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2MATfrontintrosa9c0

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 teaching about mission and the kingdom (9:35-10:42)
  5. Jesus teaching about the gospel of the kingdom of God. The beginning of opposition to Jesus. (11:1-12:50)
  6. Jesus parables about the kingdom of God (13:1-52)
  7. Further opposition to Jesus and misunderstanding of the kingdom of God (13:53-17:57)
  8. Jesus teaching about life in the kingdom of God (18:1-35)
  9. Jesus ministers in Judea (19:1-22:46)
  10. Jesus teaching about the final judgment and salvation (23:1-25:46)
  11. The crucifixion of Jesus, his death and 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. The authors of the gospels wrote about different aspects of who Jesus was and what he did. Matthew showed that Jesus was the Messiah, and God would save Israel through him. Matthew often explained that Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. This may indicate that he expected most of his first readers to be Jewish. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/christ]])

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 title that may be clearer, such as, “The Good News about Jesus that Matthew wrote.” (See: [[rc://en/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.

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What is the “kingdom of heaven?”

Matthew spoke of the kingdom of heaven in the same way that other gospel writers spoke of the kingdom of God. The kingdom of heaven represents God ruling over all people and all creation everywhere. Those whom God accepts into his kingdom will be blessed. They will live with God forever.

What were Jesus teaching methods?

The people regarded Jesus as a rabbi. A rabbi is a teacher of Gods law. Jesus taught in similar ways as other religious teachers in Israel. He had students who followed him wherever he went. These students were called disciples. He often told parables. Parables are stories that teach moral lessons. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/disciple]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/parable]])

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. When translating parallel passages, translators should use the same wording and make them as similar as possible.

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

In the gospels, Jesus calls himself the “Son of Man.” It is a reference to Daniel 7:13-14. In this passage there is a person described as a “son of man.” That means the person was someone who looked like a human being. God gave authority to the son of man to rule over the nations forever. And all the people will worship him forever.

Jews of Jesus time did not use “Son of Man” as a title for anyone. Therefore, Jesus used it for himself to help them understand who he truly was. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sonofman]])

Translating the title “Son of Man” can be difficult in many languages. Readers may misunderstand a literal translation. Translators can consider alternatives, such as “The Human One.” It may also be helpful to include a footnote to explain the title.

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

The following verses are found in older versions of the Bible but are not included in most modern versions:

  • “Bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you” (5:44)
  • “For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen” (6:13)
  • “But this kind of demon does not go out except with prayer and fasting” (17:21)
  • “For the Son of Man came to save that which was lost” (18:11)
  • “Many are called, but few are chosen” (20:16)
  • “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you devour widows houses, while you make a show of long prayers. You will therefore receive greater condemnation.” (23:14)

Translators are advised not to include these passages. However, if in the translators region, there are older versions of the Bible that include one or more of these passages, the translators can include them. If they are included, they should be put inside square brackets ([]) to indicate that they were probably not original to Matthews Gospel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

3MAT1introy7kk0

Matthew 01 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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 for the quoted material in 1:23.

Special concepts in this chapter

Genealogy

A genealogy is a list that records a persons ancestors or descendants. Jews used genealogies to choose the right man to become king. They did this because only a son of a king could become king. Most important people had records of their genealogies.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Use of the passive voice

Matthew uses the passive voice very purposefully in this chapter to indicate that Mary did not have a sexual relationship with anyone. She became pregnant with Jesus because the Holy Spirit performed a miracle. Many languages do not have a passive voice, so translators in those languages must find other ways to present the same truths. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

4MAT11ava10General Information:

The author begins with Jesus genealogy in order to show that he is a descendant of King David and of Abraham. The genealogy continues through Matthew 1:17.

5MAT11y31wβίβλος γενέσεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ

You could translate this as a complete sentence. Alternate translation: “This is the list of the ancestors of Jesus Christ”

6MAT11vpg1Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, υἱοῦ Δαυεὶδ, υἱοῦ Ἀβραάμ1Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham

There were many generations between Jesus, David, and Abraham. Here “son” means “descendant.” Alternate translation: “Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, who was a descendant of Abraham”

7MAT11tka3υἱοῦ Δαυεὶδ1son of David

Sometimes the phrase “son of David” is used as a title, but here it seems to be used only to identify Jesus ancestry.

8MAT12ejp6Ἀβραὰμ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰσαάκ1Abraham became the father of Isaac

“Abraham became the father of Isaac” or “Abraham had a son Isaac” or “Abraham had a son named Isaac.” There are different ways you could translate this. Whichever way you translate it here, it would be best to translate it the same way throughout the list of Jesus ancestors.

9MAT12mxm2figs-ellipsisἸσαὰκ…ἐγέννησεν…Ἰακὼβ…ἐγέννησεν1Isaac became the father…Jacob became the father

Here the word “was” is understood. Alternate translation: “Isaac was the father…Jacob was the father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

10MAT13g8y6translate-namesΦαρὲς…Ζάρα…Ἑσρώμ…Ἀράμ1Perez…Zerah…Hezron…Ram

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

11MAT13t7jgfigs-ellipsisΦαρὲς…ἐγέννησεν…Ἑσρὼμ…ἐγέννησεν1Perez became the father…Hezron became the father

Here the word “was” is understood. Alternate translation: “Perez was the father…Hezron was the father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

12MAT14fe3ufigs-ellipsisἈμιναδὰβ…ἐγέννησεν…Ναασσὼν…ἐγέννησεν1Amminadab became the father…Nahshon became the father

Here the word “was” is understood. Alternate translation: “Amminadab was the father…Nahshon was the father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

13MAT15yr52Σαλμὼν…ἐγέννησεν τὸν Βόες ἐκ τῆς Ῥαχάβ1Salmon became the father of Boaz by Rahab

“Salmon was the father of Boaz, and Boazs mother was Rahab” or “Salmon and Rahab were the parents of Boaz”

14MAT15lj86figs-ellipsisΒόες…ἐγέννησεν…Ἰωβὴδ…ἐγέννησεν1Boaz became the father…Obed became the father

Here the word “was” is understood. Alternate translation: “Boaz was the father…Obed was the father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

15MAT15q5bdΒόες…ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰωβὴδ ἐκ τῆς Ῥούθ1Boaz became the father of Obed by Ruth

“Boaz was the father of Obed, and Obeds mother was Ruth” or “Boaz and Ruth were the parents of Obed”

16MAT16r84mfigs-ellipsisΔαυεὶδ…ἐγέννησεν τὸν Σολομῶνα ἐκ τῆς τοῦ Οὐρίου1David became the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah

Here the word “was” is understood. “David was the father of Solomon, and Solomons mother was Uriahs wife” or “David and the wife of Uriah were the parents of Solomon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

17MAT16bp35τῆς τοῦ Οὐρίου1the wife of Uriah

“the widow of Uriah.” Solomon was born after Uriah died.

18MAT17r881figs-ellipsisῬοβοὰμ…ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἀβιά, Ἀβιὰ…ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἀσάφ1Rehoboam became the father of Abijah, Abijah became the father of Asa

The word “was” is understood in both of these phrases. Alternate translation: “Rehoboam was the father of Abijah, and Abijah was the father of Asa” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

19MAT110bh7rτὸν Ἀμώς1Amon

Sometimes this is translated “Amos.”

20MAT111dk1jἸωσίας…ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰεχονίαν1Josiah became the father of Jechoniah

A more specific term for “ancestor” can also be used, particularly if the word “ancestor” would only be used for someone who lived before ones grandparents. Alternate translation: “Josiah was a grandfather of Jechoniah”

21MAT111rj7pἐπὶ τῆς μετοικεσίας Βαβυλῶνος1at the time of the deportation to Babylon

“when they were forced to move to Babylon” or “when the Babylonians conquered them and made them go live in Babylon.” If your language needs to specify who went to Babylon, you could say “the Israelites” or “the Israelites who lived in Judah.”

22MAT111v2imΒαβυλῶνος1Babylon

Here this means the country of Babylon, not just the city of Babylon.

23MAT112y7cxμετὰ…τὴν μετοικεσίαν Βαβυλῶνος1After the deportation to Babylon

Use the same wording you used in Matthew 1:11.

24MAT112tx6gΣαλαθιὴλ…ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ζοροβαβέλ1Shealtiel became the father of Zerubbabel

Shealtiel was Zerubbabels grandfather.

25MAT115lqk90Connecting Statement:

The author concludes Jesus genealogy, which began in Matthew 1:1.

26MAT116b3bmfigs-activepassiveΜαρίας, ἐξ ἧς ἐγεννήθη Ἰησοῦς1Mary, by whom Jesus was born

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Mary, who gave birth to Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

27MAT116z2rgfigs-activepassiveὁ λεγόμενος Χριστός1who is called Christ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “whom people call Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

28MAT117jzq4translate-numbersδεκατέσσαρες1fourteen

“14” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

29MAT117z5xwτῆς μετοικεσίας Βαβυλῶνος1the deportation to Babylon

Use the same wording you used in Matthew 1:11.

30MAT118gnl60General Information:

This begins a new part of the story in which the author describes the events leading up to the birth of Jesus.

31MAT118cqt1figs-explicitμνηστευθείσης τῆς μητρὸς αὐτοῦ Μαρίας τῷ Ἰωσήφ1His mother, Mary, was engaged to marry Joseph

“His mother, Mary, was going to marry Joseph.” Parents normally arranged the marriages of their children. Alternate translation: “The parents of Mary, the mother of Jesus, had promised her in marriage to Joseph” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

32MAT118e4urfigs-explicitμνηστευθείσης τῆς μητρὸς αὐτοῦ Μαρίας1His mother, Mary, was engaged

Translate in a way that makes it clear that Jesus was not already born when Mary was engaged to Joseph. Alternate translation: “Mary, who would be the mother of Jesus, was engaged” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

33MAT118xvk1figs-euphemismπρὶν…συνελθεῖν αὐτοὺς1before they came together

“before they got married.” This may refer to Mary and Joseph sleeping together. Alternate translation: “before they had slept together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

34MAT118in4afigs-activepassiveεὑρέθη ἐν γαστρὶ ἔχουσα1she was found to be pregnant

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they realized that she was going to have a baby” or “it happened that she was pregnant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

35MAT118a71dἐκ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου1by the Holy Spirit

The power of the Holy Spirit had enabled Mary to have a baby before she had slept with a man.

36MAT119j8ebfigs-explicitἸωσὴφ…ὁ ἀνὴρ αὐτῆς1Joseph, her husband

Joseph had not married Mary yet, but when a man and woman promised to marry each other, Jews considered them husband and wife though they did not live together. Alternate translation: “Joseph, who was supposed to marry Mary” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

37MAT119pu3pἀπολῦσαι αὐτήν1to divorce her

“cancel their plans to get married”

38MAT120iip4αὐτοῦ ἐνθυμηθέντος1As he thought

“As Joseph thought”

39MAT120fb7eκατ’ ὄναρ ἐφάνη αὐτῷ1appeared to him in a dream

“came to him while Joseph was dreaming”

40MAT120lc8rυἱὸς Δαυείδ1son of David

Here “son” means “descendant.”

41MAT120va5efigs-activepassiveτὸ…ἐν αὐτῇ γεννηθὲν ἐκ Πνεύματός ἐστιν Ἁγίου1the one who is conceived in her is conceived by the Holy Spirit

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit caused Mary to become pregnant with this child” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

42MAT121j38fτέξεται…υἱὸν1She will give birth to a son

Because God sent the angel, the angel knew the baby was a boy.

43MAT121glq8καλέσεις τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ1you will call his name

“you must name him” or “you must give him the name.” This is a command.

44MAT121bf5zαὐτὸς γὰρ σώσει1for he will save

Translator may add a footnote that says “The name Jesus means the Lord saves.’”

45MAT121em9qτὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ1his people

This refers to the Jews.

46MAT122p47iwriting-background0General Information:

The author quotes the prophet Isaiah to show that Jesus birth was according to scripture. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

47MAT122p9laτοῦτο…ὅλον γέγονεν1All this happened

The angel is no longer speaking. Matthew is now explaining the importance of what the angel said.

48MAT122c1vwfigs-activepassiveτὸ ῥηθὲν ὑπὸ Κυρίου διὰ τοῦ προφήτου1what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “what the Lord told the prophet to write long ago” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

49MAT122p39kfigs-explicitτοῦ προφήτου1the prophet

There were many prophets. Matthew was speaking of Isaiah. Alternate translation: “the prophet Isaiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

50MAT123q19hἰδοὺ…Ἐμμανουήλ1Behold…Immanuel

Here Matthew quotes the prophet Isaiah.

51MAT123dw7zἰδοὺ, ἡ παρθένος1Behold, the virgin

“Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: the virgin”

52MAT123sln1translate-namesἘμμανουήλ1Immanuel

This is a male name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

53MAT123lm6tὅ ἐστιν μεθερμηνευόμενον, μεθ’ ἡμῶν ὁ Θεός1which means, “God with us.”

This is not in the book of Isaiah. Matthew is explaining the meaning of the name “Immanuel.” You could translate it as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “This name means God with us.’”

54MAT124iue30Connecting Statement:

The author concludes his description of the events leading up to the birth of Jesus.

55MAT124iz4rὡς προσέταξεν…ὁ ἄγγελος Κυρίου1as the angel of the Lord commanded

The angel had told Joseph to take Mary as his wife and to name the child Jesus.

56MAT124nr5eπαρέλαβεν τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ1he took her as his wife

“he married Mary”

57MAT125i7p5figs-euphemismοὐκ ἐγίνωσκεν αὐτὴν1he did not know her

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “he did not have sexual relations with her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

58MAT125dlm9υἱόν1to a son

“to a male baby” or “to her son.” Make sure it is clear that Joseph is not portrayed as the actual father.

59MAT125jtz8καὶ ἐκάλεσεν τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ, Ἰησοῦν1Then he called his name Jesus

“Joseph named the child Jesus”

60MAT2introdz1c0

Matthew 02 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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 words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

“His star”

These words probably refer to a star that the learned men believed to be the sign of a new king of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sign]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“Learned men”

English translations use many different words to translate this phrase. These words include “magi” and “wise men.” These men could have been scientists or astrologers. If you can, you should translate this with the general word “learned men.”

61MAT21j9yn0General Information:

A new part of the story begins here and continues through the end of the chapter. Matthew tells about Herods attempt to kill the new King of the Jews.

62MAT21k518Βηθλέεμ τῆς Ἰουδαίας1Bethlehem of Judea

“the town of Bethlehem in the province of Judea”

63MAT21id55ἐν…ἡμέραις Ἡρῴδου τοῦ βασιλέως1in the days of Herod the king

“when Herod was king there”

64MAT21kf5gἩρῴδου1Herod

This refers to Herod the Great.

65MAT21p6gcμάγοι ἀπὸ ἀνατολῶν1learned men from the east

“men from the east who studied the stars”

66MAT21ft22ἀπὸ ἀνατολῶν1from the east

“from a country far east of Judea”

67MAT22v5t4ποῦ ἐστιν ὁ τεχθεὶς Βασιλεὺς τῶν Ἰουδαίων?1Where is he who was born King of the Jews?

The men knew from studying the stars that the one who would become king had been born. They were trying to learn where he was. Alternate translation: “A baby who will become the king of the Jews has been born. Where is he?”

68MAT22zj7cαὐτοῦ τὸν ἀστέρα1his star

They were not saying that the baby was the rightful owner of the star. Alternate translation: “the star that tells about him” or “the star that is associated with his birth”

69MAT22a7y9ἐν τῇ ἀνατολῇ1in the east

“as it came up in the east” or “while we were in our country”

70MAT22v248προσκυνῆσαι1to worship

Possible meanings are (1) they intended to worship the baby as divine, or (2) they wanted to honor him as a human king. If your language has a word that includes both meanings, you should consider using it here.

71MAT23p5rwἐταράχθη1he was troubled

“he was worried.” Herod was worried that this baby would replace him as king.

72MAT23qu3dfigs-metonymyπᾶσα Ἱεροσόλυμα1all Jerusalem

Here “Jerusalem” refers to the people. Also, “all” means “many.” Matthew is exaggerating to emphasize how many people were worried. Alternate translation: “many of the people in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

73MAT24ne4v0General Information:

In verse 6, the chief priests and scribes of the people quote the prophet Micah to show that the Christ would be born in Bethlehem.

74MAT25w68nἐν Βηθλέεμ τῆς Ἰουδαίας1In Bethlehem of Judea

“In the town of Bethlehem in the province of Judea”

75MAT25z2i4figs-activepassiveοὕτως…γέγραπται διὰ τοῦ προφήτου1this is what was written by the prophet

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “this is what the prophet wrote long ago” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

76MAT26kmw7figs-apostropheσύ Βηθλέεμ…οὐδαμῶς ἐλαχίστη εἶ ἐν τοῖς ἡγεμόσιν Ἰούδα1you, Bethlehem,…are not the least among the leaders of Judah

Micah was speaking to the people of Bethlehem as if they were with him but they were not. Also, “are not the least” can be translated with a positive phrase. Alternate translation: “you, people of Bethlehem,…your town is among the most important towns in Judah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

77MAT26tg5dfigs-metaphorὅστις ποιμανεῖ τὸν λαόν μου τὸν Ἰσραήλ1who will shepherd my people Israel

Micah speaks of this ruler as a shepherd. This means he will lead and care for the people. Alternate translation: “who will lead my people Israel as a shepherd leads his sheep” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

78MAT27b487Ἡρῴδης λάθρᾳ καλέσας τοὺς μάγους1Herod secretly called the learned men

This means that Herod talked to the learned men without other people knowing.

79MAT27tax3figs-quotationsἠκρίβωσεν παρ’ αὐτῶν τὸν χρόνον τοῦ φαινομένου ἀστέρος1to ask them exactly what time the star had appeared

This can be translated as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “men, and he asked them, When exactly did this star appear?’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

80MAT27vng3figs-explicitτὸν χρόνον τοῦ φαινομένου ἀστέρος1the exact time the star had appeare

It is implied that the learned men told him when the star appeared. Alternate translation: “what time the star had appeared. The learned men told Herod when the star first appeared” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

81MAT28v7y2τοῦ παιδίου1young child

This refers to Jesus.

82MAT28t4u1ἀπαγγείλατέ μοι1tell me

“let me know” or “tell me” or “report back to me”

83MAT28jtw7προσκυνήσω αὐτῷ1worship him

See how you translated this in Matthew 2:2.

84MAT29h1zxοἱ δὲ ἀκούσαντες1After they had heard

“After the learned men”

85MAT29wl4rεἶδον ἐν τῇ ἀνατολῇ1they had seen in the east

“they had seen come up in the east” or “they had seen in their country”

86MAT29hy1iπροῆγεν αὐτούς1went before them

“guided them” or “led them”

87MAT29jp2jἐστάθη ἐπάνω1stood still over

“stopped over”

88MAT29w3v1οὗ ἦν τὸ παιδίον1where the young child was

“the place where the young child was staying”

89MAT211pv3r0Connecting Statement:

Here the scene shifts to the house where Mary, Joseph, and the young Jesus were living.

90MAT211tu5sἐλθόντες1They went

“The learned men went”

91MAT211d41dtranslate-symactionπεσόντες προσεκύνησαν αὐτῷ1They fell down and worshiped him

“They knelt down and put their faces close to the ground.” They did this to honor Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

92MAT211r452figs-metonymyτοὺς θησαυροὺς αὐτῶν1their treasures

Here “treasures” refers to the boxes or bags they used to carry their treasures. Alternate translation: “the containers that held their treasures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

93MAT212zyq6χρηματισθέντες1God warned them

“Afterwards, God warned the learned men.” God knew that Herod wanted to harm the child.

94MAT212dr1pfigs-quotationsκατ’ ὄναρ μὴ ἀνακάμψαι πρὸς Ἡρῴδην1in a dream not to return to Herod, so

This can be translated as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “dream, saying, Do not go back to King Herod, so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

95MAT213brp50General Information:

In verse 15, Matthew quotes the prophet Hosea to show that the Christ would spend time in Egypt.

96MAT213iw8pἀναχωρησάντων…αὐτῶν1after they had departed

“the learned men had departed”

97MAT213zwj5φαίνεται κατ’ ὄναρ τῷ Ἰωσὴφ1appeared to Joseph in a dream

“came to Joseph while he was dreaming”

98MAT213u4a4figs-youἐγερθεὶς, παράλαβε…φεῦγε…ἴσθι…σοι1Get up, take…flee…Remain…you

God is speaking to Joseph, so these should all be singular forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

99MAT213v88ffigs-explicitἕως ἂν εἴπω σοι1until I tell you

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “until I tell you it is safe to come back” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

100MAT213g3t7εἴπω σοι1I tell you

Here “I” refers to God. The angel is speaking for God.

101MAT215ft3afigs-explicitἦν1He was

It is implied that Joseph, Mary, and Jesus remained in Egypt. Alternate translation: “They remained” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

102MAT215d11gἕως τῆς τελευτῆς Ἡρῴδου1until the death of Herod

Herod does not die until Matthew 2:19. This statement describes the length of their stay in Egypt, and it does not say that Herod died at this time.

103MAT215d5wlἐξ Αἰγύπτου ἐκάλεσα τὸν Υἱόν μου1Out of Egypt I have called my son

“I have called my son out of Egypt”

104MAT215dr9bτὸν Υἱόν μου1my son

In Hosea this refers to the people of Israel. Matthew quoted it to say that this was true of Gods Son, Jesus. Translate it using a word for son that could refer to the only son or the first son.

105MAT216s2lafigs-events0General Information:

These events happen before Herods death, which Matthew mentioned in Matthew 2:15. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])

106MAT216yq7p0Connecting Statement:

Here the scene shifts back to Herod and tells what he did when he learned that the learned men had deceived him.

107MAT216g513figs-activepassiveἐνεπαίχθη ὑπὸ τῶν μάγων1he had been mocked by the learned men

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the learned men had embarrassed him by tricking him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

108MAT216d8d5figs-explicitἀποστείλας, ἀνεῖλεν πάντας τοὺς παῖδας1he sent and killed all the male children

Herod did not kill the children himself. Alternate translation: “He gave orders for his soldiers to kill all the boys” or “He sent soldiers there to kill all the boy babies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

109MAT216nkr1translate-numbersδιετοῦς καὶ κατωτέρω1two years old and under

“2 years old and younger” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

110MAT216dr3rκατὰ τὸν χρόνον1according to the time

“based on the time”

111MAT217q1y90General Information:

Matthew quotes the prophet Jeremiah to show that the death of all of the male children in the region of Bethlehem was according to scripture.

112MAT217l8g5figs-activepassiveτότε ἐπληρώθη1Then was fulfilled

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “This fulfilled” or “Herods actions fulfilled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

113MAT217v6a1figs-activepassiveτὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ Ἰερεμίου τοῦ προφήτου1what had been spoken through Jeremiah the prophet

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “what the Lord spoke long ago through the prophet Jeremiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

114MAT218p9gkφωνὴ…ἠκούσθη…οὐκ εἰσίν1A voice was heard…they were no more

Matthew is quoting the prophet Jeremiah.

115MAT218k91tfigs-activepassiveφωνὴ…ἠκούσθη1A voice was heard

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “People heard a voice” or “There was a loud sound” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

116MAT218zm17Ῥαχὴλ κλαίουσα τὰ τέκνα αὐτῆς1Rachel weeping for her children

Rachel lived many years before this time. This prophecy shows Rachel, who has died, weeping for her descendants.

117MAT218rgg1figs-activepassiveοὐκ ἤθελεν παρακληθῆναι1she refused to be comforted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “no one could comfort her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

118MAT218p9rifigs-euphemismὅτι οὐκ εἰσίν1because they were no more

“because the children were gone and would never return.” Here “were no more” is a mild way of saying they are dead. Alternate translation: “because they were dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

119MAT219kt2i0Connecting Statement:

Here the scene shifts to Egypt, where Joseph, Mary, and the young Jesus are living.

120MAT219r4yuἰδοὺ1behold

This marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. It may involve different people than the previous events. Your language may have a way of doing this.

121MAT220hz2mfigs-euphemismοἱ ζητοῦντες τὴν ψυχὴν τοῦ παιδίου1those who sought the childs life

Here “sought the childs life” is a way of saying they wanted to kill the child. “Alternate translation: “those who were looking for the child in order to kill him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

122MAT220y6r6οἱ ζητοῦντες1those who sought

This refers to King Herod and his advisors.

123MAT222kg7u0Connecting Statement:

This is the end of the part of the story that began in Matthew 2:1 about Herods attempt to kill the new King of the Jews.

124MAT222uq8pἀκούσας δὲ1But when he heard

“But when Joseph heard”

125MAT222h4cqtranslate-namesἈρχέλαος1Archelaus

This is the name of Herods son. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

126MAT222zk37ἐφοβήθη1he was afraid

“Joseph was afraid”

127MAT223dx5ifigs-activepassiveτὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ τῶν προφητῶν1what had been spoken through the prophets

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “what the Lord spoke long ago through the prophets” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

128MAT223hc8gtranslate-namesΝαζωραῖος κληθήσεται1he would be called a Nazarene

Here “he” refers to Jesus. The prophets before the time of Jesus would have referred to him as the Messiah or the Christ. Alternate translation: “people would say that the Christ is a Nazarene” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

129MAT3introa6h30

Matthew 03 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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 quoted material in verse 3.

Special concepts in this chapter

“Bear fruit worthy of repentance”

Fruit is a common picture word in the scriptures. Writers use it to describe the results of either good or bad behavior. In this chapter, good fruit is the result of living as God commands. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/fruit]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“The kingdom of heaven is near”

No one knows for sure whether the “kingdom of heaven” was present or still coming when John spoke these words. English translations often use the phrase “at hand,” but these words can be difficult to translate. Other versions use the phrases “is coming near” and “has come near.”

130MAT31xp3z0General Information:

This is the beginning of a new part of the story where Matthew tells of the ministry of John the Baptist. In verse 3, Matthew quotes the prophet Isaiah to show that John the Baptist was Gods appointed messenger to prepare for Jesus ministry.

131MAT31d74mἐν…ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις1In those days

This is many years after Joseph and his family left Egypt and went to Nazareth. This is probably near the time that Jesus begins his ministry. Alternate translation: “Some time later” or “Some years later”

132MAT32w7e9figs-youμετανοεῖτε1Repent

This is plural in form. John is speaking to the crowds. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

133MAT32hvx8figs-metonymyἤγγικεν…ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1the kingdom of heaven is near

The phrase “kingdom of heaven” refers to God ruling as king. This phrase is only in the book of Matthew. If possible, use the word “heaven” in your translation. Alternate translation: “our God in heaven will soon show himself to be king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

134MAT33fl4vfigs-activepassiveοὗτος γάρ ἐστιν ὁ ῥηθεὶς διὰ Ἠσαΐου τοῦ προφήτου λέγοντος1For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “For Isaiah the prophet was speaking of John the Baptist when he said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

135MAT33hxb6φωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ1The voice of one calling out in the wilderness

This can be expressed as a sentence. Alternate translation: “The voice of one calling out in the wilderness is heard” or “They hear the sound of someone calling out in the wilderness”

136MAT33yhe7figs-parallelismἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου; εὐθείας ποιεῖτε τὰς τρίβους αὐτοῦ1Make ready the way of the Lord…make his paths straight

These two phrases mean the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

137MAT33y8b5figs-metaphorἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου1Make ready the way of the Lord

“Get the road ready for the Lord.” Doing this represents being prepared to hear the Lords message when he comes. People do this by repenting of their sins. Alternate translation: “Prepare to hear the Lords message when he comes” or “Repent and be ready for the Lord to come” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

138MAT34j647writing-backgroundδὲ…μέλι ἄγριον1Now…wild honey

The word “Now” is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew tells background information about John the Baptist. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

139MAT34x7f3translate-symactionεἶχεν τὸ ἔνδυμα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τριχῶν καμήλου καὶ ζώνην δερματίνην περὶ τὴν ὀσφὺν αὐτοῦ1wore clothing from camels hair and a leather belt around his waist

This clothing symbolizes that John is a prophet like the prophets from long ago, especially the prophet Elijah. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

140MAT35j8kefigs-metonymyτότε…Ἱεροσόλυμα, καὶ πᾶσα ἡ Ἰουδαία, καὶ πᾶσα ἡ περίχωρος1Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region

The words “Jerusalem,” “Judea,” and “the region” are metonyms for the people from those areas. The word “all” is an exaggeration to emphasize that very many people went out. Alternate translation: Then very may people from Jerusalem, Judea, and that region” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

141MAT36v5xnfigs-activepassiveἐβαπτίζοντο…ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ1They were baptized by him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “John baptized them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

142MAT36gi4rἐβαπτίζοντο1They were baptized

This refers to the people coming from Jerusalem, Judea, and the region around the Jordan River.

143MAT37b2br0General Information:

John the Baptist begins to rebuke the Pharisees and Sadducees.

144MAT37fjl3figs-metaphorγεννήματα ἐχιδνῶν, τίς1You offspring of vipers, who

This is a metaphor. Here “offspring” means “having the characteristic of.” Vipers are a kind of dangerous snakes and represent evil. This can be stated as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “You evil poisonous snakes! Who” or “You are evil like poisonous snakes! Who” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

145MAT37c4clfigs-rquestionτίς ὑπέδειξεν ὑμῖν φυγεῖν ἀπὸ τῆς μελλούσης ὀργῆς?1who warned you to flee from the wrath that is coming?

John uses a question to rebuke the Pharisees and Sadducees because they were asking him to baptize them so that God would not punish them, but they did not want to stop sinning. Alternate translation: “you cannot flee from Gods wrath like this.” or “do not think that you can flee from Gods wrath just because I baptize you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

146MAT37h7acfigs-metonymyφυγεῖν ἀπὸ τῆς μελλούσης ὀργῆς1flee from the wrath that is coming

The word “wrath” is being used to refer to Gods punishment because his wrath precedes it. Alternate translation: “run away from the punishment that is coming” or “escape because God is about to punish you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

147MAT38s8acfigs-metaphorποιήσατε οὖν καρπὸν ἄξιον τῆς μετανοίας1Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance

The phrase “bear fruit” is a metaphor referring to a persons actions. Alternate translation: “Let your actions show that you have truly repented” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

148MAT39q7b1figs-explicitπατέρα ἔχομεν τὸν Ἀβραάμ1We have Abraham for our father

“Abraham is our ancestor” or “We are descendants of Abraham.” The Jewish leaders thought that God would not punish them since they were descendants of Abraham. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

149MAT39r29pλέγω γὰρ ὑμῖν1For I say to you

This adds emphasis to what John is about to say.

150MAT39k843ὁ Θεὸς ἐκ τῶν λίθων τούτων ἐγεῖραι τέκνα τῷ Ἀβραάμ1God is able to raise up children for Abraham even out of these stones

“God is able to make physical descendants out of even these stones and give them to Abraham”

151MAT310ls7m0Connecting Statement:

John the Baptist continues to rebuke the Pharisees and Sadducees.

152MAT310ke4sfigs-metaphorἤδη δὲ ἡ ἀξίνη πρὸς τὴν ῥίζαν τῶν δένδρων κεῖται; πᾶν οὖν δένδρον μὴ ποιοῦν καρπὸν καλὸν ἐκκόπτεται καὶ εἰς πῦρ βάλλεται1But already the ax has been placed against the root of the trees. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire

This metaphor means God is ready to punish sinners. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has his axe and he is ready to cut down and burn any tree that grows bad fruit” or “As a person gets his axe ready to cut down and burn a tree that grows bad fruit, God is ready to punish you for your sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

153MAT311lx69εἰς μετάνοιαν1for repentance

“to show that you have repented”

154MAT311mc2rὁ δὲ ὀπίσω μου ἐρχόμενος1But he who comes after me

Jesus is the person who comes after John.

155MAT311c1xfἰσχυρότερός μού ἐστιν1is mightier than I

“is more important than I am”

156MAT311gtm7figs-metaphorαὐτὸς ὑμᾶς βαπτίσει ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ καὶ πυρί1He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire

This metaphor compares Johns baptism with water to the future baptism with fire. This means Johns baptism only symbolically cleanses people of their sins. The baptism by Holy Spirit and fire will truly cleanse people of their sins. If possible, use the word “baptize” in your translation to keep the comparison to Johns baptism. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

157MAT312gcq8figs-metaphorοὗ τὸ πτύον ἐν τῇ χειρὶ αὐτοῦ; καὶ διακαθαριεῖ τὴν ἅλωνα αὐτοῦ1His winnowing fork is in his hand, both to thoroughly clear off his threshing floor

This metaphor compares the way Christ will separate the righteous people from the unrighteous people to the way a man separates wheat grain from chaff. Alternate translation: “Christ is like a man whose winnowing fork is in his hand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

158MAT312sq4pfigs-idiomοὗ τὸ πτύον ἐν τῇ χειρὶ αὐτοῦ1His winnowing fork is in his hand

Here “in his hand” means the person is ready to act. Alternate translation: “Christ is holding a winnowing fork because he is ready” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

159MAT312b5m4translate-unknownτὸ πτύον1winnowing fork

This is a tool for tossing wheat up into the air to separate the wheat grain from the chaff. The heavier grain falls back down and the unwanted chaff is blown away by the wind. It is similar in shape to a pitchfork but with wide tines made of wood. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

160MAT312yw29διακαθαριεῖ τὴν ἅλωνα αὐτοῦ1to thoroughly clear off his threshing floor

Christ is like a man with a winnowing fork who is ready to clear off his threshing floor.

161MAT312r2uaτὴν ἅλωνα αὐτοῦ1his threshing floor

“his ground” or “the ground where he separates the grain from the chaff”

162MAT312av8lfigs-metaphorσυνάξει τὸν σῖτον αὐτοῦ εἰς τὴν ἀποθήκην…τὸ…ἄχυρον κατακαύσει πυρὶ ἀσβέστῳ1to gather his wheat into the storehouse…he will burn up the chaff with fire that can never be put out

This is a metaphor showing how God will separate righteous people from evil people. The righteous will go to heaven like wheat into a farmers storehouse, and God will burn the people who are like chaff with a fire that will never be put out. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

163MAT312bdb7figs-activepassiveἀσβέστῳ1can never be put out

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “will never burn out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

164MAT313vl930Connecting Statement:

Here the scene shifts to a later time when John the Baptist baptizes Jesus.

165MAT313zbj9figs-activepassiveβαπτισθῆναι ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ1to be baptized by him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so John could baptize him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

166MAT314cl7tfigs-rquestionἐγὼ χρείαν ἔχω ὑπὸ σοῦ βαπτισθῆναι, καὶ σὺ ἔρχῃ πρός με?1I need to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me?

John uses a question to show his surprise at Jesus request. Alternate translation: “You are more important than I am. I should not baptize you. You should baptize me.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

167MAT315h6cafigs-inclusiveἡμῖν1for us

Here “us” refers to Jesus and John. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])

168MAT316n8bk0Connecting Statement:

This is the end of the part of the story about John the Baptist. It describes what happened after he baptized Jesus.

169MAT316inf6figs-activepassiveβαπτισθεὶς δὲ1After he was baptized

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “After John baptized Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

170MAT316sf5wἰδοὺ1behold

The word “behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

171MAT316jh1vfigs-activepassiveἀνεῴχθησαν αὐτῷ οἱ οὐρανοί1the heavens were opened to him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Jesus saw the sky open” or “God opened the heavens to Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

172MAT316e3nafigs-simileκαταβαῖνον ὡσεὶ περιστερὰν1coming down like a dove

Possible meanings are (1) this is simply a statement that the Spirit was in the form of a dove or (2) this is a simile that compares the Spirit coming down upon Jesus gently, the way a dove would. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

173MAT317m2wkfigs-metonymyφωνὴ ἐκ τῶν οὐρανῶν λέγουσα1a voice came out of the heavens saying

“Jesus heard a voice from heaven.” Here “voice” refers to God speaking. Alternate translation: “God spoke from heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

174MAT317myz8guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Υἱός μου1my Son

This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

175MAT4introhgw20

Matthew 04 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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, 15 and 16, which are words from the Old Testament.

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 in verse 10.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“the kingdom of heaven has come near”

No one knows for use whether the “kingdom of heaven” was present or still coming when Jesus spoke these words. English translations often use the phrase “at hand,” but these words can be difficult to translate. Other versions use the phase “is coming near” and “has come near.”

“If you are the Son of God”

The reader should not understand these words in verses 3 and 6 to mean that Satan did not know whether Jesus was the Son of God. God had already said that Jesus was his Son (Matthew 3:17), so Satan knew who Jesus was. He also knew that Jesus could make stones become bread and could throw himself off of high places and not be hurt. He was trying to make Jesus do these things and so disobey God and obey Satan. These words can be translated as “Because you are the Son of God” or “You are the Son of God. Show me what you can do.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/satan]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sonofgod]])

176MAT41k51m0General Information:

Here Matthew begins a new part of the story in which Jesus spends 40 days in the wilderness, where Satan tempts him. In verse 4, Jesus rebukes Satan with a quotation from Deuteronomy.

177MAT41aq3sfigs-activepassiveὁ Ἰησοῦς ἀνήχθη…ὑπὸ τοῦ Πνεύματος1Jesus was led up by the Spirit

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the Spirit led Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

178MAT41wy4bfigs-activepassiveπειρασθῆναι ὑπὸ τοῦ διαβόλου1to be tempted by the devil

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so the devil could tempt Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

179MAT42iw2iνηστεύσας…ἐπείνασεν1he had fasted…he was hungry

These refer to Jesus.

180MAT42cft7translate-numbersἡμέρας τεσσεράκοντα καὶ νύκτας τεσσεράκοντα1forty days and forty nights

“40 days and 40 nights.” This refers to 24-hour periods. Alternate translation: “40 days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

181MAT43vl86ὁ πειράζων1The tempter

These words refer to the same being as “the devil” (verse 1). You may have to use the same word to translate both.

182MAT43l1lkεἰ Υἱὸς εἶ τοῦ Θεοῦ, εἰπὲ1If you are the Son of God, command

It is best to assume that Satan knew that Jesus is the Son of God. Possible meanings are (1) this is a temptation to do miracles for Jesus own benefit. Alternate translation: “You are the Son of God, so you can command” or (2) this is a challenge or accusation. Alternate translation: “Prove that you are the Son of God by commanding”

183MAT43c1acguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΥἱὸς…τοῦ Θεοῦ1the Son of God

This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

184MAT43m1vafigs-quotationsεἰπὲ ἵνα οἱ λίθοι οὗτοι ἄρτοι γένωνται1command that these stones become bread.

You could translate this with a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “say to these stones, Become bread.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

185MAT43t3xmfigs-synecdocheἄρτοι1bread

Here “bread” refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

186MAT44fd67figs-activepassiveγέγραπται1It is written

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Moses wrote this in the scriptures long ago” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

187MAT44rld7οὐκ ἐπ’ ἄρτῳ μόνῳ ζήσεται ὁ ἄνθρωπος1Man shall not live on bread alone

This implies that there is something more important to life than food.

188MAT44jl6ffigs-metonymyἀλλ’ ἐπὶ παντὶ ῥήματι ἐκπορευομένῳ διὰ στόματος Θεοῦ1but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God

Here “word” and “mouth” refer to what God says. Alternate translation: “but by listening to everything that God says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

189MAT45r4a50General Information:

In verse 6, Satan quotes from the Psalms in order to tempt Jesus.

190MAT46fa8lεἰ Υἱὸς εἶ τοῦ Θεοῦ, βάλε σεαυτὸν κάτω1If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down

It is best to assume that Satan knew that Jesus is the Son of God. Possible meanings are (1) this is a temptation to do a miracle for Jesus own benefit. Alternate translation: “Since you are truly the Son of God, you can throw yourself down” or (2) this is a challenge or accusation. Alternate translation: “Prove that you are truly the Son of God by throwing yourself down”

191MAT46x2vgguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΥἱὸς…τοῦ Θεοῦ1the Son of God

This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

192MAT46c5krβάλε σεαυτὸν κάτω1throw yourself down

“let yourself fall to the ground” or “jump down”

193MAT46a5h2figs-activepassiveγέγραπται γὰρ1for it is written

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “for the writer wrote in the scriptures” or “for it says in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

194MAT46ebc9figs-quotationsτοῖς ἀγγέλοις αὐτοῦ ἐντελεῖται περὶ σοῦ, καὶ1He will command his angels to take care of you, and

“God will command his angels to take care of you, and” This can be translated with a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “God will say to his angels, Take care of him, and” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

195MAT46f1mmἀροῦσίν σε1They will lift you up

“The angels will hold you”

196MAT47j6cb0General Information:

In verse 7, Jesus rebukes Satan with another quotation from Deuteronomy.

197MAT47u5jpfigs-activepassiveπάλιν γέγραπται1Again it is written

It is understood that Jesus is quoting scripture again. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Again, I will tell you what Moses wrote in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

198MAT47c7t5οὐκ ἐκπειράσεις1You must not test

Here “you” refers to anyone. Alternate translation: “One should not test” or “No person should test”

199MAT48d12qπάλιν…ὁ διάβολος1Again, the devil

“Next, the devil”

200MAT49bq1uεἶπεν αὐτῷ1He said to him

“The devil said to Jesus”

201MAT49al72ταῦτά σοι πάντα δώσω1All these things I will give you

“I will give you all these things.” The tempter is emphasizing here that he will give “all these things,” not just some of them.

202MAT49eas8translate-symactionπεσὼν1fall down

“put your face near the ground.” This was a common action to show that a person was worshiping. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

203MAT410s91r0General Information:

In verse 10, Jesus rebukes Satan with another quotation from Deuteronomy.

204MAT410h8fd0Connecting Statement:

This is the end of the part of the story about how Satan tempted Jesus.

205MAT410k49qfigs-activepassiveγέγραπται γάρ1For it is written

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “For Moses also wrote in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

206MAT410rig8figs-youπροσκυνήσεις…λατρεύσεις1You will worship…you will serve

Both instances of “you” are singular, a command to everyone who hears it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

207MAT411s49zἰδοὺ1behold

The word “behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the important new information that follows.

208MAT412v7p4writing-background0General Information:

This is the beginning of a new part of the story in which Matthew describes the beginning of Jesus ministry in Galilee. These verses explain how Jesus came to be in Galilee. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

209MAT412wib2δὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story.

210MAT412d1vifigs-activepassiveἸωάννης παρεδόθη1John had been arrested

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the king had arrested John” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

211MAT413hpm4figs-explicitἐν ὁρίοις Ζαβουλὼν καὶ Νεφθαλείμ1in the territories of Zebulun and Naphtali

“Zebulun” and “Naphtali” are the names of the tribes that lived in these territories many years earlier before foreigners took control of the land of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

212MAT414n85z0General Information:

In verses 15 and 16, Matthew quotes the prophet Isaiah to show that Jesus ministry in Galilee was a fulfillment of prophecy.

213MAT414jb4pἵνα1This happened

This refers to Jesus going to live in Capernaum.

214MAT414tj7cfigs-activepassiveτὸ ῥηθὲν1what was spoken

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “what God said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

215MAT415egx6γῆ Ζαβουλὼν καὶ γῆ Νεφθαλείμ…Γαλιλαία τῶν ἐθνῶν1The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali…Galilee of the Gentiles!

These territories describe the same area.

216MAT415bmz6ὁδὸν θαλάσσης1toward the sea

This is the Sea of Galilee.

217MAT416e278ὁ λαὸς ὁ καθήμενος1The people who sat

These words can be combined with the sentence beginning with “The land of Zebulun” (verse 15). Alternate translation: “In the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali…where many Gentiles live, the people who sat”

218MAT416h2xrfigs-metaphorὁ λαὸς ὁ καθήμενος ἐν σκοτίᾳ φῶς εἶδεν μέγα1The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light

Here “darkness” is a metaphor for not knowing the truth about God. And “light” is a metaphor for Gods true message that saves people from their sin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

219MAT416nn1rfigs-parallelismτοῖς καθημένοις ἐν χώρᾳ καὶ σκιᾷ θανάτου, φῶς ἀνέτειλεν αὐτοῖς1to those who sat in the region and shadow of death, upon them has a light arisen

This basically has the same meaning as the first part of the sentence. Here “those who sat in the region and shadow of death” is a metaphor. It represents those who did not know God. These people were in danger of dying and being separated from God forever. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

220MAT417dku3figs-metonymyἤγγικεν…ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1the kingdom of heaven has come near

The phrase “the kingdom of heaven” refers to God ruling as king. This phrase is only in the book of Matthew. If possible, include a word that means “heaven” in your translation. See how you translated this in Matthew 3:2. Alternate translation: “our God in heaven will soon show himself to be king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

221MAT418yrx70General Information:

This begins a new scene within the part of the story about Jesus ministry in Galilee. Here he begins to gather men to be his disciples.

222MAT418yfh5figs-explicitβάλλοντας ἀμφίβληστρον εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν1casting a net into the sea

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “throwing a net into the water to catch fish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

223MAT419y3zgδεῦτε ὀπίσω μου1Come, follow after me

Jesus invites Simon and Andrew to follow him, live with him, and become his disciples. Alternate translation: “Be my disciples”

224MAT419n9h3figs-metaphorποιήσω ὑμᾶς ἁλιεῖς ἀνθρώπων1I will make you fishers of men

This metaphor means Simon and Andrew will teach people Gods true message, so others will also follow Jesus. Alternate translation: “I will teach you to gather men to me like you used to gather fish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

225MAT421pcg60Connecting Statement:

Jesus calls more men to be his disciples.

226MAT421utn4ἐκάλεσεν αὐτούς1He called them

“Jesus called John and James.” This phrase also means that Jesus invited them to follow him, live with him, and become his disciples.

227MAT422dlk3οἱ…εὐθέως ἀφέντες1they immediately left

“at that moment they left”

228MAT422gr2iἀφέντες τὸ πλοῖον…ἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ1left the boat…and followed him

It should be clear that this is a life change. These men are no longer going to be fishermen and are leaving the family business to follow Jesus for the rest of their lives.

229MAT423y3qewriting-endofstory0Connecting Statement:

This is the end of the part of the story about the beginning of Jesus ministry in Galilee. These verses summarize what he did and how the people responded. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])

230MAT423ztr8διδάσκων ἐν ταῖς συναγωγαῖς αὐτῶν1teaching in their synagogues

“teaching in the synagogues of the Galileans” or “teaching in the synagogues of those people”

231MAT423jt3mfigs-metonymyκηρύσσων τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς βασιλείας1preaching the gospel of the kingdom

Here “kingdom” refers to Gods reign as king. Alternate translation: “preaching the good news that God will show himself as king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

232MAT423nr8mπᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν1every kind of disease and every sickness

The words “disease” and “sickness” are closely related but should be translated as two different words if possible. “Disease” is what causes a person to be sick.

233MAT423uc55μαλακίαν1sickness

is the physical weakness or affliction that results from having a disease.

234MAT424i296figs-activepassiveδαιμονιζομένους1those possessed by demons

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom demons controlled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

235MAT424p3nffigs-genericnounσεληνιαζομένους1the epileptic

This refers to anyone there who had epilepsy, not to a particular epileptic. Alternate translation: “those who sometimes had seizures” or “those who sometimes became unconscious and moved uncontrollably” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

236MAT424qk4cfigs-genericnounκαὶ παραλυτικούς1and paralytic

This refers to anyone there who was paralyzed, not to a particular paralytic. Alternate translation: “and any who were paralyzed” or “and those who could not walk” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

237MAT425i9m7translate-namesΔεκαπόλεως1the Decapolis

This name means “the Ten Towns.” This is the name of a region to the southeast of the Sea of Galilee. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

238MAT5introawz80

Matthew 05 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Many people call the words in Matthew 5-7 the Sermon on the Mount. This is one long lesson that Jesus taught. Bibles divide this lesson into three chapters, but this can sometimes confuse the reader. If your translation divides the text into sections, be sure that the reader understands that the whole sermon is one large section.

Matthew 5:3-10, known as the Beatitudes or Blessings, has been set apart by being set farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text, with each line beginning with the word “blessed.” This way of placing the words on the page highlights the poetic form of this teaching.

Jesus spoke about many different subjects in this sermon, so you may wish to help the reader by putting an empty line into the text whenever Jesus changed the subject.

Special concepts in this chapter

“His disciples”

It is possible to refer to anyone who followed Jesus as a follower or disciple. Jesus selected twelve of his followers to become his closest disciples, “the twelve disciples.” They would later become known as the apostles.

239MAT51hz260General Information:

In verse 3, Jesus begins to describe the characteristics of people who are blessed.

240MAT51c5rq0Connecting Statement:

This is the beginning of a new part of the story in which Jesus begins to teach his disciples. This part continues through the end of chapter 7 and is frequently called the Sermon on the Mount.

241MAT52q9mmfigs-idiomἀνοίξας τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ1He opened his mouth

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Jesus began to speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

242MAT52ji1pἐδίδασκεν αὐτοὺς1taught them

The word “them” refers to his disciples.

243MAT53j7ctfigs-idiomοἱ πτωχοὶ τῷ πνεύματι1the poor in spirit

This means someone who is humble. Alternate translation: “those who know they need God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

244MAT53wpi6figs-metonymyὅτι αὐτῶν ἐστιν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

Here “kingdom of heaven” refers to Gods rule as king. This phrase is only in the book of Matthew. If possible, keep “heaven” in your translation. Alternate translation: “for God in heaven will be their king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

245MAT54pgy8οἱ πενθοῦντες1those who mourn

Possible reasons they are sad are (1) the sinfulness of the world or (2) their own sins or (3) the death of someone. Do not specify the reason for mourning unless your language requires it.

246MAT54lie5figs-activepassiveαὐτοὶ παρακληθήσονται1they will be comforted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will comfort them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

247MAT55mvb1οἱ πραεῖς1the meek

“the gentle” or “those who do not rely on their own power”

248MAT55iy1yαὐτοὶ κληρονομήσουσι τὴν γῆν1they will inherit the earth

“God will give them the entire earth”

249MAT56bi1jfigs-metaphorοἱ πεινῶντες καὶ διψῶντες τὴν δικαιοσύνην1those who hunger and thirst for righteousness

This metaphor describes people who strongly desire to do what is right. Alternate translation: “those who desire to live right as much as they desire food and drink” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

250MAT56hlq2figs-activepassiveαὐτοὶ χορτασθήσονται1they will be filled

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will fill them” or “God will satisfy them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

251MAT58s9gdfigs-metonymyοἱ καθαροὶ τῇ καρδίᾳ1the pure in heart

“people whose hearts are pure.” Here “heart” is a metonym for a persons inner being or intentions. Alternate translation: “those who only want to serve God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

252MAT58t6niαὐτοὶ τὸν Θεὸν ὄψονται1they will see God

Here “see” means they will be able to live in Gods presence. Alternate translation: “God will allow them to live with him”

253MAT59p1ezοἱ εἰρηνοποιοί1the peacemakers

These are the people who help others to have peace with one another.

254MAT59tv19figs-activepassiveὅτι αὐτοὶ υἱοὶ Θεοῦ κληθήσονται1for they will be called sons of God

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “for God will call them his children” or “they will be children of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

255MAT59vcr2υἱοὶ Θεοῦ1sons of God

It is best to translate “sons” with the same word your language would naturally use to refer to a human son or child.

256MAT510bqu7figs-activepassiveοἱ δεδιωγμένοι1those who have been persecuted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “those people whom others treat unfairly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

257MAT510xnb6ἕνεκεν δικαιοσύνης1for righteousness sake

“because they do what God wants them to do”

258MAT510f3lifigs-metonymyαὐτῶν ἐστιν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1theirs is the kingdom of heaven

Here “kingdom of heaven” refers to Gods rule as king. This phrase is only in the book of Matthew. If possible, keep “heaven” in your translation. See how you translated this in Matthew 5:3. Alternate translation: “for God in heaven will be their king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

259MAT511jvm40Connecting Statement:

Jesus finishes describing the characteristics of people who are blessed.

260MAT511t5kbfigs-youμακάριοί ἐστε1Blessed are you

The word “you” is plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

261MAT511rk69εἴπωσιν πᾶν πονηρὸν καθ’ ὑμῶν ψευδόμενοι1say all kinds of evil things against you falsely

“say all kinds of evil lies about you” or “say bad things about you that are not true”

262MAT511eez3ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ1for my sake

“because you follow me” or because you believe in me”

263MAT512ssk9figs-doubletχαίρετε καὶ ἀγαλλιᾶσθε1Rejoice and be very glad

“Rejoice” and “be very glad” mean almost the same thing. Jesus wanted his hearers not merely to rejoice but to do even more than rejoice if possible. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

264MAT513qp6l0Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins to teach about how his disciples are like salt and light.

265MAT513i3zpfigs-metaphorὑμεῖς ἐστε τὸ ἅλας τῆς γῆς1You are the salt of the earth

Possible meanings are (1) just as salt makes food good, disciples of Jesus influence the people of the world so that they will be good. Alternate translation: “You are like salt for the people of the world” or (2) just as salt preserves food, disciples of Jesus keep people from becoming totally corrupt. Alternate translation: “As salt is for food, you are for the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

266MAT513jv56figs-metaphorἐὰν…τὸ ἅλας μωρανθῇ1if the salt has lost its taste

Possible meanings are (1) “if the salt has lost its power to do things that salt does” or (2) “if the salt has lost its flavor.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

267MAT513wp9gfigs-rquestionἐν τίνι ἁλισθήσεται?1with what can it be made salty again?

“how can it be made useful again?” Jesus uses a question to teach the disciples. Alternate translation: “there is no way for it to become useful again.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

268MAT513e7czfigs-activepassiveεἰ μὴ βληθὲν ἔξω, καταπατεῖσθαι ὑπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων1except to be thrown out and trampled under peoples feet

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “except for people to throw it out into the road and walk on it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

269MAT514wgh5figs-metaphorὑμεῖς ἐστε τὸ φῶς τοῦ κόσμου1You are the light of the world

This means Jesus followers bring the message of Gods truth to all the people who do not know God. Alternate translation: “You are like a light for the people of the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

270MAT514bn28figs-explicitοὐ δύναται πόλις κρυβῆναι ἐπάνω ὄρους κειμένη1A city set on a hill cannot be hidden

At night when it is dark, people can see the city lights shining. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “During the night, no one can hide the lights that shine from a city on a hill” or “Everyone sees the lights of a city on a hill” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

271MAT515s5sbοὐδὲ καίουσιν λύχνον1Neither do people light a lamp

“People do not light a lamp”

272MAT515c8elτιθέασιν αὐτὸν ὑπὸ τὸν μόδιον1put it under a basket

“place the lamp under a basket.” This is saying it is foolish to create light only to hide it so people do not see the light of the lamp.

273MAT516qhp8figs-metaphorλαμψάτω τὸ φῶς ὑμῶν ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων1Let your light shine before people

This means a disciple of Jesus should live in such a way that others can learn about Gods truth. Alternate translation: “Let your lives be like a light that shines before people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

274MAT516iiu8τὸν Πατέρα ὑμῶν τὸν ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1your Father who is in heaven

It is best to translate “Father” with the same word your language would naturally use to refer to a human father.

275MAT517p63n0Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins to teach about how he has come to fulfill the Old Testament law.

276MAT517gg3kfigs-metonymyτοὺς προφήτας1the prophets

This refers to what the prophets wrote in the scriptures. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

277MAT518lky5ἀμὴν,…λέγω ὑμῖν1truly I say to you

“I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

278MAT518cv3mfigs-merismἕως ἂν παρέλθῃ ὁ οὐρανὸς καὶ ἡ γῆ1until heaven and earth pass away

Here “heaven” and “earth” refer to the entire universe. Alternate translation: “as long as the universe lasts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

279MAT518ylz6figs-explicitἰῶτα ἓν ἢ μία κερέα οὐ μὴ1one jot or one tittle will certainly not

The jot was the smallest Hebrew letter, and the tittle was a small mark that was the difference between two Hebrew letters. Alternate translation: “not even the smallest written letter or the smallest part of a letter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

280MAT518m5pffigs-activepassiveπάντα γένηται1all things have been accomplished

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “all things have happened” or “God causes all things to happen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

281MAT518n77jfigs-explicitπάντα1all things

The phrase “all things” refers to everything in the law. Alternate translation: “everything in the law” or “all that is written in the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

282MAT519uxz2ὃς ἐὰν…λύσῃ1whoever breaks

“whoever disobeys” or “whoever ignores”

283MAT519k9thμίαν τῶν ἐντολῶν τούτων τῶν ἐλαχίστων1the least one of these commandments

“any of these commandments, even the least important one”

284MAT519dv5cfigs-activepassiveὃς ἐὰν…διδάξῃ οὕτως τοὺς ἀνθρώπους…κληθήσεται1teaches others to do so will be called

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if anyone…teaches others to do so, God will call that person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

285MAT519bg2vfigs-metonymyἐλάχιστος…ἐν τῇ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1least in the kingdom of heaven

The phrase “kingdom of heaven” refers to Gods rule as king. This phrase is found only in Matthew. If possible use “heaven” in your translation. Alternate translation: “the least important in his heavenly kingdom” or “the least important under the rule of our God in heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

286MAT519u5kpποιήσῃ καὶ διδάξῃ1keeps them and teaches them

“obeys all these commandments and teaches others to do the same”

287MAT519nk9nμέγας1great

most important

288MAT520jwm9λέγω γὰρ ὑμῖν1For I say to you

This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

289MAT520vsc5figs-youὑμῖν…ὑμῶν1you…your…you will enter

These are plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

290MAT520l3lvfigs-doublenegativesὅτι ἐὰν μὴ περισσεύσῃ ὑμῶν ἡ δικαιοσύνη…οὐ μὴ εἰσέλθητε1that unless your righteousness overflows…you will certainly not enter

This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: “that your righteousness must exceed…Pharisees in order to enter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

291MAT521x5vyfigs-you0General Information:

Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. The “you” is plural in “you have heard” and “I say to you.” The understood “you” is singular in “Do not kill,” but in some languages it may need to be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

292MAT521us5a0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to teach about how he has come to fulfill the Old Testament law. Here he begins to speak about murder and anger.

293MAT521t6k5figs-activepassiveἐρρέθη τοῖς ἀρχαίοις1it was said to them in ancient times

This can be expressed with an active verb. Alternate translation: “God said to those who lived long ago” or “Moses said to your ancestors long ago” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

294MAT521mij2figs-explicitὃς…ἂν φονεύσῃ, ἔνοχος ἔσται τῇ κρίσει1Whoever kills will be in danger of the judgment

Here “the judgment” implies that a judge will condemn the person to die. Alternate translation: “A judge will condemn anyone who kills another person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

295MAT521y44xφονεύσεις…φονεύσῃ1kill…kills

This word refers to murder, not to all forms of killing.

296MAT521r2k4figs-explicitἔνοχος ἔσται τῇ κρίσει1will be in danger of the judgment

It seems here Jesus is not referring to a human judge but rather to God condemning the person who is angry with his brother. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

297MAT522e9ggἐγὼ δὲ λέγω1But I say

Jesus agrees with God and his word, but he does not agree with the way the religious leaders have applied Gods word. The “I” is emphatic. This indicates that what Jesus says is equally important to the original commands from God. Try to translate this phrase in a way that shows that emphasis.

298MAT522d5nlτῷ ἀδελφῷ1brother

This refers to a fellow believer, not to a literal brother or a neighbor.

299MAT522w721ῥακά…μωρέ1You worthless person…You fool

These are insults for people who cannot think correctly. “Worthless person” is close to “brainless,” where “fool” adds the idea of disobedience to God.

300MAT522s89dΣυνεδρίῳ1council

This was likely a local council, not the main Sanhedrin in Jerusalem.

301MAT523msz4figs-youπροσφέρῃς1you are offering

Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. All occurrences of “you” and “your” are singular, but in some languages they may need to be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

302MAT523r49yπροσφέρῃς τὸ δῶρόν σου1you are offering your gift

“giving your gift” or “bringing your gift”

303MAT523chv4figs-explicitἐπὶ τὸ θυσιαστήριον1at the altar

It is implied that this is Gods altar at the temple in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “to God at the altar in the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

304MAT523dz75κἀκεῖ μνησθῇς1there remember

“while you are standing at the altar you remember”

305MAT523xvf5ὁ ἀδελφός σου ἔχει τι κατὰ σοῦ1your brother has something against you

“another person is angry with you because of something you did”

306MAT524z9m5figs-activepassiveπρῶτον διαλλάγηθι τῷ ἀδελφῷ σου1First be reconciled with your brother

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “First make peace with the person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

307MAT525x4tafigs-youἴσθι εὐνοῶν τῷ ἀντιδίκῳ σου1Agree with your accuser

Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. All occurrences of “you” and “your” are singular, but in some languages they may need to be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

308MAT525sr9dτῷ ἀντιδίκῳ σου1your accuser

This is a person who blames someone for doing something wrong. He takes the wrongdoer to court to accuse him before a judge.

309MAT525x1tkfigs-idiomσε παραδῷ…τῷ κριτῇ1may hand you over to the judge

Here “hand you over” means to give someone into the control of someone else. Alternate translation: “will let the judge deal with you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

310MAT525pq6dfigs-idiomὁ κριτὴς τῷ ὑπηρέτῃ1the judge to the officer

Here “hand you over” means to give someone into the control of someone else. Alternate translation: “the judge will give you over to the officer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

311MAT525gcm5τῷ ὑπηρέτῃ1to the officer

a person who has authority to carry out the decisions of a judge

312MAT525pzh4figs-activepassiveεἰς φυλακὴν βληθήσῃ1you may be thrown into prison

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the officer might put you in prison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

313MAT526gec9ἀμὴν, λέγω σοι1Truly I say to you

“I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

314MAT526eem5ἐκεῖθεν1from there

“from prison”

315MAT527c8dnfigs-you0General Information:

Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. The “you” is plural in “you have heard” and “I say to you.” The understood “you” is singular in “Do not commit adultery,” but in some languages it may need to be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

316MAT527mj3g0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to teach about how he has come to fulfill the Old Testament law. Here he begins to speak about adultery and lust.

317MAT527jxg5figs-activepassiveὅτι ἐρρέθη1that it was said

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that God said” or “that Moses said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

318MAT527yn7mμοιχεύσεις1commit adultery

This word means to act out or do something.

319MAT528qfl6ἐγὼ δὲ λέγω1But I say

Jesus agrees with God and his word, but he does not agree with the way the religious leaders have applied Gods word. The “I” is emphatic. This indicates that what Jesus says is equally important to the original commands from God. Try to translate this phrase in a way that shows that emphasis. See how you translated this in Matthew 5:22.

320MAT528glg9figs-metaphorπᾶς ὁ βλέπων γυναῖκα πρὸς τὸ ἐπιθυμῆσαι αὐτὴν, ἤδη ἐμοίχευσεν αὐτὴν ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ1everyone who looks on a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart

This metaphor indicates that a man who lusts after a woman is as guilty of adultery as a man who actually commits the act of adultery. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

321MAT528k7scπρὸς τὸ ἐπιθυμῆσαι αὐτὴν1to lust after her

“and lusts after her” or “and desires to sleep with her”

322MAT528eqs8figs-metonymyἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ1in his heart

Here “heart” is a metonym for a persons thoughts. Alternate translation: “in his mind” or “in his thoughts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

323MAT529et3nfigs-youεἰ…σου1If your

Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. All instances of “you” and “your” are singular, but in some langugaes they may need to be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

324MAT529ikp5figs-metonymyεἰ…ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου ὁ δεξιὸς σκανδαλίζει σε1If your right eye causes you to stumble

Here “eye” refers to what a person sees. And, “stumble” is a metaphor for “sin.” Alternate translation: “if what you see causes you to stumble” or “if you want to sin because of what you see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

325MAT529mb58figs-idiomὁ ὀφθαλμός…ὁ δεξιὸς1right eye

This means the most important eye, as opposed to the left eye. You may need to translate “right” as “better” or “stronger.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

326MAT529v6jrfigs-hyperboleἔξελε αὐτὸν1pluck it out

This is an exaggerated command for a person to do whatever he needs to do to stop sinning. It means “forcefully remove it” or “destroy it.” If the right eye is not specifically mentioned, you may need to translate this “destroy your eyes.” If eyes have been mentioned, you may need to translate this “destroy them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

327MAT529zg1vβάλε ἀπὸ σοῦ1throw it away from you

“get rid of it”

328MAT529im6uἀπόληται ἓν τῶν μελῶν σου1one of your body parts should perish

“you should lose one part of your body”

329MAT529v1cnfigs-activepassiveκαὶ μὴ ὅλον τὸ σῶμά σου βληθῇ εἰς Γέενναν1so that your whole body should not be thrown into hell

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “than for God to throw your whole body into hell” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

330MAT530zx8xfigs-metonymyεἰ ἡ δεξιά σου χεὶρ σκανδαλίζει σε1If your right hand causes you to stumble

In this metonymy, the hand stands for the actions of the whole person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

331MAT530hk9zfigs-idiomἡ δεξιά σου χεὶρ1your right hand

This means the most important hand, as opposed to the left hand. You may need to translate “right” as “better” or “stronger.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

332MAT530qs74figs-hyperboleἔκκοψον αὐτὴν1cut it off

This is an exaggerated command for a person to do whatever he needs to do to stop sinning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

333MAT531fdr80Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to teach about how he has come to fulfill the Old Testament law. Here he begins to speak about divorce.

