, the word there refers to the areas near the cities of Tyre and Sidon (see 15:21), where Jesus was when he spoke with the Canaanite woman. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “from the region of Tyre and Sidon” or “from where he met the Canaanite woman”

265515:29d0ierc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ Ἰησοῦς ἦλθεν1

Here Matthew implies that the disciples were traveling with Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Jesus and his disciples went”

265615:29j1rsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἀναβὰς1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of gone. Alternate translation: “having come up”

265715:29jp6zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoτὸ ὄρος1

Matthew does not clarify what mountain this is or how high up it is. If possible, use a general word for a hill or small mountain without indicating one particular place. Alternate translation: “a high place” or “a small mountain”

265815:30c8tdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjχωλούς, τυφλούς, κυλλούς, κωφούς1

Matthew is using the adjectives lame, blind, crippled, and mute as nouns to mean people who were sick in all those ways. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “people who were lame, blind, crippled, and mute”

265915:30l36zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἑτέρους πολλούς1

Here Matthew implies that these people were sick in other ways. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “many other sick people” or “many who were sick in various other ways”

266015:30yf7irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἔρριψαν αὐτοὺς παρὰ τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ1

Here, the phrase they laid them at his feet means that the crowds laid the sick people in front of Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they laid them before him”

266115:30gy3hrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἔρριψαν αὐτοὺς & αὐτούς1

Here, the word they refers to the large crowds, and the word them refers to the sick people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to these people more directly. Alternate translation: “the crowds laid the sick people … those sick people”

266215:31zarbrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultὥστε1

Here, the phrase so that introduces a result from Jesus healing many sick people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces a result. Alternate translation: “with the result that”

266315:31be52rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjκωφοὺς & κυλλοὺς & χωλοὺς & τυφλοὺς1

See how you translated these phrases in 15:30. Alternate translation: “people who were mute … people who were crippled … people who were lame … people who were blind”

266415:31dfgmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὸν Θεὸν Ἰσραήλ1

Here, Matthew is using the possessive form to describe the God whom Israel worships. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the God whom Israel worships”

266515:31n0m7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἸσραήλ1

Here, the word Israel refers to the people of Israel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of the people of Israel”

266615:32gngorc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

266715:32ofkmrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultσπλαγχνίζομαι ἐπὶ τὸν ὄχλον, ὅτι ἤδη ἡμέραι τρεῖς προσμένουσίν μοι, καὶ οὐκ ἔχουσιν τι φάγωσιν1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “The crowd is remaining with me already three days and does not have anything to eat, so I have compassion on them”

266815:32m8v4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsσπλαγχνίζομαι ἐπὶ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of compassion, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “I sympathize with”

266915:32lmaxἐκλυθῶσιν1

Alternate translation: “they might become weary” or “they might lose their strength”

267015:32q1dprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν τῇ ὁδῷ1

Here, Jesus implies that the people would be walking on the way to their homes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “on the way to their homes” or “while they going home”

267115:33plpnrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγουσιν1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said”

267215:33uhi3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionπόθεν ἡμῖν ἐν ἐρημίᾳ, ἄρτοι τοσοῦτοι ὥστε χορτάσαι ὄχλον τοσοῦτον?1

The disciples are using the question form to tell Jesus that they do not have enough food for the crowd. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “It is impossible for us in a desolate place to find enough loaves so as to satisfy so large a crowd.” or “There is certainly no place in this desolate area where we can get enough loaves to satisfy so large a crowd!”

267315:33m719rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheἄρτοι1

The disciples are using loaves to represent any food. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “food”

267415:34f4lfrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said”

267515:34hbterc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἄρτους1

See how you translated loaves in 14:17. Alternate translation: “large chunks of bread”

267615:34k86lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἑπτά, καὶ1

The disciples are leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the verse if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “We have seven loaves and”

267715:35pc5nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀναπεσεῖν ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν1

In Jesus culture, people would usually recline, or lay on one side, when they were eating. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to the position in which people eat in your culture, or you could just refer to eating. Alternate translation: “to get ready to eat on the ground”

267815:36mll5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἄρτους1

See how you translated loaves in 14:17. Alternate translation: “large chunks of bread”

267915:36qrcnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔκλασεν καὶ ἐδίδου1

Here Matthew means that Jesus broke the loaves of bread in pieces so that they could be served to the crowds. This was a normal practice in his culture. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he divided the loaves into servings and was giving them” or “he broke the loaves into smaller pieces and was giving the pieces”

268015:36a9s4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisοἱ & μαθηταὶ τοῖς ὄχλοις1

Matthew is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “the disciples gave them to the crowds”

268115:37m7nwrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἔφαγον πάντες & ἦραν1

The pronoun they in the phrase they all ate refers to the crowds. The pronoun they in the phrase they took up refers to the disciples. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to these people more directly. Alternate translation: “the crowds all ate … the disciples took up”

268215:37trkzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveκαὶ ἐχορτάσθησαν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your languages. Alternative translation: “until they were full”

268315:37gjjsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτὸ περισσεῦον τῶν κλασμάτων1

Here, the phrase the remaining refers to what was left after everyone ate. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the leftovers” or “what was left of the broken pieces”

268415:37htllrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownσπυρίδας1

The word baskets refers to large circular containers that store food or other items. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of container, you could use the name of something similar in your area, or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “boxes” or “containers”

268515:38i5xnrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundδὲ1

Matthews uses the word But to introduce background information that helps the readers understand how amazing what Jesus did was. The word does not introduce another event in the story. Use a natural form in your language for introducing background information. Alternate translation: “As for how many people were there,” or “In the end,”

268615:38z66mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitχωρὶς γυναικῶν καὶ παιδίων1

Here Matthew means that the number he has given does not include women and children. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “which does not include women and children”

268715:39j06urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐνέβη1

Here Matthew implies that the disciples were traveling with Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Jesus and his disciples got”

268815:39eku7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἦλθεν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “came” instead of went. Alternate translation: “came”

268915:39m8dprc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesΜαγαδάν1

The word Magadan could be the name of: (1) a small village. Alternate translation: “of the village of Magadan” (2) a district or area. Alternate translation: “of the district of Magadan”

269015:39zdyprc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsΜαγαδάν1

Many ancient manuscripts read Magadan. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “Magdala.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

269116:introza2k0

Matthew 16 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

  1. Further opposition to Jesus and misunderstanding of the kingdom of God (13:53-17:27)
    • The Pharisees and Sadducees test Jesus (16:14)
    • The yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees (16:512)
    • Who Jesus really is (16:1320)
    • What Jesus and his disciples must do (16:2128)

Special Concepts in this Chapter

The sign of Jonah

In 16:4, Jesus briefly refers to “the sign of Jonah.” He has already discussed this sign in more detail in 12:3941. See the introduction to chapter 12 for more information. Express the idea here as you did there. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/names/jonah]])

Peter, “this rock,” and the keys of the kingdom

In 16:1819, Jesus tells Peter that he is a rock on which the church will be built and that he has been given the keys to the kingdom of the heavens. It is clear is that Peter is very important for Gods kingdom. However, Christians debate in what way Peter is important. Some think that Peter is primarily important because of what he confessed about Jesus. Others think that Peter and his successors have authority over the church. Others think that Peter himself had authority over the early church but that he did not have any successors. If possible, express the idea in a general way but so that it is clear that Peter supports the church and has some kind of authority.

The coming of the Son of Man

In 16:2728, Jesus twice refers to how he, the Son of Man, will “come.” The first time (in 16:27), Jesus speaks about coming in glory with his angels. In this case, he is almost certainly referring to his second coming, when he will punish or reward everyone for what they have done.

The second time he refers to his “coming” (in 16:28), Jesus speaks about coming “in his kingdom.” Christians debate what he could be referring to. It could be:

  1. Jesus transfiguration, which Matthew narrates in 17:18
  2. Jesus resurrection and enthronement in heaven
  3. the empowerment and growth of the church
  4. the destruction of Jerusalem
  5. Jesus second coming
  6. several of these options together

Since Christians have understood this verse in at least these different ways, if possible your translation should allow for all these options. See the notes on 16:28 for translation options.

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

The yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees

In 16:512, Jesus tells his disciples to guard themselves from the “yeast” of the Pharisees and Sadducees. The disciples misunderstand him and think that he is saying something about bread, which they forgot to bring with them. Jesus reminds them that he is not talking about lack of bread, since he has proved twice that he can multiply food. When he repeats that they should guard themselves from the “yeast” of the Pharisees and Sadducees, the disciples realize that Jesus is speaking figuratively about what the Pharisees and Sadducees teach. Since the disciples misunderstanding “yeast” is an important part of this passage, you should not explain what “yeast” means when Jesus uses the word. However, make sure that it is clear that “yeast” refers to teachings when Matthew explains the metaphor in 16:12. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

“This rock” and the name Peter

In 16:18, Jesus tells Peter that his name is “Peter.” Jesus does this because he wants to comment on what the name “Peter” means, which is “rock.” After saying the name “Peter,” Jesus says that he will build his church “on this rock,” which refers back to the name “Peter.” Consider how you might naturally explain what the name “Peter” means so that your readers understand what Jesus means when he speaks about “this rock.” You could consider using a footnote or explaining the name in the translation itself.

The keys of the kingdom

In 16:19, Jesus promises that he will give “the keys of the kingdom of the heavens” to Peter. This could mean that Peter will control who enters the kingdom and who does not enter the kingdom. Or, it could mean that Peter has a position of authority within the kingdom. Since Christians debate exactly what the “keys” mean, if possible you should preserve the metaphor or express the idea in a general way. See the notes on the verse for translation options. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Singular and plural forms of “you”

Many of the forms of “you” in this chapter appear in speeches that Jesus gives to the disciples. Because of this, the majority of forms of “you” in this chapter are plural. You should assume forms of “you” are plural unless a note specifies that the form is singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

Verses 2b3

Some of the earliest manuscripts do not include anything for 16:2b3. Since the earliest manuscripts do not include these words, the ULT and UST put them in brackets. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT and omit these words. If it would be helpful, you could put the words in brackets or in a footnote.

269216:1l9h7rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventκαὶ1

Here, the word And introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave And untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

269316:1sykarc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalπροσελθόντες & πειράζοντες1

Here, the word testing introduces the purpose for which the Pharisees and Sadducees approached Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a purpose. Alternate translation: “having approached with the goal of testing him”

269416:1t7p5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsἐπηρώτησαν αὐτὸν σημεῖον ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ἐπιδεῖξαι αὐτοῖς1

It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “asked him, Show us a sign from heaven!’”

269516:1vs9frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitσημεῖον ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ1

The implication is that the Pharisees and Sadducees wanted Jesus to do a miracle to prove that his authority came from God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “a sign from heaven that proved that his authority was from God”

269616:1euknrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ1

Here, the phrase from heaven indicates that the sign originates in heaven, where God rules. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “from heaven, where God rules” or “that comes from the place where God is”

269716:2-3ubk7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsὀψίας γενομένης λέγετε, εὐδία; πυρράζει γὰρ ὁ οὐρανός. & καὶ πρωΐ, σήμερον χειμών; πυρράζει γὰρ στυγνάζων ὁ οὐρανός. τὸ μὲν πρόσωπον τοῦ οὐρανοῦ γινώσκετε διακρίνειν τὰ δὲ σημεῖα τῶν καιρῶν οὐ δύνασθε?1

See the discussion of textual issues at the end of the General Notes to this chapter to decide whether to include 16:2b3 in your translation. The notes below discuss translation issues in these verses, for those who decide to include them.

269816:2e057rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesλέγετε, εὐδία; πυρράζει γὰρ ὁ οὐρανός1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “you say that it will be fair weather, for the sky is red.”

269916:2tda2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultεὐδία; πυρράζει γὰρ ὁ οὐρανός1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “The sky is red, so it will be fair weather”

270016:2lp67rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεὐδία1

Here the people speaking are implying that the fair weather will take place on the next day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “fair weather tomorrow”

270116:3rl8wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesπρωΐ, σήμερον χειμών; πυρράζει γὰρ στυγνάζων ὁ οὐρανός1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “in early morning you say that today will be stormy, for the sky is red, being overcast.”

270216:3r5tbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisπρωΐ, σήμερον1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the previous sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “in early morning, you say, Today”

270316:3f2eurc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultσήμερον χειμών; πυρράζει γὰρ στυγνάζων ὁ οὐρανός1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “The sky is red, being overcast, so today will be stormy”

270416:3k6w7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὸ & πρόσωπον1

Here Jesus speaks as if the sky had a face. He is referring to how the sky looks from the ground. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the appearance” or “the look”

270516:3kd67τὰ δὲ σημεῖα τῶν καιρῶν οὐ δύνασθε1

This clause could be: (1) a statement that rebukes the Pharisees and Sadducees. Alternate translation: “but you are not able to interpret the signs of the time.” (2) a rhetorical question that rebukes the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Alternate translation: “but are you not able to interpret the signs of the times?”

270616:3e5yhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὰ & σημεῖα τῶν καιρῶν1

Here, Jesus could be using the possessive form to describe signs that: (1) happen during the times. Alternate translation: “the signs that are happening during these times” (2) indicate that specific times have arrived. Alternate translation: “the signs that show that the times are here”

270716:3hu1krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisοὐ δύνασθε1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “you are not able to interpret”

270816:4jl3eγενεὰ πονηρὰ καὶ μοιχαλὶς σημεῖον ἐπιζητεῖ, καὶ σημεῖον οὐ δοθήσεται αὐτῇ, εἰ μὴ τὸ σημεῖον Ἰωνᾶ1

What Jesus says here is identical to what he said in 12:39 except for the phrase “the prophet” before the name Jonah. Translate this sentence as you did in 12:39.

270916:4fhx6rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοὺς1

The pronoun them refers to the Pharisees and Sadducees who had asked for a sign (see 16:1). If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to these people more directly. Alternate translation: “the people who asked him for a sign” or “those Pharisees and Sadducees”

271016:4d9eqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπῆλθεν1

Here Matthew implies that the disciples were traveling with Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Jesus and his disciples went away”

271116:5ii6jrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventκαὶ1

Here, the word And introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave And untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

271216:5xyrgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐλθόντες οἱ μαθηταὶ εἰς τὸ πέραν, ἐπελάθοντο ἄρτους λαβεῖν1

Here Matthew implies that the disciples forgot the loaves before they traveled to the other side, but they realized that they had forgotten it when they reached the other side. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the disciples forgot to take loaves with them, and when they came to the other side, they realized that they had forgotten” or “the disciples, having come to the other side, recognized that they had forgotten to take loaves”

271316:5whsirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐλθόντες1

Here Matthew implies that both the disciples and Jesus came to the other side. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “when they and Jesus came”

271416:5upyirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθόντες1

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “having gone”

271516:5si9krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ πέραν1

Here Matthew implies that they traveled to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the other side of the lake”

271616:6h3rzrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

271716:6u7myrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletὁρᾶτε καὶ προσέχετε ἀπὸ1

The terms See and guard mean similar things. Jesus is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “Guard against” or “Keep away from”

271816:6jak2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomὁρᾶτε καὶ1

Here, the word See means that the disciples need to make sure that something happens or does not happen. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a similar form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Make sure that you”

271916:6gs4grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτῆς ζύμης τῶν Φαρισαίων καὶ Σαδδουκαίων1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe yeast that the Pharisees and Sadducees have or use. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the yeast that the Pharisees and Sadducees have”

272016:6hfz2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτῆς ζύμης τῶν Φαρισαίων καὶ Σαδδουκαίων1

Here, yeast is a metaphor that refers to what the Pharisees and Sadducees teach. However, the disciples did not immediately understand that Jesus was using a metaphor; instead, they do not realize what yeast refers to until 16:12. So, you should preserve the metaphor here without explaining its meaning, since Matthew will give an explanation in 16:12.

272116:7p6hdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν ἑαυτοῖς1

Here, the phrase among themselves could mean: (1) that the disciples were reasoning with each other. Alternate translation: “with one another” (2) that the disciples were thinking this without saying it. Alternate translation: “within themselves”

272216:7jx1zrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες, ὅτι ἄρτους οὐκ ἐλάβομεν1

Here, the word translated because could introduce: (1) what the disciples think might be the reason for why Jesus said what he did about yeast. Alternate translation: “saying, He said that because we did not take loaves” (2) what the disciples say. Alternate translation: “saying, We did not take loaves

272316:7t9omrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsλέγοντες, ὅτι ἄρτους οὐκ ἐλάβομεν1

It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “saying that it was because they did not take loaves”

272416:7wyuarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὅτι1

Here the disciples imply that they are giving a reason for why Jesus said what he did about yeast. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Jesus has spoken about yeast because”

272516:7mmztrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveοὐκ ἐλάβομεν1

By we, the disciples mean themselves but not Jesus, so use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

272616:8ekphrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

272716:8zz4irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί διαλογίζεσθε ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, ὀλιγόπιστοι, ὅτι ἄρτους οὐκ ἔχετε?1

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke the disciples. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You of little faith! Do not reason among yourselves that you do not have loaves!” or “You of little faith, it is wrong for you to be reasoning among yourselves that you do not have loaves.”

272816:8mg8src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsὀλιγόπιστοι1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “You who believe so little”

272916:8ia8brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν ἑαυτοῖς1

Here, much as in 16:7, the phrase among yourselves could mean: (1) that the disciples were reasoning with each other. Alternate translation: “with one another” (2) that the disciples were thinking this without saying it. Alternate translation: “within yourselves”

273016:9h5bgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὔπω νοεῖτε, οὐδὲ μνημονεύετε τοὺς πέντε ἄρτους τῶν πεντακισχιλίων, καὶ πόσους κοφίνους ἐλάβετε?1

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke the disciples. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation.Alternate translation: “You do not yet perceive nor remember the five loaves of the 5,000, and how many baskets you received!” or “I am disappointed that you do not yet perceive nor remember the five loaves of the 5,000, and how many baskets you received.”

273116:9ux51rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτοὺς πέντε ἄρτους τῶν πεντακισχιλίων1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to refer to the five loaves that he used to feed the 5,000. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the five loaves that fed the 5,000”

273216:9glqhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτῶν πεντακισχιλίων1

Matthew is using the number 5,000 as a noun to mean 5,000 men. Your language may use numbers in the same way. If not, you could translate this one with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “of the 5,000 men”

273316:9m3curc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἄρτους1

See how you translated loaves in 14:17. Alternate translation: “large chunks of bread”

273416:9c2lxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκοφίνους1

Here Jesus implies that the baskets were full of leftover food. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “baskets full of leftovers”

273516:9h1ibrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownκοφίνους1

See how you translated baskets in 14:20. Alternate translation: “boxes” or “containers”

273616:10ejm5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐδὲ τοὺς ἑπτὰ ἄρτους τῶν τετρακισχιλίων, καὶ πόσας σπυρίδας ἐλάβετε?1

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke the disciples. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Nor do you perceive or remember the seven loaves of the 4,000, and how many baskets you received!” or “I am also disappointed that you do not yet perceive nor remember the seven loaves of the 4,000, and how many baskets you received.”

273716:10s854rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisοὐδὲ1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the previous verse if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “Nor do you understand or remember”

273816:10b11xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτοὺς ἑπτὰ ἄρτους τῶν τετρακισχιλίων1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to refer to the seven loaves that he used to feed the 4,000. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the seven loaves that fed the 4,000”

273916:10kjfwrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἄρτους1

See how you translated loaves in 14:17. Alternate translation: “large chunks of bread”

274016:10npb9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτῶν τετρακισχιλίων1

Matthew is using the number 4,000 as a noun to mean 4,000 men. Your language may use numbers in the same way. If not, you could translate this one with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “of the 4,000 men”

274116:10jnkkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitσπυρίδας1

Here Jesus implies that the baskets were full of leftover food. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “baskets full of leftovers”

274216:10vcglrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownσπυρίδας1

See how you translated baskets in 15:37. Alternate translation: “boxes” or “containers”

274316:11mb2zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionπῶς οὐ νοεῖτε, ὅτι οὐ περὶ ἄρτων εἶπον ὑμῖν?1

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke the disciples. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You do not perceive that I did not speak to you about loaves!” or “I am disappointed that you do not perceive that I did not speak to you about loaves.”

274416:11nw24rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces what Jesus really wants to say about yeast in contrast to simply speaking about bread. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Rather,”

274516:11g16rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτῆς ζύμης τῶν Φαρισαίων καὶ Σαδδουκαίων1

Here, just as in 16:6, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe yeast that the Pharisees and Sadducees have or use. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the yeast that the Pharisees and Sadducees have”

274616:11i7x6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτῆς ζύμης τῶν Φαρισαίων καὶ Σαδδουκαίων1

Here, just as in 16:6, yeast is a metaphor that refers to what the Pharisees and Sadducees teach. However, the disciples did not immediately understand that Jesus was using a metaphor; instead, they do not realize what yeast refers to until 16:12. So, you should preserve the metaphor here without explaining its meaning, since Matthew will give an explanation in 16:12.

274716:12f73lrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsσυνῆκαν1

The pronoun they refers to the disciples. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to them more directly. Alternate translation: “the disciples understood”

274816:12f4p4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureοὐκ εἶπεν προσέχειν ἀπὸ τῆς ζύμης τῶν ἄρτων, ἀλλὰ ἀπὸ τῆς διδαχῆς τῶν Φαρισαίων καὶ Σαδδουκαίων1

If your language would not naturally put the negative statement before the positive statement, you could reverse the two clauses here. Alternate translation: “he had told them to guard from the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees, not from the yeast of loaves”

274916:12b4h9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτῆς ζύμης τῶν ἄρτων1

Here, Matthew is using the possessive form to describe yeast that people use to make loaves. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the yeast used to make loaves”

275016:12d990rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἀλλὰ ἀπὸ1

Matthew is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “but to guard from”

275116:12t740rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτῆς διδαχῆς τῶν Φαρισαίων καὶ Σαδδουκαίων1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of teaching, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the things that the Pharisees and Sadducees taught”

275216:13e5cmrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

275316:13xs2crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐλθὼν1

Here Matthew implies that the disciples were traveling with Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “when he and his disciples came”

275416:13ez5grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθὼν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “having gone”

275516:13f7ikrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he said”

275616:13e8y5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsοἱ ἄνθρωποι1

Although the term men is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “men and women”

275716:13e1jhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personεἶναι τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1

Here Jesus speaks about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “I, the one who is the Son of Man, am”

275816:13dju6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoτὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1

The title Son of Man may refer to a special person, possibly the Messiah, that people expected to arrive. However, since Jesus is asking about who people say that the Son of Man is, if possible you should not explain what the title means. Alternate translation: “the Human One”

275916:14mwgprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοἱ μὲν Ἰωάννην τὸν Βαπτιστήν; ἄλλοι δὲ Ἠλείαν; ἕτεροι δὲ Ἰερεμίαν ἢ ἕνα τῶν προφητῶν1

Since all these people and prophets had died before the disciples answered this question, the disciples are implying that people think that Jesus is one of these people who has come back to life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Some, John the Baptist come back to life; and some, Elijah come back to life; and others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets come back to life”

276016:14zqqgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisοἱ μὲν Ἰωάννην τὸν Βαπτιστήν; ἄλλοι δὲ Ἠλείαν; ἕτεροι δὲ Ἰερεμίαν1

The disciples are leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the previous verse if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “Some say John the Baptist; and some say Elijah; and others say Jeremiah”

276116:14v7klrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjοἱ μὲν & ἄλλοι & ἕτεροι1

The disciples are using the adjectives Some, some, and others as nouns to mean various groups of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “Some among the people … some among the people … others among the people”

276216:14c9izrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἕνα τῶν προφητῶν1

Here the disciples are not excluding John the Baptist, Elijah, or Jeremiah from the group of the prophets. Instead, they are referring the many other prophets that God had sent. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “another one of the prophets”

276316:15cgizrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “He said”

276416:16ns0yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσὺ1

Since Peter is talking to Jesus, the word You here is singular.

276516:16n5wirc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ζῶντος1

Son is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship with God the Father.

276616:16r1h7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ζῶντος1

Here, the phrase the living God identifies God as the one who “lives.” The primary point is that God actually “lives,” unlike idols and other things that people call “god.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that emphasizes that God really “lives.” Alternate translation: “of the God who lives” or “of the true God”

276716:17sashrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

276816:17yh0src://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultμακάριος εἶ, Σίμων Βαριωνᾶ, ὅτι σὰρξ καὶ αἷμα οὐκ ἀπεκάλυψέν σοι, ἀλλ’ ὁ Πατήρ μου, ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses since the last clauses gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “Because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father in the heavens, you are blessed, Simon Bar Jonah”

276916:17zm55rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveμακάριος εἶ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “God will bless you”

277016:17npe1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularεἶ & σοι1

Since Jesus is talking to Peter, the word you throughout this verse is singular.

277116:17le6arc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterateΣίμων Βαριωνᾶ1

Bar is a word borrowed from Aramaic. You will need to decide if you will also borrow this word into your language or if you will translate the meaning. Either approach has broad support. If you borrow the word, you could spell it the way it sounds in your language and then put the translation in a footnote. Alternative translation: “Simon son of Jonah”

277216:17gxjbrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesΒαριωνᾶ1

The word Jonah is the name of a man.

277316:17g8s5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureσὰρξ καὶ αἷμα οὐκ ἀπεκάλυψέν σοι, ἀλλ’ ὁ Πατήρ μου, ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1

If your language would not naturally put the negative statement before the positive statement, you could reverse the two clauses here. Alternate translation: “my Father in the heavens revealed this to you, not flesh and blood”

277416:17dfw5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysσὰρξ καὶ αἷμα οὐκ ἀπεκάλυψέν1

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The words flesh and blood together identify what it means to be human. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use and. Alternate translation: “humans did not reveal this” or “no human being revealed this”

277516:17wix3rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsοὐκ ἀπεκάλυψέν σοι1

The pronoun this refers to Peters pronouncement in the previous verse that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to that pronouncement more directly. Alternate translation: “did not reveal to you that I am the Christ” or “did not reveal to you what you just said”

277616:17v5lwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἀλλ’ ὁ Πατήρ μου, ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “but my Father in the heavens revealed it to you”

277716:17gi3lrc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Πατήρ μου1

Father is an important title that describe the relationship between God the Father and Jesus his Son.

277816:17a3e5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1

Here, the phrase in the heavens identifies the location in which God the Father is specially present and from which he rules. If it would be helpful in your language, you make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “who is in the heavens”

277916:18dx2vκἀγὼ & σοι λέγω1

Jesus uses the clause I also say to you this to emphasize what he is telling the Peter. Use a natural form in your language for emphasizing the truth and importance of a statement. Alternate translation: “I also want you to know”

278016:18wbzdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσοι & σὺ1

Since Jesus is talking to Peter, the word you throughout this verse is singular.

278116:18z897rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitσὺ εἶ Πέτρος1

The name Peter means “rock.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “you have the name Peter, which means rock

278216:18c7rrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐπὶ ταύτῃ τῇ πέτρᾳ1

Here Jesus could be referring to this rock in order to: (1) describe Peter, whose name means “rock,” as solid foundation, a rock, for the church. Alternate translation: “upon you, who are like a rock,” or “upon you” (2) refer to what Peter said about Jesus (that he is the Christ) as a solid foundation or rock for the church. Alternate translation: “upon your confession, which is like a rock,” or “upon your confession”

278316:18x43drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοἰκοδομήσω μου τὴν ἐκκλησίαν1

Jesus here speaks as if his church were a building that someone could build. With this metaphor, he refers to making the church become stronger and more mature, just like the one who builds a house makes it strong and complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will strengthen my church as if I were building it” or “I will make my church strong”

278416:18vu9urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπύλαι ᾍδου1

Here, Jesus could be referring to the gates of Hades in order to: (1) speak about how, when people enter through the gates of Hades, they die. Alternate translation: “death” or “the power of death” (2) speak about evil powers that come out through the gates of Hades. Alternate translation: “the powers of hell” or “evil powers”

278516:18l98frc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτῆς1

The pronoun it refers to my church. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer more directly to the church. Alternate translation: “my church”

278616:19pp5drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorδώσω σοι τὰς κλεῖδας τῆς Βασιλείας τῶν Οὐρανῶν1

Here Jesus speaks of giving authority to Peter as if he were giving him the keys of the kingdom of the heavens. Christians debate what kind of authority this is, so if possible, you should preserve the metaphor or simply refer to some kind of authority. Alternate translation: “I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of the heavens so that you have authority” or “I will give you authority in the kingdom of the heavens”

278716:19dlcarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσοι & δήσῃς & λύσῃς1

Since Jesus is talking to Peter, the word you throughout this verse is singular.

278816:19k09jrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὰς κλεῖδας τῆς Βασιλείας1

The word keys refers to tools that are used to lock and unlock things, especially doors and gates. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of tool, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “the tools for locking and unlocking the kingdom” or “the openers for the kingdom”

278916:19dy4prc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ1

Here, the word and introduces how Peter will exercise the authority that Jesus will give to him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a result or goal. Alternate translation: “so that”

279016:19ef9crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὃ ἐὰν δήσῃς ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἔσται δεδεμένον ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1

Here Jesus speaks of decisions that Peter and God make as if they were binding something. These decisions are specifically about requiring or enforcing something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Since Jesus uses very general language, your translation should also be very general. Alternate translation: “whatever you require on the earth will have been required in the heavens” or “whatever you enforce on the earth will have been enforced in the heavens”

279116:19ysk8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἔσται δεδεμένον & ἔσται λελυμένον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “God will have bound … God will have loosed”

279216:19kc3krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὃ ἐὰν λύσῃς ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἔσται λελυμένον ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1

Here Jesus speaks of decisions that Peter and God make as if they were binding something. These decisions are specifically about allowing or abrogating something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Since Jesus uses very general language, your translation should also be very general. Alternate translation: “whatever you allow on the earth will have been allowed in the heavens” or “whatever you annul on the earth will have been annulled in the heavens”

279316:20s024rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsτοῖς μαθηταῖς, ἵνα μηδενὶ εἴπωσιν ὅτι αὐτός ἐστιν ὁ Χριστός1

It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “the disciples, Tell no one that I am the Christ

279416:20b0bbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsμηδενὶ εἴπωσιν ὅτι αὐτός ἐστιν ὁ Χριστός1

It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “they tell no one, He is the Christ

279516:21yilerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsτοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ ὅτι δεῖ αὐτὸν εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα ἀπελθεῖν, καὶ πολλὰ παθεῖν ἀπὸ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων, καὶ ἀρχιερέων, καὶ γραμματέων, καὶ ἀποκτανθῆναι καὶ τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἐγερθῆναι1

It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “to his disciples, saying, It is necessary for me to go to Jerusalem and to suffer much from the elders and chief priests and scribes and to be killed and to be raised on the third day

279616:21so7orc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀποκτανθῆναι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that the elders and chief priests and scribes would order someone to do it. Alternate translation: “to die” or “for them to put him to death”

279716:21es1lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐγερθῆναι1

Here, the word raised refers to someone who died coming back to life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable word or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to be restored to life”

279816:21r5hjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐγερθῆναι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, Matthew could be implying that: (1) God did it. Alternate translation: “to have God raise him” or “for God to raise him” (2) Jesus himself did it. Alternate translation: “to raise himself”

279916:21q0c7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ1

Here, the phrase on the third day refers to the day after tomorrow. People in Jesus culture counted the current day as the first day, tomorrow as the second day, and the day after tomorrow as the third day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to the day after tomorrow. Alternate translation: “on the day after the next day” or “two days later”

280016:21jjx5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalτῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “on day three”

280116:22olkyrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he said”

280216:22guz8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἵλεώς σοι1

Here, the phrase Merciful to you could mean: (1) that Jesus should not be thinking about or talking about what he has predicted will happen. Alternate translation: “Far be it from you” or “Stop saying those things” (2) that he believes that God will mercifully protect Jesus from what Jesus has predicted will happen. Alternate translation: “God will have mercy on you” or “May God be merciful to you”

280316:22jpoirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσοι-1

Since Peter is talking to Jesus, the word you throughout this verse is singular.

280416:22qx41rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsτοῦτο1

The pronoun this refers to the things that Jesus had just spoken about what would happen to him. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to those things more directly. Alternate translation: “those things” or “what you have said”

280516:22tck2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐ μὴ1

The words translated certainly not are two negative words. In this construction, the second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. Instead, it gives greater emphasis to the negative. If your language can use two negatives that do not cancel one another to create a positive meaning, you could use a double negative here. If your language does not use two negatives in that way, you could translate with one strong negative, as the ULT does. Alternate translation: “by no means”

280616:23qsofrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “After that”

280716:23sfjdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitστραφεὶς1

Here Matthew could be implying that Jesus turned: (1) to face Peter. Alternate translation: “having turned toward Peter” (2) away from Peter. Alternate translation: “having turned away from Peter”

280816:23h99irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὕπαγε ὀπίσω μου1

Here Jesus speaks as if he wants Peter to Get behind him. He means that Peter should not rebuke him but should instead accept what Jesus says. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do not stand in my way” or “Do not rebuke me”

280916:23f28irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorΣατανᾶ1

Here Jesus calls Peter Satan because Peter is asking like Satan by tempting Jesus to disobey God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use simile form or explain the metaphor. Alternate translation: “you who are acting like Satan” or “for you are tempting me as Satan does”

281016:23b9y0rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultσκάνδαλον εἶ ἐμοῦ, ὅτι οὐ φρονεῖς τὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἀλλὰ τὰ τῶν ἀνθρώπων1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “Because you are not considering the things of God, but the things of men, you are a stumbling block to me”

281116:23asigrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorσκάνδαλον εἶ ἐμοῦ1

Here, Jesus speaks of someone who tempts others to sin as if that person were a stumbling block. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You are tempting me to sin”

281216:23cro2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularεἶ & οὐ φρονεῖς1

Since Jesus is talking to Peter, the words You and you are singular.

281316:23z28crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureοὐ φρονεῖς τὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἀλλὰ τὰ τῶν ἀνθρώπων1

If your language would not naturally put the negative statement before the positive statement, you could reverse the two clauses here. Alternate translation: “you are considering the things of men, not the things of God”

281416:23svgzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἀλλὰ τὰ1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “but you are considering the things”

281516:23y3s2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτῶν ἀνθρώπων1

Although the term men is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “of human beings” or “of people”

281616:24t0znrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalεἴ τις θέλει1

Here Jesus uses the conditional form to refer to anyone who wants to come after him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use whatever form naturally introduces anyone who wants to follow Jesus. Alternate translation: “Anyone who wants” or “When someone wants”

281716:24ck1arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomὀπίσω μου ἐλθεῖν1

Here, the phrase come after me refers to traveling with Jesus and being his disciples. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to be my disciples” or “to travel with me as my students”

281816:24m9a5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3pἀπαρνησάσθω ἑαυτὸν, καὶ ἀράτω τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἀκολουθείτω μοι1

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he should deny himself and take up his cross and follow me”

281916:24r13irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀπαρνησάσθω ἑαυτὸν & αὐτοῦ1

Although the terms him, himself, and his are masculine, Jesus is using the words in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use phrases that make this clear. Alternate translation: “let that person deny himself or herself … his or her”

282016:24rclqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἀπαρνησάσθω ἑαυτὸν1

Here, the phrase deny himself refers to a person choosing not to do what they would naturally do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “let him exercise self-control” or “choose not to do what he naturally desires”

282116:24m44zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀράτω τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ1

Jesus assumes that the disciples will know that the Romans executed some criminals by nailing them to a wooden beam with crossbar that was set upright so that the criminals would slowly suffocate. Jesus also assumes that the disciples will know that the Romans made these criminals carry these wooden crosses through the streets to the place where they were going to be executed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make some of this information more explicit. Alternate translation: “take up the wooden cross on which he will be executed”

282216:24pg9hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀράτω τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ1

Here Jesus speaks of taking up a cross in order to describe people who are ready and willing to suffer and even die because they follow Jesus. Because this figure of speech is connected to how Jesus himself died on a cross, if possible you should preserve the metaphor or express the idea in simile form. See how you translated the similar expression in 10:38. Alternate translation: “be ready to suffer, which is like taking up his cross,” or “take up his cross, ready to suffer or die,”

282316:25gulnrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a basis for what Jesus said in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “I say that because” or “In fact,”

282416:25tp9krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὃς & ἐὰν θέλῃ τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ σῶσαι, ἀπολέσει αὐτήν; ὃς δ’ ἂν ἀπολέσῃ τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ, εὑρήσει αὐτήν.1

Here Jesus speaks of how peoples attitudes toward their current lives affects their eternal lives after they resurrect. He means that those who want to save their current lives will lose their eternal, resurrection lives, and that those who have lost their current lives will find their eternal, resurrection lives. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. See how you translated the similar ideas in 10:39. Alternate translation: “whoever wants to save his current life will lose it forever, but whoever loses his current life for my sake will find it forever”

282516:25y9kcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorθέλῃ τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ σῶσαι, ἀπολέσει αὐτήν1

Here Jesus speaks of trying to preserve ones life as if it were saving it. He speaks of dying as if it were losing ones life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar clause in 10:39. Alternate translation: “wants to preserve his life will die”

282616:25gcf2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsαὐτοῦ-1

Although the term his is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “his or her … his or her”

282716:25xz98rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὃς δ’ ἂν ἀπολέσῃ τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ, εὑρήσει αὐτήν1

Here Jesus speaks of dying or being willing to die as losing ones life. He speaks of experiencing eternal life as if it were finding ones life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar clause in 10:39. Alternate translation: “but whoever has died for my sake will have eternal life”

282816:25a8lhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ1

When Jesus says for my sake, he means that some people will lose their lives because they are his disciples. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “because he is my disciple” or “because he believes in me”

282916:26m6jlrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces another basis for what Jesus said in 16:24. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “Another reason I say that is because” or “Even further,”

283016:26eqe8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί & ὠφεληθήσεται ἄνθρωπος, ἐὰν τὸν κόσμον ὅλον κερδήσῃ, τὴν δὲ ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ζημιωθῇ?1

Jesus is using the question form to teach his disciples. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “a man will benefit nothing if he gains the whole world but forfeits his life.” or “a man will never benefit anything if he gains the whole world but forfeits his life!”

283116:26o8a9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoτί & ὠφεληθήσεται ἄνθρωπος, ἐὰν τὸν κόσμον ὅλον κερδήσῃ, τὴν δὲ ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ζημιωθῇ1

Here Jesus uses an imaginary situation to show that forfeiting ones life is bad enough that gaining anything else cannot make up for it. Use a natural method in your language for introducing an imaginary situation. Alternate translation: “image a man who gained the whole world but forfeited his life. What will that man benefit”

283216:26g0xorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἄνθρωπος & κερδήσῃ & αὐτοῦ & ἄνθρωπος & αὐτοῦ1

Although the terms man, he, and his are masculine, Jesus is using the words in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use phrases that make this clear. Alternate translation: “a person … he or she gains … his or her … a person … his or her”

283316:26hh4wτὴν & ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ & τῆς ψυχῆς αὐτοῦ1

Alternate translation: “his soul … for his soul”

283416:26q7x1rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases1

Here, the word Or introduces a second question that again emphasizes how important a persons life is. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a similar idea, or you could leave Or untranslated. Alternate translation: “Again,” or “Even further,”

283516:26eck5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἢ τί δώσει ἄνθρωπος ἀντάλλαγμα τῆς ψυχῆς αὐτοῦ?1

Jesus is using the question form to teach his disciples. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “a man can give nothing in exchange for his life.” or “a man cannot give anything in exchange for his life!”

283616:26ot67rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀντάλλαγμα τῆς ψυχῆς αὐτοῦ1

Here Jesus could be implying: (1) that there is nothing that is worth as much as a persons life. Alternate translation: “that is as worth as much as his soul” (2) that there is nothing that is valuable enough to redeem ones life when it has been forfeited. Alternate translation: “that can buy back his soul”

283716:27bytbrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a basis for what Jesus has said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. More specifically, the word For could introduce the basis for: (1) what Jesus said in 16:26 about how nothing is as valuable as a persons soul. Alternate translation: “You should be thinking about your soul because” (2) what Jesus has said in 16:2426. Alternate translation: “I have said all those things because”

283816:27iyu1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personμέλλει & ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου & αὐτοῦ & αὐτοῦ & ἀποδώσει1

Here Jesus speaks about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “I, who am the Son of Man, am about … my … my … I will repay”

283916:27n1efrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμέλλει & ἔρχεσθαι1

Here Jesus implies that he, the Son of Man, will come back to this world at some point in the future. He is also implying that he will leave this world before he comes back. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make some or all of those ideas more explicit. Alternate translation: “is about to come back to this world” or “will leave this world, but he is about to come back”

284016:27t2horc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐν τῇ δόξῃ τοῦ Πατρὸς αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of glory, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in a way that his Father has made glorious along” or “as one who is as great as his Father”

284116:27vk5yrc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρὸς αὐτοῦ1

Father is an important title that describe the relationship between God the Father and Jesus his Son.

284216:27ebparc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsτῶν ἀγγέλων αὐτοῦ1

The pronoun his could refer to: (1) the Son of Man. Alternate translation: “the angels of the Son of Man” (2) the Father. Alternate translation: “his Fathers angels”

284316:27q9g3rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἀποδώσει1

The pronoun he refers to the Son of Man. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “the Son of Man will repay”

284416:27bpberc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀποδώσει1

Here Jesus uses repay to refer to appropriately punishing or rewarding someone as if the punishment or reward was payment for that persons deeds. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he will decide how to treat people,”

284516:27g0korc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν πρᾶξιν αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of action, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the things he did”

284616:27brrtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsαὐτοῦ3

Although the term his is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “his or her”

284716:28wq13rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοὐ μὴ γεύσωνται θανάτου1

Here Jesus speaks as if death were food that people could taste. Those who taste death truly experience death as much as a person who eats food truly experiences that food. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will certainly not experience death” or “will certainly not participate in death”

284816:28p1d4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsοὐ μὴ γεύσωνται θανάτου1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of death, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “will certainly not die”

284916:28gfwcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐ μὴ1

The words translated certainly not are two negative words. In this construction, the second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. Instead, it gives greater emphasis to the negative. If your language can use two negatives that do not cancel one another to create a positive meaning, you could use a double negative here. If your language does not use two negatives in that way, you could translate with one strong negative, as the ULT does. Alternate translation: “by no means”

285016:28etk2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personτὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου ἐρχόμενον ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ αὐτοῦ1

Here Jesus speaks about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “I, who am the Son of Man, coming in my kingdom”

285116:28txjvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoἐρχόμενον ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ αὐτοῦ1

Christians debate what the phrase coming in his kingdom means. It could refer to one or several of the following events: Jesus transfiguration (see 17:18), Jesus resurrection and enthronement in heaven, the empowerment and growth of the church, the destruction of Jerusalem, and Jesus final return. If possible, express the idea in such a way that most or all of these interpretations are possible. Alternate translation: “acting as king in his kingdom” or “taking charge of his kingdom”

285217:introyb4k0

Matthew 17 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

  1. Further opposition to Jesus and misunderstanding of the kingdom of God (13:53-17:27)
    • Jesus is transfigured (17:18)
    • The disciples ask about Elijah (17:913)
    • Jesus heals an epileptic boy (17:1421)
    • Jesus predicts his suffering and death (17:2223)
    • The two-drachma tax (17:2427)

Special Concepts in this Chapter

“transfigured”

In 17:18, Matthew describes how Jesus was “transfigured.” This word indicates that Jesus looked very different to the disciples. Matthew does not tell us all the ways in which Jesus looked different, but he does say that Jesus face “shone as the sun” and that his clothes became very white. What this means is that the disciples were able to see some of the glory and majesty that Jesus has as Gods Son. Make sure that your translation shows that Jesus looked great and glorious.

Elijah

When Jesus was transfigured, the disciples saw Moses and Elijah talking with him. Later, they ask Jesus about Elijah. They refer specifically to what the scribes say about a prophecy in Malachi 4:56, which indicates that God will send “Elijah” to prepare the way before God comes to judge his enemies and reward his people. Malachi is referring to a prophet who lived even earlier. This prophet, named Elijah, performed many miracles and spoke messages from God (see 1 Kings 1719 and 2 Kings 2:117). The disciples ask about whether this Elijah is supposed to come before the Messiah does. Jesus says that this is true, and he talks about this “Elijah” in a way that shows the disciples that John the Baptist was “Elijah.” He means that John fulfills the prophecy in Malachi that someone like the prophet Elijah will prepare the way before God comes to judge and reward people. If your readers would not know the prophecy in Malachi or the stories about the prophet Elijah, you may need to include some of this information in your translation or in a footnote. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/names/elijah]])

The epileptic boy

In 17:1421, Matthew tells a story about how Jesus healed a boy. Matthew first describes this boy as an “epileptic,” which refers to a disease that causes people to pass out and move uncontrollably. Later on, however, Matthew makes it clear that a demon is causing the boys sickness. You should only make this clear when Matthew does. See the notes on these verses for ways to refer to the disease and how to introduce the demon.

The two-drachma tax

During this time period, Jewish men were expected to pay a tax of two drachmas to the leaders, who would use the money to keep the Jewish temple operating properly. A drachma was about a days wages for a hired worker. When Jesus told Peter how to pay the tax, he said that he would find a coin worth four drachmas (a shekel) in the mouth of a fish he would catch. This coin would be enough to pay both Peters and Jesus taxes. You could include some of this information in your translation or in a footnote.

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Singular and plural forms of “you”

Many of the forms of “you” in this chapter appear in speeches that Jesus gives to the disciples. Because of this, the majority of forms of “you” in this chapter are plural. You should assume forms of “you” are plural unless a note specifies that the form is singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

Verse 21

Some of the earliest manuscripts do not include anything for 17:21. Some early manuscripts and many later manuscripts include the following words: “But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Since the earliest manuscripts do not include these words, the ULT and UST include these words in brackets. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to omit these words. If it would be helpful, you could put the words in brackets or in a footnote. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

285317:1u6dwrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventκαὶ μεθ’ ἡμέρας ἓξ1

Here, the phrase And after six days introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event. Alternate translation: “Then, after six days had passed,” or “Six days after those things happened,”

285417:1x4sjrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseπαραλαμβάνει & ἀναφέρει αὐτοὺς1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “took along … brought them up”

285517:1f2yyrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinshipτὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ1

Matthew never says whether James or John was older, but he mentions James first, which could imply that he was the older brother. If you have to use a form that refers to an older or younger brother, you could state that John was younger. Alternate translation: “his younger brother”

285617:2lvdqrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownμετεμορφώθη1

The word transfigured means to be changed in appearance or form. If your readers would not be familiar with the meaning of this word, you could express the idea with a short phrase. Alternate translation: “his appearance was changed” or “he began to look different”

285717:2kq4lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveμετεμορφώθη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Matthew could be implying that: (1) Jesus did the action. Alternate translation: “he transfigured himself” (2) God did the action. Alternate translation: “God transfigured him”

285817:2uxg3ἔμπροσθεν αὐτῶν1

Alternate translation: “in front of them” or “as they watched”

285917:2i1mprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileἔλαμψεν τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ ὡς ὁ ἥλιος1

Matthew is saying that Jesus face is like the sun because both shine brightly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “his face shone as brightly as the sun does”

286017:2k4corc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileλευκὰ ὡς τὸ φῶς1

Matthew is saying that how white Jesus garments were is like the light because both are bright. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “white as the light that shines brightly”

286117:3kpdgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “suddenly”

286217:3d8i7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὤφθη αὐτοῖς Μωϋσῆς καὶ Ἠλείας1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they saw Moses and Elijah”

286317:3m6mjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitσυνλαλοῦντες1

Here Matthew means that Moses and Elijah were talking with Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “and the two of them were talking”

286417:3j9zprc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοῦ1

The pronoun him refers to Jesus. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “Jesus”

286517:4xxfgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀποκριθεὶς1

Here, the word answering indicates that Peter was responding to what he saw. He was not answering a question. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “in response to seeing those things”

286617:4r41crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμᾶς1

By we, Peter could mean: (1) everyone who was there, including himself, the other two disciples, Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. Alternate translation: “for us all” (2) just himself and the other two disciples. Alternate translation: “for us disciples”

286717:4wmaxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularθέλεις & σοὶ1

Since Peter is talking to Jesus, the word you throughout this verse is singular.

286817:4glxvrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsποιήσω1

Many ancient manuscripts read I will make. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “let us make.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

286917:4d231rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownσκηνάς1

The term tents means simple, temporary places in which to sit or sleep. Peter probably had in mind that he would build them from the materials available on the mountain such as tree branches. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to this kind of temporary shelter. Alternate translation: “booths”

287017:5w8varc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ-1

In both places, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this … picture this too” or “suddenly … suddenly”

287117:5qxz1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitνεφέλη φωτεινὴ-1

Here, a bright cloud is one that is white and reflects the light from the sun very strongly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “a shining cloud” or “a very white cloud”

287217:5an8jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐπεσκίασεν1

Here Matthew could be implying that: (1) the cloud enveloped or surrounded them. Alternate translation: “enveloped” or “surrounded” (2) the cloud cast a shadow on them. Alternate translation: “cast a shadow on”

287317:5wwuxrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτούς1

The pronoun them could refer to: (1) the three disciples, Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. Alternate translation: “them all” (2) just Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. Alternate translation: “Jesus, Moses, and Elijah”

287417:5kc8trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyφωνὴ1

Matthew is using voice to represent the person who is speaking, which is God the Father. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a person speaking” or “God the Father spoke”

287517:5jduwrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγουσα1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and it said”

287617:5cbiuοὗτός ἐστιν ὁ Υἱός μου, ὁ ἀγαπητός ἐν ᾧ εὐδόκησα1

See how you translated the identical sentence in 3:17.

287717:6vpfprc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequentialοἱ μαθηταὶ ἔπεσαν ἐπὶ πρόσωπον αὐτῶν καὶ ἐφοβήθησαν σφόδρα1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these two clauses, since the second clause describes something that happened before what the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “the disciples were very afraid and fell on their face”

287817:6a87erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἔπεσαν ἐπὶ πρόσωπον αὐτῶν1

In Matthews culture, “falling” on ones face refers to kneeling down and putting ones face close to the ground. This was a position used to show respect and reverence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable expression for a physical position used to show respect or worship, or you could express the idea plainly. Alternate translation: “bowed down” or “lay down to show respect”

287917:6wd76rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsπρόσωπον αὐτῶν1

If it would not be natural in your language to speak as if a group of people had only one face, you could use the plural form of that word in your translation. Alternate translation: “their faces”

288017:7iw4lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsεἶπεν, ἐγέρθητε καὶ μὴ φοβεῖσθε1

It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “said that they should get up and not be afraid”

288117:7w4a3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureἐγέρθητε καὶ μὴ φοβεῖσθε1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these two commands. Alternate translation: “Do not be afraid; get up”

288217:8vebzrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

288317:8aq32rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐπάραντες & τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτῶν1

Here, the phrase having lifted up their eyes means that they stopped looking at the ground and looked up at what was happening around them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “having looked up from the ground” or “having looked around”

288417:8i9gtrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptionsοὐδένα εἶδον εἰ μὴ αὐτὸν Ἰησοῦν μόνον1

If it would in appear your language that Matthew was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “they only saw Jesus himself”

288517:8nn9erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronounsαὐτὸν Ἰησοῦν1

Here, the word translated myself emphasizes Jesus. Consider using a natural way to emphasize Jesus in your language. Alternate translation: “him, that is, Jesus”

288617:9fv4grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goκαταβαινόντων αὐτῶν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “going” instead of coming. Alternate translation: “as they were going down”

288717:9ib3nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsλέγων, μηδενὶ εἴπητε τὸ ὅραμα, ἕως οὗ ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀναστῇ1

It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “saying that they should tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man has risen from the dead”

288817:9tyu5rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he said”

288917:9y9rqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1

Here Jesus speaks about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “I, who am the Son of Man,”

289017:9dmqorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐκ νεκρῶν ἀναστῇ1

Here, the phrase risen from the dead refers to people who had died then coming back to life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or express the idea plainly. Alternate translation: “might have been restored to life” or “might have resurrected”

289117:9qbwurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjνεκρῶν1

Jesus is using the adjective dead as a noun to mean people who are dead. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the dead people” or “the corpses”

289217:10mkz2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ1

Here Matthew continues to refer to Peter, James, and John, the three disciples who went up on the mountain with Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Peter, James, and John”

289317:10ir3mrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they asked”

289417:10eij1rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultτί οὖν1

Here, the word then indicates that the disciples ask this question because of what they saw on the mountain. More specifically, they ask the question because they had just seen Elijah and wondered why he appeared after Jesus the Messiah came and not before. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make some or all of those ideas more explicit. Alternate translation: “Because of what we saw on the mountain, we have a question: why” or “We just saw Elijah appear after you, the Messiah, have already come. Why then”

289517:10kq1jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἨλείαν δεῖ ἐλθεῖν1

Here the disciples are referring to a prophecy in Malachi 4:56. This prophecy states that God will send Elijah before the day of the Lord arrives, and he will prepare people. Elijah was a prophet who did many powerful things a long time before Malachi wrote down this prophecy. The scribes teach that this means that Elijah must come before the Messiah does. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “it is necessary for Elijah, who was a prophet long ago, to come” or “the Scriptures indicate that it is necessary for Elijah the prophet to come”

289617:10f6j1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐλθεῖν1

Here, the word come refers to Elijah appearing in the word and doing what God called him to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to appear” or “to do what he is predicted to do”

289717:10agnzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπρῶτον1

Here the disciples imply that Elijah comes first because he comes before the Messiah does. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “first, before the Messiah comes”

289817:11cr7orc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

289917:11fzy6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔρχεται1

See how you translated “come” in 17:10. Alternate translation: “appears” or “does what he is predicted to do”

290017:11ukcyrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseἔρχεται1

Here Jesus uses the present tense to state something that is generally true: the scribes are right that Elijah has to come before the Messiah does. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use whatever form indicates that Jesus is agreeing with the scribes about Elijah. Alternate translation: “must come” or “needs to come”

290117:12bwoerc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces a contrast with what Jesus has said about how Elijah is going to come. Here, he indicates that Elijah has already come. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “However,” or “Even further,”

290217:12jd7urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἦλθεν1

See how you translated “come” in 17:10. Alternate translation: “appeared” or “did what he was predicted to do”

290317:12a4h7rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsοὐκ ἐπέγνωσαν & ἐποίησαν & αὐτῶν1

The pronouns they, they, and them could refer to: (1) people in generally who did not recognize Elijah and who mistreated him. Alternate translation: “most people did not recognize … those people did … them” (2) the Jewish religious leaders. Alternate translation: “the religious leaders did not recognize … they did … those same leaders”

290417:12dewlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὅσα ἠθέλησαν1

Here Jesus implies that what they wanted was to mistreat and harm this Elijah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “whatever harmful things they wanted to do” or “any evil things they wanted to do”

290517:12i74irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου μέλλει1

Here Jesus speaks about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “I, who am the Son of Man, am about”

290617:13cskjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοἱ μαθηταὶ1

Here Matthew continues to refer to Peter, James, and John, the three disciples who went up on the mountain with Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Peter, James, and John”

290717:13cat7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπερὶ Ἰωάννου τοῦ Βαπτιστοῦ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς1

Here Matthew implies that the disciples realized that Jesus was using the name “Elijah” to refer to John the Baptist. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “when he was talking about Elijah, he was speaking to them about John the Baptist” or “he was saying that Elijah was John the Baptist”

290817:14kv4lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐλθόντων1

Here Matthew means that Jesus and the three disciples came to the crowd. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “as Jesus and the disciples came”

290917:14fzl0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθόντων1

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “having gone”

291017:14cb5grc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionγονυπετῶν αὐτὸν1

In the Jesus culture, kneeling before someone was a way to respect a greater person, especially when asking the greater person to do a favor. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to a similar action from your culture, or you could explain what kneeling means. Alternate translation: “prostrating himself before him” or “kneeling before him to ask a favor”

291117:15kldorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureΚύριε, ἐλέησόν μου τὸν υἱόν, ὅτι σεληνιάζεται καὶ κακῶς ἔχει, πολλάκις γὰρ πίπτει εἰς τὸ πῦρ, καὶ πολλάκις εἰς τὸ ὕδωρ1

Here the man asks Jesus to have mercy on his son before he says why his son needs help. If it would be helpful in your language, you could include why the son needs help before the father asks for mercy. Alternate translation: “Lord, my son is epileptic and has sickness, for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. Have mercy on him!”

291217:15ufb4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐλέησόν μου τὸν υἱόν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of mercy, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “be merciful to my son”

291317:15kjd9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeἐλέησόν1

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a polite request rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “I ask that you have mercy”

291417:15x0xjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularἐλέησόν1

Since the man is talking to Jesus, the imperative here is singular.

291517:15gzsprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureσεληνιάζεται καὶ κακῶς ἔχει1

Here the man states the more specific type of sickness before stating that his son is sick. If it would be helpful in your language, you could reverse the order so that the general statement appears before the specific one. Alternate translation: “he has sickness and is epileptic” or “he has sickness, specifically epilepsy”

291617:15hs55rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownσεληνιάζεται1

An epileptic is someone who sometimes passes out and then moves uncontrollably. If your readers would not be familiar with this sickness, you could use the name of something like this from your language, or you could use a general expression. See how you translated the similar term in 4:24. Alternate translation: “he has seizures” or “he sometimes becomes unconscious and moves uncontrollably”

291717:15ij05rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsκακῶς ἔχει1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of sickness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “is sick”

291817:15q3rorc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, the word for introduces an explanation of how the son has sickness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave for untranslated. Alternate translation: “which means that”

291917:15ikjrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounτὸ πῦρ & τὸ ὕδωρ1

The words fire and water represent fire and water in general, not one particular fire or body of water. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “fires … rivers and lakes”

292017:15rh6yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisπολλάκις εἰς1

The man is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “he often falls into”

292117:16mkx2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπροσήνεγκα αὐτὸν τοῖς μαθηταῖς σου1

Here the man implies that he brought his son so that Jesus disciples could heal him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “I brought him to your disciples to be healed”

292217:16lv3yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσου1

The man Peter is talking to Jesus, the word your here is singular.

292317:16jyjlrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ2

Here, the word and introduces what the disciples were actually able to do in contrast with what the man wanted them to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a contrast. Alternate translation: “but”

292417:17qcv9rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

292517:17uk64rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostropheὦ γενεὰ ἄπιστος καὶ διεστραμμένη, ἕως πότε μεθ’ ὑμῶν ἔσομαι? ἕως πότε ἀνέξομαι ὑμῶν?1

Jesus is speaking to something that he knows cannot hear him. He is addressing the entire generation of people who were living at that time, and they are not all present to hear him. He is doing this to show in a very strong way how he feels about this generation. He is actually speaking to the people who can hear him, the crowd that has gathered there. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate Jesus words as if he were speaking directly to the disciples and the crowd, since they are included in the generation that Jesus is addressing. Alternate translation: “You who are part of this unbelieving and perverse generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I bear with you?”

292617:17f89trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὦ γενεὰ ἄπιστος καὶ διεστραμμένη1

Here, generation represents the people who are part of the generation, which means that they are adults who are currently alive. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar expression in 11:16. Alternate translation: “O todays people who are unbelieving and perverted” or “O unbelieving and perverted people of this generation”

292717:17su3rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἕως πότε μεθ’ ὑμῶν ἔσομαι? ἕως πότε ἀνέξομαι ὑμῶν?1

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke the disciples and the crowds and to show how frustrated he is by them. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate these as statements or exclamations. Alternate translation: “I do not want to be with you for long. I do not want to bear with you for long.” or “I want to leave you! I want to stop bearing with you!”

292817:17euliἕως πότε-1

Alternate translation: “how long … How long”

292917:17moo1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἀνέξομαι ὑμῶν1

Here, the phrase bear with refers to being charitable or kind to someone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase. Alternate translation: “will I be charitable to you” or “will I act kindly with you”

293017:17fff9rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτὸν1

The pronoun him refers to the boy who was epileptic. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to him more directly. Alternate translation: “the boy” or “the epileptic”

293117:18xaufrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτῷ1

The pronoun translated it could refer to: (1) the demon that was possessing the boy. Alternate translation: “the demon” (2) the boy. Alternate translation: “the boy”

293217:18t1wrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ δαιμόνιον1

Here Matthew implies that Jesus knew that a demon was causing the mans son to be epileptic. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the demon that was causing the boy to be epileptic” or “the demon that was making him sick”

293317:18fgsyrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοῦ1

The pronoun him refers to boy who was epileptic. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to him more directly. Alternate translation: “the epileptic” or “the boy”

293417:18i8kdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐθεραπεύθη ὁ παῖς1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was Jesus. Alternate translation: “Jesus healed the boy”

293517:18h2gcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἀπὸ τῆς ὥρας ἐκείνης1

Here, the phrase from that hour indicates that boy was healed at the time when Jesus rebuked the demon. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “right then” or “at that time”

293617:19yahrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsεἶπον, διὰ τί ἡμεῖς οὐκ ἠδυνήθημεν ἐκβαλεῖν αὐτό?1

It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “asked why they were not able to cast the demon out.”

293717:19pz9frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμεῖς1

By we, the speaker means himself and the rest of the disciples but not Jesus, so use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

293817:19sz7drc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτό1

The pronoun it refers to the demon which Jesus cast out of the boy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to the demon more directly. Alternate translation: “the demon”

293917:20s43lrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said”

294017:20itolrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsδιὰ τὴν ὀλιγοπιστίαν ὑμῶν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Because you believe so little”

294117:20tqzhrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces an explanation about how much faith the disciples need. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “In fact,” or “Here is what I mean:”

294217:20hpzerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoἐὰν ἔχητε πίστιν ὡς κόκκον σινάπεως, ἐρεῖτε τῷ ὄρει τούτῳ, μετάβα ἔνθεν ἐκεῖ, καὶ μεταβήσεται, καὶ οὐδὲν ἀδυνατήσει ὑμῖν1

Here Jesus uses an imaginary situation to show that a person with even a little bit of faith can do amazing things, like having a mountain move. Use a natural method in your language for introducing an imaginary situation. Alternate translation: “imagine that you had faith like a mustard seed. In that case, you could even say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it would move, and nothing would be impossible for you”

294317:20uy78rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileπίστιν ὡς κόκκον σινάπεως1

Jesus is saying that their faith might be like a mustard seed because both would be very small. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “faith as small as a mustard seed”

294417:20el8trc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownκόκκον σινάπεως1

A mustard seed is a very small seed that grows into a large plant. If your readers would not be familiar with this kind of seed, in your translation you could use the name of another seed like it, or you could use a general phrase. Alternate translation: “a very small seed”

294517:20kg33rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsτῷ ὄρει τούτῳ, μετάβα ἔνθεν ἐκεῖ, καὶ1

It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “to this mountain that you want it move from here to there, and”

294617:20o41src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῷ ὄρει τούτῳ1

Here, the phrase this mountain refers to the mountain from which Jesus and three of his disciples had just come down. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “to the mountain I was just on”

294717:20bkexrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularμετάβα1

Here, the command is singular because someone is speaking to one mountain.

294817:20wbo1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoἔνθεν ἐκεῖ1

Here Jesus is not referring to specific locations. Instead, he is referring to telling the mountain to move from where it is to some other location. Use a form that refers to changing locations without specifying where those locations are. Alternate translation: “from this place to another place”

294917:20x48irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐδὲν ἀδυνατήσει1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative word nothing and the negative word impossible. Alternate translation: “everything will be possible”

295017:21m9nvrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsΤοῦτο δὲ τὸ γένος οὐκ ἐκπορεύεται εἰ μὴ ἐν προσευχῇ καὶ νηστείᾳ1

See the discussion of textual issues at the end of the General Notes to this chapter to decide whether to include this verse in your translation. The notes below discuss translation issues in this verse, for those who decide to include it.

295117:21b765rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitΤοῦτο & τὸ γένος1

Here Jesus implies that he is speaking about a kind of demon. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “this kind of demon”

295217:21p5yfrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptionsοὐκ ἐκπορεύεται εἰ μὴ ἐν προσευχῇ καὶ νηστείᾳ1

If, in your language, it would appear that Jesus was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “only goes out by prayer and fasting”

295317:22-23jzq8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personμέλλει ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου & αὐτόν & ἐγερθήσεται1

Here Jesus speaks about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “I, who am the Son of Man, am about … me … I will be raised up”

295417:22r2curc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “After that,”

295517:22t3darc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτῶν1

The pronoun they could refer to: (1) the disciples. Alternate translation: “the disciples” (2) Jesus and the disciples. Alternate translation: “Jesus and the disciples”

295617:22eu80rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσυστρεφομένων1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “gathering together”

295717:22ff8xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveμέλλει ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοσθαι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “Someone is about to hand the Son of Man over”

295817:22mmk2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyεἰς χεῖρας1

The term hands represents power and control. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “into the power” or “into the control”

295917:22jq32rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀνθρώπων1

Here, the word men refers to people who have authority and who want to get rid of Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “of powerful people” or “of people who hate him”

296017:23hl6jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ1

Here, the phrase on the third day refers to the day after tomorrow. People in Jesus culture counted the current day as the first day, tomorrow as the second day, and the day after tomorrow as the third day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to the day after tomorrow. Alternate translation: “on the day after the next day” or “two days later”

296117:23b6g3rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalτῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “on day three”

296217:23fni4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐγερθήσεται1

Here, the word raised refers to someone who died coming back to life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable word or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he will be restored to life”

296317:23fjacrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐγερθήσεται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who will do the action, Jesus could be implying that: (1) God will do it. Alternate translation: “God will raise him up” (2) Jesus himself will do it. Alternate translation: “he will raise himself up”

296417:23nv7arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐλυπήθησαν σφόδρα1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was Jesus and what he said. Alternate translation: “what Jesus said grieved them very much”

296517:24jli6rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

296617:24eg3frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθόντων & αὐτῶν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “when they had gone”

296717:24jjnsrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτῶν1

The pronoun they refers to Jesus and the disciples. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to them more directly. Alternate translation: “the disciples and Jesus”

296817:24b953rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὰ δίδραχμα-1

Here, the phrase the two-drachma tax refers to a tax that people paid to help support the temple in Jerusalem. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the two-drachma tax for supporting the temple … the two-drachma tax for supporting the temple”

296917:24cthsrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoneyτὰ δίδραχμα-1

A drachma was a silver coin equivalent to a days wage. You could try to express this amount in terms of current monetary values, but that might cause your Bible translation to become outdated and inaccurate, since those values can change over time. So instead you might state something more general or give the equivalent in wages. Alternate translation: “the tax of two valuable silver coins … the tax of two valuable silver coins” or “the tax of two coins each worth a days wages … the tax of two coins each worth a days wages”

297017:25ponbrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “He said”

297117:25ra0irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἰσελθόντα εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν1

Here Matthew means that Peter is the one who entered into the house. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “when Peter entered into the house”

297217:25p5c5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὴν οἰκίαν1

Here, the phrase the house refers to the place where Jesus was staying. He did not own the house, but someone was letting him live there. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the house in which Jesus was living”

297317:25hlftrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπροέφθασεν αὐτὸν ὁ Ἰησοῦς1

Here Matthew means that Peter was about to ask about the tax, but Jesus asked him first. The implication is that Jesus knew that Peter was going to ask about it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make those ideas more explicit. Alternate translation: “Jesus knew what he was thinking and spoke to him first” or “Jesus acted before could”

297417:25kiferc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he said”

297517:25v4bfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσοι1

Here, the word you is singular because Jesus is speaking to Peter.

297617:25s8wkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionοἱ βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe kings who rule on the earth. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “The kings who reign on earth”

297717:25k6z8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletτέλη ἢ κῆνσον1

The terms taxes and tolls mean similar things. Jesus is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “any taxes”

297817:25yp5hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπὸ τῶν υἱῶν αὐτῶν ἢ ἀπὸ τῶν ἀλλοτρίων1

Here, Jesus could be contrasting: (1) children of kings as opposed to the rest of the people over whom the kings rule. Alternate translation: “From their families or from other people” (2) citizens of the kingdom as opposed to conquered people. Alternate translation: “From their citizens or from people they have conquered”

297917:26tbifrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδέ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

298017:26di2krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἰπόντος1

Here Matthew implies that Peter is the one speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “when Peter said”

298117:26u6xxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῶν ἀλλοτρίων & οἱ υἱοί1

Here, just as in 17:25, the words strangers and sons could be referring to: (1) people over whom kings rule as opposed to their own children. Alternate translation: “other people … the families” (2) conquered people as opposed to citizens of the kingdom. Alternate translation: “people they have conquered … the citizens”

298217:26xrtarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἄρα γε ἐλεύθεροί εἰσιν οἱ υἱοί1

Here Jesus implies that he agrees with Peters answer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “You are correct, and so the sons are free”

298317:26lv6frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐλεύθεροί εἰσιν οἱ υἱοί1

Here Jesus implies that he and Peter are like sons and so do not have to pay the tax. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the sons are free, and we are like those sons” or “the sons are free, which means that you and I also do not have to pay”

298417:27emlvrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here the word But introduces what Jesus wants Peter to do in contrast to what he has said about how “the sons are free” (see 17:26). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast. Alternate translation: “Despite that,” or “Even though that is true,”

298517:27ax2yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorμὴ σκανδαλίσωμεν αὐτούς1

Here Jesus speaks as if he and Peter were lumps or rocks that the tax collectors might stumble on. He means that the tax collectors might be offended by him and Peter if they did not pay the tax. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “we might not offend them”

298617:27sz8zrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτούς & αὐτοῖς1

The pronoun them in both places refers to the people who were collecting taxes. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to these people more directly. Alternate translation: “the ones collecting the tax … to the ones collecting the tax” or “the tax collectors … to the tax collectors”

298717:27t3uyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goπορευθεὶς1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of gone. Alternate translation: “having come”

298817:27fzkhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularβάλε & ἆρον & εὑρήσεις & δὸς & σοῦ1

Because Jesus is speaking to Peter, the commands and the word you throughout this verse are singular.