334MAT531dh23figs-activepassiveἐρρέθη δέ1It was also said

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God also said” or “Moses also said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

335MAT531quq9figs-euphemismἀπολύσῃ τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ1sends his wife away

This is a euphemism for divorce. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

336MAT531tp9lδότω1let him give

“he must give”

337MAT532q6aqἐγὼ δὲ λέγω1But I say

Jesus agrees with God and his word, but he does not agree with the way the religious leaders have applied Gods word. The “I” is emphatic. This indicates that what Jesus says is equally important to the original commands from God. Try to translate this phrase in a way that shows that emphasis. See how you translated this in Matthew 5:22.

338MAT532j2aqποιεῖ αὐτὴν μοιχευθῆναι1makes her an adulteress

It is the man who divorces the woman improperly who “causes her to commit adultery.” In many cultures it would be normal for her to remarry, but if the divorce is improper, such a remarriage is adultery.

339MAT532zai7figs-activepassiveἀπολελυμένην1her after she has been divorced

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “her after her husband has divorced her” or “the divorced woman” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

340MAT533i5akfigs-you0General Information:

Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. The “you” is plural in “you have heard” and “I say to you.” The “you” and “your” are singular in “Do not swear” and “carry out your oaths,” but in some languages they may need to be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

341MAT533dg2a0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to teach about how he has come to fulfill the Old Testament law. Here he begins to speak about swearing oaths.

342MAT533vv1eπάλιν ἠκούσατε1Again, you have heard

“Also, you” or “Here is another example. You”

343MAT533fk86figs-activepassiveἐρρέθη τοῖς ἀρχαίοις1it was said to those in ancient times

This can be expressed with an active verb. Alternate translation: “God said to those who lived long ago” or “Moses said to your ancestors long ago” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

344MAT533tk9yοὐκ ἐπιορκήσεις, ἀποδώσεις δὲ τῷ Κυρίῳ τοὺς ὅρκους σου1Do not swear a false oath, but carry out your oaths to the Lord.

“Do not swear that you will do something and then not do it. Instead do whatever you have sworn to the Lord that you will do”

345MAT534mpk1ἐγὼ δὲ λέγω1But I say

Jesus agrees with God and his word, but he does not agree with the way the religious leaders have applied Gods word. The “I” is emphatic. This indicates that what Jesus says is equally important to the original commands from God. Try to translate this phrase in a way that shows that emphasis. See how you translated this in Matthew 5:22.

346MAT534m2n6μὴ ὀμόσαι ὅλως1swear not at all

“Do not swear at all” or “Do not swear by anything”

347MAT534u7sufigs-metaphorθρόνος ἐστὶν τοῦ Θεοῦ1it is the throne of God

Because God reigns from heaven, Jesus speaks of heaven as if it were a throne. Alternate translation: “it is from here that God rules” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

348MAT535c8lx0Connecting Statement:

Jesus finishes his words from verse 34, telling the people not to swear.

349MAT535v2hfμήτε ἐν τῇ γῇ…πόλις ἐστὶν τοῦ μεγάλου Βασιλέως1nor by the earth…it is the city of the great King

Here Jesus means that when people make a promise or when they say that something is true, they must not swear by anything. Some people were teaching that if a person swears by God that he will do something, then he must do it, but if he swears by something else, such as by heaven or earth, then it is less offensive if he does not do what he swore to do. Jesus says that swearing by heaven or earth or Jerusalem is just as serious as swearing by God because those things all belong to God.

350MAT535e7z8figs-metaphorὑποπόδιόν ἐστιν τῶν ποδῶν αὐτοῦ1it is the footstool for his feet

This metaphor means the earth also belongs to God. Alternate translation: “it is like a footstool where a king rests his feet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

351MAT535e6znὅτι πόλις ἐστὶν τοῦ μεγάλου Βασιλέως1for it is the city of the great King

“for it is the city that belongs to God, the great King”

352MAT536kr2d0General Information:

Previously Jesus told his hearers that Gods throne, footstool, and earthly home are not theirs to swear by. Here he says that they may not swear even by their own heads.

353MAT536l9c8figs-youσου1your

Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. All occurrences of these words are singular, but you may have to translate them as plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

354MAT536z5vuὀμόσῃς1swear

This refers to taking an oath. See how you translated this in Matthew 5:34.

355MAT537tke6ἔστω…ὁ λόγος ὑμῶν, ναὶ ναί, οὒ οὔ1let your speech be Yes, yes, or No, no.

“if you mean yes, say yes, and if you mean no, say no.’”

356MAT538quy6figs-you0General Information:

Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. The “you” is plural in “you have heard” and “I say to you.” The “you” in “whoever strikes you” and the understood “you” in “turn to him” are both singular, but in some languages they may need to be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

357MAT538s39u0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to teach about how he has come to fulfill the Old Testament law. Here he begins to speak about retaliating against an enemy.

358MAT538zar1figs-activepassiveὅτι ἐρρέθη1that it was said

This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in Matthew 5:27. Alternate translation: “that God said” or “that Moses said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

359MAT538w53lὀφθαλμὸν ἀντὶ ὀφθαλμοῦ καὶ ὀδόντα ἀντὶ ὀδόντος1eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth

The law of Moses allowed a person to harm a person in the same way he had harmed him, but he could not harm him worse.

360MAT539x2y9ἐγὼ δὲ λέγω1But I say

Jesus agrees with God and his word, but he does not agree with the way the religious leaders have applied Gods word. The “I” is emphatic. This indicates that what Jesus says is equally important to the original commands from God. Try to translate this phrase in a way that shows that emphasis.

361MAT539qrx1τῷ πονηρῷ1the evil person

“an evil person” or “someone who harms you”

362MAT539ec5yῥαπίζει…τὴν δεξιὰν σιαγόνα1strikes…your right cheek

To strike the side of a mans face was an insult in Jesus culture. As with the eye and the hand, the right cheek is the more important one, and striking that cheek was a terrible insult.

363MAT539d5xgῥαπίζει1strikes

hits with the back of an open hand

364MAT539wz54στρέψον αὐτῷ καὶ τὴν ἄλλην1turn to him the other also

“let him hit your other cheek also”

365MAT540gr2xfigs-you0General Information:

Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. All occurrences of “you” and “your” are singular, including the understood “you” in the commands “let,” “go,” “give,” and “do not turn away.” In some languages they may need to be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

366MAT540t9f4τὸν χιτῶνά…ἱμάτιον1coat…cloak

The “coat” 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 “coat” for warmth and also used as a blanket for warmth at night.

367MAT540p5m2ἄφες αὐτῷ καὶ τὸ ἱμάτιον1let that person also have

“give also to that person”

368MAT541i867figs-explicitὅστις1Whoever

“Anyone who.” The context implies that he is speaking about a Roman soldier. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

369MAT541i86sμίλιον ἕν1one mile

This is one thousand paces, which is the distance a Roman soldier could legally force someone to carry something for him. If “mile” is confusing, it can be translated as “one kilometer” or “a distance.”

370MAT541n8r4μετ’ αὐτοῦ1with him

This refers to the one who compels you to go.

371MAT541zv6iὕπαγε μετ’ αὐτοῦ δύο1go with him two

“go the mile he forces you to go, and then go another mile.” If “mile” is confusing, you can translate it as “two kilometers” or “twice as far.”

372MAT542pe6xμὴ ἀποστραφῇς1do not turn away

“do not refuse to lend to.” This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: “lend to”

373MAT543cyz3figs-you0General Information:

Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. The “you” is plural in “you have heard” and “I say to you.” The “you” and “your” are singular in “You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy,” but in some languages they may need to be plural. All occurrences of “you” and “your” after that are plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

374MAT543xf8l0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to teach about how he has come to fulfill the Old Testament law. Here he begins to speak about loving enemies.

375MAT543fp6xfigs-activepassiveὅτι ἐρρέθη1that it was said

This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in Matthew 5:27. Alternate translation: “that God said” or “that Moses said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

376MAT543tqj3figs-genericnounτὸν πλησίον σου1your neighbor

Here the word “neighbor” does not refer to a specific neighbor, but to any members of ones community or people group. These are people whom one usually desires to treat kindly or at least believes he ought to treat kindly. Alternate translation: “your countrymen” or “those who belong to your people group” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

377MAT544f9lpἐγὼ δὲ λέγω1But I say

Jesus agrees with God and his word, but he does not agree with the way the religious leaders have applied Gods word. The “I” is emphatic. This indicates that what Jesus says is equally important to the original commands from God. Try to translate this phrase in a way that shows that emphasis. See how you translated this in Matthew 5:22.

378MAT545my3dγένησθε υἱοὶ τοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν1you may be sons of your Father

It is best to translate “sons” with the same word your language would naturally use to refer to human sons or children.

379MAT545jzu9guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΠατρὸς1Father

This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

380MAT546g5t7figs-you0General Information:

Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. All instances of “you” and “your” are plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

381MAT546sf7k0Connecting Statement:

Jesus finishes teaching about how he has come to fulfill the Old Testament law. This section began in Matthew 5:17.

382MAT546se4kfigs-rquestionτίνα μισθὸν ἔχετε?1what reward do you get?

Jesus uses this question to teach the people that loving those who love them is not something special that God will reward them for. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternative translation: “you will get no reward.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

383MAT546cb77figs-rquestionοὐχὶ καὶ οἱ τελῶναι τὸ αὐτὸ ποιοῦσιν?1Do not even the tax collectors do the same thing?

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternative translation: “Even the tax collectors do the same thing.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

384MAT547ba6efigs-rquestionτί περισσὸν ποιεῖτε?1what do you do more than others?

This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “you do nothing more than others.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

385MAT547ben5ἀσπάσησθε1you greet

This is a general term for showing a desire for the well-being of the hearer.

386MAT547elw9figs-rquestionοὐχὶ καὶ οἱ ἐθνικοὶ τὸ αὐτὸ ποιοῦσιν?1Do not even the Gentiles do the same thing?

This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Even the Gentiles do the same thing.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

387MAT548l6paguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΠατὴρ1Father

This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

388MAT6introjrj20

Matthew 06 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Matthew 6 continues Jesus extended teaching known as “The Sermon on the Mount.”

You may wish to set apart the prayer in 6:9-11 by placing it farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text.

Jesus spoke about many different subjects in this sermon, so you may wish to help the reader by putting an empty line into the text whenever Jesus changed the subject.

389MAT61zvn1figs-you0General Information:

Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. All occurrences of “you” and “your” are plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

390MAT61at4q0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to teach his disciples in his Sermon on the Mount, which began in Matthew 5:3. In this section, Jesus addresses the “acts of righteousness” of alms, prayer, and fasting.

391MAT61bgc7figs-explicitἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων, πρὸς τὸ θεαθῆναι αὐτοῖς1before people to be seen by them

It is implied that those who see the person will honor him. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “in front of people just so that they can see you and give you honor for what you have done” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

392MAT61juj5guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτῷ Πατρὶ1Father

This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

393MAT62d8kwfigs-metaphorμὴ σαλπίσῃς ἔμπροσθέν σου1do not sound a trumpet before yourself

This metaphor means to do something that purposefully gets peoples attention. Alternate translation: “do not draw attention to yourself like someone who plays a loud trumpet in a crowd” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

394MAT62dk6uἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

“I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

395MAT63z4c1figs-you0General Information:

Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. All occurrences of “you” and “your” are plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

396MAT63te4n0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to teach his disciples about alms.

397MAT63vca2figs-metaphorμὴ γνώτω ἡ ἀριστερά σου τί ποιεῖ ἡ δεξιά σου1do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing

This is a metaphor for total secrecy. Just as hands usually work together and each can be said to “know” what the other is doing at all times, you should not let even those closest to you know when you are giving to the poor. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

398MAT64h4wefigs-activepassiveσου ἡ ἐλεημοσύνη ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ1your gift may be given in secret

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you can give to the poor without other people knowing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

399MAT65m54ufigs-you0General Information:

Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. All occurrences of “you” and “your” in verses 5 and 7 are plural; in verse 6 they are singular, but in some languages they may need to be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

400MAT65a7z40Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins to teach about prayer.

401MAT65e12vfigs-explicitὅπως φανῶσιν τοῖς ἀνθρώποις1so that they may be seen by people

It is implied that those who see them will give them honor. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that people will see them and give them honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

402MAT65z3h6ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

“I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

403MAT66dqv4εἴσελθε εἰς τὸ ταμεῖόν σου καὶ κλείσας τὴν θύραν σου1enter into your inner chamber, and having shut your door

“go to a private place” or “go where you can be alone”

404MAT66vdr7τῷ Πατρί σου τῷ ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ1your Father who is in secret

Possible meanings are (1) no one can see God. Alternate translation: “Father, who is invisible” or (2) God is in that private place with the praying person. Alternate translation: “Father, who is with you in private”

405MAT66kkn7guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτῷ Πατρί1Father

This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

406MAT66eb6rὁ Πατήρ σου, ὁ βλέπων ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ1your Father who sees in secret

“your Father will see what you do in private and”

407MAT67d1t2μὴ βατταλογήσητε1do not make useless repetitions

Possible meanings are (1) the repetitions are useless. Alternate translation: “do not keep uselessly saying things over and over again” or (2) the words or sentences are meaningless. Alternate translation: “do not keeping repeating meaningless words”

408MAT67a8aifigs-activepassiveεἰσακουσθήσονται1they will be heard

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “their false gods will hear them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

409MAT68fr1dfigs-you0General Information:

Jesus is talking to a group of people about how they as individuals should pray. The words “you” and “your” are plural in the first sentence. Within the prayer, the words “you” and “your” are singular and refer to God, “Our Father in heaven.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

410MAT68nv9iguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Πατὴρ1Father

This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

411MAT69ad6lΠάτερ ἡμῶν, ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1Our Father who is in heaven

This is the beginning of the prayer and how Jesus teaches the people to address God.

412MAT69mq4xfigs-metonymyἁγιασθήτω τὸ ὄνομά σου1may your name be honored as holy

Here “your name” refers to God himself. Alternate translation: “make everyone honor you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

413MAT610n67cfigs-metonymyἐλθέτω ἡ βασιλεία σου1May your kingdom come

Here “kingdom” refers to Gods rule as king. Alternate translation: “May you rule over everyone and everything completely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

414MAT610pdc5figs-activepassiveγενηθήτω τὸ θέλημά σου, ὡς ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς1May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “May everything on earth happen in accordance with your will as everything in heaven does” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

415MAT611njr9figs-exclusive0General Information:

This is part of a prayer that Jesus was teaching the people. All instances of “we,” “us,” and “our” refer only to those who would pray this prayer. Those words do not also refer to God, to whom they would be praying. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

416MAT611dft8figs-synecdocheτὸν ἄρτον…τὸν ἐπιούσιον1daily bread

Here “bread” refers to food in general. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

417MAT612yi9sfigs-metaphorτὰ ὀφειλήματα1debts

A debt is what one person owes another. This is a metaphor for sins. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

418MAT612i8fqfigs-metaphorτοῖς ὀφειλέταις ἡμῶν1our debtors

A debtor is a person who owes a debt to another person. This is a metaphor for those who have sinned against us. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

419MAT613l8u6figs-abstractnounsμὴ εἰσενέγκῃς ἡμᾶς εἰς πειρασμόν1Do not bring us into temptation

The word “temptation,” an abstract noun, can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “Do not let anything tempt us” or “Do not let anything cause us to desire to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

420MAT614ns3mfigs-you0General Information:

All instances of “you” and “your” are plural. However, Jesus is telling them what will happen to them as individuals if each person does not forgive others. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

421MAT614z79afigs-abstractnounsτὰ παραπτώματα αὐτῶν1their trespasses

The abstract noun “trespasses” can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “when they trespass against you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

422MAT614v7neguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Πατὴρ1Father

This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

423MAT615pi3zfigs-abstractnounsτοῖς ἀνθρώποις…τὰ παραπτώματα ὑμῶν1their trespasses…your trespasses

The abstract noun “trespasses” can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “when they trespass against you…when you trespass against God” or “when they do things that harm you…when you do things that make your Father angry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

424MAT616j7xgfigs-you0General Information:

Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. In verse 16 all occurences of “you” are plural. In verses 17 and 18 where Jesus teaches them how to behave when they fast, all occurrences of “you” and “your” are singular. In some languages those occurences of “you” may also need to be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

425MAT616q19r0Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins to teach about fasting.

426MAT616xv6bἀφανίζουσιν…τὰ πρόσωπα αὐτῶν1they disfigure their faces

The hypocrites would not wash their faces or comb their hair. They did this purposely to draw attention to themselves so that people would see them and give them honor for fasting.

427MAT616ix6hἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

“I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

428MAT617k283ἄλειψαί σου τὴν κεφαλὴν1anoint your head

“put oil in your hair” or “groom your hair.” To “anoint” the head here is to take normal care of ones hair. It has nothing to do with “Christ” meaning “anointed one.” Jesus means that people should look the same whether they are fasting or not.

429MAT618d27sτῷ Πατρί σου τῷ ἐν τῷ κρυφαίῳ1your Father who is in secret

Possible meanings are (1) no one can see God. Alternate translation: “Father, who is invisible” or (2) God is with that person who fasts secretly. Alternate translation: “Father, who is with you in private” See how you translated this in Matthew 6:6.

430MAT618m56aguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτῷ Πατρί1Father

This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

431MAT618tby8ὁ βλέπων ἐν τῷ κρυφαίῳ1who sees in secret

“who sees what you do in private.” See how you translated this in Matthew 6:6.

432MAT619afg9figs-you0General Information:

Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. All occurrences of “you” and “your” are plural, except in verse 21, where they are singular. In some languages these occurrences of “you” and “your” may also need to be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

433MAT619z3jx0Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins to teach about money and possessions.

434MAT619tqp1θησαυροὺς1treasures

riches, the things to which a person gives the most value

435MAT619z9wdὅπου σὴς καὶ βρῶσις ἀφανίζει1where moth and rust destroy

“where moth and rust ruin treasures”

436MAT619tqc9σὴς1moth

a small, flying insect that destroys cloth

437MAT619enl6βρῶσις1rust

a brown substance that forms on metals

438MAT620v5tnfigs-metaphorθησαυρίζετε…ὑμῖν θησαυροὺς ἐν οὐρανῷ1store up for yourselves treasures in heaven

This is a metaphor that means do good things on earth so God will reward you in heaven. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

439MAT621b74qfigs-metonymyἐκεῖ ἔσται καὶ ἡ καρδία σου1there will your heart be also

Here “heart” means a persons thoughts and interests. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

440MAT622g215figs-you0General Information:

Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. The instances of “you” and “your” are all singular, but in some languages they may need to be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

441MAT622sbl1figs-metaphorὁ λύχνος τοῦ σώματός ἐστιν ὁ ὀφθαλμός…φωτεινὸν ἔσται1The eye is the lamp of the body…is filled with light

This compares healthy eyes that allow a person to see to diseased eyes that cause a person to be blind. This is a metaphor referring to spiritual health. Often Jewish people used the phrase “bad eye” to refer to greed. The meaning is that if a person is completely devoted to God and sees or considers things the way God does, then he is doing what is right. If a person is greedy for more, then he is doing what is evil. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

442MAT622r4d1figs-metaphorὁ λύχνος τοῦ σώματός ἐστιν ὁ ὀφθαλμός1The eye is the lamp of the body

This metaphor means the eyes allow a person to see just as a lamp helps a person see in the dark. Alternate translation: “Like a lamp, the eye allows you to see things clearly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

443MAT622u47qὀφθαλμός1eye

You may have to translate this as plural, “eyes.”

444MAT623dl86figs-metaphorἐὰν δὲ ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου…ἐστίν τὸ σκότος πόσον1But if your eye…how great is that darkness

This compares healthy eyes that allow a person to see to diseased eyes that cause a person to be blind. This is a metaphor referring to spiritual health. Often Jewish people used the phrase “bad eye” to refer to greed. The meaning is that if a person is completely devoted to God and sees or considers things the way God does, then he is doing what is right. If a person is greedy for more, then he is doing what is evil. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

445MAT623p231figs-metaphorἐὰν…ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου πονηρὸς ᾖ1if your eye is bad

This does not refer to magic. Jewish people often used this as a metaphor for someone who is greedy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

446MAT623n42mεἰ…τὸ φῶς τὸ ἐν σοὶ σκότος, ἐστίν τὸ σκότος πόσον1if the light that is in you is actually darkness, how great is that darkness!

“if that which is supposed to cause light in your body causes darkness, then your body is in complete darkness”

447MAT624ijn3figs-parallelismἢ γὰρ τὸν ἕνα μισήσει καὶ τὸν ἕτερον ἀγαπήσει, ἢ ἑνὸς ἀνθέξεται καὶ τοῦ ἑτέρου καταφρονήσει1for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other

Both of these phrases mean basically the same thing. They emphasize that a person cannot love and be devoted both to God and money at the same time. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

448MAT624zt2uοὐ δύνασθε Θεῷ δουλεύειν καὶ μαμωνᾷ1You cannot serve God and wealth

“You cannot love God and money at the same time”

449MAT625s5uyfigs-you0General Information:

Here the instances of “you” and “your” are all plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

450MAT625wcz4λέγω ὑμῖν1I say to you

This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

451MAT625xdu1ὑμῖν1to you

Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do.

452MAT625nt96figs-rquestionοὐχὶ ἡ ψυχὴ πλεῖόν ἐστι τῆς τροφῆς, καὶ τὸ σῶμα τοῦ ἐνδύματος?1is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?

Jesus uses a question to teach the people. Alternate translation: “obviously life is more than what you eat, and your body is more than what you wear.” or “clearly there are things in life that are more imortant than food, and there are things concerning the body that are more important than clothes.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

453MAT626p11zἀποθήκας1barns

places to store crops

454MAT626a9w6guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Πατὴρ1Father

This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

455MAT626nbm5figs-rquestionοὐχ ὑμεῖς μᾶλλον διαφέρετε αὐτῶν?1Are you not more valuable than they are?

Jesus uses a question to teach the people. Alternate translation: “Obviously you are more valuable than birds.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

456MAT627cm6afigs-you0General Information:

Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. All instances of “you” and “your” are plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

457MAT627fr8gfigs-rquestionτίς δὲ ἐξ ὑμῶν μεριμνῶν δύναται προσθεῖναι ἐπὶ τὴν ἡλικίαν αὐτοῦ πῆχυν ἕνα?1But which one of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his lifespan?

Jesus uses a question to teach the people. Here to “add one cubit to his lifespan” is a metaphor for adding time to how long a person will live. Alternate translation: “None of you can, just by worrying, add years to your life. You cannot add even one minute to your life! So you should not worry about things you need.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

458MAT627kub4translate-bdistanceπῆχυν ἕνα1one cubit

A cubit is a measure of a little less than half a meter. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])

459MAT628erj8figs-rquestionπερὶ ἐνδύματος τί μεριμνᾶτε?1Why are you anxious about clothing?

Jesus uses a question to teach the people. Alternate translation: “You should not be worried about what you will wear.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

460MAT628cs99καταμάθετε1Think about

“Consider”

461MAT628him2figs-personificationτὰ κρίνα…αὐξάνουσιν; οὐ κοπιῶσιν οὐδὲ νήθουσιν1the lilies…They do not work, and they do not spin cloth

Jesus speaks about the lilies as if they were people who wore clothes. The lilies being clothed is a metaphor for the plants having beautiful and colorful flowers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

462MAT628t16ltranslate-unknownκρίνα1lilies

A lily is a kind of wild flower. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

463MAT629n75lfigs-personificationοὐδὲ Σολομὼν ἐν πάσῃ τῇ δόξῃ αὐτοῦ περιεβάλετο ὡς ἓν τούτων1not even Solomon…was clothed like one of these

Jesus speaks about the lilies as if they were people who wore clothes. The lilies being clothed is a metaphor for the plants having beautiful and colorful flowers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

464MAT629np9eλέγω…ὑμῖν1I say to you

This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

465MAT629sqg8figs-activepassiveπεριεβάλετο ὡς ἓν τούτων1was clothed like one of these

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “did not wear clothes that are as beautiful as these lilies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

466MAT630z5lhfigs-personificationτὸν χόρτον τοῦ ἀγροῦ…οὕτως1so clothes the grass in the fields

Jesus continues to speak about the lilies as if they were people who wore clothes. The lilies being clothed is a metaphor for the plants having beautiful and colorful flowers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

467MAT630uf36χόρτον1grass

If your language has a word that includes “grass” and the word you used for “lilies” in the previous verse, you can use it here.

468MAT630m23lfigs-activepassiveεἰς κλίβανον βαλλόμενον1is thrown into the oven

The Jews at that time used grass in their fires to cook their food. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone throws it into a fire” or “someone burns it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

469MAT630cd8wfigs-rquestionἀμφιέννυσιν, οὐ πολλῷ μᾶλλον ὑμᾶς, ὀλιγόπιστοι?1will he not clothe you much more, you of little faith?

Jesus uses this question to teach the people that God will provide what they need. Alternate translation: “he will certainly clothe you…faith.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

470MAT630ic18ὑμᾶς, ὀλιγόπιστοι1you of little faith

“you who have such little faith.” Jesus addresses the people this way because their anxiety about clothing shows they have little faith in God.

471MAT631jps3οὖν1Therefore

“Because of all of this”

472MAT631pd6xfigs-synecdocheτί περιβαλώμεθα1What will we wear

In this sentence, “clothes” is a synecdoche for material possessions. Alternate translation: “What possessions will we have” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

473MAT632j77yγὰρ ταῦτα τὰ ἔθνη ἐπιζητοῦσιν1For the Gentiles seek all these things

“for the Gentiles are concerned about what they will eat, drink, and wear”

474MAT632ecb9οἶδεν…ὁ Πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ οὐράνιος ὅτι χρῄζετε τούτων1your heavenly Father knows that you need all of them

Jesus is implying that God will make sure their basic needs are met.

475MAT632unz1guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Πατὴρ1Father

This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

476MAT633ep2cfigs-metonymyζητεῖτε…πρῶτον τὴν βασιλείαν καὶ τὴν δικαιοσύνην αὐτοῦ1seek first his kingdom and his righteousness

Here “kingdom” refers to Gods rule as king. Alternate translation: “concern yourselves with serving God, who is your king, and doing what is right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

477MAT633ak39figs-activepassiveκαὶ ταῦτα πάντα προστεθήσεται ὑμῖν1all these things will be given to you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will provide all these things for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

478MAT634qm2aοὖν1Therefore

“Because of all this”

479MAT634xdg7figs-personificationἡ…αὔριον μεριμνήσει ἑαυτῆς1tomorrow will be anxious for itself

Jesus speaks of “tomorrow” as if it were a person who could worry. Jesus means that a person will have enough to worry about when the next day comes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

480MAT7introbz7e0

Matthew 07 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Matthew 5-7

Many people call the words in Matthew 5-7 the Sermon on the Mount. This is one long lesson that Jesus taught. Bibles divide this lesson into three chapters, but this can sometimes confuse the reader. If your translation divides the text into sections, be sure that the reader understands that the whole sermon is one large section.

“By their fruits you will know them”

Fruit is a common image in the scriptures. It is used to describe the results of either good or bad actions. In this chapter, good fruit is the result of living as God commands. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/fruit]])

481MAT71jav3figs-you0General Information:

Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. The instances of “you” and the commands are plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

482MAT71f4fe0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to teach his disciples in his Sermon on the Mount, which began in Matthew 5:3.

483MAT71xk6wfigs-explicitμὴ κρίνετε1Do not judge

It is implied here that “judge” has the strong meaning of “condemn harshly” or “declare guilty.” Alternate translation: “Do not condemn people harshly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

484MAT71bk8yfigs-activepassiveμὴ κριθῆτε1you will not be judged

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will not condemn you harshly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

485MAT72f9nbγὰρ1For

Be sure the reader understands the statement in 7:2 is based on what Jesus said in 7:1.

486MAT72kj24figs-activepassiveἐν ᾧ…κρίματι κρίνετε, κριθήσεσθε1with the judgment you judge, you will be judged

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will condemn you in the same way you condemn others” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

487MAT72mt3dᾧ μέτρῳ1the measure

Possible meanings are (1) this is the amount of punishment given or (2) this is the standard used for judgment.

488MAT72wgh2figs-activepassiveμετρηθήσεται ὑμῖν1it will be measured out to you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will measure it out to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

489MAT73hzb40General Information:

Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. The instances of “you” and “your” are all singular, but in some languages they may need to be plural.

490MAT73em5rfigs-rquestionτί δὲ βλέπεις τὸ κάρφος…τὴν δὲ ἐν τῷ σῷ ὀφθαλμῷ δοκὸν οὐ κατανοεῖς?1Why do you look…but you do not notice the log that is in your own eye?

Jesus uses this question to rebuke the people for paying attention to other peoples sins and ignoring their own. Alternate translation: “You look…brothers eye, but you do not notice the log that is in your own eye.” or “Do not look…brothers eye and ignore the log that is in your own eye.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

491MAT73ctb3figs-metaphorτὸ κάρφος τὸ ἐν τῷ ὀφθαλμῷ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ σου1the tiny piece of straw that is in your brothers eye

This is a metaphor that refers to the less important faults of a fellow believer. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

492MAT73r9jfκάρφος1tiny piece of straw

“speck” or “splinter” or “bit of dust.” Use a word for the smallest thing that commonly falls into a persons eyes.

493MAT73d2qcτοῦ ἀδελφοῦ1brother

All occurrences of “brother” in 7:3-5 refer to a fellow believer, not to a literal brother or a neighbor.

494MAT73q1z4figs-metaphorτὴν…ἐν τῷ σῷ ὀφθαλμῷ δοκὸν1the log that is in your own eye

This is a metaphor for a persons most important faults. A log could not literally go into a persons eye. Jesus is exaggerating to emphasize that a person should pay attention to his own more important faults before he deals with another persons less important faults. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

495MAT73cgc6δοκὸν1log

the largest part of a tree that someone has cut down

496MAT74k58hfigs-rquestionἢ πῶς ἐρεῖς…τῷ ὀφθαλμῷ σοῦ?1How can you say…your own eye?

Jesus asks this question to challenge the people to pay attention to their own sins before they pay attention to another persons sins. Alternate translation: “You should not say…your own eye.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

497MAT76av850General Information:

Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. The instances of “you” and “your” are all plural.

498MAT76arm9figs-metaphorτοῖς κυσίν…τῶν χοίρων1dogs…hogs

Jews considered these animals dirty, and God told the Jews not to eat them. They are metaphors for wicked people who do not value holy things. It would be best to translate these words literally. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

499MAT76xy2efigs-metaphorτοὺς μαργαρίτας1pearls

These are similar to round, valuable stones or beads. They are a metaphor for the knowledge of God or precious things in general. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

500MAT76vt72καταπατήσουσιν1they may trample

“the pigs may trample”

501MAT76y5mmκαὶ στραφέντες ῥήξωσιν ὑμᾶς1then turn and tear you to pieces

“the dogs will then turn and tear”

502MAT77j1qafigs-you0General Information:

Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. The instances of “you” and “your” are all plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

503MAT77ut6ifigs-metaphorαἰτεῖτε…ζητεῖτε…κρούετε1Ask…Seek…Knock

These are metaphors for praying to God. The verb form shows that we are to keep praying until he answers. If your language has a form for continuing to do something over and over, use it here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

504MAT77fh57αἰτεῖτε1Ask

request things from someone, in this case God

505MAT77tv49figs-activepassiveδοθήσεται ὑμῖν1it will be given to you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will give you what you need” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

506MAT77cs5bζητεῖτε1Seek

look for someone, in this case God

507MAT77rt8gκρούετε1Knock

To knock on a door was a polite way to request that the person inside the house or room open the door. If knocking on a door is impolite or not done in your culture, use the word that describes how people politely ask for doors to be opened. Alternate translation: “Tell God you want him to open the door”

508MAT77zxs3figs-activepassiveἀνοιγήσεται ὑμῖν1it will be opened to you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will open it for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

509MAT79mq14figs-rquestionἢ τίς ἐστιν ἐξ ὑμῶν ἄνθρωπος…μὴ λίθον ἐπιδώσει αὐτῷ?1Or what man is there among you…but he will give him a stone?

Jesus uses a question to teach the people. Alternate translation: “There is not one person among you…a stone.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

510MAT79n5s1figs-synecdocheἄρτον1a loaf of bread

This refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “some food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

511MAT79cq8hλίθον1stone

This noun should be translated literally.

512MAT710ht1mἰχθὺν…ὄφι1fish…snake

These nouns should be translated literally.

513MAT710y9q5figs-rquestionἢ καὶ ἰχθὺν αἰτήσει, μὴ ὄφιν ἐπιδώσει αὐτῷ?1Or he will also ask for a fish, but he will give him a snake?

Jesus asks another question to teach the people. It is understood that Jesus is still referring to a man and his son. Alternate translation: “And there is not one person among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

514MAT711h3k6figs-you0General Information:

Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. The instances of “you” and “your” are plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

515MAT711pk31figs-rquestionπόσῳ μᾶλλον ὁ Πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς δώσει…αὐτόν?1how much more will your Father in heaven give…him?

Jesus uses a question to teach the people. Alternate translation: “then your Father in heaven will most certainly give…him.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

516MAT711z8zrguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Πατὴρ1Father

This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

517MAT712wr93ὅσα ἐὰν θέλητε ἵνα ποιῶσιν ὑμῖν οἱ ἄνθρωποι1whatever you would want that people would do to yo

“whatever way you want others to act toward you”

518MAT712b1x2figs-metonymyοὗτος γάρ ἐστιν ὁ νόμος καὶ οἱ προφῆται1for this is the law and the prophets

Here “law” and “prophets” refer to what Moses and the prophets wrote. Alternate translation: “for this is what Moses and the prophets teach in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

519MAT713uhb30General Information:

This image of walking through a wide gate to destruction or a narrow gate to life represents how people live and the results of how they live. When you translate, use appropriate words for “wide” and “broad” that are as different as possible from “narrow” in order to emphasize the differences between the two sets of gates and ways.

520MAT713dgr2figs-metaphorεἰσέλθατε διὰ τῆς στενῆς πύλης…πολλοί εἰσιν οἱ εἰσερχόμενοι δι’ αὐτῆς1Enter through the narrow gate…there are many people who go through it

This is an image of people traveling on a road and going through a gate into a kingdom. One kingdom is easy to enter; the other is hard to enter. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

521MAT713j8xnεἰσέλθατε διὰ τῆς στενῆς πύλης1Enter through the narrow gate

You may need to move this to the end of verse 14: “Therefore, enter through the narrow gate.”

522MAT713y9ruτῆς…πύλης…ἡ ὁδὸς1the gate…the way

Possible meanings are (1) “the way” refers to the road that leads to the gate of a kingdom, or (2) the “the gate” and “the way” both refer to the entrance to the kingdom.

523MAT713zv24figs-abstractnounsεἰς τὴν ἀπώλειαν1to destruction

This abstract noun can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: “to the place where people die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

524MAT714x8u90Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to speak of people choosing how they are going to live as if they are choosing whether to go on one path or another.

525MAT714wlr9figs-abstractnounsεἰς τὴν ζωήν1to life

The abstract noun “life” can be translated using the verb “live.” Alternate translation: “to the place where people live” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

526MAT715s91cπροσέχετε ἀπὸ1Beware of

“Be on guard against”

527MAT715lj5vfigs-metaphorοἵτινες ἔρχονται πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἐν ἐνδύμασι προβάτων, ἔσωθεν δέ εἰσιν λύκοι ἅρπαγες1who come to you in sheeps clothing but are truly ravenous wolves

This metaphor means that false prophets will pretend they are good and want to help people, but they are really evil and will do people harm. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

528MAT716pul5figs-metaphorἀπὸ τῶν καρπῶν αὐτῶν ἐπιγνώσεσθε αὐτούς1By their fruits you will know them

This metaphor refers to a persons actions. Alternate translation: “Just as you know a tree by the fruit that grows on it, you will know false prophets by how they act” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

529MAT716nve4figs-rquestionμήτι συλλέγουσιν…ἢ ἀπὸ τριβόλων σῦκα?1People do not gather…or figs from thistles, do they?

Jesus uses a question to teach the people. The people would have known that the answer is no. Alternate translation: “People do not gather…thistles.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

530MAT717a9tnfigs-metaphorπᾶν δένδρον ἀγαθὸν καρποὺς καλοὺς ποιεῖ1every good tree produces good fruit

Jesus continues to use the metaphor of fruit to refer to good prophets who produce good works or words. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

531MAT717f5l3figs-metaphorτὸ…σαπρὸν δένδρον καρποὺς πονηροὺς ποιεῖ1the bad tree produces bad fruit

Jesus continues to use the metaphor of fruit to refer to bad prophets who produce evil works. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

532MAT719aeg4figs-metaphorπᾶν δένδρον μὴ ποιοῦν καρπὸν καλὸν ἐκκόπτεται καὶ εἰς πῦρ βάλλεται1Every tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire

Jesus continues to use fruit trees as a metaphor to refer to false prophets. Here, he only states what will happen to the bad trees. It is implied that the same thing will happen to the false prophets. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

533MAT719g7fsfigs-activepassiveἐκκόπτεται καὶ εἰς πῦρ βάλλεται1is cut down and thrown into the fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “people cut down and burn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

534MAT720x87mfigs-metaphorἀπὸ τῶν καρπῶν αὐτῶν ἐπιγνώσεσθε αὐτούς1you will recognize them by their fruits

The word “their” can refer to either the prophets or the trees. This metaphor implies that the fruit of trees and the deeds of prophets both reveal whether they are good or bad. If possible, translate this in a way so that it can refer to both trees and prophets. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

535MAT721rj2vfigs-metonymyεἰσελεύσεται εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν τῶν Οὐρανῶν1will enter into the kingdom of heaven

Here “kingdom of heaven” refers to Gods rule as king. The phrase “kingdom of heaven” is used only in the book of Matthew. If possible, keep “heaven” in your translation. Alternate translation: “will live with God in heaven when he shows himself to be king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

536MAT721rq5hὁ ποιῶν τὸ θέλημα τοῦ Πατρός μου τοῦ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1those who do the will of my Father who is in heaven

“whoever does what my Father in heaven desires”

537MAT721c6yzguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός1Father

This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

538MAT722mp6efigs-explicitἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ1in that day

Jesus said “that day” knowing his hearers would understand he was referring to the day of judgment. You should include “the day of judgment” only if your readers would not understand otherwise. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

539MAT722m9pyfigs-rquestionἐπροφητεύσαμεν…δαιμόνια ἐξεβάλομεν…δυνάμεις πολλὰς ἐποιήσαμεν?1did we not prophesy…drive out demons…do many mighty deeds?

The people use a question to emphasize that they did these things. Alternate translation: “we prophesied…we drove out demons…we did many mighty deeds.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

540MAT722t5j7figs-exclusiveἐπροφητεύσαμεν1did we…prophesy

This “we” does not include Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

541MAT722hg17figs-metonymyτῷ σῷ ὀνόματι1in your name

Possible meanings are (1) “by your authority” or “by your power” or (2) “because we were doing what you wanted us to do” or (3) “because we asked you for the power to do it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

542MAT722p67fδυνάμεις1mighty deeds

“miracles”

543MAT723d4y5figs-idiomοὐδέποτε ἔγνων ὑμᾶς1I never knew you

This means the person does not belong to Jesus. Alternate translation: “You are not my follower” or “I have nothing to do with you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

544MAT724fg9kοὖν1Therefore

“For that reason”

545MAT724hbd7figs-metonymyμου τοὺς λόγους τούτους1these words of mine

Here “words” refers to what Jesus says. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

546MAT724qjh9figs-simileὁμοιωθήσεται ἀνδρὶ φρονίμῳ, ὅστις ᾠκοδόμησεν αὐτοῦ τὴν οἰκίαν ἐπὶ τὴν πέτραν1will be like a wise man who built his house upon a rock

Jesus compares those who obey his words to a person who builds his house where nothing can harm it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

547MAT724dy1fπέτραν1rock

This is the bedrock below the topsoil and clay, not a large stone or boulder above the ground.

548MAT725bv81figs-activepassiveτεθεμελίωτο1it was built

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he built it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

549MAT726asf40Connecting Statement:

This is the end of Jesus Sermon on the Mount, which began in Matthew 5:3.

550MAT726nw97figs-simileὁμοιωθήσεται ἀνδρὶ μωρῷ, ὅστις ᾠκοδόμησεν αὐτοῦ τὴν οἰκίαν ἐπὶ τὴν ἄμμον1will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand

Jesus continues the simile from the previous verse. He compares those who do not obey his words to foolish house-builders. Only a fool would build a house on a sandy place where rain, floods, and wind can sweep the sand away. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

551MAT727a7mjἔπεσεν1it fell

Use the general word in your language that describes what happens when a house falls down.

552MAT727k4hiἦν ἡ πτῶσις αὐτῆς μεγάλη1its destruction was complete

The rain, floods, and wind completely destroyed the house.

553MAT728jrh7writing-endofstory0General Information:

These verses describe how the people in the crowds reacted to Jesus teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])

554MAT728hu6zκαὶ ἐγένετο, ὅτε1It came about that when

This phrase shifts the story from Jesus teachings to what happened next. Alternate translation: “When” or “After”

555MAT728b321ἐξεπλήσσοντο…ἐπὶ τῇ διδαχῇ αὐτοῦ1were astonished by his teaching

It is clear in 7:29 that they were amazed not just at what Jesus taught but also the way he taught it. Alternate translation: “were amazed by the way he taught”

556MAT8introf33a0

Matthew 08 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins a new section.

Special concepts in this chapter

Miracles

Jesus performed miracles to show that he could control things that no other people could control. He also showed that it is proper to worship him because he performed miracles. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/authority]])

557MAT81qb1dwriting-newevent0General Information:

This is the beginning of a new part of the story that contains several accounts of Jesus healing people. This theme continues through Matthew 9:35. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

558MAT81clf8καταβάντος δὲ αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τοῦ ὄρους, ἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ ὄχλοι πολλοί1Now when Jesus had come down from the hill, large crowds followed him

“After Jesus came down from the hill, a large crowd followed him.” The crowd may have included both people who had been with him on the mountain and people who had not been with him.

559MAT82vas8ἰδοὺ1Behold

The word “behold” alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this.

560MAT82q4x2λεπρὸς1a leper

“a man who had leprosy” or “a man who had a skin disease”

561MAT82n77qtranslate-symactionπροσεκύνει αὐτῷ1bowed before him

This is a sign of humble respect before Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

562MAT82yc3fἐὰν θέλῃς1if you are willing

“if you want to” or “if you desire.” The leper knew that Jesus had the power to heal him, but he did not know if Jesus would want to touch him.

563MAT82yjn2figs-idiomδύνασαί με καθαρίσαι1you can make me clean

Here “clean” means to be healed and to be able to live in the community again. Alternate translation: “you can heal me” or “please heal me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

564MAT83kg7efigs-imperativeκαθαρίσθητι1Be clean

By saying this, Jesus healed the man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])

565MAT83eht7εὐθέως ἐκαθαρίσθη1Immediately he was cleansed

“At that moment he was cleansed”

566MAT83lj1xfigs-activepassiveἐκαθαρίσθη αὐτοῦ ἡ λέπρα1he was cleansed of his leprosy

The result of Jesus saying “Be clean” was that the man was healed. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he was well” or “the leprosy left him” or “the leprosy ended” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

567MAT84gzy6αὐτῷ1to him

This refers to the man that Jesus just healed.

568MAT84gt5sὅρα μηδενὶ εἴπῃς1See that you tell no one

“do not say anything to anyone” or “do not tell anyone I healed you”

569MAT84zi3afigs-explicitσεαυτὸν, δεῖξον τῷ ἱερεῖ1show yourself to the priest

Jewish law required that the person show his healed skin to the priest, who would then allow him or her to return to the community, to be with other people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

570MAT84tq9lfigs-explicitπροσένεγκον τὸ δῶρον ὃ προσέταξεν Μωϋσῆς, εἰς μαρτύριον αὐτοῖς1offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them

The law of Moses required that someone healed of leprosy give a thanksgiving offering to the priest. When the priest accepted the gift, people would know that the man had been healed. Lepers were ostracized, banned from the community, until they had proof of their healing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

571MAT84rj8ufigs-pronounsαὐτοῖς1to them

This can possibly refer to (1) the priests or (2) all the people or (3) the critics of Jesus. If possible, use a pronoun that could refer to any of these groups. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

572MAT85sxz80Connecting Statement:

Here the scene shifts to a different time and place and tells of Jesus healing another person.

573MAT85vzb9προσῆλθεν αὐτῷ…παρακαλῶν αὐτὸν1came to him and asked him

Here “him” refers to Jesus.

574MAT86cr8hπαραλυτικός1paralyzed

unable to move because of disease or stroke

575MAT87b9brλέγει αὐτῷ1Jesus said to him

“Jesus said to the centurion”

576MAT87r3sxἐγὼ ἐλθὼν, θεραπεύσω αὐτόν1I will come and heal him

“I will come to your house and make your servant well”

577MAT88p7p4figs-idiomμου ὑπὸ τὴν στέγην1under my roof

This is an idiom that refers to inside the house. Alternate translation: “into my house” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

578MAT88hig7figs-metonymyεἰπὲ λόγῳ1say the word

Here “word” represents a command. Alternate translation: “give the command” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

579MAT88rk1zfigs-activepassiveἰαθήσεται1will be healed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “will become well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

580MAT89ds2mfigs-activepassiveὑπὸ ἐξουσίαν, τασσόμενος1who is placed under authority

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “who is under the authority of someone else” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

581MAT89da25figs-idiomὑπὸ ἐξουσίαν…ὑπ’ ἐμαυτὸν1under authority…under me

To be “under” someone means to be less important and to obey the commands of someone more important. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

582MAT810rc1hἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

“I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

583MAT810c7y6figs-explicitπαρ’ οὐδενὶ τοσαύτην πίστιν ἐν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ εὗρον1I have not found such great faith in anyone in Israel

Jesus hearers would have thought that the Jews in Israel, who claim to be children of God, would have greater faith than anyone. Jesus is saying they are wrong and that the centurions faith was greater. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

584MAT811xee4figs-youὑμῖν1you

Here “you” is plural and refers to “those who were following him” in Matthew 8:10. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

585MAT811mt2ifigs-merismἀπὸ ἀνατολῶν καὶ δυσμῶν1from the east and the west

Using the opposites “east” and “west” is a way of saying “everywhere.” Alternate translation: “from everywhere” or “from far away in every direction” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

586MAT811u4sjfigs-metonymyἀνακλιθήσονται1they will recline at table

People in that culture would lie down beside the table while eating. This phrase indicates that all those at the table are family and close friends. The joy in the kingdom of God is frequently spoken of as if the people there were feasting. Alternate translation: “live as family and friends” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

587MAT811qmc7figs-metonymyἐν τῇ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1in the kingdom of heaven

Here “kingdom of heaven” refers to Gods rule as king. The phrase “kingdom of heaven” is used only in the book of Matthew. If possible, keep “heaven” in your translation. Alternate translation: “when our God in heaven shows that he is king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

588MAT812ks3bfigs-activepassiveοἱ…υἱοὶ τῆς βασιλείας ἐκβληθήσονται1the sons of the kingdom will be thrown

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will throw the sons of the kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

589MAT812aug7figs-metonymyοἱ δὲ υἱοὶ τῆς βασιλείας1the sons of the kingdom

The phrase “sons of” is a metonym, referring to the unbelieving Jews of the kingdom of Judea. There is also irony here because the “sons” will be thrown out while the strangers will be welcomed. Alternate translation: “those who should have allowed God to rule over them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

590MAT812liu4figs-metonymyτὸ σκότος τὸ ἐξώτερον1the outer darkness

Here “outer darkness” is a metonym for the place where God sends those who reject them. This is a place that is completely separated from God forever. Alternate translation: “the dark place away from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

591MAT812gww4translate-symactionὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων1weeping and grinding of teeth

“Grinding of teeth” here is a symbolic act, representing extreme sadness and suffering. Alternate translation: “weeping and showing their extreme suffering” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

592MAT813ki92figs-activepassiveγενηθήτω σοι1so may it be done for you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so I will do it for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

593MAT813sdn6figs-activepassiveἰάθη ὁ παῖς1the servant was healed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Jesus healed the servant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

594MAT813ln7pἐν τῇ ὥρᾳ ἐκείνῃ1at that very hour

“at the exact time Jesus said he would heal the servant”

595MAT814s6g40Connecting Statement:

Here the scene shifts to a different time and place and tells of Jesus healing another person.

596MAT814ja31ἐλθὼν ὁ Ἰησοῦς1When Jesus had come

The disciples were probably with Jesus, but the focus of the story is on what Jesus said and did, so introduce the disciples only if needed to avoid wrong meaning.

597MAT814ynh8τὴν πενθερὰν αὐτοῦ1Peters mother-in-law

“the mother of Peters wife”

598MAT815w7nhfigs-personificationἀφῆκεν αὐτὴν ὁ πυρετός1the fever left her

If your language would understand this personification to mean that the fever could think and act on its own, this can be translated as “she became better” or “Jesus healed her.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

599MAT815r9ltἠγέρθη1she got up

“got out of bed”

600MAT816bpx70General Information:

In verse 17, Matthew quotes the prophet Isaiah to show that Jesus healing ministry was a fulfillment of prophecy.

601MAT816b7cx0Connecting Statement:

Here the scene shifts to later that evening and tells of Jesus healing more people and casting out demons.

602MAT816yv9yfigs-explicitὀψίας δὲ γενομένης1Now when evening had come

Because Jews did not work or travel on the Sabbath, “evening” may imply after the Sabbath. They waited until evening to bring people to Jesus. You do not need to mention the Sabbath unless you need to avoid wrong meaning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

603MAT816pwr4figs-activepassiveδαιμονιζομένους πολλούς1many who were possessed by demons

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “many people whom demons possessed” or “many people whom demons controlled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

604MAT816f1cvfigs-metonymyἐξέβαλεν τὰ πνεύματα λόγῳ1He drove out the spirits with a word

Here “word” stands for a command. Alternate translation: “He commanded the spirits to leave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

605MAT817r3dcfigs-activepassiveπληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ Ἠσαΐου τοῦ προφήτου1was fulfilled that which had been spoken by Isaiah the prophet

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Jesus fulfilled the prophecy that the prophet Isaiah had spoken to the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

606MAT817eyu9figs-parallelismτὰς ἀσθενείας ἡμῶν ἔλαβεν καὶ τὰς νόσους ἐβάστασεν1took our sickness and bore our diseases

Matthew is quoting the prophet Isaiah. These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that he healed all of our diseases. Alternate translation: “healed those who were sick and made them well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

607MAT818h8bx0Connecting Statement:

Here the scene shifts and tells about Jesus response to some people who wanted to follow him.

608MAT818dqh1δὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story.

609MAT818a2pnἐκέλευσεν1he gave instructions

“he told his disciples”

610MAT819g4rhκαὶ1Then

This means after Jesus “gave instructions” but before he could get into the boat.

611MAT819e1b7ὅπου ἐὰν1wherever

to any place

612MAT820pqp6writing-proverbsαἱ ἀλώπεκες φωλεοὺς ἔχουσιν καὶ τὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ κατασκηνώσεις1Foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky have nests

Jesus answers with this proverb. This means even wild animals have somewhere to rest. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]])

613MAT820tp9stranslate-unknownαἱ ἀλώπεκες1Foxes

Foxes are animals like dogs. They eat nesting birds and other small animals. If foxes are unknown in your area, use a general term for dog-like creatures or other furry animals. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

614MAT820rrb5φωλεοὺς1holes

Foxes make holes in the ground to live in. Use the appropriate word for the place where the animal you use for “foxes” lives.

615MAT820qvm5figs-123personὁ…Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

Jesus is speaking about himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

616MAT820yl4sfigs-idiomοὐκ ἔχει ποῦ τὴν κεφαλὴν κλίνῃ1has no place to lay his head

This refers to a place to sleep. Alternate translation: “no place of his own to sleep” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

617MAT821hlx9ἐπίτρεψόν μοι πρῶτον ἀπελθεῖν καὶ θάψαι τὸν πατέρα μου1allow me first to go and bury my father

It is unclear whether the mans father has died and he will bury him immediately, or if the man wants to stay for a longer amount of time until his father dies so he can bury him then. The main point is that the man wants to do something else first before he follows Jesus.

618MAT822h7fbfigs-metaphorἄφες τοὺς νεκροὺς θάψαι τοὺς ἑαυτῶν νεκρούς1leave the dead to bury their own dead

Jesus does not mean literally that dead people will bury other dead people. Possible meanings of “the dead”: (1) it is a metaphor for those who will soon die, or (2) it is a metaphor for those who do not follow Jesus and are spiritually dead. The main point is that a disciple must not let anything delay him from following Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

619MAT823us1s0Connecting Statement:

Here the scene shifts to the account of Jesus calming a storm as he and his disciples cross the Sea of Galilee.

620MAT823e8k1καὶ ἐμβάντι αὐτῷ εἰς πλοῖον1When he had entered into a boat

“got onto a boat”

621MAT823sl7vἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ1his disciples followed him

Try to use the same words for “disciple” and “follow” that you used in (Matthew 8:21-22).

622MAT824j55jἰδοὺ1Behold

This marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. Your language may have a way of showing this. Alternate translation: “Suddenly” or “Without warning”

623MAT824x7k1figs-activepassiveσεισμὸς μέγας ἐγένετο ἐν τῇ θαλάσσῃ1there arose a great storm on the sea

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “a powerful storm arose on the sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

624MAT824m6w8figs-activepassiveὥστε τὸ πλοῖον καλύπτεσθαι ὑπὸ τῶν κυμάτων1so that the boat was covered with the waves

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that the waves covered the boat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

625MAT825k2hdἤγειραν αὐτὸν λέγοντες, Κύριε, σῶσον1woke him up, saying, “Save us, Lord

Possible meanings are (1) they first woke Jesus and then they said, “Save us” or (2) as they were waking Jesus up, they were saying “Save us.”

626MAT825b2whfigs-inclusiveσῶσον…ἀπολλύμεθα1Save us…we are about to die

If you need to translate these words as inclusive or exclusive, then inclusive is best. The disciples probably meant they wanted Jesus to save the disciples and himself from drowning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])

627MAT825xf5dἀπολλύμεθα1we are about to die

“we are going to die”

628MAT826jmt8αὐτοῖς1to them

“to the disciples”

629MAT826g8p7figs-rquestionτί δειλοί ἐστε, ὀλιγόπιστοι1Why are you afraid, you of little faith?

Jesus was rebuking the disciples with this rhetorical question. Alternate translation: “You should not be afraid…faith!” or “There is nothing for you to be afraid of…faith!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

630MAT826r5veὀλιγόπιστοι1you of little faith

“you who have such little faith.” Jesus addresses his disciples this way because their anxiety about the storm shows they have little faith in him to control it. See how you translated this in Matthew 6:30.

631MAT827u2qhfigs-rquestionποταπός ἐστιν οὗτος, ὅτι καὶ οἱ ἄνεμοι καὶ ἡ θάλασσα αὐτῷ ὑπακούουσιν1What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?

“Even the winds and the sea obey him! What sort of man is this?” This rhetorical question shows that the disciples were surprised. Alternate translation: “This man is unlike any man we have ever seen! Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

632MAT827k5mkfigs-personificationκαὶ οἱ ἄνεμοι καὶ ἡ θάλασσα αὐτῷ ὑπακούουσιν1even the winds and the sea obey him

For people or animals to obey or disobey is not surprising, but for wind and water to obey is very surprising. This personification describes the natural elements as being able to hear and respond like people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

633MAT828g6mr0Connecting Statement:

Here the author returns to the theme of Jesus healing people. This begins an account of Jesus healing two demon-possessed men.

634MAT828iy7aεἰς τὸ πέραν1to the other side

“to the other side of the Sea of Galilee”

635MAT828yzi6translate-namesτὴν χώραν τῶν Γαδαρηνῶν1the country of the Gadarenes

The Gadarenes were named after the town of Gadara. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

636MAT828hz5nfigs-activepassiveδύο δαιμονιζόμενοι1two men who were possessed by demons

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “two men whom demons possessed” or “two men whom demons were controlling” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

637MAT828ylu6ἐξερχόμενοι, χαλεποὶ λείαν ὥστε μὴ ἰσχύειν τινὰ παρελθεῖν διὰ τῆς ὁδοῦ ἐκείνης1They were coming…were very violent, so that no one could pass by on that road

The demons that were controlling these two men were so dangerous that no one could go through that area.

638MAT829v9mpἰδοὺ1Behold

This marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. Your language may have a way of showing this.

639MAT829gr2pfigs-rquestionτί ἡμῖν καὶ σοί, Υἱὲ τοῦ Θεοῦ?1What do we have to do with you, Son of God?

The demons use a question but they are being hostile toward Jesus. Alternate translation: “Do not bother us, Son of God!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

640MAT829jcq6guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΥἱὲ τοῦ Θεοῦ1Son of God

This is an important title for Jesus, which describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

641MAT829u4jrfigs-rquestionἦλθες ὧδε πρὸ καιροῦ βασανίσαι ἡμᾶς1Have you come here to torment us before the set time?

Again, the demons use a question in a hostile way. Alternate translation: “You should not disobey God by punishing us before the specific time God has set when he will punish us!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

642MAT830v91cwriting-backgroundδὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew tells background information about a herd of pigs that had been there before Jesus arrived. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

643MAT831tf32figs-explicitεἰ ἐκβάλλεις ἡμᾶς1If you cast us out

It is implied that the demons knew that Jesus was going to cast them out. Alternate translation: “Because you are going to cast us out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

644MAT831cgf7figs-exclusiveἡμᾶς1us

This is exclusive, meaning the demons only. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

645MAT832h86eαὐτοῖς1to them

This refers to the demons inside the men.

646MAT832gtx2οἱ…ἐξελθόντες ἀπῆλθον εἰς τοὺς χοίρους1the demons came out and went into the pigs

“The demons left the man and entered the pigs”

647MAT832qa1iἰδοὺ1behold

This alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

648MAT832lhn7ὥρμησεν…κατὰ τοῦ κρημνοῦ1rushed down the steep hill

“ran quickly down the steep slope”

649MAT832zk2pἀπέθανον ἐν τοῖς ὕδασιν1they died in the water

“they fell into the water and drowned”

650MAT833qmc50Connecting Statement:

This concludes the account of Jesus healing two demon-possessed men.

651MAT833v39wοἱ…βόσκοντες1those who had been tending the pigs

“taking care of the pigs”

652MAT833ev2wfigs-activepassiveτὰ τῶν δαιμονιζομένων1what had happened to the men who had been possessed by demons

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “what Jesus did to help the men whom demons had controlled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

653MAT834b2hpἰδοὺ1Behold

This marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. It may involve different people than the previous events. Your language may have a way of showing this.

654MAT834j6spfigs-metonymyπᾶσα ἡ πόλις1all the city

The word “city” is a metonym for the people of the city. The word “all” is probably an exaggeration to emphasize how very many people came out. Not necessarily every person came out. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

655MAT834bsf4τῶν ὁρίων αὐτῶν1their region

“their area”

656MAT9introtg410

Matthew 09 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

“Sinners”

When the people of Jesus time spoke of “sinners,” they were talking about people who did not obey the law of Moses and instead committed sins like stealing or sexual sins. When Jesus said that he came to call “sinners,” he meant that only people who believe that they are sinners can be his followers. This is true even if they are not what most people think of as “sinners.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Passive voice

Many sentences in this chapter tell that a person had something happen to him without saying who caused that something to happen. You may have to translate the sentence so that it tells the reader who performed the action. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

Rhetorical questions

Speakers in this chapter asked questions to which they already knew the answer. They asked the questions to show that they were not happy with the hearers or to teach them or to get them to think. Your language may have another way of doing this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

Proverbs

Proverbs are very short sentences that use words that are easy to remember to tell about something that is generally true. People who understand proverbs usually have to know much about the language and culture of the speaker. When you translate the proverbs in this chapter, you may have to use many more words than the speakers used so that you can add information that the hearers knew but your reader do not know. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]])

657MAT91nl8w0Connecting Statement:

Matthew returns to the theme, which he began in Matthew 8:1, of Jesus healing people. This begins an account of Jesus healing a paralyzed man.

658MAT91ly42figs-activepassiveἐμβὰς εἰς πλοῖον1Jesus entered into a boat

It is implied that the disciples were with Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

659MAT91cs8lπλοῖον1a boat

This is probably the same boat as in Matthew 8:23. You only need to specify this if needed to avoid confusion.

660MAT91lje9εἰς τὴν ἰδίαν πόλιν1into his own city

“to the town where he lived.” This refers to Capernaum.

661MAT92i6xpἰδοὺ1Behold

This marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. It may involve different people than the previous events. Your language may have a way of showing this.

662MAT92szd4προσέφερον1they brought

“some men from the city”

663MAT92k5ehτὴν πίστιν αὐτῶν1their faith

This refers to the faith of the men and may also include the faith of the paralyzed man.

664MAT92k9qqτέκνον1Child

The man was not Jesus real son. Jesus was speaking to him politely. If this is confusing, it can also be translated “My friend” or “Young man” or even omitted.

665MAT92iys2figs-activepassiveἀφίενταί σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι1Your sins have been forgiven

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I have forgiven your sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

666MAT93a35dἰδού1behold

This marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. It may involve different people than the previous events. Your language may have a way of doing this.

667MAT93f88rἐν ἑαυτοῖς1among themselves

Possible meanings are (1) each one was thinking to himself, or (2) they were speaking among themselves.

668MAT93mq8vβλασφημεῖ1is blaspheming

Jesus was claiming to be able to do things the scribes thought only God can do.

669MAT94u643ἰδὼν…τὰς ἐνθυμήσεις αὐτῶν1knew their thoughts

Jesus knew what they were thinking either supernaturally or because he could see them talking to each other.

670MAT94n4ylfigs-rquestionἵνα τί ἐνθυμεῖσθε πονηρὰ ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν?1For what reason are you thinking evil in your hearts?

Jesus used this question to rebuke the scribes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

671MAT94qg52πονηρὰ1evil

This is moral evil or wickedness, not simply error in fact.

672MAT94d499figs-metonymyἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν1in your hearts

Here “hearts” refers to their minds or their thoughts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

673MAT95j716figs-rquestionτί γάρ ἐστιν εὐκοπώτερον εἰπεῖν, ἀφέωνται σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι, ἢ εἰπεῖν, ἔγειρε καὶ περιπάτει?1For which is easier, to say, Your sins are forgiven, or to say, Get up and walk?

Jesus uses this question to make the scribes think about what might prove whether or not he could really forgive sins. Alternate translation: “I just said Your sins are forgiven. You may think that it is harder to say Get up and walk, because the proof of whether or not I can heal the man will be shown by whether or not he gets up and walks.” or “You may think that it is easier to say Your sins are forgiven than it is to say Get up and walk.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

674MAT95mk14figs-quotationsτί…ἐστιν εὐκοπώτερον εἰπεῖν, ἀφέωνται σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι, ἢ εἰπεῖν, ἔγειρε καὶ περιπάτει?1which is easier, to say, Your sins are forgiven, or to say, Get up and walk?

The quotes can be translated as indirect quotes. Alternate translation: “which is easier, to tell someone that his sins are forgiven, or to tell him to get up and walk?” or “you may think that it is easier to tell someone that his sins are forgiven than to tell him to get up and walk.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

675MAT95g88pfigs-youἀφέωνται σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι1Your sins are forgiven

Here “your” is singular. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I have forgiven your sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

676MAT96gk68figs-youἵνα δὲ εἰδῆτε1But in order that you may know

“I will prove to you.” The “you” is plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

677MAT96n5sffigs-youσου τὴν κλίνην…τὸν οἶκόν σου1your mat…your house

Here “you” is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

678MAT96td1zὕπαγε εἰς τὸν οἶκόν σου1go to your house

Jesus is not forbidding the man to go elsewhere. He is giving the man the opportunity to go home.

679MAT97uwq40Connecting Statement:

This concludes the account of Jesus healing a paralyzed man. Jesus then calls a tax collector to be one of his disciples.

680MAT98u8quτὸν δόντα1who had given

“because he had given”

681MAT98x71sἐξουσίαν τοιαύτην1such authority

This refers to the authority to declare sins forgiven.

682MAT99fkr2καὶ παράγων ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐκεῖθεν1As Jesus passed by from there

This phrase marks the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

683MAT99g4r4παράγων1passed by

“was leaving” or “was going”

684MAT99jc18Μαθθαῖον…αὐτῷ…αὐτῷ1Matthew…him…He

Church tradition says that this Matthew is the author of this Gospel, but the text gives no reason to change the pronouns from “him” and “He” to “me” and “I.”

685MAT99t5ipλέγει αὐτῷ1He said to him

“Jesus said to Matthew”

686MAT99q438ἀναστὰς, ἠκολούθησεν αὐτῷ1he got up and followed him

“Matthew got up and followed Jesus.” This means Matthew became Jesus disciple.

687MAT910h7u90General Information:

These events occur at the house of Matthew the tax collector.

688MAT910ksr5τῇ οἰκίᾳ1the house

This is probably Matthews house, but it could also be Jesus house. Specify only if needed to avoid confusion.

689MAT910c751ἰδοὺ1behold

This marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. It may involve different people than the previous events. Your language may have a way of doing this.

690MAT910f9lhἁμαρτωλοὶ1sinners

people who did not obey the law of Moses but committed what others thought were very bad sins

691MAT911ge2uκαὶ ἰδόντες, οἱ Φαρισαῖοι1When the Pharisees saw it

“When the Pharisees saw that Jesus was eating with the tax collectors and sinful people”

692MAT911z4h5figs-rquestionδιὰ τί μετὰ τῶν τελωνῶν καὶ ἁμαρτωλῶν ἐσθίει ὁ διδάσκαλος ὑμῶν?1Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?

The Pharisees use this question to criticize what Jesus is doing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

693MAT912xz130General Information:

These events occur at the house of Matthew the tax collector.

694MAT912m7fmὁ δὲ ἀκούσας1When Jesus heard this

Here “this” refers to the question the Pharisees asked about Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners.

695MAT912tl42writing-proverbsοὐ χρείαν ἔχουσιν οἱ ἰσχύοντες ἰατροῦ, ἀλλὰ οἱ κακῶς ἔχοντες1People who are strong in body do not need a physician, but only those who are sick

Jesus answers with a proverb. He means that he eats with these kinds of people because he has come to help sinners. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]])

696MAT912uhc5οἱ ἰσχύοντες ἰατροῦ1People who are strong in body

“People who are healthy”

697MAT912h5pgἰατροῦ1physician

doctor

698MAT912n33cfigs-ellipsisοἱ κακῶς ἔχοντες1those who are sick

The phrase “need a physician” is understood. Alternate translation: “people who are sick need a physician” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

699MAT913fu2rπορευθέντες δὲ, μάθετε τί ἐστιν1But you should go and learn what this means

Jesus is about to quote the scriptures. Alternate translation: “You should learn the meaning of what God said in the scriptures”

700MAT913is3tfigs-youπορευθέντες1you should go

Here “you” is plural and refers to the Pharisees. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

701MAT913tqr3ἔλεος θέλω καὶ οὐ θυσίαν1I desire mercy and not sacrifice

Jesus is quoting what the prophet Hosea wrote in the scriptures. Here, “I” refers to God.

702MAT913djt7οὐ γὰρ ἦλθον1For I did not come

Here “I” refers to Jesus.

703MAT913a886figs-ironyδικαίους1the righteous

Jesus is using irony. He does not think there are any people who are righteous and do not need to repent. Alternate translation: “those who think they are righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

704MAT914aa3c0Connecting Statement:

The disciples of John the Baptist question the fact that Jesus disciples do not fast.

705MAT914k8vcοὐ νηστεύουσιν1do not fast

“continue to eat regularly”

706MAT915r8iffigs-rquestionμὴ δύνανται οἱ υἱοὶ τοῦ νυμφῶνος πενθεῖν, ἐφ’ ὅσον μετ’ αὐτῶν ἐστιν ὁ νυμφίος?1Can wedding attendants be sorrowful while the bridegroom is still with them?

Jesus uses a question to answer Johns disciples. They all knew that people do not mourn and fast at a wedding celebration. Jesus uses this proverb to show that his disciples do not mourn because he is still there with them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]])

707MAT915iz9sἐλεύσονται δὲ ἡμέραι ὅταν1But the days will come when

This is a way of referring to some time in the future. Alternate translation: “the time will come when” or “someday”

708MAT915p6hzfigs-activepassiveἀπαρθῇ ἀπ’ αὐτῶν ὁ νυμφίος1the bridegroom will be taken away from them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the bridegroom will not be able to be with them any longer” or “someone will take the bridegroom away from them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

709MAT915u8erἀπαρθῇ1will be taken away

Jesus is probably referring to his own death, but this should not be made explicit here in the translation. To maintain the imagery of a wedding, it is best to just state that the bridegroom will not be there any longer.

710MAT916v4a10Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to answer the question that the disciples of John had asked. He did this by giving two examples of old things and new things that people do not put together.

711MAT916yf98οὐδεὶς δὲ ἐπιβάλλει ἐπίβλημα ῥάκους ἀγνάφου ἐπὶ ἱματίῳ παλαιῷ1No man puts a piece of new cloth on an old garment

“No one sews a piece of new cloth on an old garment” or “People do not sew a piece of new cloth as a patch an old garment”

712MAT916bk47ἱματίῳ παλαιῷ…τοῦ ἱματίου1an old garment…the garment

“old clothing…the clothing””

713MAT916x752αἴρει…τὸ πλήρωμα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τοῦ ἱματίου1the patch will tear away from the garment

If someone were to wash the garment, the patch of new cloth would shrink, but the old garment would not shrink. This would tear the patch off the garment and leave a bigger hole.

714MAT916rem6τὸ πλήρωμα αὐτοῦ1the patch

“the piece of new cloth.” This is the piece of cloth used to cover a hole in the old garment.

715MAT916t71tfigs-activepassiveχεῖρον σχίσμα γίνεται1a worse tear will happen

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “this will make the tear worse” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

716MAT917q9wh0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to answer the question that disciples of John had asked.

717MAT917s13yοὐδὲ βάλλουσιν οἶνον νέον εἰς ἀσκοὺς παλαιούς1Neither do people put new wine into old wineskins

Jesus uses another proverb to answer Johns disciples. This means the same as the proverb in Matthew 9:16.

718MAT917fbl3οὐδὲ βάλλουσιν1Neither do people put

“Neither does anyone pour” or “People never put”

719MAT917h26etranslate-unknownοἶνον νέον1new wine

This refers to wine that has not fermented yet. If grapes are unknown in your area, use the general term for fruit. Alternate translation: “grape juice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

720MAT917dpv4ἀσκοὺς παλαιούς1old wineskins

This refers to wineskins that have stretched and dried out because they were already used for fermenting wine.

721MAT917v4x2ἀσκοὺς1wineskins

“wine bags” or “skin bags.” These were bags made out of animal skins.

722MAT917hv8ffigs-activepassiveὁ οἶνος ἐκχεῖται καὶ οἱ ἀσκοὶ ἀπόλλυνται1the wine will be spilled, and the wineskins will be destroyed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “and this will ruin the wineskins and spill the wine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

723MAT917tg2kῥήγνυνται οἱ ἀσκοί1the wineskins will burst

When the new wine ferments and expands, the skins tear open because they can no longer stretch out.

724MAT917cid7ἀσκοὺς καινούς1fresh wineskins

“new wineskins” or “new wine bags.” This refers to wineskins that no one has used.

725MAT917i8v4figs-activepassiveἀμφότεροι συντηροῦνται1both will be preserved

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “this will keep safe both the wineskins and the wine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

726MAT918a7ax0Connecting Statement:

This begins an account of Jesus bringing to life the daughter of a Jewish official after she had died.

727MAT918mj4xταῦτα1these things

This refers to the answer Jesus gave Johns disciples about fasting.

728MAT918eqp1ἰδοὺ1behold

The word “behold” alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this.

729MAT918n1i6translate-symactionπροσεκύνει αὐτῷ1bowed down to him

This is a way someone would show respect in Jewish culture. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

730MAT918in6tἐλθὼν ἐπίθες τὴν χεῖρά σου ἐπ’ αὐτήν καὶ ζήσεται1come and lay your hand on her, and she will live

This shows that the Jewish official believed Jesus had the power to bring his daughter back to life.

731MAT919z99mοἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ1his disciples

“Jesus disciples”

732MAT920ai7a0Connecting Statement:

This describes how Jesus healed another woman while he was on the way to the Jewish officials house.

733MAT920etd3ἰδοὺ1Behold

The word “Behold” alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this.

734MAT920gv15figs-euphemismαἱμορροοῦσα1who suffered from a discharge of blood

“who had been bleeding” or “who frequently had a flow of blood.” She was probably bleeding from her womb even when it was not the normal time for it. Some cultures may have a polite way of referring to this condition. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

735MAT920na37translate-numbersδώδεκα ἔτη1twelve years

“12 years” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

736MAT920m9zqτοῦ ἱματίου αὐτοῦ1his garment

“his robe” or “what he was wearing”

737MAT921eb6tfigs-eventsἔλεγεν γὰρ ἐν ἑαυτῇ, ἐὰν μόνον ἅψωμαι τοῦ ἱματίου αὐτοῦ, σωθήσομαι.1For she had said to herself, “If only I touch his clothes, I will be made well.”

She said this to herself before she touched Jesus garment. This tells why she touched Jesus garment. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge]])

738MAT921ukb8figs-explicitἐὰν μόνον ἅψωμαι τοῦ ἱματίου αὐτοῦ1If only I touch his clothes

According to Jewish law, because she was bleeding she was not supposed to touch anyone. She touches his clothes so that Jesus power would heal her and yet (she thought) he would not know that she touched him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

739MAT922vi84ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς1But Jesus

“The woman was hoping she could touch him secretly, but Jesus”

740MAT922x398θύγατερ1Daughter

The woman was not Jesus real daughter. Jesus was speaking to her politely. If this is confusing, it can also be translated “Young woman” or even omitted.

741MAT922q6caἡ πίστις σου σέσωκέν σε1your faith has made you well

“because you believed in me, I will heal you”

742MAT922zv2nfigs-activepassiveἐσώθη ἡ γυνὴ ἀπὸ τῆς ὥρας ἐκείνης1the woman was healed from that hour

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Jesus healed her at that moment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

743MAT923tu2c0Connecting Statement:

This returns to the account of Jesus bringing the daughter of the Jewish official back to life.

744MAT923jae1τοὺς αὐλητὰς καὶ τὸν ὄχλον θορυβούμενον1the flute players and the crowds making much noise

This was a common way to mourn for someone who has died.

745MAT923gy7gτοὺς αὐλητὰς1the flute players

“people who play flutes”

746MAT924v1stἀναχωρεῖτε1Go away

Jesus was speaking to many people, so use the plural command form if your language has one.

747MAT924pc1mfigs-euphemismοὐ…ἀπέθανεν τὸ κοράσιον, ἀλλὰ καθεύδει1the girl is not dead, but she is asleep

Jesus is using a play on words. It was common in Jesus day to refer to a dead person as one who “sleeps.” But here the dead girl will get up, as though she had only been sleeping. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

748MAT925iy6x0General Information:

Verse 26 is a summary statement that describes the result of Jesus raising this girl from the dead.

749MAT925utu30Connecting Statement:

This completes the account of Jesus bringing the daughter of the Jewish official back to life.

750MAT925nqs6figs-activepassiveὅτε δὲ ἐξεβλήθη ὁ ὄχλος1When the crowd had been put outside

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “After Jesus had sent the crowd outside” or “After the family had sent the people outside” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

751MAT925mm3qἠγέρθη1got up

“got out of bed.” This is the same meaning as in Matthew 8:15.

752MAT926rxs4καὶ ἐξῆλθεν ἡ φήμη αὕτη εἰς ὅλην τὴν γῆν ἐκείνην1The news about this spread into all that region

“The people of that whole region heard about it” or “The people who saw that the girl was alive started telling everyone in the whole area about it”

753MAT927b1h60Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of Jesus healing two blind men.

754MAT927a8nmκαὶ παράγοντι ἐκεῖθεν τῷ Ἰησοῦ1As Jesus passed by from there

As Jesus was leaving the region

755MAT927nwe9παράγοντι1passed by

“was leaving” or “was going”

756MAT927suc1ἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ1followed him

This means they were walking behind Jesus, not necessarily that they had become his disciples.

757MAT927d8bufigs-explicitἐλέησον ἡμᾶς1Have mercy on us

It is implied that they wanted Jesus to heal them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

758MAT927dh5dΥἱὲ Δαυείδ1Son of David

Jesus was not Davids literal son, so this may be translated as “Descendant of David.” However, “Son of David” is also a title for the Messiah, and the men were probably calling Jesus by this title.

759MAT928yr4hἐλθόντι δὲ εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν1When he had come into the house

This could be either Jesus own house or the house in Matthew 9:10.

760MAT928e81ffigs-ellipsisναί, Κύριε1Yes, Lord

The full content of their answer is not stated, but it is understood. Alternate translation: “Yes, Lord, we believe you can heal us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

761MAT929b3rlἥψατο τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν λέγων1he touched their eyes, saying

It is not clear whether he touched both mens eyes at the same time or used only his right hand to touch one then the other. As the left hand was customarily used for unclean purposes, it is most likely that he used only his right hand. It is also not clear whether he spoke as he was touching them or touched them first and then spoke to them.

762MAT929w92efigs-activepassiveκατὰ τὴν πίστιν ὑμῶν γενηθήτω ὑμῖν1Let it be done to you according to your faith

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will do as you have believed” or “Because you believe, I will heal you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

763MAT930uk2afigs-idiomἠνεῴχθησαν αὐτῶν οἱ ὀφθαλμοί1their eyes were opened

This means they were able to see. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God healed their eyes” or “the two blind men were able to see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

764MAT930t6p8figs-idiomὁρᾶτε μηδεὶς γινωσκέτω1See that no one knows about this

Here “See” means “be sure.” Alternate translation: “Be sure no one finds out about this” or “Do not tell anyone that I healed you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

765MAT931y574οἱ δὲ1But they

“The two men did not do what Jesus told them to do. They”

766MAT931y4b2διεφήμισαν1spread the news

“told many people what had happened to them”

767MAT932tya10Connecting Statement:

This is the account of Jesus healing a demon-possessed man who could not speak and how people responded.

768MAT932v9trἰδοὺ1behold

The word “behold” alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this.

769MAT932kr24figs-activepassiveπροσήνεγκαν αὐτῷ ἄνθρωπον κωφὸν1a mute man…was brought to him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone brought a mute man…to Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

770MAT932sh32κωφὸν1mute

not able to talk

771MAT932n6fsfigs-activepassiveδαιμονιζόμενον1possessed by a demon

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “whom a demon had possessed” or “whom a demon was controlling” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

772MAT933d6zsfigs-activepassiveκαὶ ἐκβληθέντος τοῦ δαιμονίου1When the demon had been driven out

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “After Jesus had forced the demon out” or “After Jesus had commanded the demon to leave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

773MAT933r8ceἐλάλησεν ὁ κωφός1the mute man spoke

“the mute man began to speak” or “the man who had been mute spoke” or “the man, who was no longer mute, spoke”

774MAT933d1lfκαὶ ἐθαύμασαν οἱ ὄχλοι1The crowds were astonished

“The people were amazed”

775MAT933y4l5figs-activepassiveοὐδέποτε ἐφάνη οὕτως1This has never been seen before

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “This has never happened before” or “No one has ever done anything like this before” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

776MAT934z2r7ἐκβάλλει τὰ δαιμόνια1he drives out the demons

“he forces demons to leave”

777MAT934q623ἐκβάλλει1he drives out

The pronoun “he” refers to Jesus.

778MAT935z6ya0General Information:

Verse 36 begins a new part of the story where Jesus teaches his disciples and sends them to preach and heal as he has done.

779MAT935xpp4writing-endofstory0Connecting Statement:

Verse 35 is the end of the part of the story that began in Matthew 8:1 about Jesus healing ministry in Galilee. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])

780MAT935x9ckfigs-hyperboleτὰς πόλεις πάσας1all the cities

The word “all” is an exaggeration to emphasize how very many cities Jesus went to. He did not necessarily go to every one of them. Alternate translation: “many of the cities” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

781MAT935ehx5πόλεις…κώμας1cities…villages

“large villages…small villages” or “large towns…small towns”

782MAT935uz5efigs-abstractnounsτὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς βασιλείας1the gospel of the kingdom

Here “kingdom” refers to Gods rule as king. See how you translated this in Matthew 4:23. Alternate translation: “preaching the good news that God will show himself as king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

783MAT935e7atπᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν1every disease and every sickness

“every disease and every sickness.” The words “disease” and “sickness” are closely related but should be translated as two different words if possible. “Disease” is what causes a person to be sick. “Sickness” is the physical weakness or affliction that results from having a disease.

784MAT936t47ifigs-simileὡσεὶ πρόβατα μὴ ἔχοντα ποιμένα1like sheep without a shepherd

This simile means they did not have a leader to take care of them. Alternate translation: “The people did not have a leader” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

785MAT937q95i0General Information:

Jesus uses a proverb about harvesting to tell his disciples how they should respond to the needs of the crowds mentioned in the previous section.

786MAT937mur4writing-proverbsὁ μὲν θερισμὸς πολύς, οἱ δὲ ἐργάται ὀλίγοι1The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few

Jesus uses a proverb to respond to what he is seeing. Jesus means there are a lot of people who are ready to believe God but only few people to teach them Gods truth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]])

787MAT937m6keὁ μὲν θερισμὸς πολύς1The harvest is plentiful

“There is plenty of ripe food for someone to collect”

788MAT937h3a2ἐργάται1laborers

“workers”

789MAT938vz8yδεήθητε…τοῦ Κυρίου τοῦ θερισμοῦ1urgently pray to the Lord of the harvest

“pray to God, because he is in charge of the harvest”

790MAT10introm5iu0

Matthew 10 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The sending of the twelve disciples

Many verses in this chapter describe how Jesus sent the twelve disciples out. He sent them to tell his message about the kingdom of heaven. They were to tell his message only in Israel and not to share it with the Gentiles.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

The twelve disciples

The following are the lists of the twelve disciples:

In Matthew:

Simon (Peter), Andrew, James son of Zebedee, John son of Zebedee, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot.

In Mark:

Simon (Peter), Andrew, James the son of Zebedee and John the son of Zebedee (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder), Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot.

In Luke:

Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon (who was called the Zealot), Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot.

Thaddaeus is probably the same person as Jude, the son of James.

“The kingdom of heaven has come near”

No one knows for sure whether the “kingdom of heaven” was present or still coming when John spoke these words. English translations often use the phrase “at hand,” but these words can be difficult to translate. Other versions use the phrases “is coming near” and “has come near.”

791MAT101nhp20Connecting Statement:

This begins an account of Jesus sending out his twelve disciples to do his work.

792MAT101gjs9translate-numbersκαὶ προσκαλεσάμενος τοὺς δώδεκα μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ1Then he called his twelve disciples together

“summoned his 12 disciples” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

793MAT101x1erἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς ἐξουσίαν1gave them authority

Be sure that the text clearly communicates that this authority was (1) to drive out unclean spirits and (2) to heal disease and sickness.

794MAT101pq8kὥστε ἐκβάλλειν αὐτὰ1to drive them out

“to make the unclean spirits leave”

795MAT101x29jπᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν1every disease and every sickness.

“every disease and every sickness.” The words “disease” and “sickness” are closely related but should be translated as two different words if possible. “Disease” is what causes a person to be sick. “Sickness” is the physical weakness or affliction that results from having a disease.

796MAT102yt7a0General Information:

Here the author provides the names of the twelve apostles as background information.

797MAT102t59vwriting-backgroundδὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew tells background information about the twelve apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

798MAT102f1vuτῶν…δώδεκα ἀποστόλων1the twelve apostles

This is the same group as the “twelve disciples” in Matthew 10:1.

799MAT102sc7btranslate-ordinalπρῶτος1first

This is first in order, not in rank. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

800MAT103g6egΜαθθαῖος ὁ τελώνης1Matthew the tax collector

“Matthew, who was a tax collector”

801MAT104n4stὁ Καναναῖος1the Zealot

Possible meanings are (1) “the Zealot” is a title that shows that he was part of the group of people who wanted to free the Jewish people from Roman rule. Alternate translation: “the patriot” or “the nationalist” or (2) “the Zealot” is a description that shows that he was zealous for God to be honored. Alternate translation: “the zealous one” or “the passionate one”

802MAT104kmp2ὁ καὶ παραδοὺς αὐτόν1who would also betray him

“who would betray Jesus”

803MAT105sn9vfigs-events0General Information:

Although verse 5 begins by saying that he sent out the twelve, Jesus gave these instructions before he sent them out. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])

804MAT105aw5h0Connecting Statement:

Here Jesus begins to give instructions to his disciples about what they should do and expect when they go to preach.

805MAT105c46dτούτους τοὺς δώδεκα ἀπέστειλεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς1These twelve Jesus sent out

“Jesus sent out these twelve men” or “It was these twelve men whom Jesus sent out”

806MAT105yix4ἀπέστειλεν1sent out

Jesus sent them out for a particular purpose.

807MAT105ryl4παραγγείλας αὐτοῖς1He instructed them

“He told them what they needed to do” or “He commanded them”

808MAT106q1pbfigs-metaphorτὰ πρόβατα τὰ ἀπολωλότα οἴκου Ἰσραήλ1lost sheep of the house of Israel

This is a metaphor comparing the entire nation of Israel to sheep who have strayed from their shepherd. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

809MAT106b6i2figs-metonymyοἴκου Ἰσραήλ1house of Israel

This refers to the nation of Israel. Alternate translation: “people of Israel” or “descendants of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

810MAT107uff2figs-youπορευόμενοι1as you go

Here “you” is plural and refers to the twelve apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

811MAT107w59ifigs-metonymyἤγγικεν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1The kingdom of heaven has come near

The phrase “kingdom of heaven” refers to God ruling as king. This phrase is only in the book of Matthew. If possible, use the word “heaven” in your translation. See how you translated this in Matthew 3:2. Alternate translation: “Our God in heaven will soon show himself to be king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

812MAT108e13x0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about what they should do when they go to preach.

813MAT108v5spfigs-youθεραπεύετε…ἐγείρετε…καθαρίζετε…ἐκβάλλετε…ἐλάβετε…δότε1Heal…raise…cleanse…cast out…you have received…give

These verbs and pronouns are plural and refer to the twelve apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

814MAT108bb4dfigs-idiomνεκροὺς ἐγείρετε1raise the dead

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “cause the dead to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

815MAT108ilj9figs-ellipsisδωρεὰν ἐλάβετε, δωρεὰν δότε1Freely you have received, freely give

Jesus did not state what the disciples had received or were to give. Some languages may require this information in the sentence. Here “freely” means that there was no payment. Alternate translation: “Freely you have received these things, freely give them to others” or “You received these things without paying, so give them to others without making them pay” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

816MAT108ls6jfigs-metaphorδωρεὰν ἐλάβετε, δωρεὰν δότε1Freely you have received, freely give

Here “received” is a metaphor that represents being made able to do things, and “give” is a metaphor that represents doing things for others. Alternate translation: “Freely you have received the ability to do these things, freely do them for others” or “Freely I have made you able to do these things, freely do them for others” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

817MAT109dw4ifigs-youὑμῶν1your

This refers to the twelve apostles and so is plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

818MAT109a4xxfigs-metonymyχρυσὸν, μηδὲ ἄργυρον, μηδὲ χαλκὸν1any gold, or silver, or copper

These are metals out of which coins were made. This list is a metonym for money, so if the metals are unknown in your area, translate the list as “money.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

819MAT109b4m7τὰς ζώνας1purses

This means “belts” or “money belts,” but it can refer to whatever might be used to carry money. A belt is a long strip of cloth or leather worn around the waist. It was often wide enough that it could be folded and used to carry money.

820MAT1010kia9πήραν1traveling bag

This could either be any bag used to carry things on a journey, or a bag used by someone to collect food or money.

821MAT1010i2exδύο χιτῶνας1two tunics

Use the same word you used for “tunic” in Matthew 5:40.

822MAT1010ei4dὁ ἐργάτης1the laborer

worker

823MAT1010m97hfigs-synecdocheτῆς τροφῆς αὐτοῦ1his food

Here “food” refers to anything a person needs. Alternate translation: “what he needs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

824MAT1011dk1r0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about what they should do when they go out to preach.

825MAT1011b7igεἰς ἣν δ’ ἂν πόλιν ἢ κώμην εἰσέλθητε1Whatever city or village you enter into

“Whenever you enter a city or village” or “When you go into any city or village”

826MAT1011p4lnπόλιν…κώμην1city…village

“large village…small village” or “large town…small town.” See how you translated this in Matthew 9:35.

827MAT1011r7kjfigs-youεἰσέλθητε1you enter

This is plural and refers to the twelve apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

828MAT1011c3ufἄξιός1worthy

A “worthy” person is a person who is willing to welcome the disciples.

829MAT1011a41dfigs-explicitκἀκεῖ μείνατε ἕως ἂν ἐξέλθητε1stay there until you leave

The full meaning of the statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “stay in that persons house until you leave the town or village” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

830MAT1012n6cmfigs-metonymyεἰσερχόμενοι δὲ εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν, ἀσπάσασθε αὐτήν1As you enter into the house, greet it

The phrase “greet it” means greet the house. A common greeting in those days was “Peace be to this house!” Here “house” represents the people who live in the house. Alternate translation: “As you enter the house, greet the people who live in it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

831MAT1012k1xkfigs-youεἰσερχόμενοι1As you enter

This is plural and refers to the twelve apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

832MAT1013qip2figs-youὑμῶν…ὑμῶν1your…your

These are plural and refer to the twelve apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

833MAT1013kc9mfigs-metonymyμὲν ᾖ ἡ οἰκία ἀξία…μὴ ᾖ ἀξία1the house is worthy…it is not worthy

Here “the house” represents those who live in the house. A “worthy” person is a person who is willing to welcome the disciples. Jesus compares this person to one who is “not worthy,” a person who does not welcome the disciples. Alternate translation: “the people who live in that house receive you well” or “the people who live in that house treat you well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

834MAT1013q75afigs-metonymyἐλθάτω ἡ εἰρήνη ὑμῶν ἐπ’ αὐτήν1let your peace come upon it

The word “it” refers to the house, which represents the people who live in the house. Alternate translation: “let them receive your peace” or “let them receive the peace that you greeted them with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

835MAT1013ha8ffigs-metonymyἐὰν…μὴ ᾖ ἀξία1if it is not worthy

The word “it” means the house. Here “house” refers to the people who live in the house. Alternate translation: “if they do not receive you well” or “if they do not treat you well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

836MAT1013my3yἡ εἰρήνη ὑμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἐπιστραφήτω1let your peace come back to you

Possible meanings are (1) if the household was not worthy, then God would hold back peace or blessings from that household or (2) if the household was not worthy, then the apostles were supposed to do something, such as asking God not to honor their greeting of peace. If your language has a similar meaning of taking back a greeting or its effects, that should be used here.

837MAT1014yn9k0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about what they should do when they go to preach.

838MAT1014m8e9καὶ ὃς ἂν μὴ δέξηται ὑμᾶς, μηδὲ ἀκούσῃ1As for those who do not receive you or listen to

“If no people in that house or city will receive you or listen”

839MAT1014w5pyfigs-youὑμᾶς…ὑμῶν1you…your

This is plural and refers to the twelve apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

840MAT1014z826figs-metonymyἀκούσῃ τοὺς λόγους ὑμῶν1listen to your words

Here “words” refers to what the disciples say. Alternate translation: “listen to your message” or “listen to what you have to say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

841MAT1014hi3iπόλεως1city

You should translate this the same way you did in Matthew 10:11.

842MAT1014i5mctranslate-symactionἐκτινάξατε τὸν κονιορτὸν τῶν ποδῶν ὑμῶν1shake off the dust from your feet

“shake the dust off your feet as you leave.” This is a sign that God has rejected the people of that house or city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

843MAT1015pk4fἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

“I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

844MAT1015d6ibἀνεκτότερον ἔσται1it shall be more tolerable

“the suffering shall be less”

845MAT1015sg3cfigs-metonymyγῇ Σοδόμων καὶ Γομόρρων1the land of Sodom and Gomorrah

This refers to the people who lived in Sodom and Gomorrah. Alternate translation: “the people who lived in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

846MAT1015zmm2figs-metonymyτῇ πόλει ἐκείνῃ1that city

This refers to the people in the city that does not receive the apostles or listen to their message. Alternate translation: “the people of the city that does not receive you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

847MAT1016lf4i0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to instruct his disciples. Here he begins to tell them about the persecution they will endure when they go out to preach.

848MAT1016ggp6ἰδοὺ, ἐγὼ ἀποστέλλω1See, I send out

The word “See” here adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: “Look, I send” or “Listen, send” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you. I send”

849MAT1016c9biἐγὼ ἀποστέλλω ὑμᾶς1I send you out

Jesus is sending them out for a particular purpose.

850MAT1016b262figs-simileὡς πρόβατα ἐν μέσῳ λύκων1as sheep in the midst of wolves

Sheep are defenseless animals that wolves often attack. Jesus is stating that people may harm the disciples. Alternate translation: “as sheep among people who are like dangerous wolves” or “as sheep among people who act the way dangerous animals act” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

851MAT1016s21afigs-simileγίνεσθε…φρόνιμοι ὡς οἱ ὄφεις καὶ ἀκέραιοι ὡς αἱ περιστεραί1be wise as the serpents and harmless as the doves

Jesus is telling the disciples they must be cautious and harmless among the people. If comparing the disciples to serpents or doves is confusing, it might be better not to state the similes. Alternate translation: “act with understanding and caution, as well as with innocence and virtue” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

852MAT1017a55qgrammar-connect-words-phrasesπροσέχετε δὲ ἀπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων; παραδώσουσιν γὰρ ὑμᾶς1Watch out for people! For they will deliver you up

You can translate with “because” to show how these two statements relate. Alternate translation: “Watch out for people because they will” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

853MAT1017csc4παραδώσουσιν…ὑμᾶς εἰς1they will deliver you up to

“will put you under the control of”

854MAT1017fct4συνέδρια1councils

local religious leaders or elders who together keep peace in the community

855MAT1017gs2dμαστιγώσουσιν ὑμᾶς1they will whip you

“beat you with a whip”

856MAT1018pe3dfigs-activepassiveἀχθήσεσθε1you will be brought

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they will bring you” or “they will drag you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

857MAT1018p74kἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ1for my sake

“because you belong to me” or “because you follow me”

858MAT1018u5wcαὐτοῖς καὶ τοῖς ἔθνεσιν1to them and to the Gentiles

The pronoun “them” refers either to the “governors and kings” or to the Jewish accusers.

859MAT1019ksi40Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about the persecution they will endure when they go out to preach.

860MAT1019e5t6ὅταν δὲ παραδῶσιν ὑμᾶς1When they deliver you up

“When people take you to the councils.” The “people” here are the same “people” as in Matthew 10:17.

861MAT1019qcs3figs-youὑμᾶς…ὑμῖν1you…you

These are plural and refer to the twelve apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

862MAT1019qzd2μὴ μεριμνήσητε1do not be anxious about

“do not worry”

863MAT1019ien3figs-hendiadysπῶς ἢ τί λαλήσητε1how or what you will speak

“how you are to speak or what you are to say.” The two ideas may be combined: “what you are to say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

864MAT1019l7rbfigs-activepassiveδοθήσεται γὰρ ὑμῖν…τί λαλήσητε1for what to say will be given to you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “for the Holy Spirit will tell you what to say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

865MAT1019cm7hfigs-metonymyἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ὥρᾳ1in that hour

Here “hour” means “right then.” Alternate translation: “right then” or “at that time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

866MAT1020yuk1figs-youὑμεῖς…ὑμῶν…ὑμῖν1you…your…you

These are plural and refer to the twelve apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

867MAT1020v9tmτὸ Πνεῦμα τοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν1the Spirit of your Father

If necessary, this can be translated as “the Spirit of God your heavenly Father” or a footnote can be added to make it clear that this refers to God the Holy Spirit and not to the spirit of an earthly father.

868MAT1020k3xrguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρὸς1Father

This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

869MAT1020zxd8ἐν ὑμῖν1in you

“through you”

870MAT1021i8q50Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about the persecution they will endure when they go out to preach.

871MAT1021p9msπαραδώσει δὲ ἀδελφὸς ἀδελφὸν εἰς θάνατον1Brother will deliver up brother to death

“One brother will deliver up his brother to death” or “Brothers will deliver up their brothers to death.” Jesus speaks of something that will happen many times.

872MAT1021lh6zfigs-abstractnounsπαραδώσει…ἀδελφὸν εἰς θάνατον1will deliver up brother to death

The abstract noun “death” can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “hand brother over to authorties who will execute him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

873MAT1021p8w9figs-ellipsisπατὴρ τέκνον1a father his child

These words can be translated as a complete sentence. Alternate translation: “fathers will deliver up their children to death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

874MAT1021xja9ἐπαναστήσονται…ἐπὶ1rise up against

“rebel against” or “turn against”

875MAT1021xf2dfigs-activepassiveθανατώσουσιν αὐτούς1cause them to be put to death

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “have them put to death” or “have the authorities execute them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

876MAT1022sp6pfigs-activepassiveκαὶ ἔσεσθε μισούμενοι ὑπὸ πάντων1You will be hated by everyone

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Everyone will hate you” or “All people will hate you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

877MAT1022va6ifigs-youἔσεσθε1You will be

This is plural and refers to the twelve disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

878MAT1022n3xnfigs-metonymyδιὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου1because of my name

Here “name” refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: “because of me” or “because you trust in me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

879MAT1022k5w9ὁ…ὑπομείνας1whoever endures

“whoever stays faithful”

880MAT1022j71iεἰς τέλος1to the end

It is not clear whether the “end” means when a person dies, when the persecution ends, or the end of the age when God shows himself to be king. The main point is that they endure as long as necessary.

881MAT1022qn7jfigs-activepassiveοὗτος σωθήσεται1that person will be saved

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will deliver that person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

882MAT1023m42zἐν τῇ πόλει ταύτῃ1in this city

Here “this” does not refer to a specific city. Alternate translation: “in one city”

883MAT1023jjd4φεύγετε εἰς τὴν ἑτέραν1flee to the next

“flee to the next city”

884MAT1023gk1sἀμὴν…λέγω ὑμῖν1truly I say to you

“I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

885MAT1023dk4ufigs-123personΥἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1Son of Man

Jesus is speaking about himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

886MAT1023tm8zἔλθῃ1comes

“arrives”

887MAT1024uv9r0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about the persecution they will endure when they go out to preach.

888MAT1024p8mrwriting-proverbsοὐκ ἔστιν μαθητὴς ὑπὲρ τὸν διδάσκαλον, οὐδὲ δοῦλος ὑπὲρ τὸν κύριον αὐτοῦ1A disciple is not greater than his teacher, nor a servant above his master

Jesus is using a proverb to teach his disciples a general truth. Jesus is emphasizing that the disciples should not expect people to treat them any better than the people treat Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]])

889MAT1024syb2οὐκ ἔστιν μαθητὴς ὑπὲρ τὸν διδάσκαλον1A disciple is not greater than his teacher

“A disciple is always less important than his teacher” or “A teacher is always more important than his disciple”

890MAT1024nc3eοὐδὲ δοῦλος ὑπὲρ τὸν κύριον αὐτοῦ1nor a servant above his master

“and a servant is always less important than his master” or “and a master is always more important than his servant”

891MAT1025e2aeἀρκετὸν τῷ μαθητῇ ἵνα γένηται ὡς ὁ διδάσκαλος αὐτοῦ1It is enough for the disciple that he should be like his teacher

“The disciple should be satisfied to become like his teacher”

892MAT1025t7jpfigs-explicitγένηται ὡς ὁ διδάσκαλος αὐτοῦ1be like his teacher

If necessary, you can make explicit how the disciple becomes like the teacher. Alternate translation: “know as much as his teacher knows” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

893MAT1025e6z3figs-explicitὁ δοῦλος ὡς ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ1the servant like his master

If necessary, you can make explicit how the servant becomes like the master. Alternate translation: “the servant should be satisfied to become only as important as his master” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

894MAT1025u355εἰ…ἐπεκάλεσαν, πόσῳ μᾶλλον τοὺς οἰκιακοὺς αὐτοῦ1If they have called…how much worse…the members of his household

Again Jesus is emphasizing that since people have mistreated him, his disciples should expect people to treat them the same or worse.

895MAT1025bg2lπόσῳ μᾶλλον τοὺς οἰκιακοὺς αὐτοῦ1how much worse the members of his household

“the names that they call the members of his household will certainly be much worse” or “they will certainly call the members of his household much worse names”

896MAT1025cp96εἰ…ἐπεκάλεσαν1If they have called

“Since people have called”

897MAT1025pu5yfigs-metaphorτὸν οἰκοδεσπότην1the master of the house

Jesus is using this as a metaphor for himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

898MAT1025y5mdΒεελζεβοὺλ1Beelzebul

This name can either be (1) transcribed directly as “Beelzebul” or (2) translated with its original, intended meaning of “Satan.”

899MAT1025r5llfigs-metaphorτοὺς οἰκιακοὺς αὐτοῦ1the members of his household

This is a metaphor for Jesus disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

900MAT1026zb2j0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about the persecution they will endure when they go out to preach.

901MAT1026twv2μὴ…φοβηθῆτε αὐτούς1do not fear them

Here “them” refers to the people who mistreat followers of Jesus.

902MAT1026xqs4figs-metaphorοὐδὲν…ἐστιν κεκαλυμμένον ὃ οὐκ ἀποκαλυφθήσεται, καὶ κρυπτὸν ὃ οὐ γνωσθήσεται1there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, and nothing hidden that will not be known

Both of these statements mean the same thing. Being concealed or hidden represents being kept secret, and being revealed represents being made known. Jesus is emphasizing that God will make all things known. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will reveal the things that people hide” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

903MAT1027fa1sfigs-parallelismὃ λέγω ὑμῖν ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ, εἴπατε ἐν τῷ φωτί; καὶ ὃ εἰς τὸ οὖς ἀκούετε, κηρύξατε ἐπὶ τῶν δωμάτων1What I tell you in the darkness, say in the daylight, and what you hear softly in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops

Both of these statements mean the same thing. Jesus is emphasizing that the disciples should tell everyone what he tells the disciples in private. Alternate translation: “Tell people in the daylight what I tell you in the darkness, and proclaim upon the housetops what you hear softly in your ear” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

904MAT1027kw75figs-metonymyὃ λέγω ὑμῖν ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ, εἴπατε ἐν τῷ φωτί1What I tell you in the darkness, say in the daylight

Here “darkness” is a metonym for “night” which is a metonym for “private.” Here “daylight” is a metonym for “public.” Alternate translation: “What I tell you privately at night, say in public in the day light” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

905MAT1027fc49figs-idiomὃ εἰς τὸ οὖς ἀκούετε1what you hear softly in your ear

This is a way of referring to whispering. Alternate translation: “what I whisper to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

906MAT1027t9u9figs-metonymyκηρύξατε ἐπὶ τῶν δωμάτων1proclaim upon the housetops

Housetops where Jesus lived were flat, and people far away could hear anyone speaking with a loud voice. Here “housetops” refers to any place where all people can hear. Alternate translation: “speak loudly in a public place for all to hear” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

907MAT1028s6wq0General Information:

Here Jesus also begins to give reasons why his disciples should not be afraid of the persecution they might experience.

908MAT1028p3fn0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about the persecution they will endure when they go to preach.

909MAT1028fb29figs-distinguishκαὶ μὴ φοβεῖσθε ἀπὸ τῶν ἀποκτεννόντων τὸ σῶμα, τὴν δὲ ψυχὴν μὴ δυναμένων ἀποκτεῖναι1Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul

This is not distinguishing between people who cannot kill the soul and people who can kill the soul. No person can kill the soul. Alternate translation: “Do not be afraid of people. They can kill the body, but they cannot kill the soul” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

910MAT1028lc56τῶν ἀποκτεννόντων τὸ σῶμα1those who kill the body

This means to cause physical death. If these words are awkward, they can be translated as “kill you” or “kill other people.”

911MAT1028ei7yτὸ σῶμα1the body

the part of a person that can be touched, as opposed to the soul or spirit

912MAT1028e4deτὴν…ψυχὴν…ἀποκτεῖναι1to kill the soul

This means to harm people after they have physically died.

913MAT1028e76nτὴν…ψυχὴν1the soul

the part of a person that cannot be touched and that lives on after the physical body dies

914MAT1028pk7kgrammar-connect-words-phrasesφοβεῖσθε…τὸν δυνάμενον1fear him who is able

You can add “because” to clarify why people should fear God. Alternate translation: “fear God because he is able” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

915MAT1029tm3swriting-proverbsοὐχὶ δύο στρουθία ἀσσαρίου πωλεῖται?1Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin?

Jesus states this proverb as a question to teach his disciples. Alternate translation: “Think about the sparrows. They have so little value that you can buy two of them for only one small coin.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

916MAT1029q22ltranslate-unknownστρουθία1sparrows

These are very small, seed-eating birds. Alternate translation: “small birds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

917MAT1029i399ἀσσαρίου1a small coin

This is often translated as the least valuable coin available in your country. It refers to a copper coin worth about one-sixteenth of a days wage for a laborer. Alternate translation: “very little money”

918MAT1029wxt4figs-doublenegativesἓν ἐξ αὐτῶν οὐ πεσεῖται ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν, ἄνευ τοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν1not one of them falls to the ground without your Fathers knowledge

This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: “your Father knows when even one sparrow dies and falls to the ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

919MAT1029fe8zguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρὸς1Father

This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

920MAT1030cih3figs-activepassiveὑμῶν…καὶ αἱ τρίχες τῆς κεφαλῆς πᾶσαι ἠριθμημέναι εἰσίν1even the hairs of your head are all numbered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God knows even how many hairs are on your head” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

921MAT1030nb7bἠριθμημέναι1numbered

“counted”

922MAT1031n2tzπολλῶν στρουθίων διαφέρετε ὑμεῖς1You are more valuable than many sparrows

“God values you more than many sparrows”

923MAT1032jtw90Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about the reasons why they should not be afraid of the persecution that they might experience.

924MAT1032ntt9πᾶς…ὅστις ὁμολογήσει ἐν ἐμοὶ…κἀγὼ ἐν αὐτῷ ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Πατρός μου1everyone who confesses me…I will also confess him before my Father

“whoever confesses me…I will also confess before my Father” or “if anyone confesses me…I will also confess him before my Father”

925MAT1032yj44ὁμολογήσει ἐν ἐμοὶ ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων1confesses me before men

“tells others that he is my disciple” or “acknowledges before other people that he is loyal to me”

926MAT1032j4dhfigs-ellipsisὁμολογήσω κἀγὼ ἐν αὐτῷ ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Πατρός μου τοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς1I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven

You can make explicit the information that is understood. Alternate translation: “I will also acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven that that person belongs to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

927MAT1032kdd2τοῦ Πατρός μου τοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς1my Father who is in heaven

“my heavenly Father”

928MAT1032n1nbguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου1my Father

This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

929MAT1033sx8gὅστις…ἂν ἀρνήσηταί με…ἀρνήσομαι κἀγὼ αὐτὸν ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Πατρός μου1whoever denies me…I will also deny him before my Father

“whoever denies me…I will also deny before my Father” or “if anyone denies me…I will also deny him before my Father”

930MAT1033d15sἂν ἀρνήσηταί με ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων1denies me before men

“denies to other people that he is loyal to me” or “refuses to acknowledge to others that he is my disciple”

931MAT1033cnu3figs-ellipsisἀρνήσομαι κἀγὼ αὐτὸν ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Πατρός μου τοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς1I will also deny him before my Father who is in heaven

You can make explicit the information that is understood. Alternate translation: “I will deny before my Father who is in heaven that this person belongs to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

932MAT1034bx730Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about the reasons why they should not be afraid of the persecution that they might experience.

933MAT1034rrp3μὴ νομίσητε1Do not think

“Do not suppose” or “You must not think”

934MAT1034l5adfigs-metonymyἐπὶ τὴν γῆν1upon the earth

This refers to the people who live on the earth. Alternate translation: “to the people of the earth” or “to people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

935MAT1034jq6dfigs-metonymyμάχαιραν1a sword

This refers to division, fighting, and killing among people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

936MAT1035xx5mδιχάσαι ἄνθρωπον κατὰ1to set a man against

“to cause…to fight against”

937MAT1035k18yἄνθρωπον κατὰ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ1a man against his father

“a son against his father”

938MAT1036lhc2καὶ ἐχθροὶ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου1A mans enemies

“A persons enemies” or “A persons worst enemies”

939MAT1036g166οἱ οἰκιακοὶ αὐτοῦ1those of his own household

“members of his own family”

940MAT1037ju1k0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about the reasons why they should not be afraid of the persecution that they might experience.

941MAT1037x1xgfigs-gendernotationsὁ φιλῶν…οὐκ ἔστιν μου ἄξιος1He who loves…is not worthy

Here “he” means any person in general. Alternate translation: “Those who love…are not worthy” or “If you love…you are not worthy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

942MAT1037az6tὁ φιλῶν1He who loves

The word for “love” here refers to “brotherly love” or “love from a friend.” Alternate translation: “cares for” or “is devoted to” or “is fond of”

943MAT1037fb3pμου ἄξιος1worthy of me

“deserve to belong to me” or “worthy to be my disciple”

944MAT1038ye95figs-metonymyλαμβάνει τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀκολουθεῖ ὀπίσω μου1pick up his cross and follow after me

“carry his cross and follow me.” The cross represents suffering and death. Taking up the cross represents being willing to suffer and die. Alternate translation: “obey me even to the point of suffering and dying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

945MAT1038ai2rλαμβάνει1pick up

“take up” or “pick up and carry”

946MAT1039u4jhwriting-proverbsὁ εὑρὼν τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ἀπολέσει αὐτήν; καὶ ὁ ἀπολέσας…εὑρήσει αὐτήν1He who finds his life will lose it. But he who loses…will find it

Jesus uses a proverb to teach his disciples. This should be translated with as few words as possible. Alternate translation: “Those who find their lives will lose them. But those who lose their lives…will find them” or “If you find your life you will lose it. But if you lose your life…you will find it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]])

947MAT1039jwf2figs-metaphorὁ εὑρὼν1He who finds

This is a metaphor for “keeps” or “saves.” Alternate translation: “tries to keep” or “tries to save” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

948MAT1039pbf3figs-metaphorἀπολέσει αὐτήν1will lose it

This does not mean the person will die. It is a metaphor that means the person will not experience spiritual life with God. Alternate translation: “will not have true life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

949MAT1039i3x4figs-metaphorὁ ἀπολέσας τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ1he who loses his life

This does not mean to die. It is a metaphor that means a person considers obeying Jesus more important than his own life. Alternate translation: “who denies himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

950MAT1039hz7rἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ1for my sake

“because he trusts me” or “on my account” or “because of me.” This is the same idea as “for my sake” in Matthew 10:18.

951MAT1039g2c8figs-metaphorεὑρήσει αὐτήν1will find it

This metaphor means the person will experience spiritual life with God. Alternate translation: “will find true life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

952MAT1040u2wq0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about the reasons why they should not be afraid of the persecution that they might experience.

953MAT1040asg3figs-gendernotationsὁ δεχόμενος1He who welcomes

The word “He” refers to anyone in general. Alternate translation: “Whoever” or “Anyone who” or “The one who” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

954MAT1040c77eὁ δεχόμενος1He who welcomes

This means to receive someone as a guest.

955MAT1040ir49figs-youὑμᾶς1you

This is plural and refers to the twelve apostles to whom Jesus is speaking. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

956MAT1040pf1jὁ δεχόμενος ὑμᾶς ἐμὲ δέχεται1He who welcomes you welcomes me

Jesus means that when someone welcomes you, it is like welcoming him. Alternate translation: “When someone welcomes you, it is like he is welcoming me” or “If someone welcomes you, it is as if he were welcoming me”

957MAT1040y9ckὁ ἐμὲ δεχόμενος δέχεται τὸν ἀποστείλαντά με1he who welcomes me also welcomes him who sent me

This means that when someone welcomes Jesus, it is like welcoming God. Alternate translation: “When someone welcomes me, it is like he is welcoming God the Father who sent me” or “If someone welcomes me, it is as if he were welcoming God the Father who sent me”

958MAT1041g43dεἰς ὄνομα προφήτου1because he is a prophet

Here “he” does not refer to the person who is welcoming. It refers to the person being welcomed.

959MAT1041yj1qμισθὸν προφήτου1a prophets reward

This refers to the reward that God gives the prophet, not to the reward that a prophet gives to another person.

960MAT1041gjf3εἰς ὄνομα δικαίου1because he is a righteous man

Here “he” does not refer to the person who is welcoming. It refers to the person being welcomed.

961MAT1041qfv7μισθὸν δικαίου1a righteous mans reward

This refers to the reward God gives to a righteous person, not a reward that a righteous person gives to another person.

962MAT1042wx4a0Connecting Statement:

Jesus finishes instructing his disciples about what they should do and expect when they go to preach.

963MAT1042v6jgκαὶ ὃς ἐὰν ποτίσῃ1Whoever gives to drink

“Anyone who gives”

964MAT1042z8tkἕνα τῶν μικρῶν τούτων1one of these little ones

“one of these lowly ones” or “the least important of these.” The phrase “one of these” here refers to one of Jesus disciples.

965MAT1042lza6εἰς ὄνομα μαθητοῦ1because he is a disciple

“because he is my disciple.” Here “he” does not refer to the one giving but to the unimportant one.

966MAT1042wx29ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1truly I say to you

“I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

967MAT1042y1ieοὐ μὴ ἀπολέσῃ τὸν μισθὸν αὐτοῦ1he will certainly not lose his reward

Here “he” and “his” refer to the one who is giving.

968MAT1042d61lοὐ μὴ ἀπολέσῃ1he will certainly not lose

“God will not deny him.” This has nothing to do with having a possession taken away. It can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “God will certainly give him”

969MAT11intropuf40

Matthew 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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 quoted material in 11:10.

Some scholars believe that Matthew 11:20 begins a new stage in the ministry of Christ because of Israels rejection of him.

Special concepts in this chapter

Hidden revelation

After Matthew 11:20, Jesus begins to reveal information about himself and about the plans of God the Father, while hiding this information from those who reject him (Matthew 11:25).

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“The kingdom of heaven is near”

No one knows for sure whether the “kingdom of heaven” was present or still coming when John spoke these words. English translations often use the phrase “at hand,” but these words can be difficult to translate. Other versions use the phrases “is coming near” and “has come near.”

970MAT111z2y7writing-newevent0General Information:

This is the beginning of a new part of the story where Matthew tells of how Jesus responded to disciples of John the Baptist. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

971MAT111dr3uκαὶ ἐγένετο ὅτε1It came about that when

This phrase shifts the story from Jesus teachings to what happened next. Alternate translation: “Then” or “After”

972MAT111ki7fἐτέλεσεν…διατάσσων1had finished instructing

“had finished teaching” or “had finished commanding.”

973MAT111m6h5translate-numbersτοῖς δώδεκα μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ1his twelve disciples

This refers to the twelve chosen apostles of Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

974MAT111ju1qἐν ταῖς πόλεσιν αὐτῶν1in their cities

Here “their” refers to all the Jews in general.

975MAT112n2dcδὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story.

976MAT112f3j7ὁ…Ἰωάννης, ἀκούσας ἐν τῷ δεσμωτηρίῳ1when John heard in the prison about

“When John, who was in prison, heard about” or “When someone told John, who was in prison, about.” Even though Matthew has not yet told the readers that King Herod put John the Baptist in jail, the original audience would have been familiar with the story and understood the implicit information here. Matthew will give more information later about John the Baptist, so it is probably best not to make it explicit here.

977MAT112xre1πέμψας διὰ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ1he sent a message by his disciples

John the Baptist sent his own disciples with a message to Jesus.

978MAT113w2imεἶπεν αὐτῷ1said to him

The pronoun “him” refers to Jesus.

979MAT113q89tσὺ εἶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος1Are you the one who is coming

“Are you the one whom we are expecting to come.” This is another way to refer to the Messiah or Christ.

980MAT113hrk5ἕτερον προσδοκῶμεν?1should we look for another?

“should we be expecting someone else.” The pronoun “we” refers to all Jews, not only Johns disciples.

981MAT114a66rἀπαγγείλατε Ἰωάννῃ1report to John

“tell John”

982MAT115sd6cfigs-activepassiveλεπροὶ καθαρίζονται1lepers are being cleansed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I am healing lepers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

983MAT115v274figs-activepassiveνεκροὶ ἐγείρονται1the dead are being raised back to life

Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “people who have died are being caused to live again” or “I am causing those who have died to become alive again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

984MAT115g3k4figs-activepassiveπτωχοὶ εὐαγγελίζονται1the gospel is being preached to the poor

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I am preaching good news to the poor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

985MAT115l443figs-nominaladjπτωχοὶ1the poor

This nominalized adjective can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “poor people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

986MAT117g2q80Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins to talk to the crowds about John the Baptist.

987MAT117ysq6figs-rquestionτί ἐξήλθατε εἰς τὴν ἔρημον θεάσασθαι? κάλαμον ὑπὸ ἀνέμου σαλευόμενον?1What did you go out in the desert to see—a reed being shaken by the wind?

Jesus uses a question to cause the people to think about what kind of person John the Baptist is. Alternate translation: “Surely you did not go out to the desert to see a reed…wind!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

988MAT117pc6cfigs-metaphorκάλαμον ὑπὸ ἀνέμου σαλευόμενον1a reed being shaken by the wind

Possible meanings are (1) Jesus mean the literal plants by the Jordan River or (2) Jesus is using a metaphor to mean a kind of person. Alternate translation: “a man who easily changes his mind and is like a reed blowing back and forth in the wind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

989MAT117w269figs-activepassiveὑπὸ ἀνέμου σαλευόμενον1being shaken by the wind

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “swaying in the wind” or “blowing in the wind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

990MAT118n5hxfigs-rquestionἀλλὰ τί ἐξήλθατε ἰδεῖν? ἄνθρωπον ἐν μαλακοῖς ἠμφιεσμένον?1But what did you go out to see—a man dressed in soft clothing?

Jesus uses a question to cause the people to think about what kind of person John the Baptist is. Alternate translation: And, surely you did not go out to the desert to see a man…clothing!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

991MAT118y24rἐν μαλακοῖς ἠμφιεσμένον1dressed in soft clothing

“wearing expensive clothing.” Rich people wore this kind of clothing.

992MAT118tmb9ἰδοὺ1Really

This word adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: “Indeed”

993MAT118v9k2τοῖς οἴκοις τῶν βασιλέων1kings houses

“kings palaces”

994MAT119cgm40General Information:

In verse 10, Jesus quotes the prophet Malachi to show that the life and ministry of John the Baptist fulfilled prophecy.

995MAT119w9su0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to talk to the crowds about John the Baptist.

996MAT119gm97figs-rquestionἀλλὰ τί ἐξήλθατε? προφήτην ἰδεῖν1But what did you go out to see—a prophet?

Jesus uses a question to make the people think about what kind of man John the Baptist is. Alternate translation: “But surely you went out to the desert to see a prophet!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

997MAT119nkd4ναί, λέγω ὑμῖν1Yes, I say to you

“I say to you yes,”

998MAT119fb75figs-ellipsisπερισσότερον προφήτου1much more than a prophet

This can be translated as a complete sentence. Alternate translation: “he is not an ordinary prophet” or “he is more important than a normal prophet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

999MAT1110de17figs-activepassiveοὗτός ἐστιν περὶ οὗ γέγραπται1This is he of whom it was written

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “This is what the prophet Malachi wrote long ago about John the Baptist” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1000MAT1110ql5hἐγὼ ἀποστέλλω τὸν ἄγγελόν μου1I am sending my messenger

The pronouns “I” and “my” refer to God. Malachi is quoting what God said.

1001MAT1110fi5efigs-youπρὸ προσώπου σου1before your face

Here “your” is singular, because God was speaking to the Messiah in the quotation. Also, “face” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “in front of you” or “to go ahead of you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1002MAT1110kva7figs-metaphorκατασκευάσει τὴν ὁδόν σου ἔμπροσθέν σου1will prepare your way before you

This is a metaphor that means the messenger will prepare the people to receive the Messiahs message. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1003MAT1111c7pp0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to talk to the crowds about John the Baptist.

1004MAT1111j7gwἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

“I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

1005MAT1111z5yqfigs-idiomἐν γεννητοῖς γυναικῶν1among those born of women

Even though Adam was not born of a women, this is a way of referring to all humans. Alternate translation: “out of all people who have ever lived” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1006MAT1111q2kpμείζων Ἰωάννου τοῦ Βαπτιστοῦ1no one is greater than John the Baptist

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “John the Baptist is the greatest” or “John the Baptist is the most important”

1007MAT1111cag4figs-metonymyὁ…μικρότερος ἐν τῇ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1the least important person in the kingdom of heaven

Here “kingdom of heaven” refers to Gods rule as king. The phrase “kingdom of heaven” is used only in Matthew. If possible, try to keep “heaven” in your translation. Alternate translation: “the least important person under the rule of our God in heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1008MAT1111p5irμείζων αὐτοῦ ἐστιν1is greater than he is

“is more important than John is”

1009MAT1112mb4vἀπὸ δὲ τῶν ἡμερῶν Ἰωάννου τοῦ Βαπτιστοῦ1From the days of John the Baptist

“From the time John began preaching his message.” The word “days” probably refers here to a period of months or even years.

1010MAT1112inr2ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν βιάζεται, καὶ βιασταὶ ἁρπάζουσιν αὐτήν1the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and men of violence take it by force

There are various possible interpretations of this verse. The UST assumes that it means that some people want to use Gods kingdom for their own selfish purposes, and that they are willing to use force against other people to accomplish this. Other versions assume a positive interpretation, that the call to enter the kingdom of God has become so urgent, that people must act in an extreme manner in order to answer that call and to resist the temptation to sin further. A third interpretation is that violent people are harming Gods people and trying to stop God from ruling.

1011MAT1113v3el0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to talk to the crowds about John the Baptist.

1012MAT1113g1i6figs-metonymyπάντες…οἱ προφῆται καὶ ὁ νόμος ἕως Ἰωάννου ἐπροφήτευσαν1all the prophets and the law have been prophesying until John

Here “prophets and the law” refer to the things that the prophets and Moses wrote in scripture. Alternate translation: “for these are the things that the prophets and Moses have prophesied through the scriptures until the time of John the Baptist” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1013MAT1114yg2ffigs-youεἰ θέλετε1if you are willing

Here “you” is plural and refers to the crowd. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1014MAT1114e68uαὐτός ἐστιν Ἠλείας, ὁ μέλλων ἔρχεσθαι1he is Elijah who was going to come

The word “he” refers to John the Baptist. This does not mean John the Baptist is literally Elijah. Jesus means John the Baptist fulfills the prophecy about “Elijah, who is to come” or the next Elijah. Alternate translation: “when the prophet Malachi said that Elijah would return, he was speaking about John the Baptist”

1015MAT1115z97xfigs-metonymyὁ ἔχων ὦτα ἀκούειν, ἀκουέτω1He who has ears to hear, let him hear

Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase “ears to hear” here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. Alternate translation: “Let the one who is willing to listen, listen” or “The one who is willing to understand, let him understand and obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1016MAT1115w4ccfigs-123personὁ ἔχων…ἀκουέτω1He who has…let him hear

Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. Alternate translation: “If you are willing to listen, listen” or “If you are willing to understand, then understand and obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1017MAT1116q1s50Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to talk to the crowds about John the Baptist.

1018MAT1116mp8gfigs-rquestionτίνι δὲ ὁμοιώσω τὴν γενεὰν ταύτην?1To what should I compare this generation?

Jesus uses a question to introduce a comparison between the people of that day and what children might say in the marketplace. Alternate translation: “This is what this generation is like” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1019MAT1116yat1τὴν γενεὰν ταύτην1this generation

“the people living now” or “these people” or “you people of this generation”

1020MAT1116l7kmταῖς ἀγοραῖς1the marketplace

a large, open-air area where people buy and sell items

1021MAT1117wn370Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues the parable that begins with the words “It is like” in verse 16.

1022MAT1117ai4efigs-parablesλέγουσιν…καὶ οὐκ ἐκόψασθε1and say…and you did not weep

Jesus uses a parable to describe the people who were alive at that time. He compares them to a group of children who are trying to get the other children to play with them. However, no matter way they do, the other children will not join them. Jesus means that it does not matter if God sends someone like John the Baptist, who lives in the desert and fasts, or someone like Jesus, who celebrates with sinners and does not fast. The people, most specifically the Pharisees and religious leaders, still remain stubborn and refuse to accept Gods truth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1023MAT1117d916figs-youηὐλήσαμεν ὑμῖν1We played a flute for you

“We” refers to the children sitting in the marketplace. Here “you” is plural and refers to the other group of children. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1024MAT1117j5jdκαὶ οὐκ ὠρχήσασθε1and you did not dance

“but you did not dance to the happy music”

1025MAT1117t723figs-explicitἐθρηνήσαμεν1We mourned

This means they sang sad songs like women did at funerals. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1026MAT1117f87lκαὶ οὐκ ἐκόψασθε1and you did not weep

“but you did not cry with us”

1027MAT1118svc90Connecting Statement:

Jesus concludes talking to the crowds about John the Baptist.

1028MAT1118qe7yfigs-synecdocheμήτε ἐσθίων μήτε πίνων1not eating or drinking

Here “bread” refers to food. It does not mean that John never ate food. It means he fasted often, and when he ate, he did not eat good, expensive food. Alternate translation: “frequently fasting and not drinking alcohol” or “not eating fancy food and not drinking wine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1029MAT1118p4qlfigs-quotationsλέγουσιν, δαιμόνιον ἔχει.1they say, He has a demon.

This can be translated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “they say that he has a demon” or “they accuse him of having a demon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

1030MAT1118kd4qλέγουσιν1they say

All occurrences of “they” refer to the people of that generation, and most specifically to the Pharisees and religious leaders.

1031MAT1119iwk8figs-123personἦλθεν ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1The Son of Man came

Jesus is referring to himself. Alternate translation: “I, the Son of Man, came” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1032MAT1119gs6zἦλθεν…ἐσθίων καὶ πίνων1came eating and drinking

This is the opposite of Johns behavior. This means more than just consuming the normal amount of food and drink. It means Jesus celebrated and enjoyed good food and drink like other people did.

1033MAT1119x4ecfigs-quotationsλέγουσιν, ἰδοὺ, ἄνθρωπος, φάγος καὶ οἰνοπότης…ἁμαρτωλῶν!1they say, Look, he is a gluttonous man and a drunkard…sinners!

This can be translated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “they say that he is a gluttonous man and a drunkard…sinners.” or “they accuse him of eating and drinking too much and of being…sinners.” If you translated “The Son of Man” as “I, the Son of man,” you can state this as an indirect statement and use the first person. Alternate translation: “they say that I am a gluttonous man and a drunkard…sinners.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1034MAT1119d6guἄνθρωπος, φάγος1he is a gluttonous man

“he is a greedy eater” or “he continually eats too much food”

1035MAT1119pv4nοἰνοπότης1a drunkard

“a drunk” or “he continually drinks too much alcohol”

1036MAT1119vwk4writing-proverbsκαὶ ἐδικαιώθη ἡ σοφία ἀπὸ τῶν τέκνων αὐτῆς1But wisdom is justified by her children

This is a proverb that Jesus applies to this situation, because the people who rejected both him and John were not being wise. Jesus and John the Baptist are the wise ones, and the results of their deeds prove it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]])

1037MAT1119dz3cfigs-personificationἐδικαιώθη ἡ σοφία ἀπὸ τῶν τέκνων αὐτῆς1wisdom is justified by her children

Here “wisdom” is described as a woman who is proven to be right by what she does. Jesus means that the results of a wise persons actions prove that he is truly wise. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the results of a wise persons deeds prove that he is wise” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1038MAT1120bwq80General Information:

Jesus begins to rebuke the people of the cities where he previously did miracles.

1039MAT1120w4g8figs-metonymyὀνειδίζειν τὰς πόλεις1to rebuke the cities

Here “the cities” refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “rebuke the people of the cities” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1040MAT1120fxs4πόλεις1cities

“towns”

1041MAT1120t51afigs-activepassiveἐν αἷς ἐγένοντο αἱ πλεῖσται δυνάμεις αὐτοῦ1in which most of his mighty deeds were done

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “in which he did most of his mighty deeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1042MAT1120wh1gαἱ πλεῖσται δυνάμεις αὐτοῦ1mighty deeds

“mighty works” or “works of power” or “miracles”

1043MAT1121xxb3figs-apostropheοὐαί σοι, Χοραζείν! οὐαί σοι, Βηθσαϊδάν!1Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida!