298917:27uhk5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownβάλε ἄγκιστρον1

A fishhook is a sharp curved object that fishermen would tie to the end of a rope or line in order to catch fish. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of fishing implement, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could refer more generally to fishing. Alternate translation: “cast your line” or “go fishing”

299017:27w0ibrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸν ἀναβάντα πρῶτον ἰχθὺν ἆρον1

Here Jesus means that Peter should take the first fish that he catches with his fishhook. The fish would need to come up from further down in the water to be caught on the hook. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “take the first fish that you catch”

299117:27t9t8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoneyστατῆρα1

A shekel was a silver coin equivalent to about four drachmas (see 17:24), that is, about four days wages. You could try to express this amount in terms of current monetary values, but that might cause your Bible translation to become outdated and inaccurate, since those values can change over time. So instead, you might state something more general or give the equivalent in wages. Alternate translation: “a four-drachma coin” or “a coin worth four days wages”

299217:27km3vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀντὶ ἐμοῦ καὶ σοῦ1

Here Jesus means that this coin will pay for both his and Peters two-drachma tax. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “as payment for my tax and your tax”

299318:introm4y60

Matthew 18 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

  1. Jesus teaches about life in the kingdom of God (18:1-35)
    • The disciples ask about who is the greatest (18:15)
    • Jesus teaches about stumbling blocks (18:69)
    • The parable of the lost sheep (18:1014)
    • Jesus teaches about a sinning brother (18:1520)
    • The parable of the unforgiving slave (18:2135)

Special Concepts in this Chapter

The “little ones”

In 18:6, 18:10, and 18:14, Jesus refers to people whom he calls “little ones.” In the previous paragraph, he told the disciples that they needed to be like little children if they wanted to be great in the kingdom of the heavens. Because of this, it is possible that Jesus uses the phrase “little ones” to continue to refer to children. However, it is also possible that he uses the phrase to refer to people who are like little children in some specific way. They could be like little children either because they are insignificant or unimportant or because they are immature in their faith. If possible, express the idea in such a way that all of these interpretations are possible. If you must make the idea more explicit, it is recommended that you refer to insignificant or unimportant people. That is how Jesus used the phrase in 10:42.

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

Stumbling and stumbling blocks

In 18:69, Jesus discusses “stumbling blocks” and things that cause stumbling. He uses these terms to refer to people and things that cause people to sin. See the notes on these verses for translation options.

Hyperbole

In 18:89, Jesus commands his disciples to cut off or pluck out body parts that cause them to sin. He uses this extreme example of resisting sin in order to show his disciples how serious sin really is. He does not mean that believers should always cut off body parts when they sin. Jesus intends his commands to be shocking, however, so you should preserve the extreme language. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that indicates that Jesus commands are extreme language. There are very similar verses in 5:2930, so you translate as you did there.

The parable of the lost sheep

In 18:1214, Jesus tells a story about a shepherd who had 100 sheep. When one of the sheep went astray, the shepherd left the other sheep behind to find it. When he found it, he was happier about that one sheep than he was about the 99 sheep that had not gone astray. Jesus applies this story to God the Father, who does not want any person to perish. Just like the shepherd, God will rescue people who go astray and rejoice when they are rescued. Your translation should not directly explain the meaning of this parable more than Jesus does. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

The parable of the unforgiving slave

In 18:2335, Jesus tells a story about a slave who owed an enormous debt to his master, the king. When the slave begs the king to be patient with him, the king forgives the entire debt. However, the slave immediately finds another slave who owes him a small amount of money. He demands that the slave pay him immediately and does not forgive the debt. When the king finds out about this, he has the first slave jailed and tortured until he can pay the enormous debt. Jesus applies this story to believers who do not forgive fellow believers. God will punish them, just as the king punished the slave who did not have mercy on his fellow slave. Your translation should not directly explain the meaning of this parable more than Jesus does. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Singular and plural forms of “you”

Most of the forms of “you” in this chapter appear in instructions that Jesus gives to individual disciples or in dialogues between individual people. Because of this, the majority of forms of “you” in this chapter are singular. You should assume forms of “you” are singular unless a note specifies that the form is plural. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

Verse 11

Some of the earliest manuscripts do not include anything for 18:11. Some early manuscripts and many later manuscripts include the following words: “For the Son of Man came to save the one that had been lost.” Since the earliest manuscripts do not include these words, the ULT and UST include these words in brackets. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to omit these words. If it would be helpful, you could put the words in brackets or in a footnote. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

299418:1f7zvrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ὥρᾳ1

Here, the phrase At that hour introduces the next major event in the story. The phrase clarifies that this new event happened immediately after the previous event. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event that happened immediately after the previous one. Alternate translation: “Right after that,” or “Then, shortly after that,”

299518:1u4f7rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”

299618:1pp31rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultτίς ἄρα1

Here, the word then could: (1) indicate that the disciples are asking the question because of something that just happened. That could be Jesus implying that the disciples are important enough to be exempt from paying taxes, or it could be Jesus singling out Peter as an important disciple, or it could be something else that the disciples have experienced. Alternate translation: “Because of what just happened, we want to ask this: Who” (2) make the question stronger or more urgent. Alternate translation: “Who is it who” or “Tell us! Who”

299718:2nj00rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsπροσκαλεσάμενος παιδίον, ἔστησεν1

It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “having said to a little child, Come here, he set”

299818:2cdgbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsαὐτὸ1

Here, the word translated him refers to the child without identifying whether the child was male or female. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “this child”

299918:3fs1erc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptionsἐὰν μὴ στραφῆτε καὶ γένησθε ὡς τὰ παιδία, οὐ μὴ εἰσέλθητε εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν τῶν Οὐρανῶν1

If, in your language, it would appear that Jesus was contradicting a statement that he was about to make, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “you will only enter into the kingdom of the heavens if you turn and become like little children”

300018:3diz4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularὑμῖν & στραφῆτε & οὐ μὴ εἰσέλθητε1

Throughout this verse, the word you is plural because Jesus is speaking to his disciples.

300118:3tsybrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorστραφῆτε1

Here, Jesus is speaking of changing ones attitude and behavior as if it were physically turning. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you change your attitude” or “you act differently”

300218:3w9c6rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ γένησθε1

Here, the word and introduces the goal for which the disciples should turn. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a goal. Alternate translation: “in order to become”

300318:3ewj5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileγένησθε ὡς τὰ παιδία1

Jesus is saying that his disciples should be like little children because little children are humble. Jesus clarifies this meaning in the following verse, so if possible you should not state this explicitly here. Alternate translation: “act as little children do”

300418:3h9w4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐ μὴ1

The words translated certainly not are two negative words. In this construction, the second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. Instead, it gives greater emphasis to the negative. If your language can use two negatives that do not cancel one another to create a positive meaning, you could use a double negative here. If your language does not use two negatives in that way, you could translate with one strong negative, as the ULT does. Alternate translation: “by no means”

300518:4hb1prc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1

Here, the word Therefore introduces Jesus application of what he said in 18:3 to what the disciples asked him about who was the greatest. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of application. Alternate translation: “Here is what that means:” or “Consequently”

300618:4rw2nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἑαυτὸν & οὗτός1

Although the terms himself and he are masculine, Jesus is using the words in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “himself or herself … that person” or “himself or herself … he or she”

300718:4ta7zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileταπεινώσει ἑαυτὸν ὡς τὸ παιδίον τοῦτο1

Jesus is saying that people should humble themselves like this little child because the little child is humble. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “will make himself as humble as this little child is humble” or “will humble himself with the result that he is as humble as this little child”

300818:4tdk0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ παιδίον τοῦτο1

Here, the phrase this little child refers back to the child whom Jesus set in their midst (see 18:2). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “this little child who is in our midst” or “this little child whom I summoned”

300918:4gf8lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjὁ μείζων1

Jesus is using the adjective greatest as a noun to mean the greatest person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the greatest person”

301018:5v4a2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὃς ἐὰν δέξηται ἓν παιδίον τοιοῦτο ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου, ἐμὲ δέχεται1

Here Jesus speaks as if people who receive a little child like this were actually receiving him. He means that these people, by receiving the little child, show that they would receive Jesus too. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “whoever receives a little child like this in my name, it is as if he or she received me” or “whoever receives a little child like this in my name proves that he or she would receive me”

301118:5i9jurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἓν παιδίον τοιοῦτο1

Here Jesus is again referring to the little child whom he set in their midst (see 18:2). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “a little child like the one standing here” or “a little child, like this one that I summoned,”

301218:5dz1irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου1

Here, the phrase in my name could mean that: (1) the person receives a little child because the person follows Jesus. Alternate translation: “because that person is acting as my disciple” (2) the person receives the little child because the little child follows Jesus. Alternate translation: “because the child is my disciple”

301318:6dxd2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorσκανδαλίσῃ ἕνα τῶν μικρῶν τούτων τῶν πιστευόντων εἰς ἐμέ1

Here, Jesus is speaking of sinning as if it were stumbling. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin”

301418:6ehqprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἕνα τῶν μικρῶν τούτων τῶν πιστευόντων εἰς ἐμέ1

The phrase these little ones could refer: (1) to people who are not important from a human perspective. Alternate translation: “one of these unimportant people who believe in me” (2) to children who love Jesus and who are physically little compared to adults. Alternate translation: “one of these children who believe in me” (3) to people whose faith is new and has not yet become mature and strong. Alternate translation: “one of these people who recently believed in me”

301518:6z9dwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitσυμφέρει αὐτῷ ἵνα1

Here Jesus implies that what he is about to describe is better than being punished by God for causing one of these little ones to sin. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “rather than being punished by God for doing that, it is better for him that”

301618:6q50wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsαὐτῷ & αὐτοῦ & καταποντισθῇ1

Although the terms him, his, and he are masculine, Jesus is using the words in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “for that person … his or her … he or she would have been sunk”

301718:6ghp3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἵνα κρεμασθῇ μύλος ὀνικὸς περὶ τὸν τράχηλον αὐτοῦ, καὶ καταποντισθῇ ἐν τῷ πελάγει τῆς θαλάσσης1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “that people might hang a millstone of a donkey around his neck and make sink him into the depth of the sea”

301818:6w3uzrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownμύλος ὀνικὸς1

A millstone was a round stone used for grinding grain into flour. The phrase of a donkey indicates that this kind of millstone was heavy enough that it took a donkey to turn it. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of stone, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “a very large rock” or “a very heavy object”

301918:6k8ecrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκρεμασθῇ & περὶ τὸν τράχηλον αὐτοῦ1

The implication is that someone would tie the millstone around the persons neck. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “would have been attached to his neck”

302018:6vs96rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτῷ πελάγει τῆς θαλάσσης1

Here, the phrase the depth of the sea refers to the parts of a body of water that are deep and far away from land. If your readers would not be familiar with what this phrase describes, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “deep water” or “the parts of the sea that are far from land”

302118:6ihfvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτῷ πελάγει1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of depth, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the deep parts”

302218:7hlmdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοὐαὶ τῷ κόσμῳ & οὐαὶ τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ1

The phrases Woe to the world and woe to the man are the opposite of blessing the world and the man. The phrases indicate that bad things are going to happen to the people being addressed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “How bad it is for the world … how bad it is for the man” or “Trouble will come to the world … trouble will come to the man”

302318:7ees6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτῷ κόσμῳ1

Here, the word world refers primarily to the people who live in the world. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer specifically to people here. Alternate translation: “to the people living in the world” or “to people”

302418:7y7vhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτῶν σκανδάλων & τὰ σκάνδαλα & τὸ σκάνδαλον1

Here, Jesus speaks of things that cause people to sin as if they were stumbling blocks. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the things that lead people to disobey … the things that lead people to disobey … the thing that leads people to disobey”

302518:7jteirc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a further explanation about the stumbling blocks. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “Here is what I mean:” or “Further,”

302618:7lfndrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounτῷ ἀνθρώπῳ & τὸ σκάνδαλον1

The words man and stumbling block represent men and stumbling blocks in general, not one particular man or stumbling block. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to any man … a stumbling block”

302718:7vg5frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτῷ ἀνθρώπῳ1

Although the term man is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “to the person” or “to the man or woman”

302818:8znvnrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next topic about which Jesus will speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next topic, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,”

302918:8vad7rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalεἰ & ἡ χείρ σου ἢ ὁ πούς σου σκανδαλίζει σε1

Jesus is suggesting that this is a hypothetical condition, that the disciples might experience their hand or foot causing them to stumble. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. See how you translated the similar clauses in 5:2930. Alternate translation: “consider this situation: your hand or foot causes you to stumble. If that were to happen”

303018:8mr24rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationἡ χείρ σου ἢ ὁ πούς σου σκανδαλίζει σε1

Here, Jesus speaks of your hand and your foot as if they were people who could cause you to stumble. He means that the hand or the foot is the part of the body that is involved in the stumbling. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it is your hands or your foots fault that you stumble” or “you stumble with your hand or your foot”

303118:8qxourc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdσου & σου & σε & σοῦ & σοί1

Even though Jesus is speaking to many disciples, he is addressing an individual situation, so you and your are singular throughout this verse. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who was speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural forms of you and your in your translation. If you do so, you may also need to make some other words plural.

303218:8riosrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorσκανδαλίζει σε1

Here, Jesus is speaking of sinning as if it were stumbling. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “causes you to sin”

303318:8gqi3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleἔκκοψον αὐτὸν καὶ βάλε ἀπὸ σοῦ1

Here Jesus provides the most extreme response to sinning. He does not mean that this should be the normal way to deal with sin. You should preserve the extreme language Jesus uses, but use a form that indicates that this is the most extreme example. See how you translated the similar constructions in 5:2930. Alternate translation: “if necessary you should even cut it off and throw it away from you!”

303418:8bozdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorεἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν ζωὴν1

Here Jesus speaks as if life were a house into which someone could enter. He is referring to experiencing or receiving life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to experience life” or “to receive life”

303518:8g9rhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsεἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν ζωὴν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of life, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to be able to live”

303618:8pc4drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὴν ζωὴν1

Here Jesus implies that this life is everlasting or undying life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “true life” or “everlasting life”

303718:8lhk9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveβληθῆναι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “for God to throw you”

303818:8w0srrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὸ πῦρ τὸ αἰώνιον1

Here, the phrase the eternal fire refers to hell and describes at as a very unpleasant place. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “hell, which is as hot as an eternal fire” or “hell”

303918:9nv26rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalεἰ ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου σκανδαλίζει σε1

Jesus is suggesting that this is a hypothetical condition, that the disciples might experience their eye causing them to stumble. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. See how you translated the similar clause in 18:8. Alternate translation: “consider this situation: your eye causes you to stumble. If that were to happen”

304018:9xrufrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationὁ ὀφθαλμός σου σκανδαλίζει σε1

Here, Jesus speaks of your eye as if it were a person who could cause you to stumble. He means that the eye is the part of the body that is involved in the stumbling. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar clause in 18:8. Alternate translation: “it is your eyes fault that you stumble” or “you stumble with your eye”

304118:9l4qyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdσου & σε & σοῦ & σοί1

Even though Jesus is speaking to many disciples, he is addressing an individual situation, so you and your are singular throughout this verse. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who was speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural forms of you and your in your translation. If you do so, you may also need to make some other words plural.

304218:9q7twrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorσκανδαλίζει σε1

Here, Jesus is speaking of sinning as if it were stumbling. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you translated this phrase in 18:8. Alternate translation: “causes you to sin”

304318:9xad4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleἔξελε αὐτὸν καὶ βάλε ἀπὸ σοῦ1

Here Jesus provides the most extreme response to sinning. He does not mean that this should be the normal way to deal with sin. You should preserve the extreme language Jesus uses, but use a form that indicates that this is the most extreme example. See how you translated the similar construction in 18:8. Alternate translation: “if necessary you should even pluck it out and throw it away from you!”

304418:9u4idrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorεἰς τὴν ζωὴν εἰσελθεῖν1

Here Jesus speaks as if life were a house into which someone could enter. He is referring to experiencing or receiving life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you translated this phrase in 18:8. Alternate translation: “to experience life” or “to receive life”

304518:9eii2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsεἰς τὴν ζωὴν εἰσελθεῖν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of life, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to be able to live”

304618:9m8asrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὴν ζωὴν1

Here Jesus implies that this life is everlasting or undying life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. See how you translated the idea in 18:8. Alternate translation: “true life” or “everlasting life”

304718:9r1ierc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveβληθῆναι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “for God to throw you”

304818:9swb2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὴν Γέενναν τοῦ πυρός1

Here Jesus uses the name Gehenna to refer to hell. The valley named Gehenna was outside the city of Jerusalem and was a place where people threw out and burned garbage. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a simile or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a place of fire like the valley of Gehenna” or “fiery hell, which is like Gehenna valley”

304918:9nfnjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὴν Γέενναν τοῦ πυρός1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe Gehenna as a place that has much fire. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the fiery Gehenna” or “the fires in Gehenna”

305018:10es9irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularὁρᾶτε μὴ καταφρονήσητε & ὑμῖν1

The command See and the word you throughout this verse are plural because Jesus is speaking to his disciples.

305118:10qnc6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomὁρᾶτε1

Here, the word See means that the disciples need to make sure that something happens or does not happen. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a similar form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Make sure that”

305218:10e9ufrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἑνὸς τῶν μικρῶν τούτων1

See how you translated little ones in 18:6. The phrase could refer: (1) to people who are not important from a human perspective. Alternate translation: “one of these unimportant people who believe in me” (2) to children who love Jesus and who are physically little compared to adults. Alternate translation: “one of these children who believe in me” (3) to people whose faith is new and has not yet become mature and strong. Alternate translation: “one of these people who recently believed in me”

305318:10qc2yrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a reason why the disciples should not despise one of these little ones. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “Here is why:” or “Indeed,”

305418:10xdl9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionοἱ ἄγγελοι αὐτῶν1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe angels that guard or protect the little ones. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the angels who guard them”

305518:10y6n9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomβλέπουσι τὸ πρόσωπον τοῦ Πατρός μου1

Here Jesus means that the angels are with God, in Gods presence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “are before my Father” or “are close enough to him to see my Father”

305618:10iq8jrc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου1

Father is an important title that describe the relationship between God the Father and Jesus his Son.

305718:10fwy2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς1

Here, the phrase in the heavens identifies the location in which God the Father is specially present and from which he rules. If it would be helpful in your language, you make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “who is in the heavens”

305818:11sq7lrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsἮλθεν γὰρ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου σῶσαι τὸ ἀπολωλός1

See the discussion of textual issues at the end of the General Notes to this chapter to decide whether to include this verse in your translation. The notes below discuss translation issues in this verse, for those who decide to include it.

305918:11l99hrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces another reason why the disciples should not despise little ones (see 18:10). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” or “Even further,”

306018:11dkf5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου1

Here Jesus speaks about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “I, who am the Son of Man,”

306118:11o4lwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἮλθεν1

Here, the word came refers to Jesus entering this world as a human to do what God called him to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “came to this world” or “began to live here”

306218:11cooqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὸ ἀπολωλός1

Here Jesus speaks of some people as if they are lost. He means that they are not following God and need help. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one that has been far from God” or “the one that is not following God”

306318:11oqcsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounτὸ ἀπολωλός1

The phrase the one that had been lost represents lost people in general, not one particular lost person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “anyone that had been lost”

306418:12idl5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί ὑμῖν δοκεῖ?1

Jesus is using the question form to get the attention of the disciples. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I want you to pay attention to what I am about to say.” or “Listen to this!”

306518:12ra6irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularὑμῖν1

The word you is plural because Jesus is speaking to his disciples.

306618:12d3jmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parablesἐὰν γένηταί τινι ἀνθρώπῳ ἑκατὸν πρόβατα1

To teach the disciples, Jesus offers a story or illustration. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Listen to this story: If a certain man has 100 sheep”

306718:12h1vurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoἐὰν γένηταί τινι ἀνθρώπῳ ἑκατὸν πρόβατα, καὶ πλανηθῇ ἓν ἐξ αὐτῶν & ἀφείς1

Here Jesus uses an imaginary situation to help explain what would happen if a person had 100 sheep, but one of them went astray. Use a natural method in your language for introducing an imaginary situation. Alternate translation: “Imagine a certain man who has 100 sheep. However, one of them goes astray. Having left”

306818:12t5h4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐχὶ ἀφείς τὰ ἐνενήκοντα ἐννέα ἐπὶ τὰ ὄρη, καὶ πορευθεὶς ζητεῖ τὸ πλανώμενον?1

Jesus is using the question form to teach the disciples. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “having left the 99 on the mountains and having gone out, he will seek the one having gone astray” or “having left the 99 on the mountains and having gone out, he will most definitely seek the one having gone astray!”

306918:12pamjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτὰ ἐνενήκοντα ἐννέα1

Jesus is using the number 99 as a noun to mean 99 sheep. Your language may use numbers in the same way. If not, you could translate this one with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the 99 sheep”

307018:12y3gxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoἐπὶ τὰ ὄρη1

Here, the phrase the mountains refers to hilly or mountainous areas in general, not several specific mountains. If possible, use a general word for a hilly or mountainous area without indicating one particular place. Alternate translation: “in the hill country” or “in a mountainous area”

307118:12b6kfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goπορευθεὶς1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of gone. Alternate translation: “having come”

307218:13etz6rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalἐὰν γένηται εὑρεῖν αὐτό & χαίρει1

Jesus is suggesting that this is a hypothetical condition, that the man might find that sheep that went astray. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “were he to find it … he would rejoice”

307318:13cjhdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularὑμῖν1

The word you is plural because Jesus is speaking to his disciples.

307418:13p8cvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisμᾶλλον ἢ ἐπὶ1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “more than he rejoices over”

307518:13okejrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτοῖς ἐνενήκοντα ἐννέα1

Jesus is using the number 99 as a noun to mean 99 sheep. Your language may use numbers in the same way. If not, you could translate this one with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the 99 sheep”

307618:14kcy2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileοὕτως1

Here, the phrase In the same way indicates that Jesus is comparing God with the man who found the lost sheep. He implies that God is like the man because they both rejoice when something that was lost is recovered. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Much like that man who wanted to find his lost sheep” or “Just as that man rejoiced over the sheep that he found”

307718:14q1gfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsθέλημα ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν, τοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of will, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what your Father in the heavens desires”

307818:14usa4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomθέλημα ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν1

Here, the phrase the will before your Father refers to what is the will of the Father. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the will of your Father” or “the will that belongs to your Father”

307918:14fmm2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν, τοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς1

This is a figurative expression. God is not the Father of humans in the same actual way that he is the Father of Jesus. Even so, it would probably be best to translate Father with the same word that your language would naturally use to refer to a human father. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that this means God. Alternate translation: “God, who is your Father in the heavens,”

308018:14pfddrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsτοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν1

Many ancient manuscripts read your Father. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “my Father.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

308118:14eno6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularὑμῶν1

The word your is plural because Jesus is speaking to his disciples.

308218:14kyw7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς1

Here, the phrase in the heavens identifies the location in which God the Father is specially present and from which he rules. If it would be helpful in your language, you make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “who is in the heavens”

308318:14qk7src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἓν τῶν μικρῶν τούτων1

See how you translated little ones in 18:6. The phrase could refer: (1) to people who are not important from a human perspective. Alternate translation: “one of these unimportant people” (2) to children who love Jesus and who are physically little compared to adults. Alternate translation: “one of these children” (3) to people whose faith is new and has not yet become mature and strong. Alternate translation: “one of these people who recently believed in me”

308418:15efvgrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next topic that Jesus wishes to speak about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next topic, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,”

308518:15kpe2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ ἀδελφός σου1

Jesus is using the term brother to mean a person who shares the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your fellow disciple”

308618:15qtoyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdσὲ & σου & σοῦ & σου & ἐκέρδησας & σου1

Even though Jesus is speaking to many disciples, he is addressing an individual situation, so you and your are singular throughout this verse. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who was speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural forms of you and your in your translation. If you do so, you may also need to make some other words plural.

308718:15m8yvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsὁ ἀδελφός & αὐτὸν & αὐτοῦ & ἀκούσῃ & τὸν ἀδελφόν1

Although the terms brother, him, him, and brother are masculine, Jesus is using the words in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use phrases that make this clear. Alternate translation: “brother or sister … him or her … him or her … he or she … brother or sister”

308818:15rhb6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsεἰς σὲ1

Many ancient manuscripts read against you. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts do not include these words. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

308918:15uyk4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomμεταξὺ σοῦ καὶ αὐτοῦ μόνου1

Here, the phrase between you and him alone means that the two people are alone, with no one else listening. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when it is just the two of you” or “when you are alone with him”

309018:15yh3trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐκέρδησας τὸν ἀδελφόν σου1

Here, Jesus is speaking of restoring the relationship with your brother as if it were having gained your brother. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you have restored the relationship with your brother” or “you have made that person your brother again”

309118:16kq6crc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here the word But introduces the fact that the brother might not listen in contrast with the brother “listening” to the reproof (see 18:16). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast. Alternate translation: “On the other hand,”

309218:16p53drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsμὴ ἀκούσῃ1

Although the term he is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “he or she does not listen”

309318:16oea6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπαράλαβε μετὰ σοῦ ἔτι, ἕνα ἢ δύο1

Here Jesus implies that you will go back to the other person and “reprove” them again. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make some or all of those ideas more explicit. Alternate translation: “go back to him, and take with you yet one or two others” or “take with you yet one or two others and reprove him again”

309418:16igntrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdσοῦ1

Even though Jesus is speaking to many disciples, he is addressing an individual situation, so you is singular throughout this verse. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who was speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural form of you in your translation. If you do so, you may also need to make some other words plural.

309518:16l531rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsἵνα ἐπὶ στόματος δύο μαρτύρων ἢ τριῶν, σταθῇ πᾶν ῥῆμα1

Here Jesus quotes from the Old Testament scriptures, specifically from Deuteronomy 19:15. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could format these words in a different way and include this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “so that, as you can read in the Scriptures, by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word might be verified” or “so that you are doing what God required in the law, that is, that every word might be verified by the mouth of two or three witnesses”

309618:16xv1wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐπὶ στόματος δύο μαρτύρων ἢ τριῶν, σταθῇ πᾶν ῥῆμα1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the mouth of two or three witnesses might verify every word”

309718:16i25xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyστόματος1

Here, mouth represents what a person says. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the words” or “the testimony”

309818:16mc5qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyπᾶν ῥῆμα1

Here, word represents what a person says using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “every statement” or “everything that people claim”

309918:17g3ajrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that could happen. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

310018:17b82grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsπαρακούσῃ & καὶ & παρακούσῃ & ἔστω1

Although the terms he, he, and him are masculine, Jesus is using the words in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use phrases that make this clear. Alternate translation: “he or she refuses to listen to … he or she also refuses to listen to … let him or her be”

310118:17vsnvrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτῶν1

The pronoun them refers to the “one or two others” whom the person who was sinned against took along to meet the person who committed the sin (see 18:16). If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to these people more directly. Alternate translation: “the one or two others whom you took with you”

310218:17h0ucrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἰπὲ1

Here Jesus implies that the person should speak about how he or she was sinned against and how he or she has tried to speak to the other person about it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “speak about it” or “speak about the sin and what has happened since”

310318:17s2zkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdσοι1

Even though Jesus is speaking to many disciples, he is addressing an individual situation, so you is singular throughout this verse. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who was speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural form of you in your translation. If you do so, you may also need to make some other words plural.

310418:17h5d5rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ2

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that could happen. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

310518:17kx28rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileἔστω σοι ὥσπερ ὁ ἐθνικὸς καὶ ὁ τελώνης1

Jesus is saying that the person who sinned and refused to listen should be treated like the Gentile and the tax collector because they are all people who are not treated like members of Gods people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “let him be to you even as the Gentile and the tax collector who are not fellow believers” or “let him be to you as a non-believer, like a Gentile or tax collector”

310618:17s3wjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3pἔστω1

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he should be”

310718:17v6q7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounὁ ἐθνικὸς καὶ ὁ τελώνης1

The words Gentile and tax collector represent Gentiles and tax collectors in general, not one particular Gentile and one particular tax collector. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the Gentiles and the tax collectors” or “any Gentile or any tax collector”

310818:18cqk1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularὑμῖν & δήσητε & λύσητε1

The word you throughout this verse is plural because Jesus is speaking to his disciples.

310918:18so62rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὅσα ἐὰν δήσητε ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἔσται δεδεμένα ἐν οὐρανῷ, καὶ ὅσα ἐὰν λύσητε ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἔσται λελυμένα ἐν οὐρανῷ1

See how you translated the almost identical sentence in 16:19. The only differences are that the words you and whatever throughout this verse are plural, and 16:19 has the phrase “in the heavens” instead of the phrase in heaven. Express the idea as you did in 16:19, but be sure to make any adjustments needed for the plural words and the phrase in heaven.

311018:19n6hdrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesπάλιν1

Here, the word Again introduces a statement that is related to what Jesus said in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a similar or related statement, or you could leave Again untranslated. Alternate translation: “In addition,”

311118:19sn05rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularὑμῖν & ὑμῶν1

The word you throughout this verse is plural because Jesus is speaking to his disciples.

311218:19cal4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐὰν δύο & ἐξ ὑμῶν1

Here Jesus implies that he means not only two, but two or more people. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “if two or more of you”

311318:19bm30rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personαἰτήσωνται & αὐτοῖς1

Since Jesus begins the sentence by referring to two of you, If it would be helpful in your language you could continue to refer to these people in the second person. Alternate translation: “you might ask … for you”

311418:19fqu2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveγενήσεται αὐτοῖς παρὰ τοῦ Πατρός μου, τοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “my Father in the heavens will do it for them”

311518:19gs8wrc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου1

Father is an important title that describe the relationship between God the Father and Jesus his Son.

311618:19i6zurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς1

Here, the phrase in the heavens identifies the location in which God the Father is specially present and from which he rules. If it would be helpful in your language, you make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “who is in the heavens”

311718:20od67rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγάρ1

Here, the word For introduces a reason why God will do whatever two disciples agree to ask for (see 18:19). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “That is because” or “Here is why:”

311818:20x3vgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδύο ἢ τρεῖς1

Here Jesus implies that he means not only two or three, but two or three or more people. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “two or three or more”

311918:20sctbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjδύο ἢ τρεῖς1

Jesus is using the numbers two and three as nouns to mean two and three believers. Your language may use numbers in the same way. If not, you could translate this one with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “two or three believers”

312018:20a2vurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveεἰσιν & συνηγμένοι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “gather together” or “assemble together”

312118:20l7vurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyεἰς τὸ ἐμὸν ὄνομα1

Here, name represents the person whose name it is. Jesus means that they are gathered together because of him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “because of me”

312218:20aea9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐκεῖ εἰμι ἐν μέσῳ αὐτῶν1

Here, Jesus is speaking of being spiritually present with believers as if he were physically in their midst. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it is as if I am there in their midst” or “there I am in their midst spiritually”

312318:21az9krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureποσάκις ἁμαρτήσει εἰς ἐμὲ ὁ ἀδελφός μου, καὶ ἀφήσω αὐτῷ1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could refer to forgiving before sinning. Alternate translation: “how often will I forgive my brother when he sins against me”

312418:21c9ymrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarativeἁμαρτήσει εἰς ἐμὲ ὁ ἀδελφός μου, καὶ ἀφήσω1

Peter is using the future form to ask a question about what he should do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea using a form that asks about an obligation or requirement. Alternate translation: “can my brother sin against me and I should forgive” or “could my brother sin against me and I ought to forgive”

312518:21e973rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ ἀδελφός μου1

Jesus is using the term brother to mean a person who shares the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my fellow disciple”

312618:21viiirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsὁ ἀδελφός & αὐτῷ1

Although the terms brother and him are masculine, Jesus is using the words in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use phrases that make this clear. Alternate translation: “brother or sister … him or her”

312718:21d3o4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἕως ἑπτάκις1

Peter is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the previous question if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “Will I forgive him until seven times”

312818:21lsjbἕως ἑπτάκις1

Alternate translation: “Up to seven times”

312918:22pu4xrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said”

313018:22k6qsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureοὐ λέγω σοι ἕως ἑπτάκις, ἀλλὰ ἕως ἑβδομηκοντάκις ἑπτά1

If your language would not naturally put the negative statement before the positive statement, you could reverse the two clauses here. Alternate translation: “I say to you up to 77 times, not up to seven times”

313118:22ursirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἕως ἑπτάκις, ἀλλὰ ἕως ἑβδομηκοντάκις ἑπτά1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the previous verse if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “that you should forgive your brother up to seven times, but that you should forgive him up to 77 times”

313218:22nz1crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἑβδομηκοντάκις ἑπτά1

Here Jesus uses the large number 77 to indicate that Peter and all believers must always forgive other people. Jesus does not mean to count up to 77 and then stop forgiving other people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “77 times and beyond” or “77 times, by which I mean always”

313318:22b19xἑβδομηκοντάκις ἑπτά1

Here, the phrase translated as 77 times could be indicating: (1) 70 times plus seven times. Alternate translation: “70 times plus seven times” (2) 70 times multiplied by seven times. Alternate translation: “70 times seven times”

313418:23rqp1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parablesδιὰ τοῦτο ὡμοιώθη ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν ἀνθρώπῳ1

To teach his disciples, Jesus offers a story or illustration. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Listen to this story: given what I just said, the kingdom of the heavens is compared to a man”

313518:23f8f2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultδιὰ τοῦτο1

Here, the phrase For this reason a conclusion or inference based on what Jesus has said about how his disciples should forgive others. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces a conclusion or inference. Alternate translation: “Because of that” or “Given all that”

313618:23qsslrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὡμοιώθη ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the comparing, it is clear from the context that it is Jesus himself. Alternate translation: “I compare the kingdom of the heavens to” or “the kingdom of the heavens is comparable to”

313718:23bp72rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomσυνᾶραι λόγον1

Here, the phrase to take up a word together refers to settling accounts, that is, resolving any debts or loans between people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to settle accounts”

313818:24zon0rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

313918:24swd3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomσυναίρειν1

Here, the phrase to take up together refers to settling accounts, that is, resolving any debts or loans between people. See how you translated the similar phrase in 18:23. Alternate translation: “to settle”

314018:24d6nerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπροσηνέχθη εἷς αὐτῷ ὀφειλέτης μυρίων ταλάντων1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “they brought to him one debtor of 10,000 talents”

314118:24ta6hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionὀφειλέτης μυρίων ταλάντων1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe a debtor who owes 10,000 talents. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “debtor who owed 10,000 talents”

314218:24w3nrrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoneyμυρίων ταλάντων1

A talent was a unit of money equivalent to about 6,000 denarii, that is, about 6,000 days wages for a hired worker. This was a very large, almost uncountable, amount of money. You could try to express this amount in terms of current monetary values, but that might cause your Bible translation to become outdated and inaccurate, since those values can change over time. So instead you might state something more general or give the equivalent in wages. Make sure that your translation shows that this is a very large sum of money. Alternate translation: “of a huge amount of money” or “of 60 million days wages”

314318:25zu6krc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastμὴ ἔχοντος δὲ αὐτοῦ ἀποδοῦναι, & ὁ κύριος1

Here, the word But introduces the fact that the servant could not repay in contrast to how much he owed the king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces a contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Although he had that debt, he was not able to repay, so the master”

314418:25pp91rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ κύριος1

Here Jesus refers to the king as the master. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make it more explicit that this is the same man as the one referred to as “king” in 18:23. Alternate translation: “his master the king”

314518:25f7r9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsἐκέλευσεν αὐτὸν & πραθῆναι, καὶ τὴν γυναῖκα, καὶ τὰ τέκνα, καὶ πάντα ὅσα εἶχεν, καὶ ἀποδοθῆναι1

It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “commanded, Let him be sold, together with his wife and children and everything, as much as he had, and let repayment be made

314618:25nmz8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveαὐτὸν & πραθῆναι, καὶ τὴν γυναῖκα, καὶ τὰ τέκνα, καὶ πάντα ὅσα εἶχεν, καὶ ἀποδοθῆναι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who would do the action, it is clear from the context that it was some of the kings other servants. Alternate translation: “some other servants to sell him, together with his wife and children and everything, as much as he had, and to make repayment”

314718:25ylnfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoπάντα ὅσα εἶχεν1

The expression everything, as much as he had contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “everything that he had”

314818:25iv39rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἀποδοθῆναι1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of repayment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to be repaid”

314918:26f95erc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1

Here, the word So introduces what the servant did in response to what the king commanded. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a response or reaction, or you could leave So untranslated. Alternate translation: “In response”

315018:26thl3rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionπεσὼν & ὁ δοῦλος προσεκύνει1

In Matthews culture, the phrases having falling down and bowing down refer to kneeling down and putting ones face close to the ground. This was a position used to show respect and reverence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable expression for a physical position used to show respect or worship, or you could express the idea plainly. Alternate translation: “having thrown himself on the ground, the slave was prostrating himself before” or “having lain down, the slave was showing respect to”

315118:26exltrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he said”

315218:26pbccrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeμακροθύμησον1

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a polite request rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “I ask that you have patience”

315318:26ujbarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsμακροθύμησον1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of patience, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “be patient”

315418:27l4jmrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

315518:27i9wwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsσπλαγχνισθεὶς1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of compassion, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “having sympathized with the slave”

315618:27xpanrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ κύριος τοῦ δούλου ἐκείνου1

Here Jesus again refers to the king as the master. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make it more explicit that this is the same man as the one referred to as “king” in 18:23. See how you translated “master” in 18:25. Alternate translation: “the slaves master, the king,”

315718:27mer0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτὸ δάνιον ἀφῆκεν αὐτῷ1

Here, the phrase forgave him his debt indicates that the king would no longer require the slave to pay the debt. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “canceled the debt” or “told him not to pay back the debt”

315818:28yfu3rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

315918:28qvkarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐξελθὼν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of gone. Alternate translation: “having come out”

316018:28xkm4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεὗρεν1

Here Jesus could mean that the slave: (1) happened to meet the fellow slave. Alternate translation: “encountered” (2) intentionally looked for the fellow slave. Alternate translation: “looked for”

316118:28zyierc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoneyἑκατὸν δηνάρια1

A denarius was a silver coin equivalent to about one days wage for a hired worker. You could try to express this amount in terms of current monetary values, but that might cause your Bible translation to become outdated and inaccurate, since those values can change over time. So instead you might state something more general or give the equivalent in wages. This is a much smaller amount than the 10,000 talents that the first slave owed, so make sure that is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “100 silver coins” or “just 100 days wages”

316218:28lcjerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκρατήσας αὐτὸν ἔπνιγεν1

Here Jesus could be indicating that the slave took: (1) one action, which was seizing his fellow slave around the neck so that he choked him. Alternate translation: “he choked him by seizing him around the neck” (2) two actions, one of which was seizing his fellow slave and the other of which was chocking him. Alternate translation: “he seized him and was choking him”

316318:28tp33rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔπνιγεν1

Here Jesus means that the slave seized his fellow slave by the throat and made it hard for him to breath. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he began to strangle him”

316418:28mg6lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsλέγων, ἀπόδος εἴ τι ὀφείλεις1

It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “saying that he needed to repay whatever he owed”

316518:28t319rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he said”

316618:29jwo8rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1

Here, the word So introduces what his fellow slave did in response to what the first slave said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a response or reaction, or you could leave So untranslated. Alternate translation: “In response”

316718:29i21crc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionπεσὼν1

In Matthews culture, the phrase having falling down refers to kneeling down and putting ones face close to the ground. This was a position used to show respect and reverence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable expression for a physical position used to show respect or worship, or you could express the idea plainly. See how you translated this phrase in 18:26. Alternate translation: “having thrown himself on the ground” or “lying down to show respect”

316818:29fgzerc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he said”

316918:29kk6irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeμακροθύμησον1

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a polite request rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. See how you translated the phrase in 18:26. Alternate translation: “I ask that you have patience”

317018:29lvfirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsμακροθύμησον1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of patience, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Be patient”

317118:30kmvprc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces what the first slave did in contrast to what the other slave asked (see 18:29). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use another word or phrase that introduces a contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Despite that,”

317218:30x3j6rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsὁ & οὐκ ἤθελεν & ἔβαλεν αὐτὸν & ἀποδῷ1

Here, the pronoun he in the phrase he was not willing and the pronoun he in the phrase he threw refer to the first slave. The pronoun him and the pronoun he in the phrase he might repay refer to his fellow slave. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to these people more directly. Alternate translation: “the first slave was not willing … he threw his fellow slave … his fellow slave might repay”

317318:30kgd9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐκ ἤθελεν1

Here Jesus implies that the first slave was not willing to be patient and wait for the other slave to pay him back. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “was not willing to have patience”

317418:30j2jmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἀπελθὼν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of gone. Alternate translation: “having come away”

317518:30t8wbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἔβαλεν αὐτὸν εἰς φυλακὴν1

Here, the phrase he threw him into prison refers to locking someone up in prison. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he put him into prison” or “he locked him up in prison”

317618:30aal9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔβαλεν αὐτὸν1

Here Jesus implies that the slave sent someone else to do this. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he had people throw him”

317718:30yqszrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὸ ὀφειλόμενον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was the fellow slave. Alternate translation: “what he owed”

317818:31o4rkrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1

Here, the word Therefore introduces what how the other slaves responded to what the first slave did. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a response or reaction, or you could leave Therefore untranslated. Alternate translation: “In response”

317918:31w9n2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἰδόντες & οἱ σύνδουλοι αὐτοῦ τὰ γενόμενα, ἐλυπήθησαν σφόδρα1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was what the first slave said and did. Alternate translation: “what had happened grieved his fellow slaves very much when they saw it”

318018:31ksv8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθόντες1

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “having gone”

318118:31nx9krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῷ κυρίῳ ἑαυτῶν1

Here Jesus again refers to the king as the master. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make it more explicit that this is the same man as the one referred to as “king” in 18:23. See how you translated “master” in 18:25. Alternate translation: “their master the king”

318218:32txr7rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτὸν & αὐτοῦ & αὐτῷ1

The pronouns him, his, and him refer to the first slave. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to him more directly. Alternate translation: “the first slave, his … to him”

318318:32doldrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ1

Here Jesus again refers to the king as the master. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make it more explicit that this is the same man as the one referred to as “king” in 18:23. See how you translated “master” in 18:25. Alternate translation: “his master the king”

318418:32sljkrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Jesus uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said”

318518:32u65xrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultπᾶσαν τὴν ὀφειλὴν ἐκείνην ἀφῆκά σοι, ἐπεὶ παρεκάλεσάς με1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “because you begged me, I forgave you all that debt”

318618:32xsgwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomπᾶσαν τὴν ὀφειλὴν ἐκείνην ἀφῆκά σοι1

Here, the phrase forgave you all that debt indicates that the king no longer required the slave to pay the debt. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I canceled for you all that debt” or “I told you not to pay back all that debt”

318718:32dgfyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπαρεκάλεσάς με1

Here the master implies that the slave begged him to be patient. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “you begged me to be patient”

318818:33jw37rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐκ ἔδει καὶ σὲ ἐλεῆσαι τὸν σύνδουλόν σου, ὡς κἀγὼ σὲ ἠλέησα?1

The slaves master is using the question form to rebuke the slave. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “It was necessary for you also to have had mercy on your fellow slave, just as I also had mercy on you.” or “It was most certainly necessary for you also to have had mercy on your fellow slave, just as I also had mercy on you!”

318918:33tfjyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐλεῆσαι τὸν σύνδουλόν σου & σὲ ἠλέησα1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of mercy, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to be merciful to your fellow slave … was merciful to you”

319018:34ugzxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ1

Here Jesus again refers to the king as the master. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make it more explicit that this is the same man as the one referred to as “king” in 18:23. See how you translated “master” in 18:25. Alternate translation: “his master the king”

319118:34kpuerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomπαρέδωκεν αὐτὸν1

Here, the phrase handed him over refers to putting someone under the authority and control of other people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “sent him” or “gave him”

319218:34j7s3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοῖς βασανισταῖς1

Here Jesus could be referring to: (1) prison guards whose job it was to torture certain prisoners. Alternate translation: “to the guards who tortured prisoners” (2) prison guards in general. Alternate translation: “to the jailers” or “to the prison guards”

319318:34e14mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπᾶν τὸ ὀφειλόμενον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was the fellow slave. Alternate translation: “everything that he owed”

319418:35pm1drc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Πατήρ μου ὁ οὐράνιος1

Father is an important title that describe the relationship between God the Father and Jesus his Son.

319518:35f5twrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularὑμῖν & ἕκαστος & ὑμῶν1

Here, the words you, you, and your are plural because Jesus is speaking to his disciples.

319618:35ke6nrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalἐὰν1

Jesus is suggesting that this is a hypothetical condition, that you might not forgive your brother. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “as long as” or “supposing that”

319718:35c4fwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ1

Jesus is using the term brother to mean a person who shares the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his fellow disciple”

319818:35z6imrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτῷ ἀδελφῷ1

Although the term brother is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you retain the metaphor in your translation, and if it would be helpful in your language, you could say “brother or sister” to indicate this. Alternate translation: “brother or sister”

319918:35q8p9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personαὐτοῦ1

Since Jesus has already referred to each of you, if it would be helpful in your language you could continue to refer to these people in the second person. Alternate translation: “your”

320018:35mzn6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἀπὸ τῶν καρδιῶν ὑμῶν1

Here, the phrase out of your heart indicates that the person has done something sincerely or completely. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “wholeheartedly” or “sincerely”

320119:introewl50

Matthew 19 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

  1. Jesus ministers in Judea (19:1-22:46)
    • Jesus goes to Judea (19:12)
    • Jesus teaches about marriage and divorce (19:312)
    • Jesus blesses little children (19:1315)
    • Jesus talks with a young man (19:1622)
    • Jesus teaches about wealth, possessions, and the kingdom (19:2330)

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Divorce

In 19:3, the Pharisees test Jesus by asking him about an issue that was controversial among Jewish religious leaders: divorce. More specifically, the religious leaders argued about what were acceptable grounds for a divorce. So, they ask Jesus about this. Jesus responds that divorce is never what God wants, and he quotes from Genesis 1 and 2 to prove this. In response, the Pharisees refer to Deuteronomy 24:14, which assumes that men do divorce their wives. Jesus replies that this section of the Law exists only because the Israelites were stubborn. He means that God knew that the Israelite men would sometimes divorce their wives, so he included a law about how to do it. Jesus then states that the only acceptable ground for a divorce is sexual immorality. He further says that any divorced person who marries again is involved in adultery. Make sure that it is clear that both Jesus and the Pharisees are making arguments based on the Scriptures.

Eunuchs

The word “eunuch” refers to a man who is unable to reproduce. People in Jesus culture knew about two types of eunuchs:

  1. some eunuchs were men who underwent a surgery in which parts of their genitals were removed. This kept them from being able to reproduce. These eunuchs were often important servants of kings and rulers, often serving in the harem.
  2. some eunuchs were men who were born with genitals that were already unable to reproduce.

In 19:12, Jesus refers to both of these kinds of eunuchs. Then he refers to “eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs because of the kingdom of the heavens.” Here he is referring to people who live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom. Consider how you might naturally refer to “eunuchs” in your language.

Rich people and the kingdom of the heavens

In Jesus culture, many people thought that rich people had been specifically blessed by God. When Jesus said that it was extremely difficult for rich people to enter Gods kingdom (see 19:2324), the disciples were shocked. They thought that if it was hard for rich people to enter the kingdom, it would be impossible for everyone else. That is why they ask the question, “Who then is able to be saved?” (19:25). If your readers might not understand why the disciples respond in this way, you may need to include a footnote that explains some of this information.

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Singular and plural forms of “you”

Many of the forms of “you” in this chapter appear when Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees or to his disciples. This means that Jesus frequently uses plural forms of “you.” In this chapter, you should assume that forms of “you” are plural unless a note specifies that the form is singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

320219:1nj6trc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstoryκαὶ ἐγένετο, ὅτε ἐτέλεσεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς τοὺς λόγους τούτους, μετῆρεν1

These clauses mark the end of Jesus teaching by stating that Jesus finished speaking to his disciples and then describing what he did next. Use a natural form in your language for expressing the conclusion of a story. Alternate translation: “At that time, Jesus finished speaking these words. Then, he departed”

320319:1c5j9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτοὺς λόγους τούτους1

Here Matthew uses the term words to refer to what Jesus said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “speaking these words”

320419:1b7barc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμετῆρεν1

Here Matthew implies that the disciples were traveling with Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he and his disciples departed”

320519:1bw17rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἦλθεν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “went” instead of came. Alternate translation: “went”

320619:1ixkorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπέραν τοῦ Ἰορδάνου1

Here, the phrase beyond the Jordan could refer to: (1) areas to the west of the Jordan River. In this case, Matthew means that Jesus traveled on the eastern side of the Jordan River and then went back across it to reach Judea. Alternate translation: “on the western side of the Jordan” (2) areas to the east of the Jordan River. In this case, Matthew means that some areas on the eastern side of the Jordan River could be called Judea. Alternate translation: “on the eastern side of the Jordan”

320719:2uqqgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitαὐτοὺς1

Here Matthew implies that Jesus healed the people who were sick. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “those who had diseases”

320819:3o7dprc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalπροσῆλθον αὐτῷ & πειράζοντες αὐτὸν καὶ λέγοντες1

Here, the word testing introduces the purpose for which some Pharisees approached Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a purpose. Alternate translation: “approached him with the goal of testing him, saying”

320919:3h7jarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsλέγοντες, εἰ ἔξεστιν ἀνθρώπῳ ἀπολῦσαι τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ κατὰ πᾶσαν αἰτίαν1

It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “saying, Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?’”

321019:4-5ncb6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐκ ἀνέγνωτε, ὅτι ὁ ποιήσας ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς, ἄρσεν καὶ θῆλυ, ἐποίησεν αὐτοὺς & καὶ εἶπεν, ἕνεκα τούτου καταλείψει ἄνθρωπος τὸν πατέρα καὶ τὴν μητέρα, καὶ κολληθήσεται τῇ γυναικὶ αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἔσονται οἱ δύο εἰς σάρκα μίαν?1

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke and teach the Pharisees. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I know that you have read that the one having made them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, Because of this, a man will leave his father and mother and will be joined to his wife, and the two will be one flesh.’” or “Surely you have read that the one having made them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, Because of this, a man will leave his father and mother and will be joined to his wife, and the two will be one flesh!”

321119:4g7scrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐκ ἀνέγνωτε1

Here Jesus refers to reading something in the Scriptures. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Have you not read in the Scriptures”

321219:4k2l0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ ποιήσας ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς1

Here, the phrase the one having made refers to God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the one having made them from the beginning, God,”

321319:4yjd4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπ’ ἀρχῆς1

Here, the phrase from the beginning refers to when God created everything that exists. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “at the beginning of the world” or “at the beginning of creation”

321419:4h71arc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsἀπ’ ἀρχῆς, ἄρσεν καὶ θῆλυ, ἐποίησεν αὐτοὺς1

Here Jesus quotes from the Old Testament scriptures, specifically from Genesis 1:27. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could format these words in a different way and include this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “from the beginning, in the words of the Scriptures, made them male and female

321519:5n8znrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsκαὶ εἶπεν1

Here Jesus introduces a quotation from an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book of Genesis (see Genesis 2:24). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Jesus is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “and said, as you can read in the book of Genesis,” or “and said in the Scriptures”

321619:5xc7arc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἕνεκα τούτου1

The pronoun this refers to what the previous verse includes about how God created people male and female (see 19:4). If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to those ideas more directly. Alternate translation: “Because God created people that way”

321719:5kwz7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαταλείψει ἄνθρωπος1

Here the author of the quotation implies that this happens when the man gets married. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “when he gets married, a man will leave”

321819:5qsh2rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseκαταλείψει & κολληθήσεται & ἔσονται1

Here Jesus uses the future tense to speak about something that is generally true. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use whatever tense is most naturally for expressing a general truth. Alternate translation: “leaves … is joined … are”

321919:5af1rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveκολληθήσεται τῇ γυναικὶ αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “will join himself to his wife” or “will unite with his wife”

322019:5m83jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἔσονται οἱ δύο εἰς σάρκα μίαν1

Here the author of the quotation speaks as if the two are one flesh. He means that a husband and wife are so closely joined that it is as if they had one flesh or one body between them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the two will be like one flesh” or “the two will be as closely united as possible”

322119:5vs06rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjοἱ δύο1

Jesus is using the number two as a noun to refer to a husband and a wife together. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this number with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the two of them” or “the two spouses”

322219:6khz4rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultὥστε1

Here, the phrase So then introduces a conclusion or inference based on the words Jesus has just quoted. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces a conclusion or inference. Alternate translation: “Because of that” or “As you can see”

322319:6m4b7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοὐκέτι εἰσὶν δύο, ἀλλὰ σὰρξ μία1

Here Jesus repeats in different form the words from the figure of speech at the end of the previous verse (see 19:5). He means that a husband and wife are so closely joined that it is as if they had one flesh or one body between them. Express the idea as you did in 19:5. Alternate translation: “it is as if they are no longer two, but they are like one flesh” or “they are no longer two separate people, but are as closely united as possible”

322419:6gex5rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1

Here, the word Therefore introduces a conclusion or inference based on what Jesus has said about marriage. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces a conclusion or inference. Alternate translation: “Because of that” or “So then”

322519:6ieh6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3pἄνθρωπος μὴ χωριζέτω1

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “man should not separate”

322619:6ahocrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἄνθρωπος1

Although the term man is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “a person” or “humans”

322719:7enjlrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγουσιν1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “They said”

322819:7w93erc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultτί οὖν1

Here, the phrase Why then indicates that the Pharisees are asking a question based on what Jesus has just said. This question suggests that there is evidence against what Jesus has said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of question. Alternate translation: “If you are correct, why”

322919:7tv3zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτί οὖν Μωϋσῆς ἐνετείλατο δοῦναι βιβλίον ἀποστασίου καὶ ἀπολῦσαι αὐτήν1

Here the Pharisees are referring to a specific section in the law that God gave to Moses (see Deuteronomy 24:14). This passage discusses divorce and remarriage, and it mentions the use of a certificate of divorce. The Pharisees interpreted this passage to mean that men could divorce their wives, but they had to use a certificate of divorce. They did not think that Moses commanded that men must divorce their wives. If it would be helpful in your language, you could include some of this information in your translation or in a footnote. Alternate translation: “Why then has Moses commanded in the Law that a man who wants to divorce his wife must give her a certificate of divorce and then can divorce her”

323019:7xml9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownβιβλίον ἀποστασίου1

A certificate of divorce is a written document that makes the divorce official. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of document, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. See how you translated this phrase in 5:31. Alternate translation: “a written paper that testifies to the divorce”

323119:8j6tqrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “He said”

323219:8zu87rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomπρὸς τὴν σκληροκαρδίαν ὑμῶν1

Here, the phrase your hardness of heart refers to obstinacy or unwillingness to listen and obey. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Because you are hardheaded” or “Because you are so stubborn”

323319:8mgx9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπ’ ἀρχῆς1

Here, the phrase from the beginning refers to when God created everything that exists. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. See how you translated this phrase in 19:4. Alternate translation: “at the beginning of the world” or “at the beginning of creation”

323419:9xu7v0

This verse is similar to 5:32, although there are some significant differences. See how you translated that verse for help with this verse.

323519:9t7q2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces what Jesus wishes to say about divorce in contrast to what Moses permitted (see 19:8). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces a contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “In contrast,”

323619:9ikimλέγω & ὑμῖν1

Jesus uses the clause I say to you this to emphasize what he is telling the Pharisees. Use a natural form in your language for emphasizing the truth and importance of a statement. Alternate translation: “I want you to know”

323719:9i1u0rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptionsὃς ἂν ἀπολύσῃ τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ μὴ ἐπὶ πορνείᾳ, καὶ γαμήσῃ ἄλλην, μοιχᾶται1

If it would appear in your language that Jesus was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “the only time a man is allowed to divorce his wife is when there is sexual immorality. Otherwise, when he divorces her and marries another, he commits adultery”

323819:9eq8zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsπορνείᾳ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind immorality, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what is sexually immoral” or “sexually immoral behavior”

323919:9yl3xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjἄλλην1

Jesus is using the adjective another as a noun to mean another woman. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “another person”

324019:9e2q2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsμοιχᾶται-1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of adultery, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “becomes an adulterer … becomes an adulterer” or “does what is adulterous … does what is adulterous”

324119:9ps45rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsκαὶ ὁ ἀπολελυμένην γαμήσας μοιχᾶται1

Many ancient manuscripts include the words and the one having married one that has been divorced commits adultery. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts do not include these words. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

324219:9ga4arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀπολελυμένην1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was the womans husband. Alternate translation: “one whom her husband has divorced”

324319:10nkabrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγουσιν1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said”

324419:10augzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὕτως1

Here, the word thus refers to what Jesus has said about divorce and remarriage. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “what you have described” or “what you have commanded”

324519:10ys0hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἡ αἰτία τοῦ ἀνθρώπου μετὰ τῆς γυναικός1

Here, the word reason could refer to: (1) the basis on which a man can divorce his wife. Alternate translation: “the only reason for a man to divorce his wife” (2) the accusation against a man who divorces his wife. Alternate translation: “the charge against a man who divorces his wife” (3) the situation or relationship between a man and his wife. Alternate translation: “the situation of a man with his wife”

324619:10f527rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounτοῦ ἀνθρώπου μετὰ τῆς γυναικός1

The words the man and his wife represents men and their wives in general, not one particular man and his wife. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “of any man with his wife”

324719:11o403rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

324819:11p6v9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjπάντες1

Jesus is using the adjective all as a noun to mean all people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “all people”

324919:11xrdjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸν λόγον τοῦτον1

Here, the phrase this word could refer to: (1) what the disciples just said. Alternate translation: “the word you have just said” (2) what Jesus previously said about divorce and remarriage. Alternate translation: “the word I have taught” or “this word about divorce”

325019:11tilcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸν λόγον τοῦτον1

Jesus is using the term word to refer to what someone said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Make sure your translation fits with the option you chose in the previous note. Alternate translation: “what has just been said” or “what you spoke”

325119:11hzw6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἀλλ’ οἷς δέδοται1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “but those to whom it has been given receive it”

325219:11h3a3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveδέδοται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “God has given it”

325319:12vy4drc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces an explanation of what Jesus said about how only some people can “receive” what the disciples said (see 19:11). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “More specifically,” or “Indeed,”

325419:12juc2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοἵτινες ἐκ κοιλίας μητρὸς ἐγεννήθησαν οὕτως1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whose mothers gave birth to them thus”

325519:12pxsjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐκ κοιλίας μητρὸς1

Here, the phrase from their mothers womb indicates that these people were eunuchs already when they were born. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from their birth” or “from the beginning of their lives”

325619:12m1r9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοἵτινες εὐνουχίσθησαν ὑπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom men made eunuchs”

325719:12z7t4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτῶν ἀνθρώπων1

Although the term men is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “humans”

325819:12g4bwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorεὐνοῦχοι οἵτινες εὐνούχισαν ἑαυτοὺς1

Here Jesus speaks as if people physically made themselves eunuchs in order to describe people who live like eunuchs, that is, they do not marry or have children. Since this is an important metaphor in the context, if possible preserve the metaphor or express the idea in simile form. Alternate translation: “people like eunuchs who made themselves that way” or “people who made themselves like eunuchs”

325919:12p6c9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδιὰ1

Here, the phrase because of could mean that: (1) they are making themselves eunuchs in order to act for or in service of the kingdom of the heavens. Alternate translation: “for the sake of” or “in order to work for” (2) they are making themselves eunuchs in order to enter the kingdom of the heavens. Alternate translation: “to participate in” or “in order to enter”

326019:12r78nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3pὁ δυνάμενος χωρεῖν, χωρείτω1

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The one being to accept this must accept it”

326119:12n3arrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsχωρείτω1

Although the term him is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “let that person accept it”

326219:13wjb5rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventτότε1

Here, the word Then introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Then untranslated. Alternate translation: “Sometime later,”

326319:13wu52rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπροσηνέχθησαν & παιδία1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “they brought little children to”

326419:13a3wyrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionτὰς χεῖρας ἐπιθῇ αὐτοῖς1

In Matthews culture, when Jesus would lay his hands on the little children, that would express Gods love for them and convey Gods blessing to them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to a similar action from your culture, or you could explain what laying his hands on them means. Alternate translation: “he would stretch out his hands toward them” or “he would lay his hands on them to bless them”

326519:13hjw4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπροσεύξηται1

Here the people who brought the little children want Jesus to pray that God would bless the children. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “would pray for God to bless them”

326619:13dm6yrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοῖς2

The pronoun them refers to the people who were bringing the little children. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to these people more directly. Alternate translation: “the people who were bringing the little children”

326719:14l7oprc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces what Jesus said in contrast to what the disciples were doing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “In contrast,”

326819:14kifmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismἄφετε τὰ παιδία καὶ μὴ κωλύετε αὐτὰ ἐλθεῖν πρός με1

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternatively, you could combine the two clauses. Alternate translation: “Permit the little children; yes, do not forbid them to come to me” or “Permit the little children to come to me”

326919:14m219rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθεῖν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “go” instead of come. Alternate translation: “to go”

327019:14l1bqrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a reason why the little children should be permitted to come to Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “because” or “which I command because”

327119:14ukdvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτῶν & τοιούτων ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe people who belong in the kingdom of the heavens. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. See how you translated the similar construction in 5:3. Alternate translation: “the kingdom of the heavens belongs to the ones such as these” or “the ones such as these belong in the kingdom of the heavens”

327219:14wf1lrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsτῶν & τοιούτων1

The pronoun these refers to the little children. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to the little children more directly. Alternate translation: “of the ones such as these little children”

327319:14iiznrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileτῶν & τοιούτων1

Jesus is referring to the little children and to people who are like them. He does not indicate exactly how these people are like the little children, so if possible express the idea in simile form. Alternate translation: “of people who are like these”

327419:15tbgbrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionἐπιθεὶς τὰς χεῖρας αὐτοῖς1

In Matthews culture, when Jesus laid his hands on the little children, that expressed Gods love for them and conveyed Gods blessing to them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to a similar action from your culture, or you could explain what having laid his hands on them means. See how you translated the similar phrase in 19:13. Alternate translation: “having stretched out his hands toward them” or “having laid his hands on them to bless them”

327519:15iod4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐκεῖθεν1

Here, the word there refers to the place where Jesus laid his hands on the little children. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “from where he did that”

327619:16deyqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “suddenly”

327719:16w4nfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjεἷς1

Matthew is using the number one as a noun to mean one person. Your language may use numbers in the same way. If not, you could translate this one with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “one man”

327819:16uxhvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsσχῶ ζωὴν αἰώνιον1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of life, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “I might live eternally”

327919:17ffglrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

328019:17nt0arc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsὁ & εἶπεν αὐτῷ1

The pronoun he refers to Jesus, and the pronoun him refers to the man who asked Jesus the question. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to these people more directly. Alternate translation: “Jesus said to the man”

328119:17sce3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί με ἐρωτᾷς περὶ τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ?1

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke the man. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Do not ask me about what is good.” or “You should not ask me about what is good!”

328219:17pxakrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularἐρωτᾷς & θέλεις & τήρησον1

Throughout this verse, the word you and the command are singular because Jesus is speaking to the young man.

328319:17d4shrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἷς ἐστιν ὁ ἀγαθός1

When Jesus says One is good, he is referring to God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “One is good, that is, God” or “God alone is good”

328419:17o0kerc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ2

Here, the word But indicates that Jesus is about to stop analyzing what the man said and will go on to answer the mans question. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that signals this kind of transition, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “but about what you asked,” or “but as for your question,”

328519:17pkifrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-factεἰ1

Jesus speaks as if this were a hypothetical situation, but he means that it is true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might think that what Jesus is saying is uncertain, then you could translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “because”

328619:17j9z6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorεἰς τὴν ζωὴν εἰσελθεῖν1

Here Jesus speaks as if life were a house into which someone could enter. He is referring to experiencing or receiving life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to experience life” or “to receive life”

328719:17d7fdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsεἰς τὴν ζωὴν εἰσελθεῖν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of life, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to be able to live”

328819:18-19c3dlrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsτὸ οὐ φονεύσεις, οὐ μοιχεύσεις, οὐ κλέψεις, οὐ ψευδομαρτυρήσεις, & τίμα τὸν πατέρα καὶ τὴν μητέρα, καὶ, ἀγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου ὡς σεαυτόν1

Here Jesus quotes commands from the law that God gave to Moses. The first five commands come from either Exodus 20:1216 or Deuteronomy 5:1620. The last command comes from Leviticus 19:18. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could format these words in a different way and include this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “These are the ones: Do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not testify falsely, honor your father and your mother, and love your neighbor as yourself

328919:18esojrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsλέγει αὐτῷ1

The pronoun He refers to the man, and the pronoun him refers to Jesus. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to these people more directly. Alternate translation: “The man says to Jesus”

329019:18a5yirc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “He said”

329119:18ogqwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularοὐ φονεύσεις, οὐ μοιχεύσεις, οὐ κλέψεις, οὐ ψευδομαρτυρήσεις1

Since in these commands God is addressing each specific person who is part of Gods people, the commands are singular.

329219:18zl5zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsοὐ μοιχεύσεις1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of adultery, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “do not be an adulterer or adulteress” or “do not do what is adulterous”

329319:19szjorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularτίμα τὸν & τὴν & ἀγαπήσεις & σου1

Since in these commands God is addressing each specific person who is part of Gods people, the word your and the commands are singular throughout this verse.

329419:19ggpwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisὡς σεαυτόν1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “as you love yourself”

329519:19d5vxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὡς σεαυτόν1

Jesus assumes that people love themselves, so he wants these people to love their neighbors just as much. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “as deeply as yourself”

329619:20oqolrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said”

329719:20fxyqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτί ἔτι ὑστερῶ1

Here, the man is asking about what he lacks in order to gain what he wants, which is eternal life (see 19:16). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “What do I still lack before receiving eternal life”

329819:21e4vsrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-factεἰ1

Jesus speaks as if this were a hypothetical situation, but he means that he knows it is true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might think that what Jesus is saying is uncertain, then you could translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “Because”

329919:21gunbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularθέλεις & ὕπαγε πώλησόν σου & δὸς & ἕξεις & δεῦρο, ἀκολούθει1

Throughout this verse, the word you, the word your, and the commands are singular because Jesus is speaking to the young man.

330019:21zic9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjπτωχοῖς1

Jesus is using the adjective poor as a noun to mean poor people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “to people who are poor”

330119:21hsmwrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ2

Here, the word and introduces the result that will follow if the man does sell his possessions and give to the poor. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a result. Alternate translation: “and as a result”

330219:21ndjbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomδεῦρο, ἀκολούθει μοι1

Here, the phrase come, follow me is a command to travel with Jesus and be his disciple. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “be my disciple” or “come with me as my student”

330319:22ufnrrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

330419:22ql5rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸν λόγον1

Here, word represents what Jesus just said using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Jesus statement” or “the words that Jesus said”

330519:22gi9wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveλυπούμενος1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “being very sorrowful”

330619:22c8l1rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a reason why the young man was being grieved. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “because” or “since”

330719:22aqqorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἦν & ἔχων κτήματα πολλά1

Here Matthew implies that the young man did not want to sell these possessions. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he was having many possessions that he did not want to sell”

330819:23a7z6rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

330919:23ean2rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseεἰσελεύσεται1

Here Jesus uses the future tense to speak about something that is generally true. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use whatever tense is most naturally for expressing a general truth. Alternate translation: “enters”

331019:24uectrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesπάλιν δὲ1

Here, the phrase And again introduces a restatement of what Jesus said in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a restatement, or you could leave And again untranslated. Alternate translation: “To repeat:” or “Indeed”

331119:24c8l5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleεὐκοπώτερόν ἐστιν κάμηλον διὰ τρήματος ῥαφίδος διελθεῖν ἢ πλούσιον εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν Θεοῦ1

Here Jesus compares a rich {person} entering the kingdom of the heavens with something that is impossible: a camel passing through an eye of a needle. Jesus does this to emphasize how hard it is for a rich {person} to enter into the kingdom of God. As 19:26 shows, Jesus does not think that this is completely impossible, however. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea here in such a way that it does not sound as if it is totally impossible for a rich {person} to enter into the kingdom of God. Alternate translation: “consider how difficult it is for a camel to pass through an eye of a needle. That illustrates how difficult it is for a rich person to enter into the kingdom of God”

331219:24dip3rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτρήματος ῥαφίδος1

The phrase an eye of a needle refers to the small hole at the end of a sewing needle through which the thread passes. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of tool or the hole in it, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term for a small opening. Alternate translation: “the small hole at the end of a needle” or “a very small hole”

331319:25s2cprc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

331419:25oo3orc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀκούσαντες & οἱ μαθηταὶ ἐξεπλήσσοντο σφόδρα λέγοντες1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was what Jesus said. Alternate translation: “what the disciples heard astonished them greatly, and they said”

331519:25e9circ://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”

331619:25ejs9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτίς ἄρα δύναται σωθῆναι?1

The disciples are using the question form to express their astonishment. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “It seems then that no one is able to be saved.” or “No one then is able to be saved!”

331719:25x1atrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτίς ἄρα δύναται σωθῆναι?1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who would do the action, it is clear from the context that it would be God. Alternate translation: “Who then can receive salvation” or “Whom then will God save”

331819:25kvrwrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultτίς ἄρα1

Here, the word then indicates that the disciples ask this question in response to what Jesus just said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “If that is true, who” or “Given that, who”

331919:26s7psrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

332019:26nbaaπαρὰ ἀνθρώποις & παρὰ & Θεῷ1

Alternate translation: “For men … for God”

332119:26zsp6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀνθρώποις1

Although the term men is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “humans”

332219:26flunrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsτοῦτο1

The pronoun this refers to being able to be saved (see 19:25). If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to that idea more directly. Alternate translation: “being saved”

332319:27ui8grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold is intended to draw the attention of Jesus and to ask him to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks someone to listen or pay attention. Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Excuse me”

332419:27yp3hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμεῖς & ἡμῖν1

By we and us, Peter means himself and the disciples but not Jesus, so use the exclusive forms of those words in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

332519:27pdserc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἠκολουθήσαμέν σοι1

Here, the phrase followed you indicates that the disciples traveled with Jesus and were his disciple. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “become your disciples” or “traveled with you as your students”

332619:27zpd3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσοι1

Here, the word you is singular because Peter is speaking to Jesus.