Jesus speaks as if the people of the cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida were there listening to him, but they were not. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])

1044MAT1121tv81figs-youοὐαί σοι1Woe to you

“How terrible it will be for you.” Here “you” is singular and refers to the city. If it is more natural to refer to the people instead of a city, you could translate with a plural “you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1045MAT1121y9d3figs-metonymyΧοραζείν…Βηθσαϊδάν…Τύρῳ…Σιδῶνι1Chorazin…Bethsaida…Tyre…Sidon

The names of these cities are used as metonyms for the people living in these cities. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1046MAT1121lh46figs-hypoεἰ…αἱ δυνάμεις…ἂν ἐν σάκκῳ καὶ σποδῷ1If the mighty deeds…in sackcloth and ashes

Jesus is describing a hypothetical situation that could have happened in the past, but it did not. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

1047MAT1121tm59figs-activepassiveεἰ ἐν Τύρῳ καὶ Σιδῶνι ἐγένοντο αἱ δυνάμεις αἱ γενόμεναι ἐν ὑμῖν1If the mighty deeds had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you

This can be translated with active forms. Alternate translation: “If I had done the mighty deeds among the people of Tyre and Sidon that I have done among you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1048MAT1121k3infigs-youαἱ γενόμεναι ἐν ὑμῖν1which were done in you

Here the “you” is plural and refers to Chorazin and Bethsaida. If it is more natural for your language, you could use a dual “you” to refer to the two cities, or a plural “you” to refer to the people of the cities. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1049MAT1121bqi8πάλαι…μετενόησαν1they would have repented long ago

The pronoun “they” refers to the people of Tyre and Sidon.

1050MAT1121qx9mμετενόησαν1would have repented

“would have shown they were sorry for their sins”

1051MAT1122mr18figs-metonymyΤύρῳ καὶ Σιδῶνι ἀνεκτότερον ἔσται ἐν ἡμέρᾳ κρίσεως ἢ ὑμῖν1it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment than for you

Here “Tyre and Sidon” refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “God will show more mercy to the people of Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than to you” or “God will punish you more severely at the day of judgment than the people of Tyre and Sidon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1052MAT1122ab14figs-youἢ ὑμῖν1than for you

Here the “you” is plural and refers to Chorazin and Bethsaida. If it is more natural for your language, you could use a dual “you” to refer to the two cities, or a plural “you” to refer to the people of the cities. The implied information can be made explicit. AT “than for you, because you did not repent and believe in me, even though you saw me do miracles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1053MAT1123udw10Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to rebuke the people of the cities where he previously did miracles.

1054MAT1123vpz6figs-apostropheσύ, Καφαρναούμ1You, Capernaum

Jesus now speaks to the people in the city of Capernaum as if they were listening to him, but they were not. The pronoun “you” is singular and refers to Capernaum throughout these two verses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])

1055MAT1123h8avfigs-youσύ1You

All occurrences of “you” are singular. If it is more natural to refer to the people of the city, you could translate with a plural “you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1056MAT1123fj7dfigs-metonymyΚαφαρναούμ…Σοδόμοις1Capernaum…Sodom

The names of these cities refer to the people living in Capernaum and in Sodom. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1057MAT1123aa7tfigs-rquestionμὴ ἕως οὐρανοῦ ὑψωθήσῃ?1you will not be exalted to heaven, will you?

“do you think you will be raised up to heaven?” Jesus uses a rhetorical question to rebuke the people of Capernaum for their pride. It can be stated in active form: Alternate translation: “you cannot raise yourself up to heaven!” or “the praise of other people will not raise you up to heaven!” or “God will not bring you up to heaven like you think he will!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1058MAT1123d54dfigs-activepassiveἕως ᾍδου καταβήσῃ1you will be brought down to Hades

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will send you down to Hades” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1059MAT1123vk57figs-hypoὅτι εἰ ἐν Σοδόμοις…ἔμεινεν ἂν μέχρι τῆς σήμερον1For if in Sodom…it would have remained until today

Jesus is describing a hypothetical situation that could have happened in the past, but it did not. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

1060MAT1123z279figs-activepassiveεἰ ἐν Σοδόμοις ἐγενήθησαν αἱ δυνάμεις αἱ γενόμεναι ἐν σοί1if in Sodom there had been done the mighty deeds that were done in you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if I had done the mighty deeds among the people of Sodom that I have done among you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1061MAT1123e2t7δυνάμεις1mighty deeds

“mighty works” or “works of power” or “miracles”

1062MAT1123yih1ἔμεινεν1it would have remained

The pronoun “it” refers to the city of Sodom.

1063MAT1124y1e3λέγω ὑμῖν1I say to you

This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

1064MAT1124e3pafigs-metonymyγῇ Σοδόμων ἀνεκτότερον ἔσται ἐν ἡμέρᾳ κρίσεως ἢ σοί1it shall be easier for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you

Here “land of Sodom” refer to the people who lived there. Alternate translation: “God will show more mercy to the people of Sodom in the day of judgment than to you” or “God will punish you more severely in the day of judgment than the people of Sodom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1065MAT1124yk3zfigs-explicitἢ σοί1than for you

The implicit information can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “than for you, because you did not repent and believe in me, even though you saw me do miracles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1066MAT1125f57a0General Information:

In verses 25 and 26, Jesus prays to his heavenly Father while still in the presence of the crowd. In verse 27, he begins to address the people again.

1067MAT1125h5x4guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΠάτερ1Father

This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

1068MAT1125u9cyfigs-merismΚύριε τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καὶ τῆς γῆς1Lord of heaven and earth

“Lord who rules over heaven and earth.” The phrase “heaven and earth” is a merism that refers to all people and things in the universe. Alternate translation: “Lord who rules over the whole universe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

1069MAT1125p1glἔκρυψας ταῦτα…καὶ ἀπεκάλυψας αὐτὰ1you concealed these things…and revealed them

It is not clear what is meant by “these things.” If your language needs to specify what is meant, an alternative translation might be best. Alternate translation: “you concealed these truths…and revealed them”

1070MAT1125lk8fἔκρυψας ταῦτα ἀπὸ1you concealed these things from

“you hid these things from” or “you have not made these things known to.” This verb is the opposite of “revealed.”

1071MAT1125qw5cfigs-nominaladjἀπὸ σοφῶν καὶ συνετῶν1from the wise and understanding

These nominal adjectives can be translated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “from people who are wise and understanding” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

1072MAT1125las9figs-ironyσοφῶν καὶ συνετῶν1the wise and understanding

Jesus is using irony. He does not think these people are really wise. Alternate translation: “people who think they are wise and understanding” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

1073MAT1125uwu5ἀπεκάλυψας αὐτὰ1revealed them

“made them known.” The pronoun “them” refers to “these things” earlier in this verse.

1074MAT1125b6w5figs-metaphorνηπίοις1to little children

Jesus compares ignorant people to little children. Jesus is emphasizing that many of those who believe him either are not well educated or do not think of themselves as wise. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1075MAT1126qp7tfigs-metonymyὅτι οὕτως εὐδοκία ἐγένετο ἔμπροσθέν σου1for so it was well-pleasing in your sight

The phrase “in your sight” is a metonym that stands for how a person considers something. Alternate translation: “for you considered it good to do this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1076MAT1127yk5wfigs-activepassiveπάντα μοι παρεδόθη ὑπὸ τοῦ Πατρός μου1All things have been entrusted to me from my Father

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “My Father has entrusted all things to me” or “My Father has given everything over to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1077MAT1127gd67πάντα1All things

Possible meanings are (1) God the Father has revealed everything about himself and his kingdom to Jesus or (2) God has given all authority to Jesus.

1078MAT1127j3vkguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου1my Father

This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

1079MAT1127s1asοὐδεὶς ἐπιγινώσκει τὸν Υἱὸν, εἰ μὴ ὁ Πατήρ1no one knows the Son except the Father

“only the Father knows the Son”

1080MAT1127rt5bοὐδεὶς ἐπιγινώσκει1no one knows

The word “knows” here means more than just being acquainted with someone. It means knowing somoene intimately because of having a special relationship with him.

1081MAT1127esp4figs-123personτὸν Υἱὸν1the Son

Jesus was referring to himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1082MAT1127l8xeguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτὸν Υἱὸν1the Son

This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

1083MAT1127w6yqοὐδὲ τὸν Πατέρα τις ἐπιγινώσκει, εἰ μὴ ὁ Υἱὸς1no one knows the Father except the Son

“only the Son knows the Father”

1084MAT1128q9x10Connecting Statement:

Jesus finishes speaking to the crowd.

1085MAT1128x978figs-youπάντες1all you

All occurrences of “you” are plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1086MAT1128t2jjfigs-metaphorοἱ κοπιῶντες καὶ πεφορτισμένοι1who labor and are heavy burdened

Jesus speaks of people being discouraged in their attempts to obey all the laws as if those laws were heavy burdens and the people were laboring to carry them. Alternate translation: “who are discouraged from trying so hard” or “Who are discouraged from trying so hard to obey the laws perfectly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1087MAT1128f1w4κἀγὼ ἀναπαύσω ὑμᾶς1I will give you rest

“I will allow you to rest from your labor and burden”

1088MAT1129q1yafigs-metaphorἄρατε τὸν ζυγόν μου ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς1Take my yoke on you

Jesus continues the metaphor. Jesus is inviting the people to become his disciples and follow him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1089MAT1129t1rhfigs-doubletπραΰς εἰμι καὶ ταπεινὸς τῇ καρδίᾳ1I am meek and lowly in heart

Here “meek” and “lowly in heart” mean basically the same thing. Jesus combines them to emphasize that he will be much kinder than the religious leaders. Alternate translation: “I am gentle and humble” or “I am very gentle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1090MAT1129i3qsfigs-metonymyταπεινὸς τῇ καρδίᾳ1lowly in heart

Here “heart” is a metonym for a persons inner being. The phrase “lowly in heart” is an idiom that means “humble.” Alternate translation: “humble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1091MAT1129i3lsfigs-synecdocheεὑρήσετε ἀνάπαυσιν ταῖς ψυχαῖς ὑμῶν1you will find rest for your souls

Here “soul” refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: “you will find rest for yourselves” or “you will be able to rest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1092MAT1130ynf1figs-parallelismὁ γὰρ ζυγός μου χρηστὸς καὶ τὸ φορτίον μου ἐλαφρόν ἐστιν1For my yoke is easy and my burden is light

Both of these phrases mean the same thing. Jesus is emphasizing that it is easier to obey him than it is the Jewish law. Alternate translation: “For what I place on you, you will be able to carry because it is light” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

1093MAT1130tc2gτὸ φορτίον μου ἐλαφρόν ἐστιν1my burden is light

The word “light” here is the opposite of heavy, not the opposite of dark.

1094MAT12introy7z60

Matthew 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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 12:18-21, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

The Sabbath

This chapter has much to say about how Gods people are to obey the Sabbath. Jesus said that the rules that the Pharisees made up did not help people obey the Sabbath the way God wanted them to. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sabbath]])

“Blasphemy against the Spirit”

No one knows for sure what actions people perform or what words they say when they commit this sin. However, they probably insult the Holy Spirit and his work. Part of the Holy Spirits work is to make people understand that they are sinners and that they need to have God forgive them. Therefore, anyone who does not try to stop sinning is probably committing blasphemy against the Spirit. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/blasphemy]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holyspirit]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Brothers and sisters

Most people call those who have the same parents “brother” and “sister” and think of them as the most important people in their lives. Many people also call those with the same grandparents “brother” and “sister.” In this chapter Jesus says that the most important people to him are those who obey his Father in heaven. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/brother]])

1095MAT121u1f20General Information:

This is the beginning of a new part of the story where Matthew tells of growing opposition to Jesus ministry. Here, the Pharisees criticize his disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath.

1096MAT121m2n1ἐν ἐκείνῳ τῷ καιρῷ1At that time

This marks a new part of the story. Alternate translation: “A little later”

1097MAT121tvt9translate-unknownτῶν σπορίμων1the grainfields

a place to plant grain. If wheat is unknown and “grain” is too general, then you can use “fields of the plant they made bread from.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

1098MAT121yrf8τίλλειν στάχυας καὶ ἐσθίειν1to pluck heads of grain and eat them

Picking grain in others fields and eating it was not considered stealing. The question was whether one could do this otherwise lawful activity on the Sabbath.

1099MAT121zz4rτίλλειν στάχυας καὶ ἐσθίειν1to pluck heads of grain and eat them

“to pick some of the wheat and eat it” or “to pick some of the grain and eat it”

1100MAT121y5vrστάχυας1heads of grain

This is the topmost part of the wheat plant. It holds the mature grain or seeds of the plant.

1101MAT122swl7ποιοῦσιν ὃ οὐκ ἔξεστιν ποιεῖν ἐν Σαββάτῳ1do what is unlawful to do on the Sabbath

Picking grain in others fields and eating it was not considered stealing. The question was whether one could do this otherwise lawful activity on the Sabbath.

1102MAT122mch7οἱ…Φαρισαῖοι1the Pharisees

This does not mean all of the Pharisees. Alternate translation: “some Pharisees”

1103MAT122nh12ἰδοὺ, οἱ μαθηταί σου1See, your disciples

“Look, your disciples.” The Pharisees use this word to draw attention to what the disciples are doing.

1104MAT123mzn10Connecting Statement:

Jesus responds to the Pharisees criticism.

1105MAT123et11αὐτοῖς1to them

“to the Pharisees”

1106MAT123d712figs-rquestionοὐκ ἀνέγνωτε…μετ’ αὐτοῦ?1Have you never read…with him?

Jesus uses a question to respond to the criticism of the Pharisees. Jesus is challenging them to think about the meaning of the scriptures they have read. Alternate translation: “I know you have read about…with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1107MAT124blm5τὸν οἶκον τοῦ Θεοῦ1the house of God

During the time of David there was no temple yet. Alternate translation: “the tabernacle” or “the place for worshiping God”

1108MAT124ue7lfigs-explicitτοὺς ἄρτους τῆς Προθέσεως1bread of the presence

This is sacred bread that priests placed before God in the tabernacle. Alternate translation: “bread that the priest placed before God” or “the sacred bread” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1109MAT124c6a8τοῖς μετ’ αὐτοῦ1those who were with him

“the men who were with David”

1110MAT124lkx9εἰ μὴ τοῖς ἱερεῦσιν μόνοις1but only for the priests

“but, according to the law, only the priest could eat it”

1111MAT125tjh30Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to respond to the Pharisees.

1112MAT125f79qfigs-rquestionοὐκ ἀνέγνωτε ἐν τῷ νόμῳ, ὅτι…ἀναίτιοί εἰσιν?1have you not read in the law that…but are guiltless?

Jesus uses a question to respond to the criticism of the Pharisees. Jesus is challenging them to think about the meaning of what they have read in the scriptures. Alternate translation: “Surely you have read in the law of Moses that…but are guiltless.” or “You should know that the law teaches that…but are guiltless.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1113MAT125dqe9τὸ Σάββατον βεβηλοῦσιν1profane the Sabbath

“do on the Sabbath what they would do on any other day”

1114MAT125i6y9ἀναίτιοί εἰσιν1are guiltless

“God will not punish them” or “God does not consider them guilty”

1115MAT126ji7aλέγω…ὑμῖν1I say to you

This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

1116MAT126k4mnfigs-123personτοῦ ἱεροῦ μεῖζόν ἐστιν1one greater than the temple is

“someone who is more important than the temple.” Jesus was referring to himself as the one greater. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1117MAT127rh530General Information:

In verse 7, Jesus quotes the prophet Hosea to rebuke the Pharisees.

1118MAT127vye20Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to respond to the Pharisees.

1119MAT127ypj7figs-explicitεἰ δὲ ἐγνώκειτε τί ἐστιν, ἔλεος θέλω καὶ οὐ θυσίαν, οὐκ ἂν κατεδικάσατε τοὺς ἀναιτίους1If you had known what this meant, I desire mercy and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless

Here Jesus quotes scripture. Alternate translation: “The prophet Hosea wrote this long ago: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. If you had understood what this meant, you would not have condemned the guiltless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1120MAT127e1juἔλεος θέλω καὶ οὐ θυσίαν1I desire mercy and not sacrifice

In the law of Moses, God did command the Israelites to offer sacrifices. This means God considers mercy more important than the sacrifices.

1121MAT127jw57θέλω1I desire

The pronoun “I” refers to God.

1122MAT127s23lfigs-nominaladjτοὺς ἀναιτίους1the guiltless

This can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “those who are not guilty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

1123MAT128l7g3figs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

Jesus is referring to himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1124MAT128jx98Κύριος…ἐστιν τοῦ Σαββάτου1is Lord of the Sabbath

“rules over the Sabbath” or “makes the laws about what people can do on the Sabbath”

1125MAT129i4890General Information:

Here the scene shifts to a later time when the Pharisees criticize Jesus for healing a man on the Sabbath.

1126MAT129hns8καὶ μεταβὰς ἐκεῖθεν1Then Jesus left from there

“Jesus left the grainfields” or “Then Jesus left”

1127MAT129y4meτὴν συναγωγὴν αὐτῶν1their synagogue

Possible meanings are (1) the word “their” refers to the Jews of that town. Alternate translation: “the synogogue” or (2) the word “their” refers to the Pharisees that Jesus had just spoken to, and this was the synagogue that they and other Jews in that town attended. The word “their” does not mean that the Pharisees owned the synagogue. Alternate translation: “the synagogue that they attended”

1128MAT1210kjf6ἰδοὺ1Behold

The word “Behold” alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this.

1129MAT1210xb13ἄνθρωπος χεῖρα ἔχων ξηράν1a man who had a withered hand

“a man who had a paralyzed hand” or “a man with a crippled hand”

1130MAT1210t948καὶ ἐπηρώτησαν αὐτὸν λέγοντες, εἰ ἔξεστι τοῖς Σάββασιν θεραπεύειν? ἵνα κατηγορήσωσιν αὐτοῦ1The Pharisees asked Jesus, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” so that they might accuse him of sinning

“The Pharisees wanted to accuse Jesus of sinning, so they asked him, Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?’”

1131MAT1210gdj6εἰ ἔξεστι τοῖς Σάββασιν θεραπεύειν?1Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath

“According to the law of Moses, may a person heal another person on the Sabbath”

1132MAT1210c1ccfigs-explicitἵνα κατηγορήσωσιν αὐτοῦ1so that they might accuse him of sinning

They did not just want to accuse Jesus in front of the people. The Pharisees wanted Jesus to give an answer that contradicted the law of Moses so they could take him before a judge and legally charge him with breaking the law. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1133MAT1211g98l0Connecting Statement:

Jesus responds to the Pharisees criticism.

1134MAT1211ng4jfigs-rquestionτίς ἔσται ἐξ ὑμῶν ἄνθρωπος, ὃς ἕξει πρόβατον ἕν…οὐχὶ κρατήσει αὐτὸ καὶ ἐγερεῖ?1What man would there be among you, who, if he had just one sheep…would not grasp hold of it and lift it out?

Jesus uses a question to respond to the Pharisees. He is challenging them to think about what kind of work they do on the Sabbath. Alternate translation: “Every one of you, if you only had one sheep…would grab the sheep and lift it out.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1135MAT1212s2tuπόσῳ οὖν διαφέρει ἄνθρωπος προβάτου?1How much more valuable, then, is a man than a sheep!

The phrase “how much more” adds emphasis to the statement. Alternate translation: “Obviously, a man is much more valuable than a sheep!” or “Just think about how much more important a man is than a sheep”

1136MAT1212a9ldἔξεστιν τοῖς Σάββασιν καλῶς ποιεῖν1it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath

“those who do good on the Sabbath are obeying the law”

1137MAT1213be8ufigs-quotationsτότε λέγει τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ, ἔκτεινόν σου τὴν χεῖρα.1Then Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.”

This can be translated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus commanded the man to stretch out his hand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

1138MAT1213ljl6τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ1to the man

“to the man with the paralyzed hand” or “to the man with the crippled hand”

1139MAT1213fm9rἔκτεινόν σου τὴν χεῖρα1Stretch out your hand

“Hold out your hand” or “Extend your hand”

1140MAT1213s5epἐξέτεινεν1He stretched it out

“The man stretched”

1141MAT1213jry3figs-activepassiveἀπεκατεστάθη, ὑγιὴς1it was restored to health

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “it was healthy again” or “it became well again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1142MAT1214w4zlσυμβούλιον ἔλαβον κατ’ αὐτοῦ1plotted against him

“planned to harm Jesus”

1143MAT1214jdn2ὅπως αὐτὸν ἀπολέσωσιν1as to how they might put him to death

“were discussing how they might kill Jesus”

1144MAT1215d4lk0General Information:

This account explains how the actions of Jesus fulfilled one of the prophecies of Isaiah.

1145MAT1215d5l9ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς γνοὺς, ἀνεχώρησεν1As Jesus perceived this, he withdrew

“Jesus was aware of what the Pharisees were planning, so he”

1146MAT1215hw22ἀνεχώρησεν ἐκεῖθεν1he withdrew from there

“departed from” or “left”

1147MAT1216bk1nμὴ φανερὸν αὐτὸν ποιήσωσιν1they not make him known

“not to tell anyone else about him”

1148MAT1217dc7zἵνα πληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν1that it might come true, what had been said

The phrase “that it might come true” can be translated as the beginning of a new sentence. Alternate translation: “This was to fulfill what”

1149MAT1217mcd7τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ Ἠσαΐου τοῦ προφήτου λέγοντος1what had been said through Isaiah the prophet, saying

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “what God had said long ago through the prophet Isaiah”

1150MAT1218zkt70Connecting Statement:

Here Matthew quotes the prophet Isaiah to show that Jesus ministry fulfilled scripture.

1151MAT1218f5kzἰδοὺ1See

“Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

1152MAT1218fjw6μου…ᾑρέτισα…θήσω1my…I have chosen…I will put

All occurrences of these words refer to God. Isaiah is quoting what God said to him.

1153MAT1218yv4fὁ ἀγαπητός μου εἰς ὃν εὐδόκησεν ἡ ψυχή μου1my beloved one, in whom my soul is well pleased

“he is my beloved one, and I am very pleased with him”

1154MAT1218s6a4figs-synecdocheεἰς ὃν εὐδόκησεν ἡ ψυχή μου1in whom my soul is well pleased

Here “soul” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “with whom I am very pleased” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1155MAT1218jh8pfigs-explicitκρίσιν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν ἀπαγγελεῖ1he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles

The means that Gods servant will tell the Gentiles that there will be justice. It can be stated clearly that God is the one who will bring about justice, and the abstract noun “justice” can be expressed as “what is right.” Alternate translation: “he will announce to the nations that God will do for them what is right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1156MAT1219me7p0Connecting Statement:

Matthew continues to quote the prophet Isaiah.

1157MAT1219hb2mfigs-metonymyοὐδὲ ἀκούσει τις…τὴν φωνὴν αὐτοῦ1neither will anyone hear his voice

Here people not hearing his voice represents him not speaking loudly. Alternate translation: “he will not speak loudly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1158MAT1219gj1pοὐκ ἐρίσει…αὐτοῦ1He will not strive…his

All occurrences of these words refer to Gods chosen servant.

1159MAT1219jr87figs-idiomἐν ταῖς πλατείαις1in the streets

This is an idiom that means “publicly.” Alternate translation: “in the cities and towns” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1160MAT1220ii4cοὐ κατεάξει1He will not break

All occurrences of “he” refer to Gods chosen servant.

1161MAT1220cdk2figs-parallelismκάλαμον συντετριμμένον οὐ κατεάξει, καὶ λίνον τυφόμενον οὐ σβέσει1He will not break a bruised reed; he will not quench a smoking flax

Both of these statements mean the same thing. They are metaphors emphasizing that Gods servant will be gentle and kind. Both “bruised reed” and “smoking flax” represent weak and hurting people. If the metaphor is confusing, you could translate the literal meaning. Alternate translation: “He will be kind to weak people, and he will be gentle to those who are hurting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1162MAT1220m4uzκάλαμον συντετριμμένον1bruised reed

“damaged plant”

1163MAT1220y8mnλίνον τυφόμενον οὐ σβέσει1he will not quench a smoking flax

“he will not put out any smoking flax” or “he will not stop any smoking flax from burning”

1164MAT1220bjg2λίνον τυφόμενον1a smoking flax

This refers to a lamp wick after the flame has gone out and when it is only smoking.

1165MAT1220rer7λίνον…ἕως1flax, until

This can be translated with a new sentence: “flax. This is what he will do until”

1166MAT1220b6twfigs-abstractnounsἂν ἐκβάλῃ εἰς νῖκος τὴν κρίσιν1he leads justice to victory

Leading someone to victory represents causing him to be victorious. Causing justice to be victorious represents making things right that had been wrong. Alternate translation: “he makes everything right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1167MAT1221w3rqfigs-synecdocheτῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ1in his name

Here “name” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1168MAT1222nba20General Information:

Here the scene shifts to a later time when the Pharisees accuse Jesus of healing a man by the power of Satan.

1169MAT1222e1g4figs-activepassiveτότε προσηνέχθη αὐτῷ δαιμονιζόμενος, τυφλὸς καὶ κωφός1Then someone blind and mute, possessed by a demon, was brought to Jesus

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Then someone brought to Jesus a man who was blind and mute because a demon was controlling him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1170MAT1222k2vtπροσηνέχθη…τυφλὸς καὶ κωφός1someone blind and mute

“someone who could not see and could not talk”

1171MAT1223gy5zκαὶ ἐξίσταντο πάντες οἱ ὄχλοι1All the crowds were amazed

“All the people who had seen Jesus heal the man were greatly surprised”

1172MAT1223ink7ὁ υἱὸς Δαυείδ1the Son of David

This is a title for the Christ or Messiah.

1173MAT1223h8kfυἱὸς1Son

Here this means “descendant of.”

1174MAT1224m2jr0General Information:

In verse 25, Jesus begins to respond to the Pharisees accusation that he healed the man by the power of Satan.

1175MAT1224wmi1ἀκούσαντες1heard of this

This refers to the miracle of the healing of a blind, deaf, and demon-possessed man.

1176MAT1224p1mifigs-doublenegativesοὗτος οὐκ ἐκβάλλει τὰ δαιμόνια, εἰ μὴ ἐν τῷ Βεελζεβοὺλ1This man does not cast out demons except by Beelzebul

This can be stated in a positive form. “This man is only able to cast out the demon because he is a servant of Beelzebul” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1177MAT1224wj1yοὗτος1This man

The Pharisees avoid calling Jesus by name to show they reject him.

1178MAT1224cii4ἄρχοντι τῶν δαιμονίων1the prince of the demons

“the chief of the demons”

1179MAT1225i1sdwriting-proverbsπᾶσα βασιλεία μερισθεῖσα καθ’ ἑαυτῆς ἐρημοῦται, καὶ πᾶσα πόλις ἢ οἰκία μερισθεῖσα καθ’ ἑαυτῆς οὐ σταθήσεται1Every kingdom divided against itself is made desolate, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand

Jesus uses a proverb to respond to the Pharisees. Both of these statements mean the same thing. They emphasize that it would not make sense for Beelzebul to use his power to fight other demons. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

1180MAT1225g9ecfigs-metonymyπᾶσα βασιλεία μερισθεῖσα καθ’ ἑαυτῆς ἐρημοῦται1Every kingdom divided against itself is made desolate

Here “kingdom” refers to those who live in the kingdom. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “A kingdom will not last when its people fight among themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1181MAT1225kn8cfigs-metonymyπᾶσα πόλις ἢ οἰκία μερισθεῖσα καθ’ ἑαυτῆς οὐ σταθήσεται1every city or house divided against itself will not stand

Here “city” refers to the people who live there, and “house” refers to a family. Being “divided against itself” represents its people fighting each other. Alternate translation: “it ruins a city or a family when the people fight each other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1182MAT1226gm6j0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to respond to the Pharisees accusation that he healed the man by the power of Satan.

1183MAT1226i42rfigs-metonymyκαὶ εἰ ὁ Σατανᾶς τὸν Σατανᾶν ἐκβάλλει1If Satan drives out Satan

The second use of Satan refers to the demons that serve Satan. Alternate translation: “If Satan works against his own demons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1184MAT1226ah7tfigs-rquestionπῶς οὖν σταθήσεται ἡ βασιλεία αὐτοῦ?1How then will his kingdom stand?

Jesus uses this question to show the Pharisees that what they were saying was illogical. Alternate translation: “If Satan were divided against himself, his kingdom would not be able to stand!” or “If Satan were to fight against his own demons, his kingdom would not last!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1185MAT1227nvv9Βεελζεβοὺλ1Beelzebul

This name refers to the same person as “Satan” (verse 26).

1186MAT1227gee9figs-rquestionοἱ υἱοὶ ὑμῶν ἐν τίνι ἐκβάλλουσιν?1by whom do your sons drive them out?

Jesus uses another question to challenge the Pharisees. Alternate translation: “then you must say your followers also drive out demons by the power of Beelzebul. But, you know this is not true.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1187MAT1227x9jefigs-metaphorοἱ υἱοὶ ὑμῶν1your sons

Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees. The phrase “your sons” refers to their followers. This was a common way of referring to those who follow teachers or leaders. Alternate translation: “your followers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1188MAT1227jja2διὰ τοῦτο, αὐτοὶ κριταὶ ἔσονται ὑμῶν1For this reason they will be your judges

“Because your followers cast out demons by the power of God, they prove that you are wrong about me.”

1189MAT1228f3n70Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to respond to the Pharisees.

1190MAT1228zb4dεἰ δὲ…ἐγὼ1But if I

Here “if” does not mean Jesus is questioning how he drives out demons. Here Jesus uses the word to introduce a true statement. Alternate translation: “But because I”

1191MAT1228r5dgfigs-metonymyἄρα ἔφθασεν ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ1then the kingdom of God has come upon you

“then the kingdom of God has arrived among you.” Here “kingdom” refers to Gods rule as king. Alternate translation: “this means God is establishing his rule among you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1192MAT1228f1wjfigs-youἔφθασεν ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς1come upon you

Here “you” is plural and refers to the people of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1193MAT1229t4vufigs-parablesπῶς δύναταί τις εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν…τὴν οἰκίαν αὐτοῦ διαρπάσει.1how can anyone enter into the house…he will steal his belongings from his house

Jesus uses a parable to continue his response to the Pharisees. Jesus means he can drive out demons because he is more powerful than Satan. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1194MAT1229w54cfigs-rquestionπῶς δύναταί τις εἰσελθεῖν…ἐὰν μὴ πρῶτον δήσῃ τὸν ἰσχυρόν?1how can anyone enter…without tying up the strong man first?

Jesus uses a question to teach the Pharisees and the crowd. Alternate translation: “No one can enter…without tying up the strong man first.” or “If a person wants to enter…he must first tie up the strong man.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1195MAT1229jb6xἐὰν μὴ πρῶτον δήσῃ τὸν ἰσχυρόν?1without tying up the strong man first

“without taking control of the strong man first”

1196MAT1229u6vuτότε τὴν οἰκίαν αὐτοῦ διαρπάσει1Then he will steal his belongings

“The he can steal” or “Then he will be able to steal”

1197MAT1230ivp9ὁ μὴ ὢν μετ’ ἐμοῦ1The one who is not with me

“who does not support me” or “who does not work with me”

1198MAT1230gyk8κατ’ ἐμοῦ ἐστιν1is against me

“opposes me” or “works against me”

1199MAT1230ek1hfigs-metaphorὁ μὴ συνάγων μετ’ ἐμοῦ σκορπίζει1the one who does not gather with me scatters

Jesus is using a metaphor that refers to a person either gathering the flock of sheep to a shepherd or making them scatter away from the shepherd. Jesus means that a person is either helping to make people become disciples of Jesus or he is making people reject Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1200MAT1231qwg40Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to respond to the Pharisees.

1201MAT1231iy8lλέγω ὑμῖν1I say to you

This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

1202MAT1231q5hkfigs-youλέγω ὑμῖν1I say to you

Here “you” is plural. Jesus is speaking directly to the Pharisees, but he is also teaching the crowd. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1203MAT1231hy38figs-activepassiveπᾶσα ἁμαρτία καὶ βλασφημία ἀφεθήσεται τοῖς ἀνθρώποις1every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will forgive every sin that people commit and every evil thing they say” or “God will forgive every person who sins or says evil things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1204MAT1231ezx8figs-activepassiveἡ…τοῦ Πνεύματος, βλασφημία οὐκ ἀφεθήσεται1the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will not forgive the person who speaks evil things about the Holy Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1205MAT1232gwx2figs-metonymyκαὶ ὃς ἐὰν εἴπῃ λόγον κατὰ τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man

Here “word” refers to what someone says. Alternate translation: “If a person says anything bad about the Son of Man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1206MAT1232h79zfigs-123personτοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

Jesus is speaking about himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1207MAT1232z3mafigs-activepassiveἀφεθήσεται αὐτῷ1that will be forgiven him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will forgive a person for that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1208MAT1232hfs4οὐκ ἀφεθήσεται αὐτῷ1that will not be forgiven him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will not forgive that person”

1209MAT1232lw5jfigs-metonymyοὔτε ἐν τούτῳ τῷ αἰῶνι οὔτε ἐν τῷ μέλλοντι1neither in this age, nor in the one that is coming

Here “this world” and “that which is to come” refer to the present life and the next life. Alternate translation: “in this life or in the next life” or “now or ever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1210MAT1233d73d0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to respond to the Pharisees.

1211MAT1233bi8zἢ ποιήσατε τὸ δένδρον καλὸν καὶ τὸν καρπὸν αὐτοῦ καλόν, ἢ ποιήσατε τὸ δένδρον σαπρὸν καὶ τὸν καρπὸν αὐτοῦ σαπρόν1Either make a tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad

Possible meanings are (1) “If you make a tree good, its fruit will be good, and if you make the tree bad, its fruit will be bad” or (2) “If you consider a tree to be good, it will be because its fruit is good, and if you consider it tree to be bad, it will be because its fruit is bad.” This was a proverb. People were to apply its truth to how they can know whether a person is good or bad.

1212MAT1233kl16καλὸν…σαπρὸν1good…bad

“healthy…diseased”

1213MAT1233kz12figs-activepassiveἐκ γὰρ τοῦ καρποῦ, τὸ δένδρον γινώσκεται1for the tree is recognized by its fruit

“Fruit” here is a metaphor for what a person does. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “people know whether a tree is good or bad by looking at its fruit” or “people know whether a person is good or bad by looking at the results of that persons activities” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1214MAT1234r1uvfigs-metaphorγεννήματα ἐχιδνῶν1You offspring of vipers

Here “offspring” means “having the characteristic of.” Vipers are poisonous snakes that are dangerous and represent evil. See how you translated a similar phrase in Matthew 3:7. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1215MAT1234pl4gfigs-youγεννήματα…λαλεῖν…ὄντες1You offspring…you say…you are

These are plural and refer to the Pharisees. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1216MAT1234e7x3figs-rquestionπῶς δύνασθε ἀγαθὰ λαλεῖν1how can you say good things?

Jesus uses a question to rebuke the Pharisees. Alternate translation: “you cannot say good things.” or “you can only say evil things.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1217MAT1234e9bgfigs-metonymyἐκ…τοῦ περισσεύματος τῆς καρδίας, τὸ στόμα λαλεῖ1out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks

Here “heart” is a metonym for the thoughts in a persons mind. Here “mouth” is a synecdoche that represents a person as a whole. Alternate translation: “what a person says with his mouth reveals what is in his mind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1218MAT1235r3uwfigs-metaphorὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος ἐκ τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ θησαυροῦ ἐκβάλλει ἀγαθά; καὶ ὁ πονηρὸς ἄνθρωπος ἐκ τοῦ πονηροῦ θησαυροῦ ἐκβάλλει πονηρά1The good man from the good treasure of his heart produces good things, and the evil man from the evil treasure of his heart produces evil things

Jesus speaks about the “heart” as if it were a container that a person fills with good or evil things. This is a metaphor that means what a person says reveals what the person is truly like. If you want to keep this imagery, see the UST. You can also translate the literal meaning. Alternate translation: “A man who is truly good will speak good things, and the man who is truly evil will speak evil things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1219MAT1236jvg60Connecting Statement:

Jesus concludes his response to the Pharisees accusation that he healed the man by the power of Satan.

1220MAT1236era6λέγω…ὑμῖν1I say to you

This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

1221MAT1236t2pjοἱ ἄνθρωποι, ἀποδώσουσιν περὶ1people will give an account of

“God will ask people about” or “people will have to explain to God”

1222MAT1236f1whfigs-metonymyπᾶν ῥῆμα ἀργὸν ὃ λαλήσουσιν1every idle word they will speak

Here “word” refers to something that someone says. Alternate translation: “every harmful thing they will have said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1223MAT1237qw5efigs-activepassiveδικαιωθήσῃ…καταδικασθήσῃ1you will be justified…you will be condemned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will justify you…God will condemn you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1224MAT1238x4le0General Information:

In verse 39, Jesus begins to rebuke the scribes and Pharisees.

1225MAT1238mec30Connecting Statement:

The dialogue in these verses happens immediately after Jesus responded to the Pharisees accusation that he healed a man by the power of Satan.

1226MAT1238aiu6θέλομεν1we wish

“we want”

1227MAT1238ikg2figs-explicitἀπὸ σοῦ σημεῖον ἰδεῖν1to see a sign from you

You can make explicit why they want to see a sign. Alternate translation: “to see a sign from you that proves what you say is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1228MAT1239d8b9figs-123personγενεὰ πονηρὰ καὶ μοιχαλὶς σημεῖον ἐπιζητεῖ…δοθήσεται αὐτῇ1An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign…given to it

Jesus is speaking to his present generation. Alternate translation: “You are an evil and adulterous generation who demands signs from me…given to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1229MAT1239a5difigs-metaphorγενεὰ…μοιχαλὶς1adulterous generation

Here “adulterous” is a metaphor for people who are not faithful to God. Alternate translation: “unfaithful generation” or “godless generation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1230MAT1239c6hyfigs-activepassiveσημεῖον οὐ δοθήσεται αὐτῇ1no sign will be given to it

Jesus would not give them a sign because, though he had already performed many miracles, they refused to believe him. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will not give it a sign” or “God will not give you a sign” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1231MAT1239j21pεἰ μὴ τὸ σημεῖον Ἰωνᾶ τοῦ προφήτου1except the sign of Jonah the prophet

“except the same sign God gave to Jonah the prophet”

1232MAT1240vh9ifigs-merismτρεῖς ἡμέρας καὶ τρεῖς νύκτας1three days and three nights

Here “day” and “night” mean complete 24-hour periods. Alternate translation: “three complete days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

1233MAT1240iuv8figs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

Jesus is speaking about himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1234MAT1240gg65figs-idiomἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ τῆς γῆς1in the heart of the earth

This means inside a physical grave. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1235MAT1241k3q60Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to rebuke the scribes and Pharisees.

1236MAT1241gnh1ἄνδρες Νινευεῖται1The men of Nineveh

“The citizens of Nineveh”

1237MAT1241b94iἐν τῇ κρίσει1at the judgment

“on judgment day” or “when God judges people”

1238MAT1241x8gmτῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης1this generation

This refers to the people living during the time Jesus was preaching.

1239MAT1241duz2figs-metonymyκαὶ κατακρινοῦσιν αὐτήν1and will condemn it

Possible meanings are (1) “condemn” here represents accusing. Alternate translation: “and will accuse this generation of people” or (2) God will condemn this generation of people because they did not repent as the people of Nineveh had. Alternate translation: “and God will condemn this generation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1240MAT1241qg29καὶ ἰδοὺ1and see

“and look.” This emphasizes what Jesus says next.

1241MAT1241dbs3πλεῖον1someone greater

“someone more important”

1242MAT1241zb6afigs-123personπλεῖον1someone greater

Jesus is speaking about himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1243MAT1241a5p8figs-explicitἸωνᾶ ὧδε1than Jonah is here

You can make explicit the implicit meaning of Jesus statement. Alternate translation: “than Jonah is here, yet you still have not repented, which is why God will condemn you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1244MAT1242q8tb0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to rebuke the scribes and Pharisees.

1245MAT1242zwv7translate-namesβασίλισσα νότου1Queen of the South

This refers to the Queen of Sheba. Sheba is a land south of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1246MAT1242kku7ἐγερθήσεται ἐν τῇ κρίσει1will rise up at the judgment

“will stand up at the judgment”

1247MAT1242z46eἐν τῇ κρίσει1at the judgment

“on judgment day” or “when God judges people.” See how you translated this in Matthew 12:41.

1248MAT1242zc72τῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης1this generation

This refers to the people living during the time Jesus was preaching.

1249MAT1242k4lsfigs-metonymyκαὶ κατακρινεῖ αὐτήν1and condemn them

See how you translated a similar statement in Matthew 12:41. Possible meanings are (1) “condemn” here represents accusing. Alternate translation: “and will accuse this generation of people” or (2) God will condemn this generation of people because they did not listen to wisdom as the Queen of the South had. Alternate translation: “and God will condemn this generation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1250MAT1242q8q8figs-idiomἦλθεν ἐκ τῶν περάτων τῆς γῆς1She came from the ends of the earth

Here “ends of the earth” is an idiom that means “far away.” Alternate translation: “She came from very far away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1251MAT1242t521grammar-connect-words-phrasesἦλθεν ἐκ τῶν περάτων τῆς γῆς ἀκοῦσαι τὴν σοφίαν Σολομῶνος1She came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon

This statement explains why the Queen of the South will condemn the people of Jesus generation. Alternate translation: “For she came” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

1252MAT1242n99zκαὶ ἰδοὺ1and see

“and look.” This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

1253MAT1242aj1xπλεῖον1someone greater

“someone more important”

1254MAT1242uf5kfigs-123personπλεῖον1someone greater

Jesus is speaking about himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1255MAT1242yra5figs-explicitΣολομῶνος ὧδε1than Solomon is here

You can make explicit the implicit meaning of Jesus statement. Alternate translation: “than Solomon is here, yet you do not listen. That is why God will condemn you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1256MAT1243ve5x0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to rebuke the scribes and Pharisees. He begins to tell a parable.

1257MAT1243f5jrἀνύδρων τόπων1waterless places

“dry places” or “places where no people live”

1258MAT1243x2urοὐχ εὑρίσκει1does not find it

Here “it” refers to rest.

1259MAT1244gey7τότε λέγει, εἰς τὸν οἶκόν μου ἐπιστρέψω ὅθεν ἐξῆλθον.1Then it says, I will return to my house from which I came.

This can be translated as a statement rather than a quotation. Alternate translation: “So, the unclean spirit decides to return to the house from which it came”

1260MAT1244ty9bfigs-metaphorεἰς τὸν οἶκόν μου…ὅθεν ἐξῆλθον1to my house from which I came

This is a metaphor for the person in whom the unclean spirit was living. Alternate translation: “to the place I left” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1261MAT1244cd4ffigs-activepassiveεὑρίσκει σχολάζοντα σεσαρωμένον καὶ κεκοσμημένον1it finds it empty and swept out and put in order

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the unclean spirit finds that someone has swept the house clean and has put everything in the house where it belongs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1262MAT1244s6jffigs-metaphorσχολάζοντα σεσαρωμένον καὶ κεκοσμημένον1empty and swept out and put in order

Again, “house” is a metaphor for the person in whom the unclean spirit was living. Here, “swept out and put in order” suggests that no one is living in the house. Jesus means when an unclean spirit leaves a person, the person must invite the Holy Spirit to live in him or else the demon will come back. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1263MAT1245nh6q0Connecting Statement:

Jesus finishes the parable that he began with the words “When an unclean spirit” in verse 43.

1264MAT1245bhb4figs-parablesτότε πορεύεται…καὶ τῇ γενεᾷ ταύτῃ τῇ πονηρᾷ1Then it goes…with this evil generation also

Jesus tells a parable to warn the people of the danger of not believing him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1265MAT1245jw1hοὕτως ἔσται καὶ τῇ γενεᾷ ταύτῃ τῇ πονηρᾷ1It will be just like that with this evil generation also

This means that if the people of Jesus generation do not believe him and become his disciples, they will be in a worse situation than they were before he came.

1266MAT1246qj8w0General Information:

The arrival of Jesus mother and brothers becomes an opportunity for him to describe his spiritual family.

1267MAT1246ahx7ἰδοὺ1behold

The word “behold” alerts us to a new people in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this.

1268MAT1246mh5fἡ μήτηρ1his mother

This is Mary, Jesus human mother.

1269MAT1246dq8mοἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτοῦ1his brothers

These are probably other children born to Mary, but it is possible that the word “brothers” here refers to Jesus cousins.

1270MAT1246z97jζητοῦντες…λαλῆσαι1seeking to speak

“wanting to speak”

1271MAT1247qd32figs-quotationsεἶπεν δέ τις αὐτῷ, ἰδοὺ, ἡ μήτηρ σου καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοί σου ἔξω ἑστήκασιν ζητοῦντές σοι λαλῆσαι.1Someone said to him, “Look, your mother and your brothers stand outside, seeking to speak to you.”

This can be translated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “Someone told Jesus that his mother and brothers were outside and wanted to speak to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

1272MAT1248q1cd0Connecting Statement:

This is the end of the part of the story that began in Matthew 12:1, where Matthew tells of growing opposition to Jesus ministry.

1273MAT1248jm1yfigs-ellipsisτῷ λέγοντι αὐτῷ1the one who told him

The details of the message the person told Jesus are understood and not repeated here. Alternate translation: “who told Jesus that his mother and brothers wanted to speak to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1274MAT1248e535figs-rquestionτίς ἐστιν ἡ μήτηρ μου καὶ τίνες εἰσὶν οἱ ἀδελφοί μου?1Who is my mother and who are my brothers?

Jesus uses these questions to teach the people. Alternate translation: “I will tell you who are really my mother and brothers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1275MAT1249gk62ἰδοὺ1See

“Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

1276MAT1249rxe8figs-metaphorἡ μήτηρ μου καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοί μου1here are my mother and my brothers

This is a metaphor that means Jesus disciples belong to Jesus spiritual family. This is more important than belonging to his physical family. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1277MAT1250e25cὅστις…ἂν ποιήσῃ1whoever does

“anyone who does”

1278MAT1250mq9rguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός1Father

This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

1279MAT1250gn31figs-metaphorαὐτός μου ἀδελφὸς, καὶ ἀδελφὴ, καὶ μήτηρ ἐστίν1that person is my brother, and sister, and mother

This is a metaphor meaning that those who obey God belong to Jesus spiritual family. This is more important than belonging to his physical family. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1280MAT13intros3lu0

Matthew 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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 13:14-15, which are words from the Old Testament.

This chapter begins a new section. It contains some of Jesus parables about the kingdom of heaven.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metonymy

Jesus often says the word “heaven” when he wants his hearers to think of God, who lives in heaven (Matthew 13:11).

Implicit information

Speakers usually do not say things that they think their hearers already understand. When Matthew wrote that Jesus “sat beside the sea” (Matthew 13:1), he probably expected his hearers to know that Jesus was about to teach the people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

Metaphor

Speakers often use words for things that can be touched to speak of things that cannot be touched. Jesus spoke of a bird eating a seed to describe how Satan kept people from understanding Jesus message (Matthew 13:19).

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Passive voice

Many sentences in this chapter tell that a person had something happen to him without saying who caused that something to happen. For example, “they were scorched” (Matthew 13:6). You may have to translate the sentence so that it tells the reader who performed the action. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

Parables

The parables were short stories that Jesus told so that people would easily understand the lesson he was trying to teach them. He also told the stories so that those who did not want to believe in him would not understand the truth (Matthew 13:11-13).

1281MAT131r4xv0General Information:

This is the beginning of a new part of the story where Jesus begins to teach the crowds, using parables, about the kingdom of heaven.

1282MAT131vx5yἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ1On that day

These events happened on the same day as those in the previous chapter.

1283MAT131cy1tἐξελθὼν…τῆς οἰκίας1went out of the house

It is not mentioned at whose house Jesus was staying.

1284MAT131zjb3figs-explicitἐκάθητο παρὰ τὴν θάλασσαν1sat beside the sea

It is implied that he sat down to teach the people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1285MAT132d16zfigs-explicitὥστε αὐτὸν εἰς πλοῖον ἐμβάντα1so he got into a boat

It is implied that Jesus got into a boat because it would make it easier to teach the people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1286MAT132jge7translate-unknownπλοῖον1a boat

This was probably an open, wooden fishing boat with a sail. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

1287MAT133e99p0Connecting Statement:

Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling a parable about a person who sows seeds.

1288MAT133f5mvκαὶ ἐλάλησεν αὐτοῖς πολλὰ ἐν παραβολαῖς1Then he spoke many things to them in parables

“Jesus told them many things in parables”

1289MAT133w5p3αὐτοῖς1to them

“to the people in the crowd”

1290MAT133m97rἰδοὺ1Behold

“Look” or “Listen.” This word calls attention to what is to be said next. Alternate translation: “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

1291MAT133ur64ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρων τοῦ σπείρειν1a farmer went out to sow seed

“a farmer went out to scatter seeds in a field”

1292MAT134c6g6καὶ ἐν τῷ σπείρειν αὐτὸν1As he sowed

“As the farmer scattered the seed”

1293MAT134v7r8παρὰ τὴν ὁδόν1beside the road

This refers to a “path” next to the field. The ground there would have been hard from people walking on it.

1294MAT134qr2dκατέφαγεν αὐτά1devoured them

“ate all the seeds”

1295MAT135l2g6τὰ πετρώδη1the rocky ground

This is ground full of rocks with just a thin layer of soil on top of the rocks.

1296MAT135ql87καὶ εὐθέως ἐξανέτειλεν1Immediately they sprang up

“The seeds quickly sprouted and grew”

1297MAT136qq5xfigs-activepassiveἐκαυματίσθη1they were scorched

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the sun scorched the plants, and they became too hot” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1298MAT136az8lἐξηράνθη1they withered away

“the plants became dry and died”

1299MAT137dnm80Connecting Statement:

Jesus finishes telling a parable about a person who sows seeds.

1300MAT137ugc9ἔπεσεν ἐπὶ τὰς ἀκάνθας1fell among the thorn plants

“fell where plants with thorns grew”

1301MAT137vt8zἀπέπνιξαν αὐτά1choked them

“choked the new sprouts.” Use your word for the way weeds prevent other plants from growing well.

1302MAT138iwv2ἐδίδου καρπόν1produced a crop

“grew more seeds” or “gave fruit”

1303MAT138e91efigs-ellipsisὃ μὲν ἑκατὸν, ὃ δὲ ἑξήκοντα, ὃ δὲ τριάκοντα1some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty

The words “seeds,” “produced,” and “crop” are understood from the previous phrase. These can be expressed clearly. Alternate translation: “some seeds produced one hundred times as much crop, some seeds produced sixty times as much crop, and some seeds produced thirty times as much crop” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1304MAT138ph2ptranslate-numbersἑκατὸν…ἑξήκοντα…τριάκοντα1one hundred…sixty…thirty

“100…60…30” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1305MAT139q2e2figs-metonymyὁ ἔχων ὦτα, ἀκουέτω1He who has ears, let him hear

Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase “has ears” here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. See how you translated a similar phrase in Matthew 11:15. Alternate translation: “Let the one who is willing to listen, listen” or “The one who is willing to understand, let him understand and obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1306MAT139gkv1figs-123personὁ ἔχων ὦτα, ἀκουέτω1He who has ears, let him hear

Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. See how you translated a similar phrase in Matthew 11:15. Alternate translation: “If you are willing to listen, listen” or “If you are willing to understand, then understand and obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1307MAT1310p8yc0General Information:

Jesus explains to his disciples why he teaches with parables.

1308MAT1311fc5nfigs-activepassiveὑμῖν δέδοται γνῶναι τὰ μυστήρια τῆς Βασιλείας τῶν Οὐρανῶν, ἐκείνοις δὲ οὐ δέδοται1To you has been given to understand the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given

This can be translated with the active form and with implied information expressed clearly. Alternate translation: “God has given you the privilege of understanding mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but God has not given it to these people” or “God has made you able to understand mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but he has not enabled these people to understand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1309MAT1311rcd3figs-youὑμῖν δέδοται γνῶναι1To you has been given to understand

The word “You” is plural here and refers to the disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1310MAT1311ah6ufigs-metonymyτὰ μυστήρια τῆς Βασιλείας τῶν Οὐρανῶν1the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven

Here “kingdom of heaven” refers to Gods rule. The phrase “kingdom of heaven” occurs only in the book of Matthew. If possible, try to keep it in your translation. Alternate translation: “the secrets about our God in heaven and his rule” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1311MAT1312j3rlὅστις…ἔχει1whoever has

“whoever has understanding” or “whoever receives what I teach”

1312MAT1312v61yfigs-activepassiveδοθήσεται1will be given more

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will give him more understanding” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1313MAT1312xsr5ὅστις…οὐκ ἔχει1whoever does not have

“whoever does not have understanding” or “whoever does not receive what I teach”

1314MAT1312bl5sfigs-activepassiveκαὶ ὃ ἔχει ἀρθήσεται ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ1even what he has will be taken away from him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will take away even what he has” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1315MAT1313wc3u0General Information:

In verse 14, Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah to show that the peoples failure to understand Jesus teaching is a fulfillment of prophecy.

1316MAT1313hm4t0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to explain to his disciples why he teaches in parables.

1317MAT1313v6pbαὐτοῖς…βλέπουσιν1to them…they see

All occurrences of “them” and “they” refer to the people in the crowd.

1318MAT1313uk7jfigs-parallelism1Though they are seeing, they do not see; and though they are hearing, they do not hear, or understand.

Jesus uses this parallelism to tell and emphasize to the disciples that the crowd refuses to understand Gods truth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

1319MAT1313ae8kβλέποντες1Though they are seeing

Possible meanings are (1) this refers to them seeing what Jesus does. Alternate translation: “Though they see what I do” or (2) this refers to their ability to see. Alternate translation: “Though they are able to see”

1320MAT1313nbi3figs-metaphorοὐ βλέπουσιν1they do not see

Here “see” represents understanding. Alternate translation: “they do not understand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1321MAT1313j4bgἀκούοντες1though they are hearing

Possible meanings are (1) this refers to them hearing what Jesus teaches. Alternate translation: “Though they hear what I say” or (2) this refers to their ability to hear. Alternate translation: “Though they are able to hear”

1322MAT1313gq65figs-metaphorοὐκ ἀκούουσιν1they do not hear

Here “hear” represents listening well. Alternate translation: “they do not listen well” or “they do not pay attention” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1323MAT1314jz9nκαὶ ἀναπληροῦται αὐτοῖς ἡ προφητεία Ἠσαΐου ἡ λέγουσα1To them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, that which says

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They are fulfilling what God said long ago through the prophet Isaiah”

1324MAT1314z2esfigs-parallelismἀκοῇ ἀκούσετε καὶ οὐ μὴ συνῆτε; καὶ βλέποντες βλέψετε καὶ οὐ μὴ ἴδητε1You will indeed hear, but you will certainly not understand; you will indeed see, but you will certainly not perceive.

This begins a quote from the prophet Isaiah about the unbelieving people of Isaiahs day. Jesus uses this quote to describe the very crowd that was listening to him. These statements are again parallel and emphasize that the people refused to understand Gods truth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

1325MAT1314a1imfigs-explicitἀκοῇ ἀκούσετε καὶ οὐ μὴ συνῆτε1You will indeed hear, but you will certainly not understand

“You will hear things, but you will not understand them.” You can make explicit what the people will hear. Alternate translation: “You will hear what God says through the prophets, but you will not understand its true meaning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1326MAT1314emu1figs-explicitβλέποντες βλέψετε καὶ οὐ μὴ ἴδητε1you will indeed see, but you will certainly not perceive

You can make explicit what the people will see. Alternate translation: “you will see what God does through the prophets, but you will not understand it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1327MAT1315e8r50Connecting Statement:

Jesus finishes quoting the prophet Isaiah.

1328MAT1315lu8ufigs-metaphorἐπαχύνθη γὰρ ἡ καρδία τοῦ λαοῦ τούτου…ἰάσομαι αὐτούς1For this peoples heart has become dull…I would heal them

In 13:15 God describes the people of Israel as if they have physical diseases that cause them to be unable to learn, to see, and to hear. God wants them to come to him so he will heal them. This is all a metaphor describing the peoples spiritual condition. It means the people are stubborn and refuse to receive and understand Gods truth. If they would, then they would repent and God would forgive them and welcome them back as his people. If the meaning is clear, keep the metaphor in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1329MAT1315fy7mfigs-metonymyἐπαχύνθη γὰρ ἡ καρδία τοῦ λαοῦ τούτου1this peoples heart has become dull

Here “heart” refers to the mind. Alternate translation: “these peoples minds are slow to learn” or “these people can no longer learn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1330MAT1315q87mfigs-metonymyτοῖς ὠσὶν βαρέως ἤκουσαν1they are hard of hearing

They are not physically deaf. Here “hard of hearing” means they refuse to listen and learn Gods truth. Alternate translation: “they refuse to use their ears to listen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1331MAT1315y7t7figs-metonymyτοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτῶν ἐκάμμυσαν1they have closed their eyes

They have not literally closed their eyes. This means they refuse to understand. Alternate translation: “they refuse to use their eyes to see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1332MAT1315fl93μήποτε ἴδωσιν τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς, καὶ τοῖς ὠσὶν ἀκούσωσιν, καὶ τῇ καρδίᾳ συνῶσιν, καὶ ἐπιστρέψωσιν1so they should not see with their eyes, or hear with their ears, or understand with their hearts, so they would turn again

“so that they are not able to see with their eyes, hear with their ears, or understand with their heart, and as a result turn again”

1333MAT1315sr25figs-metonymyτῇ καρδίᾳ συνῶσιν1understand with their hearts

The word “hearts” here is a metonym for peoples innermost being. You may need to use the word in your language for the source of peoples thinking and feelings. Alternate translation: “understand with their minds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1334MAT1315ps56ἐπιστρέψωσιν1they would turn again

“turn back to me” or “repent”

1335MAT1315q1h9figs-metaphorἰάσομαι αὐτούς1I would heal them

“have me heal them.” This means God would heal them spiritually by forgiving their sins and receiving them again as his people. Alternate translation: “have me receive them again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1336MAT1316dc9t0Connecting Statement:

Jesus finishes explaining to his disciples why he teaches with parables.

1337MAT1316yhe4figs-parallelismὑμῶν δὲ μακάριοι οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ ὅτι βλέπουσιν, καὶ τὰ ὦτα ὑμῶν ὅτι ἀκούουσιν1But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear

Both of these statements mean the same thing. Jesus is emphasizing that they have pleased God because they have believed what Jesus has said and done. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

1338MAT1316glp8figs-synecdocheὑμῶν δὲ μακάριοι οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ ὅτι βλέπουσιν1But blessed are your eyes, for they see

Here “eyes” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “You are blessed because your eyes are able to see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1339MAT1316rlt3figs-youὑμῶν…ὑμῶν1your…your

All occurrences of these words are plural and refer to the disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1340MAT1316jp32figs-synecdocheτὰ ὦτα ὑμῶν ὅτι ἀκούουσιν1your ears, for they hear

Here “ears” refer to the whole person. You can also make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “you are blessed because your ears are able to hear” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1341MAT1317mg58ἀμὴν, γὰρ λέγω ὑμῖν1For truly I say to you

“I tell you the truth.” This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

1342MAT1317bsj7figs-youὑμῖν1you

All occurrences of this word are plural and refer to the disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1343MAT1317e6cifigs-explicitἃ βλέπετε1the things that you see

You can make explicit what they have seen. Alternate translation: “the things you have seen me do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1344MAT1317q14wfigs-explicitἃ ἀκούετε1the things that you hear

You can make explicit what they have heard. Alternate translation: “the things you have heard me say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1345MAT1318w35t0Connecting Statement:

Here Jesus begins to explain to his disciples the parable about a person who sows seeds, which he began in Matthew 13:3.

1346MAT1319v2d7τὸν λόγον τῆς βασιλείας1the word of the kingdom

“the message about Gods rule as king”

1347MAT1319a8nufigs-metaphorἔρχεται ὁ πονηρὸς καὶ ἁρπάζει τὸ ἐσπαρμένον ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ1the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart

Jesus speaks of Satan causing the person to forget what he has heard as if Satan were a bird snatching the seed from the ground. Alternate translation: “The evil one causes him to forget the message that he has heard just as a bird snatches away seed from the ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1348MAT1319sb7ufigs-explicitὁ πονηρὸς1the evil one

This refers to Satan. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1349MAT1319pt4dἁρπάζει1snatches away

Try to use a word that means to grab something away from someone who is the rightful owner.

1350MAT1319r9u6figs-activepassiveτὸ ἐσπαρμένον ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ1what has been sown in his heart

This can be translated in active form: Alternate translation: “the message that God sowed in his heart” or “the message that he heard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1351MAT1319xi8ffigs-metonymyἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ1in his heart

Here “heart” refers to the mind of the hearer. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1352MAT1319wfd3οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ παρὰ τὴν ὁδὸν σπαρείς1This is the seed that was sown beside the road

“This is the meaning of the seed that was sown beside the road” or “The road where seed was sown represents this person”

1353MAT1319xgz5παρὰ τὴν ὁδὸν1beside the road

See how you translated this in Matthew 13:4.

1354MAT1320q3fp0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to explain to his disciples the parable about a person who sows seeds.

1355MAT1320l5ivfigs-explicitὁ δὲ ἐπὶ τὰ πετρώδη σπαρείς1That which was sown on rocky ground

The phrase “what was sown” refers to seed that fell. Alternate translation: “The seed that fell on rocky ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1356MAT1320w4f9ὁ δὲ ἐπὶ τὰ πετρώδη σπαρείς, οὗτός ἐστιν1That which was sown on rocky ground, this is

“The rocky ground where seed was sown represents” or “The rocky ground where seed fell represents”

1357MAT1320e3hmὁ τὸν λόγον ἀκούων1the person who hears the word

In the parable, the seed represents the word.

1358MAT1320cl6gfigs-metonymyτὸν λόγον1the word

This represents Gods message. Alternate translation: “the message” or “Gods teaching” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1359MAT1320z76ffigs-metaphorμετὰ χαρᾶς λαμβάνων αὐτόν1receives it with joy

Believing the word is spoken of as receiving it. Alternate translation: “joyfully believes it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1360MAT1321zg9qfigs-metaphorοὐκ ἔχει δὲ ῥίζαν ἐν ἑαυτῷ, ἀλλὰ πρόσκαιρός ἐστιν1But he has no root in himself, so he only endures a short time

“Yet he has shallow roots and only lasts for a little while.” The root represents what makes a person continue to believe Gods message. Alternate translation: “But like a plant that does not grow deep roots, he only endures for a little while” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1361MAT1321lim9figs-metaphorεὐθὺς σκανδαλίζεται1he soon falls away

Here “falls away” means stops believing. Alternate translation: “immediately he falls away” or “he quickly stops believing the message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1362MAT1322sis70Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to explain to his disciples the parable about a person who sows seeds.

1363MAT1322d4h5figs-explicitὁ…σπαρείς1That which was sown

This refers to seed that was sown or that fell. Alternate translation: “The seed that was sown” or “The seed that fell” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1364MAT1322rcj8ὁ δὲ εἰς τὰς ἀκάνθας σπαρείς1That which was sown among the thorn plants

“The ground with the thorn plants where seed was sown”

1365MAT1322anm5οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ1this is the person

“this represents the person”

1366MAT1322a3u1τὸν λόγον1the word

“the message” or “Gods teaching”

1367MAT1322q2nhfigs-metaphorἡ μέριμνα τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου καὶ ἡ ἀπάτη τοῦ πλούτου συνπνίγει τὸν λόγον1the cares of this age and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word

Jesus speaks about the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches distracting a person from obeying Gods word as if they were weeds that could wind around a plant and keep it from growing. Alternate translation: “as weeds prevent good plants from growing, the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches keep this person from listening to Gods word” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1368MAT1322xa8rμέριμνα τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου1cares of this age

“the things in this world that people worry about”

1369MAT1322wwf5figs-personificationἡ ἀπάτη τοῦ πλούτου1the deceitfulness of riches

Jesus describes “riches” as if it were a person who could deceive someone. This means people think having more money will make them happy, but it will not. Alternate translation: “the love of money” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1370MAT1322gn6zfigs-metaphorἄκαρπος γίνεται1it becomes unfruitful

The person is spoken of as if he were a plant. Being unfruitful represents being unproductive. Alternate translation: “he becomes unproductive” or “he does not do what God wants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1371MAT1323xw4bὁ…ἐπὶ τὴν καλὴν γῆν σπαρείς1That which was sown on the good soil

“The good soil where seeds were sown”

1372MAT1323ptb8figs-metaphorδὴ καρποφορεῖ καὶ ποιεῖ1He indeed bears fruit, some yielding

The person is spoken of as if he were a plant. Alternate translation: “Like a healthy plant that bears a crop of fruit, he is productive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1373MAT1323wm3pfigs-ellipsisὃ μὲν ἑκατὸν, ὃ δὲ ἑξήκοντα, ὃ δὲ τριάκοντα1some yielding one hundred times as much as was planted, some sixty, and some thirty times as much

The phrase “as much as was planted” is understood following each of these numbers. See how you translated this in Matthew 13:8. Alternate translation: “Some people produce 100 times as much as was planted, some produce 60 times as much, and some produce 30 times as much” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1374MAT1324l5yxfigs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Here Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling a parable about a field with both wheat and weeds growing in it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1375MAT1324k8pufigs-simileὡμοιώθη ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν, ἀνθρώπῳ1The kingdom of heaven is like a man

The translation should not equate the kingdom of heaven to a man, but rather the kingdom of heaven is like the situation described in the parable. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1376MAT1324f8j5figs-metonymyὡμοιώθη ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1The kingdom of heaven is like

Here “kingdom of heaven” refers to Gods rule as king. The phrase “kingdom of heaven” is used only in Matthew. If possible, use “heaven” in your translation. Alternate translation: “When our God in heaven shows himself to be king, it will be like” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1377MAT1324u21kfigs-explicitκαλὸν σπέρμα1good seed

“good food seeds” or “good grain seeds.” The audience probably thought that Jesus was talking about wheat. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1378MAT1325zn8vἦλθεν αὐτοῦ ὁ ἐχθρὸς1his enemy came

“his enemy came to the field”

1379MAT1325q4tvζιζάνια1weeds

These weeds look like food plants when they are young, but their grain is poison. Alternate translation: “bad seed” or “weed seeds”

1380MAT1326lea1ὅτε δὲ ἐβλάστησεν ὁ χόρτος1When the blades sprouted

“When the wheat seeds sprouted” or “When the plants came up”

1381MAT1326jgv9καρπὸν ἐποίησεν1produced a crop

“produced grain” or “produced the wheat crop”

1382MAT1326tu4qτότε ἐφάνη καὶ τὰ ζιζάνια1then the weeds appeared also

“then people could see there were weeds in the field also”

1383MAT1327hz3q0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to tell a parable about a field with both wheat and weeds growing in it.

1384MAT1327h51xτοῦ οἰκοδεσπότου1the landowner

This is the same person who sowed good seed in his field.

1385MAT1327gr7dfigs-rquestionοὐχὶ καλὸν σπέρμα ἔσπειρας ἐν τῷ σῷ ἀγρῷ?1did you not sow good seed in your field?

The servants used a question to emphasize their surprise. Alternate translation: “you sowed good seed in your field!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1386MAT1327fb86figs-metonymyοὐχὶ…ἔσπειρας1did you not sow

The landowner probably had his servants plant the seeds. Alternate translation: “did we not sow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1387MAT1328r83zὁ δὲ ἔφη αὐτοῖς1He said to them

“The landowner said to the servants”

1388MAT1328num8θέλεις οὖν ἀπελθόντες1So do you want us

The word “us” refers to the servants.

1389MAT1329shs30Connecting Statement:

Jesus concludes the parable about a field with both wheat and weeds growing in it.

1390MAT1329c9jcὁ δέ φησιν1But he said

“The landowner said to his servants”

1391MAT1330z36afigs-quotationsἐρῶ τοῖς θερισταῖς, συλλέξατε πρῶτον τὰ ζιζάνια καὶ δήσατε αὐτὰ εἰς δέσμας πρὸς τὸ κατακαῦσαι αὐτά; τὸν δὲ σῖτον συναγάγετε εἰς τὴν ἀποθήκην μου.1I will say to the reapers, “First pull out the weeds and tie them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”

You can translate this as an indirect quote (AT): “I will tell the reapers to first gather up the weeds and tie them in bundles to burn them, and then gather the wheat into my barn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

1392MAT1330ll14τὴν ἀποθήκην1barn

a farm building that can be used for storing grain

1393MAT1331tdf4figs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling a parable about a very small seed that grows into a very big plant. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1394MAT1331jw7ufigs-metonymyὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1The kingdom of heaven is like

Here “kingdom of heaven” refers to Gods rule as king. The phrase “kingdom of heaven” is used only in Matthew. If possible, use “heaven” in your translation. See how you translated this in Matthew 13:24. Alternate translation: “When our God in heaven shows himself to be king, it will be like” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1395MAT1331qby8translate-unknownκόκκῳ σινάπεως1mustard seed

a very small seed that grows into a large plant (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

1396MAT1332gyi1figs-explicitὃ μικρότερον μέν ἐστιν πάντων τῶν σπερμάτων1It is indeed the smallest of all seeds

Mustard seeds were the smallest seeds known to the original hearers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1397MAT1332x65dὅταν δὲ αὐξηθῇ1But when it has grown

“But when the plant has grown”

1398MAT1332um9kμεῖζον…ἐστὶν1it is greater than

“it is larger than”

1399MAT1332g6v8γίνεται δένδρον1It becomes a tree

A mustard plant can grow about 2 to 4 meters tall.

1400MAT1332c9teτὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ1birds of the air

“birds”

1401MAT1333a1thfigs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling a parable about the effect that yeast has on flour. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1402MAT1333z94kfigs-simileὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν ζύμῃ1The kingdom of heaven is like yeast

The kingdom is not like the yeast, but the spread of the kingdom is like the spreading of the yeast. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1403MAT1333w8sbfigs-metonymyὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1The kingdom of heaven is like

Here “kingdom of heaven” refers to Gods rule as king. The phrase “kingdom of heaven” is used only in Matthew. If possible, use “heaven” in your translation. See how you translated this in Matthew 13:24. Alternate translation: “When our God in heaven shows himself to be king, it will be like” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1404MAT1333r88gtranslate-bvolumeἀλεύρου σάτα τρία1three measures of flour

Say “a large amount of flour” or use a term that your culture uses for measuring large amounts of flour. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume]])

1405MAT1333c35rfigs-explicitἕως οὗ ἐζυμώθη ὅλον1until all the dough had risen

The implied information is that the yeast and the three measures of flour were made into dough for baking. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1406MAT1334f9gl0General Information:

Here the author quotes from the Psalms to show that Jesus teaching in parables fulfilled prophecy.

1407MAT1334nt7ufigs-parallelismταῦτα πάντα ἐλάλησεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐν παραβολαῖς τοῖς ὄχλοις, καὶ χωρὶς παραβολῆς οὐδὲν ἐλάλει αὐτοῖς1All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables; and he spoke nothing to them without a parable

Both sentences mean the same thing. They are combined to emphasize that Jesus taught the crowds only with parables. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

1408MAT1334n54eταῦτα πάντα1All these things

This refers to what Jesus taught beginning at Matthew 13:1.

1409MAT1334a5c7figs-doublenegativesχωρὶς παραβολῆς οὐδὲν ἐλάλει αὐτοῖς1he spoke nothing to them without a parable

“he taught them nothing except by parables.” The double negative can be expressed in a positive way. Alternate translation: “everything he taught them he said in parables” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1410MAT1335ybq5figs-activepassiveπληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ τοῦ προφήτου λέγοντος1what had been said through the prophet might come true, when he said

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “what God told one of the prophets to write long ago might come true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1411MAT1335p3tbλέγοντος1when he said

“when the prophet said”

1412MAT1335n1pafigs-idiomἀνοίξω…τὸ στόμα μου1I will open my mouth

This is an idiom that means to speak. Alternate translation: “I will speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1413MAT1335yx6yfigs-activepassiveκεκρυμμένα1things that were hidden

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “things that God has kept hidden” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1414MAT1335th8tἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου1from the foundation of the world

“since the beginning of the world” or “since God created the world”

1415MAT1336pq2h0Connecting Statement:

Here the scene shifts to the house where Jesus and his disciples were staying. Jesus begins to explain to them the parable of the field that had both wheat and weeds, which he told beginning in Matthew 13:24.

1416MAT1336x5w7ἦλθεν εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν1went into the house

“went indoors” or “went into the house where he was staying”

1417MAT1337aj8fὁ σπείρων τὸ καλὸν σπέρμα1He who sows the good seed

“The one who sows the good seed” or “The sower of the good seed”

1418MAT1337xj4sfigs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

Jesus is referring to himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1419MAT1338h9izfigs-idiomοἱ υἱοὶ τῆς βασιλείας1the sons of the kingdom

The idiom “sons of” refers to those who belong to or to have the same character as someone or something. Alternate translation: “the people who belong to the kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1420MAT1338eni3figs-metonymyτῆς βασιλείας1of the kingdom

Here “kingdom” refers to God the king. Alternate translation: “of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1421MAT1338edu7figs-idiomοἱ υἱοὶ τοῦ πονηροῦ1the sons of the evil one

The idiom “sons of” refers those who belong to or to have the same character as someone or something. Alternate translation: “the people who belong to the evil one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1422MAT1339sgx2ὁ…ἐχθρὸς, ὁ σπείρας αὐτά1the enemy who sowed them

“the enemy who sowed the weeds”

1423MAT1340ei3v0Connecting Statement:

Jesus finishes explaining to his disciples the parable of the field with both wheat and weeds.

1424MAT1340rn64figs-activepassiveὥσπερ οὖν συλλέγεται τὰ ζιζάνια καὶ πυρὶ κατακαίεται1Therefore, as the weeds are gathered up and burned with fire

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Therefore, as people gather up weeds and burn them in the fire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1425MAT1341fiy4figs-123personἀποστελεῖ ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου τοὺς ἀγγέλους αὐτοῦ1The Son of Man will send out his angels

Here Jesus is speaking of himself. Alternate translation: “I, the Son of Man, will send out my angels” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1426MAT1341ptw9τοὺς ποιοῦντας τὴν ἀνομίαν1those who commit iniquity

“those who are lawless” or “evil people”

1427MAT1342d9mdfigs-metaphorτὴν κάμινον τοῦ πυρός1the furnace of fire

This is a metaphor for the fires of hell. If the term “furnace” is not known, “oven” can be used. Alternate translation: “fiery furnace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1428MAT1342zu3jtranslate-symactionὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων1weeping and grinding of teeth

“Grinding of teeth” here is a symbolic act, representing extreme sadness and suffering. See how you translated this in Matthew 8:12. Alternate translation: “weeping and showing that they are suffering very much” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

1429MAT1343u6smfigs-simileἐκλάμψουσιν ὡς ὁ ἥλιος1shine like the sun

If this simile is not understandable in your language, you can use: “be as easy to see as the sun.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1430MAT1343sea2guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρὸς1Father

This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

1431MAT1343zxh2figs-metonymyὁ ἔχων ὦτα, ἀκουέτω1He who has ears, let him hear

Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase “has ears” here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. See how you translated a similar phrase in Matthew 11:15. Alternate translation: “Let the one who is willing to listen, listen” or “The one who is willing to understand, let him understand and obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1432MAT1343sak5figs-123personὁ…ἀκουέτω1He who…let him

Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. See how you translated this in Matthew 11:15. Alternate translation: “If you are willing to listen, listen” or “If you are willing to understand, then understand and obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1433MAT1344n7nzfigs-simile0General Information:

In these two parables, Jesus uses two similes to teach his disciples what the kingdom of heaven is like. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1434MAT1344fjm1figs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling two parables about people who sold their possessions to purchase something of great value. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1435MAT1344e9cvfigs-metonymyὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1The kingdom of heaven is like

Here “kingdom of heaven” refers to Gods rule as king. The phrase “kingdom of heaven” is used only in Matthew. If possible, use “heaven” in your translation. See how you translated this in Matthew 13:24. Alternate translation: “When our God in heaven shows himself to be king, it will be like” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1436MAT1344u9jqfigs-activepassiveὁμοία ἐστὶν…θησαυρῷ κεκρυμμένῳ ἐν τῷ ἀγρῷ1like a treasure hidden in a field

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “a treasure that someone had hidden in a field” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1437MAT1344k9rhθησαυρῷ1a treasure

a very valuable and precious thing or collection of things

1438MAT1344hu7fἔκρυψεν1hid it

“covered it up”

1439MAT1344jtv2figs-explicitπωλεῖ πάντα ὅσα ἔχει, καὶ ἀγοράζει τὸν ἀγρὸν ἐκεῖνον1sells everything that he possesses, and buys that field

The implied information is that the person buys the field to take possession of the hidden treasure. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1440MAT1345c633figs-simileὁμοία…ἀνθρώπῳ ἐμπόρῳ ζητοῦντι καλοὺς μαργαρίτας1like a man who is a merchant looking for valuable pearls

The implied information is that the man was looking for valuable pearls that he could buy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1441MAT1345khy6ἀνθρώπῳ ἐμπόρῳ1a man who is a merchant

a trader or wholesale dealer who often obtains merchandise from distant places

1442MAT1345b88qtranslate-unknownκαλοὺς μαργαρίτας1valuable pearls

A “pearl” is a smooth, hard, shiny, white or light-colored bead formed inside mollusks in the sea and highly prized as a gem or to make into valuable jewelry. Alternate translation: “fine pearls” or “beautiful pearls” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

1443MAT1347vw24figs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling a parable about fishermen who use a large net to catch fish. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1444MAT1347g79nfigs-simileὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν σαγήνῃ1the kingdom of heaven is like a net

The kingdom is not like the net, but the kingdom draws all kinds of people like a net catches all kinds of fish. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1445MAT1347rjm4figs-metonymyὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1the kingdom of heaven is like

Here “kingdom of heaven” refers to Gods rule as king. The phrase “kingdom of heaven” is used only in Matthew. If possible, use “heaven” in your translation. See how you translated this in Matthew 13:24. Alternate translation: “When our God in heaven shows himself to be king, it will be like” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1446MAT1347vrp4figs-activepassiveὁμοία…σαγήνῃ βληθείσῃ εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν1like a net that was cast into the sea

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “like a net that some fishermen cast into the sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1447MAT1347kbz2βληθείσῃ εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν1was cast into the sea

“was thrown into the sea”

1448MAT1347t9v6ἐκ παντὸς γένους συναγαγούσῃ1gathered fish of every kind

“caught all kinds of fish”

1449MAT1348kf47ἀναβιβάσαντες ἐπὶ τὸν αἰγιαλὸν1drew it up on the beach

“pulled the net up onto the beach” or “pulled the net ashore”

1450MAT1348cnp7τὰ καλὰ1the good fish

“the good ones”

1451MAT1348qi2zτὰ…σαπρὰ1the worthless things

“the bad fish” or “the inedible fish”

1452MAT1348aqu2ἔβαλον1threw away

“did not keep”

1453MAT1349nql60Connecting Statement:

Jesus explains the parable about fishermen who use a large net to catch fish.

1454MAT1349q1msἐξελεύσονται1will come

“will come out” or “will go out” or “will come from heaven”

1455MAT1349ah2kfigs-nominaladjτοὺς πονηροὺς ἐκ μέσου τῶν δικαίων1the wicked from among the righteous

These nominal adjectives can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “the wicked people from the righteous people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

1456MAT1350hwv1βαλοῦσιν αὐτοὺς1They will throw them

“The angels will throw the wicked people”

1457MAT1350j8nffigs-metaphorτὴν κάμινον τοῦ πυρός1furnace of fire

This is a metaphor for the fires of hell. If the term “furnace” is not known, “oven” can be used. See how you translated this in Matthew 13:42. Alternate translation: “fiery furnace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1458MAT1350mc8ttranslate-symactionὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων1weeping and grinding of teeth

“Grinding of teeth” here is a symbolic act, representing extreme sadness and suffering. See how you translated this in Matthew 8:12. Alternate translation: weeping and expressing their extreme suffering.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

1459MAT1351d3wg0Connecting Statement:

Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling a parable about a person who manages a household. This is the end of the part of the story about Jesus teaching the crowds about the kingdom of heaven through using parables.

1460MAT1351p5ejfigs-quotationsσυνήκατε ταῦτα πάντα? λέγουσιν αὐτῷ, ναί.1Have you understood all these things?” The disciples said to him, “Yes.”

If necessary, both direct quotations can be translated as indirect quotations. Alternate translation: “Jesus asked them if they had understood all this, and they said that they did understand.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

1461MAT1352g4ddfigs-metonymyμαθητευθεὶς τῇ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1who has become a disciple to the kingdom of heaven

Here “kingdom of heaven” refers to Gods rule as king. The phrase “kingdom of heaven” is used only in the book of Matthew. If possible, keep “heaven” in your translation. Alternate translation: “has learned the truth about our God in heaven, who is king” or “has submitted himself to Gods rule” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1462MAT1352gr36figs-parablesὅμοιός ἐστιν ἀνθρώπῳ οἰκοδεσπότῃ, ὅστις ἐκβάλλει ἐκ τοῦ θησαυροῦ αὐτοῦ καινὰ καὶ παλαιά1is like a man who is the owner of a house, who draws out old and new things from his treasure

Jesus speaks another parable. He compares scribes, who know very well the scriptures that Moses and the prophets wrote, and who also now accept Jesus teachings, to a house owner who uses both old and new treasures. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1463MAT1352g59cτοῦ θησαυροῦ αὐτοῦ1treasure

A treasure is a very valuable and precious thing or a collection of things. Here it may refer to the place where these things are stored, the “treasury” or “storeroom.”

1464MAT1353jwv2καὶ ἐγένετο ὅτε1Then it came about that when

This phrase shifts the story from Jesus teachings to what happened next. Alternate translation: “Then” or “After”

1465MAT1354qnh90General Information:

This is the beginning of a new part of the story that runs through Matthew 17:27, where Matthew tells of continued opposition to Jesus ministry and teaching about the kingdom of heaven. Here, the people of Jesus home town reject him.

1466MAT1354q3mlfigs-explicitτὴν πατρίδα αὐτοῦ1his own region

“his hometown.” This refers to the town of Nazareth, where Jesus grew up. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1467MAT1354j6vbἐν τῇ συναγωγῇ αὐτῶν1in their synagogue

The pronoun “their” is referring to the people of the region.

1468MAT1354it1fἐκπλήσσεσθαι αὐτοὺς1they were astonished

“they were amazed”

1469MAT1354b3d2figs-explicitπόθεν τούτῳ ἡ σοφία αὕτη καὶ αἱ δυνάμεις?1Where does this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?

The people believed that Jesus was just an ordinary man. They use this question to express their amazement that he was so wise and was able to do miracles. Alternate translation: “How can an ordinary man like this be so wise and do such great miracles?” or “It is strange that he is able to speak with such wisdom and do these miracles!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1470MAT1355rk5efigs-rquestionοὐχ οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ τοῦ τέκτονος υἱός? οὐχ ἡ μήτηρ αὐτοῦ λέγεται Μαριὰμ, καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτοῦ, Ἰάκωβος, καὶ Ἰωσὴφ, καὶ Σίμων, καὶ Ἰούδας?1Is not this man the son of the carpenter? Is not his mother called Mary? Are not his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?

The crowd uses these questions to express their belief that they know who Jesus is and that he is just an ordinary man. Alternate translation: “He is just the son of a carpenter. We know his mother Mary, and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1471MAT1355rpj9ὁ τοῦ τέκτονος υἱός1the son of the carpenter

A carpenter is someone who makes things with wood or stone. If “carpenter” is not known, “builder” can be used.

1472MAT1356m9pnfigs-rquestionαἱ ἀδελφαὶ αὐτοῦ οὐχὶ πᾶσαι πρὸς ἡμᾶς εἰσιν?1Are not all his sisters with us?

The crowd uses these questions to express their belief that they know who Jesus is and that he is just an ordinary man. Alternate translation: “And all his sisters are with us, too.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1473MAT1356bnv1figs-rquestionπόθεν οὖν τούτῳ ταῦτα πάντα?1Where did he get all these things?

The crowd uses this question to show their understanding that Jesus must have gotten his abilities from somewhere. They were probably expressing their doubt that he got his abilities from God. Alternate translation: “He must have gotten his ability to do these things from somewhere!” or “We do not know where he got these abilities!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1474MAT1356pqf1ταῦτα πάντα1all these things

This refers to Jesus wisdom and ability to do miracles.

1475MAT1357f5mdfigs-activepassiveἐσκανδαλίζοντο ἐν αὐτῷ1They were offended by him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The people of Jesus hometown took offense at him” or “The people rejected Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1476MAT1357azn4figs-doublenegativesοὐκ ἔστιν προφήτης ἄτιμος1A prophet is not without honor

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “A prophet receives honor everywhere” or “People everywhere honor a prophet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1477MAT1357sq8jτῇ πατρίδι1his own country

“his own region” or “his own hometown”

1478MAT1357w4x8ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ αὐτοῦ1in his own family

“in his own home”

1479MAT1358e2cpοὐκ ἐποίησεν ἐκεῖ δυνάμεις πολλὰς1He did not do many miracles there

“Jesus did not do many miracles in his own hometown”

1480MAT14introg5mc0

Matthew 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Verses 1 and 2 continue the account from chapter 13. Verses 3-12 stop the account and speak of things that happened earlier, possibly soon after Satan tempted Jesus (see Matthew 4:12). Verse 13 continues the account from verse 2. Be sure to have words in verses 3-12 that tell the reader that Matthew has stopped his account to give new information before he continues. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

Possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Passive voice

Many sentences in this chapter tell that a person had something happen to him without saying who caused that something to happen. For example, the writer does not tell who brought Johns head to Herodiass daughter (Matthew 14:11). You may have to translate the sentence so that it tells the reader who performed the action. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1481MAT141zl7xfigs-events0General Information:

These verses explain Herods reaction when he heard about Jesus. This event happens some time after the events that follow in the narrative. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])

1482MAT141q8h5ἐν ἐκείνῳ τῷ καιρῷ1About that time

“In those days” or “While Jesus was ministering in Galilee”

1483MAT141l9urἤκουσεν…τὴν ἀκοὴν Ἰησοῦ1heard the news about Jesus

“heard reports about Jesus” or “heard about the fame of Jesus”

1484MAT142pd1bεἶπεν1He said

“Herod said”

1485MAT142nx7xἠγέρθη ἀπὸ τῶν νεκρῶν1has risen from the dead

The words “from the dead” speak of all dead people together in the underworld. To rise from the dead speaks of coming alive again.

1486MAT142vve7διὰ τοῦτο αἱ δυνάμεις ἐνεργοῦσιν ἐν αὐτῷ1Therefore these powers are at work in him

Some Jews at that time believed if a person came back from the dead he would have powers to do mighty things.

1487MAT143y57m0General Information:

Matthew recounts the story of John the Baptists death in order to show why Herod reacted the way he did when he heard about Jesus.

1488MAT143zgp9figs-events0Connecting Statement:

Here the author begins to tell about how Herod had executed John the Baptist. These events occur some time before the event in the previous verses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])

1489MAT143h466figs-metonymyὁ γὰρ Ἡρῴδης κρατήσας τὸν Ἰωάννην, ἔδησεν αὐτὸν καὶ ἐν φυλακῇ ἀπέθετο1Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison

It says that Herod did these things because he ordered others to do them for him. Alternate translation: “Herod ordered his soldiers to arrest and bind John the Baptist and put him in prison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1490MAT143lr92translate-namesτὴν γυναῖκα Φιλίππου1Philips wife

Philip was Herods brother. Herod had taken Philips wife to be his own wife. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1491MAT144d3gpfigs-eventsἔλεγεν γὰρ…ὁ Ἰωάννης…ἔχειν αὐτήν1For John has said…to have her

If needed, you can present the events of 14:3-4 in the order that they happened, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])

1492MAT144n1t6figs-quotationsἔλεγεν γὰρ αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰωάννης, οὐκ ἔξεστίν σοι ἔχειν αὐτήν.1For John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”

This can be expressed as an indirect quote, if needed. Alternate translation: “For John had said to Herod that it was not lawful for Herod to have Herodias as his wife.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

1493MAT144r8lhἔλεγεν γὰρ αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰωάννης1For John had said to him

“For John had kept saying to Herod”

1494MAT144nb2jfigs-explicitοὐκ ἔξεστίν1It is not lawful

Philip was still alive when Herod married Herodias. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1495MAT145hg9fἐφοβήθη1he feared

“Herod feared”

1496MAT145w7uvαὐτὸν εἶχον1they regarded him

“they regarded John”

1497MAT146fvs5figs-explicitἐν τῷ μέσῳ1in their midst

You can make explicit the implicit information. Alternate translation: “in the midst of the guests attending the birthday celebration” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1498MAT148rhk5figs-activepassiveἡ δὲ προβιβασθεῖσα ὑπὸ τῆς μητρὸς αὐτῆς1After being instructed by her mother

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “After her mother instructed her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1499MAT148wi8sἡ δὲ προβιβασθεῖσα1After being instructed

“coached” or “told”

1500MAT148ya5zφησίν1she said

“the daughter of Herodias said to Herod”

1501MAT148ruy4πίνακι1a platter

a very large plate

1502MAT149s8zpfigs-activepassiveκαὶ ἐλυπήθη ὁ βασιλεὺς1The king was very upset

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Her request made the king very upset” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1503MAT149a1erὁ βασιλεὺς1The king

“King Herod”

1504MAT149j6nufigs-activepassiveἐκέλευσεν δοθῆναι1he ordered that it be granted to her

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he ordered his men to do what she said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1505MAT1410nes50Connecting Statement:

This concludes the account of how Herod executed John the Baptist.

1506MAT1411nd5rfigs-activepassiveἠνέχθη ἡ κεφαλὴ αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ πίνακι, καὶ ἐδόθη τῷ κορασίῳ1his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1507MAT1411pba6πίνακι1a platter

a very large plate

1508MAT1411lqb6τῷ κορασίῳ1the girl

Use the word for a young, unmarried girl.

1509MAT1412fl47οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ1his disciples

“the disciples of John”

1510MAT1412ni1qτὸ πτῶμα1the corpse

“the dead body”

1511MAT1412mq89figs-explicitἐλθόντες, ἀπήγγειλαν τῷ Ἰησοῦ1they went and told Jesus

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “the disciples of John went and told Jesus what had happened to John the Baptist” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1512MAT1413id97writing-background0General Information:

These verses give background information about the miracle that Jesus is about to perform by feeding five thousand people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1513MAT1413ql1f0Connecting Statement:

These verses describe how Jesus reacted when he heard that Herod had executed John the Baptist.

1514MAT1413ds5wδὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story.

1515MAT1413dvq4ἀκούσας1heard this

“heard what happened to John” or “heard the news about John”

1516MAT1413ia39figs-explicitἀνεχώρησεν1he withdrew

“he left” or “he went away from the crowd.” It is implied that Jesus disciples went with him. Alternate translation: “Jesus and his disciples left” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1517MAT1413zlh8ἐκεῖθεν1from there

“from that place”

1518MAT1413i7uuκαὶ ἀκούσαντες, οἱ ὄχλοι1When the crowds heard of it

“When the crowds heard where Jesus had gone” or “When the crowds heard that he had left”

1519MAT1413u6nrοἱ ὄχλοι1the crowds

“the crowds of people” or “the huge group of people” or “the people”

1520MAT1413ipm9figs-idiomπεζῇ1on foot

This means that the people in the crowd were walking. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1521MAT1414d8n3καὶ ἐξελθὼν, εἶδεν πολὺν ὄχλον1Then Jesus came before them and saw the large crowd

“When Jesus came ashore, he saw a large crowd”

1522MAT1415gcu90Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of Jesus feeding five thousand people with only five small loaves of bread and two small fish.

1523MAT1415xa7nπροσῆλθον αὐτῷ οἱ μαθηταὶ1the disciples came to him

“Jesus disciples came to him”

1524MAT1416qwk1οὐ χρείαν ἔχουσιν1They have no need

“The people in the crowd have no need”

1525MAT1416r5gdfigs-youδότε αὐτοῖς ὑμεῖς1You give them something

The word “You” is plural, referring to the disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1526MAT1417tm5tοἱ δὲ λέγουσιν αὐτῷ1They said to him

“The disciples said to Jesus”

1527MAT1417ih48πέντε ἄρτους1five loaves of bread

A loaf of bread is a lump of dough that is shaped and baked.

1528MAT1418szx6φέρετέ μοι ὧδε αὐτούς1Bring them here to me

“Bring the loaves and fish to me”

1529MAT1419yne50Connecting Statement:

This concludes the account of Jesus feeding five thousand people.

1530MAT1419vp7rἀνακλιθῆναι1to sit down

“lie down.” Use the verb for the position people in your culture usually are in when they eat.

1531MAT1419u613figs-idiomλαβὼν1He took

“He held in his hands.” He did not steal them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1532MAT1419i34uκλάσας…τοὺς ἄρτους1broke the loaves

“tore the loaves”

1533MAT1419bf1aτοὺς ἄρτους1the loaves

“loaves of bread” or “whole breads”

1534MAT1419t7eiἀναβλέψας1Looking up

Possible meanings are (1) “While looking up” or (2) “After looking up.”

1535MAT1420l2h8figs-activepassiveκαὶ ἐχορτάσθησαν1and were filled

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “until they were full” or “until they were no longer hungry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1536MAT1420p73gἦραν1they took up

“the disciples gathered up” or “some people gathered up”

1537MAT1420czj4translate-numbersδώδεκα κοφίνους πλήρεις1twelve baskets full

“12 baskets full” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1538MAT1421wv59οἱ δὲ ἐσθίοντες1Those who ate

“Those who ate the bread and the fish”

1539MAT1421als7translate-numbersἄνδρες…πεντακισχίλιοι1five thousand men

“5,000 men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1540MAT1422yp8l0General Information:

These verses give background information about the miracle that Jesus is about to perform of walking on water.

1541MAT1422eaa80Connecting Statement:

The following verses describe events that happened right after Jesus fed the five thousand people.

1542MAT1422wt1tκαὶ εὐθέως ἠνάγκασεν1Immediately he made

“As soon as Jesus had finished feeding all the people, he”

1543MAT1423d27uὀψίας δὲ γενομένης1When evening came

“Late in the evening” or “When it became dark”

1544MAT1424vzd1βασανιζόμενον ὑπὸ τῶν κυμάτων1being tossed about by the waves

“and the disciples could not control the boat because of the large waves”

1545MAT1425pmw8τετάρτῃ δὲ φυλακῇ τῆς νυκτὸς1In the fourth watch of the night

The fourth watch is between 3 a.m. and sunrise. Alternate translation: “Just before dawn”

1546MAT1425t1vpπεριπατῶν ἐπὶ τὴν θάλασσαν1walking on the sea

“walking on top of the water”

1547MAT1426q9qsἐταράχθησαν1they were terrified

“they were very afraid”

1548MAT1426h7dfφάντασμά1a ghost

a spirit that has left the body of a person who has died

1549MAT1428w2plἀποκριθεὶς δὲ αὐτῷ, ὁ Πέτρος1Peter answered him

“Peter answered Jesus”

1550MAT1430sk3jfigs-idiomβλέπων…τὸν ἄνεμον ἰσχυρὸν1when Peter saw the strong wind

Here “saw the wind” means he became aware of the wind. Alternate translation: “when Peter saw that the wind was tossing the waves back and forth” or “when he realized how strong the wind was” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1551MAT1431bd2vὀλιγόπιστε, εἰς τί1You of little faith, why

“You who have such little faith.” Jesus addressed Peter this way because Peter became afraid. It can also be translated as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You have so little faith! Why”

1552MAT1431cr9ifigs-rquestionεἰς τί ἐδίστασας1why did you doubt?

Jesus uses a question to tell Peter than he should not have doubted. You can make explicit what Peter should not have doubted. Alternate translation: “you should not have doubted that I could keep you from sinking.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1553MAT1433u8puguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΘεοῦ Υἱὸς1Son of God

This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

1554MAT1434r5lm0Connecting Statement:

These verses describe what happened after Jesus walked on the water. They summarize how the people were responding to Jesus ministry.

1555MAT1434cv3fκαὶ διαπεράσαντες1When they had crossed over

“When Jesus and his disciples had crossed over the lake”

1556MAT1434x9nutranslate-namesΓεννησαρέτ1Gennesaret

This is a small town on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1557MAT1435xd7cἀπέστειλαν1they sent messages

“the men of that area sent messages”

1558MAT1436ql3yκαὶ παρεκάλουν αὐτὸν1They begged him

“The sick people begged him”

1559MAT1436x8jvτοῦ ἱματίου αὐτοῦ1his garment

“his robe” or “what he was wearing”

1560MAT1436mw8nfigs-activepassiveδιεσώθησαν1were healed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “became well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1561MAT15introi9a50

Matthew 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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 15:8-9, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

The “traditions of the elders”

The “traditions of the elders” were oral laws that the Jewish religious leaders developed because they wanted to make sure that everyone obeyed the law of Moses. However, they often worked harder to obey these rules than to obey the law of Moses itself. Jesus rebuked the religious leaders for this, and they became angry as a result. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

Jews and Gentiles

The Jews of Jesus time thought that only Jews could please God by the way they lived. Jesus healed a Canaanite Gentile womans daughter to show his followers that he would accept both Jews and Gentiles as his people.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Sheep

The Bible often speaks of people as if they were sheep because sheep need someone to take care of them. This is because they do not see well and they often go to where other animals can kill them easily. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1562MAT151q6afwriting-newevent0General Information:

The scene shifts to events that occurred some time after events of the previous chapter. Here Jesus responds to the criticisms of the Pharisees. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

1563MAT152j1b8figs-rquestionδιὰ τί οἱ μαθηταί σου παραβαίνουσιν τὴν παράδοσιν τῶν πρεσβυτέρων?1Why do your disciples violate the traditions of the elders?

The Pharisees and scribes use this question to criticize Jesus and his disciples. Alternate translation: “Your disciples do not respect the rules that our ancestors have given us.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1564MAT152yn6lτὴν παράδοσιν τῶν πρεσβυτέρων1the traditions of the elders

This is not the same as the law of Moses. This refers to later teachings and interpretations of the law given by religious leaders after Moses.

1565MAT152gfn6figs-explicitοὐ…νίπτονται τὰς χεῖρας1they do not wash their hands

This washing is not only to clean hands. This refers to a ceremonial washing according to the tradition of the elders. Alternate translation: “they do not wash their hands properly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1566MAT153ia1efigs-rquestionδιὰ τί καὶ ὑμεῖς παραβαίνετε τὴν ἐντολὴν τοῦ Θεοῦ διὰ τὴν παράδοσιν ὑμῶν?1Then why do you violate the commandment of God for the sake of your traditions?

Jesus answers with a question to criticize what the religious leaders do. Alternate translation: “And I see that you refuse to obey Gods commands just so that you can follow what your ancestors taught you!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1567MAT154srz60General Information:

In verse 4, Jesus quotes twice from Exodus to show how God expects people to treat their parents.

1568MAT154cz1q0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to respond to the Pharisees.

1569MAT154qmm7θανάτῳ τελευτάτω1will surely die

“the people will surely execute him”

1570MAT155ql75figs-youὑμεῖς δὲ λέγετε1But you say

Here “you” is plural and refers to the Pharisees and scribes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1571MAT156b81c0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to rebuke the Pharisees.

1572MAT156vr6yfigs-quotesinquotesοὐ μὴ τιμήσει τὸν πατέρα αὐτοῦ1he does not need to honor his father

The words beginning with “But you say” (verse 5) have a quotation within a quotation. If necessary you can translate them as indirect quotations. “But you teach that a person does not need to honor his parents by giving them something that may help them if the person tells his parents that he has already given it as a gift to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

1573MAT156q3ktfigs-explicitοὐ μὴ τιμήσει τὸν πατέρα αὐτοῦ1he does not need to honor his father

It is implied that “his father” means “his parents.” This means the religious leaders taught that a person does not need to show respect to his parents by taking care of them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1574MAT156znt9ἠκυρώσατε τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ1you have made void the word of God

Here “word of God” refers specifically to his commands. Alternate translation: “you have treated the word of God as if it were invalid” or “you have ignored Gods commands”

1575MAT156yq5aδιὰ τὴν παράδοσιν ὑμῶν1for the sake of your traditions

“because you want to follow your traditions”

1576MAT157t4fq0General Information:

In verses 8 and 9, Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah to rebuke the Pharisees and scribes.

1577MAT157tn3b0Connecting Statement:

Jesus concludes his response to the Pharisees and scribes.

1578MAT157wv77καλῶς ἐπροφήτευσεν περὶ ὑμῶν Ἠσαΐας1Well did Isaiah prophesy about you

“Isaiah told the truth in this prophecy about you”

1579MAT157n4tifigs-explicitλέγων1saying

It is implied that Isaiah is speaking what God told him. Alternate translation: “when he told what God said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1580MAT158qw69figs-metonymyὁ λαὸς οὗτος τοῖς χείλεσίν με τιμᾷ1This people honors me with their lips

Here “lips” refers to speaking. Alternate translation: “These people say all the right things to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1581MAT158bz91με1me

All occurrences of this word refer to God.

1582MAT158wuw3figs-metonymyἡ δὲ καρδία αὐτῶν πόρρω ἀπέχει ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ1but their heart is far from me

Here “heart” refers to a persons thoughts or emotions. This phrase is a way of saying the people are not truly devoted to God. Alternate translation: “but they do not really love me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1583MAT159jf93μάτην δὲ σέβονταί με1They worship me in vain

“Their worship means nothing to me” or “They only pretend to worship me”

1584MAT159vvb9ἐντάλματα ἀνθρώπων1the commandments of people

“the rules that people make up”

1585MAT1510ti4w0Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins to teach the crowd and his disciples about what defiles a person and why the Pharisees and scribes were wrong to criticize him.

1586MAT1511s28yfigs-metonymyεἰσερχόμενον εἰς τὸ στόμα…ἐκπορευόμενον ἐκ τοῦ στόματος1enters into the mouth…comes out of the mouth

Jesus is contrasting what a person eats to what a person says. Jesus means that God is concerned with what a person says rather than what a person eats. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1587MAT1512l2ujfigs-activepassiveοἱ Φαρισαῖοι ἀκούσαντες τὸν λόγον ἐσκανδαλίσθησαν1the Pharisees were offended when they heard this statement

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “this statement made the Pharisees angry” or “this statement offended the Pharisees” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1588MAT1513n5ijfigs-metaphorπᾶσα φυτεία ἣν οὐκ ἐφύτευσεν ὁ Πατήρ μου ὁ οὐράνιος ἐκριζωθήσεται1Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up

This is a metaphor. Jesus means that the Pharisees do not actually belong to God, so God will remove them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1589MAT1513j49eguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Πατήρ μου ὁ οὐράνιος1my heavenly Father

This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

1590MAT1513hs4tfigs-activepassiveἐκριζωθήσεται1will be rooted up

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “my Father will uproot” or “he will take out of the ground” or “he will remove” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1591MAT1514r167ἄφετε αὐτούς1Let them alone

The word “them” refers to the Pharisees.

1592MAT1514ai9xfigs-metaphorὁδηγοί εἰσιν τυφλοί…ἀμφότεροι εἰς βόθυνον πεσοῦνται1they are blind guides…both will fall into a pit

Jesus uses another metaphor to describe the Pharisees. Jesus means that the Pharisees do not understand Gods commands or how to please him. Therefore, they cannot teach others how to please God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1593MAT1515cje40Connecting Statement:

Peter asks Jesus to explain the parable that Jesus told in Matthew 15:13-14.

1594MAT1515shg6ἡμῖν1to us

“to us disciples”

1595MAT1516xr780Connecting Statement:

Jesus explains the parable that he told in Matthew 15:13-14.

1596MAT1516al9zfigs-rquestionἀκμὴν καὶ ὑμεῖς ἀσύνετοί ἐστε?1Are you also still without understanding?

Jesus uses a question to rebuke the disciples for not understanding the parable. Also, the word “you” is emphasized. Jesus cannot believe his own disciples do not understand. Alternate translation: “I am disappointed that you, my disciples, still do not understand what I teach!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1597MAT1517l5ntfigs-rquestionοὔπω νοεῖτε…εἰς ἀφεδρῶνα1Do you not yet see…into the latrine?

Jesus uses a question to rebuke the disciples for not understanding the parable. Alternate translation: “Surely you understand…into the latrine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1598MAT1517s833εἰς τὴν κοιλίαν χωρεῖ1passes into the stomach

“goes into the stomach”

1599MAT1517s9z6ἀφεδρῶνα1latrine

This a polite term for the place where people bury body waste.

1600MAT1518e7mu0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to explain the parable that he told in Matthew 15:13-14.

1601MAT1518ca1wfigs-metonymyτὰ…ἐκπορευόμενα ἐκ τοῦ στόματος1the things that come out of the mouth

This refers to what a person says. Alternate translation: “words that a person says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1602MAT1518x14kfigs-metonymyἐκ τῆς καρδίας1from the heart

Here “heart” refers to a persons mind or innermost being. Alternate translation: “from inside the person” or “from a persons mind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1603MAT1519rg59φόνοι1murder

the act of killing innocent people

1604MAT1520bme7ἀνίπτοις χερσὶν φαγεῖν1to eat with unwashed hands

This refers to eating without first ceremonially washing ones hands according to the traditions of the elders. Alternate translation: “eating without first washing ones hands”

1605MAT1521e5gv0General Information:

This begins an account of Jesus healing the daughter of a Canaanite woman.

1606MAT1521t81ufigs-explicitἐξελθὼν…ὁ Ἰησοῦς1Jesus went away

It is implied that the disciples went with Jesus. Alternate translation: “Jesus and his disciples went away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1607MAT1522x1wmἰδοὺ, γυνὴ Χαναναία…ἐξελθοῦσα1Behold, a Canaanite woman came out

The word “behold” alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this. Alternate translation: “There was a Canaanite woman who came”

1608MAT1522jt94γυνὴ Χαναναία ἀπὸ τῶν ὁρίων ἐκείνων ἐξελθοῦσα1a Canaanite woman came out from that region

“a woman who was from that region and who belonged to the group of people called Canaanites came.” The country of Canaan no longer existed by this time. She was a part of a people group that lived near the cities of Tyre and Sidon.

1609MAT1522f4k2figs-explicitἐλέησόν με1Have mercy on me

This phrase implies that she is requesting that Jesus heal her daughter. Alternate translation: “Have mercy and heal my daughter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1610MAT1522xs64Υἱὸς Δαυείδ1Son of David

Jesus was not Davids literal son, so this may be translated as “Descendant of David.” However, “Son of David” is also a title for the Messiah, and the woman may have been calling Jesus by this title.

1611MAT1522j6rtfigs-activepassiveἡ θυγάτηρ μου κακῶς δαιμονίζεται1My daughter is severely demon-possessed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “A demon is controlling my daughter terribly” or “A demon is tormenting my daughter severely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1612MAT1523hd2ifigs-metonymyοὐκ ἀπεκρίθη αὐτῇ λόγον1did not answer her a word

Here “word” refers to what a person says. Alternate translation: “said nothing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1613MAT1524t9gafigs-activepassiveοὐκ ἀπεστάλην1I was not sent to anyone

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God did not send me to anyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1614MAT1524u9t4figs-metaphorεἰς τὰ πρόβατα τὰ ἀπολωλότα οἴκου Ἰσραήλ1to the lost sheep of the house of Israel

This is a metaphor comparing the entire nation of Israel to sheep who have gone away from their shepherd. See how you translated this in Matthew 10:6. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1615MAT1525ch7cἡ…ἐλθοῦσα1she came

“the Canaanite woman came”

1616MAT1525u3jjtranslate-symactionπροσεκύνει αὐτῷ1bowed down before him

This shows that the woman humbled herself before Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

1617MAT1526ihz4writing-proverbsοὐκ ἔστιν καλὸν λαβεῖν τὸν ἄρτον τῶν τέκνων καὶ βαλεῖν τοῖς κυναρίοις1It is not right to take the childrens bread and throw it to the little dogs

Jesus responds to the woman with a proverb. The basic meaning is that it is not right to take what is supposed to belong to Jews and give it to non-Jews. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]])

1618MAT1526a5bcfigs-synecdocheτὸν ἄρτον τῶν τέκνων1the childrens bread

Here “bread” refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “the childrens food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1619MAT1526fe7nτοῖς κυναρίοις1the little dogs

The Jews considered dogs to be unclean animals. Here they are used as an image for non-Jews.

1620MAT1527yvw1figs-metaphorκαὶ…τὰ κυνάρια ἐσθίει ἀπὸ τῶν ψιχίων τῶν πιπτόντων ἀπὸ τῆς τραπέζης τῶν κυρίων αὐτῶν1even the little dogs eat some of the crumbs that fall from their masters tables

The woman responds by using the same imagery as Jesus used in the proverb he just spoke. She means non-Jews should be able to have a small amount of the good things Jews are throwing away. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1621MAT1527i5ttτὰ κυνάρια1the little dogs

Use words here for dogs of any size that people keep as pets. See how you translated this in Matthew 15:26.

1622MAT1528tea2figs-activepassiveγενηθήτω1let it be done

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1623MAT1528n229figs-activepassiveἰάθη ἡ θυγάτηρ αὐτῆς1Her daughter was healed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Jesus healed her daughter” or “Her daughter became well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1624MAT1528wwq3figs-idiomἀπὸ τῆς ὥρας ἐκείνης1from that hour

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “at exactly the same time” or “immediately” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1625MAT1529np6ewriting-background0General Information:

These verses give background information about the miracle that Jesus is about to perform by feeding four thousand people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1626MAT1530c8tdχωλούς, τυφλούς, κυλλούς, κωφούς1lame, blind, crippled, and mute people

“those who could not walk, those who could not see, those who could not talk, and those whose arms or legs did not function”

1627MAT1530yf7iἔρριψαν αὐτοὺς παρὰ τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ1They presented them at his feet

Apparently some of these sick or crippled people were unable to stand up, so when their friends brought them to Jesus, they placed them on the ground in front of him. Alternate translation: “The crowds placed the sick people on the ground in front of Jesus”

1628MAT1531pi52figs-activepassiveκυλλοὺς ὑγιεῖς1the crippled made well

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the crippled become well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1629MAT1531be52figs-nominaladjκυλλοὺς…χωλοὺς…τυφλοὺς1the crippled…the lame…the blind

These nominal adjectives can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “the crippled persons…the lame persons…the blind persons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

1630MAT1532z28i0Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of Jesus feeding four thousand people with seven loaves of bread and a few small fish.

1631MAT1532efc2νήστεις…μήποτε ἐκλυθῶσιν ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ1without eating, or they may faint on the way

“without eating because they might faint on the way”

1632MAT1533uhi3figs-rquestionπόθεν ἡμῖν ἐν ἐρημίᾳ, ἄρτοι τοσοῦτοι ὥστε χορτάσαι ὄχλον τοσοῦτον?1Where can we get enough loaves of bread in such a deserted place to satisfy so large a crowd?

The disciples use a question to state that there is nowhere to get food for the crowd. Alternate translation: “There is nowhere nearby that we can get enough bread for such a large crowd.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1633MAT1534k86lfigs-ellipsisἑπτά, καὶ ὀλίγα ἰχθύδια1Seven, and a few small fish

The understood information can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Seven loaves of bread, and a few small fish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1634MAT1535x13qἀναπεσεῖν ἐπὶ τὴν1to sit down on the ground

Use your languages word for how people customarily eat when there is no table, whether sitting or lying down.

1635MAT1536x7kcἔλαβεν τοὺς ἑπτὰ ἄρτους καὶ τοὺς ἰχθύας1He took the seven loaves and the fish

“Jesus held the seven loaves and the fish in his hands”

1636MAT1536dcr4ἔκλασεν1he broke the loaves

“he tore the loaves”

1637MAT1536a9s4ἐδίδου1gave them

“gave the bread and the fish”

1638MAT1537fc8gἦραν1they gathered up

“the disciples gathered” or “some people gathered”

1639MAT1538udk7οἱ…ἐσθίοντες1Those who ate

“The people who ate”

1640MAT1538z66mtranslate-numbersτετρακισχίλιοι ἄνδρες1four thousand men

“4,000 men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1641MAT1539be43τὰ ὅρια1the region

“the area”

1642MAT1539m8dptranslate-namesΜαγαδάν1Magadan

This region is sometimes called “Magdala.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1643MAT16introza2k0

Matthew 16 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Yeast

Jesus spoke of the way people thought about God as if it were bread, and he spoke of what people taught about God as if it were the yeast that makes bread dough become larger and the baked bread taste good. He did not want his followers to listen to what the Pharisees and Sadducees taught. This was because if they did listen, they would not understand who God is and how he wants his people to live. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

Jesus told his people to obey his commands. He did this by telling them to “follow” him. It is as if he were walking on a path and they were walking after him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Background information

Matthew continues his account from chapter 15 in verses 1-20. The account stops in verse 21 so Matthew can tell the reader that Jesus told his disciples again and again that people would kill him after he arrived in Jerusalem. Then the account continues in verses 22-27 with what happened the first time Jesus told the disciples that he would die.

Paradox

A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. Jesus uses a paradox when he says, “Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 16:25).

1644MAT161t2490General Information:

This begins an encounter between Jesus and the Pharisees and Sadducees.

1645MAT161t7p5πειράζοντες1tested him

Here “tested” is used in a negative sense. Alternate translation: “challenged him” or “wanted to trap him”

1646MAT164jl3efigs-123personγενεὰ πονηρὰ καὶ μοιχαλὶς σημεῖον ἐπιζητεῖ…δοθήσεται αὐτῇ1An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign…given to it

Jesus is speaking to his present generation. Alternate translation: “You are an evil and adulterous generation who demands signs from me…given to you” See how you translated this in Matthew 12:39. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1647MAT164fhx6figs-metaphorγενεὰ πονηρὰ καὶ μοιχαλὶς1An evil and adulterous generation

Here “adulterous” is a metaphor for people who are not faithful to God. See how you translated this in Matthew 12:39. Alternate translation: “An unfaithful generation” or “A godless generation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1648MAT164d9eqfigs-activepassiveσημεῖον…οὐ δοθήσεται αὐτῇ1a sign will not be given to it

Jesus would not give them a sign because, though he had already performed many miracles, they refused to believe him. This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in Matthew 12:39. Alternate translation: “I will not give it a sign” or “God will not give you a sign” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1649MAT164dep2εἰ μὴ τὸ σημεῖον Ἰωνᾶ1except the sign of Jonah

“except the same sign God gave to Jonah the prophet.” See how you translated this in Matthew 12:39.

1650MAT165ii6j0Connecting Statement:

Here the scene shifts to a later time. Jesus uses an opportunity to warn his disciples about the Pharisees and Sadducees.

1651MAT165si9kfigs-ellipsisτὸ πέραν1the other side

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “the other side of the lake” or “the other side of the Sea of Galilee” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1652MAT166hfz2figs-metaphorτῆς ζύμης τῶν Φαρισαίων καὶ Σαδδουκαίων1the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees

Here “yeast” is a metaphor that refers to evil ideas and wrong teaching. Translate as “yeast” here and do not explain its meaning in your translation. This meaning will be made clear in 16:12. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1653MAT167huw7διελογίζοντο ἐν ἑαυτοῖς1reasoned among themselves

“discussed this with each other” or “thought about this”

1654MAT168mg8sὀλιγόπιστοι1You of little faith

“You who have such little faith.” Jesus addresses his disciples this way because their concern about not bringing bread shows they have little faith in Jesus to provide for them. See how you translated this in Matthew 6:30.

1655MAT168zz4ifigs-rquestionτί διαλογίζεσθε…ἄρτους οὐκ ἔχετε?1why do you reason…you have no bread?

Jesus uses a question to rebuke his disciples for not understanding what he just said. Alternate translation: “I am disappointed that you think it was because you forgot to bring bread that I talked about the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1656MAT169k8lk0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to warn his disciples about the Pharisees and Sadducees.

1657MAT169h5bgfigs-rquestionοὔπω νοεῖτε, οὐδὲ μνημονεύετε…ἐλάβετε?1Do you not yet perceive or remember…you gathered up?

Jesus uses a question to rebuke the disciples. Alternate translation: “Surely you remember…you gathered up!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1658MAT169ux51translate-numbersτῶν πεντακισχιλίων1the five thousand

“5,000” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1659MAT1610b11xtranslate-numbersτῶν τετρακισχιλίων1the four thousand

“4,000” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1660MAT1610ejm5figs-rquestionοὐδὲ τοὺς ἑπτὰ ἄρτους…ἐλάβετε?1Or the seven loaves…you took up?

“Do you also not remember the seven loaves…you took up?” Jesus uses a question to rebuke his disciples. Alternate translation: “Surely you also remember the seven loaves…you took up!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1661MAT1611f42k0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to warn his disciples about the Pharisees and Sadducees.

1662MAT1611mb2zfigs-rquestionπῶς οὐ νοεῖτε, ὅτι οὐ περὶ ἄρτων εἶπον ὑμῖν?1How is it that you do not understand that I was not speaking to you about bread?

Jesus uses this question to rebuke the disciples. Alternate translation: “You should have understood that I was not really speaking about bread.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1663MAT1611i7x6figs-metaphorτῆς ζύμης τῶν Φαρισαίων καὶ Σαδδουκαίων1the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees

Here “yeast” represents evil ideas and wrong teaching. Translate as “yeast” and do not explain the meaning in your translation. In 16:12 the disciples will understand the meaning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1664MAT1612f73lσυνῆκαν1they understood

These refer to the disciples.

1665MAT1613e5cm0Connecting Statement:

Here the scene shifts to a later time. Jesus asks his disciples if they understand who he is.

1666MAT1613pye3δὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line or to introduce a new person. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story.

1667MAT1613e1jhfigs-123personτὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

Jesus is referring to himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1668MAT1616n5wiguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ζῶντος1the Son of the living God

This is an important title for Jesus that shows his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

1669MAT1616r1h7τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ζῶντος1the living God

Here “living” contrasts the God of Israel to all the false gods and idols that people worshiped. Only the God of Israel is alive and has power to act.

1670MAT1617le6atranslate-namesΣίμων Βαριωνᾶ1Simon Bar Jonah

“Simon son of Jonah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1671MAT1617dfw5figs-synecdocheσὰρξ καὶ αἷμα οὐκ ἀπεκάλυψέν1flesh and blood have not revealed

Here “flesh and blood” refers to a human being. Alternate translation: “a human did not reveal” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1672MAT1617wix3σοι1to you

Here “this” refers to Peters statement that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of the Living God.

1673MAT1617v5lwfigs-ellipsisἀλλ’ ὁ Πατήρ μου, ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1but my Father who is in heaven

The understood information can be made clear. Alternate translation: “but it was my Father in heaven who revealed this to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1674MAT1617gi3lguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Πατήρ μου1my Father

This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

1675MAT1618z897κἀγὼ…σοι λέγω1I also say to you

This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

1676MAT1618th3dfigs-explicitσὺ εἶ Πέτρος1you are Peter

The name Peter means “rock.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1677MAT1618x43dfigs-metaphorἐπὶ ταύτῃ τῇ πέτρᾳ οἰκοδομήσω μου τὴν ἐκκλησίαν1upon this rock I will build my church

Here “build my church” is a metaphor for uniting the people who believe in Jesus into a community. Possible meanings are (1) “this rock” represents Peter, or (2) “this rock” represents the truth that Peter had just said in Matthew 16:16. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1678MAT1618vu9ufigs-metaphorπύλαι ᾍδου οὐ κατισχύσουσιν αὐτῆς1The gates of Hades will not prevail against it

Here “Hades” is spoken of as if it were a city surrounded by walls with gates that keep dead people in and other people out. Here “Hades” represents death, and its “gates” represent its power. Possible meanings are (1) “the powers of death will not overcome my church” or (2) “my church will break down the power of death the way an army breaks into a city.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1679MAT1619ysk8figs-youδώσω σοι1I will give to you

Here “you” is singular and refers to Peter. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1680MAT1619pp5dfigs-metaphorτὰς κλεῖδας τῆς Βασιλείας τῶν Οὐρανῶν1the keys of the kingdom of heaven

Keys are objects that are used to lock or unlock doors. Here they represent authority. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1681MAT1619kc3kfigs-metonymyτῆς Βασιλείας τῶν Οὐρανῶν1the kingdom of heaven

This refers to Gods rule as king. The phrase “kingdom of heaven” is used only in the book of Matthew. If possible, use “heaven” in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1682MAT1619ef9cfigs-metaphorὃ ἐὰν δήσῃς ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἔσται δεδεμένον ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς; καὶ ὃ ἐὰν λύσῃς ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἔσται λελυμένον ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1Whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven

Here “bind” is a metaphor meaning to forbid something, and “loose” is a metaphor meaning to allow something. Also, “in heaven” is a metonym that represents God himself. Alternate translation: “God in heaven will approve whatever you forbid or allow on earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1683MAT1621wl330Connecting Statement:

Jesus tells his disciples for the first time that he will die soon.

1684MAT1621xql7figs-metonymyπολλὰ παθεῖν ἀπὸ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων, καὶ ἀρχιερέων, καὶ γραμματέων1suffer many things at the hand of the elders and chief priests and scribes

Here “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “where the elders, chief priests, and scribes will cause him to suffer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1685MAT1621es1lfigs-activepassiveγραμματέων, καὶ ἀποκτανθῆναι καὶ τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἐγερθῆναι1scribes, be killed, and be raised back to life on the third day

Here to raise back to life is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. This can be stated in active form. The elders and chief priests would accuse Jesus so that others would kill him. Alternate translation: “scribes. People will then kill him , and on the third day God will make him become alive again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1686MAT1621jjx5translate-ordinalτῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ1the third day

“Third” is the ordinal form of “three.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

1687MAT1622jie2writing-backgroundκαὶ προσλαβόμενος αὐτὸν, ὁ Πέτρος1Then Peter took him aside

Jesus tells them for the first time that he will die soon (verse 21). He will tell them the same thing many times after this first time. It is after this first time that Peter takes Jesus aside. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1688MAT1622q31hπροσλαβόμενος αὐτὸν, ὁ Πέτρος1Peter took him aside

“Peter spoke to Jesus when no one else could hear them”

1689MAT1622guz8figs-idiomἵλεώς σοι1May this be far from you

This is an idiom that means “may this never happen.” Alternate translation: “No” or “Never” or “May God forbid this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1690MAT1623f28ifigs-metaphorὕπαγε ὀπίσω μου, Σατανᾶ! σκάνδαλον εἶ ἐμοῦ1Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me

Jesus means that Peter is acting like Satan because Peter is trying to prevent Jesus from accomplishing what God sent him to do. Alternate translation: “Get behind me, because you are acting like Satan! You are a stumbling block to me” or “Get behind me, Satan! I call you Satan because you are a stumbling block to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1691MAT1623ax7xὕπαγε ὀπίσω μου1Get behind me

“Get away from me”

1692MAT1624ck1afigs-metaphorὀπίσω μου ἐλθεῖν1to follow me

Following Jesus here represents being one of his disciples. Alternate translation: “be my disciple” or “be one of my disciples” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1693MAT1624pg9hἀπαρνησάσθω ἑαυτὸν1must deny himself

“must not give in to his own desires” or “must forsake his own desires”

1694MAT1624h7ugfigs-metonymyἀράτω τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἀκολουθείτω μοι1take up his cross, and follow me

“carry his cross, and follow me.” The cross represents suffering and death. Taking up the cross represents being willing to suffer and die. Alternate translation: “and obey me even to the point of suffering and dying” or “and he must obey me even to the point of suffering and dying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1695MAT1624x13vfigs-metaphorκαὶ ἀκολουθείτω μοι1and follow me

Following Jesus here represents obeying him. Alternate translation: “and obey me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1696MAT1625pk8hὃς γὰρ ἐὰν θέλῃ1For whoever wants

“For anyone who wants”

1697MAT1625y9kcfigs-metaphorἀπολέσει αὐτήν1will lose it

This does not mean the person must necessarily die. It is a metaphor that means the person will consider obeying Jesus as being more important than his own life. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1698MAT1625ie7tἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ1for my sake

“because he trusts me” or “on my account” or “because of me”

1699MAT1625xz98figs-metaphorεὑρήσει αὐτήν1will find it

This metaphor means the person will experience spiritual life with God. Alternate translation: “will find true life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1700MAT1626eqe8figs-rquestionτί γὰρ ὠφεληθήσεται ἄνθρωπος…τῆς ψυχῆς αὐτοῦ?1For what does it profit a person…his life?

Jesus uses a question to teach his disciples. Alternate translation: “It does not profit a person…his life.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1701MAT1626q7x1figs-hyperboleἐὰν τὸν κόσμον ὅλον κερδήσῃ1if he gains the whole world

The words “the whole world” are an exaggeration for great riches. Alternate translation: “if he gains everything he desires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1702MAT1626b34qτὴν δὲ ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ζημιωθῇ1but forfeits his life

“but he loses his life”

1703MAT1626eck5figs-rquestionἢ τί δώσει ἄνθρωπος ἀντάλλαγμα τῆς ψυχῆς αὐτοῦ?1What can a person give in exchange for his life?

Jesus uses a question to teach his disciples. Alternate translation: “There is nothing that a person can give to regain his life.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1704MAT1627iyu1figs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου…τοῦ Πατρὸς αὐτοῦ…τότε ἀποδώσει1the Son of Man…his Father…Then he will reward

Here Jesus refers to himself in the third person. Alternate translation: “I, the Son of man…my Father…Then I” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1705MAT1627ie16μέλλει…ἔρχεσθαι ἐν τῇ δόξῃ τοῦ Πατρὸς αὐτοῦ1is going to come in the glory of his Father

“will come, having the same glory as his Father”

1706MAT1627k4q4figs-123personμετὰ τῶν ἀγγέλων αὐτοῦ1with his angels

“and the angels will be with him.” If you translate the first part of the sentence with Jesus speaking in the first person, you can translate this as “and my Fathers angels will be with me.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1707MAT1627vk5yguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρὸς αὐτοῦ1his Father

This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and the Son of Man, Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

1708MAT1627i7rsκατὰ τὴν πρᾶξιν αὐτοῦ1according to his actions

“according to what each person has done”

1709MAT1628ytr3ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

“I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

1710MAT1628k2d1figs-youὑμῖν1to you

All occurrences of this word are plural and refer to the disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1711MAT1628wq13figs-idiomοὐ μὴ γεύσωνται θανάτου1will certainly not taste death

Here “taste” means to experience. Alternate translation: “will not experience death” or” will not die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1712MAT1628b2pbfigs-metonymyἕως ἂν ἴδωσιν τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου ἐρχόμενον ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ αὐτοῦ1until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom

Here “his kingdom” represents him being King. Alternate translation: “until they see the Son of Man coming as King” or “until they see the evidence that the Son of Man is King” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1713MAT17introyb4k0

Matthew 17 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Elijah

The Old Testament prophet Malachi lived many years before Jesus was born. Malachi had said that before the Messiah came a prophet named Elijah would return. Jesus explained that Malachi had been talking about John the Baptist. Jesus said this because John the Baptist had done what Malachi had said that Elijah would do. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/christ]])

“transfigured”

Scripture often speaks of Gods glory as a great, brilliant light. When people see this light, they are afraid. Matthew says in this chapter that Jesus body shone with this glorious light so that his followers could see that Jesus truly was Gods Son. At the same time, God told them that Jesus was his Son. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/glory]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/fear]])

1714MAT171u6dw0General Information:

This begins the account of Jesus transfiguration.

1715MAT171nva7τὸν Πέτρον, καὶ Ἰάκωβον, καὶ Ἰωάννην, τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ1Peter, James, and John his brother

“Peter, James, and Jamess brother John”

1716MAT172xx8eμετεμορφώθη ἔμπροσθεν αὐτῶν1He was transfigured before them

When they looked at him, his appearance was different from what it had been.

1717MAT172kq4lfigs-activepassiveμετεμορφώθη1He was transfigured

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “his appearance had changed” or “he appeared very different” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1718MAT172uxg3ἔμπροσθεν αὐτῶν1before them

“in front of them” or “so they could clearly him”

1719MAT172i1mpfigs-simileἔλαμψεν τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ ὡς ὁ ἥλιος, τὰ δὲ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο λευκὰ ὡς τὸ φῶς1His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as brilliant as the light

These are similes that emphasize how bright Jesus appearance became. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1720MAT172te1sτὰ…ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ1his garments

“what he was wearing”

1721MAT173axr5ἰδοὺ1Behold

This word alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

1722MAT173n63yαὐτοῖς1to them

This refers to Peter, James, and John.

1723MAT173sde3μετ’ αὐτοῦ1with him

“with Jesus”

1724MAT174r41cἀποκριθεὶς…εἶπεν1answered and said

“said.” Peter is not responding to a question.