332719:27em4orc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτί ἄρα ἔσται ἡμῖν1

Here Peter is asking what he and his fellow disciples will receive because they left everything. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “What then will we receive” or “What reward then will there be for us”

332819:27ho5krc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultτί ἄρα1

Here, the word then indicates that Peter is asking this question in response to what he just said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Since we did that, what” or “Given what we did, what”

332919:28j89crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν τῇ παλιγγενεσίᾳ1

Here, the phrase in the renewal refers to the time when God will renew or recreate everything that he has made. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “at the time when things are recreated,” or “when God makes everything new,”

333019:28gey2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personκαθίσῃ ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου ἐπὶ & αὐτοῦ1

Here Jesus speaks about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “I, who am the Son of Man, sit on my”

333119:28sx2jrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionκαθίσῃ & ἐπὶ θρόνου δόξης αὐτοῦ1

When someone sits on a throne, it indicates that this person is ruling. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain the meaning of this action. Alternate translation: “sits on his throne of glory as king” or “rules from his throne of glory”

333219:28l4t6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionθρόνου δόξης αὐτοῦ1

Here, Jesus could using the possessive form to describe a throne that: (1) belongs to the Son of Man and that is characterized by glory. Alternate translation: “his throne that is glorious” (2) shows or illustrates the glory that the Son of Man has. Alternate translation: “the throne that displays his glory”

333319:28sa3hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsθρόνου δόξης1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of glory, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “glorious throne”

333419:28qxd6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοἱ ἀκολουθήσαντές μοι1

Here, the phrase followed με indicates that the disciples traveled with Jesus and were his disciple. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the ones having become my disciples” or “the ones having traveled with me as my students”

333519:28rx2urc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionκαθήσεσθε & ἐπὶ δώδεκα θρόνους1

When someone sits on a throne, it indicates that this person is ruling. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain the meaning of this action. See how you translated the similar phrase earlier in the verse. Alternate translation: “will sit on 12 thrones as kings” or “will rule from 12 thrones”

333619:28iz0src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκρίνοντες1

Here, the word judging could mean that the disciples are acting: (1) as judges. Alternate translation: “acting as judges for” (2) as rulers. Alternate translation: “ruling” or “acting as rulers for”

333719:29w5fprc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsἢ γυναῖκα1

Many ancient manuscripts read or wife. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts do not include these words. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

333819:29gq8prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἕνεκεν τοῦ ἐμοῦ ὀνόματός1

Here, name represents the person whose name it is. Jesus means that they have left all these things because of him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for my sake”

333919:29nucqrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbersἑκατονταπλασίονα1

Here Jesus is using a round number (100) indicates a large number of times. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an expression for a large number or state more explicitly that 100 is a round number. Alternate translation: “very many times as much” or “something like 100 times as much”

334019:29z8wbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorζωὴν αἰώνιον κληρονομήσει1

Here the author speaks as if these people were children who would receive property from a relative. He speaks in this way to indicate that these people will receive eternal life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will receive eternal life” or “will be given eternal life”

334119:29do2arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsζωὴν αἰώνιον κληρονομήσει1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of life, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “will be able to live eternally”

334219:30j7pfrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that Jesus wants to say. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next thing, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Yes,” or “Indeed,”

334319:30gyderc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπολλοὶ & ἔσονται πρῶτοι ἔσχατοι, καὶ ἔσχατοι πρῶτοι1

Here, Jesus is speaking of important or respected people as if they were first and of unimportant or non-respected people as if they were last. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “many respected will be non-respected, and non-respected, respected” or “many significant will be insignificant, and insignificant, significant”

334419:30u8p3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjπρῶτοι & καὶ ἔσχατοι1

Jesus is using the adjectives first and last as nouns to mean first and last people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “first people … and last people” or “people who are first … and people who are last”

334519:30hnm1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisκαὶ ἔσχατοι πρῶτοι1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and many last will be first”

334620:introz39h0

Matthew 20 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

  1. Jesus ministers in Judea (19:1-22:46)
    • The parable of the denarius wage (20:116)
    • Jesus predicts his death and resurrection (20:1719)
    • Jesus and the disciples speak about who will be great (20:2028)
    • Jesus heals two blind men (20:2934)

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Hiring people to work in a vineyard

In 20:17, Jesus speaks about a master of a house hiring people to work in his vineyard. These people were day laborers who would wait in the marketplace for someone to offer them a job. Then, they would agree with the person hiring them on how much money they would make before starting the job. If this is not a practice that your readers would be familiar with, make sure that what is happening is clear to your readers.

Sitting at Jesus right and left hand

In 20:21 and 20:23, Jesus and the mother of the sons of Zebedee refer to sitting at Jesus right hand and at his left hand. They are referring to the places of honor at the right and left side of a king or ruler. The people who sit in these places have authority and are respected the most after the king or ruler. Make sure that this meaning is clear in your translation. See the notes on these two verses for translation options.

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

The parable of the denarius wage

In 20:1-15, Jesus tells a story about a master of a house who hires people throughout the day to work in his vineyard. He agrees with the first people he hires to pay them a denarius each. However, when he pays everyone at the end of the day, he pays each worker a denarius, even those who only worked for one hour. When the workers who were hired first complain about this, he points out that he can do what he wants with his own money, and they agreed to work for one denarius each. Jesus uses this story to illustrate the point he makes before (19:30) and after (20:16) the story: people who are first will be last, and people who are last will be first. What Jesus means is that the rewards and blessings people receive do not always match what people expect, and God can do whatever he wants with the blessings and rewards he gives. While you should not explain the meaning more than Jesus does, make sure that your translation fits with what Jesus is illustrating. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

Drinking the cup

In 20:2223, Jesus refers to a “cup” from which he is going to drink. He is referring to a figure of speech in the Old Testament that refers to experiencing suffering and pain (for example, see Psalm 75:8 and Isaiah 51:17). He means that he will experience suffering, and his disciples must be ready to experience it as well. Since this figure of speech is from the Old Testament, if possible you should preserve it or express the idea in simile form. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Singular and plural forms of “you”

Many of the forms of “you” in this chapter appear in instructions that Jesus gives to his disciples or in speeches that the master of the house gives in the parable. Because of this, many of the forms of “you” in this chapter are plural. You should assume forms of “you” are plural unless a note specifies that the form is singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

334720:1q9qcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parablesὁμοία γάρ ἐστιν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν ἀνθρώπῳ1

To teach the disciples, Jesus offers a story or illustration. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Now listen to this story: the kingdom of the heavens is like a man”

334820:1jybxrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγάρ1

Here, the word For introduces an explanation of what Jesus said about how the first will be last and the last first (19:30). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “Here is what I mean:” or “Let me explain:”

334920:1udmxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐξῆλθεν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “came” instead of went. Alternate translation: “came out”

335020:1dzidrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἅμα πρωῒ1

Here, the phrase with the morning means that the master of the house left as soon as it was morning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as soon as the sun rose” or “as soon as it was morning”

335120:2kkv8rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

335220:2rsborc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitσυμφωνήσας & μετὰ τῶν ἐργατῶν ἐκ δηναρίου τὴν ἡμέραν1

Here Jesus implies that the master of the house found some workers, told them what he wanted them to do, and then agreed with them on how much he would pay them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make some of that information more explicit. Alternate translation: “having located some workers and having agreed to pay them a denarius for the day”

335320:2iwk5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoneyδηναρίου1

A denarius was a silver coin equivalent to about one days wage for a hired worker. You could try to express this amount in terms of current monetary values, but that might cause your Bible translation to become outdated and inaccurate, since those values can change over time. So instead you might state something more general or give the equivalent in wages. Alternate translation: “one silver coin” or “an average wage”

335420:3jpwurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐξελθὼν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of gone. Alternate translation: “having come out”

335520:3s8harc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπερὶ τρίτην ὥραν1

In this culture, people began counting the hours each day beginning around daybreak at six oclock in the morning. So, the third hour would be around nine oclock in the morning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this in the way the people of your culture reckon time. Alternate translation: “about 9:00 AM”

335620:3bki1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalτρίτην ὥραν1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “hour three”

335720:3gj3rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἑστῶτας ἐν τῇ ἀγορᾷ ἀργούς1

In Jesus culture, people would wait in the marketplace when they wanted to find work. If they had not yet found work, they would be standing idle. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “standing in the marketplace still looking for work”

335820:3q3b7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῇ ἀγορᾷ1

A marketplace is a large, open-air area where people buy and sell goods. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of area, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. See how you translated this word in 11:16. Alternate translation: “the town square” or “the park”

335920:4tchsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesεἶπεν, ὑπάγετε καὶ ὑμεῖς εἰς τὸν ἀμπελῶνα, καὶ ὃ ἐὰν ᾖ δίκαιον, δώσω ὑμῖν1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “he said that they too should go into the vineyard and that he would give them whatever is right.”

336020:4lzmjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὑπάγετε & εἰς τὸν ἀμπελῶνα1

Here the master of the house implies that he wants these people to work in the vineyard along with the other people he already hired. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “go into the vineyard and work there”

336120:5j3zhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοἱ & ἀπῆλθον1

Here Jesus implies that the people went to the vineyard and began to work there. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “they went to the vineyard and worked there”

336220:5iebkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἀπῆλθον1

In a context such as this, your language might say “came” instead of went. Alternate translation: “came out”

336320:5iyzfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐξελθὼν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of gone. Alternate translation: “Having come out”

336420:5pip4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπερὶ ἕκτην καὶ ἐνάτην ὥραν1

In this culture, people began counting the hours each day beginning around daybreak at six oclock in the morning. So, the sixth hour would be around noon, and the ninth hour would be around three oclock in the afternoon. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this in the way the people of your culture reckon time. See how you translated the similar time reference in 20:3. Alternate translation: “about 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM”

336520:5lv4trc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalἕκτην καὶ ἐνάτην ὥραν1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “hours six and nine”

336620:5rfzxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐποίησεν ὡσαύτως1

Here Jesus means that the master of the house did and said the same things that he said and did at “the third hour” (see 20:34). He also implies that there were people in the marketplace who agreed to work in his vineyard. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make some or all of that information more explicit. Alternate translation: “he told even more people that he would pay them whatever was right, and they too agreed to work in his vineyard”

336720:6rfz3rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

336820:6qvkvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐξελθὼν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of gone. Alternate translation: “having come out”

336920:6htkfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπερὶ & τὴν ἑνδεκάτην1

In this culture, people began counting the hours each day beginning around daybreak at six oclock in the morning. So, the eleventh {hour} would be around five oclock in the afternoon. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this in the way the people of your culture reckon time. See how you translated the similar time reference in 20:3. Alternate translation: “about 5:00 PM”

337020:6bzdgrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalτὴν ἑνδεκάτην1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “hour eleven”

337120:6twdtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἄλλους ἑστῶτας & ὧδε ἑστήκατε & ἀργοί1

In Jesus culture, people would wait in the marketplace when they wanted to find work. If they had not yet found work, they would be standing idle. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “others still looking for work … have you been standing here looking for work”

337220:6y4czrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Jesus uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “he said”

337320:6r3cfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesλέγει αὐτοῖς, τί ὧδε ἑστήκατε ὅλην τὴν ἡμέραν ἀργοί1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “he asks them why they had stood there idle the whole day.”

337420:7s9i4rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγουσιν & λέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Jesus uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “They said … He said”

337520:7yhgtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesαὐτῷ, ὅτι οὐδεὶς ἡμᾶς ἐμισθώσατο λέγει αὐτοῖς, ὑπάγετε καὶ ὑμεῖς εἰς τὸν ἀμπελῶνα1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there are not quotations within a quotation. Alternate translation: “to him that it was because no one hired them. He says to them that they too should go into the vineyard.”

337620:7me25rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὑπάγετε & εἰς τὸν ἀμπελῶνα1

Here the master of the house implies that he wants these people to work in the vineyard along with the other people he already hired. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “go into the vineyard and work there”

337720:8bgderc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ κύριος τοῦ ἀμπελῶνος1

Here, the owner of the vineyard is the same person whom Jesus previously called “the master of the house” (see 20:1). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make it more explicit that this is the same person. Alternate translation: “the master of the house, who owned the vineyard,” or “the master of the house, who was in charge of the vineyard,”

337820:8niz4rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Jesus uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said”

337920:8wq8crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῷ ἐπιτρόπῳ αὐτοῦ1

Here, the word manager is referring to a worker who supervised or managed the other workers. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “to his manager, who was in charge of the workers”

338020:8ikgjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularκάλεσον & ἀπόδος1

Because the master of the house is speaking to his manager, the commands throughout this verse are singular.

338120:8x6ivrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀρξάμενος ἀπὸ τῶν ἐσχάτων ἕως τῶν πρώτων1

Here the owner of the vineyard means that he wants his manager to pay the workers in the reverse order in which they were hired. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “beginning with the last and ending with the first” or “beginning from the last and going backwards to the first”

338220:8z3jzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτῶν ἐσχάτων & τῶν πρώτων1

The owner of the vineyard is using the adjectives first and last as nouns to mean the workers who were hired last and the workers who were hired first. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “the last workers … the first workers” or “the workers hired last … the workers hired first”

338320:9oy9hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθόντες1

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “having gone”

338420:9znkjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisοἱ περὶ τὴν ἑνδεκάτην ὥραν1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the context if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “the ones who were hired at about the eleventh hour”

338520:9o4xbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπερὶ τὴν ἑνδεκάτην ὥραν1

See how you translated the phrase the eleventh hour in 20:6. Alternate translation: “about 5:00 PM”

338620:9af8mrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalτὴν ἑνδεκάτην ὥραν1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “hour eleven”

338720:9gpkgrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoneyδηνάριον1

See how you translated the word denarius in 20:2. Alternate translation: “one silver coin” or “an average wage”

338820:10akoqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθόντες1

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “having gone”

338920:10rhdsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjοἱ πρῶτοι1

Jesus is using the adjective first as a noun to mean the workers who were hired first. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the ones who were hired first”

339020:10pvu2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsἐνόμισαν ὅτι πλεῖον λήμψονται, καὶ1

It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “thought, We will receive more. But”

339120:10o0nvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπλεῖον1

Here Jesus implies that the first workers thought that they would receive more than one denarius, since that is what the workers who started at the end of the day received. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “more than one denarius” or “more than the workers who started latest received”

339220:10vaqsrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoneyδηνάριον1

See how you translated the word denarius in 20:2. Alternate translation: “one silver coin” or “an average wage”

339320:11jpxdrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

339420:12z05nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesλέγοντες, οὗτοι οἱ ἔσχατοι μίαν ὥραν ἐποίησαν, καὶ ἴσους ἡμῖν αὐτοὺς ἐποίησας, τοῖς βαστάσασι τὸ βάρος τῆς ἡμέρας καὶ τὸν καύσωνα1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “saying that the last ones had done one hour, but the master of the house made them equal to themselves, the ones having borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.”

339520:12a2n3rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”

339620:12pgljrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὗτοι οἱ ἔσχατοι1

Here the workers are referring to the other workers who were hired last. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “These ones who were hired last”

339720:12ewrjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularἐποίησας1

Because the workers are speaking to the master of the house, the word you is singular.

339820:12fiaprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμῖν1

By us, the workers mean themselves who were hired first but not any of the other workers, so use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

339920:12vy87rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτοῖς βαστάσασι τὸ βάρος τῆς ἡμέρας καὶ τὸν καύσωνα1

Here, the workers are speaking of their hard work as if it were burden that they had borne. They also speak as if the scorching heat were also an object that they had borne. They mean that they had to work hard and experience the hot sun during the middle of the day. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “ones having worked hard the whole day and having experienced the scorching heat”

340020:12tpssrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὸ βάρος τῆς ἡμέρας1

Here, the workers are using the possessive form to describe a burden that they had to bear during the day. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another. Alternate translation: “the burden during the day”

340120:13z5rrrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces what the master of the house said in contrast with what the workers were saying. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “In response,” or “In contrast,”

340220:13b3fsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesἑνὶ αὐτῶν εἶπεν, ἑταῖρε, οὐκ ἀδικῶ σε. οὐχὶ δηναρίου συνεφώνησάς μοι?1

Alternate translation: “called one of them friend and said to him that he was not wronging him and that he agreed with him for a denarius.”

340320:13y6zzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσε. οὐχὶ & συνεφώνησάς1

Because the master of the house is speaking to one of the workers, the word you throughout this verse is singular.

340420:13qbu1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐχὶ δηναρίου συνεφώνησάς μοι1

The master of the house is using the question form to remind the worker what he agreed to do. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You remember that you agreed with me for a denarius” or “You certainly agreed with me for a denarius!”

340520:13x7rrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδηναρίου & μοι1

Here the master of the house implies that the worker agreed to work for a denarius. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “me to work for a denarius”

340620:14scu1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularἆρον τὸ σὸν & ὕπαγε & σοί1

Because the master of the house is speaking to one of the workers, the commands and the words yours and you throughout this verse are singular.

340720:14nedgrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces what the master of the house is going to do in contrast to what the worker wishes he would do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Despite what you want,”

340820:14hv8vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτούτῳ τῷ ἐσχάτῳ1

The master of the house is using the adjective last as a noun to mean workers who were hired last. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “to this worker who was hired last”

340920:14h8w3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounτούτῳ τῷ ἐσχάτῳ1

The phrase this last represents the last ones in general, not one particular last one. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to these last”

341020:14rt0prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisὡς καὶ σοί1

The master of the house is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “as I give also to you”

341120:15m2o9rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases1

Here, the word Or introduces a contrasting alternative to what the master of the house has said about what he wants to do. He then uses the question form to show that this alternate is wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a false alternative, or you could leave Or untranslated. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” or “As a matter of fact,”

341220:15h3uhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἢ οὐκ ἔξεστίν μοι, ὃ θέλω ποιῆσαι ἐν τοῖς ἐμοῖς?1

The master of the house is using the question form to remind the worker that can do what he wants with his own things. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Remember that it is lawful for me to do what I desire with what is mine.” or “It is certainly lawful for me to do what I desire with what is mine!”

341320:15thk5rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases2

Here, the word Or introduces a second question that again shows that the worker should not complain about how the master of the house is behaving. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a similar idea, or you could leave Or untranslated. Alternate translation: “Again,” or “Even further,”

341420:15dus3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἢ ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου πονηρός ἐστιν, ὅτι ἐγὼ ἀγαθός εἰμι?1

The master of the house is using the question form to rebuke the worker. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Your eye should not be evil because I am good.” or “Do not let your eye be evil because I am good!”

341520:15uc7hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomὁ ὀφθαλμός σου πονηρός ἐστιν1

Here, when the master of the house speaks of a persons eye as evil, he means that the person is jealous or envious. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “do you feel jealousy” or “are you envious”

341620:15peswrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσου1

Because the master of the house is speaking to one of the workers, the word your is singular.

341720:16tg2yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὕτως1

Here, the phrase In the same way introduces how Jesus applies the story he just told. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Just as in that story” or “Here is what that story means:”

341820:16k5feἔσονται οἱ ἔσχατοι πρῶτοι, καὶ οἱ πρῶτοι ἔσχατοι1

See how you translated the similar sentence in 19:30. This sentence switches the order and does not include the word “many,” so make sure you include those differences.

341920:16bhr5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsἔσχατοι2

Some ancient manuscripts do not include any words after last. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts include the words “For many are called, but few are chosen” after the word last. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

342020:17ag3nrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventκαὶ1

Here, the word And introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave And untranslated. Alternate translation: “After that,” or “Then”

342120:17b6iarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἀναβαίνων1

In a context such as this, your language might say “coming” instead of going. Alternate translation: “coming up”

342220:17csnwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀναβαίνων1

Here Matthew implies that the disciples were traveling with Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “as he and the disciples were going up”

342320:18brtgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the disciples and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “See” or “Pay attention:”

342420:18-19obl2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου & αὐτὸν & αὐτὸν & σταυρῶσαι & ἀναστήσεται1

Here Jesus speaks about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “I, who am the Son of Man, … me … me … to crucify me … I will be raised up”

342520:18nf34rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἀναβαίνομεν1

Jesus is using the pronoun we to refer to himself and the disciples, so use the inclusive form of that word if your language marks that distinction.

342620:18toqarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἀναβαίνομεν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “coming” instead of going. Alternate translation: “we are coming up”

342720:18b2f2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου παραδοθήσεται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “someone will hand the Son of Man over”

342820:18s8uhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsθανάτῳ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of death, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to die”

342920:19rjq7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοῖς ἔθνεσιν1

Here Jesus is speaking specifically of Gentiles who rule or control the the city of Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “to the Gentiles who rule” or “to the Gentiles who are in charge”

343020:19hbg6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ1

Here, the phrase on the third day refers to the day after tomorrow. People in Jesus culture counted the current day as the first day, tomorrow as the second day, and the day after tomorrow as the third day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to the day after tomorrow. See how you translated this phrase in 17:23. Alternate translation: “on the day after the next day” or “two days later”

343120:19pn84rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalτῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “on day three”

343220:19xis6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἀναστήσεται1

Here, the word raised refers to someone who died coming back to life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable word or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he will be restored to life”

343320:19kr7arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀναστήσεται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who will do the action, Jesus could be implying that: (1) God will do it. Alternate translation: “God will raise him up” (2) Jesus himself will do it. Alternate translation: “he will raise himself up”

343420:20sx75rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventτότε1

Here, the word Then introduces the next major event in the story. It happened sometime soon after Jesus spoke the words recorded in the previous verses. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Then untranslated. Alternate translation: “Soon after that,” or “After Jesus said those things,”

343520:20gibarc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participantsπροσῆλθεν αὐτῷ ἡ μήτηρ τῶν υἱῶν Ζεβεδαίου1

Here Matthew introduces the mother of the sons of Zebedee as a new character in the story. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a new character. Alternate translation: “the mother of the sons of Zebedee was there. She approached him”

343620:20zr9grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῶν υἱῶν Ζεβεδαίου1

Here Matthew refers to James and John, who were the sons of Zebedee. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “of James and John, the sons of Zebedee,”

343720:20epaprc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionπροσκυνοῦσα1

In the womans culture, bowing down to a person was a way to honor a greater person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to a similar action from your culture, or you could explain what bowing down means. Alternate translation: “prostrating herself” or “bowing down to him in respect”

343820:20r25crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsαἰτοῦσά τι παρ’ αὐτοῦ1

It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “asking, Please do something for me.’”

343920:21lhj2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsεἶπεν αὐτῇ, τί θέλεις?1

It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “asked her what she desired.”

344020:21wbk6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularθέλεις1

Because Jesus is speaking to the mother of the sons of Zebedee, the word you is singular.

344120:21vstnrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “She said”

344220:21gvrgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeεἰπὲ1

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a polite request rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “I ask that you say”

344320:21hqtirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularεἰπὲ & δεξιῶν & σου & σου1

Because the mother of the sons of Zebedee is speaking to Jesus, the command the word your are singular throughout what she says.

344420:21b8xsrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionκαθίσωσιν & εἷς ἐκ δεξιῶν καὶ εἷς ἐξ εὐωνύμων σου1

When someone sits at the right hand or at the left hand of a ruler, this symbolizes that persons honor, authority, and ability to rule. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea explicitly. Alternate translation: “might sit down to rule, one at your right hand and one at your left hand” or “might took the places of honor and authority, one at your right hand and one at your left hand”

344520:21z43hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyεἷς ἐκ δεξιῶν καὶ εἷς ἐξ εὐωνύμων σου1

Here, the phrases at your right hand and at your left hand refer to the places next to Jesus right and left hands, which would be the right side and the left side. In the Jesus culture, these sides were associated with honor or authority. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to the “right side” and “left side.” Make sure that your readers understand that these sides indicate that the two sons of Zebedee would have honor and authority when they sits there. Alternate translation: “one at your right side and one at your left side” or “one in the honorable place at your right and one in the honorable place at your left”

344620:22gx17rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἶπεν1

Here Matthew implies that Jesus is speaking directly to the two sons of Zebedee. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “said to her two sons”

344720:22f9cyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπιεῖν τὸ ποτήριον ὃ ἐγὼ μέλλω πίνειν1

Here Jesus speaks of experiencing pain and suffering as if it were drinking from a cup. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to experience the pain that I am about to experience” or “to experience the suffering that I am about to experience”

344820:22wingrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸ ποτήριον1

Here, cup represents the drink inside the cup, which in Jesus culture would probably have been wine. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the drink” or “the wine in the cup”

344920:22g28nrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsπίνειν1

Many ancient manuscripts end the question with the word drink. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts include after the word drink the words “or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am being baptized.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

345020:22d4rfrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsλέγουσιν1

The pronoun They refers to the sons of Zebedee. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “The sons of Zebedee say”

345120:22zg5nrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγουσιν1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “They said”

345220:22rrl1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveδυνάμεθα1

By We, the sons of Zebedee mean themselves, but not their mother or Jesus, so use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

345320:22n5qsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisδυνάμεθα1

The sons of Zebedee are leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “We are able to drink that cup”

345420:23xrz9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “He said”

345520:23m4d2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὸ & ποτήριόν μου πίεσθε1

Here Jesus again speaks of experiencing pain and suffering as if it were drinking from a cup. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed this idea in 20:22. Alternate translation: “You will experience the pain that I experience” or “You will experience the suffering that I experience”

345620:23ob2wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸ & ποτήριόν μου1

Here, cup represents the drink inside the cup, which in Jesus culture would probably have been wine. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “My drink” or “The wine in my cup”

345720:23elnrrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsπίεσθε1

Many ancient manuscripts end the question with the word drink. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts include after the word drink the words “and you will be baptized with the baptism with which I am being baptized.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

345820:23zk4xrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionτὸ δὲ καθίσαι ἐκ δεξιῶν μου καὶ ἐξ εὐωνύμων1

When someone sits at the right hand or at the left hand of a ruler, this symbolizes that persons honor, authority, and ability to rule. See how you translated the similar phrases in 20:21. Alternate translation: “But to sit down to rule at my right hand and at my left hand” or “to take the places of honor and authority at my right hand and at my left hand”

345920:23aq1vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐκ δεξιῶν μου καὶ ἐξ εὐωνύμων1

Here, the phrases at my right hand and at my left hand refer to the places next to Jesus right and left hands, which would be the right side and the left side. In the Jesus culture, these sides were associated with honor or authority. See how you expressed the idea in 20:21. Alternate translation: “at my right side and at my left side” or “in the honorable places at my right and at my left”

346020:23mu7hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἀλλ’ οἷς1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “but it will be given to the ones for whom”

346120:23sj51rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἡτοίμασται ὑπὸ τοῦ Πατρός μου1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “my Father has prepared it”

346220:23x5f4rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου1

Father is an important title that describe the relationship between God the Father and Jesus his Son.

346320:24z9r3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjοἱ δέκα1

Matthew is using the number ten as a noun to refer to other ten disciples. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this number with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the other ten disciples” or “the rest of the disciples”

346420:25h86lrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

346520:25u55yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismοἱ ἄρχοντες τῶν ἐθνῶν κατακυριεύουσιν αὐτῶν, καὶ οἱ μεγάλοι κατεξουσιάζουσιν αὐτῶν1

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the clauses with a word other than and in order to show that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternatively, you could combine the two clauses Alternate translation: “the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; indeed, the great ones exercise authority over them” or “the rulers of the Gentiles and the great ones lord it over them”

346620:25btlvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκατακυριεύουσιν & κατεξουσιάζουσιν1

The words translated lord it over and exercise authority over refer to using power to control and dominate others. The words do not indicate whether the rulers and the great ones are doing good or bad things with their power. If possible, use words or phrases that refer to total control and domination but that do not imply good or bad use of that control and domination. Alternate translation: “reign absolutely over … have complete authority over”

346720:25aqzcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsκατεξουσιάζουσιν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of authority, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “rule over” or “control”

346820:26q083rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarativeοὐχ οὕτως ἔστιν1

Here Jesus could be using the present tense to: (1) give a command or instruction. Alternate translation: “It should not be this way” or “Let it not be this way” (2) state how things work differently among his disciples. Alternate translation: “That is not how it is”

346920:26-27eaivrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismὃς ἐὰν θέλῃ ἐν ὑμῖν μέγας γενέσθαι, ἔσται ὑμῶν διάκονος & καὶ ὃς ἂν θέλῃ ἐν ὑμῖν εἶναι πρῶτος, ἔσται ὑμῶν δοῦλος1

These two sentences mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the sentences with a word other than and in order to show that the second sentence is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternatively, you could combine the two sentences Alternate translation: “whoever desires to become great among you will be your servant; indeed, whoever desires to be first among you will be your slave” or “whoever desires to become first or great among will you be your servant or slave”

347020:26y4qwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarativeἔσται1

Jesus is using the future form to give a command. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea using a form that expresses a command or obligation. Alternate translation: “should be” or “has to be”

347120:27j3msrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπρῶτος1

Here, Jesus is speaking of being important or respected as if it were being first. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you translated this word in 19:30. Alternate translation: “respected” or “significant”

347220:27u8earc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarativeἔσται1

Jesus is using the future form to give a command. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea using a form that expresses a command or obligation. Alternate translation: “should be” or “has to be”

347320:28m27drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου & αὐτοῦ1

Here Jesus speaks about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “I, who am the Son of Man, … my”

347420:28ohi8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureοὐκ ἦλθεν διακονηθῆναι, ἀλλὰ διακονῆσαι καὶ δοῦναι τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ λύτρον ἀντὶ πολλῶν1

If your language would not naturally put the negative statement before the positive statement, you could reverse the two clauses here. Alternate translation: “came to serve, and to give his life as a ransom in exchange for many, not to be served”

347520:28iz71rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveδιακονηθῆναι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “for people to serve him”

347620:28c7r9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἀλλὰ διακονῆσαι1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “but he came to serve”

347720:28zh3krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorδοῦναι τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ λύτρον ἀντὶ πολλῶν1

Here Jesus speaks as if his life were a price or ransom he would give to free many from someone or something that owned or controlled them. He means that he will obtain forgiveness for his peoples sins and will keep those sins from controlling them. This is an important biblical image, so if possible preserve the figure of speech or express the idea in simile form. Alternate translation: “to offer his life as if it were a ransom to set many free from sin”

347820:28zv1prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsδοῦναι τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of life, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to allow himself to die”

347920:28yv3brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjπολλῶν1

Jesus is using the adjective many as a noun to mean many people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “many men and women”

348020:29qsvkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐκπορευομένων αὐτῶν ἀπὸ Ἰερειχὼ1

Here Matthew implies that Jesus and the disciples had previously entered Jericho. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “after visiting Jericho, as they were going out from the city” or “as they were traveling through Jericho”

348120:29ptk5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐκπορευομένων αὐτῶν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “coming” instead of going. Alternate translation: “as they were coming out”

348220:29ev2trc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτῶν1

The pronoun they refers to Jesus and his disciples. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Jesus and his disciples”

348320:30naagrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participantsκαὶ ἰδοὺ, δύο τυφλοὶ καθήμενοι παρὰ τὴν ὁδόν, ἀκούσαντες ὅτι Ἰησοῦς παράγει1

Matthew is using the phrase behold, two blind men to introduce these two people as new participants in the story. If your language has its own way of introducing new participants, you could use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “And there were two blind men sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus is passing”

348420:30kpeprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsἀκούσαντες ὅτι Ἰησοῦς παράγει1

It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “having heard, Jesus is passing by,’”

348520:30gy5drc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”

348620:30kph1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeἐλέησον ἡμᾶς1

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a polite request rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “We ask you to have mercy on us”

348720:30y0d3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐλέησον ἡμᾶς1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of mercy, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Be merciful to us”

348820:30usrcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularἐλέησον1

Because the two blind men are speaking to Jesus, the request is singular.

348920:30t577rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorΥἱὸς Δαυείδ1

Here, the word Son means a male descendant. It does not mean that Jesus was the direct son of David. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Descendant of David” or “you who are descended from David”

349020:30o638rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitΥἱὸς Δαυείδ1

David was Israels most important king, and God had promised him that one of his descendants would be the Messiah. So the title Son of David could implicitly mean “Messiah.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Son of David, Messiah”

349120:31czujrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

349220:31ttiorc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”

349320:31hlj6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeἐλέησον ἡμᾶς1

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a polite request rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “we ask that you have mercy on us”

349420:31t6morc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐλέησον ἡμᾶς1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of mercy, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Be merciful to us”

349520:31fdrmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularἐλέησον1

Because the two blind men are speaking to Jesus, the request is singular.

349620:31rni0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorΥἱὸς Δαυείδ1

Here, the word Son means a male descendant. It does not mean that Jesus was the direct son of David. Express the idea as you did in 20:30. Alternate translation: “Descendant of David” or “you who are descended from David”

349720:31a3lqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitΥἱὸς Δαυείδ1

David was Israels most important king, and God had promised him that one of his descendants would be the Messiah. So the title Son of David could implicitly mean “Messiah.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Express the idea as you did in 20:30. Alternate translation: “Son of David, Messiah”

349820:32va1lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsκαὶ εἶπεν, τί θέλετε ποιήσω ὑμῖν1

It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “and asked them what they desired him to do for them.”

349920:33k9mhrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγουσιν1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “They said”

350020:33xdglrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisΚύριε, ἵνα1

The blind men are leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the previous verse if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “Lord, we desire that”

350120:33yb39rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἵνα ἀνοιγῶσιν οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ ἡμῶν.1

Here, the clause that our eyes might be opened indicates that the two blind men want to be able to see with their eyes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable clause or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “that our eyes might be healed” or “that our eyes might see”

350220:33q3o8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀνοιγῶσιν οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ ἡμῶν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “our eyes might become open”

350320:34hin4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsσπλαγχνισθεὶς1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of compassion, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “having sympathized with them”

350420:34l3nzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ1

Here, the phrase followed him could indicate that: (1) the two blind men traveled with Jesus and were his disciple. Alternate translation: “they became his disciples” or “they traveled with him as his students” (2) the two blind men walked with Jesus on the road. Alternate translation: “they walked with him” or “they went with him”

350521:introni1x0

Matthew 21 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

  1. Jesus ministers in Judea (19:1-22:46)
    • Jesus enters Jerusalem (21:111)
    • Jesus drives people out of the temple and argues with the leaders (21:1217)
    • Jesus curses a fig tree (21:1822)
    • Jesus speaks with the chief priests and elders (21:2346)
      • Questions about authority (21:2327)
      • The parable of the two children (21:2832)
      • The parable of the vineyard (21:3341)
      • The stone that the builders rejected (21:4244)
      • The reaction of the chief priests and elders (21:4546)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 21:5, 21:9, and 21:42, which are mostly quotes from the Old Testament.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

The donkey and the colt

In 21:14, Jesus instructs two of his disciples to collect a donkey and a colt for him to use as he enters into Jerusalem. Matthew comments that Jesus did that in fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9, which indicates that a special king of Israel will ride on a donkey and on a colt, which is a poetic way of referring to a donkey that is a colt. In the story in Matthew, Matthew refers to both the donkey and the colt that the disciples collect, but he does not indicate which one Jesus actually rides. Make sure that it is clear that there are two animals that match the way that Zechariah 9:9 was written, but do not indicate which one Jesus rode on.

Hosanna

The word “Hosanna” is a Hebrew word spelled out how it sounds in Matthews language. The word means “save us, please.” By the time of Jesus, however, people would use the word to praise or honor God and others. Consider whether to spell the word out as it sounds or state its meaning. See the notes on 21:9 and 21:15 for translation options. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])

Disrupting activity in the temple area

In 21:1213, Jesus disrupts normal activity in the temple by driving out some people and by overturning the chairs and tables of others. Jesus performed this symbolic action to express a specific message. However, Christians debate exactly what the symbolic action means. Jesus could have been protesting against people who were buying and selling dishonestly. He could have been protesting against all buying and selling in the temple area. He could have been indicating that the temple would be destroyed. Your translation should state what Jesus did while allowing for all of these possible interpretations.

The baptism of John

In 21:2527, Jesus and the chief priests and elders discuss “the baptism of John.” Here they are referring to how John baptized people for repentance. Jesus asks them whether they think that Johns baptism came from heaven or from people, which means that he performed baptisms by Gods authority or by human authority. The chief priests and elders decide not to answer the question. See the notes on these verses for ways to refer to Johns baptism and to the authority behind it.

Renting out a vineyard

In 21:3341, Jesus tells a story about a man who built a vineyard and then rented it out to farmers. Jesus is referring to a common arrangement in which a wealthy person who owned property would have poorer people use that property for farming or tending grapes. These poorer people would do the work and then sell the produce, and they would give the person who owned the property a portion of what they made. If your readers would not be familiar with this kind of arrangement, make sure that your translation is clear about what is happening in the story.

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

The parable of the two children

In 21:2832, Jesus tells and explains a story about a man and his two children. The man asks both children to work in his vineyard. The first child says that he will not but later works there anyways. The second child says that he will but later does not work there. Jesus and the chief priest and elders agree that it was the first child who actually did what the father wanted. Jesus then explains that he is illustrating how different groups of people reacted to John the Baptists ministry. People who sinned much but then repented when John preached are like the first child who actually did what the father wanted. The Jewish religious leaders who did not repent when John preached are like the second child who did not actually do what the father wanted. While you should not explain the meaning more than Jesus does, make sure that your translation fits with what Jesus is illustrating. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

The parable of the vineyard

In 21:3341, Jesus tells a story about a man who planted a vineyard and rented it out to farmers. When the man sends servants to collect the rent, the farmers refuse and injure or kill the servants. When the man sends his own son, the farmers kill him as well. Jesus and the chief priests and elders agree that the man should destroy the farmers and rent the vineyard to other people. When he applies the parable in 21:4244, Jesus indicates that the Jewish religious leaders are like those farmers who will be destroyed. He also implies that the vineyard represents the people of Israel, the servants represent Gods messengers, the son represents Jesus himself, and the man who owned the vineyard represents God. While you should not explain the meaning more than Jesus does, make sure that your translation fits with what Jesus is illustrating. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

The stone

In 21:42, Jesus quotes from Psalm 118:2223, which refers to a specific “stone.” In the Psalm, this stone most likely represents the king of Israel, or it perhaps represents the Israelite people in general. When Jesus refers to the stone in 21:42 and 21:44, he is implicitly identifying it with himself. Since the stone language comes from a quotation from the Psalms, you should preserve it in some form in your translation. Also, since Jesus does not explicitly claim to be the stone, you should keep that implicit in your translation. See the notes on these verses for translation options. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Singular and plural forms of “you”

Many of the forms of “you” in this chapter appear in speeches that Jesus gives to his disciples or to the Jewish leaders. Because of this, most forms of “you” in this chapter are plural. You should assume forms of “you” are plural unless a note specifies that the form is singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

The quote from Zechariah and Isaiah in 21:5

In 21:5, Matthew quotes from someone whom he calls “the prophet” (21:4). The last three lines of the quotation are from Zechariah 9:9. The first line sounds somewhat like the first line of Zechariah 9:9, but it matches the first line of Isaiah 62:11 exactly. Most likely, Matthew was thinking of both of these verses when he wrote down the quotation. If you must refer to the author of the quotation or book from which the quotation came, it is recommended that you refer to Zechariah, since most of the quotation is from that book. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

Different versions of the parable of the two children

There are two primary versions of the parable of the two children in 21:2831:

  1. The first child says that he will not work in the vineyard but later does. Meanwhile, the second child says that he will work in the vineyard but does not. The chief priests and scribes say that the first child did what the father wanted.
  2. The first child says that he will work in the vineyard but does not. Meanwhile, the second child says that he will not work in the vineyard but later does. The chief priests and scribes say that the second child did what the father wanted.

The ULT and the UST are based on the first version listed above. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

Verse 44

A few manuscripts do not include anything for 21:44. Many early manuscripts do include the verse. While it it possible that people added this verse because similar words appear in the same place in Luke 20:18, it is more likely that this verse was accidentally omitted from a few manuscripts. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. Otherwise, since it is likely that 21:44 does belong here, it is recommended that you follow the ULT by including the verse. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

350621:1f8fsrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventκαὶ ὅτε1

Here, the phrase And when introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event. Alternate translation: “Then”

350721:1z5qkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἤγγισαν & ἦλθον1

In a context such as this, your language might say “went” instead of came. Alternate translation: “they went near … went”

350821:1tf8grc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἤγγισαν1

The pronoun they refers to Jesus and his disciples. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to these people more directly. Alternate translation: “Jesus and his disciples came near”

350921:1p3g6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesΒηθφαγὴ1

The word Bethphage is the name of a village that was near Jerusalem.

351021:1u8fjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπρὸς τὸ Ὄρος τῶν Ἐλαιῶν1

Here Matthew implies that Bethphage is near the Mount of Olives. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “near the Mount of Olives” or “which is at the Mount of Olives”

351121:2ruc5rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων αὐτοῖς1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he said to them”

351221:2ubr6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goπορεύεσθε1

In a context such as this, your language might say “Come” instead of Go. Alternate translation: “Come”

351321:2ku9vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτὴν κώμην, τὴν κατέναντι ὑμῶν1

Here, a village that is opposite someone means that it is directly in front of them. Jesus is here referring to the village of Bethphage. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the village directly in front of you” or “the village of Bethphage, which is before you”

351421:2wen2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὄνον δεδεμένην1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “a donkey that a person has tied up”

351521:2pq2erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδεδεμένην1

Here Jesus implies that someone has used a rope or tether to secure the donkey so that it cannot wander away. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “secured with a tether”

351621:2ure7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownπῶλον1

A colt is a young donkey that is no longer a baby but is not yet full grown. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of animal, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “one of her young ones” or “a young donkey”

351721:3o47qrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalκαὶ ἐάν τις ὑμῖν εἴπῃ τι, ἐρεῖτε1

Jesus is suggesting that this is a hypothetical condition, that they will only have to say these words if someone says anything to them. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “Now suppose someone says something to you. Then you should say”

351821:3yv1rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὑμῖν εἴπῃ τι1

Here Jesus is implying that people might ask the disciples why they are taking someones donkey and colt. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “confronts you about what you are doing” or “speaks to you about what you are doing”

351921:3qwvfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesἐρεῖτε, ὅτι ὁ Κύριος αὐτῶν χρείαν ἔχει1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “you will say that the Lord has need of them,”

352021:3hirorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ Κύριος1

Here, the word Lord could refer to: (1) Jesus himself. Alternate translation: “The Lord, our teacher,” (2) God. Alternate translation: “The Lord God”

352121:3pfczrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀποστελεῖ1

Although the term he is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “that person will send them”

352221:4yi1vrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces Matthews comment on what he has narrated so far. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a comment from the narrator, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “I note that” or “As a matter of fact,”

352321:4nybnrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsτοῦτο & γέγονεν1

Here, the word this refers to what Jesus has just instructed two of his disciples to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to those instructions more directly. Alternate translation: “Jesus gave those instructions”

352421:4n979rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultἵνα1

Here, the phrase so that could introduce: (1) a result from what Jesus commanded. Alternate translation: “with the result that” (2) a purpose for which Jesus commanded those things. Alternate translation: “in order that”

352521:4dsarrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ τοῦ προφήτου1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the speaking, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “this might fulfill that which God said through the prophet”

352621:4x3uprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδιὰ τοῦ προφήτου1

Here, the prophet whom Matthew is speaking about is Zechariah. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “through the prophet Zechariah”

352721:4inekrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντος1

In Matthews culture, saying was a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book of Zehariah (see Zechariah 9:9). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Matthew is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “who wrote in the book of Zechariah” or “who declared”

352821:5btvkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesεἴπατε τῇ θυγατρὶ Σιών, ἰδοὺ, ὁ βασιλεύς σου ἔρχεταί σοι, πραῢς καὶ ἐπιβεβηκὼς ἐπὶ ὄνον καὶ ἐπὶ πῶλον, υἱὸν ὑποζυγίου1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “Tell the daughter of Zion that her King is coming to her, humble and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, a son of a beast of burden.”

352921:5whn7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτῇ θυγατρὶ Σιών1

The prophet is using the phrase daughter of Zion to mean the people who live in the city of Zion, which is Jerusalem. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. If you do, make sure that you use plural forms of “you” throughout this verse. Alternate translation: “the people of Zion”

353021:5rdb2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word Behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express Behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “See” or “Pay attention:”

353121:5on0lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσου & σοι1

Since someone is talking to the daughter of Zion, the words your and you are singular.

353221:5yjsjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoἐπὶ ὄνον καὶ ἐπὶ πῶλον, υἱὸν ὑποζυγίου1

Here, the author of the quotation refers to one animal both as a donkey and as a colt, which is a son of a beast of burden. This was poetic in his culture. Matthew knows that this is a poetic form, but his story refers to two animals, both a donkey and a colt. If possible, express the idea in such a way that this quotation could be referring to either one or two animals. Alternate translation: “on a donkey, riding on a colt, a son of a beast of burden”

353321:5e9pwrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownπῶλον1

A colt is a young donkey that is no longer a baby but is not yet full grown. See how you translated this word in 21:2. Alternate translation: “a young donkey”

353421:5fx3vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomυἱὸν ὑποζυγίου1

Here the author of the quotation refers to the direct offspring of a beast of burden as if it were its son. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a foal of a beast of burden”

353521:5a6qarc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownὑποζυγίου1

A beast of burden is an animal that is used to perform jobs that require strength, such as carrying or pulling heavy objects. In Jesus culture, the phrase almost always referred to a donkey. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make some of those ideas more explicit. Alternate translation: “of a work animal” or “of a draft animal”

353621:6ln9rrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

353721:6sjdbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goπορευθέντες1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of gone. Alternate translation: “having come”

353821:7r6dbrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὸν πῶλον1

A colt is a young donkey that is no longer a baby but is not yet full grown. See how you translated this word in 21:2. Alternate translation: “a young donkey”

353921:7y6enτὰ ἱμάτια1

Alternate translation: “outer garments”

354021:7fgborc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoἐπεκάθισεν ἐπάνω αὐτῶν1

Here Matthew does not specify which animal Jesus sat on, and if possible you should not specify either. If you need to include an object for sat, you could refer generally to one of the animals. Alternate translation: “he sat upon them on one of the animals”

354121:7q6r5rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτῶν3

Here, the word them could refer to: (1) the cloaks. Alternate translation: “the cloaks” (2) the donkey and the colt. Alternate translation: “the animals”

354221:8s8x6rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

354321:8e3t6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleὁ & πλεῖστος ὄχλος1

Matthew says the largest crowd here as an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “a huge crowd” or “an enormous crowd”

354421:8t29src://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionἔστρωσαν ἑαυτῶν τὰ ἱμάτια ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ; ἄλλοι δὲ ἔκοπτον κλάδους ἀπὸ τῶν δένδρων, καὶ ἐστρώννυον ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ1

The people did these things to give Jesus honor and glory. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain the meaning of these actions. Alternate translation: “spread their cloaks on the road to give him honor, and others were cutting branches from the trees and were spreading them on the road to give him glory”

354521:8vyp6τὰ ἱμάτια1

Alternate translation: “outer garments”

354621:8cy6trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjἄλλοι1

Matthew is using the adjective others as a noun to mean other people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “different people”

354721:9exm6rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

354821:9vo7trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goοἱ προάγοντες1

In a context such as this, your language might say “coming” instead of going. Alternate translation: “coming before”

354921:9x1l1rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”

355021:9ky4crc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterateὡσαννὰ & ὡσαννὰ1

The word Hosanna is a Hebrew word. Matthew has spelled it out using Greek letters so his readers would know how it sounded. Hosanna had an original meaning of “save now,” but by the time of this event it had become a way of praising God. In your translation you can spell Hosanna the way it sounds in your language or you could translate it according to how the word was used. Alternate translation: “Honor … Honor”

355121:9ysb9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτῷ Υἱῷ Δαυείδ1

Here, the word Son means a male descendant. It does not mean that Jesus was the direct son of David. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to the Descendant of David” or “the one who is descended from David”

355221:9gk06rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῷ Υἱῷ Δαυείδ1

David was Israels most important king, and God had promised him that one of his descendants would be the Messiah. So the title Son of David could implicitly mean “Messiah.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “to the Son of David, the Messiah”

355321:9dtjlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου!1

Here the crowds are quoting from Psalm 118:26. Since they do not introduce the words as a quotation from an important text, you also should not introduce them as anything more than what the crowds said. However, if it would be helpful for your readers, you could include this information in a footnote.

355421:9fc0erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου1

The phrase Blessed is the one could be: (1) a request for God to bless Jesus. Alternate translation: “Let the one coming in the name of the Lord be blessed” (2) stating that God had already blessed Jesus. Alternate translation: “The one coming in the name of the Lord is blessed”

355521:9c61mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveεὐλογημένος1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, it is clear from the context that it is God. Alternate translation: “Let God bless”

355621:9q52trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου1

Here, the word name refers primarily to the person who has that name, and it focuses especially on that persons authority. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “by your authority of the Lord”

355721:9jt8trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὡσαννὰ2

Here, the word Hosanna could refer to praising: (1) Jesus, the Son of David. Alternate translation: “Hosanna to this one” (2) God, who sent Jesus. Alternate translation: “Hosanna to God”

355821:9g73zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτοῖς ὑψίστοις1

The people are using the adjective highest as a noun to mean the highest heavens, where God dwells. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the highest heavens”

355921:10cb4hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐσείσθη πᾶσα ἡ πόλις λέγουσα1

Matthew is using the term city to mean the people who live in that city. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all the people who lived in the city were shaken, saying”

356021:10f1aorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐσείσθη πᾶσα ἡ πόλις1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was what Jesus did and how the crowds greeted him. Alternate translation: “this shook the whole city”

356121:10p0ghrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐσείσθη1

Here, Matthew is speaking of people becoming agitated as if they were shaken. He could be implying: (1) that the people were concerned or confused. Alternate translation: “was disturbed” or “was greatly concerned” (2) that the people were excited. Alternate translation: “was excited”

356221:10g6pqrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγουσα1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and the people said”

356321:11nqb2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionΝαζαρὲθ τῆς Γαλιλαίας1

Here, the crowds are using the possessive form to describe Nazareth as a place in Galilee. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Nazareth, a town in Galilee”

356421:12y9j4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἰσῆλθεν & εἰς τὸ ἱερόν1

Here Matthew means that Jesus entered into the temple area. He does not mean that Jesus went into the most sacred parts of the temple building. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “entered into the temple courtyard”

356521:12w7acrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοὺς πωλοῦντας καὶ ἀγοράζοντας ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ1

Matthew implies that merchants were selling animals and other items so that travelers could buy them and offer the proper sacrifices at the temple. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the ones selling and buying things in the temple for the sacrifices”

356621:12u1oerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὰς τραπέζας τῶν κολλυβιστῶν1

Here Matthew is referring to people who exchanged the commonly used Greek and Roman money for special money that could be used at the temple. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the tables of the people who exchanged money” or “the tables of the people who exchanged the temple currency”

356721:12iyoxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὰς καθέδρας τῶν πωλούντων τὰς περιστεράς1

Here Matthew refers to people who sold doves, which the poorest people would offer as sacrifices. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the seats of the ones selling the doves to be sacrificed”

356821:13om5drc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “he said”

356921:13hvrvrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοῖς1

The pronoun them refers to the people who were buying, selling, and exchanging things in the temple area. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to these people more directly. Alternate translation: “to the people who were buying and selling”

357021:13q41crc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsγέγραπται1

In Jesus culture, It is written was a normal way to introduce quotations from important texts, in this case, the books of Isaiah and Jeremiah (see Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Jesus is quoting from important texts. Alternate translation: “You can read in the Scriptures” or “It says in the books of Isaiah and Jeremiah”

357121:13kp7qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveγέγραπται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God speaking through prophets. Alternate translation: “The prophets said” or “God had the prophets write”

357221:13z8grrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὁ οἶκός μου & κληθήσεται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “They will call my house”

357321:13n9v8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ οἶκός μου1

God, speaking through the prophet Isaiah, refers to his temple as My house because his presence is there. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “My temple”

357421:13bd8xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionοἶκος προσευχῆς1

Here God, speaking through the prophet Isaiah, is using the possessive form to describe a house that is a place where people perform prayer. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “a house where prayer is offered” or “a place where there is prayer”

357521:13c7l3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorσπήλαιον λῃστῶν1

Here God, speaking through the prophet Jeremiah, refers to the temple as a den where robbers hide and plot their crimes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or express the idea in simile form. Alternate translation: “a place where robbers live” or “like a cave where robbers hide”

357621:14a2shrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτυφλοὶ καὶ χωλοὶ1

Matthew is using the adjectives blind and lame as nouns to mean people who were blind and lame. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “those who were blind and lame”

357721:14q405rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν τῷ ἱερῷ1

Here Matthew means that Jesus was in the temple area. He does not mean that Jesus went into the most sacred parts of the temple building. See how you expressed the idea in 21:12. Alternate translation: “in the temple courtyard”

357821:15u6edrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces how the chief priests and the scribes reacted in contrast with how most of the people reacted. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “In contrast,”

357921:15r3bsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν τῷ ἱερῷ1

Here Matthew means that the children were in the temple area. He does not mean that they were in the most sacred parts of the temple building. See how you expressed the idea in 21:12. Alternate translation: “in the temple courtyard”

358021:15c3qgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsλέγοντας, ὡσαννὰ τῷ Υἱῷ Δαυείδ1

It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “giving hosannas to the Son of David,”

358121:15fqr9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterateὡσαννὰ1

See how you translated Hosanna in 21:9. Alternate translation: “Honor”

358221:15c6k8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτῷ Υἱῷ Δαυείδ1

See how you translated the phrase Son of David in 21:9. Alternate translation: “to the Descendant of David” or “to the one who is descended from David”

358321:16wu5xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀκούεις τί οὗτοι λέγουσιν1

Here the chief priests and the scribes are implying that what these children are saying is bad or wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Do you hear the wrong things that these are saying”

358421:16dhoarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularἀκούεις1

Since the chief priests and the scribes are talking to Jesus, the word you here is singular.

358521:16zx4arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjοὗτοι1

The chief priests and scribes are using the adjective these as a noun to mean specific children. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “these children”

358621:16gm6orc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said”

358721:16twg5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitναί1

Here, the word Yes implies that Jesus thinks that what the children are saying is not wrong or bad. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Yes, and they are doing what is good” or “Yes, and they are right”

358821:16luy1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐδέποτε ἀνέγνωτε, ὅτι ἐκ στόματος νηπίων καὶ θηλαζόντων, κατηρτίσω αἶνον?1

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke and teach the chief priests and scribes. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I know that you have read, From the mouths of little children and nursing infants you have prepared praise.’” or “Surely you have read, From the mouths of little children and nursing infants you have prepared praise!”

358921:16iqlmrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsοὐδέποτε ἀνέγνωτε1

Here Jesus introduces a quotation from an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book of Psalms (see Psalm 8:2). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Jesus is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “Have you never read in the book of Psalms” or “Have you never read in our Scriptures”

359021:16qa9urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐκ στόματος1

Here, mouths represents speaking or things that are spoken. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “From the voices” or “From the speech”

359121:16qykarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletνηπίων καὶ θηλαζόντων1

The terms little children and nursing infants mean similar things. The author of the quotation is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “of the youngest children”

359221:16jgu8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsκατηρτίσω αἶνον1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of praise, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “you have chosen to be praised” or “you have prepared praising words”

359321:16qe4zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularκατηρτίσω1

Since the author of the quotation is talking to God, the word you here is singular.

359421:17hoesrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοὺς1

The pronoun them refers to the chief priests and the scribes (see 21:15). If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to these people more directly. Alternate translation: “the chief priests and the scribes”

359521:17abq3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐξῆλθεν1

Here Matthew implies that the disciples were traveling with Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Jesus and his disciples went out”

359621:17t65grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐξῆλθεν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “came” instead of went. Alternate translation: “he came out”

359721:17cmd8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῆς πόλεως1

Here, the phrase the city refers to Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Jerusalem”

359821:18q488rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

359921:18yk9frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐπανάγων1

Here Matthew implies that the disciples were traveling with Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “as Jesus and his disciples were returning”

360021:18m22lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὴν πόλιν1

Here, the phrase the city refers to Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Jerusalem”

360121:19l3birc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἦλθεν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “came” instead of went. Alternate translation: “he came”

360221:19h2larc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptionsοὐδὲν εὗρεν ἐν αὐτῇ, εἰ μὴ φύλλα μόνον1

If it would in appear your language that Matthew was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “found only leaves on it”

360321:19s0vvrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “he said”

360421:19uf93rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsκαρπὸς1

Here, the word fruit is singular in form, but it refers to many fruits as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “fruits”

360521:19d1d8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσοῦ1

Since the Jesus is talking to the fig tree, the word you here is singular.

360621:19r0s2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomεἰς τὸν αἰῶνα1

Here, the phrase to eternity means that something lasts forever. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “forever” or “ever again”

360721:20mzryrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”

360821:21qye0rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

360921:21nd3yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoἐὰν ἔχητε πίστιν καὶ μὴ διακριθῆτε, οὐ μόνον τὸ τῆς συκῆς ποιήσετε, ἀλλὰ κἂν τῷ ὄρει τούτῳ εἴπητε, ἄρθητι καὶ βλήθητι εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν, γενήσεται1

Here Jesus uses an imaginary situation to show that a person with faith can do amazing things, like casting a mountain into the sea. Use a natural method in your language for introducing an imaginary situation. Alternate translation: “imagine that you had faith and did not doubt. In that case, you could do not only what was of the fig tree. Even more, you could say to this mountain, Be taken up and be thrown into the sea, and it would happen”

361021:21mwl5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismἔχητε πίστιν καὶ μὴ διακριθῆτε1

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternatively, you could combine the two phrases and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “you have faith without doubting” or “you truly believe”

361121:21zu6brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἔχητε πίστιν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “you believe”

361221:21r61arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ τῆς συκῆς1

Here Jesus is referring to what he did to the fig tree. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “what I did to the fig tree” or “things like what I did to the fig tree”

361321:21jf9hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesτῷ ὄρει τούτῳ εἴπητε, ἄρθητι καὶ βλήθητι εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν, γενήσεται1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “you tell this mountain to be taken up and to be thrown into the sea, it will happen”

361421:21qfo6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῷ ὄρει τούτῳ1

Here, the phrase this mountain could refer to: (1) the Mount of Olives, which Jesus and his disciples were near. Alternate translation: “to the Mount of Olives” or “to the mountain we are near” (2) any mountain. Alternate translation: “to a mountain”

361521:21ermlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἄρθητι καὶ βλήθητι εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν,1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who would do the action, it is clear from the context that it would be God. Alternate translation: “May God take you up and throw you into the sea”

361621:21lrgdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularἄρθητι καὶ βλήθητι1

Since someone is talking to a mountain, the commands here are singular.

361721:22lsb5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoπάντα ὅσα ἂν αἰτήσητε1

The expression everything, as much as you request contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “everything that you request”

361821:22a72crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐν τῇ προσευχῇ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of prayer, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “as you pray”

361921:23m6cdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθόντος αὐτοῦ1

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “when he had gone”

362021:23uge9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἰς τὸ ἱερὸν1

Here Matthew means that Jesus entered into the temple area. He does not mean that Jesus went into the most sacred parts of the temple building. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “into the temple courtyard”

362121:23lzfrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοἱ πρεσβύτεροι τοῦ λαοῦ1

Here Matthew implies that the people refers to the Jewish people group. These are elders who are respected among the Jewish people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the elders who lead the Jewish people”

362221:23kw71rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδιδάσκοντι1

Here Matthew indicates that Jesus is teaching. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “as he was teaching”

362321:23d6dmrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”

362421:23b56yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismἐν ποίᾳ ἐξουσίᾳ ταῦτα ποιεῖς? καὶ τίς σοι ἔδωκεν τὴν ἐξουσίαν ταύτην1

The question By what authority do you do these things and the question who gave you this authority could: (1) be two separate questions, the first asking about the nature of the authority and the second about who gave it to Jesus. Alternate translation: “By what kind of authority do you do these things, and who is the one who gave you this authority” (2) both have the same meaning and be asked together to strongly question Jesus authority. If you choose this option, and if it would be helpful in your language, you could combine these two questions into one question. Alternate translation: “Who was it who gave you the authority to do these things?”

362521:23mtt1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐν ποίᾳ ἐξουσίᾳ ταῦτα ποιεῖς? καὶ τίς σοι ἔδωκεν τὴν ἐξουσίαν ταύτην1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of authority, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “How are you empowered to do these things, and who empowered you in this way”

362621:23s1w6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitταῦτα ποιεῖς1

Here, the phrase these things refers to what Jesus has done since he arrived in Jerusalem, including driving people out of the temple, healing people, and teaching. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “do you teach, heal, and drive people out of the temple”

362721:23pji9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularποιεῖς & σοι1

Since the chief priests and the elders are talking to Jesus, the words you and you here are singular.

362821:24t36krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyλόγον ἕνα1

Jesus is using the term word to refer to what Jesus will ask. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “one thing”

362921:24h7hsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐν ποίᾳ ἐξουσίᾳ ταῦτα ποιῶ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of authority, you could express the same idea in another way. See how you expressed the idea in 21:23. Alternate translation: “how I am empowered to do these things”

363021:24da2rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitταῦτα ποιῶ1

Here, the phrase these things refers to what Jesus has done since he arrived in Jerusalem, including driving people out of the temple, healing people, and teaching. See how you translated the similar phrase in 21:23. Alternate translation: “I teach, heal, and drive people out of the temple”

363121:25d4t2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoτὸ βάπτισμα τὸ Ἰωάννου, πόθεν ἦν1

Here, Jesus first introduces the baptism of John and then asks a question about it. If stating the topic and then referring back to it with the word it would be redundant in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “From where was the baptism of John”

363221:25w2okrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὸ βάπτισμα τὸ Ἰωάννου1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe a kind of baptism that was performed by John. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “The baptism that John performed”

363321:25kp9mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὸ βάπτισμα τὸ Ἰωάννου1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of baptism, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “When John baptized people”

363421:25r7nsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐξ οὐρανοῦ-1

Here, heaven represents God because it is where he dwells. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “From God … From God”

363521:25th4lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἐξ ἀνθρώπων1

Although the term men is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “from humans”

363621:25bymprc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

363721:25i5airc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπαρ’ ἑαυτοῖς1

Here, the phrase among themselves could mean: (1) that the chief priests and elders were reasoning with each other. Alternate translation: “with one another” (2) that the chief priests and elders were thinking this without saying it. Alternate translation: “within themselves”

363821:25emhsrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”

363921:25vvt5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesἐὰν εἴπωμεν, ἐξ οὐρανοῦ, ἐρεῖ ἡμῖν, διὰ τί οὖν οὐκ ἐπιστεύσατε αὐτῷ?1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there are not quotations within a quotation. Alternate translation: “If we say that it was from heaven, then he will ask us for what reason we did not believe him.”

364021:25seb0rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalἐὰν εἴπωμεν, ἐξ οὐρανοῦ, ἐρεῖ ἡμῖν, διὰ τί οὖν οὐκ ἐπιστεύσατε αὐτῷ1

Here the chief priests and elders use an imaginary situation to help them decide how to answer the question. Use a natural method in your language for introducing an imaginary situation. Alternate translation: “Imagine that we say, From heaven. In that case, he will say to us, Why then did you not believe him?’”

364121:25jmg7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionδιὰ τί οὖν οὐκ ἐπιστεύσατε αὐτῷ?1

The chief priests and elders expect that Jesus would use the question form to rebuke them. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Then you should have believed him.” or “You certainly should have believed him, then!”

364221:26iyslrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoἐὰν & εἴπωμεν, ἐξ ἀνθρώπων, φοβούμεθα τὸν ὄχλον1

Here the chief priests and elders use an imaginary situation to help them decide how to answer the question. Use a natural method in your language for introducing an imaginary situation. Alternate translation: “imagine that we say, From men. In that case, we fear the crowd”

364321:26zxn4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesἐὰν & εἴπωμεν, ἐξ ἀνθρώπων,1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “if we say that it was from men,”

364421:26fplyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἐξ ἀνθρώπων1

Although the term men is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “From humans”

364521:26vn6jrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultφοβούμεθα τὸν ὄχλον, πάντες γὰρ ὡς προφήτην ἔχουσιν τὸν Ἰωάννην1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “the crowd regard John as a prophet, so we fear them all”

364621:26keferc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸν ὄχλον1

Here Matthew implies that the chief priests and elders feared what the crowd would do if they answered in this way. They might have rioted or attacked them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “what the crowd would do” or “that the crowd might riot”

364721:26hhrnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleπάντες & ἔχουσιν1

The chief priests and elders say all here as an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “most of them regard”

364821:27wv8jrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ1

Here, the word And introduces what the chief priests and scribes did as a result of what they said to each other. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the result of an action. Alternate translation: “Therefore,” or “So then,”

364921:27eq25rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisοὐκ οἴδαμεν1

The chief priests and elders are leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the context if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “We do not know where the baptism of John was from”

365021:27ylr5rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὐδὲ ἐγὼ λέγω ὑμῖν1

With the words Neither do I tell you, Jesus is indicating that this is the result of what the Jewish leaders told him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could include a word or phrase that introduces a result. Alternate translation: “Then I will not tell you” or “Well then, neither do I tell you”

365121:27foa7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐν ποίᾳ ἐξουσίᾳ ταῦτα ποιῶ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of authority, you could express the same idea in another way. See how you expressed the idea in 21:23. Alternate translation: “how I am empowered to do these things”

365221:27hibcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitταῦτα ποιῶ1

Here, the phrase these things refers to what Jesus has done since he arrived in Jerusalem, including driving people out of the temple, healing people, and teaching. See how you translated the similar phrase in 21:23. Alternate translation: “I teach, heal, and drive people out of the temple”

365321:28awdirc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next topic that Jesus wishes to speak about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next topic, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,”

365421:28iem2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί & ὑμῖν δοκεῖ?1

Jesus is using the question form to get the attention of the chief priests and the elders. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I want you to pay attention to what I am about to say.” or “listen to this!”

365521:28u56nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parablesἄνθρωπος εἶχεν τέκνα δύο1

To teach the chief priests and the elders, Jesus offers a story or illustration. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Listen to this story: A man had two children”

365621:28y2anrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτῷ πρώτῳ1

Jesus is using the adjective first as a noun to mean the first child. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the first child”

365721:28avgirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῷ πρώτῳ1

Here, the word first could imply that: (1) this child was the older one. Alternate translation: “the older” (2) this child simply the first one with whom the father spoke. Alternate translation: “the first one he found”

365821:28i25lrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalτῷ πρώτῳ1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “child one”

365921:28qozlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesεἶπεν, τέκνον, ὕπαγε σήμερον, ἐργάζου ἐν τῷ ἀμπελῶνι1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “he called him son and told him to go work that day in the vineyard.”

366021:28m89prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularὕπαγε & ἐργάζου1

Since the man is talking to one of his children, the commands here are singular.

366121:28eetjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goὕπαγε1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of go. Alternate translation: “come”

366221:29-31a0l3rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsοὐ θέλω; ὕστερον δὲ μεταμεληθεὶς, ἀπῆλθεν & ἐγώ, κύριε, καὶ οὐκ ἀπῆλθεν & ὁ πρῶτος.1

Many ancient manuscripts have the story as the ULT presents it. Some ancient manuscripts tell the story in a different sequence or with different answers to the questions. See the chapter introduction for more information. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

366321:29y9egrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces what the mans child said in contrast with what his father told him to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “In response,” or “In contrast,”

366421:29mnptrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesεἶπεν, οὐ θέλω1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “said that he would not,”

366521:29alwyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐ θέλω1

Here the mans child means that he will not go and work in the vineyard. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “I will not work in the vineyard”

366621:29ub09rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequentialὕστερον1

Here, the word afterward introduces something that happened after the mans child said I will not. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces something that happened later. Alternate translation: “later that day”

366721:29b96zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomμεταμεληθεὶς1

Here, the phrase changed his mind refers to deciding to do something that one had previously chosen not to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “having second thoughts” or “having reconsidered”

366821:29jlpcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπῆλθεν1

Here Jesus implies that the mans child went to the vineyard and worked there. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he went and worked in the vineyard”

366921:29prdjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἀπῆλθεν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “came” instead of went. Alternate translation: “he came”

367021:30sbk3rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

367121:30z073rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτῷ ἑτέρῳ1

Jesus is using the adjective other as a noun to mean the other child. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the other child”

367221:30mrxirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἶπεν ὡσαύτως1

Here Jesus means that the man said the same things that he said to the the first child (see 21:28). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he said the same thing” or “he told him also to go work in his vineyard”

367321:30ne3trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesεἶπεν, ἐγώ, κύριε1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “called him lord and said that he would,”

367421:30cq83rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐγώ1

Here the mans child means that he will go and work in the vineyard. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “I will work in the vineyard”

367521:30jxqdrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politenessκύριε1

In Jesus culture, the word lord was a polite way for a child to address a father. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that is a polite way to address a father in your culture. Alternate translation: “sir”

367621:30cy4mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐκ ἀπῆλθεν1

Here Jesus implies that the mans child did not go to the vineyard and did not work there. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he did not go and work in the vineyard”

367721:30fddhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goοὐκ ἀπῆλθεν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of go. Alternate translation: “he did not come”

367821:31ec9frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτῶν δύο1

Jesus is using the number two as a noun to refer to the two children. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this number with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the two of them”

367921:31gljurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὸ θέλημα τοῦ πατρός1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of will, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what his father desired”

368021:31f3v8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγουσιν & λέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “They said … said”

368121:31pdxlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjὁ πρῶτος1

The chief priests and the scribes are using the number first as a noun to refer to the first child. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this number with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “The first child”

368221:31dt0erc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalὁ πρῶτος.1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “Child one”

368321:31v4snrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπροάγουσιν ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν Θεοῦ1

Here Jesus could be implying that: (1) the tax collectors and prostitutes enter into the kingdom of God first, and at least some of the chief priests and elders will enter later. Alternate translation: “enter into the kingdom of God first, before you do” (2) the tax collectors and prostitutes enter into the kingdom of God instead of the chief priests and elders. Alternate translation: “enter into the kingdom of God instead of you”

368421:32djemrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a basis for what Jesus said in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “That is because” or “Here is why I say that:”

368521:32a8z8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἦλθεν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “went” instead of came. Alternate translation: “went”

368621:32n2verc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐν ὁδῷ δικαιοσύνης1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of righteousness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in the righteous way”

368721:32cn7orc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐν ὁδῷ δικαιοσύνης1

Here Jesus uses the word way to refer to behavior in life. More specifically, he could mean that: (1) John lived a life characterized by righteousness. Alternate translation: “living righteously” or “behaving in righteous ways” (2) John showed others how to live lives characterized by righteousness. Alternate translation: “to show you how to be righteous”

368821:32c5t4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youοὐκ ἐπιστεύσατε αὐτῷ1

Here, you is plural and refers to the religious leaders, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

368921:32w855rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοὐ μετεμελήθητε1

Here, the phrase change your minds refers to deciding to do something that one had previously chosen not to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “did not have second thoughts” or “did not reconsider”

369021:33yd4irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parablesἄλλην παραβολὴν ἀκούσατε: ἄνθρωπος ἦν1

To teach the chief priests and the elders, Jesus offers a story or illustration. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Now listen to this story: There was a man”

369121:33ipgnrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participantsἄνθρωπος ἦν οἰκοδεσπότης, ὅστις1

Matthew is using the phrase There was a man, a landowner to introduce this person into the story. If your language has its own way of introducing new participants, you could use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “A man, a landowner,”

369221:33v39urc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownφραγμὸν1

A hedge is a thick wall made out of busy plants that were planted close together. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of wall, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “a wall made of bushes” or “wall of plants”

369321:33eu7xrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἐξέδετο αὐτὸν γεωργοῖς1

As the rest of the story shows, the man rented the vineyard not for regular cash payments but under an arrangement that entitled him to a share of the crop in exchange for the use of the land. If an arrangement like that would not be familiar to your readers, you could translate this in a way that explains it. Alternate translation: “allowed some farmers to use it in exchange for a share of the crop”

369421:34cm82rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

369521:34p5b1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἤγγισεν ὁ καιρὸς τῶν καρπῶν1

Here, the phrase the time of the fruits refers to the time of year when the grape vines produced grapes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it was almost harvest time” or “the grapes were almost ripe”

369621:34rutcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitλαβεῖν τοὺς καρποὺς αὐτοῦ1

Here the master of the house wants to receive the share of the fruits that the farmers agreed to pay him when he rented the vineyard to them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “to receive his portion of the fruit” or “to receive the fruits that they agreed to pay him”

369721:34c0kgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτοὺς καρποὺς αὐτοῦ1

Here, the word fruits could refer: (1) directly to the grapes that the vineyard produced. Alternate translation: “his grapes” (2) figuratively to what the farmers made when they sold the grapes. Alternate translation: “his money”

369821:34h8l6rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsκαρποὺς αὐτοῦ1

Here, the word translated his could refer to: (1) the master of the house, who owned the vineyard. Alternate translation: “the fruits that were his” (2) the vineyard. Alternate translation: “its fruits” or “the fruits of the vineyard”

369921:35n1cqrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsτοὺς δούλους αὐτοῦ1

The pronoun his refers to the master of the house. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to him more directly. Alternate translation: “the master of the houses servants”

370021:36slehrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτῶν πρώτων1

Jesus is using the number first as a noun to mean the servants who were sent first. Your language may use numbers in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the first servants”

370121:36go2krc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalτῶν πρώτων1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “the previous ones”

370221:36ezuurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐποίησαν αὐτοῖς ὡσαύτως1

Here Jesus means that the farmers did the same things to these later servants as they did to the first servants (see 21:35). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “they did the same things to them” or “they beat, killed, or stoned them too”

370321:36c5rnrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἐποίησαν αὐτοῖς1

The pronoun they refers to the farmers, and the pronoun them refers to the servants. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to these people more directly. Alternate translation: “the farmers did to the servants”

370421:37dknzrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequentialὕστερον δὲ1

Here, the phrase But afterward introduces something that happened after the man sent many servants to the farmers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces something that happened later. Alternate translation: “After all that happened”

370521:37q5q3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureἀπέστειλεν πρὸς αὐτοὺς τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ λέγων, ἐντραπήσονται τὸν υἱόν μου1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these two clauses. Alternate translation: “saying, They will respect my son, he sent to them his son.”