1725MAT174d231figs-exclusiveκαλόν ἐστιν ἡμᾶς ὧδε εἶναι1it is good for us to be here

It is not clear whether “us” refers only to Peter, James, and John, or if it refers to everyone there, including Jesus, Elijah, and Moses. If you can translate so that both options are possible, do so. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])

1726MAT175cek4ἰδοὺ1behold

This alerts the reader to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

1727MAT175an8jἐπεσκίασεν αὐτούς1overshadowed them

“came over them”

1728MAT175kc8tfigs-metonymyφωνὴ ἐκ τῆς νεφέλης1there was a voice out of the cloud

Here “voice” refers to God speaking. Alternate translation: “God spoke to them from out of the cloud” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1729MAT176wd76καὶ ἀκούσαντες, οἱ μαθηταὶ1When the disciples heard it

“the disciples heard God speak”

1730MAT176a87efigs-idiomἔπεσαν ἐπὶ πρόσωπον αὐτῶν1they fell on their face

Here “fell on their face” here is an idiom. Alternate translation: “they fell forward, with their faces to the ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1731MAT179w4w90Connecting Statement:

The following events happen immediately after the three disciples witness Jesus transfiguration.

1732MAT179jz51καὶ καταβαινόντων αὐτῶν1As they were coming down

“As Jesus and the disciples”

1733MAT179y9rqfigs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

Jesus is speaking about himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1734MAT1710nwt5figs-explicitτί οὖν οἱ γραμματεῖς λέγουσιν ὅτι Ἠλείαν δεῖ ἐλθεῖν πρῶτον?1Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?

The disciples are referring to the belief that Elijah will come back to life and return to the people of Israel before the Messiah comes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1735MAT1711xbs2ἀποκαταστήσει πάντα1restore all things

“put things in order” or “get the people ready to receive the Messiah”

1736MAT1712whp9λέγω δὲ ὑμῖν1But I tell you

This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

1737MAT1712a4h7ἐποίησαν…αὐτῶν1they did…them

All occurrences of these words may mean either (1) the Jewish leaders or (2) all the Jewish people.

1738MAT1712tyw4figs-metonymyκαὶ ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου μέλλει πάσχειν ὑπ’ αὐτῶν1the Son of Man will also suffer by them

Here “hands” refers to power. Alternate translation: “they will make the Son of Man suffer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1739MAT1712i74ifigs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

Jesus is referring to himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1740MAT1714t6870Connecting Statement:

This begins an account of Jesus healing a boy who had an evil spirit. These events happen immediately after Jesus and his disciples descend from the mountain.

1741MAT1715ufb4figs-explicitἐλέησόν μου τὸν υἱόν1have mercy on my son

It is implied that the man wants Jesus to heal his son. Alternate translation: “have mercy on my son and heal him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1742MAT1715hs55σεληνιάζεται1he is epileptic

This means that he sometimes had seizures. He would become unconscious and move uncontrollably. Alternate translation: “has seizures”

1743MAT1717lyu5γενεὰ ἄπιστος καὶ διεστραμμένη, ἕως πότε1Unbelieving and corrupt generation, how long

“This generation does not believe in God and does not know what is right or wrong. How”

1744MAT1717su3rfigs-rquestionἕως πότε μεθ’ ὑμῶν ἔσομαι? ἕως πότε ἀνέξομαι ὑμῶν?1how long will I have to stay with you? How long must I bear with you?

These questions show Jesus is unhappy with the people. Alternate translation: “I am tired of being with you! I am tired of your unbelief and corruption!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1745MAT1718i8kdfigs-activepassiveἐθεραπεύθη ὁ παῖς1the boy was healed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the boy became well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1746MAT1718h2gcfigs-idiomἀπὸ τῆς ὥρας ἐκείνης1from that hour

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “immediately” or “at that moment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1747MAT1719pz9ffigs-exclusiveἡμεῖς1we

Here “we” refers to the speakers but not the hearers and so is exclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1748MAT1719r9j7διὰ τί ἡμεῖς οὐκ ἠδυνήθημεν ἐκβαλεῖν αὐτό?1Why could we not cast it out?

“Why could we not make the demon come out of the boy?”

1749MAT1720u5llἀμὴν, γὰρ λέγω ὑμῖν1For I truly say to you

“I tell you the truth.” This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

1750MAT1720uy78figs-simileἐὰν ἔχητε πίστιν ὡς κόκκον σινάπεως1if you have faith even as small as a grain of mustard seed

Jesus compares the size of a mustard seed to the amount of faith needed to do a miracle. A mustard seed is very small, but it grows into a large plant. Jesus means it only takes a small amount of faith to do a great miracle. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1751MAT1720x48ifigs-litotesοὐδὲν ἀδυνατήσει ὑμῖν1nothing will be impossible for you

This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: “you will be able to do anything” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

1752MAT1722r2cu0Connecting Statement:

Here the scene shifts momentarily, and Jesus foretells his death and resurrection a second time.

1753MAT1722n2xsσυστρεφομένων…αὐτῶν1While they stayed

“Jesus and his disciples stayed”

1754MAT1722ff8xfigs-activepassiveμέλλει ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοσθαι1The Son of Man is about to be delivered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Someone will deliver the Son of Man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1755MAT1722mmk2figs-metonymyπαραδίδοσθαι εἰς χεῖρας ἀνθρώπων1to be delivered into the hands of people

The word “hands” here is a metonym for the power that people use hands to exercise. Alternate translation: “taken and put under the power of people” or “taken and given to people who will control him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1756MAT1722i5rbfigs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1The Son of Man

Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1757MAT1722jne3figs-metonymyεἰς χεῖρας ἀνθρώπων1into the hands of people

Here “hands” refers to power or control. Alternate translation: “to the control of the people” or “to the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1758MAT1723hl6jfigs-123personαὐτόν…ἐγερθήσεται1him…he will be raised up

Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1759MAT1723b6g3translate-ordinalτῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ1the third day

“Third” is the ordinal form of “three.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

1760MAT1723fni4figs-activepassiveἐγερθήσεται1he will be raised up

Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will raise him up” or “God will cause him to become alive again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1761MAT1724jli60Connecting Statement:

Here the scene shifts again to a later time when Jesus teaches Peter about paying the temple tax.

1762MAT1724t8qtἐλθόντων…αὐτῶν1When they had come

“When Jesus and his disciples”

1763MAT1724b953translate-bmoneyτὰ δίδραχμα1the two-drachma tax

This was a tax that Jewish men paid to support the temple in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the temple tax” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1764MAT1725y26nτὴν οἰκίαν1the house

“the place where Jesus was staying”

1765MAT1725yp5hfigs-rquestionτί σοι δοκεῖ, Σίμων? οἱ βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς, ἀπὸ τίνων λαμβάνουσιν τέλη ἢ κῆνσον? ἀπὸ τῶν υἱῶν αὐτῶν ἢ ἀπὸ τῶν ἀλλοτρίων?1What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect tolls or taxes? From their sons or from others?

Jesus asks these questions to teach Simon, not to gain information for himself. Alternate translation: “Listen, Simon. We know that when kings collect taxes, they collect it from people who are not members of their own family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1766MAT1726fb1c0General Information:

This is the end of the part of the story that began in Matthew 13:54, where Matthew tells of continued opposition to Jesus ministry and teaching about the kingdom of heaven.

1767MAT1726j3g40Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to teach Peter about paying the temple tax.

1768MAT1726w75wfigs-quotationsεἰπόντος δέ, ἀπὸ τῶν ἀλλοτρίων, ἔφη αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς1When he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him

If you translated Jesus questions as statements in Matthew 17:25, you may need to give an alternate response here. You could also state it as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “When Peter said, Yes, that is true. Kings collect taxes from foreigners, Jesus said” or “After Peter agreed with Jesus, Jesus said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

1769MAT1726uh6yἀπὸ τῶν ἀλλοτρίων1From others

In modern times, leaders usually tax their own citizens. But, in ancient times, the leaders often taxed the people they had conquered rather than their own citizens.

1770MAT1726u6xxοἱ υἱοί1the sons

people over whom a ruler or king rules

1771MAT1727mwa6ἵνα δὲ μὴ σκανδαλίσωμεν αὐτούς, πορευθεὶς1But so that we do not cause them to sin, go

“But we do not want to make the tax collectors angry. So, go.”

1772MAT1727uhk5figs-explicitβάλε ἄγκιστρον1throw in a hook

Fishermen tied hooks to the end of a line, then threw it in the water to catch fish. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1773MAT1727ebj4τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ1its mouth

“the fishs mouth”

1774MAT1727t9t8translate-bmoneyστατῆρα1a shekel

a silver coin worth four days wages (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

1775MAT1727ej3lἐκεῖνον λαβὼν1Take it

“Take the shekel”

1776MAT1727km3vfigs-youἀντὶ ἐμοῦ καὶ σοῦ1for me and you

Here “you” is singular and refers to Peter. Each man had to pay a half shekel tax. So one shekel would be enough for Jesus and Peter to pay their taxes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1777MAT18introm4y60

Matthew 18 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

What should Jesus followers do when other followers sin against them?

Jesus taught that his followers must treat each other well and not be angry with each other. They should forgive anyone who is sorry for his sin, even if he has committed the same sin before. If he is not sorry for his sin, Jesus followers should speak with him alone or in a small group. If he is still not sorry after that, then Jesus followers can treat him as guilty. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

1778MAT181f7zv0General Information:

This is the beginning of a new part of the story that runs through Matthew 18:35, where Jesus teaches about life in the kingdom of heaven. Here, Jesus uses a little child to teach the disciples.

1779MAT181iri5τίς ἄρα μείζων ἐστὶν1Who then is greatest

“Who is the most important” or “Who among us will be the most important”

1780MAT181pp31figs-metonymyἐν τῇ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1in the kingdom of heaven

The phrase “kingdom of heaven” refers to Gods rule as king. This phrase is used only in the book of Matthew. If possible, keep “heaven” in your translation. Alternate translation: “in Gods kingdom” or “when our God in heaven establishes his rule on earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1781MAT183qb44ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

“I tell you the truth.” This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

1782MAT183fs1efigs-doublenegativesἐὰν μὴ στραφῆτε…τὰ παιδία, οὐ μὴ εἰσέλθητε1unless you turn…little children, you will certainly not enter

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “you must change…children in order to enter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1783MAT183ewj5figs-simileγένησθε ὡς τὰ παιδία1become like little children

Jesus uses a simile to teach the disciples that they should not be concerned with who is most important. They should be concerned with becoming humble like a child. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1784MAT183ch9pfigs-metonymyεἰσέλθητε εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν τῶν Οὐρανῶν1enter into the kingdom of heaven

The phrase “kingdom of heaven” refers to Gods rule as king. This phrase is used only in the book of Matthew. If possible, keep “heaven” in your translation. Alternate translation: “enter Gods kingdom” or “belong to our God in heaven when he establishes his rule on earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1785MAT184ta7zfigs-simile0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues teaching the disciples that they need to be humble like a child if they want to be important in Gods kingdom. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1786MAT184f9t5ἐστιν ὁ μείζων1is the greatest

“is the most important” or “will be the most important”

1787MAT184gf8lfigs-metonymyἐν τῇ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1in the kingdom of heaven

The phrase “kingdom of heaven” refers to Gods rule as king. This phrase is used only in the book of Matthew. If possible, keep “heaven” in your translation. Alternate translation: “in Gods kingdom” or “when our God in heaven establishes his rule on earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1788MAT185dz1ifigs-metonymyἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου1in my name

Here “my name” refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: “because of me” or “because he is my disciple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1789MAT185ik3rκαὶ ὃς ἐὰν…ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου, ἐμὲ δέχεται1Whoever…in my name receives me

Jesus means that it is the same as welcoming him. Alternate translation: “When someone…in my name, it is like he is welcoming me” or “When someone…in my name, it is as if he were welcoming me”

1790MAT186ghp3figs-activepassiveκρεμασθῇ μύλος ὀνικὸς περὶ τὸν τράχηλον αὐτοῦ, καὶ καταποντισθῇ ἐν τῷ πελάγει τῆς θαλάσσης1a great millstone should be hung about his neck, and that he should be sunk into the depths of the sea

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if someone put a great millstone around his neck and threw him into the deep sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1791MAT186w3uzμύλος1millstone

This is a large, heavy, circular stone used for grinding wheat grain into flour. Alternate translation: “a heavy stone”

1792MAT187cl5i0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to use a little child to teach the disciples and warns against the terrible consequences of causing children to sin.

1793MAT187ees6figs-metonymyτῷ κόσμῳ1to the world

Here “world” refers to people. Alternate translation: “to the people of the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1794MAT187y7vhfigs-metaphorτῶν σκανδάλων…ἐλθεῖν τὰ σκάνδαλα…τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ δι’ οὗ τὸ σκάνδαλον ἔρχεται1the stumbling blocks…those stumbling blocks come…the person through whom those stumbling blocks come

Here “stumbling” is a metaphor for sin. Alternate translation: “things that cause people to sin…things come that cause people to sin…any person who causes others to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1795MAT188vad7figs-hyperboleεἰ δὲ ἡ χείρ σου ἢ ὁ πούς σου σκανδαλίζει σε, ἔκκοψον αὐτὸν καὶ βάλε ἀπὸ σοῦ1If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away from you

Jesus exaggerates here to emphasize that people must do anything necessary to remove from their lives what causes them to sin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1796MAT188gqi3figs-youσου…σε1your…you

All occurrences of these words are singular. Jesus is speaking to all people in general. It may be more natural for your language to translate with a plural “you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1797MAT188pc4dεἰς τὴν ζωὴν1into life

“into eternal life”

1798MAT188lhk9figs-activepassiveἢ δύο χεῖρας ἢ δύο πόδας ἔχοντα, βληθῆναι εἰς τὸ πῦρ τὸ αἰώνιον1than to be thrown into the eternal fire having two hands or two feet

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “than to have both hands and feet when God throws you into the eternal fire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1799MAT189xad4figs-hyperboleκαὶ εἰ ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου σκανδαλίζει σε, ἔξελε αὐτὸν καὶ βάλε ἀπὸ σοῦ1If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you

The command to destroy the eye, perhaps the most important part of the body, is probably an exaggeration for his hearers to do anything necessary to remove from their lives anything that causes them to sin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1800MAT189q7twfigs-metaphorσκανδαλίζει σε1causes you to stumble

Here “stumble” is a metaphor for sin. Alternate translation: “causes you to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1801MAT189eii2figs-youσου…σοῦ1your…you

All occurrences of these words are singular. Jesus is speaking to all people in general. It may be more natural for your language to translate with a plural “you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1802MAT189m8asεἰς τὴν ζωὴν1into life

“into eternal life”

1803MAT189r1iefigs-activepassiveἢ δύο ὀφθαλμοὺς ἔχοντα βληθῆναι εἰς τὴν Γέενναν τοῦ πυρός1than to be thrown into fiery hell having two eyes

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “than to have both eyes when God throws you into the eternal fire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1804MAT1810qnc6ὁρᾶτε1See that

“Be careful that” or “Be sure that”

1805MAT1810e9ufμὴ καταφρονήσητε ἑνὸς τῶν μικρῶν τούτων1you do not despise any of these little ones

“you do not think of these little ones as being unimportant.” This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “you show respect to these little ones”

1806MAT1810j4l5λέγω γὰρ ὑμῖν1For I say to you

This add emphasis to what Jesus says next.

1807MAT1810xdl9figs-explicitὅτι οἱ ἄγγελοι αὐτῶν ἐν οὐρανοῖς, διὰ παντὸς βλέπουσι τὸ πρόσωπον τοῦ Πατρός μου, τοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς1that in heaven their angels always look on the face of my Father who is in heaven

Jewish teachers taught that only the most important angels could be in Gods presence. Jesus means that the most important angels speak to God about these little ones. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1808MAT1810y6n9figs-idiomδιὰ παντὸς βλέπουσι τὸ πρόσωπον τοῦ Πατρός μου1always look on the face of my Father

This is an idiom that means they are in Gods presence. Alternate translation: “are always close to my Father” or “are always in the presence of my Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1809MAT1810iq8jguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου1my Father

This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

1810MAT1812xhq20Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to use a little child to teach the disciples and tells a parable to explain Gods care for people.

1811MAT1812idl5figs-rquestionτί ὑμῖν δοκεῖ?1What do you think?

Jesus uses this question to get peoples attention. Alternate translation: “Think about how people act.” or “Think about this.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1812MAT1812dm8ufigs-youὑμῖν1you

This word is plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1813MAT1812cv92translate-numbersἑκατὸν…ἐνενήκοντα ἐννέα1a hundred…ninety-nine

“100…99” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1814MAT1812t5h4figs-rquestionοὐχὶ ἀφείς…τὸ πλανώμενον?1does he not leave…the one that went astray?

Jesus uses a question to teach his disciples. Alternate translation: “he will always leave…astray.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1815MAT1813j5d8figs-parablesκαὶ ἐὰν γένηται εὑρεῖν αὐτό…τοῖς μὴ πεπλανημένοις1If he finds it…that did not go astray

This is the end of the parable that begins with the words “If anyone” in verse 12. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1816MAT1813at4sfigs-youαὐτό, ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1truly I say to you

“I tell you the truth.” This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. The word “you” is plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1817MAT1814kcy2οὐκ ἔστιν θέλημα ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν, τοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς, ἵνα ἀπόληται ἓν τῶν μικρῶν τούτων1it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should perish

“your Father in heaven does not want any of these little ones to die” or “your Father in heaven does not want even one of these little ones to die”

1818MAT1814usa4figs-youὑμῶν1your

This word is plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1819MAT1814fmm2guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρὸς1Father

This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

1820MAT1815k6t70Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins to teach his disciples about forgiveness and reconciliation.

1821MAT1815kpe2ὁ ἀδελφός σου1your brother

This refers to a fellow believer in God, not a physical brother. Alternate translation: “your fellow believer”

1822MAT1815yh3tἐκέρδησας τὸν ἀδελφόν σου1you will have gained your brother

“you will have made your relationship with your brother good again”

1823MAT1816i25xfigs-metonymyἵνα ἐπὶ στόματος δύο μαρτύρων ἢ τριῶν, σταθῇ πᾶν ῥῆμα1so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word might be verified

Here “mouth” and “word” refer to what a person says. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that two or three witnesses may verify that what you say about your brother is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1824MAT1817g3ajἐὰν…παρακούσῃ αὐτῶν1if he refuses to listen to them

“if your fellow believer refuses to listen to the witnesses who came with you”

1825MAT1817kx28τῆς ἐκκλησίας1to the church

“to the whole community of believers”

1826MAT1817xf1afigs-explicitἔστω σοι ὥσπερ ὁ ἐθνικὸς καὶ ὁ τελώνης1let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector

“treat him as you would treat a Gentile or tax collector.” This implies that they should remove him from the community of believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1827MAT1818u2klἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

“I tell you the truth.” This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

1828MAT1818qzq7figs-youὑμῖν1you

All occurrences of this word are plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1829MAT1818bu6ifigs-metaphorὅσα ἐὰν δήσητε ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἔσται δεδεμένα ἐν οὐρανῷ, καὶ ὅσα ἐὰν λύσητε ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἔσται λελυμένα ἐν οὐρανῷ1whatever things you bind on earth will be bound in heaven; and whatever you release on earth will be released in heaven

Here “bind” is a metaphor meaning to forbid something, and “release” is a metaphor meaning to allow something. Also, “in heaven” is a metonym that represents God himself. See how you translated similar phrases in Matthew 16:19. Alternate translation: “God in heaven will approve whatever you forbid or allow on earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1830MAT1818l7naλέγω ὑμῖν1I say to you

This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

1831MAT1819cal4figs-explicitἐὰν δύο…ἐξ ὑμῶν1if two of you

It is implied that Jesus means “if at least two of you” or “if two or more of you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1832MAT1819c3lfἐὰν αἰτήσωνται…αὐτοῖς1they might ask…them

These refer to the “two of you.” Alternate translation: “you…you”

1833MAT1819gs8wguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου1my Father

This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

1834MAT1820kv9zfigs-explicitδύο ἢ τρεῖς1two or three

It is implied that Jesus means “two or more” or “at least two.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1835MAT1820s5rxσυνηγμένοι1gathered together

“meet”

1836MAT1820l7vufigs-metonymyεἰς τὸ ἐμὸν ὄνομα1in my name

Here “name” refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: “because of me” or “because they are my disciples” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1837MAT1821cys4translate-numbersἑπτάκις1seven times

“7 times” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1838MAT1822b19xtranslate-numbersἑβδομηκοντάκις ἑπτά1seventy times seven

Possible meanings are (1) “70 times 7” or (2) “77 times.” If using a number would be confusing, you can translate it as “more times than you can count” or “you must always forgive him.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1839MAT1823n44s0Connecting Statement:

Jesus uses a parable to teach about forgiveness and reconciliation.

1840MAT1823rqp1figs-parablesὡμοιώθη ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1the kingdom of heaven is similar

This introduces a parable. See how you translated a similar parable introduction in Matthew 13:24. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1841MAT1823bp72συνᾶραι λόγον μετὰ τῶν δούλων αὐτοῦ1to settle accounts with his servants

“his servants to pay him what they owed”

1842MAT1824d6nefigs-activepassiveπροσηνέχθη εἷς αὐτῷ1one servant was brought

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone brought one of the kings servant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1843MAT1824w3nrtranslate-bmoneyμυρίων ταλάντων1ten thousand talents

“10,000 talents” or “more money than the servant could ever repay” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1844MAT1825nmz8figs-activepassiveἐκέλευσεν αὐτὸν ὁ κύριος πραθῆναι…καὶ ἀποδοθῆναι1his master commanded him to be sold…and payment to be made

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the king commanded his servants to sell the man…and to pay the debt with the money from the sale” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1845MAT1826thl3translate-symactionπεσὼν οὖν…προσεκύνει1fell down, bowed down before

This shows that the servant approached the king in the most humble way possible. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

1846MAT1826cx5zπροσεκύνει αὐτῷ1bowed down before him

“before the king”

1847MAT1827j5vpσπλαγχνισθεὶς1he was moved with compassion

“he felt compassion for the servant”

1848MAT1827vn7lἀπέλυσεν αὐτόν1released him

“let him go”

1849MAT1828d2tbfigs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues telling a parable to his disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1850MAT1828a7jbtranslate-bmoneyἑκατὸν δηνάρια1one hundred denarii

“100 denarii” or “one hundred days wages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1851MAT1828uy32κρατήσας αὐτὸν1He grasped him

“The first servant grasped his fellow servant”

1852MAT1828b7u9κρατήσας1grasped

“took hold of” or “grabbed”

1853MAT1829i21ctranslate-symactionπεσὼν1fell down

This shows that the fellow servant approached the first servant in the most humble way possible. See how you translated this in Matthew 18:26. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

1854MAT1829iv8yπαρεκάλει αὐτὸν1and implored him

“and begged him”

1855MAT1830fn3tfigs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues telling a parable to his disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1856MAT1830t8wbἀπελθὼν, ἔβαλεν αὐτὸν εἰς φυλακὴν1he went and threw him into prison

“the first servant went and threw his fellow servant into prison”

1857MAT1831w9n2οἱ σύνδουλοι αὐτοῦ1his fellow servants

“other servants”

1858MAT1831nx9kδιεσάφησαν τῷ κυρίῳ ἑαυτῶν1told their master

“told the king”

1859MAT1832pfc2figs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues telling a parable to his disciple. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1860MAT1832txr7τότε προσκαλεσάμενος αὐτὸν ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ1Then his master called him

“Then the king called the first servant”

1861MAT1832wgs1παρεκάλεσάς με1you implored me

“you begged me”

1862MAT1833jw37figs-rquestionοὐκ ἔδει καὶ σὲ ἐλεῆσαι…σὲ ἠλέησα?1Should you not also have had mercy…had mercy you?

The king uses a question to scold the first servant. Alternate translation: “You should have…you!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1863MAT1834l7ks0General Information:

This is the end of the part of the story that began in Matthew 18:1, where Jesus teaches about life in the kingdom of heaven.

1864MAT1834mkm70Connecting Statement:

Jesus concludes his parable about forgiveness and reconciliation.

1865MAT1834big9ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ1His master

“The king”

1866MAT1834e95ufigs-explicitπαρέδωκεν αὐτὸν1handed him over

“gave him over.” Most likely the king himself did not take the first servant to the torturers. Alternate translation: “he ordered his servants to give him over” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1867MAT1834j7s3τοῖς βασανισταῖς1to the torturers

“to those who would torture him”

1868MAT1834e14mfigs-activepassiveτὸ ὀφειλόμενον1that was owed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that the first servant owed the king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1869MAT1835pm1dguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Πατήρ μου ὁ οὐράνιος1my heavenly Father

This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

1870MAT1835q8p9figs-youὑμῖν…ὑμῶν1to you…your

All occurrences of these words are plural. Jesus is speaking to his disciples, but this parable teaches a general truth that applies to all believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1871MAT1835c4fwfigs-metonymyἀπὸ τῶν καρδιῶν ὑμῶν1from your heart

Here “heart” is a metonym for a persons inner being. The phrase “from your heart” is an idiom that means “sincerely.” Alternate translation: “sincerely” or “completely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1872MAT19introewl50

Matthew 19 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Divorce

Jesus taught about divorce because the Pharisees wanted people to think Jesus teachings about divorce were wrong (Matthew 19:3-12). Jesus talked about what God had first said about marriage when he created it.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metonymy

Jesus often says the word “heaven” when he wants his hearers to think of God, who lives in heaven (Matthew 1:12).

1873MAT191nj6twriting-background0General Information:

This is the beginning of a new part of the story that runs through Matthew 22:46, which tells of Jesus ministering in Judea. These verses provide background information of how Jesus came to be in Judea. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1874MAT191ap4gἐγένετο, ὅτε1It came about that when

This phrase shifts the story from Jesus teachings to what happened next. Alternate translation: “When” or “After”

1875MAT191c5j9figs-metonymyἐτέλεσεν…τοὺς λόγους τούτους1had finished these words

Here “words” refers to what Jesus taught starting in Matthew 18:1. Alternate translation: “had finished teaching these things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1876MAT191d83mἀπὸ1departed from

“walked away from” or “left”

1877MAT193kg120Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins to teach about marriage and divorce.

1878MAT193gl85προσῆλθον αὐτῷ1came to him

“came to Jesus”

1879MAT193s8jqπειράζοντες αὐτὸν καὶ λέγοντες1testing him and saying

Here “tested” is used in a negative sense. Alternate translation: “and challenged him by asking him” or “and wanted to trap him by asking him”

1880MAT194ncb6figs-rquestionοὐκ ἀνέγνωτε, ὅτι ὁ ποιήσας ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς, ἄρσεν καὶ θῆλυ, ἐποίησεν αὐτοὺς?1Have you not read that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female?

Jesus uses this question to remind the Pharisees of what the scripture says about men, women, and marriage. Alternate translation: “Surely you have read that in the beginning when God created people he made them male and female.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1881MAT195n8zn0General Information:

In verse 5, Jesus quotes from Genesis to show that a husband and wife should not divorce.

1882MAT195q71wfigs-explicitκαὶ εἶπεν, ἕνεκα τούτου…εἰς σάρκα μίαν?1He also said, For this reason…one flesh.

This is part of what Jesus expected the Pharisees to have understood from the scripture. The direct quotation can be expressed as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “And surely you know that God also said that for this reason…flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

1883MAT195phz3ἕνεκα τούτου1For this reason

This is a part of the quotation from Genesis story about Adam and Eve. In that context the reason a man will leave his father and mother is because God created a woman to be the mans companion.

1884MAT195af1rκολληθήσεται τῇ γυναικὶ αὐτοῦ1join to his wife

“stay close to his wife” or “live with his wife”

1885MAT195m83jfigs-metaphorἔσονται οἱ δύο εἰς σάρκα μίαν1the two will become one flesh

This is a metaphor that emphasizes the unity of a husband and a wife. Alternate translation: “they will become like one person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1886MAT196m4b7figs-metaphorὥστε οὐκέτι εἰσὶν δύο, ἀλλὰ σὰρξ μία1So they are no longer two, but one flesh

This is a metaphor that emphasizes the unity of a husband and a wife. Alternate translation: “So a husband and wife are no longer like two persons, but they are like one person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1887MAT197jxs2λέγουσιν αὐτῷ1They said to him

“The Pharisees said to Jesus”

1888MAT197ugf4ἐνετείλατο1command us

“command us Jews”

1889MAT197xml9βιβλίον ἀποστασίου1certificate of divorce

This is a document that legally ends the marriage.

1890MAT198zu87figs-metaphorπρὸς τὴν σκληροκαρδίαν ὑμῶν1For your hardness of heart

The phrase “hardness of heart” is a metaphor that means “stubbornness.” Alternate translation: “Because of your stubbornness” or “Because you are stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1891MAT198ve9efigs-youτὴν σκληροκαρδίαν ὑμῶν…ἐπέτρεψεν ὑμῖν…τὰς γυναῖκας ὑμῶν1your hardness of heart…allowed you…your wives

Here “you” and “your” are plural. Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees, but Moses gave this command many years earlier to their ancestors. Moses command applied to all Jewish men in general. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1892MAT198mgx9figs-metonymyἀπ’ ἀρχῆς δὲ1from the beginning

Here “beginning” refers to when God first created man and woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1893MAT199eq8zλέγω…ὑμῖν1I say to you

This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

1894MAT199yl3xfigs-ellipsisγαμήσῃ ἄλλην1marries another

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “marries another woman” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1895MAT199ps45translate-textvariantsκαὶ ὁ ἀπολελυμένην γαμήσας μοιχᾶται1and the man who marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery

Many early texts do not include these words. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

1896MAT1911h3a3figs-activepassiveδέδοται1to whom it is given

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “whom God allows” or “whom God enables” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1897MAT1912yvb8figs-explicitεἰσὶν γὰρ εὐνοῦχοι, οἵτινες ἐκ κοιλίας μητρὸς ἐγεννήθησαν οὕτως1For there are eunuchs who were that way from their mothers womb

You can make explicit the implicit information. Alternate translation: “For there are different reasons that men do not marry. For instance, there are men who were born eunuchs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1898MAT1912m1r9figs-activepassiveεἰσὶν εὐνοῦχοι οἵτινες εὐνουχίσθησαν ὑπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων1there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “there are men whom other men have made eunuchs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1899MAT1912g4bwfigs-metaphorεὐνοῦχοι οἵτινες εὐνούχισαν ἑαυτοὺς1eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs

Possible meanings are (1) “men who have made themselves eunuchs by removing their private parts” or (2) “men who choose to remain unmarried and sexually pure.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1900MAT1912r78nfigs-metonymyδιὰ τὴν Βασιλείαν τῶν Οὐρανῶν1for the sake of the kingdom of heaven

Here “kingdom of heaven” refers to Gods rule as king. This phrase is found only in the book of Matthew. If possible, keep “heaven” in your translation. Alternate translation: “so they can better serve our God in heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1901MAT1912hqu1χωρεῖν, χωρείτω1to receive this teaching, let him receive it

“accept this teaching…accept it”

1902MAT1913wjb50Connecting Statement:

Jesus receives and blesses little children.

1903MAT1913wu52figs-activepassiveπροσηνέχθησαν αὐτῷ παιδία1some little children were brought to him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “some people brought little children to Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1904MAT1914t6cmἄφετε1Permit

allow

1905MAT1914m219μὴ κωλύετε αὐτὰ ἐλθεῖν πρός με1do not forbid them to come to me

“do not stop them from coming to me”

1906MAT1914l1bqfigs-metonymyτῶν γὰρ τοιούτων ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1for the kingdom of heaven is to such ones

Here “kingdom of heaven” refers to Gods rule as king. This phrase is found only in the book of Matthew. If possible, keep “heaven” in your translation. Alternate translation: “for when our God in heaven establishes his rule on earth, he will be king over such as these” or “for God will allow such as these into his kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1907MAT1914za2gfigs-simileτῶν…τοιούτων ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1is to such ones

“belongs to those who are like children.” This is a simile that means those who are humble like children will enter Gods kingdom. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1908MAT1916g9us0Connecting Statement:

Here the scene shifts to a different time when Jesus explains to a rich man what it will cost to follow him.

1909MAT1916vj7tἰδοὺ1Behold

The word “behold” alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this.

1910MAT1916bw9nἀγαθὸν1good thing

This means a thing that pleases God.

1911MAT1917sce3figs-rquestionτί με ἐρωτᾷς περὶ τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ?1Why do you ask me about what is good?

Jesus uses this rhetorical question to encourage the man to think about his reason for asking Jesus about what is good. Alternate translation: “You ask me about what is good” or “Think about why you ask me about what is good.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1912MAT1917d4shεἷς ἐστιν ὁ ἀγαθός1Only one is good

“God alone is completely good”

1913MAT1917d7fdεἰς τὴν ζωὴν εἰσελθεῖν1to enter into life

“to receive eternal life”

1914MAT1919zv5nἀγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου1love your neighbor

The Jewish people believed that their neighbors were only other Jews. Jesus is extending that definition to include all people.

1915MAT1921m57cεἰ θέλεις1If you wish

“If you want”

1916MAT1921zic9figs-nominaladjπτωχοῖς1to the poor

This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “to those who are poor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

1917MAT1921e4vsfigs-metaphorἕξεις θησαυρὸν ἐν οὐρανοῖς1you will have treasure in heaven

The phrase “treasure in heaven” is a metaphor that refers to a reward from God. Alternate translation: “God will reward you in heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1918MAT1923ass20Connecting Statement:

Jesus explains to his disciples the rewards of giving up material possessions and relationships to follow him.

1919MAT1923r93jἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

“I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

1920MAT1923ean2figs-metonymyεἰσελεύσεται εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν τῶν Οὐρανῶν1to enter in to the kingdom of heaven

Here “kingdom of heaven” refers to Gods rule as king. This phrase is found only in the book of Matthew. If possible, keep “heaven” in your translation. Alternate translation: “to accept our God in heaven as their king” or “to enter Gods kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1921MAT1924c8l5figs-hyperboleὐκοπώτερόν ἐστιν…τὴν Βασιλείαν Θεοῦ1it is easier…the kingdom of God

Jesus uses an exaggeration to illustrate how very difficult it is for rich people to enter the kingdom of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1922MAT1924dip3τρήματος ῥαφίδος1the eye of a needle

the hole near one end of a needle, through which thread is passed

1923MAT1925sl38figs-explicitἐξεπλήσσοντο1they were very astonished

“the disciples were amazed.” It is implied that they were astonished because they believed having riches was proof that God approved of someone. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1924MAT1925d389figs-rquestionτίς ἄρα δύναται σωθῆναι?1Who then can be saved?

The disciples use a question to emphasize their surprise. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Then there is no one whom God will save!” or “Then there is no one who will receive eternal life!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1925MAT1927yp3hἡμεῖς ἀφήκαμεν πάντα1we have left everything

“we have left all our wealth” or “we have given up all our possessions”

1926MAT1927sp61τί ἄρα ἔσται ἡμῖν?1What then will there be for us?

“What good thing will God give us?”

1927MAT1928pm6vἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

“I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

1928MAT1928j89cfigs-metonymyἐν τῇ παλιγγενεσίᾳ1in the new age

“in the new time.” This refers to when God restores all things. Alternate translation: “at the time when God makes all things new” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1929MAT1928gey2figs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

Jesus is speaking about himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1930MAT1928sx2jfigs-metonymyκαθίσῃ…ἐπὶ θρόνου δόξης αὐτοῦ1sits on his glorious throne

Sitting on his throne represents ruling as a king. His throne being glorious represents his rule being glorious. Alternate translation: “sits as king on his glorious throne” or “rules gloriously as king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1931MAT1928rx2ufigs-metonymyκαθήσεσθε…ἐπὶ δώδεκα θρόνους1will sit upon twelve thrones

Here sitting on thrones refers to ruling as kings. The disciples will not be equal to Jesus who is also on a throne. They will receive authority from him. Alternate translation: “sit as kings on 12 thrones” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1932MAT1928ci3tfigs-metonymyτὰς δώδεκα φυλὰς τοῦ Ἰσραήλ1the twelve tribes of Israel

Here “tribes” refers to people from those tribes. Alternate translation: “the people of the 12 tribes of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1933MAT1929gq8pfigs-metonymyἕνεκεν τοῦ ἐμοῦ ὀνόματός1for my names sake

Here “name” refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: “because of me” or “because he believes in me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1934MAT1929bzt3translate-numbersἑκατονταπλασίονα λήμψεται1will receive one hundred times as much

“receive from God 100 times as many good things as they gave up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1935MAT1929z8wbfigs-idiomζωὴν αἰώνιον κληρονομήσει1will inherit eternal life

This is an idiom that means “God will bless them with eternal life” or “God will cause them to live forever.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1936MAT1930u8p3πολλοὶ δὲ ἔσονται πρῶτοι ἔσχατοι, καὶ ἔσχατοι πρῶτοι1But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first

Here “first” and “last” refer to peoples status or importance. Jesus is contrasting peoples status now with their status in the kingdom of heaven. Alternate translation: “But many who seem to be important now will be the least important, and many who seem to be unimportant now will be very important”

1937MAT20introz39h0

Matthew 20 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The parable of the landowner and his vineyard

Jesus tells this parable (Matthew 20:1-16) to teach his disciples that what God says is right is different from what people say is right.

1938MAT201k7sw0Connecting Statement:

Jesus tells a parable about a landowner who hires workers, to illustrate how God will reward those who belong to the kingdom of heaven.

1939MAT201q9qcfigs-parablesὁμοία γάρ ἐστιν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1For the kingdom of heaven is like

This is the beginning of a parable. See how you translated the introduction to the parable in Matthew 13:24. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1940MAT202wd43συμφωνήσας1After he had agreed

“After the landowner had agreed”

1941MAT202iwk5translate-bmoneyδηναρίου1a denarius

This was the daily wage at that time. Alternate translation: “one days wages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

1942MAT202w9hqἀπέστειλεν αὐτοὺς εἰς τὸν ἀμπελῶνα αὐτοῦ1he sent them into his vineyard

“he sent them to work in his vineyard”

1943MAT203w9m2figs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues telling a parable. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1944MAT203s8haκαὶ ἐξελθὼν1He went out again

“The landowner went out again”

1945MAT203bki1translate-ordinalτρίτην ὥραν1the third hour

The third hour is around nine in the morning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

1946MAT203xk4iἑστῶτας ἐν τῇ ἀγορᾷ ἀργούς1standing idle in the marketplace

“standing in the marketplace not doing anything” or “standing in the marketplace with no work to do”

1947MAT203q3b7τῇ ἀγορᾷ1the marketplace

a large, open-air area where people buy and sell food and other items

1948MAT205g1s7figs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues telling a parable. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1949MAT205j3zhπάλιν ἐξελθὼν1Again he went out

“Again the landowner went out”

1950MAT205pip4translate-ordinalπερὶ ἕκτην καὶ ἐνάτην ὥραν1about the sixth hour and again the ninth hour

The sixth hour is around noon. The ninth hour is around three in the afternoon. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

1951MAT205y513ἐποίησεν ὡσαύτως1did the same

This means the landowner went to the marketplace and hired workers.

1952MAT206t8uutranslate-ordinalτὴν ἑνδεκάτην1the eleventh hour

This is about five in the afternoon. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

1953MAT206up1wἑστῶτας1standing idle

“not doing anything” or “not having any work”

1954MAT208hg2pfigs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues telling a parable. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1955MAT208x6ivἀρξάμενος ἀπὸ τῶν ἐσχάτων ἕως τῶν πρώτων1beginning from the last to the first

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “beginning with the workers who started working last, then the workers who started working earlier, and finally the workers who started working first” or “first paying the workers I hired last, then paying the workers I hired earlier in the day, and finally paying the workers I hired first”

1956MAT209p7q1figs-activepassiveοἱ1those who had been hired

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “whom the landowner hired” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1957MAT2010d2bntranslate-bmoneyδηνάριον1a denarius

This was the daily wage at that time. Alternate translation: “one days wages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

1958MAT2011z2h5figs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues telling a parable. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1959MAT2011z9szλαβόντες1When they received their wages

“When the workers who had worked the longest received”

1960MAT2011d6syτοῦ οἰκοδεσπότου1the landowner

“the vineyard owner”

1961MAT2012qpz4ἴσους ἡμῖν αὐτοὺς ἐποίησας1you have made them equal to us

“you have paid them the same amount of money as you paid us”

1962MAT2012vy87figs-idiomτοῖς βαστάσασι τὸ βάρος τῆς ἡμέρας καὶ τὸν καύσωνα1we who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat

The phrase “borne the burden of the day” is an idiom that means “worked the entire day.” Alternate translation: “we who have worked the entire day, even during the hottest part” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1963MAT2013w17cfigs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues telling a parable. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1964MAT2013r9f3ἑνὶ αὐτῶν1to one of them

“one of the workers who had worked the longest”

1965MAT2013f5mbἑταῖρε1Friend

Use a word that one man would use to address another man whom he is politely rebuking.

1966MAT2013qbu1figs-rquestionοὐχὶ δηναρίου συνεφώνησάς μοι1Did you not agree with me for one denarius?

The landowner uses a question to rebuke the workers who were complaining. Alternate translation: “We already agreed that I would give you one denarius.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1967MAT2013qxn3translate-bmoneyδηναρίου1a denarius

This was the daily wage at that time. Alternate translation: “one days wages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

1968MAT2015g5iifigs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus concludes his parable about a landowner who hires workers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1969MAT2015h3uhfigs-rquestionἢ οὐκ ἔξεστίν μοι, ὃ θέλω ποιῆσαι ἐν τοῖς ἐμοῖς?1Do I not have the right to do as I want with what belongs to me?

The landowner uses a question to correct the workers who were complaining. Alternate translation: “I can do what I want with my own possessions.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1970MAT2015dus3figs-rquestionἢ ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου πονηρός ἐστιν, ὅτι ἐγὼ ἀγαθός εἰμι?1Or are you envious because I am generous?

The landowner uses a question to rebuke the workers who were complaining. Alternate translation: “Do not be jealous when I am generous to other people.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1971MAT2016k5feοὕτως ἔσονται οἱ ἔσχατοι πρῶτοι, καὶ οἱ πρῶτοι ἔσχατοι1So the last will be first, and the first last

Here “first” and “last” refer to peoples status or importance. Jesus is contrasting peoples status now with their status in the kingdom of heaven. See how you translated a similar statement in Matthew 19:30. Alternate translation: “So those who seem to be unimportant now will be the most important, and those who seem to be the most important now will be the least important”

1972MAT2016bhr5οὕτως ἔσονται οἱ ἔσχατοι πρῶτοι1So the last will be first

Here the parable has ended and Jesus is speaking. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus said, So the last will be first

1973MAT2017iu9d0Connecting Statement:

Jesus foretells his death and resurrection a third time as he and his disciples travel to Jerusalem.

1974MAT2017b6iaἀναβαίνων ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα1going up to JerusalemAs Jesus was going up to Jerusalem

Jerusalem was on top of a hill, so people had to travel up to get there.

1975MAT2018d3igἰδοὺ, ἀναβαίνομεν1See, we are going up

Jesus uses the word “See” to tell the disciples the must pay attention to what he is about to tell them.

1976MAT2018nf34figs-inclusiveἀναβαίνομεν1we are going up

Here “we” refers to Jesus and the disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])

1977MAT2018b2f2figs-activepassiveὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου παραδοθήσεται1the Son of Man will be delivered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone will deliver the Son of Man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1978MAT2018rbl4figs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου…αὐτὸν1Son of Man…him

Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. If necessary, you can translate these in the first person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1979MAT2018s8uhκατακρινοῦσιν1They will condemn

The chief priests and scribes will condemn Jesus.

1980MAT2019rjq7καὶ παραδώσουσιν αὐτὸν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν, εἰς τὸ ἐμπαῖξαι1and will deliver him to the Gentiles for them to mock

The chief priests and scribes will deliver Jesus to the Gentiles, and the Gentiles will mock him.

1981MAT2019a9k5μαστιγῶσαι1to flog

“to whip him” or “to beat him with whips”

1982MAT2019pn84translate-ordinalτῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ1the third day

“Third” is the ordinal form of “three.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

1983MAT2019c6q1figs-123personαὐτὸν…σταυρῶσαι…ἀναστήσεται1him…to crucify him…he will be raised up

Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. If necessary, you can translate these in the first person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1984MAT2019kr7afigs-activepassiveἀναστήσεται1he will be raised up

The words “be raised up” are an idiom for “be made alive again.” This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will raise him up” or “God will make him alive again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1985MAT2020u67i0Connecting Statement:

In response to the question that the mother of two of the disciples asks, Jesus teaches his disciples about authority and serving others in the kingdom of heaven.

1986MAT2020sx75τῶν υἱῶν Ζεβεδαίου1the sons of Zebedee

This refers James and John.

1987MAT2021b8xsfigs-metonymyἐκ δεξιῶν…ἐξ εὐωνύμων σου1at your right hand…at your left hand

These refer to having positions of power, authority, and honor. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1988MAT2021i9n6figs-metonymyἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ σου1in your kingdom

Here “kingdom” refers to Jesus ruling as king. Alternate translation: “when you are king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1989MAT2022gx17figs-youοὐκ οἴδατε1You do not know

Here “you” is plural and refers to the mother and the sons. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1990MAT2022i8nxfigs-youδύνασθε1Are you able

Here “you” is plural, but Jesus is only talking to the two sons. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1991MAT2022f9cyfigs-idiomπιεῖν τὸ ποτήριον ὃ ἐγὼ μέλλω πίνειν1to drink the cup that I am about to drink

To “drink the cup” or “drink from the cup” is an idiom that means to experience suffering. Alternate translation: “suffer what I am about to suffer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1992MAT2022d4rfλέγουσιν1They said

“The sons of Zebedee said” or “James and John said”

1993MAT2023m4d2figs-idiomτὸ μὲν ποτήριόν μου πίεσθε1My cup you will indeed drink

To “drink a cup” or “drink from a cup” is an idiom that means to experience suffering. Alternate translation: “You will indeed suffer as I will suffer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1994MAT2023aq1vfigs-metonymyδεξιῶν…εὐωνύμων1right hand…left hand

These refer to having positions of power, authority, and honor. See how you translated this in Matthew 20:21. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1995MAT2023sj51figs-activepassiveοἷς ἡτοίμασται ὑπὸ τοῦ Πατρός μου1it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “my Father has prepared those places, and he will give them to whom he chooses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1996MAT2023x5f4guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου1my Father

This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

1997MAT2024qxl4ἀκούσαντες1When…heard this

“heard what James and John had asked Jesus”

1998MAT2024la38figs-explicitἠγανάκτησαν περὶ τῶν δύο ἀδελφῶν1they were very angry with the two brothers

If necessary, you can make explicit why the ten disciples were angry. Alternate translation: “they were very angry with the two brothers because each of them also wanted to sit in a place of honor next to Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1999MAT2025uu670Connecting Statement:

Jesus finishes teaching his disciples about authority and serving others.

2000MAT2025v2xqπροσκαλεσάμενος αὐτοὺς1called them to himself

“called the twelve disciples”

2001MAT2025x2ulοἱ ἄρχοντες τῶν ἐθνῶν κατακυριεύουσιν αὐτῶν1the rulers of the Gentiles subjugate them

“the Gentile kings forcefully rule over their people”

2002MAT2025gu83οἱ μεγάλοι1their important men

“the important men among the Gentiles”

2003MAT2025nb3rκατεξουσιάζουσιν αὐτῶν1exercise authority over them

“have control over the people”

2004MAT2026y4qwὃς ἐὰν θέλῃ1whoever wishes

“whoever wants” or “whoever desires”

2005MAT2027j3msεἶναι πρῶτος1to be first

“to be important”

2006MAT2028m27dfigs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου…τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ1the Son of Man…his life

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. If necessary, you can translate this in the first person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

2007MAT2028iz71figs-activepassiveοὐκ ἦλθεν διακονηθῆναι1did not come to be served

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “did not come so that other people would serve him” or “did not come so that other people would serve me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2008MAT2028c7r9figs-ellipsisἀλλὰ διακονῆσαι1but to serve

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “but to serve other people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2009MAT2028zh3kfigs-metaphorκαὶ δοῦναι τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ λύτρον ἀντὶ πολλῶν1to give his life as a ransom for many

Jesus life being a “ransom” is a metaphor for his being punished in order to set people free from being punished for their own sins. Alternate translation: “to give his life as a substitute for many” or “to give his life as a substitute to set many free” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2010MAT2028zv1pfigs-idiomκαὶ δοῦναι τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ1to give his life

To give ones live is an idiom meaning to die voluntarily, usually in order to help others. Alternate translation: “to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2011MAT2028hgv7figs-ellipsisἀντὶ πολλῶν1for many

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “for many people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2012MAT2029u6ad0Connecting Statement:

This begins an account of Jesus healing two blind men.

2013MAT2029ev2tἐκπορευομένων αὐτῶν1As they went out

This refers to the disciples and Jesus.

2014MAT2029b4trἠκολούθησεν αὐτῷ1followed him

“followed Jesus”

2015MAT2030zz5fἀκούσαντες1When they heard

“When the two blind men heard”

2016MAT2030stz8παράγει1was passing by

“was walking by them”

2017MAT2030t577Υἱὸς Δαυείδ1Son of David

Jesus was not Davids literal son, so this may be translated as “Descendant of King David.” However, “Son of David” is also a title for the Messiah, and the men were probably calling Jesus by this title.

2018MAT2032f5mwἐφώνησεν αὐτοὺς1called to them

“called to the blind men”

2019MAT2032fd9xτί θέλετε1What do you wish

“do you want”

2020MAT2033yb39figs-metaphorἵνα ἀνοιγῶσιν οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ ἡμῶν1that our eyes may be opened

The men speak of becoming able to see as if there eyes were to be opened. Because of Jesus previous question, we understand that they were expressing their desire. Alternate translation: “we want you to open our eyes” or “we want to be able to see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2021MAT2034q9iqσπλαγχνισθεὶς1being moved with compassion

“having compassion” or “feeling compassion for them”

2022MAT21introni1x0

Matthew 21 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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 21:5,16 and 42, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

The donkey and the colt

Jesus rode into Jerusalem on an animal. In this way he was like a king who came into a city after he had won an important battle. Also, the kings of Israel in the Old Testament rode on a donkeys. Other kings rode on horses. So Jesus was showing that he was the king of Israel and that he was not like other kings.

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all wrote about this event. Matthew and Mark wrote that the disciples brought Jesus a donkey. John wrote that Jesus found a donkey. Luke wrote that they brought him a colt. Only Matthew wrote that there were both a donkey had a colt. No one knows for sure whether Jesus rode the donkey or the colt. It is best to translate each of these accounts as it appears in the ULT without trying to make them all say exactly the same thing. (See: Matthew 21:1-7 and Mark 11:1-7 and Luke 19:29-36 and John 12:14-15)

Hosanna

This is what the people shouted to welcome Jesus into Jerusalem. This word meant “Save us,” but people used it to praise God.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“The kingdom of God will be taken away from you”

No one knows for sure what this phrase means. No one knows if Jesus meant that God would someday give the kingdom back or not.

2023MAT211f8fs0Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of Jesus entry into Jerusalem. Here he gives his disciples instructions about what they are to do.

2024MAT211p3g6translate-namesΒηθφαγὴ1Bethphage

This is a village near Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2025MAT212wen2figs-activepassiveὄνον δεδεμένην1a donkey tied up there

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “a donkey that someone has tied up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2026MAT212pq2efigs-explicitδεδεμένην1tied up there

You can make explicit how the donkey is tied. Alternate translation: “tied up there to a post” or “tied up there to a tree” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2027MAT212ure7πῶλον1a colt

young male donkey

2028MAT214lk670General Information:

Here the author quotes the prophet Zechariah to show that Jesus fulfilled prophecy by riding a donkey into Jerusalem.

2029MAT214irw1δὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew explains how Jesus actions fulfill scripture.

2030MAT214n979figs-activepassiveτοῦτο…γέγονεν, ἵνα πληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ τοῦ προφήτου1this came about that what was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “this happened so that Jesus would fulfill what God spoke through the prophet long ago” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2031MAT214x3upfigs-explicitδιὰ τοῦ προφήτου1through the prophet

There were many prophets. Matthew was speaking of Zechariah. Alternate translation: “the prophet Zechariah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2032MAT215whn7τῇ θυγατρὶ Σιών1the daughter of Zion

The “daughter” of a city means the people of the city. Alternate translation: “the people of Zion” or “the people who live in Zion”

2033MAT215jzz6Σιών1Zion

This is another name for Jerusalem.

2034MAT215fx3vἐπὶ ὄνον καὶ ἐπὶ πῶλον, υἱὸν ὑποζυγίου1on a donkey—on a colt, the foal of a donkey

The phrase “on a colt, the foal of a donkey” is explaining that the donkey is a young animal. Alternate translation: “on a young, male donkey”

2035MAT217y6enτὰ ἱμάτια1cloaks

These were outer clothing or long coats.

2036MAT218t29sfigs-explicitὄχλος ἔστρωσαν ἑαυτῶν τὰ ἱμάτια ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ; ἄλλοι δὲ ἔκοπτον κλάδους ἀπὸ τῶν δένδρων, καὶ ἐστρώννυον ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ1crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them in the road

These are ways to show honor to Jesus as he was entering Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2037MAT219ky4cὡσαννὰ1Hosanna

This word means “save us,” but it can also mean “praise God!”

2038MAT219ysb9τῷ Υἱῷ Δαυείδ1the son of David

Jesus was not Davids literal son, so this may be translated as “descendant of king David.” However, “Son of David” is also a title for the Messiah, and the crowd was probably calling Jesus by this title.

2039MAT219q52tfigs-metonymyἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου1in the name of the Lord

Here “in the name” means “in the power” or “as a representative.” Alternate translation: “in the power of the Lord” or “as the representative of the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2040MAT219g73zfigs-metonymyὡσαννὰ ἐν τοῖς ὑψίστοις1Hosanna in the highest

Here “highest” refers to God who rules from the highest heaven. Alternate translation: “Praise God, who is in the highest heaven” or “Praise be to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2041MAT2110cb4hfigs-metonymyἐσείσθη πᾶσα ἡ πόλις1all the city was stirred

Here “city” refers to the people living there. Alternate translation: “many people from all over the city were stirred” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2042MAT2110nqb2ἐσείσθη1stirred

“excited”

2043MAT2112q41c0General Information:

In verse 13, Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah to rebuke the vendors and money changers.

2044MAT2112mc5v0Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of Jesus entering into the temple.

2045MAT2112y9j4figs-explicitεἰσῆλθεν Ἰησοῦς εἰς τὸ ἱερόν1Jesus entered into the temple

Jesus did not enter the actual temple. He entered the courtyard around the temple. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2046MAT2112w7acτοὺς πωλοῦντας καὶ ἀγοράζοντας1those who bought and sold

Merchants were selling animals and other items that travelers bought to offer the proper sacrifices at the temple.

2047MAT2113guy7λέγει αὐτοῖς1He said to them

“Jesus said to those who were changing money and buying and selling things”

2048MAT2113m1jlfigs-activepassiveγέγραπται1It is written

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The prophets wrote long ago” or “God said long ago” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2049MAT2113z8grfigs-activepassiveὁ οἶκός μου…κληθήσεται1My house will be called

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “My house will be” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2050MAT2113n9v8ὁ οἶκός μου1My house

Here “My” refers to God and “house” refers to the temple.

2051MAT2113bd8xfigs-idiomοἶκος προσευχῆς1a house of prayer

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “a place where people pray” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2052MAT2113c7l3figs-metaphorσπήλαιον λῃστῶν1a den of robbers

Jesus uses a metaphor to scold the people for buying and selling items in the temple. Alternate translation: “like a place where robbers hide” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2053MAT2114rpp3figs-nominaladjτυφλοὶ καὶ χωλοὶ1the blind and the lame

These nominal adjectives can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “those who were blind and those who were lame” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

2054MAT2114aku3χωλοὶ1lame

those who have an injured foot or leg that makes walking difficult

2055MAT2115p7x20General Information:

In verse 16, Jesus quotes from the Psalms to justify how the people had responded to him.

2056MAT2115hft8τὰ θαυμάσια1the marvelous things

“the wonderful things” or “the miracles.” This refers to Jesus healing the blind and lame people in Matthew 21:14.

2057MAT2115fqr9ὡσαννὰ1Hosanna

This word means “save us” but can also mean “praise God!” See how you translated this in Matthew 21:9.

2058MAT2115c6k8τῷ Υἱῷ Δαυείδ1the Son of David

Jesus was not Davids literal son, so this may be translated as “descendant of king David.” However, “Son of David” is also a title for the Messiah, and the children were probably calling Jesus by this title. See how you translated this in Matthew 21:9.

2059MAT2115r3bsfigs-explicitἠγανάκτησαν1they became very angry

It is implied that they were angry because they did not believe Jesus was the Christ and they did not want other people praising him. Alternate translation: “they became very angry because people were praising him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2060MAT2116zx4afigs-rquestionἀκούεις τί οὗτοι λέγουσιν?1Do you hear what they are saying?

The chief priests and scribes ask this question to rebuke Jesus because they are angry with him. Alternate translation: “You should not allow them to say these things about you!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2061MAT2116luy1figs-rquestionοὐδέποτε ἀνέγνωτε…αἶνον?1But have you never read…praise?

Jesus asks this question to remind the chief priests and scribes of what they have studied in the scriptures. Alternate translation: “Yes, I hear them, but you should remember what you read in the scriptures…praise.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2062MAT2116qa9ufigs-metonymyἐκ στόματος νηπίων καὶ θηλαζόντων, κατηρτίσω αἶνον1Out of the mouths of little children and nursing infants you have prepared praise

The phrase “out of the mouths” refers to speaking. Alternate translation: “You caused little children and nursing infants to prepare to give praise to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2063MAT2117kag5καταλιπὼν αὐτοὺς1Then he left them

“Jesus left the chief priests and scribes”

2064MAT2118l3bi0Connecting Statement:

Jesus uses a fig tree to teach his disciples about faith and prayer.

2065MAT2118q488δὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew explains that Jesus is hungry and that is why he stops at the fig tree.

2066MAT2119h2laἐξηράνθη1withered

died and dried up

2067MAT2120q81gfigs-rquestionπῶς παραχρῆμα ἐξηράνθη ἡ συκῆ?1How did the fig tree immediately wither away?

The disciples use a question to emphasize how surprised they are. Alternate translation: “We are astonished that the fig tree has dried up so quickly!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2068MAT2120sk1gἐξηράνθη1wither away

“dry up and die”

2069MAT2121nd3yἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

“I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

2070MAT2121mwl5figs-doubletἐὰν ἔχητε πίστιν καὶ μὴ διακριθῆτε1if you have faith and do not doubt

Jesus expresses the same idea both positively and negatively to emphasize that this faith must be genuine. Alternate translation: “if you truly believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

2071MAT2121jf9hfigs-quotationsκἂν τῷ ὄρει τούτῳ εἴπητε, ἄρθητι καὶ βλήθητι εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν1you will even say to this mountain, Be taken up and thrown into the sea,

You can translate this direct quotation as an indirect quotation. This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you will even be able to tell this mountain to get up and throw itself into the sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2072MAT2121nxi3figs-activepassiveγενήσεται1it will be done

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “it will happen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2073MAT2123yi7j0Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of the religious leaders questioning Jesus authority.

2074MAT2123uge9figs-explicitἐλθόντος αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν1When he had come into the temple

It is implied that Jesus did not enter the actual temple. He entered the courtyard around the temple. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2075MAT2123s1w6ταῦτα1these things

This refers to Jesus teaching and healing in the temple. It probably also refers to Jesus driving out the buyers and sellers the previous day.

2076MAT2125dau40Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to respond to the religious leaders.

2077MAT2125k1a7πόθεν ἦν?1from where did it come?

“where did he get the authority to do that?”

2078MAT2125vvt5figs-quotesinquotesἐὰν εἴπωμεν, ἐξ οὐρανοῦ, ἐρεῖ ἡμῖν, διὰ τί οὖν οὐκ ἐπιστεύσατε αὐτῷ?1If we say, From heaven, he will say to us, Why then did you not believe him?

This has quotes within a quote. You could translate the direct quotations as an indirect quotations. Alternate translation: “If we say that we believe John received his authority from heaven, then Jesus will ask us why we did not believe John.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

2079MAT2125xx3bfigs-metonymyἐξ οὐρανοῦ1From heaven

Here “heaven” refers to God. Alternate translation: “from God in heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2080MAT2125jmg7figs-rquestionδιὰ τί οὖν οὐκ ἐπιστεύσατε αὐτῷ?1Why then did you not believe him?

The religious leaders know that Jesus could scold them with this rhetorical question. Alternate translation: “Then you should have believed John the Baptist” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2081MAT2126zxn4figs-quotesinquotesἐὰν δὲ εἴπωμεν, ἐξ ἀνθρώπων,1But if we say, From men,

This is a quote within a quote. You could translate the direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “But if we say that we believe John received his authority from men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

2082MAT2126vn6jφοβούμεθα τὸν ὄχλον1we fear the crowd

“we fear what the crowd would think or even do to us”

2083MAT2126q1r1πάντες…ὡς προφήτην ἔχουσιν τὸν Ἰωάννην1they all regard John as a prophet

“they believe John is a prophet”

2084MAT2128u56nfigs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus tells a parable about two sons to rebuke the religious leaders and to illustrate their unbelief. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

2085MAT2128iem2figs-rquestionτί δὲ ὑμῖν δοκεῖ1But what do you think?

Jesus uses a question to challenge the religious leaders to think deeply about the parable he will tell them. Alternate translation: “Tell me what you think about what I am about to tell you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2086MAT2129b96zfigs-metaphorμεταμεληθεὶς1he changed his mind

This refers to the son reconsidering his thoughts and deciding to act differently from how he had said he would act. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2087MAT2131hl72λέγουσιν1They said

“The chief priests and elders said”

2088MAT2131au13λέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς1Jesus said to them

“Jesus said to the chief priests and elders”

2089MAT2131er5sἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

“I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

2090MAT2131ec9ffigs-metonymyοἱ τελῶναι καὶ αἱ πόρναι προάγουσιν ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν Θεοῦ1the tax collectors and the prostitutes will enter into the kingdom of God before you

Here “kingdom of God” refers to Gods rule as king. Alternate translation: “when God establishes his rule on earth, he will agree to bless the tax collectors and prostitutes by ruling over them before he agrees to do that for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2091MAT2131pd34προάγουσιν ὑμᾶς1will enter…before you

Possible meanings are (1) God will accept the tax collectors and prostitutes sooner than he will accept the Jewish religious leaders, or (2) God will accept the tax collectors and prostitutes instead of the Jewish religious leaders.

2092MAT2132a8z8figs-youἦλθεν…Ἰωάννης πρὸς ὑμᾶς1John came to you

Here “you” is plural and refers to all the people of Israel not just the religious leaders. Alternate translation: “John came to the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2093MAT2132n2vefigs-idiomἐν ὁδῷ δικαιοσύνης1in the way of righteousness

This is an idiom that means John showed the people the right way to live. Alternate translation: “and told you the way God wants you to live” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2094MAT2132c5t4figs-youοὐκ ἐπιστεύσατε αὐτῷ1you did not believe him

Here “you” is plural and refers to the religious leaders. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2095MAT2133nn9yfigs-parables0Connecting Statement:

To rebuke the religious leaders and illustrate their unbelief, Jesus tells a parable about rebellious servants. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

2096MAT2133sx2yοἰκοδεσπότης1a landowner

“a person who owned a piece of property”

2097MAT2133v39uφραγμὸν1a hedge

“a wall” or “a fence”

2098MAT2133lg79ὤρυξεν ἐν αὐτῷ ληνὸν1dug a winepress in it

“dug a hole in the vineyard in which to press the grapes”

2099MAT2133eu7xἐξέδετο αὐτὸν γεωργοῖς1rented it out to vine growers

The owner still owned the vineyard, but he allowed the vine growers to take care of it. When the grapes became ripe, they were to give some of them to the owner and keep the rest.

2100MAT2133vp8kγεωργοῖς1vine growers

These were people who knew how to take care of vines and grapes.

2101MAT2135hn3cfigs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues telling a parable. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

2102MAT2135n1cqτοὺς δούλους αὐτοῦ1his servants

“the landowners servants”

2103MAT2138a55yfigs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues telling a parable. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

2104MAT2140x1llοὖν1Now

The word “now” does not mean “at this moment,” but it is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

2105MAT2141ss2mλέγουσιν αὐτῷ1They said to him

Matthew does not make clear who answered Jesus. If you need to specify an audience you can translate as “The people said to Jesus.”

2106MAT2142z9tm0General Information:

Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah to show that God will honor the one whom the religious leaders reject.

2107MAT2142x8zh0Connecting Statement:

Here Jesus begins to explain the parable of the rebellious servants.

2108MAT2142kk7eλέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς1Jesus said to them

It is unclear to whom Jesus asks the following question. If you need to make “them” specific, use the same audience as you did in Matthew 21:41.

2109MAT2142me7gfigs-rquestionοὐδέποτε ἀνέγνωτε…ὀφθαλμοῖς ἡμῶν?1Did you never read…our eyes?

Jesus uses a question to make his audience think deeply about what this scripture means. Alternate translation: “Think about what you have read…eyes.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2110MAT2142mcm8figs-metaphorλίθον ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες, οὗτος ἐγενήθη εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας1The stone which the builders rejected has been made the cornerstone

Jesus is quoting from the Psalms. This is a metaphor that means the religious leaders, like builders, will reject Jesus, but God will make him the most important in his kingdom, like the cornerstone in a building. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2111MAT2142uid2figs-activepassiveἐγενήθη εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας1has become the cornerstone

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “has become the cornerstone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2112MAT2142b1srπαρὰ Κυρίου ἐγένετο αὕτη1This was from the Lord

“The Lord has caused this great change”

2113MAT2142el83figs-metonymyἔστιν θαυμαστὴ ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς ἡμῶν1it is marvelous in our eyes

Here “in our eyes” refers to seeing. Alternate translation: “it is wonderful to see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2114MAT2143s93aλέγω ὑμῖν1I say to you

This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

2115MAT2143c7pbfigs-youὑμῖν1to you

Here “you” is plural. Jesus was speaking to the religious leaders who had rejected him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2116MAT2143v89zfigs-metonymyἀρθήσεται ἀφ’ ὑμῶν ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ δοθήσεται ἔθνει1the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and will be given to a nation

Here “kingdom of God” refers to Gods rule as king. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will take his kingdom away from you and will give it to a nation” or “God will reject you and he will be king over people from other nations” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2117MAT2143cm2ifigs-metaphorποιοῦντι τοὺς καρποὺς αὐτῆς1that produces its fruits

“Fruits” here is a metaphor for “results” or outcome.” Alternate translation: “that produces good results” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2118MAT2144r7upfigs-metaphorὁ πεσὼν ἐπὶ τὸν λίθον τοῦτον, συνθλασθήσεται1Whoever falls on this stone will be broken to pieces

Here, “this stone” is the same stone as in Matthew 21:42. This is a metaphor that means the Christ will destroy anyone who rebels against him. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The stone will break into pieces anyone who falls on it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2119MAT2144ghz2figs-parallelismὃν δ’ ἂν πέσῃ, λικμήσει αὐτόν1But anyone on whom it falls, it will crush him.

This means basically the same thing as the previous sentence. It is a metaphor that means the Christ will have the final judgment and will destroy everyone who rebels against him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2120MAT2145gh8w0Connecting Statement:

The religious leaders react to the parable that Jesus told.

2121MAT2145qpy9τὰς παραβολὰς αὐτοῦ1his parables

“Jesus parables”

2122MAT22introk5ze0

Matthew 22 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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 verse 44, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Wedding Feast

In the parable of the wedding feast (Matthew 22:1-14), Jesus taught that when God offers to save a person, that person needs to accept the offer. Jesus spoke of life with God as a feast that a king prepares for his son, who has just gotten married. In addition, Jesus emphasized that not everyone whom God invites will properly prepare themselves to come to the feast. God will throw these people out from the feast.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Implicit information

Speakers usually do not say things that they think their hearers already understand. When the king in the parable said, “My oxen and fattened calves have been killed” (Matthew 22:4), he assumed that the hearers would understand that those who had killed the animals had also cooked them.

Paradox

A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. To the Jews, the ancestors were the masters of the descendants, but in one psalm David calls one of his descendants “Lord.” Jesus tells the Jewish leaders that this is a paradox, saying, “If David then calls the Christ Lord, how is he Davids son?” (Matthew 22:45).

2123MAT221z8vzfigs-parables0Connecting Statement:

To rebuke the religious leaders and to illustrate their unbelief, Jesus tells a parable about a marriage feast. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

2124MAT221bc6yαὐτοῖς1to them

“to the people”

2125MAT222xps3ὡμοιώθη ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1The kingdom of heaven is like

This is the beginning of a parable. See how you translated this in Matthew 13:24.

2126MAT223wur1figs-activepassiveτοὺς κεκλημένους1those who had been invited

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the people the king had invited” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2127MAT224l896figs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues telling a parable. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

2128MAT224c7x4figs-quotationsδούλους λέγων, εἴπατε τοῖς κεκλημένοις1servants, saying, Tell them who are invited

This direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Also, this can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “servants, ordering them to tell those whom he invited” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2129MAT224iq6yἰδοὺ1See

“Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

2130MAT224xu4tfigs-explicitοἱ ταῦροί μου καὶ τὰ σιτιστὰ τεθυμένα1My oxen and fattened calves have been killed

It is implied that the animals are cooked and ready to eat. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “My servants have killed and cooked my oxen and my fattened calves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2131MAT224c48aοἱ ταῦροί μου καὶ τὰ σιτιστὰ1My oxen and fattened calves

“My best oxen and calves for eating”

2132MAT225e4flfigs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues telling a parable. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

2133MAT225zu4cοἱ δὲ ἀμελήσαντες1But they paid no attention

“But the guests the king invited ignored the invitation”

2134MAT227la7sfigs-explicitἀπώλεσεν τοὺς φονεῖς ἐκείνους1killed those murderers

It is implied that the kings soldiers killed the murderers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2135MAT228u2axfigs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues telling a parable. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

2136MAT228k98ufigs-activepassiveοἱ…κεκλημένοι1those who were invited

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom I invited” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2137MAT229p48sτὰς διεξόδους τῶν ὁδῶν1the highway crossings

“where the main roads of the city cross.” The king is sending the servants to the place where they are most likely to find people.

2138MAT2210uva7πονηρούς τε καὶ ἀγαθούς1both bad and good

“both the good people and the bad people”

2139MAT2210c6phfigs-activepassiveκαὶ ἐπλήσθη ὁ γάμος ἀνακειμένων1So the wedding hall was filled with guests

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “So the guests filled the wedding hall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2140MAT2210fy3aὁ γάμος1the wedding hall

a large room

2141MAT2211s8gafigs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues telling a parable. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

2142MAT2212c7iyfigs-rquestionπῶς εἰσῆλθες ὧδε μὴ ἔχων ἔνδυμα γάμου?1how did you come in here without wedding clothes?

The king uses a question to scold the guest. Alternate translation: “you are not wearing proper clothes for a wedding. You should not be here.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2143MAT2212w7vbὁ…ἐφιμώθη1the man was speechless

“the man was silent”

2144MAT2213wt880Connecting Statement:

Jesus concludes his parable about a marriage feast.

2145MAT2213jmp4διακόνοις, δήσαντες αὐτοῦ πόδας καὶ χεῖρας1Bind this man hand and foot

“Tie him up so that he cannot move his hands or feet”

2146MAT2213rpy8figs-metonymyτὸ σκότος τὸ ἐξώτερον1the outer darkness

Here “outer darkness” is a metonym for the place where God sends those who reject them. This is a place that is completely separated from God forever. See how you translated this in Matthew 8:12. Alternate translation: “the dark place away from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2147MAT2213s9getranslate-symactionὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων1weeping and the grinding of teeth

“Grinding of teeth” is symbolic action, representing extreme sadness and suffering. See how you translated this in Matthew 8:12. Alternate translation: “weeping and expressing their extreme suffering” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2148MAT2214hy3afigs-activepassiveπολλοὶ γάρ εἰσιν κλητοὶ, ὀλίγοι δὲ ἐκλεκτοί1For many people are called, but few are chosen

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “For God invites many people, but he only chooses a few” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2149MAT2214yz5fγάρ1For

This marks a transition. Jesus has ended the parable and will now explain the point of the parable.

2150MAT2215y8260Connecting Statement:

This begins an account of the religious leaders trying to trap Jesus with several difficult questions. Here the Pharisees ask him about paying taxes to Caesar.

2151MAT2215u2mjὅπως αὐτὸν παγιδεύσωσιν ἐν λόγῳ1how they might entrap him in his own words

“how they could cause Jesus to say something wrong so they could arrest him”

2152MAT2216eae4figs-explicitτοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτῶν…τῶν Ἡρῳδιανῶν1their disciples…the Herodians

The disciples of the Pharisees supported paying taxes only to Jewish authorities. The Herodians supported paying taxes to the Roman authorities. It is implied that the Pharisees believed that no matter what Jesus said, he would offend one of these groups. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2153MAT2216rf66translate-namesἩρῳδιανῶν1Herodians

These were officials and followers of the Jewish king Herod. He was friends with Roman authorities. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2154MAT2216t2qaοὐ γὰρ βλέπεις εἰς πρόσωπον ἀνθρώπων1for you do not look at the appearance of people

“you do not show special honor to anyone” or “you do not consider anyone more important than anyone else”

2155MAT2217a9byfigs-explicitδοῦναι κῆνσον Καίσαρι1to pay taxes to Caesar

People did not pay taxes directly to Caesar but to one of his tax collectors. Alternate translation: “to pay the taxes that Caesar requires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2156MAT2218a2tifigs-rquestionτί με πειράζετε, ὑποκριταί?1Why are you testing me, you hypocrites?

Jesus uses a question to scold those who were trying to trap him. Alternate translation: “Do not test me, you hypocrites!” or “I know that you hypocrites are only trying to test me!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2157MAT2219cie7translate-bmoneyδηνάριον1a denarius

This was a Roman coin worth one days wages. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

2158MAT2220ue7jαὐτοῖς1to them

Here “them” refers to the Herodians and the disciples of the Pharisees.

2159MAT2220dr3dfigs-rquestionτίνος ἡ εἰκὼν αὕτη καὶ ἡ ἐπιγραφή?1Whose image and name are these?

Jesus uses a question to get the people to think deeply about what he is saying. Alternate translation: “Tell me whose image and name you see on this coin.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2160MAT2221yd84figs-ellipsisΚαίσαρος1Caesars

You can make clear the understood information in their response. Alternate translation: “The coin has Caesars image and name on it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2161MAT2221i6g5τὰ Καίσαρος1the things that are Caesars

“things that belong to Caesar”

2162MAT2221l3dhτὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ1the things that are Gods

“things that belong to God”

2163MAT2223wqg20Connecting Statement:

The Sadducees try to trap Jesus by asking him a difficult question about marriage and the resurrection of the dead.

2164MAT2224xl5ffigs-quotesinquotesΔιδάσκαλε, Μωϋσῆς εἶπεν, ἐάν τις ἀποθάνῃ1Teacher, Moses said, If someone dies

The religious leaders were asking Jesus about what Moses had written in the scriptures. If your language does not allow quotes within quotes, this could be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “Teacher, Moses said that if a man dies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

2165MAT2224u7dmτῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ…τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ…τῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ1his brother…his wife…to is brother

Here “his” refers to the dead man.

2166MAT2225kjf50Connecting Statement:

The Sadducees continue asking Jesus a question.

2167MAT2225ag5ztranslate-ordinalὁ πρῶτος1The first

“The oldest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

2168MAT2226r6bqtranslate-ordinalὁ δεύτερος…ὁ τρίτος…τῶν ἑπτά1the second…the third…the seventh

“the next oldest…the next oldest…the youngest” or “his oldest younger brother…that brothers oldest younger brother…the youngest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

2169MAT2227t7mdὕστερον…πάντων1After them all

“After every brother had died”

2170MAT2228wbd1οὖν1Now

Here the Sadducees shift from the story about the seven brothers to their actual question.

2171MAT2228s743ἐν τῇ ἀναστάσει1in the resurrection

“when dead people come back to life”

2172MAT2229p1aefigs-explicitπλανᾶσθε1You are mistaken

It is implied that Jesus means that they are mistaken about what they think about the resurrection. Alternate translation: “You are mistaken about the resurrection” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2173MAT2229dax6τὴν δύναμιν τοῦ Θεοῦ1the power of God

“what God is able to do”

2174MAT2230ygr1ἐν…τῇ ἀναστάσει1in the resurrection

“when dead people rise back to life”

2175MAT2230uaj9οὔτε γαμοῦσιν1they neither marry

“people will not marry”

2176MAT2230qkv1figs-activepassiveοὔτε γαμίζονται1nor are given in marriage

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “nor will people give their children in marriage” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2177MAT2231nx660Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins asking a question to show that people who have died will live again.

2178MAT2231b9syfigs-rquestionοὐκ ἀνέγνωτε…τοῦ Θεοῦ λέγοντος1have you not read…God, saying,

Jesus scolds the Sadducees by asking a question. He is not looking for an answer. Alternate translation: “I know you have read…God. You know that he said,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2179MAT2231ljj7figs-activepassiveτὸ ῥηθὲν ὑμῖν ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ1what was spoken to you by God

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “what God spoke to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2180MAT2232zb7a0Connecting Statement:

Jesus finishes asking the question he began in verse 31.

2181MAT2232qcq3figs-quotationsἐγώ εἰμι ὁ Θεὸς…Ἰακώβ?1I am the God…Jacob?

This is the end of the question that begins with the words “have you not read” in verse 31. Jesus asks this question to remind the religious leaders of what they know from scripture. “I know you have read it, but you do not seem to understand what…Jacob.’” You can translate this direct quotation as an indirect quotation. “God, who said to Moses that he is the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2182MAT2232t7lvfigs-nominaladjνεκρῶν, ἀλλὰ ζώντων1of the dead, but of the living

These nominal adjectives can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “of dead people, but he is the God of living people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

2183MAT2234jnd70Connecting Statement:

A Pharisee who was an expert in the law tries to trap Jesus by asking him a difficult question about the greatest commandment.

2184MAT2235ud5rνομικὸς1a lawyer

“an expert in the law.” This is a Pharisee who had special skill in understanding the law of Moses.

2185MAT2237vng80General Information:

Jesus quotes a verse from Deuteronomy as the greatest commandment.

2186MAT2237xl3efigs-metonymyἐν ὅλῃ τῇ καρδίᾳ σου, καὶ ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ ψυχῇ σου, καὶ ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ διανοίᾳ σου1with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind

These three phrases are used together to mean “completely” or “earnestly.” Here “heart” and “soul” are metonyms for a persons inner being. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

2187MAT2238q8j3figs-doubletἡ μεγάλη καὶ πρώτη ἐντολή1the great and first commandment

Here “great” and “first” mean the same thing. They emphasize that this is the most important commandment. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

2188MAT2239xk1k0General Information:

Jesus quotes a verse from Leviticus as the second greatest commandment.

2189MAT2239yx7vτὸν πλησίον σου1your neighbor

Here “neighbor” means more than just those who live nearby. Jesus means a person must love all people.

2190MAT2240wpr8figs-metonymyἐν ταύταις ταῖς δυσὶν ἐντολαῖς, ὅλος ὁ νόμος κρέμαται καὶ οἱ προφῆται1On these two commandments depend the whole law and the prophets

Here the phrase “the whole law and the prophets” refers to all of scripture. Alternate translation: “Everything that Moses and the prophets wrote in the scriptures is based on these two commandments” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2191MAT2241r9ca0Connecting Statement:

Jesus asks the Pharisees a difficult question in order to stop their attempts to trap him.

2192MAT2241pj4aδὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story when Jesus asks the religious leaders a question.

2193MAT2242xlf8υἱός…τοῦ Δαυείδ1son…the son of David

In both of these “son” means “descendant.”

2194MAT2243dpp50General Information:

Jesus quotes from the Psalms to show that the Christ is more than just “the son of David.”

2195MAT2243cu3hfigs-rquestionπῶς οὖν Δαυεὶδ ἐν Πνεύματι καλεῖ Κύριον αὐτὸν1How then does David in the Spirit call him Lord

Jesus uses a question to make the religious leaders think deeply about the Psalm he is about to quote. Alternate translation: “Then, tell me why David in the Spirit calls him Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2196MAT2243yu5mΔαυεὶδ ἐν Πνεύματι1David in the Spirit

“David, whom the Holy Spirit is inspiring.” This means the Holy Spirit is influencing what David says.

2197MAT2243dn9yκαλεῖ…αὐτὸν1call him

Here “him” refers to the Christ, who is also the descendant of David.

2198MAT2244wy85εἶπεν Κύριος1The Lord said

Here “Lord” refers to God the Father.

2199MAT2244k3f7τῷ Κυρίῳ μου1to my Lord

Here “Lord” refers to the Christ. Also, “my” refers to David. This means the Christ is superior to David.

2200MAT2244dz2atranslate-symactionκάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου1Sit at my right hand

To sit at the “right hand of God” is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: “Sit in the place of honor beside me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2201MAT2244e59nfigs-idiomἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποκάτω τῶν ποδῶν σου1until I put your enemies under your footstool

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “until I conquer your enemies” or “until I make your enemies bow down before you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2202MAT2245l9620General Information:

This is the end of the part of the story that began in Matthew 19:1, that tells of Jesus ministering in Judea.

2203MAT2245e2wd0Connecting Statement:

This is the end of the account of the religious leaders trying to trap Jesus with several difficult questions.

2204MAT2245d8glfigs-rquestionεἰ οὖν Δαυεὶδ καλεῖ αὐτὸν, Κύριον, πῶς υἱὸς αὐτοῦ ἐστιν?1If David then calls the Christ Lord, how is he Davids son?

Jesus uses a question to make the religious leaders think deeply about what he is saying. Alternate translation: “David calls him Lord, so the Christ has to be more than just a descendant of David.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2205MAT2245x9uhεἰ οὖν Δαυεὶδ καλεῖ αὐτὸν, Κύριον, πῶς υἱὸς αὐτοῦ ἐστιν?1If David then calls the Christ

David referred to Jesus as “Lord” because Jesus was not only a descendant of David, but he was also superior to him.

2206MAT2246n3hwfigs-metonymyἀποκριθῆναι αὐτῷ λόγον1to answer him a word

Here “word” refers to what people say. Alternate translation: “to answer him anything” or “to answer him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2207MAT2246c1f2figs-explicitἐπερωτῆσαι αὐτὸν οὐκέτι1to question him any longer

It is implied that no one asked him the kind of questions that were intended to make him say something wrong so the religious leaders could arrest him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2208MAT23introm99i0

Matthew 23 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Hypocrites

Jesus calls the Pharisees hypocrites many times (Matthew 23:13) and carefully tells what he means by doing that. The Pharisees made rules that no one could actually obey, and then they persuaded the ordinary people that they were guilty because they could not obey the rules. Also, the Pharisees obeyed their own rules instead of obeying Gods original commands in the law of Moses.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Name calling

In most cultures, it is wrong to insult people. The Pharisees took many of the words in this chapter as insults. Jesus called them “hypocrites,” “blind guides,” “fools,” and “serpents” (Matthew 23:16-17). Jesus uses these words say that God would surely punish them because they were doing wrong.

Paradox

A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. Jesus uses a paradox when he says, “He who is greatest among you will be your servant” (Matthew 23:11-12).

2209MAT231skq40General Information:

This is the beginning of a new part of the story that runs through Matthew 25:46, where Jesus teaches about salvation and the final judgment. Here he begins to warn the people about the scribes and Pharisees.

2210MAT232dnu3figs-metonymyἐπὶ τῆς Μωϋσέως καθέδρας ἐκάθισαν1sit in Moses seat

Here “seat” represents the authority to rule and make judgments. Alternate translation: “have authority as Moses had” or “have authority to say what the law of Moses means” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2211MAT233q336πάντα οὖν ὅσα ἐὰν…ποιήσατε, καὶ τηρεῖτε1Therefore whatever…do and observe these things

“all the things…do them and observe them” or “everything…do it and observe it”

2212MAT234xce6figs-metaphorδεσμεύουσιν δὲ φορτία βαρέα καὶ δυσβάστακτα, καὶ ἐπιτιθέασιν ἐπὶ τοὺς ὤμους τῶν ἀνθρώπων; αὐτοὶ δὲ τῷ δακτύλῳ αὐτῶν οὐ θέλουσιν κινῆσαι αὐτά1They tie up heavy burdens that are difficult to carry, and then they put them on peoples shoulders. But they themselves will not move a finger to carry themThey tie up loads that are heavy and difficult to carry, and they put them on peoples shoulders. But they themselves are not willing to lift their finger to move them

Here “bind heavy burdens…put them on peoples shoulders” is a metaphor for the religious leaders making many difficult rules and making the people obey them. And “will not move a finger” is an idiom that means the religious leaders will not help the people. Alternate translation: “they make you obey many rules that are difficult to follow. But they do nothing at all to help the people follow the rules” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2213MAT235nw4yfigs-activepassiveπάντα δὲ τὰ ἔργα αὐτῶν, ποιοῦσιν πρὸς τὸ θεαθῆναι τοῖς ἀνθρώποις1They do all their deeds to be seen by people

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They do all their deeds so that people can see what they do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2214MAT235ln6jfigs-explicitπλατύνουσι γὰρ τὰ φυλακτήρια αὐτῶν καὶ μεγαλύνουσι τὰ κράσπεδα1For they make their phylacteries wide, and they enlarge the edges of their garments

Both of these are things the Pharisees do to appear as if they honor God more than other people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2215MAT235gcv7φυλακτήρια1phylacteries

small leather boxes containing paper with scripture written on it

2216MAT235h2qjμεγαλύνουσι τὰ κράσπεδα1they enlarge the edges of their garments

The Pharisees made the tassels on the bottom of their robes especially long to show their devotion to God.

2217MAT236i6ec0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues speaking to the crowds and disciples about the Pharisees.

2218MAT236arf1τὴν πρωτοκλισίαν…τὰς πρωτοκαθεδρίας1the chief places…the chief seats

Both of these are the places where the most important people sit.

2219MAT237cp2mταῖς ἀγοραῖς1the marketplaces

large, open-air areas where people buy and sell items

2220MAT237cbe8figs-activepassiveκαλεῖσθαι ὑπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων, Ῥαββεί1to be called Rabbi by people.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “for people to call them Rabbi.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2221MAT238uk5vfigs-activepassiveὑμεῖς δὲ μὴ κληθῆτε1But you must not be called

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “But you must not let anyone call you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2222MAT238ru2bfigs-youὑμεῖς1you

All occurrences of “you” are plural and refer to all of Jesus followers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2223MAT238s5duὑμεῖς ἀδελφοί ἐστε1you are brothers

Here “brothers” means “fellow believers.”

2224MAT239l33ffigs-hyperboleΠατέρα μὴ καλέσητε ὑμῶν ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς1do not call any of you on the earth father,

Jesus is using hyperbole to tell his hearers that they must not allow even the most important people to be more important to them than God is. Alternate translation: “do not call any man on earth your father” or “do not say that any man on earth is your father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

2225MAT239any8guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesεἷς γάρ ἐστιν ὑμῶν ὁ Πατὴρ1For you have only one Father

“Father” here is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

2226MAT2310b8uafigs-activepassiveμηδὲ κληθῆτε1Do not be called

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Also, do not let anyone call you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2227MAT2310lp5ffigs-123personὅτι καθηγητὴς ὑμῶν ἐστιν εἷς, ὁ Χριστός1for your one teacher is the Christ

When Jesus said “the Christ,” he was speaking about himself in the third person. Alternate translation: “I, the Christ, am your only teacher” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

2228MAT2311d62bὁ…μείζων ὑμῶν1he who is greatest among you

“the person who is most important among you”

2229MAT2311d9xwfigs-youὑμῶν1among you

Here “you” is plural and refers to Jesus followers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2230MAT2312x187ὑψώσει ἑαυτὸν1exalts himself

“makes himself important”

2231MAT2312e81rfigs-activepassiveταπεινωθήσεται1will be humbled

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will humble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2232MAT2312uz88figs-activepassiveὑψωθήσεται1will be exalted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will make important” or “God will honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2233MAT2313ts6zfigs-metaphor0General Information:

Jesus speaks of the kingdom of heaven as if it were a house, the door into which the Pharisees have shut from the outside so that neither they nor anyone else can enter the house. If you do not keep the metaphor of the house, be sure to change all instances of “shut” and “enter.” Also, since the words “kingdom of heaven,” which refer to God, who lives in heaven, occur only in Matthew, try to use your languages word for “heaven” in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2234MAT2313aw490Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins to rebuke the religious leaders because of their hypocrisy.

2235MAT2313i9dqοὐαὶ δὲ ὑμῖν1But woe to you

“How terrible it will be for you!” See how you translated this in Matthew 11:21.

2236MAT2313j4sdfigs-metaphorκλείετε τὴν Βασιλείαν τῶν Οὐρανῶν ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων; ὑμεῖς γὰρ οὐκ εἰσέρχεσθε, οὐδὲ τοὺς εἰσερχομένους ἀφίετε εἰσελθεῖν1You shut the kingdom of heaven against people. For you do not enter it yourselves, and neither do you allow those about to enter to enter

Jesus is speaking of the kingdom of heaven, which is God ruling over his people, as if it were a house, the door into which the Pharisees have shut from the outside so that neither they nor anyone else can enter the house. The phrase “kingdom of heaven” is found only in the book of Matthew. If possible, use your languages word for “heaven” in your translation. Alternate translation: “You make it impossible for people to enter the kingdom of heaven…you do not enter it…neither do you allow those about to enter to do so” or “You prevent people from accepting God, who lives in heaven, as king…you do not accept him as king…and you make it impossible for those about to accept him as king to do so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2237MAT2315e4a8figs-idiomπεριάγετε τὴν θάλασσαν καὶ τὴν ξηρὰν1you go over sea and land

This is an idiom that means they go to distant places. Alternate translation: “you travel great distances” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2238MAT2315iyl7ποιῆσαι ἕνα προσήλυτον1to make one convert

“to make one person accept your religion”

2239MAT2315bq91figs-idiomυἱὸν Γεέννης1a son of hell

Here “son of” is an idiom that means “one belonging to.” Alternate translation: “person who belongs in hell” or “person who should go to hell” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2240MAT2316r5k3figs-metaphorὁδηγοὶ τυφλοὶ1blind guides

The Jewish leaders were spiritually blind. Although they thought of themselves as teachers, they were unable to understand Gods truth. See how you translated “blind guides” in Matthew 15:14. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2241MAT2316qgh8ἐν τῷ ναῷ, οὐδέν ἐστιν1by the temple, it is nothing

“by the temple does not have to keep his oath”

2242MAT2316lni3figs-metaphorὀφείλει1is bound to his oath

“is tied to his oath.” The phrase “bound to his oath” is a metaphor for being required to do what one has said he would do in an oath. Alternate translation: “must do what he promised to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2243MAT2317s7a8figs-metaphorμωροὶ καὶ τυφλοί!1You fools and blind men!

The Jewish leaders were spiritually blind. Although they thought of themselves as teachers, they were unable to understand Gods truth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2244MAT2317f9zdfigs-rquestionτίς γὰρ μείζων ἐστίν, ὁ χρυσὸς ἢ ὁ ναὸς ὁ ἁγιάσας τὸν χρυσόν?1For which is greater, the gold or the temple that makes the gold holy?

Jesus uses this question to rebuke the Pharisees because they treated the gold as if it were more important than the temple. Alternate translation: “The temple that has dedicated the gold to God is more important than the gold!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2245MAT2317j6d5ὁ ναὸς ὁ ἁγιάσας τὸν χρυσόν1the temple that makes the gold holy

“the temple that makes the gold belong to God alone”

2246MAT2318lr61figs-ellipsisκαί1And

The understood information can be made clear. Alternate translation: “And you also say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2247MAT2318d331οὐδέν ἐστιν1it is nothing

“he does not have to do what he has sworn to do” or “he does not have to keep his oath”

2248MAT2318ngd2τῷ δώρῳ1the gift

This is an animal or grain that a person would bring to God by putting it on Gods altar.

2249MAT2318zg72figs-metaphorὀφείλει1is bound to his oath

“is tied to his oath.” Being required to do what one has said he would do in an oath is spoken of as if he is tied to the oath. Alternate translation: “must do what he promised to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2250MAT2319y6hkfigs-metaphorτυφλοί1blind men

The Jewish leaders were spiritually blind. Although they thought of themselves as teachers, they were unable to understand Gods truth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2251MAT2319g7qrfigs-rquestionτί γὰρ μεῖζον, τὸ δῶρον, ἢ τὸ θυσιαστήριον τὸ ἁγιάζον τὸ δῶρον?1For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift holy?

Jesus uses this question to rebuke the Pharisees for treating the gift as if it were more important than the altar. Alternate translation: “The altar that makes the gift holy is greater than the gift!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2252MAT2319gt4dτὸ θυσιαστήριον τὸ ἁγιάζον τὸ δῶρον1the altar that makes the gift holy

“the altar that makes the gift special to God”

2253MAT2320x4q4ἐν πᾶσι τοῖς ἐπάνω αὐτοῦ1by everything on it

“by all the gifts that people have placed on it”

2254MAT2321m21bτῷ κατοικοῦντι αὐτόν1the one who lives in it

God the Father

2255MAT2322ejw9τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπάνω αὐτοῦ1him who sits on it

God the Father

2256MAT2323lg3rοὐαὶ ὑμῖν…ὑποκριταί!1Woe to you…hypocrites!

“How terrible it will be for you…hypocrites!” See how you translated this in Matthew 11:21.

2257MAT2323n94ytranslate-unknownτὸ ἡδύοσμον, καὶ τὸ ἄνηθον, καὶ τὸ κύμινον1mint and dill and cumin

These are various leaves and seeds people used to make food taste good. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

2258MAT2323hga6ἀφήκατε1you have left undone

“you have not obeyed”

2259MAT2323c8bbτὰ βαρύτερα1the weightier matters

“the more important matters”

2260MAT2323m32jταῦτα δὲ ἔδει ποιῆσαι1But these you ought to have done

“You ought to have obeyed these more important laws”

2261MAT2323nn6qfigs-doublenegativesκἀκεῖνα μὴ ἀφιέναι1and not to have left the other undone

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “while also obeying the less important laws” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

2262MAT2324y84yfigs-metaphorὁδηγοὶ τυφλοί!1You blind guides

Jesus uses this metaphor to describe the Pharisees. Jesus means that the Pharisees do not understand Gods commands or how to please him. Therefore, they cannot teach others how to please God. See how you translated this metaphor in Matthew 15:14. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2263MAT2324l7fhfigs-metaphorοἱ διϋλίζοντες τὸν κώνωπα τὴν δὲ κάμηλον καταπίνοντες!1you who strain out a gnat but swallow a camel!

Being careful to follow the less important laws and ignoring the more important laws is as foolish as being careful not to swallow the smallest unclean animal but eating the meat of the largest unclean animal. Alternate translation: “you are as foolish as a person who strains out a gnat that falls into his drink but swallows a camel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

2264MAT2324sn3zοἱ διϋλίζοντες τὸν κώνωπα1strain out a gnat

This means to pour a liquid through a cloth to remove a gnat from a drink.

2265MAT2324whk2κώνωπα1gnat

a small flying insect

2266MAT2325ns27οὐαὶ ὑμῖν…ὑποκριταί!1Woe to you…hypocrites!

“How terrible it will be for you…hypocrites!” See how you translated this in Matthew 11:21.

2267MAT2325ru45figs-metaphorὅτι καθαρίζετε τὸ ἔξωθεν τοῦ ποτηρίου καὶ τῆς παροψίδος, ἔσωθεν δὲ γέμουσιν ἐξ ἁρπαγῆς καὶ ἀκρασίας1For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence

This is a metaphor that means the scribes and Pharisees appear pure on the outside to others, but on the inside they are wicked. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2268MAT2325tz8hγέμουσιν ἐξ ἁρπαγῆς καὶ ἀκρασίας1they are full of greed and self-indulgence

“they want what others have, and they act in the interest of the self”

2269MAT2326lb5jfigs-metaphorΦαρισαῖε τυφλέ!1You blind Pharisee!

The Pharisees were spiritually blind. Although they thought of themselves as teachers, they were unable to understand Gods truth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2270MAT2326f9p8figs-metaphorκαθάρισον πρῶτον τὸ ἐντὸς τοῦ ποτηρίου καὶ τῆς παροψίδος, ἵνα γένηται καὶ τὸ ἐκτὸς…καθαρόν1Clean first the inside of the cup and of the plate, so that the outside may become clean also

This is a metaphor that means that if they would become pure in their inner being, then the result is that they would be pure on the outside as well. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2271MAT2327kry1figs-simileπαρομοιάζετε τάφοις κεκονιαμένοις…ἀκαθαρσίας1you are like whitewashed tombs…unclean

This is a simile that means the scribes and Pharisees may appear to be pure on the outside, but they are wicked on the inside. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

2272MAT2327ta1ffigs-explicitτάφοις κεκονιαμένοις1whitewashed tombs

“tombs that someone has painted white.” The Jews would paint tombs white so that people would easily see them and avoid touching them. Touching a tomb would make a person ceremonially unclean. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2273MAT2329tse6figs-nominaladjτῶν δικαίων1of the righteous

This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “of the righteous people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

2274MAT2330kkf2ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν1in the days of our fathers

“during the time of our forefathers”

2275MAT2330nq82οὐκ ἂν ἤμεθα κοινωνοὶ αὐτῶν1we would not have been participants with them

“we would not have joined with them”

2276MAT2330x99mfigs-metonymyἐν τῷ αἵματι τῶν1in shedding the blood

Here “blood” refers to life. To shed blood means to kill. Alternate translation: “killing” or “murdering” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2277MAT2331l7rlυἱοί ἐστε1you are sons

Here “sons” means “descendants.”

2278MAT2332bpz8figs-metaphorκαὶ ὑμεῖς πληρώσατε τὸ μέτρον τῶν πατέρων ὑμῶν1You also fill up the measure of your fathers

Jesus uses this as a metaphor meaning the Pharisees will complete the wicked behavior that their forefathers started when they killed the prophets. Alternate translation: “You also finish the sins your ancestors began” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2279MAT2333va5cfigs-doubletὄφεις, γεννήματα ἐχιδνῶν1You serpents, you offspring of vipers

Serpents are snakes, and vipers are poisonous snakes. They are dangerous and often symbols of evil. Alternate translation: “You are as evil as dangerous and poisonous snakes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2280MAT2333blv6γεννήματα ἐχιδνῶν1offspring of vipers

Here “offspring” means “having the characteristic of.” See how you translated a similar phrase in Matthew 3:7.

2281MAT2333vi6cfigs-rquestionπῶς φύγητε ἀπὸ τῆς κρίσεως τῆς Γεέννης?1how will you escape the judgment of hell?

Jesus uses this question as a rebuke. Alternate translation: “there is no way for you to escape the judgment of hell!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2282MAT2334an970Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to rebuke the religious leaders because of their hypocrisy.

2283MAT2334rq8cἐγὼ ἀποστέλλω πρὸς ὑμᾶς προφήτας, καὶ σοφοὺς, καὶ γραμματεῖς1I am sending to you prophets and wise men and scribes

Sometimes the present tense is used to show that someone will do something very soon. Alternate translation: “I will send prophets, wise men, and scribes to you”

2284MAT2335l7yafigs-idiomἔλθῃ ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς πᾶν αἷμα δίκαιον ἐκχυννόμενον ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς1upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on the earth

The phrase “upon you will come” is an idiom that means to receive punishment. To shed blood is a metonym meaning to kill people, so “righteous blood that has been shed on the earth” represents righteous people who have been killed. Alternate translation: “God will punish you for the murders of all the righteous people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2285MAT2335b3a7figs-metonymyἀπὸ τοῦ αἵματος…ἕως τοῦ αἵματος1from the blood…to the blood

Here the word “blood” represents a person being killed. Alternate translation: “from the murder…to the murder” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2286MAT2335z95gfigs-merismἊβελ…Ζαχαρίου1Abel…Zechariah

Abel was the first righteous victim of murder, and Zechariah, who was murdered by Jews in the temple, was probably thought to be the last. These two men represent all the righteous people who have been murdered. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

2287MAT2335cbq9Ζαχαρίου1Zechariah

This Zechariah was not the father of John the Baptist.

2288MAT2335s11lὃν ἐφονεύσατε1whom you killed

Jesus does not mean the people to whom he is speaking actually killed Zechariah. He means their ancestors did.

2289MAT2336ut4lἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

“I tell you the truth.” This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

2290MAT2337w23t0Connecting Statement:

Jesus mourns over the people of Jerusalem because they reject every messenger that God sends to them.

2291MAT2337vne9figs-apostropheἸερουσαλὴμ, Ἰερουσαλήμ1Jerusalem, Jerusalem

Jesus speaks to the people of Jerusalem as though they were the city itself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2292MAT2337tz4rfigs-activepassiveτοὺς ἀπεσταλμένους πρὸς αὐτήν1those who are sent to you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom God sends to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2293MAT2337t9y7figs-metaphorτὰ τέκνα σου1your children

Jesus is speaking to Jerusalem as if it is a woman and the people are her children. Alternate translation: “your people” or “your inhabitants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2294MAT2337xv4tfigs-simileὃν τρόπον ὄρνις ἐπισυνάγει τὰ νοσσία αὐτῆς ὑπὸ τὰς πτέρυγας1just as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings

This is a simile that emphasizes Jesus love for the people and how he wanted to take care of them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

2295MAT2337as8ptranslate-unknownὄρνις1a hen

a female chicken. You can translate with any bird that protects her children under her wing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

2296MAT2338r6ssἀφίεται ὑμῖν ὁ οἶκος ὑμῶν ἔρημος1your house is left to you desolate

“God will leave your house, and it will be empty”

2297MAT2338ck2zfigs-metonymyὁ οἶκος ὑμῶν1your house

Possible meanings are (1) “the city of Jerusalem” or (2) “the temple.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2298MAT2339i14nλέγω γὰρ ὑμῖν1For I say to you

This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

2299MAT2339ig61figs-metonymyεὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου!1Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

Here “in the name” means “in the power” or “as a representative.” See how you translated this in Matthew 21:9. Alternate translation: “He who comes in the power of the Lord is blessed” or “He who comes as the representative of the Lord will be blessed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2300MAT24introh2a20

Matthew 24 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In this chapter, Jesus begins to prophesy about the future from that time until he returns as king of everything. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])

Special concepts in this chapter

“The end of the age”

In this chapter, Jesus gives an answer to his disciples when they ask how they will know when he will come again. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalypticwriting]])

The example of Noah

In the time of Noah, God sent a great flood to punish people for their sins. He warned them many times about this coming flood, but it actually began suddenly. In this chapter, Jesus draws a comparison between that flood and the last days. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“Let”

The ULT uses this word to begin several commands of Jesus, such as “let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains” (24:16), “let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house” (24:17), and “let him who is in the field not return to take his cloak” (24:18). There are many different ways to form a command. Translators must select the most natural ways in their own languages.

2301MAT241dh7u0Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins to describe events that will happen before he comes again during the end times.

2302MAT241ke79figs-explicitἀπὸ τοῦ ἱεροῦ1from the temple

It is implied that Jesus was not in the temple itself. He was in the courtyard around the temple. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2303MAT242mh5yfigs-rquestionοὐ βλέπετε ταῦτα πάντα?1Do you not see all these things?

Jesus uses a question to make the disciples think deeply about what he will tell them. Alternate translation: “Let me tell you something about all these buildings.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2304MAT242fnv8ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

“I tell you the truth.” This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

2305MAT242l45qfigs-explicitοὐ μὴ ἀφεθῇ ὧδε λίθος ἐπὶ λίθον, ὃς οὐ καταλυθήσεται1certainly one stone will not be left on another here, that will not be torn down

It is implied that enemy soldiers will tear down the stones. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “when the enemy soldiers come, they will tear down every stone in these buildings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2306MAT243e1isfigs-explicitτί τὸ σημεῖον τῆς σῆς παρουσίας, καὶ συντελείας τοῦ αἰῶνος?1What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?

Here “your coming” refers to when Jesus will come in power, establishing Gods reign on earth and bringing this age to an end. Alternate translation: “What will be the sign that you are about to come and that the world is about to end” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2307MAT244s64sfigs-metaphorβλέπετε μή τις ὑμᾶς πλανήσῃ1Be careful that no one leads you astray

Here “leads you astray” is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate translation: “Be careful that no one deceives you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2308MAT245lq71figs-metonymyπολλοὶ…ἐλεύσονται ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου1many will come in my name

Here “name” refers to “in the authority” or “as the representative” of someone. Alternate translation: “many will claim that they have come as my representative” or “many will say they speak for me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2309MAT245twh8figs-metaphorπολλοὺς πλανήσουσιν1will lead many astray

Here “leads you astray” is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate translation: “will deceive many people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2310MAT246hdz3figs-activepassiveὁρᾶτε, μὴ θροεῖσθε1See that you are not troubled

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Do not let these things trouble you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2311MAT247ygf2figs-parallelismἐγερθήσεται γὰρ ἔθνος ἐπὶ ἔθνος, καὶ βασιλεία ἐπὶ βασιλείαν1For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom

Both of these mean the same thing. Jesus is emphasizing that people everywhere will fight each other. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2312MAT248q4glfigs-metaphorἀρχὴ ὠδίνων1the beginning of birth pains

This refers to the pains a woman feels before giving birth to a child. This metaphor means these wars, famines, and earthquakes are just the beginning of the events that will lead to the end of the age. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2313MAT249u5e6παραδώσουσιν ὑμᾶς εἰς θλῖψιν, καὶ ἀποκτενοῦσιν ὑμᾶς1they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you

“people will give you over to the authorities, who will make you suffer and will kill you.”

2314MAT249uw1ifigs-activepassiveἔσεσθε μισούμενοι ὑπὸ πάντων τῶν ἐθνῶν1You will be hated by all the nations

Here “nations” is a metonym, referring to the people of nations. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “People from every nation will hate you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2315MAT249u2bdfigs-metonymyδιὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου1for my names sake

Here “name” refers to the complete person. Alternate translation: “because you believe in me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2316MAT2411mi2efigs-idiomἐγερθήσονται1will rise up

“Rise” here is an idiom for “become established.” Alternate translation: “will come” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2317MAT2411tjb3figs-metaphorκαὶ πλανήσουσιν πολλούς1and lead many astray

Here “lead…astray” is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate translation: “and deceive many people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2318MAT2412w4affigs-abstractnounsτὸ πληθυνθῆναι τὴν ἀνομίαν1lawlessness will increase

The abstract noun “lawlessness” can be translated with the phrase “disobeying the law.” Alternate translation: “disobeying the law will increase” or “people will disobey Gods law more and more” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

2319MAT2412bu9bfigs-idiomψυγήσεται ἡ ἀγάπη τῶν πολλῶν1the love of many will grow cold

Possible meanings are (1) “many people will no longer love other people” or (2) “many people will no longer love God.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2320MAT2413v3exfigs-activepassiveὁ…ὑπομείνας εἰς τέλος, οὗτος σωθήσεται1the one who endures to the end, he will be saved

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will save the person who endures to the end” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2321MAT2413l1ppὁ δὲ ὑπομείνας1the…who endures

“the person who stays faithful”

2322MAT2413ht34εἰς τέλος1to the end

It is not clear whether the word “end” refers to when a person dies or when the persecution ends or the end of the age when God shows himself to be king. The main point is that they endure as long as necessary.

2323MAT2413lra5τέλος1the end

“the end of the world” or “the end of the age”

2324MAT2414x3e6figs-metonymyκηρυχθήσεται τοῦτο τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς βασιλείας1This good news of the kingdom will be preached

Here “kingdom” refers to Gods rule as king. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “People will tell the good news that God will rule” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2325MAT2414y65sfigs-metonymyπᾶσιν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν1all the nations

Here, “nations” stands for people. Alternate translation: “all people in all places” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2326MAT2415mf1bfigs-activepassiveτὸ βδέλυγμα τῆς ἐρημώσεως, τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ Δανιὴλ τοῦ προφήτου1the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of by Daniel the prophet

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the shameful one who defiles the things of God, about whom Daniel the prophet wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2327MAT2415lz9pὁ ἀναγινώσκων νοείτω1let the reader understand

This is not Jesus speaking. Matthew added this to alert the reader that Jesus was using words that they would need to think about and interpret.

2328MAT2417iv2jὁ ἐπὶ τοῦ δώματος1let him who is on the housetop

Housetops where Jesus lived were flat, and people could stand on them.

2329MAT2419kq12figs-euphemismταῖς ἐν γαστρὶ ἐχούσαις1those who are with child

This is a polite way to say “pregnant women.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

2330MAT2419f533ἐν ἐκείναις ταῖς ἡμέραις1in those days

“at that time”

2331MAT2420u4jbἵνα μὴ γένηται ἡ φυγὴ ὑμῶν1that your flight will not occur

“that you will not have to flee” or “that you will not have to run away”

2332MAT2420m6mxχειμῶνος1the winter

“the cold season”

2333MAT2422vd3zfigs-doublenegativesεἰ μὴ ἐκολοβώθησαν αἱ ἡμέραι ἐκεῖναι, οὐκ ἂν ἐσώθη πᾶσα σάρξ1Unless those days are shortened, no flesh would be saved

This can be stated in positive and active form. Alternate translation: “If God does not shorten the time of suffering, everyone will die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

2334MAT2422r9qwfigs-synecdocheσάρξ1flesh

“people.” Here, “flesh” is poetic way of saying all people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2335MAT2422p6m8figs-activepassiveκολοβωθήσονται αἱ ἡμέραι ἐκεῖναι1those days will be shortened

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will shorten the time of suffering” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2336MAT2423avv50Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues speaking to his disciples.

2337MAT2423avm2μὴ πιστεύσητε1do not believe it

“do not believe the false things they have said to you”

2338MAT2424n744ὥστε πλανῆσαι εἰ δυνατὸν καὶ τοὺς ἐκλεκτούς1so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect

Here “lead astray” is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. This can be translated as two sentences. Alternate translation: “so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect” or “so as to deceive people. If possible, they would even deceive the elect” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2339MAT2426fmx1figs-quotationsἐὰν…εἴπωσιν ὑμῖν, ἰδοὺ, ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ ἐστίν, μὴ1if they say to you, Look, he is in the wilderness, do not

This can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “if someone tells you that the Christ is in the wilderness, do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

2340MAT2426zxg2figs-quotationsἰδοὺ, ἐν τοῖς ταμείοις1Or, See, he is in the inner rooms,

This can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “Or, if someone tells you that the Christ is in the inner room,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

2341MAT2426n2ptἐν τοῖς ταμείοις1in the inner rooms

“in a secret room” or “in secret places”

2342MAT2427j1w1figs-simileὥσπερ…ἡ ἀστραπὴ ἐξέρχεται…οὕτως ἔσται ἡ παρουσία1as the lightning shines out…so will be the coming

This means that the Son of Man will come very quickly and will be easy to see. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

2343MAT2427za8bfigs-123personτοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

2344MAT2428mu35writing-proverbsὅπου ἐὰν ᾖ τὸ πτῶμα, ἐκεῖ συναχθήσονται οἱ ἀετοί1Wherever a dead animal is, there the vultures will gather

This is probably a proverb that the people of Jesus time understood. Possible meanings are (1) when the Son of Man comes, everyone will see him and know that he has come, or (2) wherever spiritually dead people are, false prophets will be there to tell them lies. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]])

2345MAT2428ivl8οἱ ἀετοί1the vultures

birds that eat the bodies of dead or dying creatures

2346MAT2429zmm6εὐθέως…μετὰ τὴν θλῖψιν τῶν ἡμερῶν ἐκείνων, ὁ ἥλιος1immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun

“as soon as the tribulation of those days has finished, the sun”

2347MAT2429l15mτὴν θλῖψιν τῶν ἡμερῶν ἐκείνων1the tribulation of those days

“that time of suffering”

2348MAT2429zuk4figs-activepassiveὁ ἥλιος σκοτισθήσεται1the sun will be darkened

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will make the sun dark” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2349MAT2429w1bifigs-activepassiveαἱ δυνάμεις τῶν οὐρανῶν σαλευθήσονται1the powers of the heavens will be shaken

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will shake things in the sky and above the sky” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2350MAT2430yc2xfigs-123personτοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

2351MAT2430tld8figs-metonymyπᾶσαι αἱ φυλαὶ1all the tribes

Here “tribes” refers to people. Alternate translation: “all the people of the tribes” or “all the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2352MAT2431fl54ἀποστελεῖ τοὺς ἀγγέλους αὐτοῦ μετὰ σάλπιγγος μεγάλης1He will send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet

“He will have a trumpet sounded and send his angels” or “He will have an angel blow a trumpet, and he will send his angels”

2353MAT2431rlb4figs-123personἀποστελεῖ…αὐτοῦ1He will send…his

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

2354MAT2431wi28ἐπισυνάξουσιν1they will gather together

“his angels will gather”

2355MAT2431iq8cτοὺς ἐκλεκτοὺς αὐτοῦ1his elect

These are the people whom the Son of Man has chosen.

2356MAT2431ibw7figs-parallelismἐκ τῶν τεσσάρων ἀνέμων, ἀπ’ ἄκρων οὐρανῶν ἕως ἄκρων αὐτῶν1from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other end of it

Both of these mean the same thing. They are idioms that mean “from everywhere.” Alternate translation: “from all over the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2357MAT2433cu5afigs-123personἐγγύς ἐστιν1he is near

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. Alternate translation: “the time for me to come is near” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

2358MAT2433cfz8figs-metaphorἐπὶ θύραις1at the very gates

“close to the gates.” Jesus uses the imagery of a king or important official getting close to the gates of a walled city. It is a metaphor meaning the time for Jesus to come is soon. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2359MAT2434j8npἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

“I tell you the truth.” This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

2360MAT2434gld5figs-euphemismοὐ μὴ παρέλθῃ ἡ γενεὰ αὕτη1this generation will certainly not pass away

Here “pass away” is a polite way of saying “die.” Alternate translation: “this generation will not all die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

2361MAT2434y73tἡ γενεὰ αὕτη1this generation

Possible interpretations are (1) “all people alive today,” referring to the people alive when Jesus was speaking, or (2) “all people alive when these things I have just told you about happen.” Try to translate so that both interpretations are possible.

2362MAT2434fb4kἕως ἂν πάντα ταῦτα γένηται1until all of these things will have happened

“until God causes all these things to happen”

2363MAT2434r6skπαρέλθῃ1will…pass away

“disappear” or “someday no longer exist”

2364MAT2435i8vvfigs-synecdocheὁ οὐρανὸς καὶ ἡ γῆ παρελεύσεται1Heaven and the earth will pass away

The words “heaven” and “earth” are a synecdoche that includes everything that God has created, especially those things that seem permanent. Jesus is saying that his word, unlike these things, is permanent. Alternate translation: “Even heaven and the earth will pass away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2365MAT2435e6bffigs-metonymyοἱ…λόγοι μου οὐ μὴ παρέλθωσιν1my words will never pass away

Here “words” refers to what Jesus has said. Alternate translation: “what I say will always be true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2366MAT2436q4pjfigs-metonymyτῆς ἡμέρας ἐκείνης καὶ ὥρας1that day and hour

Here “day” and “hour” refer to the exact time that the Son of Man will return. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2367MAT2436wq5rοὐδὲ ὁ Υἱός1nor the Son

“not even the Son”

2368MAT2436p5vuguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΥἱός1Son

This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

2369MAT2436f4s2guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΠατὴρ1Father

This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

2370MAT2437hf51ὥσπερ γὰρ αἱ ἡμέραι τοῦ Νῶε, οὕτως ἔσται ἡ παρουσία τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man

“At the time when the Son of Man comes, it will be like the time of Noah.”

2371MAT2437cpn8figs-123personτοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

2372MAT2439ffa6καὶ οὐκ ἔγνωσαν1and they knew nothing

This can be translated as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “The people did not realize anything was happening”

2373MAT2439ah5vἦρεν ἅπαντας; οὕτως ἔσται καὶ ἡ παρουσία τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1took them all away—so will be the coming of the Son of Man

This can be translated as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “away. This is how it will be when the Son of Man comes”

2374MAT2440ksk60Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins to tell his disciples to be ready for his return.

2375MAT2440hth3τότε1Then

This is when the Son of Man comes.

2376MAT2440gt4lfigs-activepassiveεἷς παραλαμβάνεται, καὶ εἷς ἀφίεται1one will be taken, and one will be left

Possible meanings are (1) the Son of Man will take one away to heaven and will leave the other on earth for punishment or (2) the angels will take one away for punishment and leave the other for blessing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2377MAT2442j83iοὖν1Therefore

“Because what I have just said is true”

2378MAT2442s6irγρηγορεῖτε1be on your guard

“pay attention”

2379MAT2443ak6afigs-parablesὅτι εἰ ᾔδει ὁ οἰκοδεσπότης,…διορυχθῆναι τὴν οἰκίαν αὐτοῦ1that if the master of the house…his house to be broken into

Jesus uses a parable of a master and servants to illustrate that his disciples should be prepared for his return. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

2380MAT2443ki5sfigs-metaphorὁ κλέπτης1the thief

Jesus is saying he will come when people are not expecting him, not that he will come to steal. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2381MAT2443zs23ἐγρηγόρησεν ἂν1he would have been on guard

“he would have guarded his house”

2382MAT2443lg7ifigs-activepassiveοὐκ ἂν εἴασεν διορυχθῆναι τὴν οἰκίαν αὐτοῦ1would not have allowed his house to be broken into

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “would not have allowed anyone to get into his house to steal things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2383MAT2444gd17figs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

2384MAT2445jua30Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues his proverb of a master and servants to illustrate that his disciples should be prepared for his return.

2385MAT2445f92dfigs-rquestionτίς ἄρα ἐστὶν ὁ πιστὸς δοῦλος καὶ φρόνιμος, ὃν…ἐν καιρῷ?1So who is the faithful and wise servant whom…at the right time?

Jesus uses this question to make his disciples think. Alternate translation: “So who is the faithful and wise servant? He is the one whom his master…time.” or “Be like the faithful and wise servant, whom his master…time.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2386MAT2445lf8dτοῦ δοῦναι αὐτοῖς τὴν τροφὴν1to give them their food

“give the people in the masters home their food”

2387MAT2447lin7ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

“I tell you the truth.” This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

2388MAT2448ek9xwriting-proverbs0Connecting Statement:

Jesus concludes his proverb of a master and servants to illustrate that his disciples should be prepared for his return. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]])

2389MAT2448f9ftfigs-metonymyεἴπῃ…ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ1says in his heart

Here “heart” refers to the mind. Alternate translation: “thinks in his mind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2390MAT2448per6figs-activepassiveχρονίζει μου ὁ κύριος1My master has been delayed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “My master is slow to return” or “My master will not return for a long time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2391MAT2450bz5kfigs-parallelismἐν ἡμέρᾳ ᾗ οὐ προσδοκᾷ, καὶ ἐν ὥρᾳ ᾗ οὐ γινώσκει1on a day that the servant does not expect and at an hour that he does not know

Both of these statements mean the same thing. They emphasize that the master will come when the servant is not expecting him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

2392MAT2451jj2zfigs-idiomδιχοτομήσει αὐτὸν1He will cut him in pieces

This is an idiom that means to make the person suffer terribly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2393MAT2451pm18τὸ μέρος αὐτοῦ μετὰ τῶν ὑποκριτῶν θήσει1assign his place with the hypocrites

“put him with the hypocrites” or “send him to the place where hypocrites are sent”

2394MAT2451rwd5translate-symactionἔσται ὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων1there will be weeping and grinding of teeth

“Grinding of teeth” here is a symbolic act, representing extreme suffering. See how you translated this in Matthew 8:12. Alternate translation: “people will weep and grind their teeth because of their suffering” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2395MAT25introqe8a0

Matthew 25 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues the teaching of the previous chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

The parable of the ten virgins

Jesus told the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) to tell his followers to be ready for him to return. His hearers could understand the parable because they knew Jewish wedding customs.

When the Jews arranged marriages, they would plan for the wedding to take place weeks or months later. At the proper time, the young man would go to his brides house, where she would be waiting for him. The wedding ceremony would take place, and then the man and his bride would travel to his home, where there would be a feast. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalypticwriting]])

2396MAT251em28figs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus tells a parable about wise and foolish virgins to illustrate that his disciples should be prepared for his return. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

2397MAT251pg5ifigs-metonymyὁμοιωθήσεται ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1the kingdom of heaven will be like

Here “kingdom of heaven” refers to Gods rule as king. The phrase “kingdom of heaven” is used only in Matthew. If possible, use “heaven” in your translation. See how you translated this in Matthew 13:24. Alternate translation: “when our God in heaven shows himself to be king, it will be like” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2398MAT251uhj1λαμπάδας1lamps

These could have been (1) lamps or (2) torches made by putting cloth around the end of a stick and wetting the cloth with oil.

2399MAT252c8nfπέντε…ἐξ αὐτῶν1Five of them

“Five of the virgins”

2400MAT253b37aοὐκ ἔλαβον μεθ’ ἑαυτῶν ἔλαιον1did not take any oil with them

“had with them only the oil in their lamps”

2401MAT255r458δὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Jesus starts to tell a new part of the story.

2402MAT255pvh4figs-activepassiveχρονίζοντος…τοῦ νυμφίου1while the bridegroom was delayed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “while the bridegroom was taking a long time to arrive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2403MAT255qf4bἐνύσταξαν πᾶσαι1they all got sleepy

“all ten virgins got sleepy”

2404MAT256ufp2κραυγὴ γέγονεν1there was a cry

“someone shouted”

2405MAT257a3mzfigs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues telling a parable. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

2406MAT257ni6uἐκόσμησαν τὰς λαμπάδας ἑαυτῶν1trimmed their lamps

“adjusted their lamps so they would burn brightly”

2407MAT258tsh4figs-nominaladjαἱ…μωραὶ ταῖς φρονίμοις εἶπον1The foolish said to the wise

These nominal adjectives can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “The foolish virgins said to the wise virgins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

2408MAT258i1r7figs-idiomαἱ λαμπάδες ἡμῶν σβέννυνται1our lamps are going out

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “the fire in our lamps is about to burn out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2409MAT2510q6q9figs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus concludes the parable about the ten virgins. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

2410MAT2510rfh6ἀπερχομένων δὲ αὐτῶν1While they went away

“the five foolish virgins went away”

2411MAT2510jej8figs-ellipsisἀγοράσαι1to buy

The understood information can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “to buy more oil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2412MAT2510t229αἱ ἕτοιμοι1those who were ready

These are the virgins who had extra oil.

2413MAT2510g29ifigs-activepassiveἐκλείσθη ἡ θύρα1the door was shut

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the servants shut the door” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2414MAT2511e5pzfigs-explicitἄνοιξον ἡμῖν1open for us

This implicit information can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “open the door for us so we can come inside” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2415MAT2512z5u1ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

“I tell you the truth.” This adds emphasis to what the master says next.

2416MAT2512h4a8οὐκ οἶδα ὑμᾶς1I do not know you

“I do not know who you are.” This is the end of the parable.

2417MAT2513hn7wfigs-metonymyοὐκ οἴδατε τὴν ἡμέραν, οὐδὲ τὴν ὥραν1you do not know the day or the hour

Here “day” and “hour” refer to an exact time. The implied information can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “you do not know the exact time when the Son of Man will return” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2418MAT2514cn21figs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus tells a parable about faithful and unfaithful servants to illustrate that his disciples should remain faithful during his absence and be prepared for his return. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

2419MAT2514zqi2ὥσπερ1it is like

The word “it” here refers to the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 13:24).

2420MAT2514wv71ἀποδημῶν1going on a journey

“was ready to go” or “was to go soon”

2421MAT2514vhw1παρέδωκεν αὐτοῖς τὰ ὑπάρχοντα αὐτοῦ1gave them his wealth

“put them in charge of his wealth”

2422MAT2514fmb3τὰ ὑπάρχοντα αὐτοῦ1his wealth

“his property”

2423MAT2515i81utranslate-bmoneyπέντε τάλαντα1five talents

“five talents of gold.” Avoid translating this into modern money. A “talent” of gold was worth twenty years wages. The parable is contrasting the relative amounts of five, two, and one, as well as the large amount of wealth involved. Alternate translation: “five bags of gold” or “five bags of gold, each worth 20 years wages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

2424MAT2515vyj2figs-ellipsisᾧ δὲ δύο…ἕν1to another he gave two…he gave one talent

The word “talents” is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “to another he gave two talents of gold…gave one talent of gold” or “to another he gave two bags of gold…gave one bag of gold” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2425MAT2515d87ufigs-explicitκατὰ τὴν ἰδίαν δύναμιν1according to his own ability

The implicit information can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “according to each servants skill in managing wealth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2426MAT2516qkr2ἐκέρδησεν ἄλλα πέντε τάλαντα1made another five talents

“out of his investments, he earned another five talents”

2427MAT2517m2l8figs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues telling a parable about the servants and the talents. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

2428MAT2517u4vsἐκέρδησεν ἄλλα δύο1gained another two

“earned another two talents”

2429MAT2519ik5qfigs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues telling the parable about the servants and the talents. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

2430MAT2519vc9pδὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Jesus starts to tell a new part of the story.

2431MAT2520adz4πέντε τάλαντα ἐκέρδησα1I have made five talents more

“I have earned five more talents”

2432MAT2520ttf7translate-bmoneyτάλαντα1talents

A “talent” was worth twenty years wages. Avoid translating this into modern money. See how you translated this in Matthew 25:15. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

2433MAT2521l5mgεὖ1Well done

“You have done well” or “You have done right.” Your culture might have an expression that a master (or someone in authority) would use to show that he approves of what his servant (or someone under him) has done.

2434MAT2521d2s9figs-idiomεἴσελθε εἰς τὴν χαρὰν τοῦ κυρίου σου1Enter into the joy of your master

The phrase “Enter into the joy” is an idiom. Also, the master is speaking about himself in the third person. Alternate translation: “Come and be happy with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

2435MAT2522yhi1figs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues telling the parable about the servants and the talents. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

2436MAT2522n2xcδύο τάλαντα ἐκέρδησα1I have made two more talents

“I have earned two more talents”

2437MAT2523hsb6εὖ1Well done

“You have done well” or “You have done right.” Your culture might have an expression that a master (or someone in authority) would use to show that he approves of what his servant (or someone under him) has done. See how you translated this in Matthew 25:21.

2438MAT2523plv7figs-idiomεἴσελθε εἰς τὴν χαρὰν τοῦ κυρίου σου1Enter into the joy of your master

The phrase “Enter into the joy” is an idiom. Also, the master is speaking about himself in the third person. Alternate translation: “Come and be happy with me” See how you translated this in Matthew 25:21. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

2439MAT2524ial6figs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues telling the parable about the servants and the talents. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

2440MAT2524m8anfigs-parallelismθερίζων ὅπου οὐκ ἔσπειρας, καὶ συνάγων ὅθεν οὐ διεσκόρπισας1You reap where you did not sow, and you harvest where you did not scatter

The words “reap where you did not sow” and “harvest where you did not scatter” mean the same thing. They refer to a farmer who gathers crops that other people have planted. The servant uses this metaphor to accuse the master of taking what rightfully belongs to others. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2441MAT2524au9fδιεσκόρπισας1scatter

“scatter seed.” This refers to sowing seed by gently throwing handfuls of it onto the soil.

2442MAT2525wl5cἴδε, ἔχεις τὸ σόν1See, you have here what belongs to you

“Look, here is what is yours”

2443MAT2526hj83figs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues telling a parable about the servants and the talents. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

2444MAT2526l3jzπονηρὲ δοῦλε καὶ ὀκνηρέ! ᾔδεις1You wicked and lazy servant, you knew

“You are a wicked servant who does not want to work. You knew”

2445MAT2526he3hfigs-parallelismθερίζω ὅπου οὐκ ἔσπειρα, καὶ συνάγω ὅθεν οὐ διεσκόρπισα1I reap where I have not sowed and harvest where I have not scattered

The words “reap where I have not sowed” and “harvest where I have not scattered” mean the same thing. They refer to a farmer who gathers crops that people who work for him have planted. See how you translated this in Matthew 25:24, where the servant uses these words to accuse the farmer. The readers should understand that the farmer is acknowledging that he does indeed gather what others have planted but is saying that he is right to do so. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2446MAT2527rhg9figs-ellipsisἐκομισάμην ἂν τὸ ἐμὸν1would have received back my money

The understood information can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “received back my own money” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2447MAT2527n7jdτόκῳ1interest

payment from the banker for the temporary use of the masters money

2448MAT2528qm6xfigs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus concludes the parable about the servants and the talents. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

2449MAT2528paw8ἄρατε οὖν…τὸ τάλαντον1take away the talent

The master is speaking to other servants.