370621:37p4qyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesλέγων, ἐντραπήσονται τὸν υἱόν μου1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “saying that they would respect his son”

370721:37t79src://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

If you keep the direct quotation, consider natural ways of introducing it in your language. Alternate translation: “and he thought”

370821:37th97rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐντραπήσονται τὸν υἱόν μου1

Here, the man implies that respecting his son would also mean giving him the portion of the fruits that he and the farmers had agreed upon. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “They will respect my son and give him my portion of the fruits”

370921:38klelrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοἱ δὲ γεωργοὶ ἰδόντες τὸν υἱὸν1

Here Jesus implies that the son traveled to the vineyard, after which the farmers saw him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Then the son arrived at the vineyard. But the farmers, having seen him”

371021:38qznwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesεἶπον ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ κληρονόμος; δεῦτε, ἀποκτείνωμεν αὐτὸν καὶ σχῶμεν τὴν κληρονομίαν αὐτοῦ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “said among themselves that this man was the heir and that they should come and kill him and have his inheritance”

371121:38so0krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν ἑαυτοῖς1

Here, the phrase among themselves could mean: (1) that the farmers were speaking with each other. Alternate translation: “to one another” (2) that the farmers were thinking this without saying it. Alternate translation: “within themselves”

371221:38w2w7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goδεῦτε1

In a context such as this, your language might say “Go” instead of Come. Alternate translation: “Go”

371321:38ns1yrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalκαὶ1

Here, the word and introduces the purpose for which the farmers plan to kill the son. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a purpose. Alternate translation: “in order that we might”

371421:38k4hvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὴν κληρονομίαν αὐτοῦ1

Here the farmers are referring primarily to the vineyard, which would be the sons inheritance. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “his inheritance, this vineyard”

371521:38kka8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν κληρονομίαν αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of inheritance, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what he will inherit”

371621:39wzlvrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ1

Here, the word And introduces what the farmers did as a result of what they said to each other. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the result of an action. Alternate translation: “Therefore,” or “So then,”

371721:40x1llrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1

Here, the word Therefore introduces a question that Jesus asks based on the story that he has told. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of question. Alternate translation: “In light of that story” or “Given all that”

371821:40i6zkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionὁ κύριος τοῦ ἀμπελῶνος1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe a lord who owns the vineyard. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the lord who owned the vineyard” or “the man whose vineyard it is”

371921:40irlgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔλθῃ1

Here, the word comes indicates that the lord of the vineyard returns to the vineyard. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “returns” or “visits them”

372021:41ss2mrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsλέγουσιν1

The pronoun they refers to the chief priests and elders. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to these people more directly. Alternate translation: “The chief priests and elders say”

372121:41muybrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγουσιν1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “They said”

372221:41cehyrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὸν ἀμπελῶνα ἐκδώσεται ἄλλοις γεωργοῖς1

Here the chief priests and elders refer to the same kind of arrangement that Jesus referred to in 21:33. Express the idea as you did there. Alternate translation: “allow other farmers to use it”

372321:41ywl6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν τοῖς καιροῖς αὐτῶν1

Here, the phrase in their times refers to the time of year when the grape vines produced grapes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed the idea in 21:34. Alternate translation: “at harvest time” or “when the grapes are ripe”

372421:42npxprc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said”

372521:42kk7erc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοῖς1

The pronoun them refers to the chief priests and the elders. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to them more directly. Alternate translation: “to the chief priests and elders”

372621:42me7grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐδέποτε ἀνέγνωτε ἐν ταῖς Γραφαῖς, λίθον ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες, οὗτος ἐγενήθη εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας; παρὰ Κυρίου ἐγένετο αὕτη, καὶ ἔστιν θαυμαστὴ ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς ἡμῶν?1

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke and teach the chief priests and elders. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I know that you have read, A stone that the builders rejected, this has become the head of the corner. This came about from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes.’” or “Surely you have read, A stone that the builders rejected, this has become the head of the corner. This came about from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes!”

372721:42z9tmrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsοὐδέποτε ἀνέγνωτε ἐν ταῖς Γραφαῖς1

Here Jesus introduces a quotation from an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book of Psalms (see Psalm 118:2223). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Jesus is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “Did you never read in the book of Psalms” or “Have you never read what someone wrote in our Scriptures”

372821:42mcm8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorλίθον ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες, οὗτος ἐγενήθη εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας1

Here the author of the quotation speaks of a person whom others reject as if he were a stone that builders rejected. He speaks of this person gaining power and respect as if he became the head of the corner. Jesus is applying this quotation to himself as the stone. However, if possible, preserve the metaphor in your translation, or if necessary you could express the idea in simile form. Alternate translation: “A person who is like a stone that the builders rejected, that person has become like the head of the corner”

372921:42fgbrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitλίθον ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες1

Here the author of the quotation is referring to the way people in this culture used stones to build the walls of houses and other buildings. In this case, the people do not want to use the stone for building. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “A stone that the builders thought was not good enough to use for building”

373021:42uid2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomκεφαλὴν γωνίας1

The phrase the head of the corner refers to a specific stone that is especially key or important for a structure. It could be a stone at the corner of a wall, a stone at the top of an arch, or another important stone. You could use a term for one of these kinds of stones, or you could refer generally to an important or essential stone. Alternate translation: “the cornerstone” or “the capstone” or “the most important stone”

373121:42b1srπαρὰ Κυρίου ἐγένετο αὕτη1

Alternate translation: “The Lord has caused this”

373221:42el83rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς ἡμῶν1

Here, eyes represents a persons judgement or evaluation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in our opinion” or “from our perspective”

373321:43u7pdrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultδιὰ τοῦτο1

Here, the phrase For this reason introduces an inference based on the parable that Jesus has told and the quotation in the previous verse.. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of inference. Alternate translation: “Because of that,” or “Therefore,”

373421:43s93aλέγω ὑμῖν1

Jesus uses the clause I say to you to emphasize what he is telling the chief priests and elders. Use a natural form in your language for emphasizing the truth and importance of a statement. Alternate translation: “I want you to know”

373521:43yga5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀρθήσεται ἀφ’ ὑμῶν ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ δοθήσεται ἔθνει1

Here Jesus speaks as if the kingdom of God were an object that could be taken away and given. He means that the ability to be part of Gods kingdom will be taken away and given. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable image or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the ability to be in the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and will be given to a nation” or “the kingdom of God will no longer accept you and will accept a nation”

373621:43x9nqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀρθήσεται ἀφ’ ὑμῶν ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ δοθήσεται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who will do the action, it is clear from the context that it will be God. Alternate translation: “God will take away his kingdom from you and give it”

373721:43cm2irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorποιοῦντι τοὺς καρποὺς αὐτῆς1

Here, Jesus speaks of how people behave as if they were plants that produced fruit. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “acting in its ways” or “perform its deeds”

373821:43c7pbrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsτοὺς καρποὺς αὐτῆς1

The pronoun its refers to the kingdom of God. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to the kingdom more directly. Alternate translation: “the kingdoms fruits”

373921:43d8worc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτοὺς καρποὺς αὐτῆς1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe fruits that are appropriate for the kingdom. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “fruits appropriate for it” or “fruits that are required for those who are in the kingdom”

374021:44zm4grc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsκαὶ ὁ πεσὼν ἐπὶ τὸν λίθον τοῦτον, συνθλασθήσεται; ἐφ’ ὃν δ’ ἂν πέσῃ, λικμήσει αὐτόν1

Many ancient manuscripts include this verse. The ULT follows that reading. Some ancient manuscripts do not include this verse. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

374121:44r7uprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ πεσὼν ἐπὶ τὸν λίθον τοῦτον, συνθλασθήσεται; ἐφ’ ὃν δ’ ἂν πέσῃ, λικμήσει αὐτόν1

Here Jesus speaks of people who reject a person as if they had fallen on this stone and will be broken to pieces. He speaks of people whom this person punishes as if the stone fell on them and crushed them. Jesus is applying this quotation to himself as the stone. However, if possible, preserve the metaphor in your translation, or if necessary you could express the idea in simile form. Alternate translation: “people who have rejected the person I have mentioned are like people who fall on a stone and are broken to pieces. When the person I have mentioned punishes people, it is like a stone falling on them and crushing them”

374221:44e7qcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὁ πεσὼν ἐπὶ τὸν λίθον τοῦτον, συνθλασθήσεται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who would do the action, it is clear from the context that it would be the stone. Alternate translation: “this stone will break to pieces the one having fallen on it”

374321:44xisgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸν λίθον τοῦτον1

Here, this stone is the same stone as in 21:42. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “that stone” or “the stone that became the head of the corner”

374421:44xjw6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoἐφ’ ὃν & ἂν πέσῃ, λικμήσει αὐτόν1

Here, Jesus first introduces on whom the stone falls and then state what will happen to that person. If stating the topic and then referring back to it with the word him would be redundant in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “it will crush whomever it falls on”

374521:44l37prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsαὐτόν1

Although the term him is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “that person”

374621:45gh8wrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “he was speaking”

374721:46kv1frc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultκαὶ ζητοῦντες αὐτὸν κρατῆσαι, ἐφοβήθησαν τοὺς ὄχλους, ἐπεὶ εἰς προφήτην αὐτὸν εἶχον1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the last clause gives the reason for the result that the second clause describes. Alternate translation: “Now the crowds regarded him as a prophet, so they, seeking to arrest him, were afraid of those crowds”

374821:46ttborc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐφοβήθησαν τοὺς ὄχλους1

Here Matthew implies that the chief priests and Pharisees did not seize Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “they did not do so since they feared the crowds”

374921:46i35yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοὺς ὄχλους1

Here Matthew implies that the chief priests and the Pharisees feared what the crowds would do if they seized Jesus. They might have rioted or attacked them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “what the crowd would do” or “that the crowd might riot”

375022:introk5ze0

Matthew 22 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

  1. Jesus ministers in Judea (19:1-22:46)
    • The parable of the wedding feast (22:114)
    • Jesus debates with the religious leaders (22:1546)
      • Jesus debates with the Pharisees and Herodians about taxes (22:1522)
      • Jesus debates with the Sadducees about the resurrection (22:2333)
      • Jesus debates with a lawyer about the greatest commandment (22:3440)
      • Jesus asks the religious leaders about the Christ (22:4146)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 22:44, which is a quote from Psalm 110:1.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

The poll tax

The word translated “poll tax” refers to a specific amount of money that each adult person had to pay to the government. In Jesus time period, the Roman government required Jewish adults to pay a high tax. The Pharisees ask whether this tax that the Roman government required contradicted the law that God gave Moses. Make sure that your readers understand that the Pharisees are asking about a tax that the Roman government required each adult Jewish person to pay.

A man marrying his brothers widow

In 22:2333, the Sadducees question Jesus in regard to a hypothetical situation in which a woman marries seven brothers in succession. This situation is based on a command in the Jewish law that can be found in Deuteronomy 25:56. The law requires a woman who is widowed without children to marry a brother of her late husband. The first child that they have together will be considered the child of the dead man. In this way, that mans family line would continue. The Sadducees present an extreme application of this law, with seven brothers successively marrying the same woman and dying without having children. They use this example to try to make the idea of resurrection look strange or silly. Make sure that your readers understand the example that the Sadducees present.

The great commandment

Jewish teachers sometimes debated which specific commandment was the greatest or most important one. This was important because, if commandments seemed to contradict each other in a specific situation, the greater one would be the correct one to obey. When the lawyer asks Jesus about “the first and great commandment” in 22:36, he wants Jesus to offer an opinion about this debate. Make sure that your readers understand that this is what the lawyer is asking about.

King David and the Christ

In 22:4145, Jesus asks the Pharisees about which important person the Christ is descended from. They give a commonly accepted answer: the Christ is King Davids descendant. Jesus then quotes from Psalm 110:1, in which King David, the author of the Psalm, calls God “Lord” but then also calls someone else, the Christ, “my Lord.” Since people in Davids culture called older and more important people “lord,” it does not make sense for David to call his own descendant “Lord.” When Jesus asks about this, he implies that the Christ is indeed King Davids descendant, but he is also more than that. Make sure that this the discussion about calling someone “Lord” is clear to your readers.

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

The Parable of the Wedding Feast

In 22:114, Jesus tells a story about a king whose son was getting married. He wanted to throw a feast, so he invited important people to come. However, they refused to come and even mistreated the kings servants. In response, the king punished those people and instead invited many unimportant people whom his servants found. When the king went to visit these guests, he noticed that one of them was not wearing clothing appropriate for a wedding feast. He had him tied up and punished. He applies this parable by indicating that many people are “called” to be part of Gods kingdom but only a few of them are “chosen” to actually do so. In other words, just as the king invited many people to come to the feast, but only a few actually attended, so God invites many people to participate in his kingdom, but only a few actually do so. While you should not explain the meaning more than Jesus does, make sure that your translation fits with what Jesus is illustrating. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Singular and plural forms of “you”

Many of the forms of “you” in this chapter appear in speeches that Jesus gives to the Jewish leaders or in things that the king in the parable says to his servants. Because of this, many forms of “you” in this chapter are plural. You should assume forms of “you” are plural unless a note specifies that the form is singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

Paradox

A paradox is a statement that describes two things that seemingly cannot both be true at the same time. To the Jews, ancestors were greater than their descendants. However, in one psalm David calls one of his descendants “Lord.” Jesus tells the Jewish leaders that this is a paradox, asking, “If David then calls the Christ Lord, how is he Davids son?” (22:45). He is trying to lead his hearers to the true understanding that the Christ will be divine, and that he himself is the Christ. So David is speaking to his son, that is, his descendant, as the Christ, and it is appropriate for him to address him as his “Lord.”

375122:1uh33rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀποκριθεὶς1

Here, the word answering indicates that Jesus is responding to how the chief priests and the Pharisees wanted to arrest him (see 21:4546). He is not responding to something that they said to him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “responding to what they wanted to do” or “in response”

375222:1zy3qrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοῖς1

The pronoun them refers to the chief priests, the elders, and the Pharisees, with whom Jesus has been talking. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to these people more directly. Alternate translation: “to the chief priests, the elders, and the Pharisees” or “to the Jewish leaders”

375322:1cjparc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he declared”

375422:2xps3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parablesὡμοιώθη ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν ἀνθρώπῳ1

To teach the Jewish leaders, Jesus offers a story or illustration. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Listen to this story: the kingdom of the heavens is compared to a man”

375522:2dn02rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὡμοιώθη ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the comparing, it is clear from the context that it is Jesus himself. Alternate translation: “I compare the kingdom of the heavens to” or “The kingdom of the heavens is comparable to”

375622:3cuyzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπέστειλεν τοὺς δούλους αὐτοῦ, καλέσαι τοὺς κεκλημένους εἰς τοὺς γάμους1

Here Jesus implies that the king had already sent out invitations and was now sending his servants to let people know that it was time to come to the feast. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he invited many guests to the wedding feast. When it was time, he sent out his servants to call the ones having been invited”

375722:3pf8src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureκαλέσαι τοὺς κεκλημένους εἰς τοὺς γάμους1

Here, the phrase to the wedding feast could go with: (1) the phrase had been invited. Alternate translation: “to call the the ones having been invited to be guests at the wedding feast” (2) the phrase to call. Alternate translation: “to call to go to the wedding feast the ones having been invited”

375822:3wur1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτοὺς κεκλημένους1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was king himself. Alternate translation: “the ones that the king had invited”

375922:3c007rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ2

Here, the word and introduces what actually happened in contrast to what the king wanted. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a contrast. Alternate translation: “but”

376022:3npqwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθεῖν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “go” instead of come. Alternate translation: “to go”

376122:4arqxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesλέγων, εἴπατε τοῖς κεκλημένοις, ἰδοὺ, τὸ ἄριστόν μου ἡτοίμακα, οἱ ταῦροί μου καὶ τὰ σιτιστὰ τεθυμένα, καὶ πάντα ἕτοιμα; δεῦτε εἰς τοὺς γάμους.1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there are not quotations within quotations. Alternate translation: “telling them to say to the ones having been invited that he had prepared his dinner, that his oxen and fattened calves had been killed, and that all things were ready, so they should come to the wedding feast.”

376222:4myesrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

If you keep the direct quotation, consider natural ways of introducing it in your language. Alternate translation: “and he told them”

376322:4c7x4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτοῖς κεκλημένοις1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was king himself. Alternate translation: “the ones that I have invited”

376422:4rnkdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold is intended to draw the attention of the people who were invited and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks these people to listen. Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention:”

376522:4af2arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ ἄριστόν μου ἡτοίμακα1

Here the king implies that he had his servants prepare the dinner. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “I have had people prepare my dinner”

376622:4xu4trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοἱ ταῦροί μου καὶ τὰ σιτιστὰ τεθυμένα1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was the kings servants. Alternate translation: “My servants have killed my oxen and fattened calves”

376722:4krm5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownοἱ ταῦροί μου καὶ τὰ σιτιστὰ1

The word bulls refers to male cows. The phrase fattened calves refers to young cows that were specially fed and taken care of so that they would make good food when they were slaughtered. These animals were valuable and considered to be very good for food. If your readers would not be familiar with these types of animals, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “My male cows and specially fed young cows” or “The special animals that we will eat”

376822:4ro9hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτεθυμένα1

Here the king implies that the oxen and fattened calves have been slaughtered and prepared for eating. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “have been prepared as food”

376922:4ufjhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeδεῦτε1

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a polite request rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “I ask that you come”

377022:4s6slrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goδεῦτε1

In a context such as this, your language might say “Go” instead of Come. Alternate translation: “Go”

377122:5ee04rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces what those people did in contrast to what the king asked them to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Despite that,”

377222:5eq7qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπῆλθον, ὃς μὲν εἰς τὸν ἴδιον ἀγρόν, ὃς δὲ ἐπὶ τὴν ἐμπορίαν αὐτοῦ1

Here Jesus gives examples of what some of the people did instead of attending the wedding feast. He does not mean that there were only two people who were invited. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “went away to do other things, like taking care of fields or businesses”

377322:5ery7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτὸν ἴδιον & αὐτοῦ1

Although the terms his and his are masculine, Jesus is using the words in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “to his or her own … his or her”

377422:6l8twrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces what other guests did in contrast to what some guests did as described in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces that kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “In contrast,”

377522:6v5qwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjοἱ & λοιποὶ1

Jesus is using the adjective rest as a noun to mean the rest of the invited guests. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the rest of the guests”

377622:6hooerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὕβρισαν καὶ ἀπέκτειναν1

Here Jesus implies that some of them mistreated some of the servants, while others killed some of the servants. They did not always mistreat and kill each servant. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “mistreated some and killed others”

377722:7f1darc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

377822:7la7src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπώλεσεν τοὺς φονεῖς ἐκείνους, καὶ τὴν πόλιν αὐτῶν ἐνέπρησεν1

Here Jesus implies that the king had his soldiers destroy those murderers and burn their city. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he had them kill those murders and burn their city”

377922:8-9zemzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesλέγει τοῖς δούλοις αὐτοῦ, ὁ μὲν γάμος ἕτοιμός ἐστιν, οἱ δὲ κεκλημένοι οὐκ ἦσαν ἄξιοι & πορεύεσθε οὖν ἐπὶ τὰς διεξόδους τῶν ὁδῶν, καὶ ὅσους ἐὰν εὕρητε, καλέσατε εἰς τοὺς γάμους1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “he told his servants that the wedding feast was ready, but the ones having been invited were not worthy. So, he commanded them to go to the crossings of the roads and invite as many as they found to teh wedding feast.”

378022:8freirc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “he said”

378122:8k98urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοἱ & κεκλημένοι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was king himself. Alternate translation: “the ones that I had invited”

378222:8y3xorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἄξιοι1

Here the king implies that the people were not worthy to attend the wedding feast. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “worthy to come” or “worthy to be at the feast”

378322:9sc89rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goπορεύεσθε1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of go. Alternate translation: “come”

378422:9dq5hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὰς διεξόδους τῶν ὁδῶν1

Here, the phrase the crossings of the roads could refer to: (1) the places where roads cross other roads. Alternate translation: “the street crossings” (2) the places where roads from the city cross into the country. Alternate translation: “where the roads leave the city”

378522:10f0k0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐξελθόντες1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of gone. Alternate translation: “having come out”

378622:10uva7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjπονηρούς τε καὶ ἀγαθούς1

Jesus is using the adjectives evil and good as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “both evil people and good people”

378722:10c6phrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐπλήσθη ὁ γάμος ἀνακειμένων1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “those reclining to eat filled the wedding”

378822:10fy3arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὁ γάμος1

Here, wedding represents the place where the wedding celebration would take place. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “place for the wedding”

378922:10gurprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀνακειμένων1

In Jesus culture, people would usually recline, or lay on one side, when they were eating. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to the position in which people eat in your culture, or you could just refer to eating. Alternate translation: “with those sitting down to eat” or “with those ready to eat”

379022:11bnwurc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

379122:11rrinrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goεἰσελθὼν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “having gone in”

379222:11a98vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοὺς ἀνακειμένους1

In Jesus culture, people would usually recline, or lay on one side, when they were eating. See how you expressed the idea in 22:10. Alternate translation: “the ones sitting down to eat” or “the ones ready to eat”

379322:11o5firc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἔνδυμα γάμου1

The phrase wedding clothes refers to nice or special clothing that people would wear to weddings. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of clothing, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “appropriate clothes” or “the correct clothing”

379422:12tjejrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesλέγει αὐτῷ, ἑταῖρε, πῶς εἰσῆλθες ὧδε μὴ ἔχων ἔνδυμα γάμου?1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “and asked him politely how he came in that place, not having wedding clothes.”

379522:12ld9yrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Jesus uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “he said”

379622:12c7iyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionπῶς εἰσῆλθες ὧδε μὴ ἔχων ἔνδυμα γάμου?1

The king is using the question form to rebuke the man who was not wearing wedding clothes. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “it was wrong for you to come in here, not having wedding clothes.” or “you should never have come in here, not having wedding clothes!”

379722:12vm69rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularεἰσῆλθες1

Here, the word you is singular because the king is speaking to one of the wedding guests.

379822:12vrwyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goεἰσῆλθες1

In a context such as this, your language might say “go” instead of come. Alternate translation: “did you go in”

379922:12si4wrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἔνδυμα γάμου1

The phrase wedding clothes refers to nice or special clothing that people would wear to weddings. Express the idea as you did in 22:11. Alternate translation: “appropriate clothes” or “the correct clothing”

380022:13eirlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesὁ βασιλεὺς εἶπεν τοῖς διακόνοις, δήσαντες αὐτοῦ πόδας καὶ χεῖρας, ἐκβάλετε αὐτὸν εἰς τὸ σκότος τὸ ἐξώτερον; ἐκεῖ ἔσται ὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “the king commanded his servants to bind his feet and hands and to throw him out into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and grinding of the teeth.”

380122:13tzhprc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsεἰς τὸ σκότος τὸ ἐξώτερον; ἐκεῖ ἔσται ὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων1

Here, the clause where there will be weeping and grinding of the teeth could be: (1) something that the king says. Alternate translation: “into the outer darkness, which is where there will be weeping and grinding of the teeth.’” (2) something that Jesus adds in comment. Alternate translation: “into the outer darkness. That is where there will be weeping and grinding of the teeth.”

380222:13olinrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorεἰς τὸ σκότος τὸ ἐξώτερον1

Here, the phrase the outer darkness refers to a place of punishment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. If possible, preserve the idea of darkness. See how you expressed the similar idea in 8:12. Alternate translation: “into the dark place of punishment”

380322:13rpy8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὸ σκότος τὸ ἐξώτερον1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of darkness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the dark place outside”

380422:13s9gerc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων1

In Jesus culture, people would grind their teeth when they experienced anger, grief, and pain. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to an action with comparable meaning or state the meaning of this action plainly. See how you expressed this phrase in 8:12. Alternate translation: “beating of breasts” or “grinding of the teeth in anger and pain”

380522:14yz5frc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγάρ1

Here, the word For introduces Jesus explanation of the story he has just told. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation. Alternate translation: “Here is what I mean:” or “What that parable illustrates is that”

380622:14hy3arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπολλοὶ & εἰσιν κλητοὶ, ὀλίγοι δὲ ἐκλεκτοί1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, it is clear from the context that it is God. Alternate translation: “God calls many, but he chooses few”

380722:14ourerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjπολλοὶ & ὀλίγοι1

Matthew is using the adjectives many and few as nouns to mean many people and few people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “many people … few people”

380822:14etqlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκλητοὶ & ἐκλεκτοί1

Here Jesus implies that people are called and chosen to enter into Gods kingdom. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “called to enter Gods kingdom … chosen to enter it”

380922:14py1nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisὀλίγοι & ἐκλεκτοί1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “few are chosen”

381022:15y826rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventτότε1

Here, the word Then introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Then untranslated. Alternate translation: “Later on,” or “Sometime later,”

381122:15gqv1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goπορευθέντες1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of gone. Alternate translation: “having come”

381222:15m6tvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomσυμβούλιον ἔλαβον1

Here, the phrase took counsel indicates that the Pharisees were working together to figure something out. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed the similar phrase in 12:14. Alternate translation: “made plans concerning” or “came up with ideas for”

381322:15u2mjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorαὐτὸν παγιδεύσωσιν1

Matthew is speaking as if the Pharisees wanted to catch Jesus in a trap. He means that they wanted to get Jesus to say something that would allow them to accuse him of doing wrong. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they might catch him” or “they might cause him to make an error”

381422:15asshrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐν λόγῳ1

Here, word represents something said in words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in his speech”

381522:15z068rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν λόγῳ1

Here, the phrase in word could refer to things spoken by: (1) Jesus. Alternate translation: “in his words” (2) the Pharisees. Alternate translation: “with their words”

381622:16hhnerc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseἀποστέλλουσιν1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “they sent”

381722:16rf66rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτῶν Ἡρῳδιανῶν1

The Herodians were a group of people who supported the ruler Herod Antipas. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a short phrase to describe them. Alternate translation: “people who wanted King Herod to continue to rule”

381822:16eae4rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντας1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”

381922:16ku5yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularεἶ & διδάσκεις & σοι & οὐ & βλέπεις1

Throughout this verse, the word you is singular because the Herodians and the disciples of the Pharisees are speaking to Jesus.

382022:16v1tfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὴν ὁδὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Here, the Herodians and the disciples of the Pharisees are using the possessive form to describe a way that God desires or approves of. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the way that pleases God”

382122:16fspkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὴν ὁδὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Here Jesus uses the word way to refer to behavior in life. More specifically, he means that this behavior pleases God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “behavior that pleases God”

382222:16z92lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐν ἀληθείᾳ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of truth, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in a truthful way”

382322:16kaecrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὐ μέλει σοι περὶ οὐδενός, οὐ γὰρ βλέπεις εἰς πρόσωπον ἀνθρώπων1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “since you do not look at the face of men, it is not a concern to you about anyone”

382422:16q5c0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοὐ μέλει σοι περὶ οὐδενός1

The Herodians and the disciples of the Pharisees use this clause to say that Jesus does not care what others think and say about him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you do not concern yourself with the opinions of others” or “you are not influenced by what others think of you”

382522:16yrh2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐ μέλει σοι περὶ οὐδενός1

The words translated not and anyone are two negative words. In this construction, the second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. Instead, it gives greater emphasis to the negative. If your language can use two negatives that do not cancel one another to create a positive meaning, you could use a double negative here. If your language does not use two negatives in that way, you could translate with one negative, as the ULT does. Alternate translation: “it is a concern to you about no one”

382622:16wl4yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsοὐ μέλει σοι1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of concern, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “nothing concerns you”

382722:16t2qarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοὐ γὰρ βλέπεις εἰς πρόσωπον ἀνθρώπων1

Here, to look at the face of men refers to making decisions about how to treat people based on how they appear. People who look at the face of men treat wealthy and important people differently than they treat poor and unimportant people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for you do not judge men by appearances” or “for you do not treat people based on what they look like”

382822:16wr6zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀνθρώπων1

Although the term men is masculine, the Herodians and the disciples of the Pharisees are using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “of humans”

382922:17wez5rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1

Here, the word Therefore introduces what the Herodians and the disciples of the Pharisees want to ask because of what they have claimed to think about Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of question, or you could leave Therefore untranslated. Alternate translation: “So then” or “Since you teach that way”

383022:17e37erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionεἰπὲ & ἡμῖν, τί σοι δοκεῖ?1

The Herodians and the Pharisees are using the question form to get the attention of Jesus. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “tell us what you think.” or “tell us what you think!”

383122:17bl2xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeεἰπὲ1

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a polite request rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “we ask that you tell”

383222:17r4d4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularεἰπὲ & σοι1

Here, the imperative and the word you are singular because the Herodians and the disciples of the Pharisees are speaking to Jesus.

383322:17upturc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔξεστιν1

Here, the word lawful could be referring to: (1) whether something is permitted by the Jewish law that God gave to Moses. Alternate translation: “Does the law that God gave to Moses permit us” (2) whether something is generally right or wrong. Alternate translation: “Is it right” or “Is it appropriate”

383422:17a9byrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyΚαίσαρι1

Here, Caesar represents the Roman leaders and government in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to the Roman leaders” or “to the Roman empire”

383522:17i2n1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisοὔ1

The Herodians and the disciples of the Pharisees are leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “is it not lawful to do so”

383622:18ezn8rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

383722:18gwkprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν πονηρίαν αὐτῶν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wickedness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “that they were acting wickedly”

383822:18a2tirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί με πειράζετε, ὑποκριταί?1

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke the Herodians and the disciples of the Pharisees. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I know that you are testing me, hypocrites.” or “Stop testing me, hypocrites!”

383922:19ostdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὸ νόμισμα τοῦ κήνσου1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe a coin that is used to pay the poll tax. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the coin used to pay the poll tax”

384022:19h17xrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsοἱ1

The pronoun they refers to the people who were there, more specifically the Herodians and the disciples of the Pharisees. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to these people more directly. Alternate translation: “the disciples of the Pharisees and the Herodians” or “the people there”

384122:19cie7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoneyδηνάριον1

A denarius was a silver coin equivalent to about one days wage for a hired worker. You could try to express this amount in terms of current monetary values, but that might cause your Bible translation to become outdated and inaccurate, since those values can change over time. So instead you might state something more general or give the equivalent in wages. Alternate translation: “a silver coin” or “a coin worth one days wage”

384222:20bfx7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “he said”

384322:20ue7jrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοῖς1

The pronoun them refers to the Herodians and the disciples of the Pharisees. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to these people more directly. Alternate translation: “to the Herodians and the disciples of the Pharisees”

384422:20sytfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἡ εἰκὼν αὕτη καὶ ἡ ἐπιγραφή1

In Jesus culture, when governments made coins, they would usually put the face of the king or leader on one side, and they would usually have writing on the coin that honored that king or leader. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this practice more explicit. Alternate translation: “face and words of honor did the Roman government stamp on this coin”

384522:20crbyrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἡ ἐπιγραφή1

Here, the word inscription refers to a few words carved or pressed into a hard surface. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of writing, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “writing” or “written message”

384622:21w1k5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγουσιν & λέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “They said & he said”

384722:21oydyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisΚαίσαρος1

The Herodians and the disciples of the Pharisees are leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the previous verse if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “The image and inscription are Caesars”

384822:21juhzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitΚαίσαρος1

Here the fact that the image and inscription on the coin are Caesars implies that they were created by the empire that Caesar ruled, the Roman empire. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “They are of Caesar, the man who rules the Roman empire”

384922:21pi3irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὰ Καίσαρος Καίσαρι1

Here, Caesar represents the Roman leaders and government in general. See how you translated this word in 22:17, but make sure that the connection to the answer Caesars earlier in the verse is clear. Alternate translation: “the things of the Roman leaders to the Roman leaders” or “the things of the Roman empire to the Roman empire”

385022:21eseurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisκαὶ τὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ τῷ Θεῷ1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and give back the things of God to God”

385122:22vek6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἀπῆλθαν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “came” instead of went. Alternate translation: “they came away”

385222:23wqg2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequentialἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ1

The phrase On that day indicates that this event happened later that same day, after the previous event that Matthew described. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces an event that happened later on the same day. Alternate translation: “Later on, during that same day,”

385322:23pmq6rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participantsἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ προσῆλθον αὐτῷ Σαδδουκαῖοι λέγοντες, μὴ εἶναι ἀνάστασιν, καὶ ἐπηρώτησαν αὐτὸν1

Matthew is here introducing the Sadducees as new participants in the story. If your language has its own way of introducing new participants, you could use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “On that day some people approached him. They were Sadducees, who are a group who say that there is no resurrection. They questioned him”

385422:23scbcrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ προσῆλθον αὐτῷ Σαδδουκαῖοι λέγοντες, μὴ εἶναι ἀνάστασιν1

Here Matthew provides background information about the Sadducees that will help readers understand what happens next. Use a natural form in your language for introducing background information. Alternate translation: “Now the Sadducees teach that there is no resurrection. On that day, some of them approached him”

385522:23p6nmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsμὴ εἶναι ἀνάστασιν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of resurrection, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “that people do not resurrect”

385622:24bw5erc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”

385722:24xl5frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesΜωϋσῆς εἶπεν, ἐάν τις ἀποθάνῃ μὴ ἔχων τέκνα, ἐπιγαμβρεύσει ὁ ἀδελφὸς αὐτοῦ τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἀναστήσει σπέρμα τῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “Moses said that if someone has died, not having children, his brother will marry his wife and will raise up seed for his brother.”

385822:24t9dsrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsΜωϋσῆς εἶπεν1

Here, the Sadducees introduce a summary of a section of an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy (see Deuteronomy 25:56). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that the Sadducees are summarizing an important text. Alternate translation: “Moses wrote in the book of Deuteronomy” or “Moses declared in the Law”

385922:24xe1xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoἐάν τις ἀποθάνῃ μὴ ἔχων τέκνα, ἐπιγαμβρεύσει ὁ ἀδελφὸς αὐτοῦ1

Here Moses uses an imaginary situation to show what should happen when that kind of situation actually happens. Use a natural method in your language for introducing an imaginary situation. Alternate translation: “Suppose that someone has died, not having children. Then, his brother will marry”

386022:24n3yurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐπιγαμβρεύσει ὁ ἀδελφὸς αὐτοῦ τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἀναστήσει σπέρμα τῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ1

Here Moses required that, when a mans brother died without having any children even though he was married, the man had to marry his brothers widow. The first child that they had would be considered offspring of the mans deceased brother. That way, the deceased brothers family line could continue. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit in your translation, or you could include some of this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “his brother will marry the widow and will raise up seed with her. The first child will continue the dead mans family line”

386122:24id3brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarativeἐπιγαμβρεύσει ὁ ἀδελφὸς αὐτοῦ τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἀναστήσει1

The author of the quotation is using the future form to give a command. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea using a form that expresses a command or obligation. Alternate translation: “his brother must marry his wife and must raise up”

386222:24lnv3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀναστήσει σπέρμα1

Here, the author of the quotation is speaking of having a child as if it were raising up seed. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will produce offspring”

386322:25kfomrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next topic that the Sadducees want to talk about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next topic, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Now”

386422:25avsmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoἦσαν & παρ’ ἡμῖν ἑπτὰ ἀδελφοί; καὶ ὁ πρῶτος1

Here the Sadducees use an imaginary situation to set up a question they want to ask Jesus. Use a natural method in your language for introducing an imaginary situation. Alternate translation: “imagine a family with seven brothers. The first”

386522:25njdtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjὁ πρῶτος1

The Sadducees are using the number first as a noun to mean the first brother. Your language may use numbers in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the first brother”

386622:25ag5zrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalὁ πρῶτος1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here. Alternate translation: “brother number one”

386722:25bqahrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαὶ μὴ ἔχων σπέρμα, ἀφῆκεν τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ τῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ1

Here the Sadducees are indicating that the dead mans brother married the widow, as Moses commanded. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “And since he did not have seed, his brother married his wife to produce seed for him”

386822:25t9n0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorσπέρμα1

Here, the Sadducees are speaking of offspring as if they were seed. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “offspring”

386922:26ru81rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisὁ δεύτερος, καὶ ὁ τρίτος, ἕως τῶν ἑπτά,1

The Sadducees are leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the previous verse if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “Likewise also, the second and the third died without having seed and left her to a brother, until the seven had done so”

387022:26pnf5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjὁ δεύτερος & ὁ τρίτος & τῶν ἑπτά1

The Sadducees are using the numbers second, third, and seven as nouns to mean various brothers. Your language may use numbers in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “the second brother … the third brother … the seven brothers”

387122:26r6bqrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalὁ δεύτερος & ὁ τρίτος1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here or equivalent expressions. Alternate translation: “brother number two … brother number three”

387222:26qujmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἕως τῶν ἑπτά,1

Here the Sadducees imply that all seven brothers had married the woman and died without having children. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “until this had happened to all seven”

387322:27t7mdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjπάντων1

The Sadducees are using the adjective all as a noun to mean all the people they have mentioned. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “of all those people”

387422:28s743rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν τῇ ἀναστάσει1

The Sadducees did not actually believe that there would be a resurrection. If it would be helpful in your language, you could indicate this explicitly. Alternate translation: “in the supposed resurrection” or “if there is a resurrection”

387522:28pbc0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐν τῇ ἀναστάσει1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of resurrection, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “when people resurrect”

387622:28mx5zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτῶν ἑπτὰ1

The Sadducees are using the number seven as a noun to mean the seven brother. Your language may use numbers in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “of the seven brothers”

387722:28r1lbrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a reason why the Sadducees ask their question. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a question, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “We ask this question because” or “This is a problem, since”

387822:28broqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπάντες & ἔσχον αὐτήν1

Here the Sadducees imply that all the brothers had the woman as a wife. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “they all had her as a wife”

387922:29e2t4rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultπλανᾶσθε, μὴ εἰδότες τὰς Γραφὰς, μηδὲ τὴν δύναμιν τοῦ Θεοῦ1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “Because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God, you are being led astray”

388022:29p1aerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπλανᾶσθε1

Jesus is speaking as if the Sadducees have literally been led astray or conducted down the wrong path. He means that they have been deceived. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You are being deceived”

388122:29xkvgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπλανᾶσθε1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, it is clear from the context that it is they themselves. Alternate translation: “You are going astray” or “You are leading yourselves astray”

388222:29dax6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν δύναμιν τοῦ Θεοῦ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of power, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the powerful things that God can do”

388322:30c44urc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces an explanation of how the Sadducees have been “led astray” (see 22:29). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “In fact,” or “What you should know is that”

388422:30na4orc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν & τῇ ἀναστάσει1

Here Jesus could be referring to: (1) the period of time that will begin at the resurrection. Alternate translation: “once the resurrection happens” (2) the moment of resurrection itself. Alternate translation: “at the moment of resurrection”

388522:30ygr1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐν & τῇ ἀναστάσει1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of resurrection, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “when people resurrect”

388622:30mrjbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὔτε γαμοῦσιν οὔτε γαμίζονται1

In Jesus culture, it was customary to talk about men marrying and women being given in marriage. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “men do not marry and women are not given in marriage” or “men and women do not get married”

388722:30uaj9rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsοὔτε γαμοῦσιν & εἰσιν1

The pronouns they and they refer to everyone who participates in the resurrection. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to these people more directly. Alternate translation: “men and women neither marry … men and women are”

388822:30qkv1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveγαμίζονται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, Jesus implies that it is the peoples parents. Alternate translation: “do their parents give them in marriage”

388922:30jrgfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsγαμίζονται1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of marriage, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “are they married”

389022:30fzgfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὡς ἄγγελοι ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ εἰσιν1

Jesus is saying that people in the resurrection are like angels because neither of them marry. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “they are like angels in heaven, since they too do not marry”

389122:31-32d4sprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐκ ἀνέγνωτε τὸ ῥηθὲν ὑμῖν ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ λέγοντος & ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ Θεὸς Ἀβραὰμ, καὶ ὁ Θεὸς Ἰσαὰκ, καὶ ὁ Θεὸς Ἰακώβ?1

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke and teach the Sadducees. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I know that you have read what was spoken to you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’” or “Surely you have read what was spoken to you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob!”

389222:31kmwdrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesπερὶ δὲ τῆς ἀναστάσεως τῶν νεκρῶν, οὐκ ἀνέγνωτε1

Here, the phrase But concerning introduces the next topic that Jesus wants to talk about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next topic. Alternate translation: “Next, I will talk about the resurrection of the dead. Have you not read”

389322:31foaorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτῆς ἀναστάσεως τῶν νεκρῶν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of resurrection, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “when the dead resurrect”

389422:31esshrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτῶν νεκρῶν1

Jesus is using the adjective dead as a noun in order to refer to people who are dead. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “of the dead people” or “of the corpses”

389522:31ljj7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὸ ῥηθὲν ὑμῖν ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “what God spoke to you”

389622:31b9syrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ λέγοντος1

Here, Jesus introduces a quotation from an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book of Exodus (see Exodus 3:6). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Jesus is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “by God in the book of Exodus” or “by God in the Scriptures when he said”

389722:32zwbprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesἐγώ εἰμι ὁ Θεὸς Ἀβραὰμ, καὶ ὁ Θεὸς Ἰσαὰκ, καὶ ὁ Θεὸς Ἰακώβ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation, with no comma at the end of verse 31: “that he is the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?”

389822:32o9m0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionὁ Θεὸς Ἀβραὰμ, καὶ ὁ Θεὸς Ἰσαὰκ, καὶ ὁ Θεὸς Ἰακώβ1

Here, the author of the quotation is using the possessive form to describe the God whom Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob worship. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the God that Abraham honors, and the God that Isaac honors, and the God that Jacob honors”

389922:32qbyprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisοὐκ ἔστιν ὁ Θεὸς νεκρῶν, ἀλλὰ ζώντων1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “God is not the God of the dead, but he is the God of the living”

390022:32wlyhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐκ ἔστιν ὁ Θεὸς νεκρῶν, ἀλλὰ ζώντων1

Here Jesus implies that, although Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had already died by the time God spoke these words, God still called himself their God. Since God is not of the dead, but of the living, this means that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob must be alive again. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “God is not of the dead, but of the living, so Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob must live again after they died”

390122:32o6vgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureοὐκ & νεκρῶν, ἀλλὰ ζώντων1

If your language would not naturally put the negative statement before the positive statement, you could reverse the two phrases here. Alternate translation: “of the living, not of the dead”

390222:32gl0wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionνεκρῶν, ἀλλὰ ζώντων1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe the God whom the living, not the dead, worship. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “honored by the dead, but by the living”

390322:32t7lvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjνεκρῶν & ζώντων1

Jesus is using the adjectives dead and living as nouns to mean people who are dead and living. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “of dead people … of living people”

390422:33bqq6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀκούσαντες, οἱ ὄχλοι ἐξεπλήσσοντο ἐπὶ τῇ διδαχῇ αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was what Jesus taught. Alternate translation: “what the crowds heard Jesus teach astonished them”

390522:34yty3rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

390622:34ide0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoσυνήχθησαν ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτό1

The expression gathered together at the same place contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “gathered together” or “came to one place”

390722:34eazcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitσυνήχθησαν ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτό1

Here Matthew implies that the Pharisees gathered together and then went to where Jesus was. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “gathered together at the same place and approached Jesus”

390822:35ud5rrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participantsκαὶ ἐπηρώτησεν εἷς ἐξ αὐτῶν, νομικὸς1

Here Matthew introduces a lawyer who is a Pharisee as a new character in the story. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a new character. Alternate translation: “One of them was a lawyer. He questioned him”

390922:35rpk4rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownνομικὸς1

A lawyer an expert in the law of Moses and its application to various situations. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of profession, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “a man who studied the Jewish law”

391022:35v2verc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalἐπηρώτησεν & πειράζων αὐτόν1

Here, the word testing introduces the purpose for which the lawyer questioned Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a purpose. Alternate translation: “questioned him with the goal of testing him”

391122:36lvawrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐντολὴ μεγάλη1

Here, the lawyer is asking about which commandment is the greatest one out of all the commandments. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the greatest commandment”

391222:37c1sfrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

391322:37vpwprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesἀγαπήσεις Κύριον τὸν Θεόν σου ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ καρδίᾳ σου, καὶ ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ ψυχῇ σου, καὶ ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ διανοίᾳ σου1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “The great commandment is to love the Lord God with ones whole heart, and with ones whole soul, and with ones whole mind”

391422:37fynhrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsἀγαπήσεις Κύριον τὸν Θεόν σου1

Here Jesus begins to quote from an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy (see Deuteronomy 6:5). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that indicates that Jesus is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “In Deuteronomy you can read, You will love the Lord your God” or “Here is that commandment: You will love the Lord your God”

391522:37sw69rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularἀγαπήσεις & σου & σου & σου & σου1

Since in this command God is addressing each specific person who is part of Gods people, the words You and your are singular throughout this verse.

391622:37qfc7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionΚύριον τὸν Θεόν σου1

Here, the author of the quotation is using the possessive form to describe the God whom the people of Israel worship. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the Lord whom you honor”

391722:37hdvtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarativeἀγαπήσεις1

The author of the quotation is using the future form to give a command. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea using a form that expresses a command or obligation. Alternate translation: “You should love” or “You must love”

391822:37uyxyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismἐν ὅλῃ τῇ καρδίᾳ σου, καὶ ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ ψυχῇ σου, καὶ ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ διανοίᾳ σου1

Here, the author of the quotation is referring to all of a human being by naming multiple parts of it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “with all of who you are” or “with your entire being”

391922:37xl3erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐν ὅλῃ τῇ καρδίᾳ σου1

In Matthews culture, the heart is the place where humans think and feel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate heart by referring to the place where humans think and feel in your culture or by expressing the idea plainly. Alternate translation: “with all your desires” or “with all your feelings”

392022:37g0mtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐν ὅλῃ τῇ ψυχῇ σου1

Here, soul represents a persons life with special focus on that persons identity and actions. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “with everything you are” or “with all your inclinations”

392122:38q8j3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletμεγάλη καὶ πρώτη1

The terms great and first mean similar things. Jesus is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “greatest”

392222:38z0o4rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalπρώτη1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “number one”

392322:39xk1krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjδευτέρα1

Jesus is using the number second as a noun to mean a second commandment. Your language may use numbers in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “a second commandment”

392422:39s5wsrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalδευτέρα1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “number two”

392522:39hqmirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁμοία αὐτῇ1

Here, phrase like it could indicate that this second commandment is: (1) similar in content. Alternate translation: “requires something similar” (2) similar in importance. Alternate translation: “is just as great”

392622:39mt9orc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesὁμοία αὐτῇ, ἀγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου ὡς σεαυτόν1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “is like it—to love ones neighbor as oneself.”

392722:39qp04rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsἀγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου1

Here Jesus begins to quote from an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book of Leviticus (see Leviticus 19:18). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that indicates that Jesus is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “as you can read in the book of Leviticus, You will love your neighbor” or “it says in the law, You will love your neighbor”

392822:39pj76rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularἀγαπήσεις & σου & σεαυτόν1

Since in this command God is addressing each specific person who is part of Gods people, the words You and your and yourself are singular.

392922:39gue7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarativeἀγαπήσεις1

The author of the quotation is using the future form to give a command. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea using a form that expresses a command or obligation. Alternate translation: “You should love” or “You must love”

393022:39jlxzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisὡς σεαυτόν1

The author of the quotation is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “as you love yourself”

393122:39lgo8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὡς σεαυτόν1

The author of the quotation assumes that people love themselves, so he wants these people to love their neighbors just as much. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “as deeply as yourself”

393222:40qyn4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐν ταύταις ταῖς δυσὶν ἐντολαῖς, ὅλος ὁ νόμος κρέμαται καὶ οἱ προφῆται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The whole Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments”

393322:40r9carc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐν ταύταις ταῖς δυσὶν ἐντολαῖς, ὅλος ὁ νόμος κρέμαται καὶ οἱ προφῆται1

the whole Law and the Prophets depend upon or are based upon these two commandments.

Here Jesus speaks as if these two commandments were hooks upon which the whole Law and the Prophets hang. He could mean that: (1) the whole Law and the Prophets depend upon and elaborate these two commandments. Alternate translation: “The whole Law and the Prophets elaborate on just these two commandments” (2) these two commandments summarize the whole Law and the Prophets. Alternate translation: “These two commandments summarize the whole Law and the Prophets”

393422:40ub75rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὅλος ὁ νόμος & καὶ οἱ προφῆται1

The word Law is the name for one part of the Hebrew Scriptures, and the word Prophets is the name for another part of the Hebrew Scriptures. Show this in your translation in the way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “all the Scriptures, both the Law and the Prophets”

393522:40jh0prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyοἱ προφῆται1

Here, the word Prophets represents what the prophets said and wrote. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the writings of the prophets”

393622:41pj4arc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

393722:41foa1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσυνηγμένων1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that the Pharisees themselves did it. Alternate translation: “having gathered together”

393822:42bij3rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he said”

393922:42u9tqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί ὑμῖν δοκεῖ περὶ τοῦ Χριστοῦ?1

Jesus is using the question form to get the attention of the Pharisees and to bring up the topic of the Christ. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I am going to ask you what you think about the Christ.” or “Tell me what you think about the Christ!”

394022:42xlf8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτίνος υἱός ἐστιν1

Here, the word son means a male descendant. Jesus is asking about an important ancestor of the Christ, not the direct father of the Christ. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Whose descendant is he” or “From whom is he descended”

394122:42g0d6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγουσιν1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “They said”

394222:42xhwjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisτοῦ Δαυείδ1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “He is Davids son”

394322:43-44cu3hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureπῶς οὖν Δαυεὶδ ἐν Πνεύματι καλεῖ Κύριον αὐτὸν λέγων & εἶπεν Κύριος τῷ Κυρίῳ μου, κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου, ἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποκάτω τῶν ποδῶν σου?1

If it would be helpful in your language, you could end the question earlier and introduce the quotation as evidence or support for the question. Alternate translation: “How then does David in the Spirit call him Lord? He called him that when he said, The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right, until I put your enemies under your feet.”’”

394422:43-44sa0frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesλέγων & εἶπεν Κύριος τῷ Κυρίῳ μου, κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου, ἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποκάτω τῶν ποδῶν σου?1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there are no quotations within quotations. If you use the following alternate translation, remove the quotation marks at the end of verse 44. Alternate translation: “saying that the Lord told his Lord to sit at his right hand until he puts his enemies under his feet”

394522:43hdt0rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “He said”

394622:43h07zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπῶς οὖν Δαυεὶδ ἐν Πνεύματι καλεῖ Κύριον αὐτὸν1

In Jesus culture, people would not call any of their descendants Lord, since this title was used for people who were more important or older. Jesus question assumes this practice. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make it more explicit. Alternate translation: “Then, since no one calls his son Lord, how does David in the Spirit call him Lord”

394722:43jbedrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultπῶς οὖν1

Here, the word then introduces an question based on the fact that the Messiah is the “son” of David (see 22:42). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of question, or you could leave then untranslated. Alternate translation: “Given that, how” or “Because of that, how”

394822:43qqg2rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseΔαυεὶδ ἐν Πνεύματι καλεῖ1

In many languages, it is conventional to use the present tense to describe what a writer does within a composition. However, if that would not be natural in your language, you could use the past tense here. Alternate translation: “did David in the Spirit call”

394922:43yu5mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitΔαυεὶδ ἐν Πνεύματι1

Here, the phrase in the Spirit indicates that David called the Messiah Lord as the Spirit inspired him. In other words, the Spirit prompted David to say this. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “David, by the inspiration of the Spirit,” or “David, prompted by the Spirit,”

395022:43gagvrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτὸν1

The pronoun him refers to the Christ. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's title here. Alternate translation: “the Christ”

395122:43ai8crc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Here Jesus introduces a quotation from an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book of Psalms (see Psalm 110:1). This Psalm was written by David. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Jesus is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “as you can read in the book of Psalms” or “writing in the Scriptures”

395222:44k3f7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἶπεν Κύριος τῷ Κυρίῳ μου1

Here, the term Lord does not refer to the same person in both instances. The first instance refers to God. The second instance refers to a person whom David respectfully calls “lord.” The ULT and UST capitalize this second instance of the word because it refers to the Messiah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make those ideas more explicit. Alternate translation: “God, the Lord, said to my Lord” or “God said to my Lord”

395322:44dz2arc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionκάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου1

When someone sits at Gods right hand, it symbolizes that persons honor, authority, and ability to rule. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Sit to rule at my right hand” or “Take the place of honor and authority at my right hand”

395422:44hxutrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularκάθου & σου & σου1

Here, the imperative and the words your and your are singular because God is speaking to the Messiah.

395522:44as2arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐκ δεξιῶν μου1

Here, the phrase at my right hand refers to the place next to a persons right hand, which would be the “right side.” In the authors culture, this side was associated with honor or authority. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to the “right side.” Make sure that your readers understand that this side indicates that the Lord has honor and authority when he sits there. Alternate translation: “at my right side” or “at the honorable place next to me”

395622:44e59nrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποκάτω τῶν ποδῶν σου1

In the authors culture, to put people under a persons feet indicates that those people have been conquered and are powerless and shamed. So, this means that God will conquer and shame all the enemies of the Lord. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain what this action means. Alternate translation: “until I make your enemies kneel before you” or “until I conquer and shame your enemies”

395722:45nzyorc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultεἰ οὖν Δαυεὶδ1

Here, the word therefore introduces what Jesus wants to ask based on what he has just quoted. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of question, or you could leave therefore untranslated. Alternate translation: “Because of that, if David” or “Given that, if David”

395822:45wshsrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-factεἰ1

Jesus speaks as if this were a hypothetical situation, but he means that it must be true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might think that what Jesus is saying is uncertain, then you could translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “Because”

395922:45sd0irc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοῦ ἐστιν1

The pronoun he refers to the Messiah, and the pronoun his refers to David. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to these people more directly. Alternate translation: “is the Messiah Davids”

396022:45kn51rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorυἱὸς αὐτοῦ1

Here, the word son means a male descendant. Jesus is not asking about the direct son of David. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed the idea in 22:42. Alternate translation: “his descendant” or “descended from him”

396122:46as3hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἀποκριθῆναι αὐτῷ λόγον1

Matthew is using the term word to mean something spoken in words. The phrase answer him a word refers to using words to answer Jesus question. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to give an answer” or “to answer him in any way”

396222:46i3kmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐδὲ ἐτόλμησέν τις ἀπ’ ἐκείνης τῆς ἡμέρας ἐπερωτῆσαι αὐτὸν οὐκέτι1

The words translated nor and any longer are two negative words. In this construction, the second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. Instead, it gives greater emphasis to the negative. If your language can use two negatives that do not cancel one another to create a positive meaning, you could use a double negative here. If your language does not use two negatives in that way, you could translate with one negative, as the ULT does. Alternate translation: “and people no longer dared from that day to question him”

396322:46a4yxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἀπ’ ἐκείνης τῆς ἡμέρας1

Here, the phrase from that day indicates that nobody questioned Jesus after he said what Matthew recorded in the previous verses. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “starting right then” or “from that moment on”

396423:introm99i0

Matthew 23 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

  1. Jesus teaches about the final judgment and salvation (23:1-25:46)
    • Jesus warns his disciples against acting like the Pharisees (23:112)
    • Seven woes against the Pharisees and scribes (23:1336)
      • First woe: shutting the kingdom (23:13)
      • Second woe: making proselytes (23:15)
      • Third woe: rules about swearing (23:1622)
      • Fourth woe: tithing (23:2324)
      • Fifth woe: cleaning inside and outside (23:2526)
      • Sixth woe: whitewashed tombs (23:2728)
      • Seventh woe: killing the prophets (23:2936)
    • Lament over Jerusalem (23:3739)

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Woe

Seven times in this chapter, Jesus says “woe to you.” He is speaking to the scribes and Pharisees, and he is warning them that something bad will happen to them because of how they are acting. Consider how might express such a warning in your language. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/woe]])

Hypocrites

Six times in this chapter, Jesus calls the scribes and Pharisees “hypocrites.” This word describes people who or claim one thing but actually do another. After calling them “hypocrites,” Jesus goes on to illustrate how they act in this way. Consider what you might call someone who says one thing but does another. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/hypocrite]])

Swearing by something

In Jesus culture, people would make a promise stronger by swearing by something. This means that they would call upon that thing to witness or guarantee what they promised. Jewish teachers and scholars debated which things most strongly guaranteed a promise. In 23:1622, Jesus gives his own teaching on this issue.

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

Being “blind”

Five times in this chapter, Jesus calls scribes and Pharisees “blind.” He means that they fail to understand what is right and true. He does not mean that they are physically blind. Consider how you might express this idea in your language.

Cleaning cups and plates

In 23:2526, Jesus refers to cleaning the inside and outside of cups and plates. There are two primary ways to understand these verses. First, Jesus could be using cups and plates as a metaphor to speak about the scribes and Pharisees. In this case, he is saying that they should look righteous and also do what is righteous, just like cups and plates should be clean both on the outside and on the inside. Second, Jesus could be referring to literal cups and plates that the Pharisees use to eat food. In this case, he is saying that how they get the food that they eat from their cups and plates should be as “clean” (that is, righteously acquired) as the cups and plates are. The UST follows the first interpretation, and translation options for the second interpretation are in the notes.

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Singular and plural forms of “you”

Most of the forms of “you” in this chapter appear in speeches that Jesus gives to his disciples or to the Jewish leaders. Because of this, most forms of “you” in this chapter are plural. You should assume forms of “you” are plural unless a note specifies that the form is singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

Verse 14

Most of the earliest manuscripts do not include anything for 23:14. Some manuscripts include the following words: “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour the houses of widows, also for a pretext praying at length. For this reason, you will receive greater judgment.” Since the earliest manuscripts do not include these words, the ULT and UST put these words in brackets. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to omit these words. If it would be helpful, you could put the words in brackets or in a footnote. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

396523:1skq4rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequentialτότε1

The word translated Then at the beginning of this phrase indicates that this event happened soon after the previous event that Matthew has described. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces something that happened soon after something else. Alternate translation: “Right after saying those things,”

396623:2cgigrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he said”

396723:2dnu3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐπὶ τῆς Μωϋσέως καθέδρας ἐκάθισαν1

Here, Jesus refers to having the authority that Moses had in teaching the law as if it were sitting in the seat of Moses. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “taught the law as Moses did” or “succeeded Moses as teachers of our law”

396823:2mgblrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐκάθισαν1

Here, the word sat could imply: (1) that the scribes and the Pharisees are right or correct to sit in the seat of Moses. Alternate translation: “are those who sit” (2) that the scribes and the Pharisees have inappropriately sat in the seat of Moses. Alternate translation: “decided to sit” or “seated themselves”

396923:2isrjrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseἐκάθισαν1

Here Jesus uses the past tense to speak about something that is generally true. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use whatever tense is most naturally for expressing a general truth. Alternate translation: “sit”

397023:3we27rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoπάντα & ὅσα ἐὰν εἴπωσιν1

The expression everything, as much as they say contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “everything that they say”

397123:3dh0wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletποιήσατε, καὶ τηρεῖτε1

The terms do and keep mean similar things. Jesus is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “obey”

397223:3qnturc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultκατὰ & τὰ ἔργα αὐτῶν, μὴ ποιεῖτε; λέγουσιν γὰρ καὶ οὐ ποιοῦσιν1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second and third clauses give the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “they say and do not do, so do not do according to their works”

397323:3h98rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὰ ἔργα αὐτῶν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of works, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what they do”

397423:3nrk0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitλέγουσιν & καὶ οὐ ποιοῦσιν1

Here Jesus implies that the Pharisees and scribes say what to do, but they themselves do not do what they say. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “they say what to do and do not do what they say”

397523:3k870rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ2

Here, the word and introduces what the Pharisees and scribes actually do in contrast with what they say. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast. Alternate translation: “but”

397623:4xce6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorδεσμεύουσιν δὲ φορτία βαρέα καὶ δυσβάστακτα, καὶ ἐπιτιθέασιν ἐπὶ τοὺς ὤμους τῶν ἀνθρώπων; αὐτοὶ δὲ τῷ δακτύλῳ αὐτῶν οὐ θέλουσιν κινῆσαι αὐτά1

Here Jesus speaks as if the scribes and Pharisees were putting loads on peoples shoulders without doing anything to help with moving those loads. He means that they tell people many things to do, some of which are hard to do, but they do not do anything to help those people do the things that they require. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And they tell people many things that they need to do, which are like loads, heavy and difficult to carry, that they have tied up and put on the shoulders of these people. However, they are not willing to help these people do what what they have told them to do, as if they were not willing to move those loads with their finger” or “And they tell people many things that they need to do, but they are not willing to help these people do what what they have told them to do”

397723:4nexyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletβαρέα καὶ δυσβάστακτα1

The terms heavy and difficult to bear mean similar things. Jesus is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “very heavy ones” or “very hard to lift”

397823:4rn0rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτῶν ἀνθρώπων1

Although the term men is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “of men and women”

397923:4pn6frc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsτῷ δακτύλῳ αὐτῶν1

If it would not be natural in your language to speak as if a group of people had only one finger, you could use the plural form of that word in your translation. Alternate translation: “with their fingers”

398023:5ad5brc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that Jesus wants to say. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next topic, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Further,”

398123:5nw4yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπρὸς τὸ θεαθῆναι τοῖς ἀνθρώποις1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “in order for men to see them”

398223:5sbhprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyπρὸς τὸ θεαθῆναι1

Here, the phrase to be seen refers to being recognized or praised. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to be praised” or “to be honored”

398323:5eqairc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτοῖς ἀνθρώποις1

Although the term men is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “by humans” or “by men and women”

398423:5eg9irc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces examples of how the scribes and Pharisees behave. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces examples, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “For instance,” or “To illustrate,”

398523:5gcv7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownπλατύνουσι & τὰ φυλακτήρια αὐτῶν1

The word phylacteries refers to small leather boxes containing papers with specific scriptures written on them. Jewish men tied these boxes to their foreheads and right arms when they were praying. If it would be helpful, you could describe these boxes in your translation or in a footnote. Alternate translation: “they enlarge their devotional boxes containing scriptures”

398623:5h2qjrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownμεγαλύνουσι τὰ κράσπεδα1

The word tassels refers to decorative fringes that Jewish men would attach to the hems of their robes. God commanded them to wear these tassels (see Numbers 15:3839). If it would be helpful, you could describe these tassels in your translation or in a footnote. Alternate translation: “they make the tassels that God required us to wear extra long”

398723:6gnotrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὴν πρωτοκλισίαν & τὰς πρωτοκαθεδρίας1

Here Jesus speaks of the places and seats for the most important people as if they were first in a sequence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the important places … the important seats”

398823:6r75arc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalτὴν πρωτοκλισίαν & τὰς πρωτοκαθεδρίας1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use cardinal numbers here or equivalent expressions. Alternate translation: “the number one places … the number one seats”

398923:7l6qprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitταῖς ἀγοραῖς1

The word marketplaces refers to large, open-air areas where people buy and sell goods. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of area, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. See how you translated this word in 11:16. Alternate translation: “the town squares” or “the parks”

399023:7cbe8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveκαλεῖσθαι ὑπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων, Ῥαββεί1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “to have men call them Rabbi

399123:7a7pjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτῶν ἀνθρώπων1

Although the term men is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “men and women”

399223:8l2rjrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces what Jesus wants his disciples to do in contrast to what the scribes and the Pharisees do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “In contrast,” or “Unlike them,”

399323:8awdkrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultὑμεῖς & μὴ κληθῆτε Ῥαββεί; εἷς γάρ ἐστιν ὑμῶν ὁ καθηγητὴς, πάντες δὲ ὑμεῖς ἀδελφοί ἐστε1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second and third clauses give the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “one is your teacher, and you are all brothers, so you should not be called Rabbi

399423:8uk5vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὑμεῖς & μὴ κληθῆτε1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “you should not have people call you”

399523:8uqwirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjεἷς1

Jesus is using the adjective one as a noun to mean one person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “one person”

399623:8wjmrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἷς1

Here Jesus implies that the one teacher whom they have is he himself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “one, by which I mean me,”

399723:8s5durc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀδελφοί1

Jesus is using the term brothers to mean people who share the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “fellow disciples”

399823:8zpe8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀδελφοί1

Although the term brothers is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you retain the metaphor in your translation, and if it would be helpful in your language, you could say “brothers and sisters” to indicate this.

399923:9xcourc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultΠατέρα μὴ καλέσητε ὑμῶν ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς; εἷς γάρ ἐστιν ὑμῶν ὁ Πατὴρ ὁ οὐράνιος1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “since one is your heavenly Father, you should not call anyone on the earth your father”

400023:9l33frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitΠατέρα μὴ καλέσητε ὑμῶν ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς;1

Here, Jesus is referring to using the title father for someone who is not ones actual father. In his culture, this was a way to honor someone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “you should not call anyone on the earth your father out of respect for him”

400123:9any8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἷς & ἐστιν ὑμῶν ὁ Πατὴρ ὁ οὐράνιος1

Here Jesus means that only one person deserves the honorary title father, and that is God, your heavenly Father. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “you should only call one your father, your heavenly Father”

400223:9kcrtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjεἷς1

Jesus is using the adjective one as a noun to mean one person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “one person”

400323:9cwhvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὑμῶν ὁ Πατὴρ ὁ οὐράνιος1

This is a figurative expression. God is not the Father of humans in the same actual way that he is the Father of Jesus. Even so, it would probably be best to translate Father with the same word that your language would naturally use to refer to a human father. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that this means God. Alternate translation: “your heavenly Father, God”

400423:10q59src://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultμηδὲ κληθῆτε Καθηγηταί; ὅτι καθηγητὴς ὑμῶν ἐστιν εἷς, ὁ Χριστός1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “And since your teacher is one, the Christ, you should not be called teacher

400523:10b8uarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveμηδὲ κληθῆτε1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And you should not have people call you”

400623:10ofbqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjεἷς1

Jesus is using the adjective one as a noun to mean one person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “one person”

400723:10lp5frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personὁ Χριστός1

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the first person form. Alternate translation: “I, the Christ”

400823:11hpmrrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces what Jesus wants his disciples to do in contrast to being called Rabbi, father, or teacher. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Instead,” or “Rather,”

400923:11d62brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjὁ & μείζων1

Jesus is using the adjective greatest as a noun to mean the greatest person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the greatest person”

401023:11d9xwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarativeἔσται1

Jesus is using the future form to give a command. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea using a form that expresses a command or obligation. Alternate translation: “should be” or “has to be”

401123:12qcw2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that Jesus wants to say. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next thing, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Indeed,”

401223:12e81rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveταπεινωθήσεται1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who will do the action, Jesus implies that God will do it. Alternate translation: “God will humble”

401323:12qg2prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἑαυτὸν-1

Although the term himself is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “himself or herself … himself or herself”

401423:12uz88rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὑψωθήσεται1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who will do the action, Jesus implies that God will do it. Alternate translation: “God will exalt”

401523:13t935rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that Jesus wants to say. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next topic, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,”

401623:13lid1rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὐαὶ & ὑμῖν, γραμματεῖς καὶ Φαρισαῖοι, ὑποκριταί! ὅτι κλείετε τὴν Βασιλείαν τῶν Οὐρανῶν ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων; ὑμεῖς γὰρ οὐκ εἰσέρχεσθε, οὐδὲ τοὺς εἰσερχομένους ἀφίετε εἰσελθεῖν1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these sentences, since the second and third sentences give the reason for the result that the first sentence describes. Alternate translation: “you, scribes and Pharisees, shut the kingdom of the heavens in front of men. You do not enter in, nor do you permit the ones entering to enter. So woe to you, hypocrites!”