2450MAT2528b1getranslate-bmoneyτὸ τάλαντον1the talent

A “talent” was worth twenty years wages. Avoid translating this into modern money. See how you translated this in Matthew 25:15. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

2451MAT2529e5pyfigs-explicitτῷ…ἔχοντι1to everyone who possesses

It is implied that the person who possesses something also uses it wisely. Alternate translation: “who uses well what he has” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2452MAT2529r7lvκαὶ περισσευθήσεται1even more abundantly

“even much more”

2453MAT2529pcr5figs-explicitτοῦ δὲ μὴ ἔχοντος1from anyone who does not possess anything

It is implied that the person does possess something but he does not use it wisely. Alternate translation: “from anyone does not use well what he has” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2454MAT2529mdc1figs-activepassiveἀρθήσεται1will be taken away

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will take away” or “I will take away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2455MAT2530c2vbfigs-metonymyτὸ σκότος τὸ ἐξώτερον1the outer darkness

Here “outer darkness” is a metonym for the place where God sends those who reject them. This is a place that is completely separated from God forever. See how you translated this in Matthew 8:12. Alternate translation: “the dark place away from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2456MAT2530zy3ktranslate-symactionὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων1weeping and grinding of teeth

“Grinding of teeth” is symbolic action, representing extreme sadness and suffering. See how you translated this in Matthew 8:12. Alternate translation: “weeping and expressing their extreme suffering” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2457MAT2531qtg60Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins to tell his disciples how he will judge people when he returns at the end time.

2458MAT2531e7umfigs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

2459MAT2532f2w9figs-activepassiveκαὶ συναχθήσονται ἔμπροσθεν αὐτοῦ πάντα τὰ ἔθνη1Before him will be gathered all the nations

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “He will gather all the nations before him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2460MAT2532kd14ἔμπροσθεν αὐτοῦ1Before him

“In front of him”

2461MAT2532ndf5figs-metonymyπάντα τὰ ἔθνη1all the nations

Here “nations” refers to people. Alternate translation: “all people from every country” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2462MAT2532nk18figs-simileὥσπερ ὁ ποιμὴν ἀφορίζει τὰ πρόβατα ἀπὸ τῶν ἐρίφων1as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats

Jesus uses a simile to describe how he will separate the people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

2463MAT2533pbq9figs-metaphorκαὶ στήσει τὰ μὲν πρόβατα ἐκ δεξιῶν αὐτοῦ, τὰ δὲ ἐρίφια ἐξ εὐωνύμων1He will place the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on his left

This is a metaphor that means the Son of Man will separate all people. He will put the righteous people at his right side, and he will put the sinners at his left side. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2464MAT2534t8ppfigs-123personὁ Βασιλεὺς…δεξιῶν αὐτοῦ1the King…his right hand

Here, “the King” is another title for the Son of Man. Jesus was referring to himself in the third person. Alternate translation: “I, the King,…my right hand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

2465MAT2534ze81figs-activepassiveδεῦτε οἱ εὐλογημένοι τοῦ Πατρός μου1Come, you who have been blessed by my Father

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Come, you whom my Father has blessed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2466MAT2534h2k9guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου1my Father

This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

2467MAT2534b57rfigs-activepassiveκληρονομήσατε τὴν ἡτοιμασμένην ὑμῖν βασιλείαν1inherit the kingdom prepared for you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “inherit the kingdom that God has made ready for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2468MAT2534yj1pfigs-metonymyκληρονομήσατε τὴν ἡτοιμασμένην ὑμῖν βασιλείαν1inherit the kingdom prepared for you

Here “kingdom” refers to Gods rule as king. Alternate translation: “receive the blessings of Gods rule that he has planned to give you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2469MAT2534cdi8ἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου1from the foundation of the world

“since he first created the world”

2470MAT2537yh3pfigs-nominaladjοἱ δίκαιοι1the righteous

This can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “the righteous people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

2471MAT2537cs5dfigs-ellipsisἢ διψῶντα1Or thirsty

The understood information can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Or when did we see you thirsty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2472MAT2538h52xfigs-ellipsisἢ γυμνὸν1Or naked

This is the end of a series of questions that begins in verse 37. The understood information can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Or when did we see you naked” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2473MAT2540m6mifigs-123personὁ Βασιλεὺς1the King

This is another title for the Son of Man. Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

2474MAT2540i2aqἐρεῖ αὐτοῖς1say to them

“say to those at his right hand”

2475MAT2540mhe2ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

“I tell you the truth.” This emphasizes what the King says next.

2476MAT2540acs3ἑνὶ…τῶν ἐλαχίστων1one of the least

“one of the least important”

2477MAT2540nh4yfigs-gendernotationsτούτων τῶν ἀδελφῶν μου1these brothers of mine

Here “brothers” refers to anyone, male or female, who obeys the King. Alternate translation: “my brothers and sisters here” or “these who are like my brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

2478MAT2540k4hbἐμοὶ ἐποιήσατε1you did it for me

“I consider that you did it for me”

2479MAT2541z1nhfigs-123personτότε ἐρεῖ1Then he will say

“Then the King will.” Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

2480MAT2541pr8nκατηραμένοι1you cursed

“you people whom God has cursed”

2481MAT2541hqf5figs-activepassiveτὸ πῦρ τὸ αἰώνιον, τὸ ἡτοιμασμένον1the eternal fire that has been prepared

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the eternal fire that God has prepared” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2482MAT2541g51uτοῖς ἀγγέλοις αὐτοῦ1his angels

his helpers

2483MAT2543g6ecfigs-ellipsisγυμνὸς καὶ οὐ περιεβάλετέ με1naked, but you did not clothe me

The words “I was” preceding “naked” are understood. Alternate translation: “I was naked, but you did not give me clothes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2484MAT2543tq4xfigs-ellipsisἀσθενὴς καὶ ἐν φυλακῇ1sick and in prison

The words “I was” preceding “sick” are understood. Alternate translation: “I was sick and in prison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2485MAT2544f3dc0General Information:

This is the end of the part of the story that began in Matthew 23:1, where Jesus teaches about salvation and the final judgment.

2486MAT2544zyc50Connecting Statement:

Jesus finishes telling his disciples how he will judge people when he returns at the end time.

2487MAT2544hiy6ἀποκριθήσονται καὶ αὐτοὶ1they will also answer

“those on his left will also answer”

2488MAT2545nm2eἑνὶ τούτων τῶν ἐλαχίστων1for one of the least of these

“for any of the least important ones of my people”

2489MAT2545whu5οὐδὲ ἐμοὶ ἐποιήσατε.1you did not do for me

“I consider that you did not do it for me” or “I was really the one whom you did not help”

2490MAT2546m6meκαὶ ἀπελεύσονται οὗτοι εἰς κόλασιν αἰώνιον1These will go away into eternal punishment

“The King will send these to a place where they will receive punishment that never ends”

2491MAT2546nj72figs-ellipsisοἱ δὲ δίκαιοι εἰς ζωὴν1but the righteous into eternal life

The understood information can be made clear. Alternate translation: “but the King will send the righteous to the place where they will live forever with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2492MAT2546kq5bfigs-nominaladjοἱ…δίκαιοι1the righteous

This nominative adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “the righteous people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

2493MAT26intromtq80

Matthew 26 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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 words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Sheep

Sheep are a common image used in Scripture to refer to the people of Israel. In Matthew 26:31, however, Jesus used the words “the sheep” to refer to his disciples and to say that they would run away when he was arrested.

Passover

The Passover festival was when the Jews would celebrate the day God killed the firstborn sons of the Egyptians but “passed over” the Israelites and let them live.

The eating of the body and blood

Matthew 26:26-28 describes Jesus last meal with his followers. At this time, Jesus told them that what they were eating and drinking were his body and his blood. Nearly all Christian churches celebrate “the Lords Supper,” the “Eucharist”, or “Holy Communion” to remember this meal.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Judas kiss for Jesus

Matthew 26:49 describes how Judas kissed Jesus so the soldiers would know whom to arrest. The Jews would kiss each other when they greeted each other.

“I am able to destroy the temple of God”

Two men accused Jesus of saying that he could destroy the temple in Jerusalem and then rebuild it “in three days” (Matthew 26:61). They were accusing him of insulting God by claiming that God had given him the authority to destroy the temple and the power to rebuild it. What Jesus actually said was that if the Jewish authorities were to destroy this temple, he would certainly raise it up in three days (John 2:19).

2494MAT261t5mz0General Information:

This is the beginning of a new part of the story that tells of Jesus crucifixion, death, and resurrection. Here he tells his disciples how he will suffer and die.

2495MAT261i35cκαὶ ἐγένετο ὅτε1It came about that when

“After” or “Then, after.” This phrase shifts the story from Jesus teachings to what happened next.

2496MAT261xiv4πάντας τοὺς λόγους τούτους1all these words

This refers to all that Jesus taught starting in Matthew 24:3.

2497MAT262g4lhfigs-activepassiveὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοται εἰς τὸ σταυρωθῆναι1the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “some men will take the Son of Man to other people who will crucify him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2498MAT262r9pxfigs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

2499MAT263wew3writing-background0Connecting Statement:

These verses give background information about the Jewish leaders plot to arrest and kill Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

2500MAT263eps8figs-activepassiveσυνήχθησαν1were gathered together

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “came together” or “met together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2501MAT264hi4xτὸν Ἰησοῦν δόλῳ1Jesus stealthily

“Jesus secretly”

2502MAT265u4fhfigs-ellipsisμὴ ἐν τῇ ἑορτῇ1Not during the feast

What the leaders did not want to do during the feast can be made clearer. Alternate translation: “We should not kill Jesus during the feast” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2503MAT265s9p7ἐν τῇ ἑορτῇ1the feast

This is the yearly Passover feast.

2504MAT266v2up0Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of a woman pouring expensive oil on Jesus before his death.

2505MAT266zq3jδὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story.

2506MAT266hg3sfigs-explicitΣίμωνος τοῦ λεπροῦ1Simon the leper

It is implied that this is a man whom Jesus had healed from leprosy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2507MAT267ukb9ἀνακειμένου1he was reclining at table

“Jesus was lying on his side.” You can use your languages word for the position people usually are in when they eat.

2508MAT267yxf8προσῆλθεν αὐτῷ γυνὴ1a woman came to him

“a woman came to Jesus”

2509MAT267bhs8translate-unknownἀλάβαστρον1an alabaster jar

This is a costly container made of soft stone. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

2510MAT267yu67μύρου1ointment

oil that has a pleasing smell

2511MAT267ea5eκατέχεεν ἐπὶ τῆς κεφαλῆς αὐτοῦ1she poured it upon his head

The woman does this to honor Jesus.

2512MAT268vit4figs-rquestionεἰς τί ἡ ἀπώλεια αὕτη?1What is the reason for this waste?

The disciples ask this question out of their anger over the womans actions. Alternate translation: “This woman has done a bad thing by wasting this ointment!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2513MAT269y83efigs-activepassiveἐδύνατο γὰρ τοῦτο πραθῆναι πολλοῦ καὶ δοθῆναι1This could have been sold for a large amount and given

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “She could have sold this for a large amount of money and given the money” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2514MAT269f76hfigs-nominaladjπτωχοῖς1to the poor

Here “the poor” can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “to poor people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

2515MAT2610pfv1figs-rquestionτί κόπους παρέχετε τῇ γυναικί?1Why are you causing trouble for this woman?

Jesus asks this question as a rebuke of his disciples. Alternate translation: “You should not be troubling this woman!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2516MAT2610fg3vfigs-youπαρέχετε1are you causing

All occurrences of “you” are plural and refer to the disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2517MAT2611wsp9figs-nominaladjτοὺς πτωχοὺς1the poor

This can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “poor people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

2518MAT2612vk5wτὸ μύρον1ointment

This is oil that has a pleasing smell. See how you translated this in Matthew 26:7.

2519MAT2613xs1wἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

“I tell you the truth.” This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

2520MAT2613g45lfigs-activepassiveὅπου ἐὰν κηρυχθῇ τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦτο1wherever this good news is preached

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “wherever people preach this good news” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2521MAT2613s12mfigs-activepassiveλαληθήσεται καὶ ὃ ἐποίησεν αὕτη εἰς μνημόσυνον αὐτῆς1what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they will remember what this woman has done and will tell others about her” or “people will remember what this woman has done and will tell others about her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2522MAT2614i3dy0Connecting Statement:

Judas Iscariot agrees to help the Jewish leaders arrest and kill Jesus.

2523MAT2615es4bκἀγὼ ὑμῖν παραδώσω αὐτόν1if I betray him to you

“to bring Jesus to you”

2524MAT2615x7zxτριάκοντα ἀργύρια1thirty pieces of silver

Since these words are the same as those in an Old Testament prophecy, keep this form instead of changing it to modern money.

2525MAT2615lyl7translate-numbersτριάκοντα ἀργύρια1thirty pieces of silver

“30 pieces” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

2526MAT2616w1e4ἵνα αὐτὸν παραδῷ1to betray him

“to give him over to them”

2527MAT2617e7wc0Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of Jesus celebrating the Passover with his disciples.

2528MAT2617f3s2δὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story.

2529MAT2618hc78figs-quotesinquotesὁ δὲ εἶπεν, ὑπάγετε 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.1He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, The Teacher says, “My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.”’”

This has quotations within quotations. You can state some of the direct quotations as indirect quotations. Alternate translation: “He told his disciples to go into the city to a certain man and tell him that the Teacher says to him, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’” or “He told his disciples to go into the city to a certain man and say to him that the Teachers time is at hand and he will keep the Passover with his disciples at that mans house.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

2530MAT2618r4tgὁ καιρός μου1My time

Possible meanings are (1) “The time that I told you about” or (2) “The time God has set for me.”

2531MAT2618a4i5figs-idiomἐγγύς ἐστιν1is near

Possible meanings are (1) “is near” or (2) “has come.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2532MAT2618j9pzποιῶ τὸ Πάσχα1I will keep the Passover

“eat the Passover meal” or “celebrate the Passover by eating the special meal”

2533MAT2620bga4ἀνέκειτο1he reclined to eat

Use the word for the position people in your culture usually are in when they eat.

2534MAT2621ehx6ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

“I tell you the truth.” This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

2535MAT2622n12rfigs-rquestionμήτι ἐγώ εἰμι, Κύριε?1Surely not I, Lord?

“I am surely not the one, am I, Lord?” Possible meanings are (1) this is a rhetorical question since the apostles were sure they would not betray Jesus. Alternate translation: “Lord, I would never betray you!” or (2) this was a sincere question since Jesus statement probably troubled and confused them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2536MAT2624n7dwfigs-123personὁ μὲν Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1The Son of Man

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

2537MAT2624x2n9figs-euphemismὑπάγει1will go

Here “go” is a polite way to refer to dying. Alternate translation: “will go to his death” or “will die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

2538MAT2624vix3figs-activepassiveκαθὼς γέγραπται περὶ αὐτοῦ1just as it is written about him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “just as the prophets wrote about him in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2539MAT2624hai5figs-activepassiveτῷ ἀνθρώπῳ ἐκείνῳ δι’ οὗ ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοται1that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the man who betrays the Son of Man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2540MAT2625vpq1figs-rquestionμήτι ἐγώ εἰμι, Ῥαββεί?1Surely it is not I, Rabbi?

“Rabbi, am I the one who will betray you?” Judas may be using a rhetorical question to deny that he is the one who will betray Jesus. Alternate translation: “Rabbi, surely I am not the one who will betray you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2541MAT2625y9lkfigs-idiomσὺ εἶπας1You have said it yourself

This is an idiom that Jesus uses to mean “yes” without being completely clear about what he means. Alternate translation: “You are saying it” or “You are admitting it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2542MAT2626qh160Connecting Statement:

Jesus institutes the Lords Supper as he celebrates the Passover with his disciples.

2543MAT2626mr5uλαβὼν…εὐλογήσας ἔκλασεν1took…blessed…broke

See how you translated these words in Matthew 14:19.

2544MAT2627jd53καὶ λαβὼν1He took

Translate “took” as you did in Matthew 14:19.

2545MAT2627tn39figs-metonymyποτήριον1a cup

Here “cup” refers to the cup and the wine in it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2546MAT2627zb1iἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς1gave it to them

“gave it to the disciples”

2547MAT2627a9meπίετε ἐξ αὐτοῦ1Drink from it

“Drink the wine from this cup”

2548MAT2628l55aτοῦτο γάρ ἐστιν τὸ αἷμά μου1For this is my blood

“For this wine is my blood”

2549MAT2628ct81τὸ αἷμά…τῆς διαθήκης1blood of the covenant

“blood that shows that the covenant is in effect” or “blood that makes the covenant possible”

2550MAT2628bms3figs-activepassiveἐκχυννόμενον1is poured out

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “will soon flow out of my body” or “will flow out of my wounds when I die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2551MAT2629l556λέγω…ὑμῖν1I say to you

This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

2552MAT2629h85bfigs-idiomτοῦ γενήματος τῆς ἀμπέλου1the fruit of the vine

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “wine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2553MAT2629q8zsfigs-metonymyἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ τοῦ Πατρός μου1in my Fathers kingdom

Here “kingdom” refers to Gods rule as king. Alternate translation: “when my Father establishes his rule on earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2554MAT2629m9vqguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου1my Fathers

This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

2555MAT2630nzy20General Information:

In verse 31, Jesus quotes the prophet Zechariah to show that in order to fulfill prophecy, all of his disciples will leave him.

2556MAT2630nkw20Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to teach his disciples as they walk to the Mount of Olives.

2557MAT2630ed5kκαὶ ὑμνήσαντες1When they had sung a hymn

a song of praise to God

2558MAT2631v8ylσκανδαλισθήσεσθε1will fall away

“leave me”

2559MAT2631iap6figs-activepassiveγέγραπται γάρ1for it is written

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “for the prophet Zechariah wrote long ago in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2560MAT2631u1t5figs-explicitπατάξω1I will strike

Here “I” refers to God. It is implied that God will cause or allow people to harm and kill Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2561MAT2631mc1efigs-metaphorτὸν ποιμένα…τὰ πρόβατα τῆς ποίμνης1the shepherd…the sheep of the flock

These are metaphors that refer to Jesus and the disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2562MAT2631rvk1figs-activepassiveδιασκορπισθήσονται τὰ πρόβατα τῆς ποίμνης1the sheep of the flock will be scattered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they will scatter all the sheep of the flock” or “the sheep of the flock will run off in all directions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2563MAT2632pj2ufigs-activepassiveμετὰ…τὸ ἐγερθῆναί με1after I am raised up

Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “after God raises me up” or “after God brings me back to life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2564MAT2633m2unσκανδαλισθήσονται1fall away

See how you translated this in Matthew 26:31.

2565MAT2634sf9xἀμὴν, λέγω σοι1Truly I say to you

“I tell you the truth.” This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

2566MAT2634ui4yfigs-metonymyπρὶν ἀλέκτορα φωνῆσαι1before the rooster crows

Roosters often crow about the time the sun comes up, so the hearers might have understood these words as a metonym for the sun coming up. However, the actual crowing of a rooster is an important part of the story later on, so keep the word “rooster” in the translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2567MAT2634lx5iἀλέκτορα1rooster

a male chicken, a bird that calls out loudly around the time the sun comes up

2568MAT2634h66wφωνῆσαι1crows

This is the common English word for what a rooster does to make his loud call.

2569MAT2634b2rhτρὶς ἀπαρνήσῃ με1you will deny me three times

“you will say three times that you are not my follower”

2570MAT2636lm3n0Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of Jesus praying in Gethsemane.

2571MAT2637ny4mἤρξατο λυπεῖσθαι1began to become sorrowful

“he became very sad”

2572MAT2638gf7kfigs-synecdocheπερίλυπός ἐστιν ἡ ψυχή μου1My soul is deeply sorrowful

Here “soul” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “I am very sad” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2573MAT2638c43tfigs-idiomἕως θανάτου1even to death

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “and I feel as if I could even die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2574MAT2639kcz4figs-idiomἔπεσεν ἐπὶ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ1fell on his face

He purposely lay face down on the ground to pray. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2575MAT2639nuv7guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΠάτερ μου1My Father

This is an important title for God that shows the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

2576MAT2639f254figs-metaphorπαρελθέτω ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ τὸ ποτήριον τοῦτο1let this cup pass from me

Jesus speaks of the work that he must do, including dying on the cross, as if it were a bitter liquid that God has commanded him to drink from a cup. The word “cup” is an important word in the New Testament, so try to use an equivalent for that in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2577MAT2639i7rrfigs-metonymyτὸ ποτήριον τοῦτο1this cup

Here “cup” is a metonym that stands for the cup and the contents within it. The contents in the cup are a metaphor for the suffering that Jesus will have to endure. Jesus is asking the Father if it is possible for him not to have to experience the death and suffering that Jesus knows will soon happen. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2578MAT2639k5infigs-ellipsisπλὴν οὐχ ὡς ἐγὼ θέλω, ἀλλ’ ὡς σύ1Yet, not as I will, but as you will

This can be expressed as a full sentence. Alternate translation: “But do not do what I want; instead, do what you want” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2579MAT2640ev7sfigs-youλέγει τῷ Πέτρῳ, οὕτως οὐκ ἰσχύσατε…γρηγορῆσαι1he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch

Jesus is speaking to Peter, but the “you” is plural, referring to Peter, James, and John. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2580MAT2640c11afigs-rquestionοὕτως οὐκ ἰσχύσατε μίαν ὥραν γρηγορῆσαι μετ’ ἐμοῦ?1So, could you not watch with me for one hour?

Jesus uses a question to scold Peter, James, and John. Alternate translation: “I am disappointed that you could not stay awake with me for one hour!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2581MAT2641buv4figs-abstractnounsμὴ εἰσέλθητε εἰς πειρασμόν1you do not enter into temptation

Here the abstract noun “temptation” can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: “no one tempts you to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

2582MAT2641ny5wfigs-metonymyτὸ μὲν πνεῦμα πρόθυμον, ἡ δὲ σὰρξ ἀσθενής1The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak

Here “spirit” is a metonym that stands for a persons desires to do good. “Flesh” stands for the needs and desires of a persons body. Jesus means that the disciples may have the desire to do what God wants, but as humans they are weak and often fail. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2583MAT2642pz9lἀπελθὼν1He went away

“Jesus went away”

2584MAT2642tqp8translate-ordinalἐκ δευτέρου1a second time

The first time is described in Matthew 26:39. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

2585MAT2642ch7tguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΠάτερ μου1My Father

This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

2586MAT2642b6cnfigs-metaphorεἰ οὐ δύναται τοῦτο παρελθεῖν, ἐὰν μὴ αὐτὸ πίω1if this cannot pass away unless I drink it

“if the only way this can pass away is if I drink it.” Jesus speaks of the work that he must do as if it were a bitter liquid that God has commanded him to drink. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2587MAT2642td6gfigs-metaphorεἰ…τοῦτο1if this

Here “this” refers to the cup and the contents within it, a metaphor for suffering, as in Matthew 26:39. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2588MAT2642i135figs-metaphorἐὰν μὴ αὐτὸ πίω1unless I drink it

“unless I drink from it” or “unless I drink from this cup of suffering.” Here “it” refers to the cup and the contents within it, a metaphor for suffering, as in Matthew 26:39. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2589MAT2642xsk1figs-activepassiveγενηθήτω τὸ θέλημά σου1your will be done

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “may what you want happen” or “do what you want to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2590MAT2643lts9figs-idiomἦσαν…αὐτῶν οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ βεβαρημένοι1their eyes were heavy

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “they were very sleepy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2591MAT2644v3i9translate-ordinalἐκ τρίτου1a third time

The first time is described in Matthew 26:39. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

2592MAT2645vvp9figs-rquestionκαθεύδετε τὸ λοιπὸν καὶ ἀναπαύεσθε?1Are you still sleeping and taking your rest?

Jesus uses a question to scold the disciples for going to sleep. Alternate translation: “I am disappointed that you are still sleeping and resting!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2593MAT2645rw3rfigs-idiomἤγγικεν ἡ ὥρα1the hour is approaching

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “the time has come” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2594MAT2645g9hifigs-activepassiveὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοται1the Son of Man is being betrayed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone is betraying the Son of Man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2595MAT2645ell4figs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

2596MAT2645g9ebfigs-metonymyπαραδίδοται εἰς χεῖρας ἁμαρτωλῶν1is being betrayed into the hands of sinners

Here “hands” refers to power or control. Alternate translation: “betrayed into the power of sinners” or “betrayed so that sinners will have power over him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2597MAT2645yx8vἰδοὺ1Look

“Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

2598MAT2647hsv70Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of when Judas betrayed Jesus and the religious leaders arrested him.

2599MAT2647rlp9καὶ ἔτι αὐτοῦ λαλοῦντος1While he was still speaking

“While Jesus was still speaking”

2600MAT2647e26hξύλων1clubs

large pieces of hard wood for hitting people

2601MAT2648qb4ywriting-backgroundδὲ…κρατήσατε αὐτόν1Now…Seize him

Here “Now” is used to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew tells background information about Judas and the signal he planned to use to betray Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

2602MAT2648gw8mfigs-quotationsλέγων, ὃν ἂν φιλήσω, αὐτός ἐστιν; κρατήσατε αὐτόν.1saying, “Whomever I kiss, he is the one. Seize him.”

This direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “saying that whomever he kissed was the one they should seize.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

2603MAT2648m23zὃν ἂν φιλήσω1Whomever I kiss

“The one I kiss” or “The man whom I kiss”

2604MAT2648nr34φιλήσω1I kiss

This was a respectful way to greet ones teacher.

2605MAT2649uig8προσελθὼν τῷ Ἰησοῦ1he came up to Jesus

“Judas came up to Jesus”

2606MAT2649cyb7κατεφίλησεν αὐτόν1he kissed him

“met him with a kiss.” Good friends would kiss each other on the cheek, but a disciple would probably kiss his master on the hand to show respect. No one knows for sure how Judas kissed Jesus.

2607MAT2650w3d6τότε προσελθόντες1Then they came

Here “they” refers to the people with clubs and swords that came with Judas and the religious leaders.

2608MAT2650vmd1ἐπέβαλον τὰς χεῖρας ἐπὶ τὸν Ἰησοῦν, καὶ ἐκράτησαν αὐτόν1laid hands on Jesus, and seized him

“grabbed Jesus, and arrested him”

2609MAT2651vm6sκαὶ ἰδοὺ1Behold

The word “behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

2610MAT2652tj6nfigs-metonymyοἱ λαβόντες μάχαιραν1those who take up the sword

The word “sword” is a metonym for the act of killing someone with a sword. The implied information can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “who pick up a sword to kill others” or “who want to kill other people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2611MAT2652w357μάχαιραν, ἐν μαχαίρῃ ἀπολοῦνται1the sword will perish by the sword

“sword will die by means of the sword” or “sword—it is with the sword that someone will kill them”

2612MAT2653kgx8figs-rquestionἢ δοκεῖς ὅτι οὐ δύναμαι παρακαλέσαι…ἀγγέλων1Or do you think that I could not call upon…angels?

Jesus uses a question to remind the person with the sword that Jesus could stop those who are arresting him. Alternate translation: “Surely you know that I could call…angels” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2613MAT2653eb7ifigs-youδοκεῖς1do you think

Here “you” is singular and refers to the person with the sword. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2614MAT2653g3zqguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτὸν Πατέρα μου1my Father

This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

2615MAT2653tfw8translate-numbersπλείω δώδεκα λεγιῶνας ἀγγέλων1more than twelve legions of angels

The word “legion” is a military term that refers to a group of about 6,000 soldiers. Jesus means God would send enough angels to easily stop those who are arresting Jesus. The exact number of angels is not important. Alternate translation: “more than 12 really large groups of angels” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

2616MAT2654teq5figs-rquestionπῶς οὖν πληρωθῶσιν αἱ Γραφαὶ, ὅτι οὕτως δεῖ γενέσθαι?1But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, that this must happen?

Jesus uses a question to explain why he is letting these people arrest him. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “But if I did that, I would not be able to fulfill what God said in the scriptures must happen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2617MAT2655yf4pfigs-rquestionὡς ἐπὶ λῃστὴν ἐξήλθατε μετὰ μαχαιρῶν καὶ ξύλων συνλαβεῖν με?1Have you come out with swords and clubs to seize me, as against a robber?

Jesus is using this question to point out the wrong actions of those arresting him. Alternate translation: “You know that I am not a robber, so it is wrong for you to come out to me bringing swords and clubs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2618MAT2655q9vqξύλων1clubs

large pieces of hard wood for hitting people

2619MAT2655e8dqfigs-explicitἐν τῷ ἱερῷ1in the temple

It is implied that Jesus was not in the actual temple. He was in the courtyard around the temple. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2620MAT2656ygn7figs-activepassiveπληρωθῶσιν αἱ Γραφαὶ τῶν προφητῶν1the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I would fulfill all that the prophets wrote in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2621MAT2656i2jpἀφέντες αὐτὸν1left him

If your language has a word that means they left him when they should have stayed with him, use it here.

2622MAT2657f6nj0Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of Jesus trial before the council of Jewish religious leaders.

2623MAT2658jui3ὁ δὲ Πέτρος ἠκολούθει αὐτῷ1But Peter followed him

“Peter followed Jesus”

2624MAT2658isd4τῆς αὐλῆς τοῦ ἀρχιερέως1the courtyard of the high priest

an open area near the high priests house

2625MAT2658v8thκαὶ εἰσελθὼν ἔσω1He went inside

“Peter went inside”

2626MAT2659i8jwδὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story.

2627MAT2659jwz5αὐτὸν θανατώσωσιν1they might put him to death

Here “they” refers to the chief priests and the members of the council.

2628MAT2659u6v9αὐτὸν θανατώσωσιν1they might put him to death

“might have a reason to execute him”

2629MAT2660m6n5προσελθόντες δύο1two came forward

“two men came forward” or “two witnesses came forward”

2630MAT2661a8lfwriting-quotationsεἶπον, οὗτος ἔφη, δύναμαι καταλῦσαι…διὰ τριῶν ἡμερῶν οἰκοδομῆσαι.1This man said, I am able to destroy…rebuild it in three days.

If your language does not allow quotes within quotes you can rewrite it as a single quote. Alternate translation: “This man said that he is able to destroy…days.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

2631MAT2661i5n4οὗτος ἔφη1This man said

“This man Jesus said”

2632MAT2661mbq1διὰ τριῶν ἡμερῶν1in three days

“within three days,” before the sun goes down three times, not “after three days,” after the sun has gone down the third time

2633MAT2662v6j9τί οὗτοί σου καταμαρτυροῦσιν?1What is it that they are testifying against you?

The chief priest is not asking Jesus for information about what the witnesses said. He is asking Jesus to prove what the witnesses said is wrong. Alternate translation: “What is your response to what the witnesses are testifying against you?”

2634MAT2663mm28guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ1the Son of God

This is an important title that describes the relationship between the Christ and God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

2635MAT2663lry9τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ζῶντος1the living God

Here “living” contrasts the God of Israel to all the false gods and idols that people worshiped. Only the God of Israel is alive and has power to act. See how you translated this in Matthew 16:16.

2636MAT2664gi6vfigs-idiomσὺ εἶπας1You have said it yourself

This is an idiom that Jesus uses to mean “yes” without being completely clear about what he means. Alternate translation: “You are saying it” or “You are admitting it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2637MAT2664zu47figs-youπλὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ἀπ’ ἄρτι ὄψεσθε1But I tell you, from now on you will see

Here “you” is plural. Jesus is speaking to the high priest and to the other persons there. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2638MAT2664ll8rἀπ’ ἄρτι ὄψεσθε τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1from now on you will see the Son of Man

Possible meanings are (1) the phrase “from now on” is an idiom that means they will see the Son of Man in his power at some time in the future or (2) the phrase “from now on” means that from the time of Jesus trial and onward, Jesus is showing himself to be the Messiah who is powerful and victorious.

2639MAT2664b6cbfigs-123personτὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

Jesus is speaking about himself in third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

2640MAT2664p5pxfigs-metonymyκαθήμενον ἐκ δεξιῶν τῆς δυνάμεως1sitting at the right hand of the Power

Here “Power” is metonym that represents God. To sit at the “right hand of God” is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: “sitting in the place of honor beside the all-powerful God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2641MAT2664urp9ἐρχόμενον ἐπὶ τῶν νεφελῶν τοῦ οὐρανοῦ1coming on the clouds of heaven

“riding to earth on the clouds of heaven”

2642MAT2665srg6translate-symactionὁ ἀρχιερεὺς διέρρηξεν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ1the high priest tore his clothes

Tearing clothing was a sign of anger and sadness. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2643MAT2665qq51figs-explicitἐβλασφήμησεν1He has spoken blasphemy

The reason the high priest called Jesus statement blasphemy is probably that he understood Jesus words in Matthew 26:64 as a claim to be equal with God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2644MAT2665t68tfigs-rquestionτί ἔτι χρείαν ἔχομεν μαρτύρων?1Why do we still need witnesses?

The high priest uses this question to emphasize that he and the members of the council do not need to hear from any more witnesses. Alternate translation: “We do not need to hear from any more witnesses!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2645MAT2665wh4hfigs-youνῦν ἠκούσατε1now you have heard

Here “you” is plural and refers to the members of the council. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2646MAT2667adc2τότε ἐνέπτυσαν1Then they spit

Possible meanings are (1) “Then some of the men” or (2) “Then the soldiers.”

2647MAT2667g1c2ἐνέπτυσαν εἰς τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ1they spit in his face

This was done as an insult.

2648MAT2668f2bjπροφήτευσον ἡμῖν1Prophesy to us

Here “Prophesy to us” means to tell by means of Gods power. It does not mean to tell what will happen in the future.

2649MAT2668b5xefigs-ironyΧριστέ1Christ

Those hitting Jesus do not really think he is the Christ. They call him this to mock him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

2650MAT2669bsb30General Information:

These events happen at the same time as Jesus trial before the religious leaders.

2651MAT2669h5ts0Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of how Peter denies three times that he knows Jesus, as Jesus said he would do.

2652MAT2669y21lδὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story.

2653MAT2670sp1tοὐκ οἶδα τί λέγεις1I do not know what you are talking about

Peter was able to understand what the servant girl was saying. He used these words to deny that he had been with Jesus.

2654MAT2671ief5ἐξελθόντα δὲ1When he went out

“When Peter went out”

2655MAT2671gyw8τὸν πυλῶνα1the gateway

opening in the wall around a courtyard

2656MAT2671s7c4λέγει τοῖς ἐκεῖ1said to those there

“said to the people who were sitting there”

2657MAT2672e5xlκαὶ πάλιν ἠρνήσατο μετὰ ὅρκου, ὅτι οὐκ οἶδα τὸν ἄνθρωπον.1He again denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man!”

“he denied it again by swearing, I do not know the man!’”

2658MAT2673hde3ἐξ αὐτῶν1one of them

“one of those who were with Jesus”

2659MAT2673w8wwγὰρ ἡ λαλιά σου δῆλόν σε ποιεῖ1for your speech gives you away

This can be translated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: “We can tell you are from Galilee because you speak like a Galilean”

2660MAT2674edd8καταθεματίζειν1to curse

“to call down a curse on himself”

2661MAT2674w87bἀλέκτωρ ἐφώνησεν1a rooster crowed

A rooster is a bird that calls out loudly around the time the sun comes up. The sound a rooster makes is called “crowing.” See how you translated this in Matthew 26:34.

2662MAT2675nx3jfigs-quotationsκαὶ ἐμνήσθη ὁ Πέτρος τοῦ ῥήματος Ἰησοῦ εἰρηκότος, ὅτι πρὶν ἀλέκτορα φωνῆσαι, τρὶς ἀπαρνήσῃ με1Then Peter remembered the words that Jesus had said, “Before the rooster crows you will deny me three times.”

This direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “Peter remembered that Jesus told him that before the rooster crowed, he would deny Jesus three times” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

2663MAT27introdeu40

Matthew 27 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

“Delivered him to Pilate the governor”

The Jewish leaders needed to get permission from Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, before they could kill Jesus. This was because Roman law did not allow them to kill Jesus themselves. Pilate wanted to set Jesus free, but they wanted him to free a very bad prisoner named Barabbas.

The tomb

The tomb in which Jesus was buried (Matthew 27:60) was the kind of tomb in which wealthy Jewish families buried their dead. It was an actual room cut into a rock. It had a flat place on one side where they could place the body after they had put oil and spices on it and wrapped it in cloth. Then they would roll a large rock in front of the tomb so no one could see inside or enter.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Sarcasm

The soldiers said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” (Matthew 27:29) to mock Jesus. They did not think that he was the king of the Jews. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

2664MAT271hvr40Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of Jesus trial before Pilate.

2665MAT271qe1sδὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story.

2666MAT271cm46figs-explicitσυμβούλιον ἔλαβον…κατὰ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ, ὥστε θανατῶσαι αὐτόν1plotted against Jesus to put him to death

The Jewish leaders were planning how they could convince the Roman leaders to kill Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2667MAT273vzf9figs-events0General Information:

This event happened after Jesus trial in front of the council of Jewish religious leaders, but we do not know if it happened before or during Jesus trial before Pilate. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])

2668MAT273bk8i0Connecting Statement:

The author has stopped telling the story of Jesus trial so he can tell the story of how Judas killed himself.

2669MAT273qm12τότε ἰδὼν Ἰούδας1Then when Judas saw

If your language has a way of showing that a new story is starting, you may want to use that here.

2670MAT273v9vjfigs-activepassiveὅτι κατεκρίθη1that Jesus had been condemned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that the Jewish leaders had condemned Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2671MAT273pe4nτὰ τριάκοντα ἀργύρια1the thirty pieces of silver

This was the money that the chief priests had given Judas to betray Jesus. See how you translated it in Matthew 26:15.

2672MAT274f6u8figs-idiomαἷμα ἀθῷον1innocent blood

This is an idiom that refers to the death of an innocent person. Alternate translation: “a person who does not deserve to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2673MAT274mf6bfigs-rquestionτί πρὸς ἡμᾶς?1What is that to us?

The Jewish leaders use this question to emphasize that they do not care about what Judas said. Alternate translation: “That is not our problem!” or “That is your problem!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2674MAT275tuh4ῥίψας τὰ ἀργύρια εἰς τὸν ναὸν1he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple

Possible meanings are (1) he threw the pieces of silver while in the temple courtyard, or (2) he was standing in the temple courtyard, and he threw the pieces of silver into the temple.

2675MAT276r5r9οὐκ ἔξεστιν βαλεῖν αὐτὰ1It is not lawful to put this

“Our laws do not allow us to put this”

2676MAT276ce2xβαλεῖν αὐτὰ1to put this

“put this silver”

2677MAT276gtp3figs-explicitτὸν κορβανᾶν1the treasury

This is the place they kept the money they used to provide for things needed for the temple and the priests. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2678MAT276j2l8figs-idiomτιμὴ αἵματός1the price of blood

This is an idiom that means money paid to a person who helped kill someone. Alternate translation: “money paid for a man to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2679MAT277mtg6τὸν Ἀγρὸν τοῦ Κεραμέως1the potters field

This was a field that was bought to bury strangers who died in Jerusalem.

2680MAT278nts8figs-activepassiveἐκλήθη ὁ ἀγρὸς ἐκεῖνος1that field has been called

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “people call that field” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2681MAT278ag2nἕως τῆς σήμερον1to this day

This means to the time that Matthew is writing this book.

2682MAT279g1gc0General Information:

The author quotes Old Testament scripture to show that Judas suicide was a fulfillment of prophecy.

2683MAT279rj3ufigs-activepassiveτότε ἐπληρώθη τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ Ἰερεμίου τοῦ προφήτου1Then that which had been spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “This fulfilled what the prophet Jeremiah spoke” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2684MAT279t1djfigs-activepassiveτὴν τιμὴν τοῦ τετιμημένου, ὃν ἐτιμήσαντο ἀπὸ υἱῶν Ἰσραήλ1the price set on him by the sons of Israel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the price the people of Israel set on him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2685MAT279d7l7figs-metonymyυἱῶν Ἰσραήλ1the sons of Israel

This refers to those among the people of Israel who paid to kill Jesus. Alternate translation: “some of the people of Israel” or “the leaders of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2686MAT2710c2chσυνέταξέν μοι1had directed me

Here “me” refers to Jeremiah.

2687MAT2711pjc50Connecting Statement:

This continues the story of Jesus trial before Pilate, which began in Matthew 27:2.

2688MAT2711we3aδὲ1Now

If your language has a way of continuing a story after a break from the main story line, you may want to use it here.

2689MAT2711a2e7τοῦ ἡγεμόνος1the governor

“Pilate”

2690MAT2711a6cmfigs-explicitαὐτῷ σὺ λέγεις1It is as you say

Possible meanings are (1) by saying this, Jesus implied that he is the King of the Jews. Alternate translation: “Yes, as you said, I am” or “Yes. It is as you said” or (2) by saying this, Jesus was saying that Pilate, not Jesus, was the one calling him the King of the Jews. Alternate translation: “You yourself have said so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2691MAT2712vl3afigs-activepassiveκαὶ ἐν τῷ κατηγορεῖσθαι αὐτὸν ὑπὸ τῶν ἀρχιερέων καὶ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων1But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “But when the chief priests and elders accused him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2692MAT2713wn2rfigs-rquestionοὐκ ἀκούεις πόσα σου καταμαρτυροῦσιν?1Do you not hear all the charges against you?

Pilate asks this question because he is surprised that Jesus remains silent. Alternate translation: “I am surprised that you do not answer these people who accuse you of doing bad things!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2693MAT2714hbm8οὐκ ἀπεκρίθη αὐτῷ πρὸς οὐδὲ ἓν ῥῆμα, ὥστε θαυμάζειν τὸν ἡγεμόνα λίαν1did not answer him even one charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed

“did not say even one word; this greatly amazed the governor.” This is an emphatic way of saying that Jesus was completely silent.

2694MAT2715jjp8writing-backgroundδὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line so Matthew can give information to help the reader understand what happens beginning in Matthew 27:17. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

2695MAT2715p1haἑορτὴν1the feast

This is the feast for the Passover celebration.

2696MAT2715pfk6figs-activepassiveἕνα τῷ ὄχλῳ δέσμιον, ὃν ἤθελον1to the crowd one prisoner whom they chose

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “prisoner whom the crowd would choose” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2697MAT2716q2iuεἶχον…δέσμιον ἐπίσημον1they had a notorious prisoner

“there was a notorious prisoner”

2698MAT2716svr2ἐπίσημον1notorious

well known for doing something bad

2699MAT2717d8hvfigs-activepassiveσυνηγμένων…αὐτῶν1when they were gathered together

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the crowd gathered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2700MAT2717wrl3figs-activepassiveἸησοῦν, τὸν λεγόμενον Χριστόν1Jesus who is called Christ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “whom some people call the Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2701MAT2718jq3cπαρέδωκαν αὐτόν1they had handed Jesus over to him

“the Jewish leaders had brought Jesus to him.” They had done this so that Pilate would judge Jesus.

2702MAT2719t3mxκαθημένου δὲ αὐτοῦ1But while he was sitting

“While Pilate was sitting”

2703MAT2719s5pcκαθημένου…ἐπὶ τοῦ βήματος1was sitting on the judgment seat

“sitting on the judges seat.” This is where a judge would sit while making a decision.

2704MAT2719w4i8ἀπέστειλεν1sent word

“sent a message”

2705MAT2719an95πολλὰ…ἔπαθον σήμερον1I have suffered much today

“I have been very upset today”

2706MAT2720ax1iwriting-backgroundδὲ…τὸν δὲ Ἰησοῦν ἀπολέσωσιν1Now…but have Jesus killed

Here “now” is used to mark a break in the main story line. Matthew tells background information about why the crowd chose Barabbas. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

2707MAT2720et2mfigs-activepassiveτὸν δὲ Ἰησοῦν ἀπολέσωσιν1but have Jesus killed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “have the Roman soldiers kill Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2708MAT2721x6vfεἶπεν αὐτοῖς1said to them

“asked the crowd”

2709MAT2722zl85figs-activepassiveτὸν λεγόμενον Χριστόν1who is called Christ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “whom some people call the Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2710MAT2723m5jmἐποίησεν1has he done

“has Jesus done”

2711MAT2723nb7pοἱ…ἔκραζον1they cried out

“the crowd cried out”

2712MAT2724yj8ttranslate-symactionἀπενίψατο τὰς χεῖρας ἀπέναντι τοῦ ὄχλου1washed his hands in front of the crowd

Pilate does this as a sign that he is not responsible for Jesus death. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2713MAT2724u1fefigs-metonymyτοῦ αἵματος1the blood

Here “blood” refers to a persons death. Alternate translation: “the death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2714MAT2724de8wὑμεῖς ὄψεσθε1See to it yourselves

“This is your responsibility”

2715MAT2725n5k1figs-metonymyτὸ αἷμα αὐτοῦ ἐφ’ ἡμᾶς καὶ ἐπὶ τὰ τέκνα ἡμῶν1May his blood be on us and our children

Here “blood” is a metonym that stands for a persons death. The phrase “be on us and our children” is an idiom that means they accept the responsibility of what is happening. Alternate translation: “Yes! We and our descendants will be responsible for executing him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2716MAT2726yb5yτότε ἀπέλυσεν αὐτοῖς τὸν Βαραββᾶν1Then he released Barabbas to them

“Then Pilate released Barabbas to the crowd”

2717MAT2726m63dfigs-explicitτὸν δὲ Ἰησοῦν φραγελλώσας, παρέδωκεν ἵνα σταυρωθῇ1but he scourged Jesus and handed him over to be crucified

It is implied that Pilate ordered his soldiers to scourge Jesus. Handing Jesus over to be crucified is a metaphor for ordering his soldiers to crucify Jesus. Alternate translation: “he ordered his soldiers to scourge Jesus and to crucify him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] )

2718MAT2726y3kfτὸν…Ἰησοῦν φραγελλώσας1he scourged Jesus

“beat Jesus with a whip” or “whipped Jesus”

2719MAT2727zz450Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of Jesus crucifixion and death.

2720MAT2727bn22τὴν σπεῖραν1the company of soldiers

“group of soldiers”

2721MAT2728nx81καὶ ἐκδύσαντες αὐτὸν1They stripped him

“pulled off his clothes”

2722MAT2728qsz5κοκκίνην1scarlet

bright red

2723MAT2729yw94στέφανον ἐξ ἀκανθῶν1a crown of thorns

“a crown made of thorny branches” or “a crown made of branches with thorns on them”

2724MAT2729dlz7κάλαμον ἐν τῇ δεξιᾷ αὐτοῦ1a staff in his right hand

They gave Jesus a stick to hold to represent a scepter that a king holds. They did this to mock Jesus.

2725MAT2729qf8jfigs-ironyχαῖρε, ὁ Βασιλεῦ τῶν Ἰουδαίων1Hail, King of the Jews

They were saying this to mock Jesus. They were calling Jesus “King of the Jews,” but they did not really believe he was a king. And yet what they were saying was true. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

2726MAT2729gf6aχαῖρε1Hail

“We honor you” or “May you live a long time”

2727MAT2730ib5qκαὶ ἐμπτύσαντες εἰς αὐτὸν1They spat on him

“using their spit, the soldiers spat on Jesus”

2728MAT2732j5wqfigs-explicitἐξερχόμενοι1As they came out

This means Jesus and the soldiers came out of the city. Alternate translation: “As they came out of Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2729MAT2732ies4εὗρον ἄνθρωπον1they found a man

“the soldiers saw a man”

2730MAT2732sfj2τοῦτον ἠγγάρευσαν ἵνα ἄρῃ τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ1whom they forced to go with them so that he might carry his cross

“whom the soldiers forced to go with them so that he could carry Jesus cross”

2731MAT2733j6hbfigs-activepassiveτόπον λεγόμενον Γολγοθᾶ1a place called Golgotha

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “place that people called Golgotha” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2732MAT2734f11jfigs-activepassiveαὐτῷ πιεῖν οἶνον μετὰ χολῆς μεμιγμένον1him wine to drink mixed with gall

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “him wine, which they had mixed with gall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2733MAT2734e2ukχολῆς1gall

the bitter, yellow liquid that bodies use in digestion

2734MAT2735a1y1figs-explicitτὰ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ1his garments

These were the clothes Jesus had been wearing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2735MAT2737j4s4τὴν αἰτίαν αὐτοῦ1the charge against him

“a written explanation of why he was being crucified”

2736MAT2738zq4bfigs-activepassiveτότε σταυροῦνται σὺν αὐτῷ δύο λῃσταί1Then two robbers were crucified with him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The soldiers crucified two robbers with Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2737MAT2739d4fmtranslate-symactionκινοῦντες τὰς κεφαλὰς αὐτῶν1shaking their heads

They did this to make fun of Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2738MAT2740t23ifigs-explicitεἰ υἱὸς εἶ τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ κατάβηθι ἀπὸ τοῦ σταυροῦ1If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross

They did not believe that Jesus is the Son of God, so they wanted him to prove it if it was true. Alternate translation: “If you are the Son of God, prove it by coming down from the cross” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2739MAT2740b5lwguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesυἱὸς…τοῦ Θεοῦ1the Son of God

This is an important title for the Christ that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

2740MAT2742ff4dfigs-ironyἄλλους ἔσωσεν, ἑαυτὸν οὐ δύναται σῶσαι1He saved others, but he cannot save himself

Possible meanings are (1) the Jewish leaders do not believe that Jesus saved others or that he can save himself, or (2) they believe he did save others but are laughing at him because now he cannot save himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

2741MAT2742j6l7figs-ironyΒασιλεὺς Ἰσραήλ ἐστιν,1He is the King of Israel!

The leaders are mocking Jesus. They call him “King of Israel,” but they do not really believe he is king. Alternate translation: “He says that he is the King of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

2742MAT2743w46n0Connecting Statement:

The Jewish leaders continue mocking Jesus.

2743MAT2743cl97figs-quotesinquotesεἶπεν γὰρ, ὅτι Θεοῦ εἰμι Υἱός.1For he said, I am the Son of God.

This is a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “For Jesus even said that he is the Son of God.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

2744MAT2743uw85guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΘεοῦ…Υἱός1the Son of God

This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

2745MAT2744e26yfigs-activepassiveοἱ λῃσταὶ, οἱ συνσταυρωθέντες σὺν αὐτῷ1the robbers who were crucified with him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the robbers that the soldiers crucified with Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2746MAT2745e7z4δὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story.

2747MAT2745s2l7ἀπὸ…ἕκτης ὥρας…ἕως ὥρας ἐνάτης1from the sixth hour…until the ninth hour

“from about noon…for three hours” or “from about twelve oclock midday…until about three oclock in the afternoon”

2748MAT2745pi8efigs-abstractnounsσκότος ἐγένετο ἐπὶ πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν1darkness came over the whole land

The word “darkness” is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “it became dark over the whole land” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

2749MAT2746qyp7ἀνεβόησεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς1Jesus cried out

“Jesus called out” or “Jesus shouted”

2750MAT2746xub2translate-transliterateἘλωῒ, Ἐλωῒ, λεμὰ σαβαχθάνει1Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani

These words are what Jesus cried out in his own language. Translators usually leave these words as is. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])

2751MAT2748jm37εἷς ἐξ αὐτῶν1one of them

Possible meanings are (1) one of the soldiers or (2) one of those who stood by and watched.

2752MAT2748bsy1σπόγγον1a sponge

This is a sea animal that is harvested and used to take up and hold liquids. These liquids can later be pushed out.

2753MAT2748ny3eἐπότιζεν αὐτόν1gave it to him to drink

“gave it to Jesus”

2754MAT2750fj1vfigs-euphemismἀφῆκεν τὸ πνεῦμα1gave up his spirit

Here “spirit” refers to that which gives life to a person. This phrase is a way of saying that Jesus died. Alternate translation: “he died, giving his spirit over to God” or “he breathed his last breath” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

2755MAT2751w1wq0Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of the events that happened when Jesus died.

2756MAT2751a92gἰδοὺ1Behold

The word “behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

2757MAT2751m1icfigs-activepassiveτὸ καταπέτασμα τοῦ ναοῦ ἐσχίσθη εἰς δύο1the curtain of the temple was split in two

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the curtain of the temple tore in two” or “God caused the curtain of the temple to tear in two” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2758MAT2752a1cufigs-activepassiveκαὶ τὰ μνημεῖα ἀνεῴχθησαν, καὶ πολλὰ σώματα τῶν κεκοιμημένων ἁγίων ἠγέρθη1The tombs were opened, and the bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God opened the tombs and raised the bodies of many godly people who had died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2759MAT2752kj3rfigs-idiomσώματα τῶν κεκοιμημένων ἁγίων ἠγέρθη1the bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised

Here to raise is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “God put life back into to the dead bodies of many godly people who had fallen asleep” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2760MAT2752hgn1figs-euphemismκεκοιμημένων1who had fallen asleep

This is a polite way of referring to dying. Alternate translation: “died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

2761MAT2753q2x5καὶ ἐξελθόντες ἐκ…ἐνεφανίσθησαν πολλοῖς1They came out…appeared to many

The order of the events that Matthew describes (beginning with the words “The tombs were opened” in verse 52) is unclear. After the earthquake when Jesus died and the tombs were opened (1) the holy people came back to life, and then, after Jesus came back to life, the holy people entered Jerusalem, where many people saw them, or (2) Jesus came back to life, and then the holy ones came back to life and entered the city, where many people saw them.

2762MAT2754f6rzδὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story.

2763MAT2754vv2gfigs-explicitοἱ…τηροῦντες τὸν Ἰησοῦν1those who were watching Jesus

“those who were guarding Jesus.” This refers to the other soldiers who were guarding Jesus with the centurion. Alternate translation: “the other soldiers with him who were guarding Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2764MAT2754gw6nguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΘεοῦ Υἱὸς1the Son of God

This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

2765MAT2756ud33ἡ μήτηρ τῶν υἱῶν Ζεβεδαίου1the mother of the sons of Zebedee

“the mother of James and John” or “the wife of Zebedee”

2766MAT2757wm5z0Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of Jesus burial.

2767MAT2757sy9ytranslate-namesἉριμαθαίας1Arimathea

This is the name of a city in Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2768MAT2758c69nfigs-activepassiveτότε ὁ Πειλᾶτος ἐκέλευσεν ἀποδοθῆναι1Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Then Pilate ordered the soldiers to give the body of Jesus to Joseph” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2769MAT2759kj7uσινδόνι1a linen cloth

a fine, costly cloth

2770MAT2760hvs8figs-explicitὃ ἐλατόμησεν ἐν τῇ πέτρᾳ1that he had cut into the rock

It is implied that Joseph had workers who cut the tomb into the rock. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2771MAT2760lt4kfigs-explicitκαὶ προσκυλίσας λίθον μέγαν1Then he rolled a large stone

Most likely Joseph had other people there to help him roll the stone. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2772MAT2761ihr8ἀπέναντι τοῦ τάφου1opposite the tomb

“across from the tomb”

2773MAT2762qj59τὴν παρασκευήν1the Preparation

This is the day that people got everything ready for the Sabbath.

2774MAT2762j57nσυνήχθησαν…πρὸς Πειλᾶτον1were gathered together with Pilate

“met with Pilate”

2775MAT2763sc6yἐκεῖνος ὁ πλάνος…ἔτι ζῶν1when that deceiver was alive

“when Jesus, the deceiver, was alive”

2776MAT2763ri5sfigs-quotesinquotesεἶπεν…μετὰ τρεῖς ἡμέρας ἐγείρομαι.1he said, After three days will I rise again.

This has a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “he said that after three days he will rise again.” or “he said that after three day he would rise again.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

2777MAT2764b8n2figs-activepassiveκέλευσον…ἀσφαλισθῆναι τὸν τάφον1command that the tomb be made secure

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “command your soldiers to guard the tomb” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2778MAT2764hbh8translate-ordinalτῆς τρίτης ἡμέρας1the third day

(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

2779MAT2764pwc8ἐλθόντες οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ, κλέψωσιν αὐτὸν1his disciples may come and steal him

“his disciples may come and steal his body”

2780MAT2764t78sfigs-quotesinquotesἐλθόντες οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ…εἴπωσιν τῷ λαῷ, ἠγέρθη ἀπὸ τῶν νεκρῶν; καὶ1his disciples may come…say to the people, He has risen from the dead, and

This has a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “his disciples may…tell the people that he has risen from the dead, and” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

2781MAT2764c7bfἀπὸ τῶν νεκρῶν1from the dead

From among all those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld. To rise from among them speaks of becoming alive again.

2782MAT2764u5tgfigs-ellipsisκαὶ ἔσται ἡ ἐσχάτη πλάνη χείρων τῆς πρώτης1and the last deception will be worse than the first

The understood information can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “and if they deceive people by saying that, it will be worse than the way he deceived people before when he said that he was the Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2783MAT2765dkq9κουστωδίαν1a guard

This consisted of four to sixteen Roman soldiers.

2784MAT2766pk1qσφραγίσαντες τὸν λίθον1sealing the stone

Possible meanings are (1) they put a cord around the stone and attached it to the rock wall on either side of the entrance to the tomb or (2) they put seals between the stone and the wall.

2785MAT2766e8ufμετὰ τῆς κουστωδίας1placing the guard

“telling the soldiers to stand where they could keep people from tampering with the tomb”

2786MAT28intropsw90

Matthew 28 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The tomb

The tomb in which Jesus was buried (Matthew 28:1) was the kind of tomb in which wealthy Jewish families buried their dead. It was an actual room cut into a rock. It had a flat place on one side where they could place the body after they had put oil and spices on it and wrapped it in cloth. Then they would roll a large rock in front of the tomb so no one could see inside or enter.

“Make disciples”

The last two verses (Matthew 28:19-20) are commonly known as “The Great Commission” because they contain a very important command given to all Christians. Christians are to “make disciples” by going to people, sharing the gospel with them and training them to live as Christians.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

An angel of the Lord

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all wrote about angels in white clothing with the women at Jesus tomb. Two of the authors called them men, but that is only because the angels looked human. Two of the authors wrote about two angels, but the other two authors wrote about only one of them. It is best to translate each of these passages as it appears in the ULT without trying to make the passages all say exactly the same thing. (See: Matthew 28:1-2 and Mark 16:5 and Luke 24:4 and John 20:12)

2787MAT281anr10Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.

2788MAT281qkn8ὀψὲ δὲ Σαββάτων, τῇ ἐπιφωσκούσῃ εἰς μίαν σαββάτων1Now late on the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week

“After the Sabbath ended, as the sun came up on Sunday morning”

2789MAT281gs43δὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story.

2790MAT281zu2bἡ ἄλλη Μαρία1the other Mary

“the other woman named Mary.” This is Mary the mother of James and Joseph (Matthew 27:56).

2791MAT282j25iἰδοὺ1Behold

The word “behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows. Your language may have a way of doing this.

2792MAT282l4s2σεισμὸς ἐγένετο μέγας; ἄγγελος γὰρ Κυρίου καταβὰς…ἀπεκύλισε τὸν λίθον1there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended…rolled away the stone

Possible meanings are (1) the earthquake happened because the angel came down and rolled away the stone or (2) all these events happened at the same time .

2793MAT282s43vσεισμὸς1earthquake

a sudden and violent shaking of the ground

2794MAT283vfh4ἡ εἰδέα αὐτοῦ1His appearance

“The angels appearance”

2795MAT283p12yfigs-simileἦν…ὡς ἀστραπὴ1was like lightning

This is a simile that emphasizes how bright in appearance the angel was. Alternate translation: “was bright like lightning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

2796MAT283i4hpfigs-simileτὸ ἔνδυμα αὐτοῦ λευκὸν ὡς χιών1his clothing as white as snow

This is a simile that emphasizes how bright and white the angels clothes were. The verb “was” from the previous phrase can be repeated. Alternate translation: “his clothing was very white, like snow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2797MAT284b1icfigs-simileἐγενήθησαν ὡς νεκροί1became like dead men

This is a simile that means the soldiers fell down and did not move. Alternate translation: “fell to the ground and lay there like dead men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

2798MAT285q8ddταῖς γυναιξίν1the women

“Mary Magdalene and the other woman named Mary”

2799MAT285tbd8figs-activepassiveτὸν ἐσταυρωμένον1who has been crucified

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “whom the people and the soldiers crucified” or “whom they crucified” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2800MAT287sp2afigs-quotesinquotesεἴπατε τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ, ὅτι ἠγέρθη ἀπὸ τῶν νεκρῶν; καὶ ἰδοὺ, προάγει ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν; ἐκεῖ αὐτὸν ὄψεσθε1tell his disciples, He has risen from the dead. See, he is going ahead of you to Galilee. There you will see him.

This is a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead and that Jesus has gone ahead of you to Galilee where you will see him.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

2801MAT287r5cwἠγέρθη1He has risen

“He has come back to life”

2802MAT287a1irἀπὸ τῶν νεκρῶν1from the dead

From among all those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld. To rise from among them speaks of becoming alive again.

2803MAT287ljb2figs-youπροάγει ὑμᾶς…αὐτὸν ὄψεσθε1going ahead of you…you will see him

Here “you” is plural. It refers to the women and the disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2804MAT287hf9ifigs-youεἶπον ὑμῖν1I have told you

Here “you” is plural and refers to the women. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2805MAT288j2svκαὶ ἀπελθοῦσαι1They left

“Mary Magdalene and the other woman named Mary”

2806MAT289s393ἰδοὺ1Behold

The word “behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows. Your language may have a way of doing this.

2807MAT289n5szχαίρετε1Greetings

This is an ordinary greeting, much like “Hello” in English.

2808MAT289nmg1ἐκράτησαν αὐτοῦ τοὺς πόδας1took hold of his feet

“got down on their knees and held onto his feet”

2809MAT2810etk6τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς μου1my brothers

This refers to Jesus disciples.

2810MAT2811u1ae0Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of the reaction of the Jewish religious leaders when they heard of Jesus resurrection.

2811MAT2811ktu5δὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story.

2812MAT2811mu4lαὐτῶν1They

Here this refers to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary.

2813MAT2811rnr3ἰδού1behold

This marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. It may involve different people than the previous events. Your language may have a way of doing this.

2814MAT2812ht82συμβούλιόν τε λαβόντες1discussed the matter with them

“decided on a plan among themselves.” The priests and elders decided to give the money to the soldiers.

2815MAT2813kn8iwriting-quotationsεἴπατε ὅτι, οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ…ἐλθόντες…ἡμῶν κοιμωμένων.1Say, His disciples came…while we were sleeping.

If your language does not allow quotations within quotations you may translate this as a single quote. Alternate translation: “Tell others that Jesus disciples came…while you were sleeping” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

2816MAT2814n8xyκαὶ ἐὰν ἀκουσθῇ τοῦτο ἐπὶ τοῦ ἡγεμόνος1If this report reaches the governor

“If the governor hears that you were asleep when Jesus disciples took his body”

2817MAT2814u13qτοῦ ἡγεμόνος1the governor

“Pilate” (Matthew 27:2)

2818MAT2814x57kἡμεῖς πείσομεν καὶ ὑμᾶς ἀμερίμνους ποιήσομεν1we will persuade him and keep you out of trouble

“do not worry. We will talk to him so that he does not punish you.”

2819MAT2815yu3cfigs-activepassiveἐποίησαν ὡς ἐδιδάχθησαν1did as they had been instructed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “did what the priests had told them to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2820MAT2815cp7rὁ λόγος οὗτος παρὰ Ἰουδαίοις μέχρι τῆς σήμερον ἡμέρας1This report spread widely among the Jews and continues even today

“Many Jews heard this report and continue to tell others about it even today”

2821MAT2815vp3aμέχρι τῆς σήμερον ἡμέρας1even until today

This refers to the time Matthew wrote the book.

2822MAT2816h1ln0Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of Jesus meeting with his disciples after his resurrection.

2823MAT2817pze9προσεκύνησαν, οἱ δὲ ἐδίστασαν1they worshiped him, but some doubted

Possible meanings are (1) they all worshiped Jesus even though some of them doubted, or (2) some of them worshiped Jesus, but others did not worship him because they doubted.

2824MAT2817xgr5figs-explicitοἱ δὲ ἐδίστασαν1but some doubted

It can be stated explicitly what the disciples doubted. Alternate translation: “some doubted that he was really Jesus and that he had become alive again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2825MAT2818v37pfigs-activepassiveἐδόθη μοι πᾶσα ἐξουσία1All authority has been given to me

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “My Father has given me all authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2826MAT2818sm35figs-merismἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς1in heaven and on earth

Here “heaven” and “earth” are used together to mean everyone and everything in heaven and earth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

2827MAT2819yz6qfigs-metonymyπάντα τὰ ἔθνη1of all the nations

Here “nations” refers to the people. Alternate translation: “of all the people in every nation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2828MAT2819l5b5figs-metonymyεἰς τὸ ὄνομα1into the name

Here “name” refers to authority. Alternate translation: “by the authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2829MAT2819kwa3guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρὸς…τοῦ Υἱοῦ1the Father…the Son

These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

2830MAT2820mz6fἰδοὺ1See

“Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

2831MAT2820si8zἕως τῆς συντελείας τοῦ αἰῶνος1even to the end of the age

“until the end of this age” or “until the end of the world”