401723:13ts6zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὅτι κλείετε τὴν Βασιλείαν τῶν Οὐρανῶν ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων; ὑμεῖς γὰρ οὐκ εἰσέρχεσθε, οὐδὲ τοὺς εἰσερχομένους ἀφίετε εἰσελθεῖν.1

Here Jesus speaks of the kingdom of the heavens as if it were a house that the scribes and Pharisees have shut so that neither they nor anyone else can enter in. Jesus means that they prevent themselves and others from participating in the kingdom. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “For you shut the kingdom of the heavens in front of men as if it a house. For you are not part of the kingdom, nor do you allow others to be part of it” or “For you keep people from being part of the kingdom of the heavens. You are not part of it, and and you block people who do want to be part of it”

401823:13lhemrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτῶν ἀνθρώπων1

Although the term men is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “men and women”

401923:13zpferc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοὺς εἰσερχομένους & εἰσελθεῖν1

Here Jesus could be referring: (1) to people who want to enter into the kingdom. Alternate translation: “to enter the ones wanting to enter” (2) to people who are in the process of entering into the kingdom. Alternate translation: “to enter the ones having already begun to enter”

402023:14onanrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsοὐαὶ δὲ ὑμῖν, γραμματεῖς καὶ Φαρισαῖοι, ὑποκριταί! ὅτι κατεσθίετε τὰς οἰκίας τῶν χηρῶν, καὶ προφάσει μακρὰ προσευχόμενοι. διὰ τοῦτο λήμψεσθε περισσότερον κρίμα1

See the discussion of textual issues at the end of the General Notes to this chapter to decide whether to include this verse in your translation. The notes below discuss translation issues in this verse, for those who decide to include it.

402123:14ikcfrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that Jesus wants to say. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next topic, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,”

402223:14y6ycrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὐαὶ & ὑμῖν, γραμματεῖς καὶ Φαρισαῖοι, ὑποκριταί! ὅτι κατεσθίετε τὰς οἰκίας τῶν χηρῶν, καὶ προφάσει μακρὰ προσευχόμενοι. διὰ τοῦτο λήμψεσθε περισσότερον κρίμα1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these sentences, since the second and third sentences give the reason for the result that the first sentence describes. Alternate translation: “you, scribes and Pharisees, devour the houses of widows, and for a pretext praying at length. For this reason, you will receive greater judgment. So woe to you, hypocrites!”

402323:14o1zirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκατεσθίετε τὰς οἰκίας τῶν χηρῶν1

Here Jesus speaks as if the scribes and Pharisees were devouring or eating the houses of widows. He means that they are taking the houses away from the widows. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you take the houses of widows” or “you defraud widows of their houses”

402423:14u45krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὰς οἰκίας τῶν χηρῶν1

Jesus speaks of the houses of widows to mean their wealth and possessions, which they would have in their houses. If it would be helpful in your language, you state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “everything that widows own”

402523:14qn1yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπροφάσει1

Here, the phrase for a pretext could mean: (1) that the scribes and Pharisees are using long prayers to try to look godly. Alternate translation: “in order to seem godly” (2) that the scribes are Pharisees are using their long prayers to hide or cover up how they devour the houses of widows. Alternate translation: “to cover that up” or “to disguise what they do”

402623:14puizrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsδιὰ τοῦτο1

The pronoun this refers to how the scribes and Pharisees devour widows houses while they are also praying at length. If this is not clear for your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Because you do those things”

402723:14xv95rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsλήμψεσθε περισσότερον κρίμα1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “you will be judged more severely”

402823:14x0c6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπερισσότερον κρίμα1

Here Jesus implies that these scribes and Pharisees will receive greater judgment than they would have if they had not pretended to be godly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “you will receive greater judgment than people who do not pretend to be godly”

402923:15pfpqrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὐαὶ ὑμῖν, γραμματεῖς καὶ Φαρισαῖοι, ὑποκριταί! ὅτι περιάγετε τὴν θάλασσαν καὶ τὴν ξηρὰν ποιῆσαι ἕνα προσήλυτον, καὶ ὅταν γένηται, ποιεῖτε αὐτὸν υἱὸν Γεέννης διπλότερον ὑμῶν1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these sentences, since the second sentence gives the reason for the result that the first sentence describes. Alternate translation: “You, scribes and Pharisees, go around the sea and the dry land to make one proselyte, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of Gehenna as you. So woe to you, hypocrites!”

403023:15xo45rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismτὴν θάλασσαν καὶ τὴν ξηρὰν1

Jesus is referring to all of the earth by naming its two main components. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the entire earth”

403123:15iyl7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἕνα προσήλυτον1

A proselyte is a non-Jewish person who converts to Judaism. If your readers would not be familiar with the meaning of this term, you could refer to a similar phenomenon in your area, or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “one convert to Judaism”

403223:15uo8zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsγένηται & αὐτὸν υἱὸν1

Although the terms he, him, and son are masculine, Jesus is using the words in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “a person becomes one … him or her … a child”

403323:15mj95rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitυἱὸν Γεέννης διπλότερον ὑμῶν1

Here Jesus uses the phrase twice as much to indicate that the person is even more a son of Gehenna than the scribes and Pharisees. He does not mean that the person is exactly twice a son of Gehenna. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “even more a son of Gehenna than you are”

403423:15bq91rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomυἱὸν Γεέννης1

The expression a son of Gehenna refers to a person who will end up in Gehenna. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a person who will end up in Gehenna” or “a person who belongs in Gehenna”

403523:15ervfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorΓεέννης1

Here Jesus uses the name Gehenna to refer to hell. The valley named Gehenna was outside the city of Jerusalem and was a place where people threw out and burned garbage. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a simile or state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed the idea in 18:9. Alternate translation: “of a place like the valley of Gehenna” or “of hell, which is like Gehenna valley,”

403623:16s9y3rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὐαὶ ὑμῖν, ὁδηγοὶ τυφλοὶ, οἱ λέγοντες, ὃς ἂν ὀμόσῃ ἐν τῷ ναῷ, οὐδέν ἐστιν; ὃς δ’ ἂν ὀμόσῃ ἐν τῷ χρυσῷ τοῦ ναοῦ ὀφείλει1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the rest of the sentence gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “you, who are blind guides, say, Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing. But whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obligated. So woe to you!”

403723:16r5k3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁδηγοὶ τυφλοὶ1

Here, Jesus speaks of the scribes and Pharisees as if they were blind guides. He means that they do not know what is right, but they teach people anyways, even though what they teach is wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar phrase in 15:14. Alternate translation: “who are like blind guides” or “who teach people what is wrong”

403823:16j1hjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesοἱ λέγοντες, ὃς ἂν ὀμόσῃ ἐν τῷ ναῷ, οὐδέν ἐστιν; ὃς δ’ ἂν ὀμόσῃ ἐν τῷ χρυσῷ τοῦ ναοῦ ὀφείλει1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “the ones saying that whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing, but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obligated”

403923:16fjicrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐδέν ἐστιν1

Here, the phrase it is nothing means that the person is not bound to keep the oath. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “that person is not obligated to keep the oath”

404023:16kbv6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτῷ χρυσῷ τοῦ ναοῦ1

Here, Jesus could be using the possessive form to describe gold that: (1) decorates the temple. Alternate translation: “the gold that decorates the temple” (2) makes up the vessels and tools used in the temple. Alternate translation: “the gold vessels in the temple”

404123:16bukrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὀφείλει1

Here, the phrase he is obligated indicates that the person is bound to keep the oath. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he is obligated to keep the oath”

404223:16q1sxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsὀφείλει1

Although the term he is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “he or she is obligated”

404323:17j71qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjμωροὶ καὶ τυφλοί1

Jesus is using the adjectives Foolish and blind as nouns to mean foolish and blind people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “You foolish and blind people”

404423:17stqcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletμωροὶ καὶ τυφλοί1

The terms Foolish and blind mean similar things. Jesus is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “Blind ones” or “Very foolish”

404523:17s7a8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτυφλοί1

Here, Jesus speaks of the scribes and Pharisees as if they were blind. He means that they do not know what is right. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the word blind in 23:16. Alternate translation: “like blind people” or “not knowing what is right”

404623:17ujjfrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces an explanation of why the teaching of the Pharisees about oaths is wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “Think about this:” or “You should know this:”

404723:17f9zdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτίς & μείζων ἐστίν, ὁ χρυσὸς ἢ ὁ ναὸς ὁ ἁγιάσας τὸν χρυσόν?1

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke the religious leaders. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “the temple having sanctified the gold is greater than the gold.” or “Certainly the gold is not greater than the temple that sanctifies the gold!”

404823:18i7mmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesκαί, ὃς ἂν ὀμόσῃ ἐν τῷ θυσιαστηρίῳ, οὐδέν ἐστιν; ὃς δ’ ἂν ὀμόσῃ ἐν τῷ δώρῳ τῷ ἐπάνω αὐτοῦ ὀφείλει.1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “And you say that whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing, but whoever swears by the gift on top of the altar, he is obligated”

404923:18lxw4rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsκαί1

Here Jesus uses the word And to introduce something else that the scribes and Pharisees say. If you keep the direct quotation in this verse, consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “And you also say”

405023:18t7p1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐδέν ἐστιν1

Here, the phrase it is nothing means that the person is not bound to keep the oath. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. See how you translated the same clause in 23:16. Alternate translation: “that person is not obligated to keep the oath”

405123:18ngd2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῷ δώρῳ1

Here, the word gift refers to an offering that is sacrificed to God on the altar. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “what is offered” or “the offering”

405223:18ibmurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὀφείλει1

Here, the phrase he is obligated indicates that the person is bound to keep the oath. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. See how you translated the same clause in 23:16. Alternate translation: “he is obligated to keep the oath”

405323:18y9c3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsὀφείλει1

Although the term he is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “he or she is obligated”

405423:19ryamrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjμωροὶ καὶ τυφλοί1

Jesus is using the adjectives Foolish and blind as nouns to mean foolish and blind people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. See how you expressed the idea in 23:17. Alternate translation: “You foolish and blind people”

405523:19xg9urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletμωροὶ καὶ τυφλοί1

The terms Foolish and blind mean similar things. Jesus is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. See how you expressed the idea in 23:17. Alternate translation: “Blind ones” or “Very foolish”

405623:19bb34rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτυφλοί1

Here, Jesus speaks of the scribes and Pharisees as if they were blind. He means that they do not know what is right. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed the idea in 23:17. Alternate translation: “like blind people” or “not knowing what is right”

405723:19k3omrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces an explanation of why the teaching of the Pharisees about oaths is wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. See how you expressed the idea in 23:17. Alternate translation: “Think about this:” or “You should know this:”

405823:19g7qrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί & μεῖζον, τὸ δῶρον, ἢ τὸ θυσιαστήριον τὸ ἁγιάζον τὸ δῶρον?1

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke the religious leaders. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “the altar sanctifying the gift is greater than the gift.” or “Certainly the gift is not greater than the altar that sanctifies the gift!”

405923:19fl4orc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ δῶρον & τὸ δῶρον1

Here, the word gift refers to an offering that is sacrificed to God on the altar. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. See how you translated this word in 23:18. Alternate translation: “what is offered … what is offered” or “the offering … the offering”

406023:20ezzkrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1

Here, the word Therefore introduces an inference from the implied answer to Jesus question in 23:19. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces this kind of inference. Alternate translation: “Since the altar is greater” or “Because of that”

406123:20ze6rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπᾶσι τοῖς ἐπάνω αὐτοῦ1

Here Jesus is referring to the gifts that he has previously mentioned. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “all the gifts that are on top of it”

406223:21m21brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῷ κατοικοῦντι αὐτόν1

Here, the phrase the one inhabiting it refers to God, who is specially present in the temple. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the one inhabiting it, God”

406323:22y0kvrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionτῷ καθημένῳ ἐπάνω αὐτοῦ1

When someone sits on a throne, it indicates that this person is ruling. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain the meaning of this action. Alternate translation: “the one sitting on it as king” or “the one reigning from it”

406423:22ejw9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῷ καθημένῳ ἐπάνω αὐτοῦ1

Here, the phrase the one sitting on it refers to God, who rules from the throne. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the one sitting on it, God”

406523:23lg3rrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὐαὶ ὑμῖν, γραμματεῖς καὶ Φαρισαῖοι, ὑποκριταί! ὅτι ἀποδεκατοῦτε τὸ ἡδύοσμον, καὶ τὸ ἄνηθον, καὶ τὸ κύμινον, καὶ ἀφήκατε τὰ βαρύτερα τοῦ νόμου: τὴν κρίσιν, καὶ τὸ ἔλεος, καὶ τὴν πίστιν & ταῦτα δὲ ἔδει ποιῆσαι, κἀκεῖνα μὴ ἀφιέναι1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these sentences, since the second and third sentences give the reason for the result that the first sentence describes. Alternate translation: “You, scribes and Pharisees, tithe the mint and the dill and the cumin, but you have neglected the weightier things of the law—justice and mercy and faith. But it was necessary to do these and those not to neglect. So woe to you, hypocrites!”

406623:23lb9yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀποδεκατοῦτε τὸ ἡδύοσμον, καὶ τὸ ἄνηθον, καὶ τὸ κύμινον1

Here Jesus refers to tithing mint, dill, and cumin because he wants to show that the scribes and Pharisees carefully tithe even the most insignificant things. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “you tithe even insignificant things like mint and dill and cumin”

406723:23n94yrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὸ ἡδύοσμον, καὶ τὸ ἄνηθον, καὶ τὸ κύμινον1

These are the names of plants. People put just a little bit of their leaves or seeds into their food to give it flavor. If your readers would not know what mint, dill, and cumin are, you could refer to similar plants that they would know, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “the plants that you use to season your food” or “your garden herbs”

406823:23c8bbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὰ βαρύτερα1

Jesus is speaking as if the more important commandments in the law were literally weightier or heavier than others. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the more significant things”

406923:23er3prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν κρίσιν, καὶ τὸ ἔλεος, καὶ τὴν πίστιν1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of justice, mercy, and faith, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “to act justly and mercifully and faithfully”

407023:23m32jrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsταῦτα & κἀκεῖνα1

The pronoun these refers to doing justice and mercy and faith. The pronoun those refers to tithing the mint and the dill and the cumin. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to doing those things more directly. Alternate translation: “the latter and the former” or “justice, mercy, and faith and tithing”

407123:23nn6qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesκἀκεῖνα μὴ ἀφιέναι1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative word neglect. Alternate translation: “those also to do”

407223:24y84yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁδηγοὶ τυφλοί!1

Here, Jesus speaks of the scribes and Pharisees as if they were blind guides. He means that they do not know what is right, but they teach people anyways, even though what they teach is wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar phrase in 23:16. Alternate translation: “You who are like blind guides” or “You who teach people what is wrong”

407323:24l7fhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοἱ διϋλίζοντες τὸν κώνωπα τὴν δὲ κάμηλον καταπίνοντες!1

Here Jesus speaks as if the scribes and Pharisees were straining out a tiny gnat if they found one in a drink but swallowing a large camel whole without noticing it. He means that they are being careful to follow the less important laws but failing to notice that they were not following the more important laws. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who are like a person who strains a gnat out of a drink but swallows a camel” or “the ones carefully obeying the less significant laws but failing to obey the more significant laws”

407423:24whk2rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὸν κώνωπα1

A gnat is a tiny flying insect. If your readers would not be familiar with what a gnat is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable insect in your area, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “the mosquito” or “the tiny insect”

407523:25bdilrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὐαὶ ὑμῖν, γραμματεῖς καὶ Φαρισαῖοι, ὑποκριταί! ὅτι καθαρίζετε τὸ ἔξωθεν τοῦ ποτηρίου καὶ τῆς παροψίδος, ἔσωθεν δὲ γέμουσιν ἐξ ἁρπαγῆς καὶ ἀκρασίας1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these sentences, since the second sentence gives the reason for the result that the first sentence describes. Alternate translation: “You, scribes and Pharisees, clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of greed and lack of self-control. So woe to you, hypocrites!”

407623:25ru45rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκαθαρίζετε τὸ ἔξωθεν τοῦ ποτηρίου καὶ τῆς παροψίδος, ἔσωθεν δὲ γέμουσιν ἐξ ἁρπαγῆς καὶ ἀκρασίας1

Here Jesus speaks of the scribes and Pharisees as if they were a cup and a plate. When he says that they clean the outside of these dishes, he means that they make sure that they appear to be doing what is right. When he says that inside the dishes are full of greed and lack of self-control, he means that they are full of these things. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you are like cups and plates whose outside you clean but whose inside is dirty, just as you are full of greed and lack of self-control” or “on the outside you look like you do what is right, but on the inside you are full of greed and lack of self-control”

407723:25trxfrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτοῦ ποτηρίου καὶ τῆς παροψίδος1

A cup is a dish from which people drink. A plate is a dish on which food is served. If your readers would not be familiar with these types of dishes, you could use the names of similar things in your area or you could use more general terms. Alternate translation: “of the glass and of the bowl” or “of eating utensils”

407823:25r3xdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitγέμουσιν ἐξ ἁρπαγῆς καὶ ἀκρασίας1

Here Jesus could mean that the cup and plate: (1) figuratively have greed and self-indulgence inside them. Alternate translation: “they are characterized by greed and lack of self-control” (2) are full of what the scribes and Pharisees gained through greed and lack of self-control. Alternate translation: “they are full of what you took through greed and lack of self-control”

407923:25a0b5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsγέμουσιν ἐξ ἁρπαγῆς καὶ ἀκρασίας1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of greed and self-control, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “they are characterized by being greedy and not controlling themselves”

408023:26lb5jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounΦαρισαῖε τυφλέ1

Jesus is not referring to a specific Pharisee. He is referring to every Pharisee who acts in the way he has described. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in plural form or in another way. If you use the plural form, make sure that you express the commands in this verse in plural form. Alternate translation: “Blind Pharisees”

408123:26eoorrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorΦαρισαῖε τυφλέ1

Here, Jesus speaks as if this Pharisee were blind. He means that he does not know what is right. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the word blind in 23:17. Alternate translation: “You, Pharisee, are like a blind person” or “You, Pharisee, do not know what is right”

408223:26f9p8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκαθάρισον πρῶτον τὸ ἐντὸς τοῦ ποτηρίου καὶ τῆς παροψίδος, ἵνα γένηται καὶ τὸ ἐκτὸς αὐτῶν καθαρόν1

Here Jesus continues to speak of the scribes and Pharisees as if they were a cup and a plate. He means that they should actually do what is right, and then they will also appear to be doing what is right. See how you expressed the similar ideas in 23:25. Alternate translation: “you should be like cups and plates whose inside is clean so that their outside is also clean” or “Actually do what is right, and then you will also look like you do what is right”

408323:26eik9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularκαθάρισον1

Since Jesus is addressing one Pharisee, the command here is singular. However, if you refer to plural Pharisees as an earlier note suggested, you should use the plural form here.

408423:26u8mcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ ἐντὸς1

Here, much as in 23:25, the word inside could refer to: (1) the inside of the dishes themselves. Alternate translation: “the inside parts” (2) what the dishes have inside them. Alternate translation: “what is inside”

408523:26jvkbrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτοῦ ποτηρίου καὶ τῆς παροψίδος1

See how you translated the words cup and plate in 23:25. Alternate translation: “of the glass and of the bowl” or “of eating utensils”

408623:27vwlvrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὐαὶ ὑμῖν, γραμματεῖς καὶ Φαρισαῖοι, ὑποκριταί! ὅτι παρομοιάζετε τάφοις κεκονιαμένοις, οἵτινες ἔξωθεν μὲν φαίνονται ὡραῖοι, ἔσωθεν δὲ γέμουσιν ὀστέων νεκρῶν καὶ πάσης ἀκαθαρσίας1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these sentences, since the second sentence gives the reason for the result that the first sentence describes. Alternate translation: “You, scribes and Pharisees, are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside appear beautiful, but on the inside are full of bones of the dead and all uncleanness. So woe to you, hypocrites!”

408723:27kry1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileπαρομοιάζετε τάφοις κεκονιαμένοις, οἵτινες ἔξωθεν μὲν φαίνονται ὡραῖοι, ἔσωθεν δὲ γέμουσιν ὀστέων νεκρῶν καὶ πάσης ἀκαθαρσίας1

Here, Jesus compares the scribes and Pharisees with whitewashed tombs. He explains the meaning of the comparison in the next verse, so you should not explain it here.

408823:27ta1frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτάφοις κεκονιαμένοις1

In Jesus culture, people would paint tombs white so that they would appear beautiful to people who passed by. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “tombs that someone has covered in white paint”

408923:27v5hirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjνεκρῶν1

Jesus is using the adjective dead as a noun to mean people who are dead. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “of the dead people” or “of the corpses”

409023:27ccq2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsπάσης ἀκαθαρσίας1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of uncleanness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “are very unclean”

409123:28vj63rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτοῖς ἀνθρώποις1

Although the term men is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “to men and women”

409223:28wln0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsμεστοὶ ὑποκρίσεως καὶ ἀνομίας1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of hypocrisy and lawlessness, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “very hypocritical and lawless”

409323:29adhcrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὐαὶ ὑμῖν, γραμματεῖς καὶ Φαρισαῖοι, ὑποκριταί! ὅτι οἰκοδομεῖτε τοὺς τάφους τῶν προφητῶν, καὶ κοσμεῖτε τὰ μνημεῖα τῶν δικαίων1

Here the first sentence describes a result for which the second sentence and the following verses give the reasons for. You could reverse the order of these sentences, but then you would need to create a long verse bridge. If possible, preserve the order of the sentences. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase to indicate that the second and following sentences give the reason for the first sentence. Alternate translation: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees! You are hypocrites. I say that because you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the tombs of the righteous”

409423:29rl5hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοἰκοδομεῖτε τοὺς τάφους τῶν προφητῶν, καὶ κοσμεῖτε τὰ μνημεῖα τῶν δικαίων1

When the scribes and Pharisees build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the tombs of the righteous, they are honoring important people who have died. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “you build the tombs of the prophets to honor them, and you decorate the tombs of the righteous to show them respect”

409523:29tse6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτῶν δικαίων1

Jesus is using the adjective righteous as a noun to mean people who are righteous. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “of righteous people”

409623:30f0hsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesλέγετε, εἰ ἤμεθα ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν, οὐκ ἂν ἤμεθα κοινωνοὶ αὐτῶν ἐν τῷ αἵματι τῶν προφητῶν1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “you say that if you had been in the days of your fathers, you would not have been sharers with them in the blood of the prophets.”

409723:30jhxdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoεἰ ἤμεθα ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν, οὐκ ἂν ἤμεθα κοινωνοὶ αὐτῶν ἐν τῷ αἵματι τῶν προφητῶν1

Here Jesus quotes the scribes and Pharisees using an imaginary situation to show that they would not have participated in killing the prophets. Use a natural method in your language for introducing an imaginary situation. Alternate translation: “Imagine that we were in the days of our fathers. In that situation, we would not have been sharers with them in the blood of the prophets”

409823:30gtt4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις1

Here, the phrase in the days refers to a specific period of time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “during the times”

409923:30kkf2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν1

Here, the word fathers refers to ancestors, not direct fathers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a similar phrase or plain language. Alternate translation: “of our forefathers”

410023:30x99mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτῷ αἵματι τῶν προφητῶν1

Here, blood represents death. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “killing the prophets” or “the death of the prophets”

410123:31q010rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultὥστε1

Here, the word Therefore introduces an inference or conclusion based on what Jesus said that the Pharisees and scribes say. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an inference or conclusion, or you could leave Therefore untranslated. Alternate translation: “In saying that,” or “So then,”

410223:31l7rlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorυἱοί ἐστε τῶν φονευσάντων1

Here, the phrase sons means male descendants. It does not mean that the scribes and Pharisees are the direct sons of the people who killed the prophets. In this case, the expression sons of also indicates that the sons are similar to their ancestors. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you are like your ancestors, the ones having killed” or “you are descended from and much like the ones having killed”

410323:32bpz8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκαὶ ὑμεῖς πληρώσατε τὸ μέτρον τῶν πατέρων ὑμῶν1

Jesus is speaking as if he wants the scribes and Pharisees literally to fill up a measure of a certain amount. This represents them completing the wicked behavior that their fathers began when they killed the prophets. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And you, finish doing the evil things that your fathers started”

410423:32vhesrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyπληρώσατε τὸ μέτρον τῶν πατέρων ὑμῶν1

Here Jesus commands the opposite of what he wants in order to make a point. He means that they should carefully consider the consequences if they do fill up the measure of their fathers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “consider whether you really want to fill up the measure of your fathers” or “perhaps you should not fill up the measure of your fathers”

410523:32it8zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτῶν πατέρων ὑμῶν1

Here, the word fathers refers to ancestors, not direct fathers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a similar phrase or plain language. Alternate translation: “of your forefathers”

410623:33va5crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletὄφεις, γεννήματα ἐχιδνῶν1

The terms serpents and offspring of vipers both refer to poisonous snakes. Jesus is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single expression. Alternate translation: “Poisonous snakes”

410723:33blv6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὄφεις, γεννήματα ἐχιδνῶν1

Here Jesus speaks of the scribes and Pharisees as if they were serpents and offspring of vipers. He means that they are evil and hurt other people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You who are like serpents and the offspring of vipers” or “Evil and wicked people”

410823:33vi6crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionπῶς φύγητε ἀπὸ τῆς κρίσεως τῆς Γεέννης?1

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke the religious leaders. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “you will not escape from the judgment of Gehenna” or “you cannot escape from the judgment of Gehenna!”

410923:33sk1frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτῆς κρίσεως τῆς Γεέννης1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe judgment that takes place in Gehenna. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “judgment in Gehenna”

411023:33ee42rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτῆς κρίσεως τῆς Γεέννης1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “being judged in Gehenna”

411123:33u1jurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorΓεέννης1

Here Jesus uses the name Gehenna to refer to hell. The valley named Gehenna was outside the city of Jerusalem and was a place where people threw out and burned garbage. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a simile or state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed the idea in 23:15. Alternate translation: “of a place like the valley of Gehenna” or “of hell, which is like Gehenna valley”

411223:34s1slrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultδιὰ τοῦτο1

Here, the phrase For this reason introduces something that Jesus says he will do in response to how the scribes and Pharisees are acting. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces a response. Alternate translation: “Because you are behaving like that”

411323:34tbf8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “pay attention” or “listen”

411423:34rj1xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐξ αὐτῶν-1

Here, the phrases From them and from them refer to some of the prophets and wise men and scribes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Some from among them … some from among them”

411523:35e1gwrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultὅπως1

Here, the phrase so that could introduce: (1) a result from what the scribes and Pharisees will do. Alternate translation: “with the result that” (2) a purpose for which Jesus sends people to the scribes and Pharisees even when he knows that they will kill them. Alternate translation: “in order that”

411623:35l7yarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἔλθῃ ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς1

Jesus is speaking as if the blood of righteous people would come upon the scribes and Pharisees. He means that God would consider them guilty of shedding this blood. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you might be considered guilty for”

411723:35h5n7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyαἷμα δίκαιον ἐκχυννόμενον ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς & τοῦ αἵματος & τοῦ αἵματος1

In this verse, Jesus uses the phrase blood being shed and the word blood to refer to murder. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the murders of righteous people having happened on the earth … the murder … the murder”

411823:35mf0prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπᾶν αἷμα δίκαιον1

Here Jesus uses the phrase righteous blood to refer to blood from righteous people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “all the blood from righteous people”

411923:35y698rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐκχυννόμενον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “that humans have shed”

412023:35z95grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismἀπὸ τοῦ αἵματος Ἂβελ τοῦ δικαίου, ἕως τοῦ αἵματος Ζαχαρίου1

Here Jesus refers to Abel and Zechariah because the stories of their murders are the first and last stories about the murders of righteous people in the Hebrew Scriptures. In this way, Jesus indicates that he is speaking about all the stories about the murders of righteous people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from the blood of Abel the righteous, the first victim, and including the blood of every victim after that up to the last, the blood of Zechariah”

412123:35espyrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesΖαχαρίου & Βαραχίου1

The words Zechariah and Barachiah are the names of men. The man named Zechariah is most likely the one whose murder is described in 2 Chronicles 24:2022. King Joash had him stoned to death in the temple courtyard after he rebuked the people of Judah for worshipping idols.

412223:35s11lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐφονεύσατε1

Here Jesus speaks as if you, his current audience, killed Zechariah. He means that the ancestors of his current audience did that. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your ancestors killed”

412323:36etlzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἥξει ταῦτα πάντα ἐπὶ τὴν γενεὰν ταύτην1

Jesus is speaking as if the things he has just spoken about will come upon this generation. He means that God will consider this generation to guilty of doing those things. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “this generation will be considered guilty for all these things”

412423:36af8arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitταῦτα πάντα1

Here, the phrase all these things refers to the murders that Jesus mentioned in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “all those evil deeds”

412523:36vx9orc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὴν γενεὰν ταύτην1

Here, generation represents the people who are part of the generation, which means that they are adults who are currently alive. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “todays people” or “the people of this generation”

412623:37xuj1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationἸερουσαλὴμ, Ἰερουσαλήμ, ἡ ἀποκτείνουσα τοὺς προφήτας καὶ λιθοβολοῦσα, τοὺς ἀπεσταλμένους πρὸς αὐτήν! ποσάκις ἠθέλησα ἐπισυναγαγεῖν τὰ τέκνα σου, ὃν τρόπον ὄρνις ἐπισυνάγει τὰ νοσσία αὐτῆς ὑπὸ τὰς πτέρυγας, καὶ οὐκ ἠθελήσατε1

Here Jesus speaks as if the city of Jerusalem were a woman with children. He is referring to the people who live in Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “People of Jerusalem, people of Jerusalem, the ones killing the prophets and stoning the ones having been sent to you! How often I desired to gather you the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing”

412723:37vne9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostropheἸερουσαλὴμ, Ἰερουσαλήμ1

Jesus is addressing something he knows cannot hear him, the city of Jerusalem, in order to show his listeners in a strong way how he feels about it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate these words as if he were speaking directly to people about these cities. Alternate translation: “I am very upset about Jerusalem”

412823:37cjr2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismἡ ἀποκτείνουσα τοὺς προφήτας καὶ λιθοβολοῦσα, τοὺς ἀπεσταλμένους πρὸς αὐτήν1

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternatively, you could combine the two phrases. Alternate translation: “the one killing the prophets, indeed, stoning the ones having been sent to her” or “the one killing the prophets having been sent to her by stoning them”

412923:37tz4rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτοὺς ἀπεσταλμένους1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Jesus implies that God did it. Alternate translation: “the ones whom God sent”

413023:37zi3grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personαὐτήν1

Although Jesus is speaking to Jerusalem, he uses the third person here. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the second person form. Alternate translation: “you”

413123:37d9horc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsποσάκις1

Here, the phrase How often introduces an exclamation, not a question. Jesus uses the exclamation to show how strongly he feels about Jerusalem. Use a form that communicates strong emotion in your language. Alternate translation: “Very strongly”

413223:37qsf0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσου1

Since Jesus is speaking to Jerusalem, the word your here is singular.

413323:37xv4trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὃν τρόπον ὄρνις ἐπισυνάγει τὰ νοσσία αὐτῆς ὑπὸ τὰς πτέρυγας1

Jesus is saying that he wants to act like a hen that gathers her chicks because he wants to comfort and protect the people of Jerusalem, just as a hen does that for her chicks. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings to comfort and protect them”

413423:37as8prc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownὄρνις & τὰ νοσσία αὐτῆς1

A hen is a female chicken, and chicks are the young chickens she is raising. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of animal, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “a bird … her young”

413523:37en1irc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ2

Here, the word and introduces what the people of Jerusalem actually did in contrast with what Jesus wanted them to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a contrast. Alternate translation: “but”

413623:38gbpdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention:”

413723:38ck2zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀφίεται ὑμῖν ὁ οἶκος ὑμῶν ἔρημος1

Here Jesus could speaking: (1) of the city of Jerusalem as if it were a house that will be left to its people desolate. In this case, he means that the city will be destroyed so much that people will no longer live there. Alternate translation: “your city will be left to you like a desolate house” or “your city will be destroyed” (2) of the temple as if it were a house that will be left to its people desolate. In this case, he means that God will no longer be present in the temple. Alternate translation: “your temple will be left to you like a desolate house” or “God will abandon your temple”

413823:38jl65rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀφίεται & ὁ οἶκος ὑμῶν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, it is clear from the context that it is God. Alternate translation: “God will leave your house”

413923:38e5shrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseἀφίεται1

Jesus is using the present tense in order to refer to something that will happen in the future. He is doing this to show that the event will certainly happen. Alternate translation: “will be left”

414023:39wc86rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces support for the claim that Jesus made in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces basis or support for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “That is because, as”

414123:39r74frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐ μή1

The words translated certainly not are two negative words. In this construction, the second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. Instead, it gives greater emphasis to the negative. If your language can use two negatives that do not cancel one another to create a positive meaning, you could use a double negative here. If your language does not use two negatives in that way, you could translate with one strong negative, as the ULT does. Alternate translation: “by no means”

414223:39r6o6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπ’ ἄρτι1

Here Jesus uses the word now to refer to the time of his current visit to Jerusalem. He is not referring to just the current moment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the time of my current visit with you”

414323:39eqnlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἕως ἂν εἴπητε1

Here, Jesus could be indicating that they will certainly not see him: (1) until the time when they say the following words. Alternate translation: “until the time when you say” (2) unless they say the following words. Alternate translation: “unless you say”

414423:39sohorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου1

Here Jesus is quoting from Psalm 118:26. Since he does not introduce the words as a quotation from an important text, you also should not introduce them as anything more than what he said. However, if it would be helpful for your readers, you could include this information in a footnote.

414523:39luw3εὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου1

The exact same sentence appears in 21:9. Translate it as you did there.

414624:introh2a20

Matthew 24 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

  1. Jesus teaches about the final judgment and salvation (23:1-25:46)
    • The disciples ask Jesus about the destruction of the temple and the end of the age (24:13)
    • Jesus teaches about the destruction of the temple (24:435)
      • Things that will happen in the time before the destruction of the temple (24:414)
      • Things that will happen immediately before the destruction of the temple (24:1528)
      • The coming of the Son of Man (24:2931)
      • When these things will happen (24:3235)
    • Jesus teaches about the end of the age (24:3651)
      • No one knows when this will happen (24:3641)
      • The need to be alert (24:4244)
      • The parable of the faithful slave and the evil slave (24:4551)

When Jesus speaks about which topics

When the disciples speak to Jesus in 24:3, they ask about two things: first, they want to know when the temple will be destroyed, and second, they want to know about the sign of Jesus coming and of the end of the age. Christians disagree about when Jesus is speaking about which topic. He could:

  1. finish speaking about the destruction of the temple in 24:35 and then go on to speak about his second coming (the outline above follows this view)
  2. finish speaking about the destruction of the temple in 24:28 and then go on to speak about his second coming
  3. speak about the destruction of the temple as a foreshadowing of the final tribulation in 24:428 and 24:3235 and speak about his second coming in 24:2931

Since Christians disagree over when Jesus is speaking about which topic, if possible format your translation so that several interpretations are possible.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

The destruction of the temple

The temple in Jerusalem was a very impressive, large building. Despite that, Jesus predicted that it would be destroyed within the lifetime of those who heard him. In fact, about 40 years later, a Roman army conquered Jerusalem and destroyed the temple.

The end of the age

The disciples ask Jesus about “the end of the age,” which both they and Jesus imply is also the time of Jesus second coming. The end of the age is the moment when God changes how things are in the present time to how they will be forever after Jesus second coming. Consider how you might naturally refer to this time in your translation.

The Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven

In 24:30, Jesus indicates that he, the Son of Man, will “come” on the clouds of heaven. However, he does not indicate the location to which he will “come.” Christians debate whether Jesus is describing his return to earth or his enthronement in heaven. If possible, your translation should allow for both possibilities. See the notes on this verse for translation options.

“This generation” in 24:34

In 24:34, Jesus says that what he has described will happen before “this generation” passes away. Many interpretations have been proposed for the group of people to which “this generation” refers:

  1. The people who were alive while Jesus was speaking these words
  2. The people who would be alive when the signs of the end began
  3. People who are like those who did not believe while Jesus was on earth
  4. Jewish people in general throughout history
  5. Humans in general

Since the word that Jesus uses primarily refers to people who are alive at the same time, if possible use a word or phrase that refers to such a group of people. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could include some interpretations of the word in a footnote.

The days of Noah

In 24:3739, Jesus compares the coming of the Son of Man with the time period of Noah. When Noah was alive, God told him to warn people that an enormous flood was coming. Noah built a large boat named an ark so that he, his family, and many animals could float on the water and survive the flood. However, people did not listen to Noah, and when the flood finally happened, everyone else died. Jesus says that the coming of the Son of Man will similarly surprise people who have not listened to his warnings. Just as the flood began suddenly, so the coming of the Son of Man will begin suddenly. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could include information about Noah in a footnote.

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

The proverb about the corpse and the vultures

In 24:28, Jesus uses or invents a proverb that states that wherever a corpse is, there vultures will gather. He could be using this proverb to indicate that:

  1. the coming of the Son of Man will be very obvious, just as a corpse is obvious because of the vultures that gather near it
  2. people and groups of people that are spiritually dead will certainly be judged and punished, just as a corpse is devoured by vultures
  3. believers who have died (the corpse) will come back to life with the aid of angels (the vultures)

Since Christians debate how Jesus wishes to apply this proverb, it is best to preserve the proverb without explaining its meaning. See the notes on this verse for translation options. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]])

The parable of the faithful slave and the evil slave

In 24:4551, Jesus tells a story about how a slave might react to being put in charge of the rest of the household when the master goes on a journey. If the slave is wise and faithful, he will do what his master asked him to do. Then, when the master returns, the slave will be rewarded. On the other hand, if the slave is evil, he will abuse the other slaves and feast with drunk people. Jesus tells this story to make his disciples think about how they should behave during the time before his second coming. They should be like the wise and faithful slave, not the evil slave. Your translation should not directly explain the meaning of this parable more than Jesus does, but be sure that your readers understand how to apply the story. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Singular and plural forms of “you”

Most of the forms of “you” in this chapter appear in teaching that Jesus gives to his disciples. Because of this, most forms of “you” in this chapter are plural. You should assume forms of “you” are plural unless a note specifies that the form is singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

414724:1b6uvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐξελθὼν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of gone. Alternate translation: “having come out”

414824:1ke79rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπὸ τοῦ ἱεροῦ1

Here Matthew means that Jesus went out from the temple area. He does not mean that Jesus was in the most sacred parts of the temple building. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “from the temple courtyard”

414924:1di17rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὰς οἰκοδομὰς τοῦ ἱεροῦ1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe buildings that are in the temple area. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the buildings in the temple complex”

415024:2w287rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

415124:2mh5yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὐ βλέπετε ταῦτα πάντα1

Jesus is using the question form to draw the attention of the disciples to the buildings. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Consider all these things.” or “Think about all these things!”

415224:2k7ahrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleοὐ μὴ ἀφεθῇ ὧδε λίθος ἐπὶ λίθον, ὃς οὐ καταλυθήσεται1

Jesus says that every stone will be torn down as an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “almost every stone upon a stone will not be left here, and almost none of them will not be torn down”

415324:2ecdzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοὐ μὴ ἀφεθῇ ὧδε λίθος ἐπὶ λίθον, ὃς οὐ καταλυθήσεται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who will do the action, it is clear from the context that it will be invading enemies. Alternate translation: “an invading army will certainly not leave a stone upon a stone here, which they will not tear down”

415424:2g4d8οὐ μὴ ἀφεθῇ ὧδε λίθος ἐπὶ λίθον, ὃς οὐ καταλυθήσεται1

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the ideas in positive form. Alternate translation: “every stone will be toppled off the stone it is on, and each one will be torn down”

415524:3f5a0rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

415624:3ix45rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”

415724:3pudyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeεἰπὲ1

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a polite request rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “We ask that you tell”

415824:3tutirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularεἰπὲ & σῆς1

Since the disciples are speaking to Jesus, the command and the word your in this verse are singular.

415924:3kal6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitταῦτα1

Here, the phrase these things refers to the events that Jesus described in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the events you have spoken about” or “that destruction”

416024:3xscxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῆς σῆς παρουσίας1

Here the disciples imply that Jesus will come back to this world at some point in the future. They are also implying that he will leave this world before he comes back. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make some or all of those ideas more explicit. Alternate translation: “of when you are going to come back to this world” or “of when, after leaving this world, you will come back”

416124:3e1isrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomσυντελείας τοῦ αἰῶνος1

Here, the phrase the end of the age refers to when the current time period will cease and a new age will begin. If your language has a way to refer to the end of the way things are now, you could use it here, or you could use a descriptive phrase. Alternate translation: “of the end of the world” or “of the moment in the future when the current way of doing things will cease”

416224:4s64src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὑμᾶς πλανήσῃ1

Jesus is speaking as if the disciples could literally be led astray, that is, led down the wrong path. He means that they could be deceived. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “causes you to believe what is wrong”

416324:5q6q1rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a reason why Jesus wants the disciples to be careful. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for an exhortation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “You should be careful because” or “Indeed,”

416424:5yvt1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjπολλοὶ & πολλοὺς1

In both places, Jesus is using the adjective many as a noun to mean many people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “many men and women … many men and women”

416524:5czggrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλεύσονται1

In a context such as this, your language might say “go” instead of come. Alternate translation: “will go”

416624:5lq71rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου1

Here, the word name refers primarily to the person who has that name, and it focuses especially on that persons authority. More specifically, Jesus could mean that: (1) these people claim to have the authority that Jesus properly has. Alternate translation: “in my authority” or “claiming to have the authority I have” (2) these people claim to represent Jesus. Alternate translation: “claiming to be my representatives” or “as if they were my representatives”

416724:5w7i0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesλέγοντες, ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ Χριστός; καὶ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “saying that they are the Christ, and”

416824:5udm0rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

If you keep the direct quotation, consider natural ways of introducing it in your language. Alternate translation: “and they will say”

416924:5twh8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπολλοὺς πλανήσουσιν1

See how you translated the similar expression in 24:4. Alternate translation: “will cause many to believe what is wrong”

417024:6pgdlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveμὴ θροεῖσθε1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was the wars and rumors of wars. Alternate translation: “those things do not trouble you”

417124:6hdz3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδεῖ & γενέσθαι1

Here Jesus means that God has planned these things and they will not change. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “God has chosen that these things will happen”

417224:6fvq7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ τέλος1

Here Jesus is speaking about the end of the age, which is what the disciples asked about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the end of the world” or “the moment in the future when the current way of doing things will cease”

417324:7z2flrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a further explanation of what is going to happen. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a further explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “Even more,”

417424:7ygf2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismἐγερθήσεται & ἔθνος ἐπὶ ἔθνος, καὶ βασιλεία ἐπὶ βασιλείαν1

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternatively, you could combine the two phrases. Alternate translation: “nation will rise against nation, yes, kingdom against kingdom” or “nation and kingdom rise against nation and kingdom”

417524:7tc4yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounἐγερθήσεται & ἔθνος ἐπὶ ἔθνος, καὶ βασιλεία ἐπὶ βασιλείαν1

The words nation and kingdom represents nations and kingdoms in general, not one particular kingdom and nation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “some nations will rise against other nations, and some kingdoms against other kingdoms”

417624:7xuowrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐγερθήσεται & ἔθνος ἐπὶ ἔθνος, καὶ βασιλεία ἐπὶ βασιλείαν1

Here, the words nation and kingdom represent the people who live in them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people of a nation will rise up against the people of another nation, and the people of a kingdom against the people of another kingdom”

417724:7fmy4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐγερθήσεται & ἐπὶ1

The phrase rise against referring to attacking someone or something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will fight against”

417824:7xo7rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisβασιλεία ἐπὶ βασιλείαν1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “kingdom will rise against kingdom”

417924:7to35rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsλιμοὶ καὶ σεισμοὶ1

Many ancient manuscripts read famines and earthquakes. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “famines and plagues and earthquakes.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

418024:8rl12rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces what Jesus says about how these things are just the beginning in contrast to how bad they seemed when he described them in the previous verses. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “And yet,” or “However,”

418124:8cnrtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπάντα & ταῦτα1

Here, the phrase all these things refers to the things that Jesus has said will happen. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “all the things that I have described”

418224:8q4glrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀρχὴ ὠδίνων1

Here Jesus speaks of the events that he has described as if they were the beginning of birth pains. He means that, just like birth pains, they are difficult and painful things that eventually lead to a happy and wonderful result. If possible, you should maintain the figure of speech or express the idea in simile form. Alternate translation: “are like the beginning of birth pains”

418324:9uyq5rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneousτότε1

Here, the word Then could introduce something that will happen: (1) during the events that Jesus has been describing. Alternate translation: “During that time,” (2) after the events that Jesus has been describing. Alternate translation: “After that time,”

418424:9cbkprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπαραδώσουσιν ὑμᾶς εἰς θλῖψιν1

Here, the phrase hand you over refers to putting people in a particular situation or experience. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they will make you experience tribulation” or “they will cause you tribulation”

418524:9uw1irc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsπαραδώσουσιν ὑμᾶς1

Here, the pronoun they refers to all people who persecute the disciples. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to enemies of the disciples. Alternate translation: “your enemies will hand you over”

418624:9aairrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsεἰς θλῖψιν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of tribulation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to be afflicted” or “to be persecuted”

418724:9nsh3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἔσεσθε μισούμενοι ὑπὸ πάντων τῶν ἐθνῶν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “all the nations will hate you”

418824:9u2bdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyδιὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου1

Here, name represents the person whose name it is. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed the idea in 10:22. Alternate translation: “because of me”

418924:10eppjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτότε1

Here, just as in 24:9, the word then could introduce something that will happen: (1) during the events that Jesus has been describing. Alternate translation: “during that time,” (2) after the events that Jesus has been describing. Alternate translation: “after that time,”

419024:10kvbwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσκανδαλισθήσονται πολλοὶ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “many will stumble”

419124:10a4ygrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorσκανδαλισθήσονται πολλοὶ1

Here, Jesus speaks of ceasing to believe in God as if it were stumbling. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “many will stop believing” or “many will cease trusting God”

419224:10q5n1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjπολλοὶ1

Jesus is using the adjective many as a noun to mean many disciples or fellow believers. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “many disciples” or “many of my followers”

419324:10w1oorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀλλήλους παραδώσουσιν1

Here, the phrase hand one another over refers to putting people under the authority and control of other people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will have the authorities seize one another” or “will cause one another to be arrested”

419424:11fo6orc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐγερθήσονται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who will do the action, it is clear from the context that it will be the false prophets themselves. Alternate translation: “will rise up”

419524:11mi2erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐγερθήσονται1

Here, the phrase will be raised up refers to people beginning to do some task publicly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will appear” or “will start prophesying”

419624:11tjb3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκαὶ πλανήσουσιν πολλούς1

Jesus is speaking as if the prophets would literally lead people astray, that is, down the wrong path. He means that they will deceive people. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed the idea 24:4. Alternate translation: “will cause many to believe what is wrong”

419724:11qtk3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjπολλούς1

Jesus is using the adjective many as a noun to mean many people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “many men and women”

419824:12ohq1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὸ πληθυνθῆναι τὴν ἀνομίαν1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “lawlessness will increase”

419924:12w4afrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν ἀνομίαν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of lawlessness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “people doing what is lawless”

420024:12bu9brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorψυγήσεται ἡ ἀγάπη τῶν πολλῶν1

Here Jesus speaks as if love were something hot that could literally grow cold. He means that love has diminished or ceased. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the love of many will be like a fire that has gone out” or “the love of many will cease”

420124:12x9sxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsψυγήσεται ἡ ἀγάπη τῶν πολλῶν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of love, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “many will grow cold in how they love”

420224:12dbfqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἡ ἀγάπη τῶν πολλῶν1

Here Jesus could be speaking about: (1) love for other people. Alternate translation: “the love of many for other people” (2) love for God. Alternate translation: “the love of many for God”

420324:12nvvbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτῶν πολλῶν1

Jesus is using the adjective many as a noun to mean many people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “of many men and women”

420424:13v3exrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὁ δὲ ὑπομείνας εἰς τέλος, οὗτος σωθήσεται1

The exact same sentence appears in 10:22. Translate it as you did there.

420524:14x3e6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveκηρυχθήσεται τοῦτο τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς βασιλείας1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Jesus implies that his disciples will do it. Alternate translation: “you will preach this gospel of the kingdom”

420624:14opuorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτοῦτο τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς βασιλείας1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe a gospel that is about the kingdom. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the gospel concerning the kingdom”

420724:14he15rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsεἰς μαρτύριον1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of testimony, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “so that someone testifies about it” or “so that it is testified”

420824:14y65src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyπᾶσιν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν1

Here, the word nations represents the people who live in those nations. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to the people of all the nations”

420924:14cqxfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ τέλος1

Here Jesus is speaking about the end of the age, which is what the disciples asked about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the end of the world” or “the moment in the future when the current way of doing things will cease”

421024:14e2otrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἥξει1

Here Jesus speaks as if the end were something that could come. He means that the end will happen. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will happen”

421124:15phs9rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1

Here, the word Therefore introduces an inference or conclusion based on what Jesus has said about how persecution and suffering will happen. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of inference or conclusion. Alternate translation: “Because of all that”

421224:15lhasrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ βδέλυγμα τῆς ἐρημώσεως1

The phrase the abomination of desolation is found in Daniel 9:27, Daniel 11:31, and Daniel 12:11. Jesus audience would have been familiar with these passages, which prophesy about the abomination entering the temple and defiling it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the shameful thing that defiles the temple”

421324:15f7bnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὸ βδέλυγμα τῆς ἐρημώσεως1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe an abomination that causes desolation. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the abomination that causes desolation” or “the abomination that leads to desolation”

421424:15v2f9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὸ βδέλυγμα τῆς ἐρημώσεως1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of abomination and desolation, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “the abominable thing that desolates”

421524:15mf1brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ Δανιὴλ τοῦ προφήτου1

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “of which Daniel the prophet spoke”

421624:15nl7irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν τόπῳ ἁγίῳ1

Here, the phrase the holy place refers to the temple building. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “in the holy temple”

421724:15-16lz9prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτόπῳ ἁγίῳ ὁ ἀναγινώσκων νοείτω & τότε1

Here, clause let the one reading understand could be: (1) written by Matthew to anyone who reads what Daniel wrote. Use a form that clearly indicates that Matthew is writing this, not reporting what Jesus spoke. Alternate translation: “the holy place” (and I, Matthew, add: let the one who has read the book of Daniel understand), “then” (2) spoken by Jesus to anyone who reads what Daniel wrote. Alternate translation: “the holy place, and let the one who has read the book of Daniel understand, then” (3) written by Matthew to anyone who reads this story. Use a form that clearly indicates that Matthew is writing this, not reporting what Jesus spoke. Alternate translation: “the holy place” (and I, Matthew, add: let the one who reads this story understand), “then”

421824:15sq8trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ ἀναγινώσκων νοείτω1

Here, the phrase let the one reading understand could indicate that the one reading: (1) can understand what the abomination of desolation is if they know what Daniel wrote. Alternate translation: “the one reading understands” or “you know what I mean” (2) should try to understand what the abomination of desolation is. Alternate translation: “let the one reading try to understand” or “reader, pay attention”

421924:15fa7krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3pὁ ἀναγινώσκων νοείτω1

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the one reading must understand”

422024:16geyvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3pοἱ ἐν τῇ Ἰουδαίᾳ, φευγέτωσαν1

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the ones in Judea must flee”

422124:16v75qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἰς τὰ ὄρη1

Here Jesus implies that people will be safer in the mountains than in Judea. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “to the mountains where they will be safer”

422224:17bm5krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounὁ ἐπὶ τοῦ δώματος, μὴ καταβάτω ἆραι τὰ ἐκ τῆς οἰκίας αὐτοῦ1

Here Jesus gives a command to one person, but he implies that it applies to any of his disciples who are in the situation that he describes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “let the ones on the housetops not go down to take anything from their houses”

422324:17iv2jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ ἐπὶ τοῦ δώματος, μὴ καταβάτω ἆραι τὰ ἐκ τῆς οἰκίας αὐτοῦ1

Where Jesus lived, the tops of houses were flat. People would eat and do other activities on top of their houses. Jesus assumes that his hearers know this and that they know that the roofs were accessed by an exterior staircase at the back of the house, distant from the entry at the front. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make those ideas more explicit. Alternate translation: “let the one who is on top of his roof escape immediately by the back stairway and not enter his house to get anything”

422424:17upzerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3pὁ ἐπὶ τοῦ δώματος, μὴ καταβάτω1

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the one on the housetop must not go down”

422524:17c93jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goὁ ἐπὶ τοῦ δώματος, μὴ καταβάτω1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of go. Alternate translation: “let the one on the housetop not come down”

422624:17kmclrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsαὐτοῦ1

Although the term his is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “his or her”

422724:18v06krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounὁ ἐν τῷ ἀγρῷ, μὴ ἐπιστρεψάτω ὀπίσω ἆραι τὸ ἱμάτιον αὐτοῦ1

Here Jesus gives a command to one person, but he implies that it applies to any of his disciples who are in the situation that he describes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “let the ones in the fields not turn back to take their cloaks”

422824:18a6c2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ ἐν τῷ ἀγρῷ, μὴ ἐπιστρεψάτω ὀπίσω ἆραι τὸ ἱμάτιον αὐτοῦ1

People in Jesus time often walked from their towns to the field that they worked in during the day. Jesus is saying that, when they see the abomination of desolation, they should not return to their town to get their cloaks. Instead, they should flee directly from the field that they are working in. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “let the one working the field not return to his town to get his cloak”

422924:18kydyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3pὁ ἐν τῷ ἀγρῷ, μὴ ἐπιστρεψάτω ὀπίσω1

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the one in the field must not turn back”

423024:18duz4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsαὐτοῦ1

Although the term his is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “his or her”

423124:19xq76rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that Jesus wants to say. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next idea, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Now”

423224:19kq12rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomταῖς ἐν γαστρὶ ἐχούσαις1

Here, the phrase having in the womb refers to being pregnant. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to the ones who are with child” or “to the ones who are pregnant”

423324:19piqlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitταῖς θηλαζούσαις1

This does not mean babies who are nursing but women who are nursing babies (providing their milk for them). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “to mothers who are nursing their babies”

423424:19f533rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν ἐκείναις ταῖς ἡμέραις1

Here, the phrase those days refers to the time period that Jesus has been describing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at that time” or “during that time period”

423524:20w2tlrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that Jesus wants to say. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next idea, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Now”

423624:20u4jbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsμὴ γένηται ἡ φυγὴ ὑμῶν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of flight, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “you might not have to flee”

423724:20m6mxrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownχειμῶνος1

In the location to which Jesus is referring, winter is the time of year when it is cold and travel is difficult. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a term for a season in which it would be difficult to travel, or you could translate winter with a general expression. Alternate translation: “in the rainy season” or “in the cold season”

423824:20uvecrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitΣαββάτῳ1

Because people in Jesus culture did not work on a Sabbath, it was much harder to travel on that day, even in an emergency. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “on a Sabbath, when no one is working” or “on a Sabbath, when traveling is hard”

423924:21c1g4rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a reason why the disciples should pray that they would not need to flee in winter or on a Sabbath. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a command, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “You should pray that because” or “That is because”

424024:21g7clrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἔσται & θλῖψις μεγάλη1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of tribulation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “people will be greatly hurt” or “people will be greatly afflicted”

424124:21qffqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐδ’ οὐ μὴ γένηται1

The words translated nor and ever are three negative words. In this construction, the second and third negatives do not cancel the first. Instead, they give greater emphasis to the negative. If your language can use three negatives that do not cancel one another to create a positive meaning, you could use a triple negative here. If your language does not use three negatives in that way, you could translate with one strong negative, as the ULT does. Alternate translation: “and will by no means happen again”

424224:21wt7wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐ μὴ γένηται1

Here Jesus means that tribulation this great will not happen again after these events occur. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “nor will ever again happen after that”

424324:22ue2erc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-contraryεἰ μὴ ἐκολοβώθησαν αἱ ἡμέραι ἐκεῖναι, οὐκ ἂν ἐσώθη πᾶσα σάρξ1

Jesus is making a conditional statement that sounds hypothetical, but he is already convinced that the condition is not true. He knows that those days really have been shortened. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a condition that the speaker believes is not true. Alternate translation: “were those days not to have been shortened, no flesh would have been saved” or “image that those days had not been shortened. Then, no flesh would have been saved”

424424:22f692rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfutureμὴ ἐκολοβώθησαν αἱ ἡμέραι ἐκεῖναι, οὐκ ἂν ἐσώθη πᾶσα σάρξ1

Jesus is using the past tense in order to refer to something that will happen in the future. He is doing this because he knows that God has already decided to shorten those days. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the future tense, or you could refer to Gods decision. Alternate translation: “those days were not going to be shortened, no flesh would be saved” or “the decision had not already been made to shorten those days, no flesh would have been saved”

424524:22ndr9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveμὴ ἐκολοβώθησαν αἱ ἡμέραι ἐκεῖναι & κολοβωθήσονται αἱ ἡμέραι ἐκεῖναι1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who will do the action, Jesus implies that God will do it. Alternate translation: “God had not shortened those days … God will shorten those days”

424624:22fqh0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomαἱ ἡμέραι ἐκεῖναι-1

Here, the phrase those days refers to the time period that Jesus has been describing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “that time period … that time period”

424724:22dwwnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοὐκ ἂν ἐσώθη πᾶσα σάρξ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no flesh would remain” or “no flesh would continue to live”

424824:22r9qwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheσάρξ1

Jesus is using flesh to represent humans. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “humans”

424924:22b1i0rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces what will actually happen in contrast to what might have happened if God had not shortened the days. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces that kind of contrast. Alternate translation: “In reality, though,”

425024:22mcqgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτοὺς ἐκλεκτοὺς1

Jesus is using the adjective elect as a noun to mean elect people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the elect people” or “the people whom God has elected”

425124:23-24v5fmrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridgeτότε ἐάν τις ὑμῖν εἴπῃ, ἰδοὺ, ὧδε ὁ Χριστός, ἤ ὧδε, μὴ πιστεύσητε & ἐγερθήσονται γὰρ ψευδόχριστοι καὶ ψευδοπροφῆται, καὶ δώσουσιν σημεῖα μεγάλα καὶ τέρατα, ὥστε πλανῆσαι εἰ δυνατὸν καὶ τοὺς ἐκλεκτούς1

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine 24:23 and 24:24 into a verse bridge, as the UST does, in order to include the reason for Jesus command before the command itself. Alternate translation: “Then, false Christs and false prophets will be raised up and will give great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. So, if anyone says to you, Behold, here {is} the Christ! or, Here! you should not believe {it}.”

425224:23avm2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-factτότε ἐάν τις ὑμῖν εἴπῃ1

Jesus speaks as if this were a hypothetical situation, but he means that it will happen. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might think that what Jesus is saying is uncertain, then you could translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “Then, although some people will say to you”

425324:23e7borc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneousτότε1

Here, the word Then could introduce something that will happen: (1) during the events that Jesus has been describing. Alternate translation: “During that time,” (2) after the events that Jesus has been describing. Alternate translation: “After that time,”

425424:23vm45rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesὑμῖν εἴπῃ, ἰδοὺ, ὧδε ὁ Χριστός, ἤ ὧδε, μὴ πιστεύσητε1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “says to you that you should look because the Christ is there or there, you should not believe it”

425524:23fn7brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to look at something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to look, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “Look” or “Pay attention”

425624:23x392rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisὧδε2

The person speaking is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “Here is the Christ”

425724:24zfyhrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a basis for the command that Jesus gave in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a command, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “I say that since” or “That is because”

425824:24s3terc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐγερθήσονται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who will do the action, it is clear from the context that it will be the false Christs and false prophets themselves. Alternate translation: “will rise up”

425924:24jpjrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐγερθήσονται1

Here, the phrase** will be raised up** refers to people beginning to do some task publicly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will appear” or “will begin to lead”

426024:24nx14rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletσημεῖα μεγάλα καὶ τέρατα1

The terms signs and wonders mean similar things. Jesus is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “amazing signs” or “impressive deeds”

426124:24u3o8rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalὥστε πλανῆσαι1

Here, the phrase so as introduces the purpose for which the false Christs and false prophets give the great signs and wonders. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces a purpose. Alternate translation: “with the goal of leading astray” or “in order to lead astray”

426224:24n744rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπλανῆσαι εἰ δυνατὸν καὶ τοὺς ἐκλεκτούς1

Jesus is speaking as if the false Christs and prophets could literally lead people astray. He means that they deceive others. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar expression in 24:4. Alternate translation: “to cause, if possible, even the elect to believe what is wrong”

426324:24ygypεἰ δυνατὸν1

Here, the phrase if possible could mean: (1) that it is not actually possible to lead astray the elect. Alternate translation: “if it were possible” (2) that the false Christs and false prophets will try everything they can to lead astray the elect. Alternate translation: “if they can” or “by all possible means”

426424:24y0ubrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτοὺς ἐκλεκτούς1

Jesus is using the adjective elect as a noun to mean elect people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. See how you translated this word in 24:22. Alternate translation: “the elect people” or “the people whom God has elected”

426524:25cpd2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention”

426624:26gn85rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoἐὰν & εἴπωσιν ὑμῖν, ἰδοὺ, ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ ἐστίν, μὴ ἐξέλθητε & ἰδοὺ, ἐν τοῖς ταμείοις, μὴ πιστεύσητε1

Here Jesus uses imaginary situations to teach his disciples how to respond to people who claim to know where the Messiah is. Use a natural method in your language for introducing imaginary situations. Alternate translation: “imagine that they say to you, Behold, he is in the wilderness. In that case, you should not go out; imagine that they say to you, Behold, in the inner chambers. In that case, you should not believe it.”

426724:26fmx1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesεἴπωσιν ὑμῖν, ἰδοὺ, ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ ἐστίν, μὴ ἐξέλθητε & ἰδοὺ, ἐν τοῖς ταμείοις, μὴ πιστεύσητε1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “they say to you that you should look because he is in the wilderness, you should not go out; that you should look in the inner chambers, you should not believe it”

426824:26ijcorc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsεἴπωσιν1

The pronoun they refers to any person who might say this. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to people in general. Alternate translation: “people say”

426924:26vdkprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ-1

Here, the word Behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to look at something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express Behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to look, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “Look … Look” or “Pay attention … Pay attention”

427024:26tph8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐστίν1

Here Jesus implies that the people are speaking about the Christ. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the Christ is”

427124:26zxg2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisμὴ ἐξέλθητε & ἰδοὺ, ἐν τοῖς ταμείοις1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “you should not go out; if they say to you, Behold, he is in the inner chambers”

427224:26m5pyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμὴ ἐξέλθητε1

Here Jesus is referring to going out to the wilderness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “you should not go out to that wilderness”

427324:26btjnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goμὴ ἐξέλθητε1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of go. Alternate translation: “you should not come out”

427424:26qgafrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτοῖς ταμείοις1

The phrase inner chambers refers to small, private rooms in a house. They could be bedrooms or storage rooms. If your readers would not be familiar with these types of rooms, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “the private areas” or “the inner rooms”

427524:27wpkarc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a basis for the command that Jesus gave in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a command, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “I say that because” or “That is because”

427624:27j1w1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὥσπερ & ἡ ἀστραπὴ ἐξέρχεται ἀπὸ ἀνατολῶν καὶ φαίνεται ἕως δυσμῶν, οὕτως ἔσται ἡ παρουσία τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1

Jesus is saying that the coming of the Son of Man will be like lightning because they are both visible to everyone and very obvious. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “just as the lightning comes out from the east and shines as far as the west so that it is visible to everyone, so will the coming of the Son of Man be visible to everyone”

427724:27pf6mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἡ ἀστραπὴ ἐξέρχεται ἀπὸ ἀνατολῶν καὶ φαίνεται ἕως δυσμῶν1

Here Jesus is referring to how a large bolt of lightning begins at one side of the sky and flashes to the other side. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the lightning flashes across the sky” or “the lightning lights up the sky from east to west”

427824:27iaecrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐξέρχεται1

In a context such as this, your language might say “goes” instead of comes. Alternate translation: “goes out”

427924:27f8crrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔσται ἡ παρουσία τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1

Here Jesus implies that the Son of Man will come back to this world at some point in the future. He is also implying that the Son of Man will leave this world before he comes back. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make some or all of those ideas more explicit. Alternate translation: “the Son of Man will come back to this world” or “the Son of Man, after leaving this world, will come back”

428024:27za8brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personτοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1

Here Jesus speaks about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “me, who am the Son of Man”

428124:28mu35rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbsὅπου ἐὰν ᾖ τὸ πτῶμα, ἐκεῖ συναχθήσονται οἱ ἀετοί1

Here, Jesus uses or invents a proverb in order to teach. See the chapter introduction for what this proverb might mean in this context. Since there are many things that it might mean, you should express the idea in a form that your readers would recognize as a proverb without explaining its meaning. Alternate translation: “Vultures are gathered wherever there is a corpse”

428224:28fo7orc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσυναχθήσονται οἱ ἀετοί1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the vultures will gather”

428324:28ivl8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownοἱ ἀετοί1

The word vultures describes large birds that travel in flocks and eat the flesh of dead animals that they find. If your readers would not be familiar with vultures, you could use the name of similar birds in your area, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “the scavenger birds”

428424:29az4brc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequentialεὐθέως δὲ μετὰ1

The phrase But immediately after indicates that the events Jesus will describe in 24:2931 will come soon after the events he has described in 24:1528 or perhaps all of 24:428. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that refers to events that will happen soon after other events. Alternate translation: “Then, directly following”

428524:29yj4drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν θλῖψιν τῶν ἡμερῶν ἐκείνων1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of tribulation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “those days when people will be greatly hurt” or “those days when people will be greatly afflicted”

428624:29zmm6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτῶν ἡμερῶν ἐκείνων1

Here, the phrase those days refers to the time period that Jesus has been describing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent phrase or state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed the idea in 24:22. Alternate translation: “of that time period”

428724:29zuk4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὁ ἥλιος σκοτισθήσεται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who will do the action, it is clear from the context that it will be God. Alternate translation: “God will darken the sun”

428824:29k7xjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationἡ σελήνη οὐ δώσει τὸ φέγγος αὐτῆς1

Here, Jesus speaks as if the moon were a person who could give something to someone else. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the moon will become dark”

428924:29w1birc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveαἱ δυνάμεις τῶν οὐρανῶν σαλευθήσονται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who will do the action, it is clear from the context that it will be God. Alternate translation: “God will shake the powers of the heavens”

429024:29dyd6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitαἱ δυνάμεις τῶν οὐρανῶν1

Here, the phrase the powers of the heavens could refer to: (1) powerful spiritual beings that dwell in the heavens. Alternate translation: “the powerful beings in the heavens” (2) the heavenly bodies, including the sun, moon, and stars. Alternate translation: “the sun, moon, and stars”

429124:30umi2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureφανήσεται τὸ σημεῖον τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου ἐν οὐρανῷ1

Here, the phrase in heaven could go with: (1) will appear. In this case, in heaven is where the sign will appear. Alternate translation: “will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man” (2) the Son of Man. In this case, the sign shows that the Son of Man is in heaven. Alternate translation: “will appear the sign that the Son of Man is in heaven”

429224:30qwjarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὸ σημεῖον τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1

Here, Jesus could be using the possessive form to describe a sign that: (1) shows that the Son of Man is about to do something. Alternate translation: “the sign that indicates that the Son of Man is about to do something” (2) is the Son of Man. Alternate translation: “the sign, which is the Son of Man,”

429324:30yc2xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personτοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου & τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “of me, who am the Son of Man, … me, who am the Son of Man,”

429424:30orbwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπᾶσαι αἱ φυλαὶ τῆς γῆς1

Here, the phrase all the tribes of the earth could refer to: (1) all the groups of people in the world. Alternate translation: “all the people in the world” (2) all the people who belong to the tribes of Israel. Alternate translation: “all the people of the tribes of Israel”

429524:30hrcurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoἐρχόμενον1

Christians debate exactly what it means in this verse for the the Son of Man to be coming. Some think he is coming to Gods heavenly throne room. Others think he is coming back to earth. If possible, use a form that does not explicitly state where he is coming. Alternate translation: “traveling” or “going”

429624:30slgurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoτῶν νεφελῶν τοῦ οὐρανοῦ1

The expression of heaven contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “the clouds”

429724:30pb0xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsμετὰ δυνάμεως καὶ δόξης πολλῆς1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of power and glory, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “as someone who is powerful and very glorious” or “powerfully and very gloriously”

429824:31rlb4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personἀποστελεῖ τοὺς ἀγγέλους αὐτοῦ & αὐτοῦ1

If you expressed the idea in the previous verse in first person instead of third person, you should also use the first person here. Alternate translation: “I will send my angels … my”

429924:31fl54rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyμετὰ σάλπιγγος μεγάλης1

Here, a great trumpet represents the very loud sound that this trumpet would make. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “with a great trumpet call”

430024:31gq1hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτοὺς ἐκλεκτοὺς αὐτοῦ1

Jesus is using the adjective elect as a noun to mean elect people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. See how you translated this word in 24:22. Alternate translation: “his elect people” or “the people whom he has elected”

430124:31ibw7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismἐκ τῶν τεσσάρων ἀνέμων, ἀπ’ ἄκρων οὐρανῶν ἕως ἄκρων αὐτῶν1

These two phrases mean similar things. The phrase from the four winds indicates that the elect are gathered from every direction. The phrase from the ends of the heavens to the ends of them indicates that they are gathered from the farthest places. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine the two phrases and emphasize in another way the complete range of this gathering. Alternate translation: “from even the farthest points in every direction”

430224:31wp9trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐκ τῶν τεσσάρων ἀνέμων1

The phrase the four winds refers to the four primary directions: north, south, east, and west, and so includes every place. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “from the north, south, east, and west” or “from every place”

430324:31l1llrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἀπ’ ἄκρων οὐρανῶν ἕως ἄκρων αὐτῶν1

Here, the phrase the ends of the heavens refers to the parts of the world that are the farthest away. Jesus means that the elect will be gathered from every place, no matter how far away. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from the nearest to the farthest places” or “from even the farthest places”

430424:32n8t0rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that Jesus wants to speak about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next idea, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,”

430524:32nxexrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parablesἀπὸ & τῆς συκῆς, μάθετε τὴν παραβολήν1

To teach the disciples, Jesus offers a story or illustration. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “learn from this illustration concerning the fig tree”

430624:32bczgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounτῆς συκῆς & ἤδη ὁ κλάδος αὐτῆς γένηται ἁπαλὸς καὶ τὰ φύλλα ἐκφύῃ1

The phrase fig tree represents fig trees in general, not one particular fig tree. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “fig trees … their branches already become tender and they put out leaves”

430724:32ssh0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἤδη ὁ κλάδος αὐτῆς γένηται ἁπαλὸς1

Here, the clause its branch already becomes tender means that the fig tree has begun to grow new branches, which are tender when they are new. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “it grows new twigs” or “it sprouts fresh branches”

430824:32ro2trc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὸ θέρος1

In the location to which Jesus is referring, summer is the time of year when trees and plants grow and produce fruit. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a term for a season in which plants and trees grow. Alternate translation: “the time for things to grow” or “the h ot season”

430924:33kf40rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitταῦτα, πάντα1

Here, the phrase all these things refers back to what Jesus has described in 24:428 or perhaps 24:431. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “all those things I have told you about”

431024:33ygkerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐστιν1

Here, the word translated it could: (1) refer to the coming of the Son of Man and the gathering of the elect, as described in 24:3031. Alternate translation: “his coming is” or (if you expressed Son of Man in the first person) “my coming is” (2) be translated as “he” and refer to the Son of Man. Alternate translation: “he is” or (if you expressed Son of Man in the first person) “I am”

431124:33cfz8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐπὶ θύραις1

The phrase at the doors indicates that something or someone is very near and ready to enter. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “ready to enter” or “about to arrive”

431224:34y73trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἡ γενεὰ αὕτη1

Here, generation represents the people who are part of the generation, which means that they are adults who are alive at the same time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people of this generation”

431324:34x4ndrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἡ γενεὰ αὕτη1

Christians debate whom Jesus was referring to with the phrase this generation. See the chapter introduction for more information. Two possibilities are most likely. Jesus could be referring to: (1) the people who were alive while he was saying these words. Alternate translation: “people who are alive right now” (2) the people who will be alive when the things that he has described begin to happen. Alternate translation: “people who will be alive then”

431424:34gld5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismοὐ μὴ παρέλθῃ1

Jesus is referring to death in a polite way by using the phrase pass away. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a polite way of referring to this in your language, or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “will certainly not die”

431524:34r6skrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐ μὴ παρέλθῃ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative phrase certainly not and the negative verb pass away. Alternate translation: “will certainly remain”

431624:34kinvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐ μὴ1

The words translated certainly not are two negative words. In this construction, the second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. Instead, it gives greater emphasis to the negative. If your language can use two negatives that do not cancel one another to create a positive meaning, you could use a double negative here. If your language does not use two negatives in that way, you could translate with one strong negative, as the ULT does. Alternate translation: “by no means”

431724:34fb4kπάντα ταῦτα1

Here, just as in 24:33, the phrase all these things refers back to what Jesus has described in 24:428 or perhaps 24:431. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “all those things I have told you about”

431824:35i8vvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismὁ οὐρανὸς καὶ ἡ γῆ1

Here Jesus refers two main components of creation, heaven and earth, to refer to all of creation. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “All creation” or “The universe”

431924:35e6bfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyοἱ & λόγοι μου1

Here, the phrase my words represents what Jesus has said using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the things I have spoken”

432024:35v1ikrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐ μὴ παρέλθωσιν1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative phrase certainly not and the negative verb pass away. Alternate translation: “will always remain”

432124:35d7evrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐ μὴ1

The words translated certainly not are two negative words. In this construction, the second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. Instead, it gives greater emphasis to the negative. If your language can use two negatives that do not cancel one another to create a positive meaning, you could use a double negative here. If your language does not use two negatives in that way, you could translate with one strong negative, as the ULT does. Alternate translation: “by no means”

432224:36uitqrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesπερὶ δὲ τῆς ἡμέρας ἐκείνης καὶ ὥρας1

Here, the phrase But concerning introduces the next topic that Jesus wants to talk about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next topic. Alternate translation: “Next, I will talk about that day and hour. About them”

432324:36q4pjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletτῆς ἡμέρας ἐκείνης καὶ ὥρας1

The terms day and hour mean similar things. Jesus is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “that specific time”

432424:36vicorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῆς ἡμέρας ἐκείνης καὶ ὥρας1

Here Jesus is referring to the exact moment when this “age,” which is the current time period, will end (see the disciples question in 24:3). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the end of the age” or “the moment in the future when the current way of doing things will cease”

432524:36lhrhrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptionsοὐδεὶς οἶδεν, οὐδὲ οἱ ἄγγελοι τῶν οὐρανῶν, οὐδὲ ὁ Υἱός, εἰ μὴ ὁ Πατὴρ μόνος1

If, in your language, it would appear that Jesus was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “only the Father knows and no one else, neither the angels of the heavens, nor the Son”

432624:36wq5rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionοἱ ἄγγελοι τῶν οὐρανῶν1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe angels that are in the heavens. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the angels in the heavens”

432724:36beb9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsοὐδὲ ὁ Υἱός1

Many ancient manuscripts read nor the Son. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts do not include these words. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

432824:36p5vurc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Υἱός & ὁ Πατὴρ1

Son and Father are important titles that describes the relationship between Jesus the Son and God the Father. Be sure to retain these titles in your translation.

432924:36espbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personὁ Υἱός1

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “I, who am the Son”

433024:37mddtrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here the word For introduces more information about how no one knows “that day or hour” (see 24:36). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces more information, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “In fact,” or “Indeed,”

433124:37dmm9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὥσπερ & αἱ ἡμέραι τοῦ Νῶε, οὕτως ἔσται ἡ παρουσία τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1

Here Jesus compares the days of Noah with the coming of the Son of Man. Jesus explains this comparison in the following verses, so you do not need to explain it here. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that introduces a comparison. Alternate translation: “think about the days of Noah. That is what the coming of the Son of Man will be like”

433224:37bchyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisὥσπερ & αἱ ἡμέραι τοῦ Νῶε1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the context if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “just as what occurred in the days of Noah”

433324:37hf51rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomαἱ ἡμέραι τοῦ Νῶε1

Here, the word days refers to a specific period of time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the time when Noah was living” or “the time period of Noah”

433424:37jlburc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔσται ἡ παρουσία τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1

Here Jesus implies that the Son of Man will come back to this world at some point in the future. He is also implying that the Son of Man will leave this world before he comes back. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make some or all of those ideas more explicit. Alternate translation: “it will be when the Son of Man comes back to this world” or “it will be when the Son of Man, after leaving this world, comes back”

433524:37cpn8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personτοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1

Here Jesus speaks about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “of me, who am the Son of Man”

433624:38-39vdyrrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridgeὡς γὰρ ἦσαν ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ταῖς πρὸ τοῦ κατακλυσμοῦ, τρώγοντες καὶ πίνοντες, γαμοῦντες καὶ γαμίζοντες, ἄχρι ἧς ἡμέρας εἰσῆλθεν, Νῶε εἰς τὴν κιβωτόν & καὶ οὐκ ἔγνωσαν, ἕως ἦλθεν ὁ κατακλυσμὸς καὶ ἦρεν ἅπαντας; οὕτως ἔσται καὶ ἡ παρουσία τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine 24:38 and 24:39 into a verse bridge, as the UST does, in order to include the information in sequential order. Alternate translation: “For as in the days before the flood they did not understand, and they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until that day Noah entered into the ark and the flood came and took {them} all away, thus also will be the coming of the Son of Man”

433724:38by8irc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces Jesus explanation of the comparison he just drew between the time of Noah and the coming of the Son of Man. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “Here is how they are similar:” or “Indeed,”

433824:38lh9brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις & ἄχρι ἧς ἡμέρας1

Here, the word days refers to a specific period of time, and the word day refers to a specific moment in time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use comparable phrases or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in the time … until the time when” or “in the time period … until the instant that”

433924:38pfyqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheἦσαν & τρώγοντες καὶ πίνοντες, γαμοῦντες καὶ γαμίζοντες1

Here Jesus describes several normal human activities (eating, drinking, and marrying and giving in marriage) in order to refer to normal human activities in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could indicate more explicitly that these are examples of normal human activities, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they were doing regular activities, such as eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage” or “they were going about their normal lives”

434024:38kb2brc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἦσαν1

The pronoun they refers to people in general. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use a form that refers to people in general. Alternate translation: “men and women were” or “most people were”

434124:38fgrqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitγαμοῦντες καὶ γαμίζοντες1

In Jesus culture, it was customary to talk about men marrying and fathers giving their daughters in marriage. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “men marrying and women being given in marriage” or “men and women marrying”

434224:38emlsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsγαμίζοντες1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of marriage, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “causing to be married”

434324:39ffa6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαὶ οὐκ ἔγνωσαν1

Here, Jesus implies that they did not know what was about to happen to them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “and they did not know what was about to happen to them”

434424:39ah5vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismἦρεν ἅπαντας1

Here Jesus is referring to death in a polite way by using the phrase took {them} all away. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a polite way of referring to death your language, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “swept them all away” or “killed them all”

434524:39ibcurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἅπαντας1

Here, the word all does not include Noah and his family, who were in the ark. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “all those outside the ark”

434624:39wcavrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileοὕτως ἔσται καὶ ἡ παρουσία τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1

Here Jesus concludes his comparison between the days of Noah and the coming of the Son of Man. He uses the comparison to show that the coming of the Son of Man will happen when people do not expect it, just as the flood came when people did not know that it was coming. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain the meaning of the comparison more explicitly. Alternate translation: “thus also the coming of the Son of Man will happen when people are not expecting it”

434724:40orgirc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneousτότε1

Here, the word Then introduces something that will happen at the same time as the coming of the Son of Man. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces something that happens at the same time as something else. Alternate translation: “At that time,”

434824:40hbqgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoἔσονται δύο ἐν τῷ ἀγρῷ; εἷς παραλαμβάνεται, καὶ εἷς ἀφίεται1

Here Jesus uses two men in one field as a hypothetical example. He does not mean that this will happen to only two men in one specific field. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that introduces a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “two, for example, will be in a field—one is taken, and one is left”

434924:40uzz0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔσονται δύο ἐν τῷ ἀγρῷ1

Here Jesus implies that these two are working in the field. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “two men will be working in the field”

435024:40itv4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjδύο & εἷς & εἷς1

Jesus is using the numbers two and one as nouns to mean two men or one man. Your language may use numbers in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “two men … one man … one man”

435124:40re76rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἷς παραλαμβάνεται, καὶ εἷς ἀφίεται1

Here, Jesus describes a separation between two men working in a field. He could mean that: (1) the one who is taken will be with God, while the one who is left will be punished. Alternate translation: “one is taken to be with God, and one is left to be punished” (2) the one who is taken will be punished, while the one who is left will be with God. Alternate translation: “one is taken to be punished, and one is left to be with God”

435224:40gt4lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveεἷς παραλαμβάνεται, καὶ εἷς ἀφίεται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who will do the action, it is clear from the context that it will be God. Alternate translation: “God will take one, and he will leave one”

435324:40ybz9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseεἷς παραλαμβάνεται, καὶ εἷς ἀφίεται1

Here Jesus uses the present tense to describe something that will happen in the future. He does this because it was a vivid way to tell a story in his language. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use whatever tense would be natural for telling a story about what will happen. Alternate translation: “one will be taken, and one will be left”

435424:41ie86rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoδύο ἀλήθουσαι ἐν τῷ μύλῳ; μία παραλαμβάνεται, καὶ μία ἀφίεται1

Here Jesus uses two women grinding with one mill as a hypothetical example. He does not mean that this will happen to only two women using one specific mill. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that introduces a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “Two, for example, grinding with a mill—one is taken, and one is left”

435524:41abwerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisδύο ἀλήθουσαι1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the context if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “Two will be grinding”

435624:41pq2prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjδύο & μία & μία1

Jesus is using the numbers two and one as nouns to mean two women or one woman. Your language may use numbers in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “two women … one woman … one woman”

435724:41va7rrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἀλήθουσαι ἐν τῷ μύλῳ1

The term grinding refers to the process of breaking up grain into very small pieces so that it can be used for cooking. A mill was a large stone that people would use to grind the grain. If your readers would not be familiar with grain, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “grinding grain” or “preparing food”

435824:41hf4prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμία παραλαμβάνεται, καὶ μία ἀφίεται1

Here, Jesus describes a separation between two women grinding with a mill. See how you expressed the idea in 24:40. Jesus could mean that: (1) the one who is taken will be with God, while the one who is left will be punished. Alternate translation: “one is taken to be with God, and one is left to be punished” (2) the one who is taken will be punished, while the one who is left will be with God. Alternate translation: “one is taken to be punished, and one is left to be with God”

435924:41eailrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveμία παραλαμβάνεται, καὶ μία ἀφίεται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who will do the action, it is clear from the context that it will be God. Alternate translation: “God will take one, and he will leave one”

436024:41atnprc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseμία παραλαμβάνεται, καὶ μία ἀφίεται1

Here Jesus uses the present tense to describe something that will happen in the future. He does this because it was a vivid way to tell a story in his language. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use whatever tense would be natural for telling a story about what will happen. See how you expressed the idea in 24:40. Alternate translation: “one will be taken, and one will be left”

436124:42pigurc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγρηγορεῖτε & ὅτι οὐκ οἴδατε ποίᾳ ἡμέρᾳ ὁ Κύριος ὑμῶν ἔρχεται1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the command in the first clause. Alternate translation: “since you do not know on what day your Lord will come, be alert”

436224:42o91erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomποίᾳ ἡμέρᾳ1

Here, the word day refers to a specific moment in time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at what hour” or “the time when”

436324:42qai0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personὁ Κύριος ὑμῶν1

Here Jesus speaks about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “I, who am your Lord,”

436424:42gku0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔρχεται1

See how you translated “coming” in 24:37. Alternate translation: “will come back to this world” or “will, after leaving this world, come back”

436524:43kxn8rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that Jesus wants to say. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next idea, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Further,”

436624:43fh50rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoἐκεῖνο & γινώσκετε, ὅτι εἰ ᾔδει ὁ οἰκοδεσπότης, ποίᾳ φυλακῇ ὁ κλέπτης ἔρχεται, ἐγρηγόρησεν ἂν, καὶ οὐκ ἂν εἴασεν διορυχθῆναι τὴν οἰκίαν αὐτοῦ1

Here Jesus uses an imaginary situation to teach his disciples to be alert while they wait for him to return. Use a natural method in your language for introducing an imaginary situation. Alternate translation: “know this: imagine that the master of the house had known in which watch thief comes. Then, he would have been alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into”

436724:43ak6arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoἐκεῖνο & γινώσκετε, ὅτι1

Here, the word this introduces the phrase that begins with that. This was a powerful way to introduce a statement in Jesus culture. If this form would be redundant in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “know that”

436824:43wtggrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parablesἐκεῖνο & γινώσκετε, ὅτι1

To teach his disciples, Jesus offers a story or illustration. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “listen to this story:”

436924:43ki5src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomποίᾳ φυλακῇ1

Here, the word watch refers to a specific period of time during the night. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to a period of time during the night. Alternate translation: “in which part of the night”

437024:43mzgyrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseἔρχεται1

Here Jesus uses the present tense to refer to the future coming of the thief. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use whatever tense would be natural to refer to this action. Alternate translation: “would come”

437124:43lg7irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveδιορυχθῆναι τὴν οἰκίαν αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who would do the action, it is clear from the context that the thief would do it. Alternate translation: “the thief to break into his house”

437224:44yt4rrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultδιὰ τοῦτο καὶ, ὑμεῖς γίνεσθε ἕτοιμοι, ὅτι ᾗ οὐ δοκεῖτε ὥρᾳ, ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου ἔρχεται1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second and third clauses give the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “For this reason, because the Son of Man comes in that hour you do not think, you also be ready”

437324:44tub2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultδιὰ τοῦτο1

Here, the phrase For this reason introduces how Jesus applies the story about the master of the house and the thief. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an application or implication. Alternate translation: “Here is what that means:” or “Given that illustration,”

437424:44ess8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomᾗ & ὥρᾳ1

Here, the word hour refers to a specific moment in time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at that time” or “at that moment”

437524:44eiz6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐ δοκεῖτε1

Here Jesus means that the Son of Man will come when they do not think he will. In other words, his coming will be unexpected. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “that you do not think he will”

437624:44gd17rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1

Here Jesus speaks about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “I, who am the Son of Man, come”

437724:44gu6xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου ἔρχεται1

See how you translated “coming” in 24:37. Alternate translation: “the Son of Man comes back to this world” or “the Son of Man, after leaving this world, comes back”

437824:44l517rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseἔρχεται1

Here Jesus uses the present tense to refer to when he will come in the future. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use whatever tense would be natural to refer to this action. Alternate translation: “will come”

437924:45f92drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτίς ἄρα ἐστὶν ὁ πιστὸς δοῦλος καὶ φρόνιμος, ὃν κατέστησεν ὁ κύριος ἐπὶ τῆς οἰκετείας αὐτοῦ, τοῦ δοῦναι αὐτοῖς τὴν τροφὴν ἐν καιρῷ1

Jesus is using the question form to introduce a further illustration or application of what he has been saying. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Consider, then, who might be the faithful and wise slave whom the master has appointed over his household to give them their food in time.” or “You should know, then, who is the faithful and wise slave whom the master has appointed over his household to give them their food in time!”

438024:45wejurc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultτίς ἄρα1

Here the word then introduces an inference that Jesus draws from what he has said about being alert and ready. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces an inference, or you could leave then untranslated. Alternate translation: “Given what I have said, who” or “So then, who”

438124:45dcpirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὃν κατέστησεν ὁ κύριος ἐπὶ τῆς οἰκετείας αὐτοῦ1

The implication, as the rest of the parable makes clear, is that the master is making this arrangement temporarily and provisionally because he is going to be absent for a time. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “whom his master, while he goes away for a while, has appointed over his household”

438224:45k3j5rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalτοῦ δοῦναι αὐτοῖς τὴν τροφὴν1

Here, the phrase to give introduces the purpose for which the master appointed the slave. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces a purpose. Alternate translation: “for the purpose of giving them their food”

438324:45orfirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν καιρῷ1

Here, the phrase in time refers to the appropriate or correct time for something to happen. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at the appropriate times” or “when it is time”

438424:46r9mwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveμακάριος1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “God will bless”

438524:46eo3nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐλθὼν1

Here Jesus implies that the master comes back from a trip or absence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having come back”

438624:46g9t5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὕτως ποιοῦντα1

Here, the word thus refers to giving food to the rest of the household at the appropriate times (see 24:45). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “doing that task” or “giving food to the household at the proper times”

438724:48-50m121rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoἐὰν & εἴπῃ ὁ κακὸς δοῦλος ἐκεῖνος ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ, χρονίζει μου ὁ κύριος & καὶ ἄρξηται τύπτειν τοὺς συνδούλους αὐτοῦ, ἐσθίῃ δὲ καὶ πίνῃ μετὰ τῶν μεθυόντων & ἥξει ὁ κύριος τοῦ δούλου ἐκείνου ἐν ἡμέρᾳ ᾗ οὐ προσδοκᾷ, καὶ ἐν ὥρᾳ ᾗ οὐ γινώσκει1

Here Jesus uses an imaginary situation to teach his disciples about how they should not behave while they wait for him to return. Use a natural method in your language for introducing an imaginary situation. Alternate translation: “imagine that the slave is evil and says in his heart, My master is delaying, and he begins to beat his fellow slaves and eats and drinks with the ones being drunk. As he is doing those things, the master of that slave will come on a day that he does not expect and at an hour that he does not know”

438824:48f9ftrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyεἴπῃ & ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ1

In Matthews culture, the heart is the place where humans think and feel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate heart by referring to the places where humans think and feel in your culture or by expressing the idea plainly. Alternate translation: “says in his head” or “says to himself”

438924:48per6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ, χρονίζει μου ὁ κύριος1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “in his that his master delays”

439024:48cvdbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitχρονίζει1

Here the slave is implying that his master delays his return. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “delays coming back”

439124:50icgqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἥξει1

Here Jesus implies that the master will come back from a trip or absence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “will come back”

439224:50bz5krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismἐν ἡμέρᾳ ᾗ οὐ προσδοκᾷ, καὶ ἐν ὥρᾳ ᾗ οὐ γινώσκει1

The clauses on a day that he does not expect and at an hour that he does not know mean similar things. Jesus is using the two clauses together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single clause. Alternate translation: “on a day that he does not know” or “at a time that he does not expect”

439324:50ss9hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν ἡμέρᾳ & ἐν ὥρᾳ1

Jesus is using the terms day and hour to refer to a specific moment in time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use comparable phrases or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at a time … at a moment”

439424:51jj2zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorδιχοτομήσει αὐτὸν1

Here, the phrase cut him in two could refer to: (1) a severe punishment that does not kill the slave. This is supported by how the following clauses imply that the slave is still alive, which he would not be if he had literally been cut in two. Alternate translation: “he will discipline him painfully” (2) the slave literally being cut into two pieces. Alternate translation: “he will have him cut in half”

439524:51pv2drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτὸ μέρος αὐτοῦ μετὰ τῶν ὑποκριτῶν θήσει1

Here, the phrase appoint his place with the hypocrites indicates that the slave will be treated as the hypocrites are. More specifically, if the phrase cut him in two refers to: (1) a severe punishment, then Jesus indicates that the slave is punished in the same place where the hypocrites are punished. Alternate translation: “cause him to be punished where the hypocrites are punished” (2) literally killing the servant, then Jesus indicates that the slave ends up after his death where the hypocrites end up: in hell. Alternate translation: “send him to hell with the hypocrites”

439624:51rwd5ἐκεῖ ἔσται ὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων1

This clause is identical to the last clause in 8:12. Translate it as you did there.

439725:introqe8a0

Matthew 25 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

  1. Jesus teaches about the final judgment and salvation (23:1-25:46)
    • The parable of the ten virgins (25:113)
    • The parable of the talents (25:1430)
    • Teaching about the final judgment (25:3146)

Special Concepts in this Chapter

The “lamps”

The word translated “lamps” throughout 25:113 primarily refers to something that burns and gives light. Most likely, Jesus is either referring to oil lamps, which burn oil using a wick to create a relatively small amount of light, or to torches, which are soaked in oil and lit to create a relatively large amount of light. Since most translations express the idea with a word like “lamp,” the ULT and the UST translate the word as “lamp” and “oil lamp.” Consider whether “lamp” or “torch” better fits what the story narrates and then use the term that is more natural. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/other/lamp]])

Escorting the bridegroom

In 25:113, Jesus uses wedding customs to illustrate how to wait for his second coming. Unfortunately, we know very little about Jewish wedding customs during this time period. The story that Jesus tells implies that young women would escort the bridegroom to where the wedding celebration would be held. These young women may have been friends of the bride. It is unclear whether this is the first event in the wedding celebration, and it is also unclear exactly where the young women escort the bridegroom. It could be the brides parents house, a wedding hall, or some other location. Since Jesus does not include any further explanation, and since we do not know much about weddings in this time period, you should avoid giving explanatory information except for clarifying that the young women escort the bridegroom to wherever the wedding event was going to happen.

Talents

A talent was a unit of weight that, when used for precious metals, was also a unit of money. One talent weighed about 30 kilograms or about 65 pounds. The talent referred to in this chapter was probably worth about 6,000 denarii, that is, about 6,000 days wages for a hired worker. The exact amount of money is not important, so you could use a general term in your culture for that amount of money, or you could indicate about how many days wages it would be worth. Alternatively, you could spell “talent” how it sounds in your language and then provide a footnote that indicates about how much money this is. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

The final judgment

In 25:3146, Jesus describes some of what will happen at the final judgment when he, the Son of Man and the king, judges everyone. He divides people into two groups, and then he explains that this is based on how they have treated the least important believers. Then, he sends the ones who did not do what was right to eternal punishment, and he takes the ones who did what was right to experience eternal life with him. Jesus describes this scene to explain what the final judgment will be like, not to narrate everything about the final judgment exactly as it will happen, so be sure not to include anything beyond what he describes.

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

The parable of the ten virgins

In 25:113, Jesus tells a story about ten young women who are supposed to escort a bridegroom to his wedding celebration. Five of them brought extra oil for their lamps, and five did not. When the bridegroom was late, the five young women who did not have extra oil had to go and buy some more, and they missed the bridegroom and the wedding celebration. Jesus uses this story to illustrate how his followers need to be prepared at all times for when he returns, since they do not know when that will be, just as the young women did not know when the bridegroom was going to arrive. Your translation should not directly explain the meaning of this parable more than Jesus does, but be sure that your readers understand how to apply the story. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

The parable of the talents

In 25:1430, Jesus tells a story about a rich man who went on a journey. Before he left, he entrusted three of his servants with large sums of money. The first and second servant used the large sums of money to make even more money. The third servant, however, buried the money in the ground to keep it safe and did not make any more money. When the rich man returned, he rewarded the first two servants but punished the third servant. Jesus uses this story to illustrate how his followers should behave during the time before his second coming. They should be like the first two servants, who used what they were given to do useful things. They should not be like the third servant, who did not use what he was given to do anything. Your translation should not directly explain the meaning of this parable more than Jesus does, but be sure that your readers understand how to apply the story. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Singular and plural forms of “you”

Most of the forms of “you” in this chapter appear in dialogues in the stories that Jesus tells. Because of this, there are many of both singular and plural forms of “you.” However, there are slightly more plural forms of “you” in this chapter, so you should assume forms of “you” are plural unless a note specifies that the form is singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

439825:1em28rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτότε1

Here, Then refers to the time in the future when Jesus will return to the world. He called this time “the coming of the Son of Man” in 24:37 and the “day your Lord is coming” in 24:42. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “At the time I return to the world”

439925:1zfdlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parablesτότε ὁμοιωθήσεται ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν δέκα παρθένοις1

To teach his disciples, Jesus offers a story or illustration. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Listen to this story: then the kingdom of the heavens will be compared to ten virgins”

440025:1pg5irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὁμοιωθήσεται ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the comparing, it is clear from the context that it is Jesus himself. Alternate translation: “I will compare the kingdom of the heavens to” or “the kingdom of the heavens will be comparable to”

440125:1uhj1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitλαμπάδας1

The lamps throughout this story could be: (1) small clay containers for oil, which was burned using a wick. Alternate translation: “lamps that burn oil” (2) torches dipped or soaked in oil. Alternate translation: “torches soaked in oil”

440225:1jfswrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐξῆλθον εἰς ὑπάντησιν τοῦ νυμφίου1

Here, the virgins are supposed to escort the bridegroom to where the wedding feast will be held. The fact that they took lamps implies that they will escort the bridegroom at night. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make some or all of this information more explicit. Alternate translation: “went out during the night to meet the bridegroom and bring him to the wedding feast”

440325:2c8nfrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundδὲ1

Here Jesus uses the word Now to introduce background information about the ten virgins that will help his audience understand what happens next. Use a natural form in your language for introducing background information. Alternate translation: “I want you to know that” or “About those ten virgins,”

440425:2ena4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisπέντε φρόνιμοι1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “five of them were wise”

440525:3n3v3rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces an explanation of how the virgins were wise or foolish. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “This is what I mean:” or “As it happened,”

440625:3h5blrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjαἱ & μωραὶ1

Jesus is using the adjective foolish as a noun to mean the foolish virgins. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the foolish virgins” or “the foolish ones”

440725:3b37arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμεθ’ ἑαυτῶν ἔλαιον1

Here Jesus implies that this oil was extra oil stored in a separate container that the virgins would have used to refill their lamps. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “more oil with them for refilling their lamps” or “any additional oil with them”

440825:4f30urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjαἱ & φρόνιμοι1

Jesus is using the adjective wise as a noun to mean the wise virgins. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the wise virgins” or “the wise ones”

440925:4oi3krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔλαιον1

Here Jesus again implies that this oil was extra oil stored in separate containers that the virgins would have used to refill their lamps. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. See how you expressed the idea in 25:3. Alternate translation: “more oil for refilling their lamps” or “additional oil”

441025:5ruxrrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

441125:5qf4brc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneousχρονίζοντος & τοῦ νυμφίου1

Here, the phrase the bridegroom delaying describes something that happens as the ten virgins became sleepy and were sleeping. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces something that happens at the same time. Alternate translation: “as the bridegroom delayed”

441225:5pvh4rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequentialἐνύσταξαν πᾶσαι καὶ ἐκάθευδον1

Here Jesus indicates that the ten virgins first became sleepy and then actually were sleeping. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the sequence more explicit. Alternate translation: “they all became sleepy and then went to sleep”

441325:6ufp2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

441425:6py59rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesκραυγὴ γέγονεν, ἰδοὺ, ὁ νυμφίος! ἐξέρχεσθε εἰς ἀπάντησιν1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “there was a cry that the bridegroom was there and that they should go out to the meeting”

441525:6o62hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word Behold draws the attention of the ten virgins and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express Behold with a word or phrase that asks people to listen, or you could use a different form that draws peoples attention. Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen”

441625:6vxmtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐξέρχεσθε1

In a context such as this, your language might say “Come” instead of Go. Alternate translation: “Come out”

441725:6b3a4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἰς ἀπάντησιν1

Here the person saying these words implies that the ten virgins are supposed to meet and escort the bridegroom to the wedding celebration. See you expressed the similar idea in 25:1. Alternate translation: “to meet him and bring him to the wedding feast”

441825:7ni6urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐκόσμησαν τὰς λαμπάδας ἑαυτῶν1

Here Jesus means that the ten virgins did got their lamps ready to burn well. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “got their lamps ready to burn well”

441925:8thfyrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

442025:8t3qmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjαἱ & μωραὶ ταῖς φρονίμοις1

Jesus is using the adjectives foolish and wise as nouns to mean the foolish virgins and the wise virgins. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “the foolish ones … to the wise ones”

442125:8cp7frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesταῖς φρονίμοις εἶπον, δότε ἡμῖν ἐκ τοῦ ἐλαίου ὑμῶν, ὅτι αἱ λαμπάδες ἡμῶν σβέννυνται1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “asked the wise to give them from their oil, because their lamps were going out”

442225:8f2dhrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultδότε ἡμῖν ἐκ τοῦ ἐλαίου ὑμῶν, ὅτι αἱ λαμπάδες ἡμῶν σβέννυνται1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “Since our lamps are going out, give us from your oil”

442325:8xbl7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeδότε1

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a polite request rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “We ask that you give”

442425:8i1r7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomαἱ λαμπάδες ἡμῶν σβέννυνται1

Here, the phrase going out indicates that the lamps were running out of oil and unable to burn brightly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the fire in our lamps is dying” or “our lamps are no longer burning”

442525:9us6vrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

442625:9w938rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjαἱ φρόνιμοι1

Jesus is using the adjective wise as a noun to mean the wise virgins. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the wise ones” or “the wise virgins”

442725:9qu6xrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγουσαι1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”

442825:9ybzjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesλέγουσαι, μήποτε οὐ μὴ ἀρκέσῃ ἡμῖν καὶ ὑμῖν; πορεύεσθε μᾶλλον πρὸς τοὺς πωλοῦντας, καὶ ἀγοράσατε ἑαυταῖς1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “saying that there would certainly not ever be enough for themselves and for them and that they should go instead to the ones selling and buy some for themselves”

442925:9j6z8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμήποτε οὐ μὴ ἀρκέσῃ ἡμῖν καὶ ὑμῖν; πορεύεσθε μᾶλλον πρὸς τοὺς πωλοῦντας, καὶ ἀγοράσατε ἑαυταῖς1

Throughout their response, the wise virgins are implicitly referring to oil. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “There will certainly not ever be enough oil for us and for you. God instead to the ones selling oil and buy some for yourselves”

443025:9gr5brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμήποτε οὐ μὴ ἀρκέσῃ ἡμῖν καὶ ὑμῖν1

By answering in this way, the wise virgins imply that they will not give any oil to the foolish virgins. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “No, we will not give you any oil, for there will certainly not ever be enough for us and for you”

443125:9l8iiμήποτε οὐ μὴ ἀρκέσῃ1

Here, the wise virgins could be: (1) sure that there will not be enough oil for all of them. Alternate translation: “There will definitely not be enough” (2) worried that there will not be enough oil for all of them. Alternate translation: “There may not be enough”

443225:9qwkxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐ μὴ1

The words translated certainly not are two negative words. In this construction, the second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. Instead, it gives greater emphasis to the negative. If your language can use two negatives that do not cancel one another to create a positive meaning, you could use a double negative here. If your language does not use two negatives in that way, you could translate with one strong negative, as the ULT does. Alternate translation: “by no means”

443325:9s43krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμῖν1

By us, the wise virgins mean themselves but not the foolish virgins, so use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

443425:10rfh6rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

443525:10jej8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀγοράσαι1

Here Jesus implies that they went to buy oil. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “to buy more oil”

443625:10t229rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjαἱ ἕτοιμοι1

Jesus is using the adjective prepared as a noun to mean the virgins who were prepared. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the prepared virgins” or “the virgins who were prepared”

443725:10uldwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτοὺς γάμους1

Here, wedding feast represents the place where the wedding feast was being held. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the place for the wedding feast”

443825:10g29irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐκλείσθη ἡ θύρα1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “someone shut the door”

443925:11x3ffrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

444025:11ys4hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfutureἔρχονται1

To call attention to a development in the story, Jesus uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “came”

444125:11gbdprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesλέγουσαι, κύριε, κύριε, ἄνοιξον ἡμῖν!1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “repeatedly calling the bridegroom lord and asking him to open for them.”

444225:11x40krc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politenessκύριε, κύριε1

In Jesus culture, the word lord was a polite way for a young woman to address an older man. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that is a polite way to address an older man in your culture. Alternate translation: “Honorable sir”

444325:11wwg8rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγουσαι1

If you keep the direct quotation, consider natural ways of introducing it in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”

444425:11e5pzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἄνοιξον ἡμῖν1

Here foolish virgins are implying that they want the door opened for them so they can join the wedding celebration. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “open the door so that we can join the wedding feast”

444525:11ouyarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeἄνοιξον1

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a polite request rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “we ask that you open”

444625:11nmvsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularἄνοιξον1

Since the virgins is talking to the bridegroom, the imperative here is singular.

444725:12cv24rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces what the bridegroom actually did in contrast to what the foolish virgins wanted him to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “However,”

444825:12dxz9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesεἶπεν, ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν, οὐκ οἶδα ὑμᾶς1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “said that he was speaking truly and that he did not know them”

444925:12h4a8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐκ οἶδα ὑμᾶς1

By answering in this way, the bridegroom implies that he will not open the door for the foolish virgins. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “I do not know you, so I will not open the door”

445025:13i7nbrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1

Here, the word Therefore introduces Jesus application of the parable he has given in 25:112. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces an application. Alternate translation: “Given that story” or “As what I have told you illustrates”

445125:13a5yerc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγρηγορεῖτε & ὅτι οὐκ οἴδατε τὴν ἡμέραν, οὐδὲ τὴν ὥραν1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the command in the first clause. Alternate translation: “since you do not know the day nor the hour, be alert”

445225:13r7kfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletτὴν ἡμέραν, οὐδὲ τὴν ὥραν1

The terms day and hour mean similar things. Jesus is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “the specific time”

445325:13hn7wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὴν ἡμέραν, οὐδὲ τὴν ὥραν1

Here Jesus is referring to the moment when he will return. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the time of my coming” or “the moment in the future when I will return”

445425:13jaxprc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsτὴν ὥραν1

Many ancient manuscripts include nothing after the word hour. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts include after the word hour the words “in which the Son of Man comes.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

445525:14cn21rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces another explanation of what the kingdom of the heavens is like. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces another explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “Again,” or “Also,”

445625:14oy2vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parablesὥσπερ & ἄνθρωπος ἀποδημῶν1

To teach his disciples, Jesus offers another story or illustration. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “listen to this story: it is as if a man, going abroad”

445725:14zqi2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὥσπερ1

Here Jesus implies that he is still speaking about the kingdom of the heavens. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the kingdom of the heavens is as if”

445825:14fmb3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπαρέδωκεν αὐτοῖς τὰ ὑπάρχοντα αὐτοῦ1

Here Jesus implies that the man entrusted the slaves with his possessions for the period of time when he would be away. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “gave them his possessions to take care of while he was gone”

445925:15i81urc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoneyπέντε τάλαντα & δύο & ἕν1

The word talents refers to units of money equivalent to about 6,000 denarii, that is, about 6,000 days wages for a hired worker. You could try to express this amount in terms of current monetary values, but that might cause your Bible translation to become outdated and inaccurate, since those values can change over time. So instead you might state something more general or give the equivalent in wages. Alternate translation: “about 90 years wages … about 35 years wages … about 18 years wages”

446025:15vyj2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisᾧ δὲ δύο, ᾧ δὲ ἕν1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the first half of the sentence. Alternate translation: “and to one he gave two talents, and to one he gave one talent”

446125:15d87urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν ἰδίαν δύναμιν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of ability, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what he was able to do” or “what he was qualified to handle”

446225:15-16vl5prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureἀπεδήμησεν εὐθέως & πορευθεὶς1

Here, the word immediately could go with: (1) the master traveling abroad. Alternate translation: “he went abroad immediately. Having gone” (2) the servant going to trade with the money. Alternate translation: “he went abroad. Having gone immediately”

446325:16eya1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goπορευθεὶς1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of gone. Alternate translation: “Having come”

446425:16qkr2rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoneyτὰ πέντε τάλαντα & ἄλλα πέντε τάλαντα1

See how you translated talents in 25:15. Alternate translation: “about 90 years wages … another 90 years wages”

446525:16gjdurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἠργάσατο ἐν αὐτοῖς1

Here Jesus refers to how people use money to do business and make more money. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “did business with them” or “put the money to work”

446625:17u4vsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisκαὶ ὁ τὰ δύο, ἐκέρδησεν ἄλλα δύο1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the previous verse. Alternate translation: “the one having received the two talents also gained another two talents”

446725:17dipvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐκέρδησεν ἄλλα δύο1

Here Jesus implies that this servant gained another two talents by trading with them, just like the servant with five talents. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “traded with them and gained another two”

446825:18begcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτὸ ἓν1

Jesus is using the number one as a noun to mean the one talent. Your language may use numbers in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the one talent”

446925:18nx4qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὤρυξεν γῆν καὶ ἔκρυψεν τὸ ἀργύριον τοῦ κυρίου αὐτοῦ1

Here Jesus implies that this man dug a hole in the ground, put the money of his master there, and then covered it up to keep the money safe. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “dug a hiding place in the ground and stored the money of his master there to protect it”

447025:19vc9prc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

447125:19uejorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfutureἔρχεται & καὶ συναίρει λόγον1

To call attention to a development in the story, Jesus uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “came and took up a word together”

447225:19r3ngrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomσυναίρει λόγον1

Here, the phrase takes up a word together refers to settling accounts, that is, resolving any debts or loans between people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “settles accounts”

447325:20hrh6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoneyτὰ πέντε τάλαντα & ἄλλα πέντε τάλαντα & πέντε τάλαντά & ἄλλα πέντε τάλαντα1

See how you translated talents in 25:15. Alternate translation: “about 90 years wages … another 90 years wages … about 90 years wages … another 90 years wages”

447425:20to2brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπροσήνεγκεν ἄλλα πέντε τάλαντα1

Here Jesus implies that the slave brought the original five talents as well as the five talents that he gained. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “brought those five talents and another five talents”

447525:20gkparc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesλέγων, Κύριε, πέντε τάλαντά μοι παρέδωκας, ἴδε, ἄλλα πέντε τάλαντα ἐκέρδησα1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “saying to his master that he had handed over to him five talents and that he gained another five talents”

447625:20v165rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

If you keep the direct quotation, consider natural ways of introducing it in your language. Alternate translation: “and he declared”

447725:20p4ynrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularπαρέδωκας1

Since the slave is talking to the his master, the word you here is singular.

447825:20alt0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἴδε1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the master and asks him to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express Behold with a word or phrase that asks people to listen, or you could use a different form that draws peoples attention. Alternate translation: “look” or “listen”

447925:21j1qdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesἔφη αὐτῷ & εὖ, δοῦλε ἀγαθὲ καὶ πιστέ! ἐπὶ ὀλίγα ἦς πιστός, ἐπὶ πολλῶν σε καταστήσω; εἴσελθε εἰς τὴν χαρὰν τοῦ κυρίου σου1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “said to him that he had done well and that he was a good and faithful slave. His master also said that he had been faithful over a few things and that he would appoint him over many things. His master told him to enter into the joy of his master”

448025:21l5mgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsεὖ1

Your language may have a phrase that an employer would use to show approval. If so, you could use it in your translation. Alternate translation: “Good work”

448125:21rh1hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularἦς & σε & εἴσελθε & σου1

Since the master is talking to his slave, the words You, you, and your and the imperative are singular.

448225:21d2s9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorεἴσελθε εἰς1

Here, the master uses the phrase Enter into to represent experiencing or participating in something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Experience” or “Participate in”

448325:21u9odrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personτὴν χαρὰν τοῦ κυρίου σου1

The master is speaking about himself in the third person. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the first person form. Alternate translation: “my joy” or “the joy of me, your master”

448425:21zcy1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὴν χαρὰν τοῦ κυρίου σου1

Here, the master is using the possessive form to describe the joy that the master experiences. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the joy that your master experiences”

448525:21fqgnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν χαρὰν τοῦ κυρίου σου1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of joy, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “how joyfully your master lives”

448625:22qnnzrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoneyτὰ δύο τάλαντα & δύο τάλαντά & ἄλλα δύο τάλαντα1

See how you translated talents in 25:15. Alternate translation: “with about 35 years wages … about 35 years wages … another 35 years wages”

448725:22xt2jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesεἶπεν, Κύριε, δύο τάλαντά μοι παρέδωκας & ἴδε, ἄλλα δύο τάλαντα ἐκέρδησα1

If your language would not use a direct quotation inside of a direct quotation, you could translate the second direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “said to his master that he had handed over to him two talents, but behold, he had gained two talents”

448825:22d6o6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularπαρέδωκας1

Since the slave is talking to his master, the word you here is singular.

448925:22bcgtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἴδε1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the master and asks him to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks people to listen, or you could use a different form that draws peoples attention. Alternate translation: “look” or “listen”

449025:23hsb6ἔφη αὐτῷ ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ, εὖ, δοῦλε ἀγαθὲ καὶ πιστέ! ἐπὶ ὀλίγα ἦς πιστός, ἐπὶ πολλῶν σε καταστήσω; εἴσελθε εἰς τὴν χαρὰν τοῦ κυρίου σου1

This verse is identical to 25:21, so express the idea as you did there.

449125:24nbkyrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,” or “Finally,”

449225:24oqfwrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoneyτὸ ἓν τάλαντον1

See how you translated talent in 25:15. Alternate translation: “about 18 years wages”

449325:24-25hhvirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesεἶπεν, Κύριε, ἔγνων σε, ὅτι σκληρὸς εἶ ἄνθρωπος, θερίζων ὅπου οὐκ ἔσπειρας, καὶ συνάγων ὅθεν οὐ διεσκόρπισας & καὶ φοβηθεὶς ἀπελθὼν, ἔκρυψα τὸ τάλαντόν σου ἐν τῇ γῇ & ἴδε, ἔχεις τὸ σόν1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “said to his master that he knew that he was a harsh man, reaping where he did not sow, and gathering where he did not scatter. He told his master that having become afraid, having gone away, he hid his masters talent in the ground. Then he said to his master that he was giving him back what was his”

449425:24tmexrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσε & εἶ & οὐκ ἔσπειρας & οὐ διεσκόρπισας1

Since the slave is talking to his master, the word you throughout this verse is singular.

449525:24m8anrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismθερίζων ὅπου οὐκ ἔσπειρας, καὶ συνάγων ὅθεν οὐ διεσκόρπισας1

The clauses reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you did not scatter mean similar things. The servant is using the two clauses together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single clause. Alternate translation: “always harvesting where you did not plant” or “consistently gathering where you did not sow”

449625:24xj4erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorθερίζων ὅπου οὐκ ἔσπειρας, καὶ συνάγων ὅθεν οὐ διεσκόρπισας1

Here the slave speaks as if his master were a farmer who reaps and gathers crops that someone else sowed and scattered. He means that his master takes what other people have worked hard to earn. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “like a farmer who reaps where he did not sow and who gathers where he did not scatter” or “benefitting from what you have not labored for, and taking what you have not earned”

449725:24au9frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitθερίζων ὅπου οὐκ ἔσπειρας1

He the servant implies that the master is reaping crops where he did not sow seed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “reaping crops where you did not sow seed”

449825:24y083rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitσυνάγων ὅθεν οὐ διεσκόρπισας1

Here the servant could be implying that the master is: (1) gathering crops where he did not scatter seed. Alternate translation: “gathering crops where you did not scatter seed” (2) gathering grain kernels where he did not scatter the chaff. Alternate translation: “gathering grain where you did not scatter chaff”

449925:25noworc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔκρυψα τὸ τάλαντόν σου ἐν τῇ γῇ1

Here the servant implies that he dug a hole in the ground, put the talent there, and then covered it up to keep the money safe. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. See how you expressed the similar idea in 25:18. Alternate translation: “I dug a hiding place in the ground and stored the talent there to protect it”

450025:25uedkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσου & ἔχεις τὸ σόν1

Since the slave is talking to his master, the words your, you, and yours are singular.

450125:25bvdlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἴδε1

Here, the word Behold draws the attention of the master and asks him to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express Behold with a word or phrase that asks people to listen, or you could use a different form that draws peoples attention. Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen”

450225:25wj4irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔχεις τὸ σόν1

Here, the slave means that he is returning the one talent to his master. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “I am returning to you what is yours”

450325:26kg04rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

450425:26-30u6dorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesεἶπεν αὐτῷ, πονηρὲ δοῦλε καὶ ὀκνηρέ! ᾔδεις ὅτι θερίζω ὅπου οὐκ ἔσπειρα, καὶ συνάγω ὅθεν οὐ διεσκόρπισα & ἔδει σε οὖν βαλεῖν τὰ ἀργύριά μου τοῖς τραπεζείταις, καὶ ἐλθὼν, ἐγὼ ἐκομισάμην ἂν τὸ ἐμὸν σὺν τόκῳ & ἄρατε οὖν ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ τὸ τάλαντον, καὶ δότε τῷ ἔχοντι τὰ δέκα τάλαντα & τῷ γὰρ ἔχοντι παντὶ δοθήσεται καὶ περισσευθήσεται, τοῦ δὲ μὴ ἔχοντος, καὶ ὃ ἔχει ἀρθήσεται ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ & καὶ τὸν ἀχρεῖον δοῦλον, ἐκβάλετε εἰς τὸ σκότος τὸ ἐξώτερον; ἐκεῖ ἔσται ὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “called him a wicked and lazy slave. He reminded his slave that he knew that his master reaped where he did not sow and harvested where he did not scatter, and that therefore it was necessary for him to have placed the money with the bankers and that, having come, his master would have received back his money with interest. Then he told others to take away the talent from the slave and give it to the one having the ten talents. He explained that to everyone having, it will be given and it will abound, but from the one not having, even what he has will be taken away. Then he commanded people to throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and grinding of the teeth.”

450525:26g0verc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionᾔδεις ὅτι θερίζω ὅπου οὐκ ἔσπειρα, καὶ συνάγω ὅθεν οὐ διεσκόρπισα1

The master is not asking his slave to verify what he just said. Rather, he is using the question form to challenge the slave. He is repeating what the slave said about him, but not to grant that it is true. Rather, he is about to tell the slave what he should have done if it actually had been true. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You claim that you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I did not scatter.” or “So you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I did not scatter!”

450625:26haolrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularᾔδεις1

Since the master is speaking to his slave, the word You here is singular.

450725:26he3hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorθερίζω ὅπου οὐκ ἔσπειρα, καὶ συνάγω ὅθεν οὐ διεσκόρπισα1

Here the master repeats what the slave said about him in 25:24. Express the idea as you did there.

450825:27hmdorc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1

Here, the word Therefore introduces an inference based on what the slave claimed to know. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of inference. Alternate translation: “Given that” or “Well then”

450925:27vmv3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσε1

Since the master is speaking to his slave, the word you here is singular.

451025:27rhg9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownβαλεῖν τὰ ἀργύριά μου τοῖς τραπεζείταις & σὺν τόκῳ1

Here, the word bankers refers to people who accept deposits of money and use them to make loans. They charge interest on the loans, and then they pay interest to the people who deposited money with them. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of business, you could use names from a similar business in your area or you could use descriptive phrases. Alternate translation: “to let people borrow my money … with a share of the profits” or “to have given my money to businesspeople … plus even more”

451125:28cq5brc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1

Here, the word Therefore introduces what the master has decided to do in response to what the slave did not do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces this kind of conclusion. Alternate translation: “Because he did not do that” or “However, since he did not invest the money”

451225:28paw8rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsἄρατε & ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ τὸ τάλαντον1

The master says this command to other servants. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “you other servants, take away the talent from him”

451325:28j7n1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoneyτὸ τάλαντον & τὰ δέκα τάλαντα1

See how you translated talent and talents in 25:15. Alternate translation: “the 18 years wages … the 90 years wages”

451425:29g8psrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces the masters reason for why he commanded what he did in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason for a command. Alternate translation: “Here is why I said that:” or “I say that because”

451525:29e5pyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoτῷ & ἔχοντι παντὶ δοθήσεται καὶ περισσευθήσεται, τοῦ δὲ μὴ ἔχοντος, καὶ ὃ ἔχει ἀρθήσεται ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ1

Here, the master does not specify what is is that people have or do not have and what will be given or taken. He does that to make his statements as general as possible. If you need to specify what is being given and taken, if possible use a very general term. Alternate translation: “to everyone having many things, more things will be given and they will abound. But from the one not having many things, even what he has will be taken away from him”

451625:29r7lvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveδοθήσεται & ἀρθήσεται1

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could: (1) use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “people will give it … people will take away” (2) indicate that the master will do it. Alternate translation: “I will give it … I will take away”

451725:29b93irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounτοῦ & μὴ ἔχοντος, καὶ ὃ ἔχει ἀρθήσεται ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ1

The the phrase the one and the words he and him represents people in general, not one particular person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “from the people not having, even what they have will be taken away from them”

451825:29w9rurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleτοῦ & μὴ ἔχοντος1

The master says the one not having here as a generalization for emphasis. It is clear in the second half of the sentence that this person does have something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “from the one having almost nothing” or “from the one not having much”

451925:29pcr5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἔχει & αὐτοῦ1

Although the terms he and him are masculine, the master is using the words in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use phrases that make this clear. Alternate translation: “that person has … him or her”

452025:30ur9brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorεἰς τὸ σκότος τὸ ἐξώτερον1

Here, the phrase the outer darkness refers to a place of punishment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. If possible, preserve the idea of darkness. See how you expressed the similar idea in 8:12. Alternate translation: “into the dark place of punishment”

452125:30c2vbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὸ σκότος τὸ ἐξώτερον1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of darkness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the dark place outside”

452225:30zy3krc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων1

In Jesus culture, people would grind their teeth when they experienced anger, grief, and pain. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to an action with comparable meaning or state the meaning of this action plainly. See how you expressed this phrase in 8:12. Alternate translation: “beating of breasts” or “grinding of the teeth in anger and pain”

452325:31qtg6rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next topic that Jesus wants to speak about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next topic, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,”

452425:31e7umrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personἔλθῃ ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου ἐν τῇ δόξῃ αὐτοῦ & αὐτοῦ & καθίσει ἐπὶ & αὐτοῦ1

Here Jesus speaks about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “I, who am the Son of Man, come in my glory … me … I will sit on my”

452525:31a88mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔλθῃ ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1

Here Jesus implies that the Son of Man will come back to this world at some point in the future. He is also implying that the Son of Man will leave this world before he comes back. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make some or all of those ideas more explicit. Alternate translation: “the Son of Man comes back to this world” or “the Son of Man, after leaving this world, comes back”

452625:31lkn8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐν τῇ δόξῃ αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of glory, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and shows how glorious he is”

452725:31gx81rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyκαθίσει ἐπὶ θρόνου δόξης αὐτοῦ1

When someone sits on a throne, it indicates that this person is ruling. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain the meaning of this action. See how you expressed the idea in 19:28. Alternate translation: “he will sit on his throne of glory as king” or “he will rule from his throne of glory”

452825:31ug1brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionθρόνου δόξης αὐτοῦ1

Here, Jesus could using the possessive form to describe a throne that: (1) belongs to the Son of Man and that is characterized by glory. Alternate translation: “his throne that is glorious” (2) shows or illustrates the glory that the Son of Man has. Alternate translation: “the throne that displays his glory”

452925:31te9urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsθρόνου δόξης1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of glory, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “glorious throne”

453025:32n91crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personαὐτοῦ & ἀφοριεῖ1

Here Jesus continues to speak about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “me … I will separate”

453125:32f2w9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσυναχθήσονται & πάντα τὰ ἔθνη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “all the nations will gather” or “all the nations will come”

453225:32ndf5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyπάντα τὰ ἔθνη1

Here, the word nations represents the people who live in those nations. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people of all the nations”

453325:32nk18rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileἀφοριεῖ αὐτοὺς ἀπ’ ἀλλήλων, ὥσπερ ὁ ποιμὴν ἀφορίζει τὰ πρόβατα ἀπὸ τῶν ἐρίφων1

Jesus is saying that separating people from one another is like a shepherd separating sheep from goats. He means that in both situations a person divides a larger group into two smaller groups based on some important characteristic. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “he will separate them from from one another into two groups, just as a shepherd separates into two groups the sheep and the goats”

453425:32mn2urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounὁ ποιμὴν ἀφορίζει1

The phrase the shepherd represents shepherds in general, not one particular shepherd. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “shepherds separate”

453525:33bptqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personστήσει & αὐτοῦ & εὐωνύμων1

Here Jesus continues to speak about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “I will place … my … my left”

453625:33pbq9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὰ & πρόβατα & τὰ & ἐρίφια1

Here, as the following verses make clear, Jesus speaks of people who do what is right as if they were sheep and of people who do what is wrong as if they were goats. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people who are like sheep … people who are like goats” or “the righteous people … the wicked people”

453725:33quw4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjδεξιῶν αὐτοῦ & εὐωνύμων1

Here, Jesus uses the adjectives right and left as nouns to refer to his right and left sides. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “his right side … his left side”

453825:33wswnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐκ δεξιῶν αὐτοῦ & ἐξ εὐωνύμων1

In Jesus culture, the right side was considered to be more honorable or important than the left side. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “on the honorable right … on less honorable left”

453925:33wh9mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisτὰ δὲ ἐρίφια1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “but he will place the goats”

454025:34t8pprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personὁ Βασιλεὺς & αὐτοῦ1

Here Jesus continues to speak about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “I, who am the King, … my”

454125:34v0agrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ Βασιλεὺς1

Here, the title the King describes the Son of Man. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the Son of Man, who is the King,”

454225:34-36ngbprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesἐκ δεξιῶν αὐτοῦ, δεῦτε οἱ εὐλογημένοι τοῦ Πατρός μου, κληρονομήσατε τὴν ἡτοιμασμένην ὑμῖν βασιλείαν ἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου & ἐπείνασα γὰρ καὶ ἐδώκατέ μοι φαγεῖν, ἐδίψησα καὶ ἐποτίσατέ με, ξένος ἤμην καὶ συνηγάγετέ με & γυμνὸς καὶ περιεβάλετέ με, ἠσθένησα καὶ ἐπεσκέψασθέ με, ἐν φυλακῇ ἤμην καὶ ἤλθατε πρός με1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “at his right that they, who had been blessed by his Father, should come and inherit the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world. He said that this was because he was hungry, and they gave him to eat; he was thirsty, and they gave him to drink; he was a stranger, and they gathered together with him; he was naked, and they clothed him; he was sick, and they cared for him; he was in prison, and they came to him”

454325:34rb4erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjδεξιῶν αὐτοῦ1

See how you translated his right in 25:33. Alternate translation: “his right side”

454425:34yrs7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goδεῦτε1

In a context such as this, your language might say “Go” instead of Come. Alternate translation: “Go”

454525:34ze81rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοἱ εὐλογημένοι τοῦ Πατρός μου1

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the ones my Father has blessed”

454625:34h2k9rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου1

Father is an important title that describe the relationship between God the Father and Jesus his Son.

454725:34w1durc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκληρονομήσατε1

Here the King speaks as if the people on his right were children who would receive property from a relative. He speaks in this way to indicate that these people will receive the kingdom. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “receive” or “you are being given”

454825:34b57rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἡτοιμασμένην ὑμῖν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “that God has prepared for you”

454925:34cdi8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of foundation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “from when God founded the world”

455025:35wchhrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces the reasons why the people on the right will inherit the kingdom. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason. Alternate translation: “That is because” or “Here is why:”

455125:35f9zgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐδώκατέ μοι φαγεῖν & ἐποτίσατέ με1

Here the king implies that the people gave him food to eat and water to drink. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “you gave me food to eat … you gave me something to drink”

455225:35bd6mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomσυνηγάγετέ με1

Here, the phrase gathered together with me means that these people invited him to eat and sleep in their houses. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you invited me into your houses” or “you gave me a place to stay”

455325:36ur3irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitγυμνὸς1

Here, the word naked refers generally to having too little clothing. It does not necessarily mean that the king had no clothes at all, although that could have been true. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “I was without proper clothing” or “I was ill-clothed”

455425:36s2jbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἤλθατε πρός με1

Here, the king implies that the people visited him while he was in prison. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “you spent time with me there”

455525:36fmaerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἤλθατε1

In a context such as this, your language might say “went” instead of came. Alternate translation: “you went”

455625:37dqslrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjοἱ δίκαιοι1

The king is using the adjective righteous as a noun to mean righteous people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the righteous people”

455725:37-39pdp4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesλέγοντες, Κύριε, πότε σε εἴδομεν πεινῶντα καὶ ἐθρέψαμεν, ἢ διψῶντα καὶ ἐποτίσαμεν & πότε δέ σε εἴδομεν ξένον καὶ συνηγάγομεν, ἢ γυμνὸν καὶ περιεβάλομεν & πότε δέ σε εἴδομεν ἀσθενῆ ἢ ἐν φυλακῇ, καὶ ἤλθομεν πρός σε1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “calling him Lord and asking when they had seen him being hungry and fed him, or being thirsty and given him to drink. They asked when they had seen him a stranger and gathered together with him, or naked and clothed him. They asked when they had seen him sick or in prison and came to him.”

455825:37-39j3nhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionπότε σε εἴδομεν πεινῶντα καὶ ἐθρέψαμεν, ἢ διψῶντα καὶ ἐποτίσαμεν & πότε δέ σε εἴδομεν ξένον καὶ συνηγάγομεν, ἢ γυμνὸν καὶ περιεβάλομεν & πότε δέ σε εἴδομεν ἀσθενῆ ἢ ἐν φυλακῇ, καὶ ἤλθομεν πρός σε1

The people speaking are using the question form to indicate that they do not remember helping the king in any of these ways. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate these as statements or exclamations. Alternate translation: “we do not think that we saw you hungry and fed you, or thirsty and gave you to drink. We do not think that we saw you a stranger and gathered together with you, or naked and clothed you. We do not think that we saw you sick or in prison and came to you.”

455925:37krfvrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

If you keep the direct quotation, consider natural ways of introducing it in your language. Alternate translation: “and they will say”

456025:37aqalrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσε & ἐθρέψαμεν & ἐποτίσαμεν1

Since the people are speaking to the king, the word you throughout this verse is singular.

456125:37yh3prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisδιψῶντα καὶ ἐποτίσαμεν1

The people speaking are leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply these words from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “when did we see you thirsty and give you to drink”

456225:38iz1trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσε & συνηγάγομεν & περιεβάλομεν1

Since the people are speaking to the king, the word you throughout this verse is singular.

456325:38fh6hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomσυνηγάγομεν1

See how you translated this phrase in 25:35. Alternate translation: “invite you into our houses” or “give you a place to stay”

456425:38h52xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisγυμνὸν καὶ περιεβάλομεν1

The people speaking are leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply these words from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “when did we see you naked and clothe you”

456525:38mjzgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitγυμνὸν1

See how you translated this word in 25:36. Alternate translation: “without proper clothing” or “ill-clothed”

456625:39p1lxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσε & σε1

Since the people are speaking to the king, the word you throughout this verse is singular.

456725:39wwpprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἤλθομεν πρός σε?1

Here, the the people speaking ask when they visited the king while he was sick or in prison. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “spend time with you”

456825:39ti9jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἤλθομεν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “go” instead of come. Alternate translation: “go”

456925:40m6mirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personὁ Βασιλεὺς1

Here Jesus continues to speak about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “I, who am the King,”

457025:40sjbdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesαὐτοῖς, ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν, ἐφ’ ὅσον ἐποιήσατε ἑνὶ τούτων τῶν ἀδελφῶν μου τῶν ἐλαχίστων, ἐμοὶ ἐποιήσατε1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “to them that he was speaking truly and that as much as they did for one of the least of these brothers of his, they did for him”

457125:40acs3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῶν ἐλαχίστων1

Here, the word least identifies someone who is not very important. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “of the least important”

457225:40nh4yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτούτων τῶν ἀδελφῶν μου1

Here the king, Jesus, speaks of his disciples as if they were his brothers. He means that he considers them to be part of his family. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of those whom I call my brothers” or “of the people I love as if they were my brothers”

457325:40pumprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτῶν ἀδελφῶν1

Although the term brothers is masculine, the king is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you retain the metaphor in your translation, and if it would be helpful in your language, you could say “brothers and sisters” to indicate this.

457425:40k4hbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐμοὶ ἐποιήσατε1

Here the king speaks as if anything that people did for one of the least of these brothers of mine was actually done for him. He means that he considers any help given to these brothers of mine to be as important to him as if it had been given directly to him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I consider that you did it for me” or “it is just like you did it for me”

457525:41z1nhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personἐρεῖ & εὐωνύμων1

Here Jesus continues to speak about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “I will say … my left”

457625:41-43wii6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesτοῖς ἐξ εὐωνύμων, πορεύεσθε ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ κατηραμένοι εἰς τὸ πῦρ τὸ αἰώνιον, τὸ ἡτοιμασμένον τῷ διαβόλῳ καὶ τοῖς ἀγγέλοις αὐτοῦ & ἐπείνασα γὰρ καὶ οὐκ ἐδώκατέ μοι φαγεῖν, ἐδίψησα καὶ οὐκ ἐποτίσατέ με & ξένος ἤμην καὶ οὐ συνηγάγετέ με, γυμνὸς καὶ οὐ περιεβάλετέ με, ἀσθενὴς καὶ ἐν φυλακῇ καὶ οὐκ ἐπεσκέψασθέ με1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “to the ones on his left that they, who had been cursed, should go from him into the eternal fire that has been prepared for the devil and his angels. He said that this was because he was hungry, and they did not give him to eat; he was thirsty, and they did not give him to drink; he was a stranger, and they did not gather together with him; he was naked, and they did not clothe him; he was sick and in prison, and they did not care for him”

457725:41aox4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjεὐωνύμων1

See how you translated his left in 25:33. Alternate translation: “his left side”

457825:41pr8nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveκατηραμένοι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “the ones God has cursed”

457925:41kgowrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὸ πῦρ τὸ αἰώνιον1

Here, the phrase the eternal fire refers to hell and describes at as a very unpleasant place. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar phrase in 18:8. Alternate translation: “hell, which is as hot as an eternal fire and” or “the hell”

458025:41hqf5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὸ ἡτοιμασμένον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “that God has prepared”

458125:42yrvnrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces the reasons why the people on the left will go to the “eternal fire.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason. Alternate translation: “That is because” or “Here is why:”

458225:42fbybrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐκ ἐδώκατέ μοι φαγεῖν & οὐκ ἐποτίσατέ με1

Here the king implies that the people gave him food to eat and water to drink. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “you did not give me food to eat … you did not give me something to drink”

458325:43h45rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοὐ συνηγάγετέ με1

Here, the phrase did not gather together with me means that these people did not invite him to eat and sleep in their houses. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed the idea in 25:35. Alternate translation: “you did not invite me into your houses” or “you did not give me a place to stay”

458425:43g6ecrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitγυμνὸς1

Here, the word naked refers generally to having too little clothing. It does not necessarily mean that the king had no clothes at all, although that could have been true. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. See how you expressed the idea in 25:36. Alternate translation: “I was without proper clothing” or “I was ill-clothed”

458525:44bnnyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesλέγοντες, Κύριε, πότε σε εἴδομεν πεινῶντα, ἢ διψῶντα, ἢ ξένον, ἢ γυμνὸν, ἢ ἀσθενῆ, ἢ ἐν φυλακῇ, καὶ οὐ διηκονήσαμέν σοι?1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “calling him Lord and asking when they had seen him being hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and they did not serve him.”

458625:44hiy6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionπότε σε εἴδομεν πεινῶντα, ἢ διψῶντα, ἢ ξένον, ἢ γυμνὸν, ἢ ἀσθενῆ, ἢ ἐν φυλακῇ, καὶ οὐ διηκονήσαμέν σοι?1

The people speaking are using the question form to indicate that they do not remember failing to help the king in these ways. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “we do not think that we saw you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not serve you.”

458725:44hh3erc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

If you keep the direct quotation, consider natural ways of introducing it in your language. Alternate translation: “and they will say”

458825:44xu66rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσε & σοι1

Since the people are talking to the king, the word you throughout this verse is singular.

458925:44t9qxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitγυμνὸν1

See how you translated this word in 25:36. Alternate translation: “without proper clothing” or “ill-clothed”

459025:45nlkmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personἀποκριθήσεται1

Here Jesus continues to speak about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “I will answer them”

459125:45zc8irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesλέγων, ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν, ἐφ’ ὅσον οὐκ ἐποιήσατε ἑνὶ τούτων τῶν ἐλαχίστων, οὐδὲ ἐμοὶ ἐποιήσατε1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “saying that he was speaking truly and that as much as they did not do for one of the least of these, they did not do for him”

459225:45vivmrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

If you keep the direct quotation, consider natural ways of introducing it in your language. Alternate translation: “and he will say”

459325:45j8r5τῶν ἐλαχίστων1

Here, the word least identifies someone who is not very important. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. See how you translated this word in 25:40. Alternate translation: “of the least important”

459425:45nm2erc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsτούτων1

Here, the word these refers to the people whom the king, Jesus, calls “brothers of mine” in 25:40. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to those people more directly. Alternate translation: “of these brothers of mine” or “of the people I love as if they were my brothers”

459525:45whu5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοὐδὲ ἐμοὶ ἐποιήσατε.1

Here the king speaks as if people who fail to do something for one of the least of these actually fail to do something for him. He means that he considers any neglect of these people to be as important to him as if he himself had been neglected. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed the similar figure of speech in 25:40. Alternate translation: “I consider that you did not do it for me” or “it is just like you did not do it for me”

459625:46m6merc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsοὗτοι1

Here, the pronoun these refers to the people on the kings left who did not help people in need. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could refer to them more directly. Alternate translation: “those to whom the king just spoke” or “those on the kings left side”

459725:46nj72rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀπελεύσονται & εἰς κόλασιν αἰώνιον, οἱ δὲ δίκαιοι εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον1

Here Jesus speaks as if eternal punishment and eternal life were locations that people could go away into. He means that people will either experience eternal punishment or eternal life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will experience eternal punishment, but the righteous ones eternal life”

459825:46t0ksrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsεἰς κόλασιν αἰώνιον1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of punishment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to be punished eternally”

459925:46tifhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisοἱ & δίκαιοι εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “the righteous ones will go away into eternal life”

460025:46kq5brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsεἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of life, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to live eternally”

460126:intromtq80

Matthew 26 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

  1. The crucifixion of Jesus, his death, and his resurrection (26:1-28:19)
    • The chief priests and elders plan to kill Jesus (26:15)
    • A woman anoints Jesus (26:613)
    • Judas agrees to hand Jesus over (26:1416)
    • Jesus last meal with his disciples (26:1729)
    • Jesus predicts that his disciples will deny him (26:3035)
    • Jesus prays in Gethsemane (26:3646)
    • Judas hands Jesus over (26:4756)
    • Jesus trial before the Jewish council (26:5768)
    • Peter denies Jesus three times (26:6975)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 26:31, which is a quote from Zechariah 13:7.

Special concepts in this Chapter

Perfumed oil

In 26:613, a woman anoints Jesus with perfumed oil. The kind that the woman uses was very expensive. People would use these oils to make themselves look and smell good. Also, they used oils to anoint corpses before they buried them, possibly to keep them from smelling. In this story, the woman uses the oil to honor Jesus, and Jesus also interprets it as a preparation for his burial. Make sure that your readers understand what anointing with this kind of oil means. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/other/oil]])

Denying Jesus

Throughout this chapter, Jesus and his disciples speak about “denying” Jesus. If a disciple denies Jesus, the disciple claims to have no connection with Jesus, neither knowing nor following him. Consider how you might naturally express this idea in your language.

Jesus trial before the Jewish council

In 26:5768, Matthew narrates Jesus trial before the Jewish council. Since Jerusalem was governed by the Roman empire, the Roman governor, Pilate, was the only one who could actually have someone executed. So, the Jewish council needed to find evidence against Jesus that proved that he did something for which the Roman governor would execute him. This trial, then, was a preliminary step. They first needed to find good evidence to condemn Jesus, and then they needed to present evidence to the Roman governor that would lead to him executing Jesus. While you should not explain all these details in your translation, make sure that your translation does fit with this general idea.

The Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven

In 26:64, Jesus indicates that he, the Son of Man, will “come” on the clouds of heaven. However, he does not indicate the location to which he will “come.” Christians debate whether Jesus is describing his return to earth or his enthronement in heaven. If possible, your translation should allow for both possibilities. See the notes on this verse for translation options.

Peters accent

In 26:73, people who are standing near Peter tell him that they think he was one of Jesus disciples. They back up this claim by referring to his “speech,” by which they mean his accent and choice of words. In other words, Peters accent and word choice make it clear that he is from Galilee, where Jesus was from. So, they infer that Peter came to Jerusalem from Galilee with Jesus. Make sure that it is clear in your translation that the people standing near Peter are speaking about his accent and word choice that prove that he is from a specific region.

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

Metaphor with bread and cup

In 26:2628, Jesus identifies bread as “my body” and wine in a cup as “my blood of the covenant.” These metaphors can be understood in at least three primary ways: (1) the bread and wine somehow become Jesus body and blood; (2) Jesus body and blood are present, physically or spiritually, in the bread and wine; or (3) the bread and wine memorialize or symbolize Jesus body and blood. Christians are divided on this question, and metaphors that link body and blood to bread and wine are very significant in the Bible and in Christian teaching. For these reasons, it is best to preserve these metaphors without expressing them as similes or in another nonfigurative way. If you must express them in another way, see the notes on 26:2628 for translation possibilities. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Singular and plural forms of “you”

Most of the forms of “you” in this chapter appear in dialogue, which can include both individuals and groups. Because of this, there are many of both singular and plural forms of “you.” However, there are slightly more plural forms of “you” in this chapter, so you should assume forms of “you” are plural unless a note specifies that the form is singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

The answer “You said it”

In 26:25 and 26:64, Jesus answers questions with the clause “You said it.” He uses this answer because he does not want to directly say “yes,” but he wants to imply that what the person asked is true in some way. In other words, Jesus answer indirectly provides a positive answer to the question. If possible, you should use a comparable phrase that gives an indirect positive answer to a question. If necessary, you could use a more direct answer, as modeled by the UST. See the notes on these verses for translation options that are more indirect.

Judas kiss for Jesus

In 26:49, Matthew describes how Judas kissed Jesus so the soldiers would know whom to arrest. In this culture, when men greeted other men who were family or friends, they would kiss them, probably on one cheek or on both cheeks. If men would not greet each other with a kiss in your culture, you could explain the purpose of the kiss, or you could translate the expression in a more general way. See the notes on this verse for translation options. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/other/kiss]])

460226:1i35crc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstoryκαὶ ἐγένετο ὅτε ἐτέλεσεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς πάντας τοὺς λόγους τούτους, εἶπεν τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ1

These clauses mark the end of Jesus teaching by stating that Jesus finished speaking to his disciples and then describing what he did next. Use a natural form in your language for expressing the conclusion of a story. Alternate translation: “At that time, Jesus finished all these words. Then, he said to his disciples”

460326:1z15arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyπάντας τοὺς λόγους τούτους1

Here Matthew uses the term words to refer to what Jesus said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “speaking all these words”

460426:2lpo7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseγίνεται & παραδίδοται1

Here because Jesus is sure that these things will happen, he uses the present to refer to events that will happen in the future. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the future tense here. Alternate translation: “will happen … will be handed over”

460526:2eyoqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοται1

Here Jesus speaks about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “I, who am the Son of Man, am handed over”

460626:2g4lhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοται εἰς τὸ σταυρωθῆναι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who will do the actions, you could use indefinite subjects. Alternate translation: “someone hands over the Son of Man so that people crucify him”

460726:3eps8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσυνήχθησαν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “gathered” or “came together”

460826:3vicirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτοῦ λεγομένου Καϊάφα1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the one people called Caiaphas”

460926:3yhpxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguishτοῦ ἀρχιερέως, τοῦ λεγομένου Καϊάφα1

Here Matthew uses the phrase the one called Caiaphas to distinguish this chief priest from the rest of the chief priests. Be sure that this distinction is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “of the chief priest who was called Caiaphas”

461026:4yfzarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomσυνεβουλεύσαντο1

Here, the phrase took counsel together indicates that the chief priests and elders were working together to figure something out. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed the similar phrase in 22:15. Alternate translation: “they made plans together” or “they came up with ideas together”

461126:4rj7src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsδόλῳ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of deceit, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “deceitfully” or “cleverly”

461226:4a2n7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀποκτείνωσιν1

Here Matthew implies that the chief priests and elders would have other people kill Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “have him killed”

461326:5lybtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsἔλεγον & μὴ ἐν τῇ ἑορτῇ, ἵνα μὴ θόρυβος γένηται ἐν τῷ λαῷ1

It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “they were saying that they would not do it during the festival, so that a riot would not happen among the people”

461426:5u4fhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμὴ ἐν τῇ ἑορτῇ1

The phrase Not during the festival refers to not arresting Jesus during the festival. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “We must not arrest him during the festival”

461526:5s9p7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῇ ἑορτῇ1

Here, the festival is the Passover, as indicated in 26:2. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the festival of Passover”

461626:5evuorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῷ λαῷ1

This means specifically the great crowds of people who were in the city of Jerusalem and who liked Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the people who listen to Jesus” or “the people who are here who follow Jesus”

461726:6zq3jrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

461826:6sa8urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοῦ & Ἰησοῦ γενομένου1

Here Matthew implies that the disciples were with Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Jesus and his disciples being”

461926:6hg3src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitΣίμωνος τοῦ λεπροῦ1

Here Matthew could be implying that: (1) Simon had once been a leper but had been healed. Alternate translation: “of Simon, who had been healed of leprosy” (2) the house was owned by Simon, who was a leper, but he did not live there. Alternate translation: “owned by Simon the leper” (3) the leper was a nickname for Simon, who did not actually have leprosy. Alternate translation: “of Simon, who was nicknamed the leper

462026:6afswrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesΣίμωνος1

The word Simon is the name of a man. This is not the same Simon whom Jesus also called Peter.

462126:7yxf8rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participantsπροσῆλθεν αὐτῷ γυνὴ ἔχουσα ἀλάβαστρον μύρου βαρυτίμου1

Here Matthew introduces a woman into the story. If your language has its own way of introducing new participants, you could use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “there was a woman who had an alabaster jar of very expensive perfumed oil. She approached him”

462226:7sjkyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionἀλάβαστρον μύρου βαρυτίμου1

Matthew is using the possessive form to describe an alabaster jar that is filled with very expensive perfumed oil. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “an alabaster jar full of very expensive perfumed oil”

462326:7bhs8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἀλάβαστρον1

The word alabaster is the name of a soft, white stone. People stored precious and valuable items in jars made from alabaster. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of stone, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “a white stone jar”

462426:7yu67rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownμύρου βαρυτίμου1

This oil had fragrant additives. To make a themselves have a nice smell, people would rub the oil on themselves or sprinkle their clothing with it. Matthew indicates that this was particularly expensive oil. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of oil, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “of very expensive oil with perfume in it”

462526:7hqywrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneousτῆς κεφαλῆς αὐτοῦ ἀνακειμένου1

Here, the phrase {he} reclining to eat refers to something that was happening while the woman poured the oil on Jesus head. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a simultaneous action. Alternate translation: “his head as he was reclining to eat”

462626:7ukb9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἀνακειμένου1

In Jesus culture, people would usually recline, or lay on one side, when they were eating. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to the position in which people eat in your culture, or you could just refer to eating. See how you translated the similar phrase in 9:10. Alternate translation: “he sitting down to eat” or “he eating”

462726:8yjabrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

462826:8-9xargrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsλέγοντες, εἰς τί ἡ ἀπώλεια αὕτη & ἐδύνατο γὰρ τοῦτο πραθῆναι πολλοῦ καὶ δοθῆναι πτωχοῖς1

It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “asking what the waste was for and saying that the perfume was able to have been sold for much and then given to the poor”

462926:8yd03rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

If you keep the direct quotation, consider natural ways of introducing it in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”

463026:8vit4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionεἰς τί ἡ ἀπώλεια αὕτη?1

The disciples is using the question form to show that they think the woman wasted the perfume. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “There is no reason for this waste.” or “What a waste!”

463126:8rgp2εἰς τί ἡ ἀπώλεια αὕτη1

Alternate translation: “What is the purpose for this waste”

463226:8qzclrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἡ ἀπώλεια αὕτη1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of waste, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “she wasting this”

463326:9hst3rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a reason why the disciples say that the woman wasted the perfume. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “We say that because” or “As a matter of fact,”

463426:9y83erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐδύνατο & τοῦτο πραθῆναι πολλοῦ καὶ δοθῆναι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who would have done the action, it is clear from the context that would have been the woman. Alternate translation: “she was able to sell this for much and give”

463526:9s9zxrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsτοῦτο1

Here, the pronoun this refers to the jar full of perfumed oil that the woman poured on Jesus head in 26:7. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer back to it more directly. Alternate translation: “this perfumed oil”

463626:9rkx5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπολλοῦ καὶ δοθῆναι1

Here the disciples imply that the perfumed could have been sold for much money, and this money is what would been given to the poor. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “for much money, which could have been given”

463726:9f76hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjπτωχοῖς1

The disciples are using the adjective poor as a noun to mean poor people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “to people who are poor”

463826:10xd3crc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces how Jesus responded in contrast to how the disciples responded. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast. Alternate translation: “In contrast,”

463926:10pfv1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί κόπους παρέχετε τῇ γυναικί?1

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke the disciples for saying these things about what the woman did. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Do not cause trouble for the woman.” or “Stop causing trouble for the woman!”

464026:10aieorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsκόπους παρέχετε τῇ γυναικί & ἔργον & καλὸν1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of trouble and work, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “are you troubling the woman … something good”

464126:10mxncrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a reason why the disciples should not cause trouble for the woman. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a command, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “You should not do that, because” or “In fact,”

464226:11rhbfrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a reason why Jesus rebukes the disciples for saying that the woman should have given money to the poor instead of pouring the perfume on Jesus head. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a rebuke, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “I am rebuking you because” or “Here is why I say that:”

464326:11o93prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπάντοτε & τοὺς πτωχοὺς ἔχετε μεθ’ ἑαυτῶν1

Here Jesus implies that they will always have the opportunity of giving to the poor. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “you always have the poor with you, and you can give to them whenever you desire to do so”

464426:11wsp9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτοὺς πτωχοὺς1

Jesus is using the adjective poor as a noun to mean poor people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are poor”

464526:12usm6rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a further explanation about why what the woman did was a “good work.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces further explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “In fact,” or “Further,”

464626:12vk5wrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὸ μύρον1

See how you translated perfumed oil in 26:7. Alternate translation: “oil with perfume in it”

464726:12g8x1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsπρὸς τὸ ἐνταφιάσαι με1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of burial, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to prepare me to be buried”

464826:13g45lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveκηρυχθῇ τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦτο & λαληθήσεται καὶ ὃ ἐποίησεν αὕτη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who will do the actions, you could use indefinite subjects. Alternate translation: “people preach this gospel … they will also speak what she did”

464926:13s12mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsεἰς μνημόσυνον αὐτῆς1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of remembrance, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “so that she is remembered” or “as a way to remember her”

465026:14got6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτῶν δώδεκα1

Matthew is using the adjective Twelve as a noun to refer to Jesus closest disciples. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “of the 12 apostles” or “of the 12 men whom Jesus had chosen to be apostles”

465126:14e4gkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὁ λεγόμενος1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. See how you translated the similar form in 26:3. Alternate translation: “the one people called Judas Iscariot”

465226:14lo3erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goπορευθεὶς1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of gone. Alternate translation: “having come”

465326:15picsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτί θέλετέ μοι δοῦναι1

Here Judas is asking how much money they will give to him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “What sum of money are you willing to pay me”

465426:15c0k0rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalκἀγὼ1

Here, the word and introduces what Judas is offering to do if they give him enough money. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a goal or result. If you use the following alternate translations, you may need to delete the comma before and. Alternate translation: “so that I” or “in order that I”

465526:15x7zxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοἱ & ἔστησαν αὐτῷ τριάκοντα ἀργύρια1

Here Matthew refers to a procedure in which pieces of silver would be weighed to so that all the people involved in the transaction would be sure that the correct amount of money had been payed. Matthew means that they offered to pay Judas 30 pieces of silver. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “they counted out 30 pieces of silver for him” or “they offered 30 pieces of silver to him”

465626:15es4brc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoneyτριάκοντα ἀργύρια1

Each of these pieces of silver was a coin equivalent to about four days wages. You could try to express this amount in terms of current monetary values, but that might cause your Bible translation to become outdated and inaccurate, since those values can change over time. So instead you might state something more general or give the equivalent in wages. Alternate translation: “30 coins made out of silver” or “about four months wages”

465726:16w1e4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsεὐκαιρίαν ἵνα αὐτὸν παραδῷ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of opportunity, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “when it might be easy to hand him over” or “an opportune moment in which to hand him over”

465826:17f3s2rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Sometime later,”

465926:17med9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτῇ & πρώτῃ1

Matthew is using the number first as a noun to mean the first day. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “on the first day”

466026:17w6v3rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalτῇ & πρώτῃ1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “on day one”

466126:17zkpvrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”

466226:17m2e4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularθέλεις & σοι1

Since the disciples are talking to Jesus, the word you is singular throughout this verse.

466326:17xm39rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸ Πάσχα1

Jesus disciples are using the name of one part of the festival, Passover, to refer to the meal that people shared on that occasion. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the Passover meal”

466426:18hc78rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesὑπάγετε εἰς τὴν πόλιν πρὸς τὸν δεῖνα καὶ εἴπατε αὐτῷ, ὁ διδάσκαλος λέγει, ὁ καιρός μου ἐγγύς ἐστιν; πρὸς σὲ ποιῶ τὸ Πάσχα μετὰ τῶν μαθητῶν μου.1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there are not quotations within quotations. Alternate translation: “Go into the city to so-and-so and say to him that the Teacher says that his time is near and that he with his disciples is doing the Passover with him”

466526:18s2sjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὴν πόλιν1

Here, the phrase the city refers to Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Jerusalem”

466626:18zudxrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὸν δεῖνα1

Here, the phrase so-and-so refers to a person whose name the speaker does not want to share. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable form in your language, or you could refer to a man without naming him. Alternate translation: “such-and-such a man” or “a certain man”

466726:18r4tgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὁ καιρός μου1

Here, the phrase My time refers to a moment when something important is going to happen to Jesus. More specifically, Jesus is referring to the time when he will suffer and die. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “A significant moment for me” or “The time for me to die”

466826:18j9pzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyποιῶ τὸ Πάσχα & μετὰ τῶν μαθητῶν μου1

Here Jesus uses the name of one part of the festival, Passover, to refer to the meal that people shared on that occasion. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed the idea in 26:17. Alternate translation: “I with my disciples am eating the Passover meal”

466926:18vvcarc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseποιῶ & μετὰ τῶν μαθητῶν μου1

Here Jesus uses the present tense to refer to something that he plans to do in the future. Use whatever tense would be natural for describing plans for the future. Alternate translation: “I with my disciples plan to do”

467026:18x1xzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπρὸς σὲ1

Here Jesus implies that will celebrate the Passover at this mans house. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “at your house”

467126:18yrryrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσὲ1

Since the disciples will be talking to a man, the word you here is singular.

467226:19vel7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸ Πάσχα1

Here Matthew uses the name of one part of the festival, Passover, to refer to the meal that people shared on that occasion. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed the idea in 26:17. Alternate translation: “the Passover meal”

467326:20g6dcrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

467426:20bga4rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἀνέκειτο1

In Jesus culture, people would usually recline, or lay on one side, when they were eating. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to the position in which people eat in your culture, or you could just refer to eating. See how you translated the similar phrase in 9:10. Alternate translation: “he was sitting down to eat” or “he was eating”

467526:20js7irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτῶν δώδεκα1

Matthew is using the adjective Twelve as a noun to refer to Jesus closest disciples. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. See how you expressed the idea in 26:14. Alternate translation: “of the 12 apostles” or “of the 12 men whom Jesus had chosen to be apostles”

467626:22s5gbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveλυπούμενοι σφόδρα1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was what Jesus said. Alternate translation: “since what he said grieved them very much”

467726:22n12rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionμήτι ἐγώ εἰμι, Κύριε?1

Here the disciples could be using the question form: (1) to tell Jesus that they would never hand him over. In this case, you could express the idea as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “I am not the one, Lord!” (2) to ask a hesitant question. In this case, they are unsure whether they would hand Jesus over. Alternate translation: “Can it really be me, Lord?”

467826:22r2itrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisμήτι ἐγώ εἰμι, Κύριε1

The disciples are leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “Surely it is not I who will hand you over, Lord”

467926:23mefdrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

468026:23lsocrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoὁ ἐμβάψας μετ’ ἐμοῦ τὴν χεῖρα ἐν τῷ τρυβλίῳ, οὗτός με παραδώσει1

Here, the phrase this one refers directly back to The one having dipped his hand with me in the bowl. Jesus expresses the idea in this way to introduce The one having dipped his hand and then say what he will do. If stating the topic and then referring back to it with the phrase this one would be redundant in your language, you could omit the redundant information. Alternate translation: “The one having dipped his hand with me in the bowl will hand me over”

468126:23mpnmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheὁ ἐμβάψας μετ’ ἐμοῦ τὴν χεῖρα ἐν τῷ τρυβλίῳ1

Here Jesus describes one specific way of eating food in his culture to refer to eating in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The one taking food from the same plate with me” or “The one participating in this meal with me”

468226:24n7dwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personὁ μὲν Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου ὑπάγει καθὼς γέγραπται περὶ αὐτοῦ, οὐαὶ δὲ τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ ἐκείνῳ δι’ οὗ ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοται1

Here Jesus speaks about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “I, who am the Son of Man, depart just as it has been written about me. But woe to that man through whom I am handed over”

468326:24riwtrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseὑπάγει1

Here Jesus uses the present tense to describe a future event. He does this to emphasize that the future event is sure to happen. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the future tense here and express the certainty in another way. Alternate translation: “will surely depart”

468426:24x2n9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismὑπάγει1

Here, departs is a polite way to refer to dying. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable polite way to refer to dying, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “passes away” or “dies”

468526:24eqcurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαθὼς γέγραπται1

Here Jesus implies that what has been written can be found in the Old Testament Scriptures. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “just as it has been written in the Scriptures”

468626:24vix3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveγέγραπται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was the people who wrote the Scriptures. Alternate translation: “the prophets wrote” or “the Scriptures testify”

468726:24hai5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveδι’ οὗ ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοται1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “who hands over the Son of Man”

468826:24vy1trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοὐκ ἐγεννήθη ὁ ἄνθρωπος ἐκεῖνος1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was the mans mother. Alternate translation: “that mans mother had not given birth to him”

468926:25k85prc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

469026:25vpq1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionμήτι ἐγώ εἰμι, Ῥαββεί?1

Here Judas could be using the question form: (1) to deny that he would ever hand Jesus over. In this case, you could express the idea as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “I am not the one, Rabbi!” (2) to ask Jesus if he knows whether Judas is the one who will hand him over. In this case, Judas is actually asking for information. Alternate translation: “Do you think it is me, Rabbi?”

469126:25ex1hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisμήτι ἐγώ εἰμι, Ῥαββεί1

Judas is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “Surely it is not I who will hand you over, Rabbi”

469226:25oee7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “He said”

469326:25y9lkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomσὺ εἶπας1

Here, the phrase You said {it} indicates that the speaker acknowledges the truth of what the other person said. Jesus uses this phrase to indirectly indicate that Judas is the one who will hand him over. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that gives an indirect positive response to a question. If necessary, you could express the idea more directly, as the UST does. Alternate translation: “That is what you say” or “Your words show what is true”

469426:25ftbxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσὺ1

Since Peter is talking to Judas, the word You here is singular.

469526:26qh16rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “After that,” or “Later on,”

469626:26mr5urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεὐλογήσας1

Here Matthew could be implying that Jesus blessed: (1) God for providing the food. Alternate translation: “having blessed God” or “having praised God” (2) the food. Alternate translation: “having blessed it” or “having asked God to make it holy”

469726:26rb65rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔκλασεν1

Here Matthew means that Jesus broke the bread in pieces so that it could be served to the disciples. This was a normal practice in his culture. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “divided the bread into servings” or “broke the bread into smaller pieces”

469826:26yg2arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisλάβετε, φάγετε1

Here Jesus implies that he wants the disciples to Take and eat the pieces of bread that he gave to them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Take these pieces of bread and eat them”

469926:26tkiurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ σῶμά μου1

Here Jesus identifies the bread as his body. This figure of speech has been interpreted in a number of ways. The bread could somehow become Jesus body, or Jesus body could be present in some way when people eat the bread, or the bread could represent or memorialize Jesus body. Because of the variety of interpretations and the significance of this metaphor, you should preserve the metaphor if there is any way to do so. If you must express the metaphor in a different way, use a form that could fit with as many of the listed interpretations as possible. Alternate translation: “This functions as my body”

470026:27tn39rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyποτήριον1

Here Matthew uses the word cup to refer both to it and to the drink inside the cup, which in Jesus culture would have been wine. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a cup full of wine” or “some wine”

470126:27zb1irc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he instructed them”

470226:28hpwyrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesγάρ1

Here, the word For introduces an explanation of the cup of wine. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “Here is what this cup of wine means:”

470326:28l55arc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsτοῦτο1

Here, the pronoun this refers to the wine in the cup that Matthew mentioned in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to the wine more directly. Alternate translation: “the wine in this cup”

470426:28o1znrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτοῦτο & ἐστιν τὸ αἷμά μου τῆς διαθήκης1

Here Jesus identifies the cup of wine as his blood of the covenant. This figure of speech has been interpreted in a number of ways. The wine could somehow become Jesus blood, or Jesus blood could be present in some way when people drink the wine, or the wine could represent or memorialize Jesus blood. Because of the variety of interpretations and the significance of this metaphor, you should preserve the metaphor if there is any way to do so. If you must express the metaphor in a different way, use a form that could fit with as many of the listed interpretations as possible. Alternate translation: “this functions as my blood of the covenant”

470526:28ct81rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὸ αἷμά μου τῆς διαθήκης1

Here, Jesus is using the possessive form to describe how his blood inaugurates or initiates the covenant. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “my blood that initiates the covenant”

470626:28ch9xrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsτῆς διαθήκης1

Many ancient manuscripts read the covenant. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “the new covenant.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

470726:28glj9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ περὶ πολλῶν ἐκχυννόμενον1

Here Jesus means that he will die and his blood will be poured out of his body. He is using words that people would use to describe how animals would be offered to God: these animals would be killed and then their blood would be poured out on or near the altar. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “that, when I die, is being poured out for many” or “that is being shed for many”

470826:28bms3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐκχυννόμενον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, Jesus implies that he himself does it when he dies. Alternate translation: “I am pouring out”

470926:28vofarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjπολλῶν1

Jesus is using the adjective many as a noun to mean many people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “many men and women”

471026:28bqc7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsεἰς ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of forgiveness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to forgive sins”

471126:29pbx0rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that Jesus wants to say. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next topic, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,”

471226:29hl24λέγω & ὑμῖν, οὐ μὴ πίω1

Jesus uses the clause I say to you to emphasize what he is about to tell the disciples. Use a natural form in your language for emphasizing the truth and importance of a statement. Alternate translation: “I want you to know that I will certainly not drink”

471326:29l556rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐ μὴ1

The words translated certainly not are two negative words. In this construction, the second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. Instead, it gives greater emphasis to the negative. If your language can use two negatives that do not cancel one another to create a positive meaning, you could use a double negative here. If your language does not use two negatives in that way, you could translate with one strong negative, as the ULT does. Alternate translation: “by no means”

471426:29h85brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐκ τούτου τοῦ γενήματος τῆς ἀμπέλου1

Here, the phrase fruit of the vine refers to wine. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “alcohol made from grapes” or “wine”

471526:29domnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτῆς ἡμέρας ἐκείνης1

Here Jesus uses the term day to refer to a particular moment in time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “that hour” or “the moment”

471626:29tsjkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitαὐτὸ πίνω & καινὸν1

Here, the word new could go with: (1) drink. In this case, Jesus means that he will drink the wine in a new way. Alternate translation: “I drink it in a new way” or “I drink it anew” (2) the wine. In this case, Jesus means that he will drink new wine. Alternate translation: “I drink new wine”

471726:29m9vqrc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου1

Father is an important title that describe the relationship between God the Father and Jesus his Son.

471826:30ed5krc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownὑμνήσαντες1

A hymn is a song or poem that is sung to praise God. The Jews would traditionally sing a psalm from Psalms 113118 at the end of the Passover meal, so the hymn that Jesus and his disciples sang was likely one of these psalms. If your readers would not be familiar with a hymn, you could use the name for religious songs in your culture, if you have them, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “having sung a psalm” or “having sung a song of praise to God”

471926:31j2o2rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said”

472026:31a2nlrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultπάντες ὑμεῖς σκανδαλισθήσεσθε ἐν ἐμοὶ ἐν τῇ νυκτὶ ταύτῃ; γέγραπται γάρ, πατάξω τὸν ποιμένα, καὶ διασκορπισθήσονται τὰ πρόβατα τῆς ποίμνης1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the last clauses gives the basis for the claim that the first clause makes. Alternate translation: “It is written, I will strike the shepherd and the sheep of the flock will be scattered. Therefore, you all will be caused to stumble on me in this night”

472126:31v8ylrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorσκανδαλισθήσεσθε ἐν ἐμοὶ1

Here Jesus speaks as if he were a lump or rock that his disciples could stumble on. He means that they will reject and desert him because of what will happen to him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will desert me because of what happens to me” or “will run away from me”

472226:31svl0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσκανδαλισθήσεσθε1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “will stumble”

472326:31bvf5rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsγέγραπται1

In Jesus culture, it is written was a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text, in this case, the book of Zechariah (see Zechariah 13:7). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Jesus is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “you can read in the Scriptures” or “it says in the book of Zechariah”

472426:31c4k1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveγέγραπται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God speaking through Zechariah. Alternate translation: “Zechariah wrote” or “God spoke through Zechariah”

472526:31eq8trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesγέγραπται & πατάξω τὸν ποιμένα, καὶ διασκορπισθήσονται τὰ πρόβατα τῆς ποίμνης1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “it is written that God will strike the shepherd and the sheep of the flock will be scattered”

472626:31mc1erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπατάξω τὸν ποιμένα, καὶ διασκορπισθήσονται τὰ πρόβατα τῆς ποίμνης1

Here the author of the quotation speaks as if the Messiah were a shepherd and as if his people were sheep of the flock. He means that the Messiah is the leader, and his people are like helpless sheep without him. Since Jesus is quoting these words from the Old Testament, if possible preserve the metaphor or express the idea in simile form. Alternate translation: “I will strike the person who is like a shepherd and those who are like sheep of the flock will be scattered”

472726:31u1t5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπατάξω1

In this quotation, God is the one speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “I, God, will strike”

472826:31ccyhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπατάξω1

Here, the word strike means to hit someone hard enough to kill that person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “I will fatally strike” or “I will strike down”

472926:31rvk1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveδιασκορπισθήσονται τὰ πρόβατα τῆς ποίμνης1

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the sheep of the flock will scatter”

473026:31cty9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoτὰ πρόβατα τῆς ποίμνης1

In your language, it might seem that this phrase expresses unnecessary extra information. If so, you could abbreviate it. Alternate translation: “the sheep”

473126:32pj2urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτὸ ἐγερθῆναί με1

Here, the word raised refers to someone who died coming back to life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable word or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am restored to life”

473226:32xuyzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὸ ἐγερθῆναί με1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who will do the action, Jesus could be implying that: (1) God will do it. Alternate translation: “God raises me up” (2) Jesus himself will do it. Alternate translation: “I raise myself up”

473326:32tipurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπροάξω ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν1

Here Jesus implies that once he is in Galilee, his disciples will meet him there. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “I will go ahead of you into Galilee, where you will be with me again”

473426:32g7pxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goπροάξω1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of go. Alternate translation: “I will come ahead of”

473526:33kottrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalεἰ πάντες σκανδαλισθήσονται1

Peter is suggesting that this is a hypothetical condition, that all might be caused to stumble. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “Were all to be caused to stumble”

473626:33m2unrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorσκανδαλισθήσονται ἐν σοί & σκανδαλισθήσομαι1

Here Peter speaks as if Jesus were a lump or rock that his disciples could stumble on. He means that they may reject and desert Jesus because of what will happen to him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed the idea 26:31. Alternate translation: “will desert you because of what will happen to you … will desert you” or “will run away from you … will run away”

473726:33u6r9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσκανδαλισθήσονται & σκανδαλισθήσομαι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “will stumble … will stumble”

473826:33j6r9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσοί1

Because Peter is talking to Jesus, the word you here is singular.

473926:34y1gzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσοι & ἀπαρνήσῃ1

Since Jesus is talking to Peter, the word you throughout this verse is singular.

474026:34ui4yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπρὶν ἀλέκτορα φωνῆσαι1

Here Jesus describes what an animal does in the morning when the sun comes up to refer to that time of day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “before a rooster crows in the early morning”

474126:34lx5irc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownπρὶν ἀλέκτορα φωνῆσαι1

A rooster is a bird that calls out loudly around the time the sun comes up. If your readers would not be familiar with this bird, you could use the name of a bird in your area that calls out or sings just before dawn, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “before the birds begin to sing in the morning”

474226:34b2rhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτρὶς ἀπαρνήσῃ με1

Here Jesus implies that Peter will deny that he knows Jesus and is his disciple. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “you will deny three times that you know me” or “you will deny three times that you are my disciple”

474326:35ywndrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said”

474426:35zi40rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalκἂν δέῃ με σὺν σοὶ ἀποθανεῖν1

Peter is suggesting that this is a hypothetical condition, that it might be necessary to die with Jesus. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “Even were it necessary for me to die with you”

474526:35qttcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκἂν δέῃ με σὺν σοὶ ἀποθανεῖν1

Here Peter means that if it were necessary for him to die if he remained faithful to Jesus, he would rather do that than deny him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Even if it were necessary for me, to keep from denying you, to die with you” or “Even if I would have to die with you if I stayed with you”

474626:35jhiarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσοὶ & σε1

Since Peter is talking to Jesus, the word you throughout this verse is singular.

474726:36ckf6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseἔρχεται & λέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “came … said”

474826:36fvczrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἔρχεται1

In a context such as this, your language might say “goes” instead of comes. Alternate translation: “goes”

474926:36lm3nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveλεγόμενον Γεθσημανεὶ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that people call Gethsemane”

475026:37kj0zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπαραλαβὼν τὸν Πέτρον καὶ τοὺς δύο υἱοὺς Ζεβεδαίου, ἤρξατο λυπεῖσθαι καὶ ἀδημονεῖν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was something that Jesus was thinking about. Alternate translation: “he took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee. Now something began to grieve and greatly trouble Jesus” or “as he took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, what he was thinking began to grieve and greatly trouble him”

475126:37ny4mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοὺς δύο υἱοὺς Ζεβεδαίου1

The two sons of Zebedee were James and John (see 4:21). If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to them by name. Alternate translation: “James and John, the two sons of Zebedee”

475226:37vx4erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletλυπεῖσθαι καὶ ἀδημονεῖν1

The terms grieved and greatly troubled mean similar things. Matthew is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “to be extremely grieved” or “to be very troubled”

475326:38l5icrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfutureλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “he said”

475426:38u2rcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπερίλυπός ἐστιν ἡ ψυχή μου1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was something that Jesus was thinking about. Alternate translation: “Something grieves my soul very much” or “What I am thinking grieves my soul very much”

475526:38gf7krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheἐστιν ἡ ψυχή μου1

Here, soul refers to the whole person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am very grieved”

475626:38c43trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleἕως θανάτου1

Jesus is using the phrase to death to describe the extent of his grief. He uses this overstatement in order to show how very grieved he is. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that expresses great sorrow, or you could express the idea in simile form. Alternate translation: “so much so that I cannot stand it much longer” or “as if I were about to die”

475726:39p662rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goπροσελθὼν μικρὸν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of gone. Alternate translation: “having come a little farther”

475826:39kcz4rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionἔπεσεν ἐπὶ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ1

In Matthews culture, falling on ones face refers to kneeling down and putting ones face close to the ground. This was a position used to show respect and reverence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable expression for a physical position used to show respect or worship, or you could express the idea plainly. Alternate translation: “he bowed down” or “he lay down to show respect”

475926:39wi5lrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsπροσευχόμενος καὶ λέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he asked God”

476026:39nuv7rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΠάτερ1

Father is an important title that describe the relationship between God the Father and Jesus his Son.

476126:39rfw9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3pπαρελθέτω ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ τὸ ποτήριον τοῦτο1

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “cause this cup to pass away from me” or “allow this cup to pass away from me”

476226:39f254rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὸ ποτήριον τοῦτο1

Jesus is referring to the sufferings he will soon experience as if they were a cup of bitter-tasting liquid that he would have to drink. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “this suffering that is like a cup full of poison” or “this suffering”

476326:39k5inrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisοὐχ ὡς ἐγὼ θέλω, ἀλλ’ ὡς σύ1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “do not do as I will, but do as you will”

476426:39yxf0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσύ1

Since Jesus is speaking to his Father, the word you here is singular.

476526:40luh9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfutureἔρχεται & εὑρίσκει & λέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “he came … found … he said”

476626:40hq2frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοὺς μαθητὰς1

Here, the disciples refers specifically to Peter, James, and John. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Peter, James, and John”

476726:40tdl8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitλέγει τῷ Πέτρῳ1

Here Matthew implies that Jesus woke up Peter before speaking to him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he wakes up Peter to say to him”

476826:40c11arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionοὕτως οὐκ ἰσχύσατε μίαν ὥραν γρηγορῆσαι μετ’ ἐμοῦ?1

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke Peter, James, and John. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “So, I see that you were not able to be alert with me for one hour.” or “You surely should have been able to be alert with me for one hour!”

476926:40an84rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesοὕτως οὐκ ἰσχύσατε1

Here, the word So indicates that Jesus question is based on what he found when he returned to the disciples. Given that the disciples were asleep, the word So means that the answer to this question is already obvious. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a rhetorical question based on something that the person has observed. Alternate translation: “Given what I just found, should I conclude that were you not able” or “I do not really need to ask, but were you not able”

477026:40ev7src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularοὐκ ἰσχύσατε1

Although Jesus is speaking directly to Peter, you here is plural and refers to Peter, James, and John. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “were the three of you not able”

477126:41k4tbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorμὴ εἰσέλθητε εἰς πειρασμόν1

Here Jesus speaks as if temptation were a location that someone could enter into. He is referring to experiencing temptation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you do not experience temptation” or “you are kept away from temptation”

477226:41buv4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsμὴ εἰσέλθητε εἰς πειρασμόν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of temptation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “you are not tempted”

477326:41hi7xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounτὸ μὲν πνεῦμα πρόθυμον, ἡ δὲ σὰρξ ἀσθενής1

The words spirit and flesh represent peoples spirits and flesh in general, not one particular spirit and flesh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Peoples spirits indeed are willing, but their flesh is weak”

477426:41ny5wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸ μὲν πνεῦμα πρόθυμον1

Here, spirit represents a persons desires and will. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The will indeed wants to do it” or “Inside, you indeed are willing”

477526:41qme9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπρόθυμον1

Here Jesus implies that the spirit is willing to do what is right, and more specifically what Jesus has asked. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “is willing to do what is right” or “is willing to do what I ask”

477626:41xligrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἡ & σὰρξ ἀσθενής1

Here, flesh represents a persons body and actions. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the body is weak” or “when you act you are weak”

477726:42pz9lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἀπελθὼν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of gone. Alternate translation: “having come away”

477826:42vbvhrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalἐκ δευτέρου1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “for time two”

477926:42zdrprc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he said”

478026:42ch7trc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΠάτερ μου1

Father is an important title that describe the relationship between God the Father and Jesus.

478126:42b6cnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοὐ δύναται τοῦτο παρελθεῖν, ἐὰν μὴ αὐτὸ πίω1

Here Jesus continues to refer to the sufferings he will soon experience as if they were a cup of bitter-tasting liquid that he would have to drink. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use simile form or state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed the idea in 26:39. Alternate translation: “this suffering that is like a cup full of poison is not able to pass away unless I drink from it” or “this suffering is not able to pass away unless I experience it”

478226:42mio8rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsτοῦτο & αὐτὸ1

The pronouns this and it refer to the cup that Jesus already mentioned in 26:39. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to the cup more directly. Alternate translation: “this cup … from it”

478326:42xsk1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveγενηθήτω τὸ θέλημά σου1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who will do the action, it is clear from the context that it will be God. Alternate translation: “let your happen” or “may you do your will”

478426:42hntyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3pγενηθήτω τὸ θέλημά σου1

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “do your will” or “cause your will to be done”

478526:42o070rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὸ θέλημά σου1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of will, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what you will”

478626:42kuhqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσου1

Since Jesus is talking to his Father, the word your here is singular.

478726:43ng7erc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultκαὶ ἐλθὼν πάλιν, εὗρεν αὐτοὺς καθεύδοντας, ἦσαν γὰρ αὐτῶν οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ βεβαρημένοι1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the third clause gives the reason for the result that the second clause describes. Alternate translation: “And since their eyes were weighed down, when he came again, he found them sleeping”

478826:43qys3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθὼν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “having gone”

478926:43lts9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἦσαν & αὐτῶν οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ βεβαρημένοι1

Here, the clause their eyes were weighed down indicates that the three disciples were very tired and sleepy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they were exhausted” or “they were very tired”

479026:43ijo3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἦσαν & αὐτῶν οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ βεβαρημένοι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “their eyes were heavy” or “sleepiness weighed their eyes down”

479126:44k4nxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἀπελθὼν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of gone. Alternate translation: “having come away”

479226:44v3i9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalἐκ τρίτου1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “for time three”

479326:44bvw8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸν αὐτὸν λόγον1

Matthew is using the term word to mean something spoken using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the same things” or “what he said previously”

479426:45iaqerc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseἔρχεται & λέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “he came … said”

479526:45gmzeκαθεύδετε τὸ λοιπὸν καὶ ἀναπαύεσθε1

This sentence could be: (1) a rhetorical question that Jesus uses to rebuke the disciples. In this case, Jesus is disappointed that the disciples continue to sleep. Alternate translation: “Do you continue to sleep and rest?” (2) a command to continue to sleep and rest. In this case, Jesus means that the time when they were supposed to be alert is over, and they might as well sleep and rest now. Alternate translation: “Go ahead and continue to sleep and rest!” or “You can continue to sleep and rest.”

479626:45vvp9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionκαθεύδετε τὸ λοιπὸν καὶ ἀναπαύεσθε?1

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke Peter, James, and John. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “It is sad that you are still sleeping and resting.” or “You should not still be sleeping and resting!”

479726:45acrqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletκαθεύδετε τὸ λοιπὸν καὶ ἀναπαύεσθε1

The terms sleeping and resting mean similar things. Jesus is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “Are you still taking your rest” or “Are you still sleeping soundly”

479826:45dgx9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the disciples and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks someone to listen, or you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention:”

479926:45rw3rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἡ ὥρα1

Here, the word hour refers to a specific moment in time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the moment”

480026:45v53xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἡ ὥρα1

Here, Jesus implies that the hour is the time when he will suffer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the hour of my suffering”

480126:45g9hirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοται1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone hands over the Son of Man”

480226:45ell4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοται1

Here Jesus speaks about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “I, the Son of Man, am handed over”

480326:45ajr9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseπαραδίδοται1

Here Jesus uses the present tense to describe a future event that he knows will surely happen. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the future tense and indicate the certainty in another way. Alternate translation: “will certainly be handed over”

480426:45g9ebrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyεἰς χεῖρας1

The term hands represents power and control. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how expressed the similar idea in 17:22. Alternate translation: “into the power” or “into the control”

480526:46j7urrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the disciples and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks someone to listen, or you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention:”

480626:47roz1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “suddenly”

480726:47czh4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτῶν δώδεκα1

Matthew is using the adjective Twelve as a noun to refer to Jesus closest disciples. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. See how you expressed the idea in 26:14. Alternate translation: “of the 12 apostles” or “of the 12 men whom Jesus had chosen to be apostles”

480826:47x33mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisκαὶ μετ’ αὐτοῦ ὄχλος πολὺς1

Matthew is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply these words from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “and with him came a large crowd”

480926:47e26hrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownξύλων1

A “club” is a hard piece of wood that a person uses to hit people. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of weapon, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “sticks for hitting people”

481026:48qb4yrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundδὲ1

Matthew uses the word Now to introduce background information that will help readers understand what happens next. It does not introduce another event in the story. Use a natural form in your language for introducing background information. Alternate translation: “At an earlier time,” or “Earlier,”

481126:48jumhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitσημεῖον1

Here Matthew is referring to an action by which one person communicates to others. More specifically, Judas arranged with the crowd an action that would communicate to them which person was Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “a signal to point out Jesus” or “a cue that would indicate whom to seize”

481226:48gw8mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsλέγων, ὃν ἂν φιλήσω, αὐτός ἐστιν; κρατήσατε αὐτόν.1

It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “saying that whomever he kissed was he, and that they should seize him”

481326:48do4arc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

If you keep the direct quotation, consider natural ways of introducing it in your language. Alternate translation: “and he said”

481426:48gqsxrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionὃν ἂν φιλήσω1

In Jesus culture, close friends would greet each other with a kiss. In some cultures, a kiss as a greeting is appropriate, but in other cultures it is not appropriate. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain what the kiss means, or you could refer to how close friends would greet each other in your culture. Alternate translation: “Whomever I greet with a kiss” or “Whomever I hug”

481526:48nr34αὐτός1

Alternate translation: “the one you are seeking”

481626:49uig8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomχαῖρε1

In Jesus culture, people commonly greeted each other with the word Rejoice. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable word or phrase that people use to greet each other. Alternate translation: “Hello”

481726:49ar7qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularχαῖρε1

Since Judas is speaking to Jesus, the command to Rejoice is singular.

481826:49cyb7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionκατεφίλησεν αὐτόν1

In Jesus culture, close friends would greet each other with a kiss. See how you expressed the idea in 26:48. Alternate translation: “he greet him with a kiss” or “he hugged him”

481926:50ve1erc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

482026:50xehsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἐφ’ ὃ πάρει1

Here Jesus uses a very short clause that implies some information. The clause could be: (1) a rhetorical question. In this case, Jesus is rebuking Judas by asking him why he is present. Alternate translation: “for what purpose are you present?” (2) a command. In this case, Jesus is telling Judas to do what he came to do. Alternate translation: “do that for which you are present!” (3) a statement. In this case, Jesus is saying that he knows why Judas is present. Alternate translation: “I know for what purpose you are present.”

482126:50nodprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἐφ’ ὃ πάρει1

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke Judas. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “you are present to do something wrong” or “you should not have come here to do this!”

482226:50hmprrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularπάρει1

Since Jesus is talking to Judas, the word you here is singular.

482326:50vmd1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismἐπέβαλον τὰς χεῖρας ἐπὶ τὸν Ἰησοῦν, καὶ ἐκράτησαν αὐτόν1

The clauses they laid hands on Jesus and seized him mean similar things. Matthew is using the two clauses together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single clause. Alternate translation: “they seized Jesus” or “they took hold of Jesus to arrest him”

482426:50w3d6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐπέβαλον τὰς χεῖρας ἐπὶ1

Here, they laid hands on Jesus means that they grabbed and restrained Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they took hold of” or “they grabbed”

482526:51vm6src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “suddenly”

482626:51ay85rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoεἷς τῶν μετὰ Ἰησοῦ, ἐκτείνας τὴν χεῖρα ἀπέσπασεν τὴν μάχαιραν αὐτοῦ1

The expression having stretched out his hand contains extra information that might be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “one of the ones with Jesus drew his sword”

482726:51d91lrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participantsεἷς τῶν μετὰ Ἰησοῦ1

Matthew uses this phrase to bring one of the characters in the story into the center of the action, but he does not identify the person by name. John indicates in his Gospel that it was Peter, but since Matthew does not name him here, it would not be appropriate to use his name in your translation. If your language has its own way of introducing new participants, you could use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “one of the disciples who was with Jesus came forward and”

482826:52o6m0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfutureλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said”

482926:52dcgjrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultἀπόστρεψον τὴν μάχαιράν σου εἰς τὸν τόπον αὐτῆς; πάντες γὰρ οἱ λαβόντες μάχαιραν, ἐν μαχαίρῃ ἀπολοῦνται1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “All the ones having taken a sword will perish by a sword, so return your sword to its place”

483026:52e8n1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularἀπόστρεψον & σου1

Since Jesus is talking to the man who drew his sword, the word your and the command Return are singular.

483126:52f4corc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸν τόπον αὐτῆς1

Here, the place for the sword is where a person would normally store or keep a sword while he or she was not using it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use comparable a word or phrase that refers to where a person keeps a sword on them, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your belt” or “where you keep it”

483226:52tj6nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοἱ λαβόντες μάχαιραν1

Here Jesus refers to those who fight and kill others as the ones having taken a sword. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the ones using swords” or “the ones having taken a sword to kill others”

483326:52w357rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν μαχαίρῃ ἀπολοῦνται1

Here Jesus implies that these people will perish by someone killing them with a sword. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “will be killed by someone else using a sword”

483426:53kgx8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionἢ δοκεῖς ὅτι οὐ δύναμαι παρακαλέσαι τὸν Πατέρα μου, καὶ παραστήσει μοι ἄρτι πλείω δώδεκα λεγιῶνας ἀγγέλων?1

Jesus is using the question form to teach the disciple who drew the sword. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Indeed, I am able to beg my Father, and he will provide me now with more than 12 legions of angels” or “Surely you know that I am able to beg my Father, and he will provide me now with more than 12 legions of angels!”

483526:53td4crc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases1

Here, the word Or introduces a contrasting alternative to “taking a sword” (see 26:52). Jesus provides this alternative to show further that “taking a sword” is wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an alternative, or you could leave Or untranslated. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” or “As a matter of fact,”

483626:53eb7irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularδοκεῖς1

Here, the pronoun you is singular because Jesus is speaking to the man who drew his sword.

483726:53g3zqrc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτὸν Πατέρα1

Father is an important title that describe the relationship between God the Father and Jesus his Son.

483826:53tfw8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownπλείω δώδεκα λεγιῶνας ἀγγέλων1

The word legions is a military term. Each legion is a group of about 6,000 soldiers. Here Jesus means that God could send a large number of angels and easily stop those who are arresting Jesus. The exact number of angels is not important. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable military term in your language or a more general term. Alternate translation: “more than 12 regiments of angels” or “more than 12 large groups of angels”

483926:54teq5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionπῶς οὖν πληρωθῶσιν αἱ Γραφαὶ, ὅτι οὕτως δεῖ γενέσθαι?1

Jesus is using the question form to teach his disciple about why he is acting as he does. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Then the scriptures would not be fulfilled, that it is necessary to happen in this way.” or “Then the scriptures would certainly not be fulfilled, that it is necessary to happen in this way!”

484026:54gew5rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultπῶς οὖν1

Here, the word then introduces what the result would be if Jesus did what he said he could do in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces this kind of result. Alternate translation: “Were I to do that, then how”

484126:54xqprrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπληρωθῶσιν αἱ Γραφαὶ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “would I fulfill the scriptures”

484226:54gih7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisὅτι οὕτως δεῖ γενέσθαι1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “which indicate that it is necessary for things to happen in this way”

484326:55hc33rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ὥρᾳ1

Here, the word hour refers to a specific moment in time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “At that moment” or “Then”

484426:55yf4prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionὡς ἐπὶ λῃστὴν ἐξήλθατε μετὰ μαχαιρῶν καὶ ξύλων συνλαβεῖν με?1

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke the crowds for how they have acted. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “It was not necessary for you to come out as against a robber, bringing swords and clubs to seize me.” or “There was no reason for you to come out with swords and clubs to seize me, as if I were a robber!”

484526:55l25jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὡς ἐπὶ λῃστὴν1

Jesus is saying that the crowds are acting like he is a dangerous robber because they have come to arrest him with many weapons. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “As you arm yourselves to seize a robber,” or “As if I were a bandit who needed to be subdued with force”

484626:55l597rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐξήλθατε1

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “have you gone out”

484726:55q9vqrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownξύλων1

See how you translated clubs in 26:47. Alternate translation: “sticks for hitting people”

484826:55xvgerc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionἐν τῷ ἱερῷ, ἐκαθεζόμην διδάσκων1

In Jesus culture, teachers usually sat down when they were going to teach. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the connection between sitting and teaching more explicit. Alternate translation: “I was sitting in the temple to teach” or “I was sitting as a teacher in the temple, instructing people”

484926:55e8dqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῷ ἱερῷ1

Here Matthew means that Jesus entered into the temple area. He does not mean that Jesus went into the most sacred parts of the temple building. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the temple courtyard”

485026:56fuy4rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsτοῦτο & ὅλον γέγονεν1

The pronoun this refers to the events that have just occurred, particularly the crowd arresting Jesus once Judas handed him over. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to these events more directly. Alternate translation: “all these events have happened” or “what just occurred has happened”

485126:56wabzrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultἵνα1

Here, the phrase so that could introduce: (1) a result from what has happened. Alternate translation: “with the result that” (2) a purpose for what has happened. Alternate translation: “in order that”

485226:56ygn7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπληρωθῶσιν αἱ Γραφαὶ τῶν προφητῶν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “it might fulfill the writings of the prophets”

485326:56fb46rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitαἱ Γραφαὶ τῶν προφητῶν1

Here, the phrase the writings of the prophets refers to those parts of the Old Testament Scriptures in which the prophets wrote about what would happen to the Messiah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “what the prophets wrote about the Messiah in the Scriptures”

485426:57qtqurc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

485526:57gy6grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyπρὸς Καϊάφαν1

Here, Caiaphas represents the house where Caiaphas lived. This is clear from the word where in this verse, which refers to a place, not a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to the house of Caiphas”

485626:57y2ozrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσυνήχθησαν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “gathered” or “came together”

485726:58lpw2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneousδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces something that was happening at the same time as what Matthew narrated in the previous verse (Jesus being led to the house of Caiaphas). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a simultaneous action, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Meanwhile,” or “While that was happening,”

485826:58jui3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ δὲ Πέτρος ἠκολούθει αὐτῷ ἀπὸ μακρόθεν1

Here Matthew implies that Peter followed from a distance because he did not want anyone to see him and arrest him too. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “But Peter, because he did not want to be seen and arrested, was following him from a distance. He went”

485926:58v8thrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτῶν ὑπηρετῶν1

Here, the word officers refers to servants and attendants in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that generally refers to servants and any others who do what they are told. Alternate translation: “the attendants” or “those who served there”

486026:58j28arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ τέλος1

Here, the word end refers to the outcome or result of what was happening to Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the outcome” or “the result of what was happening”

486126:59utj3rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then” or “Next,”

486226:59i8jwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐζήτουν ψευδομαρτυρίαν κατὰ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ1

Here Matthew means that the chief priests and the Sanhedrin were trying find evidence against Jesus, even if it was false. In other words, they needed to find people who were willing to say that Jesus had done something very wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “were seeking evidence against Jesus, even false evidence,” or “were seeking proof, even if it were not true, that Jesus had done something wrong”

486326:59qto5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsψευδομαρτυρίαν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of testimony, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “someone to testify falsely”

486426:59b88vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitαὐτὸν θανατώσωσιν1

Here Matthew implies that the chief priests and the Sanhedrin want to convince the Roman authorities to kill Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “they might have the Romans put him to death”

486526:59u6v9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsὅπως αὐτὸν θανατώσωσιν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of death, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “so that they could have him killed”

486626:59dpr7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitαὐτὸν θανατώσωσιν1

Because the Roman authorities did not allow the Sanhedrin to execute people, the Sanhedrin had to convince the Roman authorities to execute people for them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “they might convince the Roman authorities to put him to death”

486726:60v9j9rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastπολλῶν προσελθόντων ψευδομαρτύρων1

Here Matthew describes something that is unexpected in a situation where the Jewish council did not find any good evidence against Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces something that is unexpected. Alternate translation: “despite the fact that many false witnesses approached”

486826:60anpbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὕστερον1

Here, the word later indicates that these two witnesses approached the council after the many false witnesses described in the previous sentence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “after all those false witnesses,”

486926:60tz5rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjδύο1

Matthew is using the number two as a noun to mean two people. Your language may use numbers in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “two witnesses”

487026:61a8lfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesοὗτος ἔφη, δύναμαι καταλῦσαι τὸν ναὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ διὰ τριῶν ἡμερῶν οἰκοδομῆσαι.1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “This one said that he was able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days”

487126:61i5n4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδιὰ τριῶν ἡμερῶν1

Here, the phrase in three days refers to a time period made up of three days. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “during a period of three days”

487226:62fpzyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureοὐδὲν ἀποκρίνῃ, τί οὗτοί σου καταμαρτυροῦσιν1

Here the high priest could be asking: (1) two questions. See the ULT and UST. (2) one question. Alternate translation: “Do you answer nothing to what these are testifying against you”

487326:62sd8eοὐδὲν ἀποκρίνῃ1

Alternate translation: “Do you have no answer”

487426:62tgfmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularἀποκρίνῃ & σου1

Since the high priest is talking to Jesus, the word you is singular throughout this verse.

487526:62gjxsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτί οὗτοί σου καταμαρτυροῦσιν1

Here the high priest is asking Jesus how he will defend himself against the people who have accused him of saying and doing wrong things. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “What is your defense against these testifying against you”

487626:63mr6jrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformulaἐξορκίζω σε κατὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ζῶντος1

Here the high priests puts Jesus under oath, or makes him swear by God that what he says is true. Use a natural way in your language to express an oath. Alternate translation: “I make you swear before the living God” or “I require that you solemnly promise the living God”

487726:63o4sbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσε & εἴπῃς & σὺ1

Since the high priest is talking to Jesus, the word you throughout this verse is singular.

487826:63eicyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκατὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ζῶντος1

Here, the phrase the living God identifies God as the one who “lives.” The primary point is that God actually “lives,” unlike idols and other things that people call “god.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that emphasizes that God really “lives.” Alternate translation: “by the God who lives” or “by the true God”

487926:63fegcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarativeἡμῖν εἴπῃς εἰ σὺ εἶ ὁ Χριστὸς, ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Here the high priest uses the statement form to ask a question. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in question form. Alternate translation: “you answer this question: Are you the Christ, the Son of God?”

488026:63zx9jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμῖν1

Here, us refers to the high priest and the rest of the Jewish council, so us would be exclusive. Your language may require you to mark this form.

488126:63mm28rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Son of God is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship with God the Father.

488226:64tbl7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfutureλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said”

488326:64gi6vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomσὺ εἶπας1

Here, much as in 26:25, the phrase You said {it} indicates that the speaker acknowledges the truth of what the other person said. Jesus uses this phrase to indirectly indicate that the high priest is right to suggest that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that gives an indirect positive response to a request. If necessary, you could express the idea more directly, as the UST does. Alternate translation: “That is what you say” or “Your words show what is true”

488426:64ni8mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσὺ1

Since Jesus is speaking to the high priest, word You here is singular.

488526:64zu47rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastπλὴν1

Here, the word But introduces what Jesus wishes to say about himself in further development of what the high priest suggested. The word thus indicates some contrast and some explanation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that a person would use to clarify or develop another persons statement. Alternate translation: “Yet even further,” or “Nevertheless,”

488626:64z4gsλέγω ὑμῖν1

Jesus uses the clause I say to you to emphasize what he is telling the Jewish council. Use a natural form in your language for emphasizing the truth and importance of a statement. Alternate translation: “I want you to know”

488726:64akmyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularὑμῖν & ὄψεσθε1

Since Jesus is speaking to the whole Jewish council, the words you and you here are plural.

488826:64b6cbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personτὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1

Here Jesus speaks about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. Alternate translation: “me, who am the Son of Man,”

488926:64tya1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionκαθήμενον ἐκ δεξιῶν1

When someone sits at the right hand, it symbolizes that persons honor, authority, and ability to rule. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Sit to rule at the right hand” or “Take the place of honor and authority at the right hand”

489026:64j93mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐκ δεξιῶν τῆς δυνάμεως1

Here, the phrase at the right hand refers to the place next to a persons right hand, which would be the “right side.” In the Jesus culture, this side was associated with honor or authority. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to the “right side.” Make sure that your readers understand that this side indicates that Jesus has honor and authority when he sits there. Alternate translation: “at the right side of power” or “at the honorable place of power”

489126:64p5pxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐκ δεξιῶν τῆς δυνάμεως1

Here, the word power could refer to: (1) the power that a person sitting at the right hand has. In this case, Jesus implies that the right hand is Gods. Alternate translation: “at the right hand with power” or “at the right hand of God, the place of power,” (2) God the Father by reference to the power that he has. Alternate translation: “at the right hand of the powerful God” or “at the right hand the Almighty”

489226:64v9mbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐκ δεξιῶν τῆς δυνάμεως1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of power, and if you do not translate the word as a title for God, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “at the right hand, which is a powerful place,” or “powerfully at the right hand”

489326:64urp9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoἐρχόμενον1

Christians debate exactly what it means in this verse for the Son of Man to be coming. Some think he is coming to Gods heavenly throne room. Others think he is coming back to earth. If possible, use a form that does not explicitly state where he is coming. Alternate translation: “traveling” or “going”

489426:64r9n8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoτῶν νεφελῶν τοῦ οὐρανοῦ1

The expression of heaven contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “the clouds”

489526:65srg6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionδιέρρηξεν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ1

In Jesus culture the act of tearing ones clothes was a symbolic act done to show outrage or grief. If there is a gesture with a similar meaning in your culture, you could use it here in your translation, or you could explain what this action means. Alternate translation: “tore his robes in outrage”

489626:65zyr5rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he declared”

489726:65t68trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί ἔτι χρείαν ἔχομεν μαρτύρων?1

The high priest is using the question form to emphatically state that he thinks that they do not need more witnesses. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “We do not still have need of witnesses.” or “We certainly do not still have need of witnesses!”

489826:65khxkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitχρείαν & μαρτύρων1

Here the high priest implies that they do not need more witnesses to prove that Jesus blasphemes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “need of witnesses to prove that he blasphemes”

489926:65wh4hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἴδε1

Here, the word Behold draws the attention of the Jewish council and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express Behold with a word or phrase that asks people to listen, or you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “See” or “Pay attention:”

490026:65yp78rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν βλασφημίαν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of blasphemy, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “him blaspheme” or “the blasphemous things he says”

490126:66sd3nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτί ὑμῖν δοκεῖ1

Here the high priest is asking the rest of the Jewish council what they think they should do with Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “What do you think we should do with him”

490226:66mzcsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἔνοχος θανάτου ἐστίν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of death, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “He deserves to die”

490326:67t8lvrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionἐνέπτυσαν εἰς τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ1

In Jesus culture, people would spit in someones face to insult that person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain what this action means. Alternate translation: “they spit in his face to dishonor him”

490426:67bt9nrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἐνέπτυσαν & οἱ1

Here, the pronouns they and they refer to people who were there. Matthew may be referring to some members of the Jewish council, some of the people that Peter was sitting with, and other people who were in or near the house of the high priest. If possible use a general word or phrase that refers to some of the people who were there. Alternate translation: “some people spit … they” or “some of those present spit … they”

490526:68j1ubrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”

490626:68f2bjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyπροφήτευσον ἡμῖν1

Those people hitting Jesus did not believe that he really could Prophesy. When they demanded that Jesus Prophesy, they were challenging him to do something they believed he could not do. They were only asking Jesus to Prophesy in order to mock him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Show us that you can prophesy” or “Prophesy to us if you really can”

490726:68josirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularπροφήτευσον & σε1

Since the people are talking to Jesus, the command Prophesy and the word you are singular.

490826:68b5xerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyΧριστέ1

Those hitting Jesus did not really think he is the Christ. They call him this to mock him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you so-called Christ” or “you who call yourself Christ”

490926:68e90nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτίς ἐστιν ὁ παίσας σε1

The people who hit Jesus do not expect Jesus to be able to answer their question. They are really using the question form to give a command, to tell Jesus what he should do if he wants to convince them that he is a prophet. So, if it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this as a command. Alternate translation: “Tell us who hit you!”

491026:69y21lrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneousδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces something that was happening at the same time as what Matthew narrated in 26:5968 (Jesus trial). This story continues the narrative about Peter that Matthew began in 26:58. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a simultaneous event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “During those events,” or “While that was happening,”

491126:69sar9rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγουσα1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and she declared”

491226:69cg8orc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαὶ σὺ ἦσθα μετὰ Ἰησοῦ1

Here the servant girl means that Peter was a disciple of Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “You also were a disciple of Jesus”

491326:69y5sarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσὺ1

Since the servant girl is talking to Peter, the word You here is singular.

491426:70fez5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ & ἠρνήσατο1

Here Matthew implies that Peter denied that he was with Jesus as his disciple. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he denied that he was with Jesus”

491526:70f5n3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjπάντων1

Matthew is using the adjective all as a noun to mean all the people who were there. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “all the people there”

491626:70nomzrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he declared”

491726:70sp1trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοὐκ οἶδα τί λέγεις1

Here Peter means that servant girls words do not apply to him. He does not mean that he was unable to understand what the servant girl said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “You are saying things that I know nothing about.” or “I have no idea what you are talking about!”

491826:70ao7lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularλέγεις1

Since Peter is talking to the servant girl, the word you here is singular.

491926:71gyw8rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “After that,”

492026:71us6qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjἄλλη1

Matthew is using the adjective another as a noun to mean another servant girl. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “another servant girl”

492126:71s7c4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfutureλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said”

492226:71j9msrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὗτος ἦν μετὰ Ἰησοῦ1

Here the servant girl means that Peter was a disciple of Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. See how you expressed the similar clause in 26:69. Alternate translation: “This one was a disciple of Jesus”

492326:72ro88ἠρνήσατο μετὰ ὅρκου, ὅτι οὐκ οἶδα1

Alternate translation: “he denied it, I swear that I do not know”

492426:72kq6xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἠρνήσατο μετὰ ὅρκου1

Here Matthew implies that Peter again denied that he was with Jesus as his disciple. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. See how you expressed the similar idea in 26:70. Alternate translation: “he denied with an oath that he was with Jesus”

492526:73a9wrrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

492626:73w8wwrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultἀληθῶς καὶ σὺ ἐξ αὐτῶν εἶ, καὶ γὰρ ἡ λαλιά σου δῆλόν σε ποιεῖ1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “Your speech makes you evident, so we know truly that you also are from them”

492726:73mbhorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularσὺ & σου & σε1

Because these people are talking to Peter, the words you and your throughout this verse are singular.

492826:73hde3rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἐξ αὐτῶν1

Here, the pronoun them refers to Jesus disciples. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to the disciples more directly. Alternate translation: “from Jesus disciples” or “one of his disciples”

492926:73o4oerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἡ λαλιά σου δῆλόν σε ποιεῖ1

This phrase implies that Peters speech had an accent like the accent of someone from Galilee, where Jesus was from. The people who are talking with people think that this makes it evident that he is one of Jesus disciples. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “your speech makes it evident that you are from Galilee” or “how you talk makes it clear that you come from where Jesus is from”

493026:74sy7fτότε ἤρξατο καταθεματίζειν καὶ ὀμνύειν, ὅτι οὐκ οἶδα1

Alternate translation: “Then he said, I call a curse down on myself and swear that I do not know”

493126:74edd8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαταθεματίζειν1

Here, the phrase to curse could mean that: (1) Peter asks God to curse him if he is lying. Alternate translation: “to ask God to curse him if was speaking falsely” or “to invoke a curse on himself” (2) Peter curses Jesus. Alternate translation: “to curse Jesus”

493226:74w87brc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἀλέκτωρ ἐφώνησεν1

See how you translated rooster and “crow” in 26:34. Alternate translation: “a bird began to sing”

493326:75butrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτοῦ ῥήματος Ἰησοῦ1

Here, word represents what Jesus just said using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Jesus statement” or “the words of Jesus”

493426:75nx3jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsεἰρηκότος, ὅτι πρὶν ἀλέκτορα φωνῆσαι, τρὶς ἀπαρνήσῃ με1

It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “that he had said that before a rooster crowed, he would deny him three times”

493526:75nn5oπρὶν ἀλέκτορα φωνῆσαι, τρὶς ἀπαρνήσῃ με1

This clause is identical to what Jesus said in 26:34, so express the idea as you did there.

493626:75r39lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularἀπαρνήσῃ1

Since Jesus had said this to Peter, the word you here is singular.

493726:75rgvkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐξελθὼν ἔξω1

This expression means that Peter left the courtyard and went completely outside the area where the house of the high priest was. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having gone out of the courtyard and away from the house”

493826:75hjr7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐξελθὼν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of gone. Alternate translation: “having come”

493927:introdeu40

Matthew 27 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

  1. The crucifixion of Jesus, his death, and his resurrection (26:1-28:19)
    • The Jewish council sends Jesus to Pilate, the governor (27:12)
    • Judas repents and kills himself (27:310)
    • Jesus trial before Pilate, the governor (27:1126)
    • Jesus is crucified (27:2756)
      • The soldiers mock Jesus (27:2731)
      • Jesus is crucified, and people mock him (27:3244)
      • Jesus dies (27:4556)
    • Joseph of Arimathea buries Jesus body (27:5761)
    • The chief priests and Pharisees secure Jesus tomb (27:6266)

Special Concepts in this Chapter

The prophecy about the 30 pieces of silver and the field of the potter

In 27:38, Matthew tells the story of how Judas returned the 30 pieces of silver that the Jewish leaders had paid him to hand Jesus over. The leaders used that money to buy “the field of the potter” as a burial ground for foreigners. Then, in 27:910, Matthew indicates that these events “fulfilled” what the prophet Jeremiah spoke. Then, Matthew summarizes or paraphrases Zechariah 11:1213, Jeremiah 19:113, and Jeremiah 32:69. These passages speak about a potter, 30 pieces of silver, or someone buying a field. Since Matthew indicates that he is referring to what Jeremiah said, you too should indicate that these words come from Jeremiah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that indicates that Matthew is summarizing or paraphrasing from another text.

The drinks that people offered to Jesus

In 27:34, the soldiers offer Jesus “wine mixed with gall.” In 27:48, someone offers Jesus “vinegar.” In both cases, scholars debate whether people offered these drinks to help Jesus by easing the pain or quenching his thirst or whether they offered these drinks to torment Jesus by giving him a bad-tasting drink. Since it is not obvious what the purpose of the drinks were, if possible express the idea in such a way that your readers could draw either conclusion. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could include some extra information in a footnote. See the notes on these verses for translation options.

Calling Elijah

In 27:46, Jesus calls out “Eli, Eli,” which is how Jesus said “My God, my God” in his language. Some of the people standing there misheard him and thought that he was calling out to “Elijah,” a prophet with a name that sounds like “Eli.” There is a story about this Elijah in 2 Kings 2:1112, where God takes him into heaven. So, some people believed that Elijah did not die and would someday return. The people who thought Jesus was calling to Elijah thought that he was asking Elijah to return and rescue him. If your readers would not understand why the people standing near Jesus speak about Elijah, you could include some extra information in your translation or include this information in a footnote. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/names/elijah]])

The curtain of the temple tearing from top to bottom

The “curtain” to which Matthew refers in 27:51 could be either the curtain that separated the Most Holy Place from the rest of the temple, or it could be the curtain that separated the Holy Place from the rest of the temple area. Matthew indicates that this curtain tore from the top to the bottom, which means that a person did not do it. Christians debate what the tearing of this curtain might have symbolized. There are at least three major options:

  1. the tearing of the curtain could indicate that access to God is now available to everyone.
  2. the tearing of the curtain could indicate that God is going to destroy the temple.
  3. the tearing of the curtain could indicate that God is about to do something powerful.

Since Matthew does not explain what the tearing of the curtain means, you should not explain it in your translation. However, if it would be helpful for your readers, you could include what it might mean in a footnote.

The tomb of Joseph of Arimathea

The tomb in which Jesus was buried (27:60) was the kind of tomb in which wealthy Jewish families buried their dead. It was an large hole or room cut into a rock. It had a flat place on one side where they could place the body after they had put oil and spices on it and wrapped it in cloth. Then they would roll a large rock in front of the tomb so no one could see inside or enter.

Sealing the tomb

In 27:66, Matthew indicates that the chief priests and Pharisees “sealed” Jesus tomb. This means that they used something, probably wax on which they put a special symbol, to mark the stone that closed the tomb. It is not clear exactly where they put the “seal.” They might have attached it to the edge of the stone. They might have tied a rope around the stone and put the “seal” there. However, it was done, anyone who wanted to open the tomb would have to damage the “seal,” and the chief priests and Pharisees would know that someone had broken in. If your readers would not understand what the chief priests and Pharisees did, you could use a descriptive phrase or include some of this information in a footnote. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/other/seal]])

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

Sarcasm

In this chapter, people mock Jesus several times. First, in 27:2829, the soldiers pretend like Jesus is a king. They give him a scarlet robe, a crown of thorns, and a reed, and they pretend to greet him as a king. They do not actually believe that Jesus is a king, so they are doing these things sarcastically to make fun of Jesus. Second, in 27:4043, people walking by and the Jewish leaders tell Jesus to save himself, to come down from the cross, and to wait for God to rescue him. They do not actually believe that he can do these things, so they are speaking sarcastically to make fun of Jesus. Make sure that it is clear in your translation that these are sarcastic actions done to make fun of Jesus. See the notes on these verses for translation options. (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Singular and plural forms of “you”

Most of the forms of “you” in this chapter appear in conversations, and many of the conversations are with one person. Because of this, the majority of the forms of “you” in this chapter are singular. So, you should assume forms of “you” are singular unless a note specifies that the form is plural. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?

In 27:46, Matthew spells out the sounds of the words that Jesus spoke in his own language. The words “lama sabachthani” are Aramaic, but it is unclear whether the words “Eli, Eli” are Aramaic or Hebrew. Either way, Matthew translates the words later on in the verse as “My God, my God, why did you forsake me?” You can express the idea as Matthew did by spelling out how the words sound and then translating their meaning in your language. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])

494027:1qe1src://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

494127:1ezshrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomσυμβούλιον ἔλαβον & κατὰ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ1

Here, the phrase took counsel against Jesus indicates that the chief priests and elders were working together to figure out ways to harm Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar construction in 12:14. Alternate translation: “made plans concerning Jesus” or “came up with ideas about what they could do with Jesus”

494227:1cm46rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὥστε θανατῶσαι αὐτόν1

Because the Roman authorities did not allow the Jewish leaders to execute people, the Jewish leaders had to convince the Roman authorities to execute people for them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “so as to convince the Roman authorities to put him to death”

494327:1vz6rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitθανατῶσαι αὐτόν1

Here Matthew implies that the chief priests and the elders want to convince the Roman authorities to kill Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “have the Romans put him to death”

494427:1uuovrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsθανατῶσαι αὐτόν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of death, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “have him killed”

494527:2jwwsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδήσαντες αὐτὸν1

Here Matthew implies that the Jewish council commanded guards to bind Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having commanded the guards to bind him”

494627:2d6l0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπήγαγον1

Here Matthew implies that they led Jesus away from Caiaphas house. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “they led him away from Caiaphas house”

494727:2uu8qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπαρέδωκαν Πειλάτῳ τῷ ἡγεμόνι1

Here Matthew implies that the Jewish leaders brought Jesus to Pilate because they wanted Pilate to judge him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “handed him over to Pilate the governor to be judged by him”

494827:3qm12rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventτότε1

Here, the word Then indicates that Matthew has stopped telling the story of Jesus trial so he can tell the story of what happened to Judas. If your language has a way of showing that a new story is starting, you could use that form here. Alternate translation: “Around that time,” or “While those things were happening,”

494927:3v9vjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveκατεκρίθη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was the Jewish council. Alternate translation: “the Jewish council condemned him”

495027:3pe4nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὰ τριάκοντα ἀργύρια τοῖς ἀρχιερεῦσιν καὶ πρεσβυτέροις1

This phrase refers to the money that the chief priests had given Judas to hand Jesus over, as mentioned in 26:15. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “to the chief priests and elders the 30 pieces of silver that they had given him to hand Jesus over”

495127:3a23xrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoneyτὰ τριάκοντα ἀργύρια1

Each of these pieces of silver was a coin equivalent to about four days wages. See how you expressed the idea in 26:15. Alternate translation: “30 coins made out of silver” or “the money worth about four months wages”

495227:4yxnhrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he said”

495327:4f6u8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyαἷμα ἀθῷον1

Here, the word blood refers to a person who has or will soon die. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a person who does not deserve to die” or “an innocent person who will now die”

495427:4mf6brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί πρὸς ἡμᾶς?1

The chief priests and elders are using the question form to tell Judas that they do not care about how Judas feels or what he wants to do now. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “We do not care about how you feel.” or “That is completely unimportant to us!”

495527:4itqkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμᾶς1

Here, us refers to the Jewish leaders who are speaking to Judas, so us would be exclusive. Your language may require you to mark this form.

495627:4y4yorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomσὺ ὄψῃ1

Here, the phrase You will see means that the chief priests and elders claim that Judas is responsible for dealing with what he did, and they are not responsible. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “What you do is none of our business” or “That is your responsibility”

495727:5tuh4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitῥίψας τὰ ἀργύρια εἰς τὸν ναὸν1

Here Matthew implies that Judas was outside the temple building and threw the pieces of silver into the temple building. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having tossed the pieces of silver into the temple building”

495827:5uf7arc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoneyτὰ ἀργύρια1

See how you referred to these pieces of silver in 27:3. Alternate translation: “the coins made out of silver” or “the money”

495927:5us8yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀνεχώρησεν καὶ ἀπελθὼν ἀπήγξατο1

Here Matthew implies that Judas withdrew from the temple area to some other place. Then, Judas went out from that place and hanged himself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit, or you could use just one phrase to describe Judas movements. Alternate translation: “he departed from the temple and having gone out to another place, he hanged himself” or “he left and hanged himself”

496027:6f6byrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. It is not clear how soon the priests picked up the pieces of silver after Judas threw them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next action, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Sometime after that,”

496127:6mb5jrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoneyτὰ ἀργύρια1

See how you referred to these pieces of silver in 27:3. Alternate translation: “the coins made out of silver” or “the money”

496227:6rguyrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὐκ ἔξεστιν βαλεῖν αὐτὰ εἰς τὸν κορβανᾶν, ἐπεὶ τιμὴ αἵματός ἐστιν1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “Because it is the price of blood, it is not lawful to put them into the treasury”

496327:6gtp3rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὸν κορβανᾶν1

Here, the word treasury refers to the place in the temple where the money that people gave to help maintain the temple and the sacrifices was kept. If your readers would not be familiar with a treasury for a temple, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “the place where we keep the money designated for the temple” or “the storage area with the rest of the temple money”

496427:6fv6nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτιμὴ αἵματός1

The chief priests are using the possessive form to describe a price that is paid for blood. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “the price that was paid for blood”

496527:6j2l8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyαἵματός1

Here, blood refers to the death of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed the idea in 27:4. Alternate translation: “of a persons death” or “of a man dying”

496627:7uu9prc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces what the chief priests and elders did instead of putting the money in the treasury. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Instead,”

496727:7x2k5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomσυμβούλιον & λαβόντες1

Here, the phrase having taken counsel indicates that the chief priests and elders were working together to figure something out. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed the similar phrase in 12:14. Alternate translation: “having made plans” or “having come up with an idea”

496827:7mtg6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸν Ἀγρὸν τοῦ Κεραμέως1

Here, the phrase the field of the potter could refer to: (1) what the local people called the field. Alternate translation: “a field named Field of the Potter” (2) a field that a potter owned. Alternate translation: “a field from a potter” or “a field that belonged to a potter”

496927:7n6owrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsεἰς ταφὴν τοῖς ξένοις1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of burial, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in order to bury strangers there” or “as a cemetery for strangers”

497027:7e29nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοῖς ξένοις1

Here, strangers refers to people who died in Jerusalem but did not live there normally. They could have been Jews visiting from other areas or non-Jewish foreigners. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “for people from outside Jerusalem”

497127:8nts8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐκλήθη ὁ ἀγρὸς ἐκεῖνος1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that fields name has been”

497227:8hsg4Ἀγρὸς Αἵματος1

Alternate translation: “Bloody Field”

497327:8ag2nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἕως τῆς σήμερον1

Here, the phrase this day refers to Matthews present time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to the present” or “from then on”

497427:9rql2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneousτότε1

Here, the word Then indicates that the prophecy was fulfilled at the time when the chief priests and elders bought the field of the potter with the 30 silver coins that they had paid Judas. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces something that happens at the same time. Alternate translation: “And so” or “It was then that”

497527:9rj3urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐπληρώθη τὸ ῥηθὲν1

See how your translated the similar passive forms in 2:17. Alternate translation: “these events fulfilled what God spoke”

497627:9auz3rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντος1

In Matthews culture, saying was a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text. In this case, Matthew paraphrases or summarizes several passages from the Old Testament, including Zechariah 11:1213, Jeremiah 19:113, and Jeremiah 32:69. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Matthew is paraphrasing an important texts. Alternate translation: “who wrote in the book of Jeremiah” or “as I summarize it:”

497727:9g1gcrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoneyτὰ τριάκοντα ἀργύρια1

Each of these pieces of silver was a coin equivalent to about four days wages. See how you expressed the idea in 26:15. Alternate translation: “30 coins made out of silver” or “the money worth about four months wages”

497827:9h3rxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὴν τιμὴν τοῦ τετιμημένου, ὃν ἐτιμήσαντο ἀπὸ υἱῶν Ἰσραήλ1

Here the author of the quotation means that the 30 pieces of silver were the price that some from sons of Israel decided was the correct price for the person whom they were buying or paying for. Some of the words here may be redundant in your language. If it would be helpful in your language, you could omit any redundant information and make the idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “which was the price that some of the sons of Israel set for the person” or “which some from the sons of Israel set as the price for the one whom they were buying”

497927:9t1djrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτοῦ τετιμημένου, ὃν ἐτιμήσαντο ἀπὸ υἱῶν Ἰσραήλ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could state this in active form. Alternate translation: “of the one whom they from the sons of Israel priced”

498027:9d7l7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorυἱῶν Ἰσραήλ1

Here the author of the quotation uses the word sons to refer in general to all the descendants of Israel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to descendants in general. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Israel” or “those descended from Israel”

498127:9k6nerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsυἱῶν1

Although the word sons is masculine, the author of the quotation is using it to refer to any children or descendants, both men and women. If you preserve the metaphor, and if it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “the sons and daughters” or “the children”

498227:10vs3zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔδωκαν αὐτὰ εἰς1

Here the author of the quotation means that the people bought the field with the pieces of silver. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “with them they bought”

498327:10dufxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὸν Ἀγρὸν τοῦ Κεραμέως1

If possible, express the idea here as you did in 27:7. Alternate translation: “a field named Field of the Potter” or “a field that belonged to a potter”

498427:11pjc5rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now indicates that what follows is the continuation of the story of Jesus trial before Pilate, which began in 27:2. If your language has a way of continuing a story after a break from the main story line, you could use it here. Alternate translation: “Returning to the story of Jesus,”

498527:11a2e7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὁ & Ἰησοῦς ἐστάθη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was the Jewish council. Alternate translation: “was standing” or “the Jewish leaders made Jesus stand”

498627:11fd7krc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he said”

498727:11at28rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ2

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

498827:11a6cmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomσὺ λέγεις1

Here, much as in 26:25, the phrase You say {it} indicates that the speaker acknowledges the truth of what the other person said. Jesus uses this phrase to indirectly indicate that the governor is right to suggest that Jesus is the King of the Jews. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that gives an indirect positive response to a request. If necessary, you could express the idea more directly, as the UST does. Alternate translation: “That is what you say” or “Your words show what is true”

498927:12vl3arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐν τῷ κατηγορεῖσθαι αὐτὸν ὑπὸ τῶν ἀρχιερέων καὶ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when the chief priests and the elders accused him”

499027:12y19nοὐδὲν ἀπεκρίνατο1

Alternate translation: “he did not answer anything”

499127:13e3tdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfutureλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said”

499227:13kc8xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐκ ἀκούεις πόσα σου καταμαρτυροῦσιν?1

Here Pilate asks if Jesus has heard, but he implies that he is asking if Jesus is going to respond to what he has heard. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Do you intend to defend yourself against the many things they are testifying against you?” or “Do you not hear how many things they are testifying against you? Why dont you answer them?”

499327:14xx94rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyπρὸς οὐδὲ ἓν ῥῆμα1

Here, the phrase not even to one word could mean: (1) that Jesus did not respond to any of the accusations, each of which Matthew refers to as a word. Alternate translation: “not even with regard to one accusation” (2) that Jesus did not use even one word to answer Pilates question. Alternate translation: “not even with one word”

499427:14hbm8rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultὥστε θαυμάζειν1

Here, the phrase so as to introduces a result clause. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a result clause. Alternate translation: “so that he amazed”

499527:15jjp8rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundδὲ1

Here Matthew provides background information about something that Pilate, the governor, normally did. This background information will help readers understand what happens next. Use a natural form in your language for introducing background information. Alternate translation: “Here is some important information:”

499627:15p1harc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἑορτὴν1

Here, the phrase the festival refers the Passover celebration. See how you translated the same phrase in 26:5. Alternate translation: “the festival of Passover”

499727:15lwpfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveεἰώθει & ἀπολύειν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “had a custom of releasing”

499827:16ir01rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundδὲ1

Here, the word Now marks a continuation of the break in the main story line which began in the preceding verse. Matthew is introducing more background information, this time about Barabbas, to help readers understand what happens next. Use a natural way in your language for introducing background information. Alternate translation: “And” or “Here is some more important information:”

499927:16q2iurc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsεἶχον1

Here, they refers to the Roman authorities. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the Roman authorities were holding”

500027:16a8p1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδέσμιον ἐπίσημον1

Here, the word well-known indicates that Barabbas was a man whom others had heard many things about. Most likely, the Romans considered him to be well-known in bad way (that is, notorious), while some Jewish people considered him to be well-known in a good way (that is, renowned). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that describes someone whom others have heard many things about, both positively and negatively. Alternate translation: “a prisoner about whom there were many stories, a man” “a prominent prisoner”

500127:16svr2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveλεγόμενον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom people called”

500227:16tt8urc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsΒαραββᾶν1

Many ancient manuscripts read Barabbas. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “Jesus Barabbas.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

500327:17hwznrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1

Here, the word Therefore introduces what Pilate did because of the custom that Matthew just described. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the result of some situation. Alternate translation: “Because of that custom” or “So then”

500427:17ce90rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτῶν1

Here, the pronoun they refers to the same “crowd” that Matthew mentioned in 27:15. This “crowd” describes a large group of people who were in Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to these people more directly. Alternate translation: “the crowd” or “many people in Jerusalem”

500527:17l80qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσυνηγμένων1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “gathering” or “coming together”

500627:17gd6irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularθέλετε & ὑμῖν1

Since Pilate is speaking to a crowd of people, the word you throughout this verse is plural.

500727:17a7dorc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsΒαραββᾶν1

Many ancient manuscripts read Barabbas. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “Jesus Barabbas.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

500827:17wrl3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὸν λεγόμενον Χριστόν1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whose title is Christ” or “who goes by Christ”

500927:18a5ltrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, the word For introduces a reason why Pilate asked the question that he just asked. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason for question, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “Pilate did that because”

501027:18jq3crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsδιὰ φθόνον1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of envy, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “because they envied him”

501127:19t3mxrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

501227:19zgoarc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionκαθημένου & αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ τοῦ βήματος1

When a leader was sitting on the judgment seat, it meant that the leader was ready to make judgments and legal decisions. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain what sitting in this place means. Alternate translation: “he sitting on the judgment seat to judge” or “he sitting on the judgment seat, ready to make legal decisions”

501327:19ff23rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἐπὶ τοῦ βήματος1

The judgment seat was a special chair in which a leader sat when making an official judgment. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of seat, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “at the judges bench” or “on the seat used for judgment”

501427:19s5pcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτοῦ βήματος1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the seat for judging”

501527:19w4i8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπέστειλεν πρὸς αὐτὸν & λέγουσα1

Here Matthew implies that Pilates wife sent someone to Pilate to say the words that follow. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “sent someone to him to say”

501627:19fe95rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultμηδὲν σοὶ καὶ τῷ δικαίῳ ἐκείνῳ, πολλὰ γὰρ ἔπαθον σήμερον κατ’ ὄναρ δι’ αὐτόν1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “I suffered many {things} today because of him by means of a dream. So, nothing to you and to that righteous one.”

501727:19ga4qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomμηδὲν σοὶ καὶ τῷ δικαίῳ ἐκείνῳ1

Here, the phrase Nothing to you and to that righteous one is a request to avoid doing anything with and to Jesus, the righteous one. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Have nothing to do with that righteous one” or “Avoid doing anything to that righteous one”

501827:19v8tyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπολλὰ & ἔπαθον σήμερον1

Here Pilates wife means that the dream upset her or caused her distress. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “I was very distressed” or “I have been miserable”

501927:20ax1irc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces how the chief priests and elders were trying to have Jesus executed in contrast to Pilates wife, who wanted Pilate to have nothing to do with Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “In contrast,”

502027:20al54rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitαἰτήσωνται τὸν Βαραββᾶν1

Here Matthew means that the crowds were going to ask Pilate to release Barabbas. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “they would ask Pilate to release Barabbas”

502127:20avycrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸν δὲ Ἰησοῦν ἀπολέσωσιν1

Here Matthew implies that the crowds were going to pressure Pilate to destroy Jesus by executing him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “but would demand that Jesus be killed”

502227:21awnorc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “After that,”

502327:21xggjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀποκριθεὶς1

Here Pilate is answering or responding to a situation, not to something that someone has asked. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make it more explicit that Pilate is responding to what is happening among the crowds, or you could leave answering untranslated. Alternate translation: “seeing that the crowds were discussing what to do” or “responding to what the crowd was doing”

502427:21x6vfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτῶν δύο1

Here Pilate uses the number two as a noun in order to refer to the two men, Jesus and Barabbas. Your language may use numbers in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “the two prisoners”

502527:21slk2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularθέλετε & ὑμῖν1

Since Pilate is speaking to a crowd of people, the word you throughout this verse is plural.

502627:21l7gurc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ2

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

502727:21c06hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisτὸν Βαραββᾶν1

The crowds are leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the verse if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “We want you to release Barabbas”

502827:22dpb2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfutureλέγει & λέγουσιν πάντες1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said … They all said”

502927:22zl85rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὸν λεγόμενον Χριστόν1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. See how you expressed the idea in 27:17. Alternate translation: “whom some people call the Christ”

503027:22qzn4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3pσταυρωθήτω1

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “He should be crucified”

503127:22ttvarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσταυρωθήτω1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Crucify him”

503227:23syuzrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ-1

In both places, the word But introduces what a Pilate or the crowds say in contrast to what the other person or people said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use words or phrases that introduce this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “In response, … In response,” or “However, … Yet”

503327:23m5jmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτί γὰρ κακὸν ἐποίησεν?1

Pilate is using the question form to emphasize that he thinks that Jesus has not done any evil. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Despite what you say, he did not do evil” or “Yet he has certainly not done evil!”

503427:23cw7orc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultτί γὰρ1

Here, the word For indicates that Pilate is asking for a reason why the crowd wants him to crucify Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that indicates that a question is asking for a reason for something. Alternate translation: “Why? What” or “What is your reason for that? What”

503527:23bijyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjκακὸν1

Pilate is using the adjective evil as a noun to mean an evil thing. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “evil thing”

503627:23dk8grc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they demanded”

503727:23nb7prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσταυρωθήτω1

This clause is identical to the clause at the end of the previous verse (27:22). Express the idea as you did there.

503827:24w7jcrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “After that,”

503927:24oa2lrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultἰδὼν & ὅτι οὐδὲν ὠφελεῖ, ἀλλὰ μᾶλλον θόρυβος γίνεται1

These two clauses indicate the reason why Pilate did what is described in the rest of the verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form in your language that introduces a reason for some action. Alternate translation: “because he saw that he is benefiting nothing, and because instead a riot is happening”

504027:24geflrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfutureοὐδὲν ὠφελεῖ & θόρυβος γίνεται1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “he was benefiting nothing … a riot was happening”

504127:24yj8trc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionλαβὼν ὕδωρ, ἀπενίψατο τὰς χεῖρας ἀπέναντι τοῦ ὄχλου1

Pilate washed his hands as a sign to the people that he was not responsible for Jesus death. If there is a gesture with a similar meaning in your culture, you could use it here in your translation, or you could explain what this action means. Alternate translation: “having gotten some water, washed his hands opposite the crowd to indicate that he was not responsible for what was going to happen to Jesus”

504227:24idu6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἀπέναντι1

Here, the word opposite means that Pilate was directly in front of the crowd. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in front of” or “before”

504327:24ly5irc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he said”

504427:24u1ferc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτοῦ αἵματος τούτου1

Here, blood refers to the death of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed the idea in 27:4. Alternate translation: “the death of this one” or “this one dying”

504527:24r9agrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsτούτου1

Many ancient manuscripts read this one. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “this righteous one.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

504627:24f4ubrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomὑμεῖς ὄψεσθε1

Here, the phrase You will see means that Pilate claims that the crowd is responsible for dealing with what they are doing, and he is not responsible. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed the similar clause in 27:4. Alternate translation: “What you are doing is none of my business” or “That is your responsibility”

504727:24tpmhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularὑμεῖς1

Because Pilate is speaking to a crowd, the word You here is plural.

504827:25k1cbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτὸ αἷμα αὐτοῦ ἐφ’ ἡμᾶς καὶ ἐπὶ τὰ τέκνα ἡμῶν1

Here, clause His blood {be} on us and on our children means that the crowd was accepting the responsibility for Jesus blood. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable clause or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The responsibility for his blood will be on us and on our children”

504927:25n5k1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸ αἷμα αὐτοῦ1

Here, blood refers to the death of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed the idea in 27:4. Alternate translation: “His death”

505027:25timmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμᾶς & ἡμῶν1

Here, us and our refer to the people who were there, so us and our are exclusive. Your language may require you to mark these forms.

505127:25bsfdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὰ τέκνα1

Here, the word children could refer: (1) just to the peoples children. Alternate translation: “sons and daughters” (2) to the peoples offspring or descendants in general. Alternate translation: “offspring” or “descendants”

505227:26m63drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἸησοῦν φραγελλώσας1

Here Matthew implies that Pilate had his soldiers flog Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having commanded his soldiers to flog Jesus”

505327:26adakrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὸν & Ἰησοῦν φραγελλώσας1

Flogging was a Roman penalty in which soldiers whipped a person with a whip to which were attached pieces of bone and metal to increase the whips capacity to do harm to the person being flogged. If your readers would not be familiar with this form of punishment, you could explain explicitly what flogging was. Alternate translation: “having whipped Jesus with a whip to which were attached pieces of bone and metal”

505427:26n421rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπαρέδωκεν1

Here Matthew implies that Pilate handed Jesus over to his soldiers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he handed him over to his soldiers”

505527:26y3kfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσταυρωθῇ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who would do the action, it is clear from the context that it would be Pilates soldiers. Alternate translation: “the soldiers might crucify him”

505627:27zz45rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ πραιτώριον1

The Praetorium was where the Roman governor stayed when he was in Jerusalem and where the Roman soldiers in Jerusalem lived. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of structure, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “the government building” or “the governors residence”

505727:27bn22rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownὅλην τὴν σπεῖραν1

The word cohort is a military term. Each cohort is a group of about 600 soldiers, which is a tenth of a legion. Most likely, Matthew is referring to all the soldiers who were stationed in Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable military term in your language or a more general term. Alternate translation: “the whole company” or “all the soldiers stationed there”

505827:28id2arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitχλαμύδα κοκκίνην περιέθηκαν αὐτῷ1

In Roman culture, a scarlet cloak was like the expensive clothing worn by kings. The soldiers put a scarlet cloak on Jesus to pretend that he was a king, even though they did not think that he really was a king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “they put a scarlet cloak on him to pretend that he was a king” or “they put a royal scarlet cloak on him in mockery”

505927:28yf6src://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownκοκκίνην1

The word scarlet refers to a color that is a shade of bright red. If your readers would be unfamiliar with the color scarlet, you could refer to a shade of bright red. Alternate translation: “bright red” or “crimson”

506027:29yw94rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitστέφανον ἐξ ἀκανθῶν, ἐπέθηκαν ἐπὶ τῆς κεφαλῆς αὐτοῦ; καὶ κάλαμον ἐν τῇ δεξιᾷ αὐτοῦ1

In Roman culture, a crown was worn by a king, and a king held a scepter in his right hand. In order to mock Jesus, the soldiers put a crown made from thorns on Jesus head and put a reed in his right hand. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and a reed in his right hand to pretend that he was a king” or “a crown of thorns, they put it on his head as if he were king, and they put a reed like a royal scepter in his right hand”

506127:29ksjnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionστέφανον ἐξ ἀκανθῶν1

Matthew is using the possessive form to describe a crown that is made from branches with thorns on them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “a crown made from thorns”

506227:29km30rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀκανθῶν1

Matthew uses the word thorns to refer to small branches with thorns on them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “thorny branches”

506327:29dlz7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionγονυπετήσαντες ἔμπροσθεν αὐτοῦ1

In Jesus culture, kneeling before someone was a way to respect a greater person, especially when asking the greater person to do a favor. Here, the soldiers perform this action to mock Jesus by pretending that he is a king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to a similar action from your culture, or you could explain what kneeling means. Alternate translation: “having prostrated themselves before him” or “having knelt down before him as if he were a king”

506427:29jg2brc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they spoke these words:”

506527:29qf8jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyχαῖρε, ὁ Βασιλεῦ τῶν Ἰουδαίων1

Here the soldiers mock Jesus by greeting him as if he were King of the Jews when they do not believe that he actually is. They actually meant to communicate the opposite of the literal meaning of their words, as Matthew indicates when he says that they mocked him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that indicates that this is irony. Alternate translation: “Rejoice, you so-called King of the Jews”

506627:29myiirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomχαῖρε1

In Jesus culture, people commonly greeted each other with the word Rejoice. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable word or phrase that people use to greet each other. Alternate translation: “Hello”

506727:30p47wrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionἐμπτύσαντες εἰς αὐτὸν1

In Jesus culture, people would spit on someone to insult that person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain what this action means. Alternate translation: “having spit on him to dishonor him”

506827:30ib5qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸν κάλαμον1

Here, the phrase the reed refers to the stick the soldiers had put in Jesus right hand in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the reed from his right hand”

506927:31jwnsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπήγαγον αὐτὸν1

Here Matthew implies that they led Jesus away from the Praetorium. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “led him away from the Praetorium”

507027:32m5blrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

507127:32d0psrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐξερχόμενοι1

In a context such as this, your language might say “going” instead of coming. Alternate translation: “going out”

507227:32j5wqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐξερχόμενοι1

Here, coming out implies that Jesus and the soldiers came out of the city of Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “coming out of Jerusalem”

507327:32e9k6rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participantsἄνθρωπον Κυρηναῖον, ὀνόματι Σίμωνα1

Here Matthew introduces a man named Simon into the story. If your language has its own way of introducing new participants, you could use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “a certain man. He was from Cyrene, and he was called Simon”

507427:32tfkmrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesΣίμωνα1

The word Simon is the name of a man.

507527:32sfj2rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτοῦτον ἠγγάρευσαν ἵνα ἄρῃ1

According to Roman law, Roman soldiers could press someone into service, which means that they could force a person to carry a load for them or work for them. In this case, they forced Simon to carry Jesus cross. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of forced service, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “They conscripted this one so that he would carry” or “They made this one carry”

507627:32i6l0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτοῦτον ἠγγάρευσαν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of service, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “They forced this one to serve them”

507727:33zjkirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθόντες1

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “having gone”

507827:33j6hbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτόπον λεγόμενον Γολγοθᾶ, ὅ ἐστιν & λεγόμενος1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a place that people call Golgotha, which means”

507927:33lopgrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterateΓολγοθᾶ1

The word Golgotha is an Aramaic word. Matthew has spelled it out using Greek letters so his readers would know how it sounded. Since Matthew states what this word means later in the verse, you also should spell it out the way it sounds in your language.

508027:34f11jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπιεῖν οἶνον μετὰ χολῆς μεμιγμένον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was the soldiers. Alternate translation: “wine, which they had mixed with gall, to drink”

508127:34e2ukrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoχολῆς1

Here, gall refers to a liquid with a bitter taste. This liquid may have been a pain-relieving medicine, or it may simply have made the wine taste bitter. If possible, use a form that does indicate what the gall would have been used for. Alternate translation: “something bitter” or “a bitter substance”

508227:35yuaxrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,”

508327:35w8b2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδιεμερίσαντο τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ1

Here Matthew means that the soldiers took the clothes that Jesus had been wearing and divided them up by giving each piece of clothing to a soldier. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the soldiers took his clothes and distributed them among them”

508427:35d4h6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownβάλλοντες κλῆρον1

The term lot refers to an object with different markings on various sides that was used to decide randomly among several possibilities. It would be tossed onto the ground to see which marked side would come up on top. If your readers would not be familiar with a lot, you could refer to a similar practice in your culture, or you could use a more general expression for gambling. Alternate translation: “rolling dice” or “deciding randomly”

508527:35u4dlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitβάλλοντες κλῆρον1

Matthew implies that the soldiers were casting a lot in order to determine who would take which pieces of Jesus clothing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “casting a lot to decide who would take which pieces of clothing”

508627:35sds9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsκλῆρον1

Many ancient manuscripts end this verse with the word lot. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts include after the word lot the words “so that what was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled, They divided my robes for themselves, and they cast a lot for my clothing.’” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

508727:36o9edrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐτήρουν αὐτὸν ἐκεῖ1

Here Matthew implies that the soldiers were guarding Jesus to prevent anyone from rescuing him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “they kept guard over him there to prevent anyone from rescuing him”

508827:37j4s4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὴν αἰτίαν αὐτοῦ1

Here, his charge represents the written explanation of his charge. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a placard stating his charge”

508927:37uf56rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὴν αἰτίαν αὐτοῦ1

Here, Matthew is using the possessive form to describe the charge that was made against Jesus. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the charge against him”

509027:37an2wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveγεγραμμένην1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was the soldiers. Alternate translation: “which the soldiers had written”

509127:37y058rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyὁ Βασιλεὺς τῶν Ἰουδαίων1

Here the soldiers mock Jesus by referring to him as if he were King of the Jews when they do not believe that he actually is. They actually mean to communicate the opposite of the literal meaning of their words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that indicates that this is irony. Alternate translation: “the so-called King of the Jews”

509227:38zq4brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσταυροῦνται & δύο λῃσταί1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was the soldiers. Alternate translation: “Pilates soldiers crucified two robbers”

509327:38ms2drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfutureσταυροῦνται1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “were being crucified”

509427:38ci6grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjεἷς ἐκ δεξιῶν, καὶ εἷς ἐξ εὐωνύμων1

Here, Matthew uses the adjectives right and left as nouns to refer to Jesus right and left sides. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “one on his right side and one on his left side”

509527:39i8odrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Also”

509627:39d4fmrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionκινοῦντες τὰς κεφαλὰς αὐτῶν1

The peoples action of wagging their heads at Jesus showed that they felt disdain for him and that they disapproved of him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a gesture with a similar meaning in your culture, or you could indicate what the gesture means. Alternate translation: “showing disdain for him by wagging their heads” or “wagging their heads to mock him”

509727:40mcmbrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “mocking him”

509827:40p6sqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ καταλύων τὸν ναὸν καὶ ἐν τρισὶν ἡμέραις οἰκοδομῶν1

Here the people refer to Jesus by what the false witnesses testified during his trial that he had said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could indicate more explicitly that the people are describing Jesus. Alternate translation: “You who said that you would destroy the temple and in three days rebuild it”

509927:40n8d8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν τρισὶν ἡμέραις1

Here, the phrase in three days refers to a time period made up of three days. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. See how you translated this phrase in 26:61. Alternate translation: “during a period of three days”

510027:40t23irc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalεἰ υἱὸς εἶ τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ κατάβηθι ἀπὸ τοῦ σταυροῦ1

The people are suggesting that this is a hypothetical condition, that Jesus can only come down from the cross if he is the Son of God. The people are speaking as if it is uncertain who Jesus is in order to challenge him to do something to prove that he really is the Son of God. Use a natural form in your language for introducing something that could be true. Alternate translation: “Prove that you are the Son of God by coming down from the cross”

510127:40b5lwrc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesυἱὸς & τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Son of God is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship with God the Father.

510227:40ipxrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goκατάβηθι1

In a context such as this, your language might say “go” instead of come. Alternate translation: “go down”

510327:42wu7urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἄλλους ἔσωσεν1

In context, the Jewish leaders are implicitly referring to how Jesus saved others by healing their diseases, releasing them from demon-possession, and saving them from other physical problems. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “He saved others by curing or exorcising them”

510427:42ff4drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjἄλλους1

The Jewish leaders are using the adjective others as a noun to mean other people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “other men and women”

510527:42vmdcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoΒασιλεὺς Ἰσραήλ ἐστιν, καταβάτω νῦν ἀπὸ τοῦ σταυροῦ, καὶ πιστεύσομεν ἐπ’ αὐτόν1

Here the Jewish leaders use what they think is an imaginary situation to prove that Jesus is not really the King of Israel. Use a natural method in your language for introducing an imaginary situation. Alternate translation: “Imagine he really were the King of Israel. In that case, he should come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him” or “If he is the King of Israel, let him come down now from the cross. Then, we will believe in him”

510627:42j6l7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyΒασιλεὺς Ἰσραήλ ἐστιν1

Here the Jewish leaders mock Jesus by speaking about him as if he were the King of Israel when they do not believe that he actually is. They actually mean to communicate the opposite of the literal meaning of their words, as Matthew indicated when he says that they mocked him (see 27:41). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that indicates that this is irony. Alternate translation: “He is the so-called King of Israel” or “He thinks he is the King of Israel”

510727:42gmp0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3pκαταβάτω1

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “He must come down”

510827:42mnzqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goκαταβάτω1

In a context such as this, your language might say “go” instead of come. Alternate translation: “Let him go down”

510927:43owmwrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultπέποιθεν ἐπὶ τὸν Θεόν, ῥυσάσθω νῦν εἰ θέλει αὐτόν & εἶπεν γὰρ, ὅτι Θεοῦ εἰμι Υἱός1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these sentences, since the last sentence gives the reason for the result that the first sentence describes. Alternate translation: “He said, I am the Son of God. So, since he has trusted in God, let God deliver him now, if he wants him”

511027:43zy1hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoπέποιθεν ἐπὶ τὸν Θεόν, ῥυσάσθω νῦν εἰ θέλει αὐτόν1

Here the Jewish leaders use what they think is an imaginary situation to prove that God does not really protect or want Jesus. Use a natural method in your language for introducing an imaginary situation. Alternate translation: “Imagine he really trusted in God and that God really wanted him. In that case, God would deliver him now” or “If he has trusted in God and if God wants him, let God rescue him now”

511127:43wni7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3pῥυσάσθω1

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he must rescue him”

511227:43cl97rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesεἶπεν & ὅτι Θεοῦ εἰμι Υἱός.1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “he said that he was the Son of God”

511327:43uw85rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΘεοῦ & Υἱός1

Son of God is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship with God the Father.

511427:44sr3xrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδ’1

Here, the word But introduces something else that was happening. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces another action, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “At the same time,” or “Even more,”

511527:44e26yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοἱ συνσταυρωθέντες1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was the soldiers. Alternate translation: “whom Pilates soldiers were crucifying”

511627:44fgqtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ & αὐτὸ1

Here, the phrase the same indicates that the robbers used the same kind of insults that the Jewish leaders did. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “with the same insults”

511727:45e7z4rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

511827:45s2l7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἕκτης ὥρας & ὥρας ἐνάτης1

In this culture, people began counting the hours each day beginning around daybreak at six oclock in the morning. So, the sixth hour would be around noon, and the ninth hour would be around three oclock in the afternoon. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this in the way the people of your culture reckon time. See how you translated these time references in 20:5. Alternate translation: “about 12:00 PM … about 3:00 PM”

511927:45xspsrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalἕκτης ὥρας & ὥρας ἐνάτης1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use cardinal numbers here or equivalent expressions. Alternate translation: “hour six … hour nine”

512027:45pi8erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsσκότος ἐγένετο1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of darkness, you could express it in a different way. Alternate translation: “the sky darkened” or “the light dimmed”

512127:45ii2wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐπὶ πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν1

Here, all the land could refer to: (1) the entire area around where Jesus was crucified. This could include just the city of Jerusalem or all of Palestine. Alternate translation: “over all that region” (2) the entire earth. Alternate translation: “over the whole earth”

512227:46rsi8rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

512327:46rcjrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὴν ἐνάτην ὥραν1

See how you translated the ninth hour in 27:45. Alternate translation: “3:00 PM”

512427:46u1curc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalτὴν ἐνάτην ὥραν1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “hour nine”

512527:46qyp7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἀνεβόησεν & φωνῇ μεγάλῃ1

Here, the phrase cried out with a loud voice means Jesus raised the volume of his voice. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yelled loudly”

512627:46rbm3rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he said”

512727:46xub2rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterateἘλωῒ, Ἐλωῒ, λεμὰ σαβαχθάνει1

This phrase is what Jesus cried out in Aramaic. Matthew has spelled the words out using Greek letters so his readers would know how they sounded. Since Matthew states what these words mean later in the verse, you also should spell them out the way they sound in your language.

512827:46lm4crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοῦτ’ ἔστιν1

Here Matthew uses the phrase This is to introduce what the Aramaic words means. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Those words can be translated this way:” or “Here is what that means:”

512927:47pdhwrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

513027:47y60jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀκούσαντες1

Matthew implies that the people did not understand what Jesus said. They heard him say “Eli,” which means “My God,” but they thought it sounded like the name Elijah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state more explicitly that these people misunderstood Jesus. Alternate translation: “having heard Jesus speaking without understanding him”

513127:48bsy1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownσπόγγον1

A sponge is a soft, porous object that can soak up and hold liquid, which comes out of it when the sponge is squeezed. If your readers would not be familiar with this object, you could use the name of something your readers would use for soaking up liquid, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “something to soak up liquid”

513227:48jm37rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownὄξους1

Here, vinegar refers to the inexpensive and sour wine that common people in Jesus culture would usually drink. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of beverage, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “with cheap wine” or “with an inexpensive alcoholic beverage”

513327:48bh51rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπεριθεὶς καλάμῳ, ἐπότιζεν αὐτόν1

The person put the sponge on a reed, or long stick, so that he could hold the sponge up to Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having put it around a reed, he used the reed to lift the sponge up to Jesus to give it to him to drink”

513427:49ucclrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces what the rest of the people who were there did in contrast with how one person gave Jesus some sour wine. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “In contrast,” or “However,”

513527:49vpj7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjοἱ & λοιποὶ1

Matthew is using the adjective rest as a noun to mean the rest of the people who were there. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the rest of the people who were watching”

513627:49ll7lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἄφες1

Here, the clause Leave {him} means that the person who gave Jesus the sour wine should stop doing things to and for Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Ignore him” or “Stop doing things for him”

513727:49aq90rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalἔρχεται & σώσων αὐτόν1

Here, the phrase saving him indicates the purpose for which Elijah would come. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a purpose. Alternate translation: “comes in order to save him”

513827:49jj90rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἔρχεται1

In a context such as this, your language might say “goes” instead of comes. Alternate translation: “goes”

513927:50wzakrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

514027:50n21nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomπάλιν κράξας φωνῇ μεγάλῃ1

Here, the phrase cried out again with a loud voice means Jesus raised the volume of his voice again. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar phrase in 27:46. Alternate translation: “having yelled loudly”

514127:50fj1vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismἀφῆκεν τὸ πνεῦμα1

Here, the phrase released his spirit could: (1) simply indicate that Jesus died. In this case, the phrase is a polite way to refer to death. Alternate translation: “breathed his last” or “expired” (2) mean that Jesus voluntarily chose to die at this moment. In this case, Matthew is that Jesus died and also that he chose to die. Alternate translation: “allowed himself to die” or “willingly died”

514227:51a92grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “suddenly”

514327:51m1icrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὸ καταπέτασμα τοῦ ναοῦ ἐσχίσθη εἰς δύο, ἀπ’ ἄνωθεν ἕως κάτω, καὶ ἡ γῆ ἐσείσθη, καὶ αἱ πέτραι ἐσχίσθησαν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the actions, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “God split the curtain of the temple in two from top to bottom, and he shook the earth, and he split the rocks”

514427:51xp2brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ καταπέτασμα τοῦ ναοῦ1

Here Matthew could referring to the curtain: (1) that separated the Most Holy Place from the rest of the temple. Alternate translation: “the curtain that marked off the Most Holy Place in the temple” (2) that separated the Holy Place from the rest of the temple area. Alternate translation: “the curtain that marked off the temple building”

514527:51zt7irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounαἱ πέτραι1

The phrase the rocks represents nearby rocks in general, not one particular set of rocks. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the nearby rocks” or “many rocks”

514627:52a1curc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὰ μνημεῖα ἀνεῴχθησαν, καὶ πολλὰ σώματα τῶν κεκοιμημένων ἁγίων ἠγέρθη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the actions, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “God opened the tombs, and he raised many bodies of the saints having fallen asleep”

514727:52dgiirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounτὰ μνημεῖα1

The phrase the tombs represents nearby tombs in general, not one particular set of tombs. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the nearby tombs” or “many tombs”

514827:52x18lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπολλὰ σώματα τῶν κεκοιμημένων ἁγίων ἠγέρθη1

Here Matthew does not just mean that bodies were raised but rather that people as a whole were raised. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “many of the saints having fallen asleep were raised”

514927:52ofmgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἁγίων1

Here, the word saints could refer to: (1) anyone who was part of Gods people. Alternate translation: “Gods people” (2) people who were particularly holy or righteous. Alternate translation: “holy people” or “righteous people”

515027:52hgn1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismκεκοιμημένων1

Here, the phrase fallen asleep refers politely to people dying. If it would be helpful in your language, you could a form that politely refers to a person dying, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “having passed away” or “having perished”

515127:52kj3rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἠγέρθη1

Here, the word raised refers to people who died coming back to life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable word or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “were restored to life”

515227:53q2x5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureἐξελθόντες ἐκ τῶν μνημείων μετὰ τὴν ἔγερσιν αὐτοῦ, εἰσῆλθον εἰς τὴν ἁγίαν πόλιν1

Here, the phrase after his resurrection could go with: (1) having come out from the tombs. In this case, the resurrected people did not leave their tombs until after Jesus resurrection. Alternate translation: “after his resurrection having out from the tombs, they entered into the holy city” (2) they entered into the holy city. In this case, the resurrected people left their tombs right away but did not enter into the holy city until after Jesus resurrection. Alternate translation: “having come out from the tombs, they entered into the holy city after his resurrection”

515327:53ac1irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐξελθόντες1

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “having gone out”

515427:53zd6prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsμετὰ τὴν ἔγερσιν αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of resurrection, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “after he resurrected”

515527:53xfworc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjπολλοῖς1

Matthew is using the adjective many as a noun to mean many people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “to many men and women”

515627:54f6rzrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

515727:54vv2grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοἱ μετ’ αὐτοῦ τηροῦντες τὸν Ἰησοῦν1

Here Matthew implies that the soldiers were guardingJesus to prevent anyone from rescuing him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. See how you expressed the similar idea in 27:36. Alternate translation: “the ones with him guarding Jesus to prevent anyone from rescuing him”

515827:54gse9rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”

515927:54gw6nrc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΘεοῦ Υἱὸς1

Son of God is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship with God the Father.

516027:55ekxhrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundδὲ1

Matthews uses the word Now to introduce background information that will help readers understand what happens later in the story. The word does not introduce the next event in the story. Use a natural form in your language for introducing background information. Alternate translation: “Meanwhile,” or “During all those things,”

516127:55h0m2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἠκολούθησαν τῷ Ἰησοῦ1

Here, the phrase followed Jesus could indicate that: (1) the women had traveled with Jesus and were his disciple. Alternate translation: “traveled with Jesus as his students” (2) the women walked with Jesus on the road. Alternate translation: “walked with Jesus” or “went with Jesus”

516227:56yni6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesκαὶ Μαρία ἡ & μήτηρ1

The word Mary is the name of a woman. This Mary was not Mary Magdalene nor Mary the mother of Jesus. Matthew identifies her instead as the mother of James and Joseph.

516327:56xx27rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesἸακώβου & Ἰωσὴφ1

The word James is the name of a man. This James is not James the brother of Jesus, James son of Zebedee, or James son of Alphaeus. The word Joseph is also the name of a man. This Joseph is not Jesus father, Jesus brother, or Joseph of Arimathea.

516427:56ud33rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῶν υἱῶν Ζεβεδαίου1

Here Matthew refers to James and John, who were the sons of Zebedee. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. See how you translated the similar phrase in 20:20. Alternate translation: “of James and John, the sons of Zebedee”

516527:57wm5zrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Later on,”

516627:57iopsrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participantsἦλθεν ἄνθρωπος πλούσιος ἀπὸ Ἁριμαθαίας, τοὔνομα Ἰωσήφ, ὃς καὶ αὐτὸς ἐμαθητεύθη τῷ Ἰησοῦ1

Matthew is here introducing the Joseph as a new participant in the story. If your language has its own way of introducing new participants, you could use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “a man named Joseph came. He was from Arimathea, and he was rich. He also himself was discipled by Jesus”

516727:57m910rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἦλθεν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “went” instead of came. Alternate translation: “went”

516827:57sy9yrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesἉριμαθαίας & Ἰωσήφ1

The word Joseph is the name of a man, and the word Arimathea is the name of the city he was from.

516927:57d42kτοὔνομα Ἰωσήφ1

Alternate translation: “who was called Joseph”

517027:57o9c6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὃς καὶ αὐτὸς ἐμαθητεύθη τῷ Ἰησοῦ1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom also Jesus had discipled”

517127:58kjywrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitᾐτήσατο τὸ σῶμα τοῦ Ἰησοῦ1

The reason that Joseph asked Pilate for the body of Jesus was so that he could bury it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “asked for the body of Jesus so that he could bury it”

517227:58c69nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀποδοθῆναι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who would do the action, it is clear from the context that it would be Pilates soldiers. Alternate translation: “the soldiers to give it to him”

517327:59q9q9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἐνετύλιξεν αὐτὸ σινδόνι καθαρᾷ1

This was the burial custom in this culture. If your readers would not be familiar with such a custom, you could indicate that more explicitly, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “wrapped it in a clean linen burial cloth” or “prepared it for burial”

517427:59kj7urc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownσινδόνι καθαρᾷ1

The term linen cloth refers to a high quality cloth made from the fibers of the flax plant. If your readers would be unfamiliar with linen, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “in a clean, fine cloth”

517527:60hvs8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὃ ἐλατόμησεν ἐν τῇ πέτρᾳ1

Matthew implies that Joseph had hired people to cut the tomb in the rock. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “which he had had people cut in the rock”

517627:60lt4krc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἐλατόμησεν ἐν τῇ πέτρᾳ1

Here Matthew means specifically a burial place that had been cut or chiseled out of rock, most likely into the face of a cliff. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of burial place, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “which had been chiseled into the rock” or “which had been specially prepared”

517727:60vd4irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπροσκυλίσας λίθον μέγαν τῇ θύρᾳ τοῦ μνημείου1

Here Matthew implies that Joseph rolled the large stone to close up the tomb. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb to close it up”

517827:61wpmsrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneousδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces something that was happening at the same time as what Matthew narrated in the previous verse (Joseph burying Jesus body). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a simultaneous action, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Meanwhile,” or “While that was happening,”

517927:61zeperc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἡ ἄλλη Μαρία1

Here Matthew implies that this is the other woman, also called Mary, whom he mentioned in 27:56 as the mother of James and Joseph. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the other Mary, the mother of James and Joseph,”

518027:61ihr8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἀπέναντι1

Here, the word opposite means that Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were directly in front of the tomb. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before” or “facing”

518127:62wxrcrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then,” or “After all that,”

518227:62qj59rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῇ & ἐπαύριον, ἥτις ἐστὶν μετὰ τὴν παρασκευήν1

Here, the Day of Preparation refers to the day before the Sabbath, on which Jews would prepare for the Sabbath so that they would not have to do work on that day. So, the next day here refers to the Sabbath. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the next day, which was after the day on which Jews prepared for the Sabbath” or “the next day, which was the Sabbath”

518327:62j57nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσυνήχθησαν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “gathered” or “came together”

518427:63xcilrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they told him”

518527:63hgarrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politenessκύριε1

In Jesus culture, the word Lord was a polite way for subjects to address their governor. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that is a polite way to address a governor or leader in your culture. Alternate translation: “Honorable sir”

518627:63sc6yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐκεῖνος ὁ πλάνος1

Here the chief priests and Pharisees imply that they are speaking about Jesus, whom they call a deceiver. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “that deceiver, Jesus,”

518727:63ri5src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesεἶπεν ἔτι ζῶν, μετὰ τρεῖς ἡμέρας ἐγείρομαι.1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “said, still living, that after three days he is being raised up”

518827:63ou2nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμετὰ τρεῖς ἡμέρας1

Jesus was referring to three days after he died. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Three days after my death”

518927:63jp1mrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseἐγείρομαι1

The Jewish leaders quote Jesus using the present tense to refer to a future event that he considers to be certain. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you can use the future tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “I will be raised up”

519027:63ike6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐγείρομαι1

Here, the word raised refers to someone who died coming back to life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable word or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am being restored to life”

519127:63e6uzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐγείρομαι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who will do the action, Jesus could be implying that: (1) God will do it. Alternate translation: “God is raising me up” (2) Jesus himself will do it. Alternate translation: “I am raising myself up”

519227:64r0qrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeκέλευσον1

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a polite request rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “we ask that you command”

519327:64b8n2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀσφαλισθῆναι τὸν τάφον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who would do the action, it is clear from the context that it would be Pilates soldiers. Alternate translation: “soldiers to secure the tomb”

519427:64t03rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἕως τῆς τρίτης ἡμέρας1

Here, the phrase until the third day means that the tomb should be secured that day, the following day, and the day after that. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “through the third day from now” or “today, tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow”

519527:64hbh8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalτῆς τρίτης ἡμέρας1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “day three”

519627:64pwc8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθόντες1

Your language may say “gone” rather than come in contexts such as this. Use whichever is more natural. Alternate translation: “having gone”

519727:64jgqsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐλθόντες1

The Jewish leaders imply here that Jesus disciples might come to the tomb in which Jesus was buried. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having come to Jesus tomb”

519827:64t78src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesεἴπωσιν τῷ λαῷ, ἠγέρθη ἀπὸ τῶν νεκρῶν; καὶ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “say to the people that he has been raised up from the dead, and”

519927:64km0jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἠγέρθη1

Here, the word raised refers to someone who died coming back to life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He has been restored to life”

520027:64rdo2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἠγέρθη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the chief priests and Pharisees could be indicating that the disciples will claim that: (1) God did it. Alternate translation: “God has raised him up” (2) Jesus himself did it. Alternate translation: “He has raised himself up”

520127:64c7bfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἀπὸ τῶν νεκρῶν1

Matthew is using the adjective dead as a noun in order to refer to people who are dead. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “from among the dead people” or “from the corpses”

520227:64axl3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔσται ἡ ἐσχάτη πλάνη χείρων τῆς πρώτης1

Here, the phrase the last deception refers to what the chief priests and Pharisees have just suggested that Jesus disciples might do. The phrase the first refers to Jesus teaching, which the chief priests and Pharisees considered to be deceptive. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make those ideas more explicit. Alternate translation: “this last deception accomplished by his disciples will be worse than the first one accomplished by his teaching”

520327:64u5tgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἡ ἐσχάτη πλάνη1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of deception, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the last time the people are deceived”

520427:64ae12rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisτῆς πρώτης1

The chief priests and Pharisees are leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “the first deception”

520527:64ts1irc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalτῆς πρώτης1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “the earlier” or “number one”

520627:65dfjirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarativeἔχετε κουστωδίαν1

Here, Pilate could be using the statement You have a guard to: (1) give the chief priests and Pharisees permission to take a guard of Roman soldiers with them. Alternate translation: “You may take a Roman guard” (2) tell the chief priests and Pharisees that they already have their own guard that they should use. Alternate translation: “You already have your own guard”

520727:65dkq9rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsκουστωδίαν1

In this verse, the word guard is singular in form, but it refers to multiple soldiers or guards as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “some guards” or “soldiers to act as guards”

520827:65h8n8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularἔχετε & ὑπάγετε ἀσφαλίσασθε ὡς οἴδατε1

Since Pilate is speaking to the chief priests and Pharisees, the words You and you and the commands Go and secure {it} are plural.

520927:65aqvlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὑπάγετε1

Here Pilate implies that they should Go to Jesus tomb. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Go to his tomb”

521027:65ib28rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὡς οἴδατε1

Here, the phrase as you know indicates that Pilate wants the chief priests and Pharisees to secure the tomb in whatever ways they know are effective. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “as best as you can” or “in whatever way you think is best”

521127:66v93irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goπορευθέντες1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of gone. Alternate translation: “having come”

521227:66pk1qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitσφραγίσαντες τὸν λίθον1

Here Matthew means that a seal was put on the stone that covered the entrance of Jesus tomb. The seal would break if someone moved the stone, thus indicating that the stone had been moved. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make those ideas more explicit. Alternate translation: “having placed a seal on the stone that closed the tomb”

521327:66fn2erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμετὰ τῆς κουστωδίας1

Here Matthew means that the chief priests and Pharisees left the guard at the tomb to help secure it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “and having stationed the guard there”

521427:66e8ufrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsτῆς κουστωδίας1

See how you translated guard in 27:65. Alternate translation: “the guards” or “the soldiers who were acting as guards”

521528:intropsw90

Matthew 28 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

  1. The crucifixion of Jesus, his death, and his resurrection (26:1-28:19)
    • Mary Magdalene and the other Mary learn that Jesus has resurrected (28:110)
    • The chief priests and elders spread a false story (28:1115)
    • Jesus meets and commissions the 11 disciples (28:1620)

Special Concepts in this Chapter

The resurrection

Matthew does not narrate the resurrection, but he does narrate how an angel opens the tomb so that people can tell that Jesus has risen from the dead. It is not clear exactly when Jesus actually rose from the dead, although it is clear that this happened before the angel opened the tomb. When Jesus rose from the dead, he was a living human being again, and he could never die again. Make sure that it is clear that Jesus came back to life as a living human being.

The false story about Jesus resurrection

In 28:1115, Matthew describes how the chief priests and the elders have the soldiers who were guarding the tomb spread a false story about what happened. The soldiers tell people that they fell asleep, and that Jesus disciples stole his body while they were asleep. In 28:15, Matthew explains that he is telling this because the story was still circulating among Jewish people when he was writing this book. Make sure that it is clear to your readers that the chief priests and elders bribe the soldiers to spread this false story.

Discipling all the nations

The last two verses (28:1920) are commonly known as “The Great Commission” because they contain a very important command given to all Christians. Christians are to “disciple” all the nations, which includes telling them the gospel, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey what Jesus commanded. Make sure that this command is as general as possible, including all Christians all “nations.”

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Singular and plural forms of “you”

All the forms of “you” in this chapter appear in instructions given to groups of people. Because of this, all the forms of “you” in this chapter are plural. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

The timing of the womens visit to the tomb

In 28:1, Matthew indicates that the women went to Jesus tomb “after the Sabbath, at the dawning on the first of the week.” The words translated in this way can be understood in several ways:

  1. They could refer to the early morning (the “dawn”) on the day after the Sabbath. This would be the first day of the week, Sunday. Further, the parallel stories in Mark 16:2 and Luke 24:1 similarly take place at dawn on Sunday. So, the ULT and UST follow this interpretation.

  2. They could refer to a time late in the day on the Sabbath. In this case, the word “dawning” would refer to the beginning of a day, not to the sun coming up. Since people in Jesus culture considered sunset to be the start of a new day, Matthew would be referring to evening on the Sabbath, right around the time when the next day, Sunday, would begin at sunset.

It is recommended that you follow the first interpretation unless there is a good reason to follow the second interpretation.

521628:1anr1rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “After that,”

521728:1qkn8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὀψὲ & Σαββάτων, τῇ ἐπιφωσκούσῃ εἰς μίαν σαββάτων1

Here Matthew refers to early in the morning, when the day was dawning, on the day after the Sabbath, which would be Sunday. See the end of the chapter introduction for more information about these phrases. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “very early in the morning on the day after the Sabbath”

521828:1avwcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjμίαν1

Matthew is using the adjective first as a noun to mean the first day. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the first day”

521928:1gs43rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalμίαν1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “day one”

522028:1zu2brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἡ ἄλλη Μαρία1

Here Matthew implies that this is the other woman, also called Mary, whom he mentioned in 27:56 as the mother of James and Joseph. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. See how you expressed the idea in 27:61. Alternate translation: “the other Mary, the mother of James and Joseph,”

522128:1pewarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἦλθεν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “went” instead of came. Alternate translation: “went”

522228:2j25irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “suddenly”

522328:2l4s2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultσεισμὸς ἐγένετο μέγας; ἄγγελος γὰρ Κυρίου καταβὰς ἐξ οὐρανοῦ καὶ προσελθὼν, ἀπεκύλισε τὸν λίθον καὶ ἐκάθητο ἐπάνω αὐτοῦ1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clause, since the last clauses give the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “an angel of the Lord, having come down from heaven and having approached, rolled away the stone and sat on it. That caused a great earthquake”

522428:2k09nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goκαταβὰς1

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “having gone down”

522528:2znk3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπροσελθὼν1

Here Matthew implies that the angel approached Jesus tomb. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having approached the tomb”

522628:2a5xvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπεκύλισε τὸν λίθον1

Here Matthew implies that the angel rolled away the large stone from the opening of the tomb to open it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having rolled the stone away from the door of the tomb to open it up”

522728:3qlocrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundδὲ1

Matthew uses the word Now to introduce background information that will help readers understand what happens next. It does not introduce another event in the story. Use a natural form in your language for introducing background information. Alternate translation: “As for that angel,”

522828:3p12yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileἦν & ὡς ἀστραπὴ1

The point of this comparison is that the appearance of the angel was very bright, as lightning is very bright. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “was as bright as it is when lightning strikes”

522928:3i4hprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisτὸ ἔνδυμα αὐτοῦ λευκὸν ὡς χιών1

Matthew is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “his clothing was white like snow”

523028:3bzowrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileλευκὸν ὡς χιών1

The point of this comparison is that the clothing of the angel was pure and bright white in color, just like snow is pure and bright white in color. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “bright white, as snow is bright white”

523128:3orq7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownλευκὸν ὡς χιών1

The word snow refers to a type of frozen precipitation that is extremely white in color. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of precipitation, you could use the name of something that is known to be very white in your area, or you could refer more generally to a very bright white color. Alternate translation: “white as cotton” or “extremely white”

523228:4u00vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀπὸ & τοῦ φόβου αὐτοῦ, ἐσείσθησαν οἱ τηροῦντες καὶ ἐγενήθησαν1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the fear of him shook the ones guarding, and they became”

523328:4jfierc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοἱ τηροῦντες1

Here, Matthew refers to the soldiers who were guarding Jesus tomb. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the ones guarding the grave”

523428:4bhyfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐσείσθησαν1

Here Matthew means that the ones guarding the tomb physically trembled or shuddered because they were so afraid. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “were shuddering”

523528:4by2vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἀπὸ & τοῦ φόβου αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of fear, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “because they feared him”

523628:4b1icrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileἐγενήθησαν ὡς νεκροί1

Here Matthew compares the guards to dead people to indicate that the guards fell down and did not move, just as dead people lie without moving. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “fell to the ground and lay still, like the dead” or “fainted so that they were like the dead”

523728:4owasrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjνεκροί1

Matthew is using the adjective dead as a noun to mean dead people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “dead people”

523828:5giegrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces what the angel says in contrast to the fear that the soldiers felt. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “However,”

523928:5pvj6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀποκριθεὶς1

Here the angel is answering or responding to a situation, not to something that someone has asked. More specifically, the angel is responding to the fear of the guards by telling the women that they do not need to be afraid. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make it more explicit that the angel is responding to what is happening, or you could leave answering untranslated. Alternate translation: “seeing that the the people nearby were afraid” or “responding to how the soldiers were afraid”

524028:5q8ddrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitταῖς γυναιξίν1

Here, the phrase the women refers to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, whom Matthew mentioned in 28:1. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to them more explicitly. Alternate translation: “to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary”

524128:5bqdprc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultμὴ φοβεῖσθε ὑμεῖς; οἶδα γὰρ ὅτι Ἰησοῦν, τὸν ἐσταυρωμένον, ζητεῖτε1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “I know that you seek Jesus, the one having been crucified; therefore, do not be afraid”

524228:5tbd8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὸν ἐσταυρωμένον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was Pilates soldiers. Alternate translation: “the one whom Pilates soldiers crucified”

524328:6uru2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultοὐκ ἔστιν ὧδε, ἠγέρθη γὰρ καθὼς εἶπεν1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second and third clauses give the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “Since he was raised up, just as he said, he is not here”

524428:6jwc5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἠγέρθη1

Here, the word raised refers to someone who died coming back to life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable word or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he was restored to life”

524528:6p9l0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἠγέρθη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the angel could be implying that: (1) God did it. Alternate translation: “God raise him up” (2) Jesus himself did it. Alternate translation: “he raise himself up”

524628:6uqjarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἶπεν1

Here the angel implies that Jesus said that he would be raised up. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he said would happen to him”

524728:6fgx1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goδεῦτε1

In a context such as this, your language might say “Go” instead of Come. Alternate translation: “Go”

524828:6o6akrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸν τόπον ὅπου ἔκειτο1

Here the angel is referring to the place where Jesus body had been placed in the tomb. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the place in this tomb where his body was placed”

524928:7r0p2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goπορευθεῖσαι1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of gone. Alternate translation: “having come”

525028:7sp2arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesεἴπατε τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ, ὅτι ἠγέρθη ἀπὸ τῶν νεκρῶν; καὶ ἰδοὺ, προάγει ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν; ἐκεῖ αὐτὸν ὄψεσθε.1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “say to his disciples that he has been raised up from the dead, and behold, he is going before them to Galilee, where they will see him”

525128:7r5cwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἠγέρθη1

Here, the word raised refers to someone who died coming back to life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He has been restored to life”

525228:7o3jerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἠγέρθη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the angel could be indicating that: (1) God did it. Alternate translation: “God has raised him up” (2) Jesus himself did it. Alternate translation: “He has raised himself up”

525328:7m411rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjἀπὸ τῶν νεκρῶν1

The angel is using the adjective dead as a noun in order to refer to people who are dead. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “from among the dead people” or “from the corpses”

525428:7a1irrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἰδοὺ & ἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “pay attention: … Pay attention:” or “listen … Listen”

525528:7w5ewrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goπροάγει1

In a context such as this, your language might say “coming” instead of going. Alternate translation: “he is coming before”

525628:7ljb2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεἶπον ὑμῖν1

Here the angel uses the clause I have said {it} to you to indicate that he has finished speaking the important message that he wants them to relay to the disciples. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “I have given you the full message” or “that is what you should tell his disciples”

525728:8xqz7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἀπελθοῦσαι ταχὺ1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of gone. Alternate translation: “having quickly come away”

525828:8b7y5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsμετὰ φόβου καὶ χαρᾶς μεγάλης1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of fear and joy, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “fearfully and very joyfully”

525928:8j2svrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἔδραμον1

Here, they refers to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary mentioned in 28:1. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to them more directly. Alternate translation: “Mary Magdalene and the other Mary ran”

526028:9vf7drc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsἰδοὺ, Ἰησοῦς ὑπήντησεν αὐταῖς1

Many ancient manuscripts read behold, Jesus met them. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “behold, as they were going to report to his disciples, Jesus met them.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

526128:9s393rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “suddenly”

526228:9opbxrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he said”

526328:9cmv8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomχαίρετε1

In Jesus culture, people commonly greeted each other with the word Rejoice. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable word or phrase that people use to greet each other. Alternate translation: “Hello”

526428:9xxkirc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Then”

526528:9nmg1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionἐκράτησαν αὐτοῦ τοὺς πόδας1

In Jesus culture, people would kneel down and seize or hold someones feet when they wanted to show great honor and respect toward that person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning of this action explicitly. Alternate translation: “seized his feet out of respect” or “seized his feet to show him honor”

526628:10hfkcrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseλέγει1

To call attention to a development in the story, Matthew uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said”

526728:10etk6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτοῖς ἀδελφοῖς μου1

Here Jesus speaks of his disciples as if they were his brothers. He means that he considers them to be part of his family. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use simile form or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar phrase in 25:40. Alternate translation: “those whom I call my brothers” or “the people I love as if they were my brothers”

526828:10d47grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἀπέλθωσιν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of go. Alternate translation: “they might come away”

526928:11ktu5rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “After that,”

527028:11mu4lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goπορευομένων1

In a context such as this, your language might say “coming” instead of going. Alternate translation: “coming”

527128:11rnr3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἰδού1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “picture this” or “suddenly”

527228:11egn5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῆς κουστωδίας1

Here Matthew implies that this guard was made up of the Roman soldiers who had been guarding Jesus tomb. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “of the Roman guard that had been protecting the tomb”

527328:11hfqprc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsτῆς κουστωδίας1

See how you translated guard in 27:65. Alternate translation: “of the guards” or “of the soldiers who were acting as guards”

527428:11saxqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθόντες1

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “having gone”

527528:11yvgxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὴν πόλιν1

Here, the phrase the city refers to Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Jerusalem”

527628:12ht82rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσυναχθέντες1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “having gathered” or “having come together”

527728:12k2r5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomσυμβούλιόν & λαβόντες1

Here, the phrase having taken counsel indicates that the chief priests and elders were working together to figure something out. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed the similar phrase in 12:14. Alternate translation: “having made plans” or “having come up with an idea”

527828:12e1alrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀργύρια ἱκανὰ ἔδωκαν τοῖς στρατιώταις1

Here Matthew means that the chief priests and elders gave money to the soldiers so that they would tell a lie about what happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “they bribed the soldiers with many pieces of silver”

527928:12birmrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoneyἀργύρια ἱκανὰ1

Each of these pieces of silver was a coin equivalent to about four days wages. See how you expressed the idea in 26:15. Alternate translation: “many coins made out of silver” or “a lot of money”

528028:13bm3frc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγοντες1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and they said”

528128:13kn8irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesεἴπατε ὅτι, οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ νυκτὸς ἐλθόντες ἔκλεψαν αὐτὸν, ἡμῶν κοιμωμένων1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “Say that his disciples, having come at night, stole him, you sleeping”

528228:13y668rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθόντες1

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “having gone”

528328:13s0burc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμῶν1

Here, we refers to the Roman soldiers who guarded Jesus tomb, so we would be exclusive. Your language may require you to mark this form.

528428:14h6f7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoἐὰν ἀκουσθῇ τοῦτο ἐπὶ τοῦ ἡγεμόνος, ἡμεῖς πείσομεν καὶ ὑμᾶς ἀμερίμνους ποιήσομεν1

Here the Jewish leaders use an imaginary situation to explain that they will protect the soldiers from punishment. Use a natural method in your language for introducing an imaginary situation. Alternate translation: “imagine this is heard by the governor. Then, we will persuade and make you free from concern”

528528:14n8xyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀκουσθῇ τοῦτο ἐπὶ τοῦ ἡγεμόνος1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the governor hears this”

528628:14exuorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἡμεῖς πείσομεν1

Here the chief priests and elders imply that they will persuade the governor not to punish the soldiers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “will persuade him not to punish you”

528728:14x57krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμεῖς1

Here, we refers to the Jewish chief priests and elders, so we would be exclusive. Your language may require you to mark this form.

528828:14u13qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὑμᾶς ἀμερίμνους ποιήσομεν1

Here the chief priests and elders mean that the they will act in such a way that the soldiers do not need to worry about the punishment that they would normally receive for sleeping while guarding something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “make you free from worry about how you might be punished” or “prevent you from worrying about what might happen to you”

528928:15og6irc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoneyἀργύρια1

Each of these pieces of silver was a coin equivalent to about four days wages. See how you expressed the idea in 26:15. Alternate translation: “the coins made out of silver” or “the money”

529028:15yu3crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐδιδάχθησαν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was the chief priests and elders. Alternate translation: “the chief priests and elders taught them”

529128:15feygrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveδιεφημίσθη ὁ λόγος οὗτος παρὰ Ἰουδαίοις1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “people have reported this word among the Jews”

529228:15m2jmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὁ λόγος οὗτος1

Here, word represents what the soldiers said using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “their story” or “what they said”

529328:15cp7rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμέχρι τῆς σήμερον ἡμέρας1

Here, the phrase until today refers to the time period up to and including Matthews present time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to the present” or “from then on”

529428:16h1lnrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventδὲ1

Here, the word Now introduces the next major event in the story. This event occurs sometime soon after the women give the disciples the message from the angel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next event, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Sometime later,”

529528:16vyyyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοἱ & ἕνδεκα μαθηταὶ1

Here Matthew refers to Jesus closest disciples, the ones whom he called “the Twelve” earlier in the book. There are only 11 of them now because Judas Iscariot was no longer part of the group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could indicate more explicitly that these are Jesus 11 closest disciples. Alternate translation: “Jesus 11 closest disciples” or “the 11 most important disciples”

529628:16ddkqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐπορεύθησαν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “came” instead of went. Alternate translation: “came”

529728:17pze9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοἱ & ἐδίστασαν1

Here Matthew implies that the disciples doubted that the person they were seeing was really Jesus and that he had really become alive again. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “they doubted whether Jesus really was there” or “they doubted whether Jesus really was alive”

529828:17va85rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsοἱ1

Here, the word translated they could refer to: (1) all the disciples who worshiped Jesus. Alternate translation: “they also” (2) some of the disciples who worshiped Jesus. Alternate translation: “some of them”

529928:18uqirrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλέγων1

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he said”

530028:18v37prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐδόθη μοι πᾶσα ἐξουσία1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “God has given to me all authority”

530128:18c9m6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐδόθη μοι πᾶσα ἐξουσία1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of authority, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “I have been completely empowered”

530228:18sm35rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς1

Here, Jesus is referring to all of the created world by naming the parts that are at the extreme ends of it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in all creation” or “in the universe”

530328:19ejcdrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultπορευθέντες οὖν1

Here, the word Therefore introduces what the disciples should do since Jesus has all authority (see 28:18). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces a result or inference. Alternate translation: “Because of that, having gone”

530428:19sf28rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπορευθέντες1

Here Jesus means that the disciples should go to from where they were to many other places. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Having gone to many places” or “Having gone from here”

530528:19oc88rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμαθητεύσατε πάντα τὰ ἔθνη1

Here Jesus means that the disciples should help or enable people from all the nations to become disciples too. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “make all the nations into my disciples” or “enable all the nations to become my disciples”

530628:19yz6qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyπάντα τὰ ἔθνη1

Here, the word nations represents the people who live in those nations. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “people of all the nations”

530728:19-20tlm4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitβαπτίζοντες αὐτοὺς & διδάσκοντες αὐτοὺς1

Here, the phrases baptizing them and teaching them could introduce: (1) more things that the disciples are supposed to do in addition to discipling all the nations. Alternate translation: “and baptize them … and teach them” (2) the means by which the disciples are supposed to disciple all the nations. Alternate translation: “which you should do by baptizing them … also by teaching them”

530828:19l5b5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyεἰς τὸ ὄνομα1

Here Jesus uses the word name to refer to authority. What he means is that, when they baptize people, they should say the names of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit to indicate that they belong to God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could indicate that Jesus is referring to authority or belonging. Alternate translation: “under the authority” or “so that they are people”

530928:19kwa3rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρὸς & τοῦ Υἱοῦ1

Father and Son are important titles that describe the relationship between God the Father and Jesus his Son.

531028:19eoq2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personτοῦ Υἱοῦ1

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the first person form. Alternate translation: “of me, who am the Son”

531128:20lm0urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoπάντα ὅσα1

The expression everything, as much as contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “all things that”

531228:20mz6frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἰδοὺ1

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the disciples and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audiences attention in another way. Alternate translation: “listen” or “pay attention:”

531328:20tzf4rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseεἰμι1

Here Jesus uses the present tense to describe something that is true during the time period that he describes. Use whatever tense is natural in your language for referring to this time period. Alternate translation: “will continue to be”

531428:20cmdjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomπάσας τὰς ἡμέρας1

Here, the phrase all the days indicates that something happens or is true every day, that is, always. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “always”

531528:20si8zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἕως τῆς συντελείας τοῦ αἰῶνος1

Here, the phrase the end of the age refers to when the current time period will cease and a new age will begin. If your language has a way to refer to the end of the way things are now, you could use it here, or you could use a descriptive phrase. Alternate translation: “until the end of the world” or “until the moment in the future when the current way of doing things will cease”

531628:20caewrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsτοῦ αἰῶνος1

Many ancient manuscripts do not include anything after the word age. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts include the word “Amen” after Jesus ends his speech with the word age. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.